The new year brings out the inner athlete in all of us. The average couch potato decides to get moving, the weekend warrior steps it up a notch, and the competitive athlete gets a little more competitive.

No matter which camp you fall into, your efforts can fall flat when not supported by a sound approach to nutrition. What you eat, or don’t eat, can make or break your new fitness habits. Here is how to ensure success:

• Be Nice to Yourself
• Ask Yourself if You’re Really Hungry
• Stop Dwelling on What You Shouldn’t Eat
• Eat Whole, Not “Health” Foods
• Move More
• Don’t Ditch (all) the Fat
• Remember omega-3s in fatty fish like salmon, and monounsaturated fatty acids in foods such as avocado and olive oil have been linked to healthier waistlines.
• Make a Plan
• Rework Your Favourite Meals
• Make Changes You Can Stick With
• Follow Your Own Path
• Don’t Forget Calories
• Take Things Slow