Ask Hungry Girl: What Eating Rules Will You Follow for 2012?

We asked Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien what healthy eating rules she'll follow in 2012-and we're following them too.

By Lisa Lillien

I definitely stick to certain food guidelines year-round, and the new year is a great time to recommit. My top five:

I live by the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of the time I eat what I know I should be eating, and 20 percent of the time I allow myself to indulge a little.

I don't drink my calories. I hydrate with a ton of water, and on the rare occasion I want something sweet, I go for coconut water or lightened-up juice like Trop50-half the calories of regular O.J.

I plan, plan, plan. I'm always figuring out what I'm going to eat ahead of time, especially if I'm dining out, so I don't make impulsive choices.

I keep track of what I eat. As dorky as it sounds, research has shown that people tend to make better choices if they hold themselves accountable by keeping a food journal. Try it!

I always have an emergency snack handy, like turkey jerky, apples, and almonds. You never know when you'll find yourself between meals and super-hungry, and it's easy to eat the wrong foods when your stomach does the choosing for you.

Read more: Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien's 2012 Healthy Eating Rules

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