10 things to do in winter (continued)

6. Eat an apple a day
While an apple a day probably won't keep the doctor away forever, it's certainly a good place to start. A medium apple contains about three grams of fibre (that's a tenth of your daily needs) and 10 per cent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, plus potassium, phytochemicals and antioxidants. For a change, snack on unsweetened applesauce instead.

7. Plan ahead for snacks
No sooner have we finally finished the leftover Halloween candy (and sworn to be good) than the Christmas goodies begin to appear. And nothing makes chocolates and gingerbread look more appetizing than that lethal combination of midafternoon sleepiness and hunger. To help avoid the lure of sugary treats, make sure to stock up on healthy snacks you can reach for when cravings strike. Good options include fruit, low-fat cheese such as mozzarella, trail mix (go for raw blends rather than those containing hydrogenated oils) and raw veggies.

8. Cut the pop
If you're looking for an easy way to take in more calories, pop's the answer. Not only do daily pop drinkers gain more weight than those who indulge only occasionally, but they have higher rates of diabetes. Choosing diet doesn't help, either; in fact, people who go for diet drinks have been shown to gain more weight than those who pick the sugary option. The best choice for your health? Cut it out altogether, except for the odd treat. For a similar but much healthier beverage, try a blend of fruit juice and sparkling water. And don't forget about the caffeine content of most sodas -- if your habit is more than a few a day, sub in some tea to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

9. Strengthen your abs and core
Developing abs of steel and a strong core will help your balance, improve your posture and reduce your risk of lower back injury -- and a flatter stomach never hurt anyone, either. If you're unsure about how to start, consider springing for a training session at a gym, where you can get a professional to design a program best suited for your needs.

10. Make your resolution achievable
New Year's resolutions -- a good idea in theory, but in practice, they're all too often quickly discarded. To make your resolution stick, choose it wisely. Rather than a vague idea to "get more exercise" or "save more money," come up with something specific. Concerned about your eating habits? Resolve to eat a healthy breakfast every day, and plan how you're going to do it. Want to exercise more? Sign up for a class in something you've always wanted to do -- try martial arts or dance, or join a team sports league. Pick something achievable, and you may just be ready for a second resolution come spring.