Here are some fun things you can do in 2020 to create a healthier lifestyle. Forget the resolutions; just focus on healthier habits — and not just in the kitchen.

— Spend more time with your family and friends. When was the last time you had someone over or met at a restaurant? Don't worry about the dust bunnies; your friends want to be with you.

— Read more. Replace the television with a good book. You'll find yourself more relaxed and learning something new.

— Move more. You choose whether it's an at-home workout or an at-the-gym workout. The important thing is to just move more.

— Drink more water. Skip the soda, and opt for good old H2O. How much? Divide your weight in half, and drink that many ounces per day.

— Take a vitamin, especially if you're pregnant or immunocompromised. It's good insurance for all of us to combat those not-so-healthy eating days.

— Try a new hobby, venture or volunteer opportunity. Focusing on an activity that brings pleasure helps our entire outlook on life. Here are a few to consider: gardening, painting, helping at the local food bank or taking a trip somewhere new.

— Get better sleep. A consistent bedtime is important, as is putting away your phone or iPad. Try for eight hours of sleep a night. Good rest equals improved focus, more energy and better eating habits.

— Limit calories. Share a meal with a friend if you eat out. Pack a healthy lunch — with plenty of cut-up fruits and veggies — to take to work. Skip the sweets and sweet drinks.

— If you smoke, stop. If you drink alcohol, drink less.

— Get organized. It's amazing how much more productive you can be in an organized area.

Q and A

Q: What is the difference between extra-virgin olive oil and pure olive oil?

A: Olive oil is made from pressed olives. Extra-virgin olive oil is done using only the first pressing, while pure, or regular, olive oil contains a combination of virgin (or pressed) oil and refined (heated or chemically extracted) olive oil. Although extra-virgin olive oil is often more expensive than regular olive oil, it is considered healthier because it is less refined.

RECIPE

Here's a recipe to start the New Year right, with plenty of protein, Greek-inspired flavors and a low calorie count. It was one of the most popular recipes from Eating Well magazine.

LEMON & DILL CHICKEN

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons flour

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, and sear until well browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk together broth, flour, 1 tablespoon dill and lemon juice, and add to pan. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan; reduce heat to low, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a warmed platter. Season sauce with salt and pepper, and spoon over the chicken. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. Serves 4.

Per serving: 170 calories; 24.1 grams protein; 3.3 grams carbohydrates; 1 grams sugar; 6.2 grams total fat; 1.3 grams saturated fat; 63 milligrams cholesterol; 0.3 grams fiber; 339 milligrams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee in Springfield, Illinois, and the media representative for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. To find out more about Charlyn Fargo and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com

Photo credit: ThoughtCatalog at Pixabay