Nutritionist explains why making the right choices in the first few weeks of 2026 can make a huge difference |

As new year begins, there is renewed motivation to take health and wellness as a primary focus. Many people make ambitious resolutions, but it is the simple habits that have an impact on long-term weight objectives in the early weeks of the year. What you eat early on helps set your metabolism, digestion, and eating patterns for the months ahead. Rather than drastic diets, focusing on simple, sustainable shifts can support a healthier body and better weight management throughout 2026. Falguni Borkar, head dietician at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre, Colaba says that the following things should be kept in mind while making your food choices in the new year to remain fit and healthy throughout.Choose wholesome and healthy foodConsuming foods that are local to your area and in season can be the most helpful approach to facilitating digestion and proper nutrient uptake. Your body has a natural affinity to digest foods that belong to your own geographical location. This helps with digestion, prevents indigestion, and promotes easier absorption of vital nutrients, which can often be disregarded in terms of weight management.

Never skip breakfastBreakfast helps determine how your day goes and works wonders in boosting metabolism. Missing breakfast could result in low energy levels, constant cravings to overeat, and reduced metabolism. Meals eaten in the morning should consist of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. For example, sprouts poha, vegetables stuffed into paratha and eaten with curd, scrambled eggs or dal chilla provide sustained energy and help regulate appetite.

Prioritise home-cooked mealsIn home-cooked food, you have the liberty to use whatever ingredients, whatever quantities, and whatever modes of preparation. For instance, in comfort foods, one can easily make balanced diets. Take the case of dal khichdi, which can be turned into an entirely protein-rich dish by just topping it with steamed sprouts and cheese, and then finishing it with a spoonful of ghee.

Add cooked or steamed vegetablesVegetables are rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which support digestion and satiety. Aim to fill at least half your plate with cooked or steamed vegetables. Fibre helps in making one feel full and prevents overeating; it also helps in limiting the intake of more food, and this is very important in weight loss strategies. Plan your snacks wiselySnacking can be where many of us sabotage our own health goals unknowingly. Healthier snacks can help fill nutritional deficiencies and prevent us from eating unhealthy foods. Healthy snacks can be kept ready, like roasted makhana and chana, dry fruits, sprouts, or yoghurt and fruits. This way, insulin resistance will be controlled, and eating outside will be less of an temptation.