You’ve made the decision to make smarter eating choices in 2008. Congratulations! Now, comes the real work, you have to stick with that resolution. If you choose foods wisely, chances are eating healthy is not going to be all that difficult. In fact, the foods that can go along with a smart, well-balanced diet are rather amazing.

If you ended 2007 eating anything that sounded or looked good without regard to health value, you might need a little motivation. Don’t worry, healthy choices abound, and in most cases, they taste fantastic. The basic rules of thumb are not all that tough to get a handle on. Go for foods that are low in fat, reasonably low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Select whole grains and not processed. Nosh on fruit instead of chocolate. Leans meats and fish are always better choices, too, as are plenty of steamed or raw vegetables instead of junk food.

Now, if you need some motivation to stick to your resolution, here are some of the best reasons to choose to eat healthier in the New Year:

• Energy level – There is a very good chance if your body is used to eating fatty, greasy, sugary foods, your energy level will go up greatly when you start fueling your body correctly.

• Cholesterol level – Diet is directly linked to high cholesterol levels. A few minor and tasty alterations to diet can have a very big impact on this front. Think low fat and high fiber to enjoy real benefits here.

• Heart disease prevention – Diet can play a huge role in the development of heart disease. Making smarter choices in eating is an excellent move to protect heart health.

• Cancer prevention – Certain forms of cancer have been linked with diet. When diets are healthy, well balanced and high in vitamins and minerals, the chances for developing this disease can be reduced.

• Diabetes prevention – According to the American Obesity Society, about 90 percent of people with Type II diabetes are also overweight. Eating right and controlling portions can greatly lessen the chances of diabetes developing.

• Appearance and attitude – People who eat right and make healthy choices tend to look better and feel better about themselves.

Making the decision to eat healthier is an incredibly smart choice going into the new year. There are some excellent reasons to keep this resolution and make it a part of an overall healthy lifestyle. You’ll be glad you did.