Here we are in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Most of us probably allowed ourselves a few extra “dietary indiscretions” over the holidays. As we move into the new year, many of us turn our attention to getting back on track and getting our eating habits under control. And perhaps for you, that includes making a “resolution” or two to help you get back on track. Do you make resolutions at the beginning of a new year? If you have done this in the past, how successful have you been? Changing a behavior is not easy, especially if it’s been a behavior or habit that you’ve had for a long time and is well-ingrained. So how do you change a behavior?

Research suggests that people who have a high motivation and confidence level have the most likelihood of succeeding in changing a behavior. Using weight loss as an example of a goal, ask yourself the following two questions (on a scale of 0-10):

• “How ready are you to commit time, energy, and resources to losing weight?”

• “How confident are you in your ability to lose weight and keep it off?”

The higher your score, the higher your likelihood of being successful, whether it be for weight loss or for some other goal. Motivation and confidence in yourself are key factors in your ability to be successful. In other words, as you plan your resolutions this year, take into account your long term motivation and confidence in yourself.

As we think about what those new year resolutions might be, we do still have the New Year to celebrate! The foods that seem to go with this holiday are more of the snack and appetizer variety. Meals with gravy and butter can put on some extra padding, but appetizers and snacks can as well.

My daughter and I were discussing our menu options for a pre-meal appetizer for the holidays. We wanted something light, something different and something easy to eat. We eventually settled on the idea of kebabs and decided to serve Caprese Salad Skewers. Since we have some non-tomato eaters in our family, we also opted to skewer some cubed lean ham and mozzarella cheese for those who prefer meat over a salad! If you are looking for a simple new appetizer for your New Year’s Eve party and want to start out on a healthy note, maybe you’d like to try this recipe too!

Caprese Salad Skewers

20 grape tomatoes, cut in half

Fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 20 cubes (1/2″ cubes)

20 fresh basil leaves, larger leaves torn in half

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Put 1/2 tomato, cut side up on a skewer, followed by a piece of basil, a mozzarella cheese cube and the other tomato half, cut side down. Do this with all ingredients, making 20 skewers. Put skewers on a low, flat plate or dish. Mix olive oil and vinegar by shaking. Pour over the skewers to lightly coat. Season as desired with sea salt and pepper. Place skewers on a serving tray to serve.

Makes 20 skewers.

May you all have a safe and healthy New Year!

Cheryl Rude is a registered dietitian at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center.