5 winning resolutions for improving health, wealth and happiness

Sometimes the best New Year's resolutions challenge us to make a series of small, manageable changes instead of one difficult change. Check out these five New Year's resolutions that make a big impact when you combine their results.

• This is the perfect resolution for someone who feels pressured to sacrifice something for the sake of improving their health, but it's also easy enough that anyone can manage it.
• Take baby steps toward a healthier lifestyle by swapping out white rice for brown rice, or white bread for whole wheat.
• This helps you increase your fibre intake, and studies show that these kinds of small changes make a big impact when it comes to weight management.

• Nearly 40 per cent of Canadians skip weekly exercises, even if they think health should be a priority.
• Most people think they don't have time, but a little activity is better than none, so dedicate at least five minutes a week in the New Year to learning a new exercise.
• Not only will this encourage you to be more active, you'll have a robust bank of knowledge to draw from in order to keep workouts from getting boring.

• The coins we get back when we pay with cash often wind up in the car console or at the bottom of a purse.
• Instead of letting those coins get lost, put them in a central spot and make it a point to deposit them at the bank once a week.
• Before you know it, you'll have a healthy savings started, and you'll be used to going to the bank to deposit extra money.

• Going vegetarian just once a week doesn't take much planning, but you can still manage to create meals that are high in protein and other nutrients.
• Dried beans, peas, lentils, nuts, peanut butter and other common foods provide more than enough, and they can be used for tasty, filling and affordable dishes the whole family will love.
• Try bean and salsa tacos or peanut rice noodles for an easy start.

• Whether you commit to an hour a week or one day a month, make it a habit to give back to your community.
• While helping your neighbours, you'll get a boost in self-esteem. Use an online resource to find opportunities in your area or online, or take on private projects.