With a new year, new goals are made which often include healthier lifestyle choices for many.

And, if you’re ready to make some changes, you can keep on track at the Houston Airport System (HAS) that include healthy eating options and exercise opportunities.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), fifty of the 60 restaurants offer at least one low-fat, high fiber, cholesterol-free entrée.

“Bush Intercontinental Airport came in third place in a nationwide survey of healthy airport food offerings which was conducted by the Physicians committee for responsible medicine,” notes Paul Spada, HAS senior physical fitness trainer.

Two of the healthy restaurants cited in the survey include Charley’s Grilled Subs, (Terminal E), with its grilled veggie delight and Ruby’s Diner (Terminal E) with its savory veggie burger.

No shortcuts are allowed if you are planning on making a healthier change in your lifestyle. Just ask Lenore Herman, HAS Combined Municipal Campaign coordinator. She never thought about what she was eating as a child, but then she gained weight over the years and led a sedentary lifestyle before inspiration struck in the form of an upcoming wedding.

“It got to a point these last five years, where I just didn’t feel good and the scale just kept going up and up. I’d try cutting back and get a headache and didn’t have the motivation to lose weight, says Herman. “Then my son got engaged and I thought no way am I going to his wedding looking like this. I didn’t like the way I looked, I didn’t like the way I felt.”

Spada, with a background in cardiac rehabilitation, dietetics and psychology says education is the number one key in making a lasting change.

“You must break your larger goal into a smart, short term goals. Find a way to squeeze in 10-15 minutes of exercise a day,” says Spada. “I ask individuals if they’re ready to make a change and what their commitment level is, because whether you are a wellness coach or a personal trainer, that person has to be ready and open to make changes.”