This move seems simple, but doing it right helps with posture and balance. Stand with your big toes touching, heels slightly apart (or wider if that’s more comfortable), arms by your sides. Imagine lifting through your inner feet and ankles. Pull your shoulder blades down, and widen your collarbones. Keep your head in line with your shoulders (not pulled back or forward), your chin parallel to the floor. Your pelvis and lower back should be neutral, not tucked or arched. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

People who sleep less than eight hours a night typically have higher body mass than those who sleep a full eight hours, and babies who sleep less than 12 hours a day are more likely to be overweight by age 3. Although this don’t prove that lack of sleep causes weight gain, an undeniable correlation exists between sleeping less and weighing more.

To sleep more — at least seven hours — avoid exercise, alcohol, and caffeine later in the day, take a bath before bed, and go to bed early.

Bagnulo suggests making sure half your meal is vegetable-based, a quarter is made up of healthy protein, and the final quarter consists of a whole grain or starch.

For desserts, try a smaller bowl. At an ice cream social thrown at Cornell University, those given a large bowl served themselves 31 percent more ice cream than those given a small one. Use a bowl that fits inside your two cupped hands and sip water before deciding if you want an additional helping.