Are you one of the many Americans who resolved to enjoy better health in 2011? According to USA.gov, five out of the twelve most common New Year’s resolutions involve our health – from losing weight to reducing stress.

According to a Globe and Mail article by Leslie Beck, The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study found that adults age 70-79 who reported eating “healthy foods” were significantly less likely to die than people who reported eating a diet reliant on high-fat dairy or fried foods, regardless of their activity level or lifestyle.

“Healthy foods” are defined as a balance of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry and smaller amounts of red meat, fried foods and sweets.

Here are some simple steps you can take this year to increase your longevity and enjoy better health:

• Fill your diet with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect cells from aging and the best way to absorb them is by eating the recommended daily allowance of 7-10 servings (combined) of fruits and vegetables like dark greens, red peppers, eggplant, raisins, plums and berries.

• Stop eating refined grains and sugary foods which increase the amount of insulin in your blood and affect your protein cells. Maintaining a steady insulin level can be achieved by eating carbohydrates like nuts, whole grains, brown rice and sweet potatoes.

• Use your diet to fight inflammation. Fatty fish, olive oi, avocado, dark chocolate, berries and green tea all contain anti-inflammatory properties.

• Eat a nutrient-rich, low-calorie diet that includes 2-3 servings of protein each day to live longer and feel healthier and more energetic.

While you cannot control your genetics or know what the future holds, the way you eat can have a serious impact on the length and quality of your life. This year keep your resolution and make these simple dietary changes to enjoy better health in 2011.