The holidays (and their accompanying cookies) are in the past, and now it’s time to ring in a New Year and set some new goals (if you please). For a little idea inspiration, check out The Greatist Team’s resolutions for 2013. But before you do, read up on why champagne may be a healthier choice this December 31st (and don’t forget our extensive list of healthier big kid drinks!). And January’s snack list rounds up tons of satisfying, healthy, 100-calorie snacks to start the year off right!

Editor’s Picks

Why Champagne May Be A Healthier ChoiceThe world is gearing up to toast 2013. But is the bubbly the best option to ring in a healthy New Year?

From Goat to Guinness: Santa’s Eats From Around the World He’s coming — we swear! But Santa needs some fuel along the way. Here’s what he’ll be snacking on all night while delivering all that Christmas cheer.

This Week’s News That Could Actually Change Your Health Haven’t had time to keep up on the news this week? Not to worry — we’ve summarized the top news stories that could significantly change our health habits.

Pollution Solution: New App Measures Air Quality During Our Commute Just because we can’t see the immediate effects of air pollution doesn’t mean they aren’t real. CitiSense is a new device that tests the air quality around us to find out if we’re commuting through a danger zone.

7 Proteins for Meatless Mondays (And How to Use Them) Avoiding meat but hungering for protein? Look no further than this list of seven protein-packed alternatives to the red (or white) stuff.

Health

Hey, Smartypants: There’s No Such Thing as “IQ” New research suggests an “IQ score” doesn’t tell us much of anything. Instead, intelligence is made up of different types of cognitive abilities.

#Healthier Choices in 2012 #imagreatist With the new year in sight, greatists all around the web are sticking to their healthier choices.

31 Healthier Holiday Cookies Tis the season to head to the kitchen and whip up some traditional holiday treats. We’ve compiled a list of holiday cookie classics with (of course!) a healthy twist.

This Is One Serving: Holiday Party Snacks Heading to yet another holiday party stocked with less-than-healthy finger foods? Before digging in blindly, check out this portion guide to put serving sizes in perspective. The results may surprise you!

The Greatist Table: 10 Healthy Holiday Drinks from Around the Web Planning the party of the year? Check out these 10 party-worthy drink recipes!

Why Smoking Makes Hangovers Worse Ditch the cigarettes when painting the town red — a new study shows in addition to harming overall health, smoking while drinking can contribute to more painful hangovers.

31 Satisfying 100-Calorie Snacks From baked apples to veggies and dip, we’ve got 31 healthy snacks all for 100 calories or less.

Recipe: Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms Need a last-minute party snack to ring in the new year? Try these simple stuffed mushrooms for a healthier take on the classic bite.

60 Healthier Drinks for Boozing Shots, spritzers, cocktails, and more — we rounded up 60 of the healthiest drink recipes out there.

13 Legit Ways to Stop a Hangover Indulged in an extra glass (or four) of wine? Read on for ways to prevent or cure a hangover the next time that bottle ends up empty.

Fitness

Research Review: Bigger Gains and the Best Exercise for Shoulders GUEST POST: Chris Beardsley of Strength and Conditioning Research outlines the lastest in fitness studies, including the value of taking scheduled breaks and the best exercise for shoulders — period.

13 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for the Healthy Friends You Forgot The holidays are here, and for the first time ever, we remembered everyone on that shopping list: Mom, Dad, lil’ sis, and… shoot, looks like we missed a few. OK, don’t panic just yet.

Happiness

New Year, New Goals: 14 Resolutions for 2013 In 2013, we resolve to floss, run, and drink more water. The Greatist team shares some standard resolutions and some other, not so usual goals for the coming year.

The Holiday Burnout Recovery Plan GUEST POST: New Year’s resolutions often come at a time when we’re totally exhausted from holiday celebrations. Before making new commitments, take the time to re-energize body and mind with this go-to guide.

18 Ways to Avoid Family Stress During the Holidays Jingle bells, trips to grandma’s house, and gift-wrapped boxes sound lovely and perfect in the songs. But heading home for the holidays can make anyone want to run from the family table screaming. Try these tips for a stress-free holiday.

Santa Science: The Straight Facts on Father ChristmasHow many “milk challenges” does Santa drink? Would the speed of his nightly travels liquefy jolly Old St. Nick in his seat? Greatist took a (very) light-hearted look at some of the science behind Santa.

Bob Hope: Christmas Is About Loving Others All Year ‘Round Christmas is in just two short days, so take some Christmas spirit pointers from legendary comedian and actor Bob Hope to help Christmas last all year.

Walking in a New York Wonderland: Time Lapse See the world at a different speed on a journey from south Central Park to Rockefeller Center in New York City. A reminder to break from our often bustling pace to appreciate life’s simple moments.

Mistletoe: The Social Experiment (Would You Kiss a Stranger?) Would you pucker up to a stranger under a dangling bunch of mistletoe? These people did. Well, some of them.

Photo: sherihall