5 Bad habits to ditch in 2011

It is time to ditch those bad habits that stop you from being your absolute best. Check out the top 5 bad habits to ditch in 2011.

Bad manners

In a world of fast cars and constant motion, it can be easy to let good manners fall to the wayside – but don't! "When everyone is eating with their fingers, forgetting to put their napkin on their lap, talking with their mouth full of squash, elbowing you in the solar plexus in order to get their 'spot' at the Pilates class, go the opposite route," says Ellen Lubin-Sherman, executive coach and founder of The Essentials of Fabulous. "Use a fork and a knife to eat, napkins get placed across the lap the minute you sit down, chew with your mouth closed and let the neurotic woman who has nothing else in her life have her spot and stand somewhere else."

Texting while driving

The University of North Texas Health Science Center found that texting while driving claimed 16,141 lives during the 2001-2007 period. It is tempting to do, but not worth the risk of injuring yourself or someone else. This is one bad habit that we must all ditch in 2011.

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Skimping on the fruits and veggies

Throw out the processed food and stock up on fruits and veggies. You will have more energy, look younger and be healthier by incorporating these into your diet. Fruits and vegetables don't have to be boring! Drizzle olive oil over asparagus and bake for a yummy crunch or lightly sprinkle sugar or a sugar substitute over a fruit bowl of strawberries, berries and apples.

Not sleeping enough

Make sleep a priority by aiming for seven to eight hours a night (although some people may need only five hours and some need much more). Not sure how much sleep you need? Experts say if you feel drowsy during the day, you probably are not getting enough sleep.

Spending more than you earn

Make 2011 the year you stop spending more than you earn and start building up a savings account. "When you see something online or in a store, get into the habit of asking yourself if this is a need or just a want? How can you tell? Hold off buying it for a month or so. Have you thought about it during that time, have you been lost without it? If the answer is no, it's a want not a need," says Susan Budget, founder of BudgetSmartGirl.com.

More on breaking bad habits

• How to quit smoking
• How to overcome emotional overeating
• How to break your child's bad habits