STAYING in shape by making healthy eating choices doesn’t mean having to sacrifice taste.

Food Network star Judy Joo, who hosted Korean Food Made Simple and was a judge on Iron Chef UK, says keeping those New Year’s resolutions all year long just requires some easy ingredient swapping.

Even better, she knows how to stick to your goals on a budget.

“You get the best bang for your buck when you buy a whole chicken or fish and make different meals in different ways,” Judy told The U.S. Sun.

“You can roast a chicken and eat it for five days, there are so many ways to prepare it. You can pick the meat off and add it to salads, make chicken salad, make a sandwich, add it to soups.

“When you roast it, you don’t need anything on it at all.

“I just salt my roast chicken at a high temperature in the oven, depending on the size for about an hour, and you’re done. I also like to add fresh herbs.”

Judy caught the cooking bug as a young girl, when her mother would get authentic ingredients from Korea delivered.

And she has another tasty tip for eating right for less.

“Shopping seasonally is much cheaper, because that’s when things are in abundance in the fields.

“It’s not just about budget eating either, it’s better to buy local as well,” she explained.

According to Judy, it’s time to breakup with one ingredient in your fridge: butter.

“I don’t cook with butter. I think extra virgin olive oil is an incredibly tasty and healthier substitute and it’s so much better for you.

“Why take a beautiful fish and douse it in butter?

“If you’re going to pan-sear a salmon filet, you might as well do it in olive oil and serve it alongside some sauteed greens.

“You can also add a bit of garlic and lemon and maybe some ancient grains for carbs or a quinoa salad mix.”

She also explains how you can best cut out calories on your salads.

“Instead of croutons, which are made with white bread, toast some seeds for texture and flavor.

“Pumpkin seeds are great, or toasted almonds or walnuts.

“I like pecans in my salad; it’s a great source of protein and antioxidants.

“For dressing, I use olive oil and maybe salt and vinegar. It’s easy to eat healthy.”

Judy also has other tricks for staying full and fueled, without feeling like you’re missing out on more mouthwatering alternatives.

The famed TV personality – who recently cooked for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and owns restaurants in New York, Las Vegas, and London – suggests getting pizza with a whole wheat crust and grilled veggies, rather than pepperoni or salami.

Healthier deli selections don’t have to be dull either.

“It’s about making wiser choices. Get your sandwich on a whole grain seeded sourdough or brown bread and make sure it has lots of veggies, sprouts, etc,” she said.

“Choose something like turkey, or leaner meat, instead of a mortadella. Use mustard instead of loading it with mayonnaise.

“Lots of swaps are still full of flavor. Add oregano or pepper-pickled jalapenos. There’s so much you can do with spice and will feel completely satisfied.”

The cooking star who believes that simplicity is the best way to eat scrumptiously – and keep in shape – explained how it’s time to rethink your toppings.

“Instead of brown sugar, use manuka honey on top of yogurt or even raw honey, which is more affordable.

“It’s a great antioxidant and is great with granola or inside a smoothie.”

And don’t lose motivation over your weight loss goals due to daytime munching.

“I love snacking on real food not processed bars. For me, it’s all about nuts and dried fruits, especially cherries and granola mixed together.

“My rule of thumb is no empty calories. Everything I eat is a form of medicine for my body.

“If it doesn’t give you any nutrients or vitamins, you’re just eating calories, so choose the calories that are giving you more energy.

“I carry around little easy-to-peel oranges. They’re small and sweet and can eat them on the Subway.

“I also take a handful of nuts and granola, and maybe a little yogurt or cottage cheese.”

Keeping your resolutions will also require getting rid of processed foods.

The cookbook author says the more ingredients there are, the more stuff you should probably stay away from.

If you’re going to have a cookie try to get one from a bakery that most likely has six ingredients rather than 20.

“It’s all about fresh and clean eating,” she said.

But don’t worry – there’s no need to skip dessert.

For Judy, it’s all about balance.

“I don’t eat perfectly all the time,” she admitted.

“When you’re in Italy you should eat too much pasta and on your birthday you should have your cake. Food is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

“It’s about making the right food choices. Have a dessert and be naughty but don’t forget, fruit is also a good option, especially with yogurt with maple syrup or honey.

“If you over do it one day take it easy the next day. The language around food has become so negative but it should be celebrated.

“We just need to think of eating as a way to think well and have energy.”