Like the rest of America, you're probably trying to slim down this January. But here's a good reason to not diet this new year:

Your health. Recent studies show that restricting calories, also known as dieting, can make you more susceptible to the flu. Additionally, it also means it will take you longer to recover from the flu once you get it. Lovely, huh?

Says Dr. Elizabeth Gardner of Michigan State University, "Adults can restrict their diet eight months out of the year, but during the four months of the flu season they need to bump it up."

This isn't an excuse to pig out on twinkies -- you should be eating a balanced, nutritious diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Stick to these and you should have no problem avoiding the flu this winter.