New Year, New You?

With the New Year comes a slew of diets, programs, and restrictive outlooks which – if you’re anything like me – leave me feeling really bad about myself. We’re told to cut everything out: sugar, carbs, alcohol, and sweets. We’re also programmed to think that we can’t become a better version of of ourselves unless we join that gym, start that 30 day at home program, or start meditating every morning.

Now, let me be very clear: I don’t subscribe to the idea that when the clock strikes midnight on 1/1 that everything changes. I’m still me! I like creamer in my coffee, sleeping in, and I hate to admit that I’m terrible at holding myself accountable to the gym these days with a new little one at home. And you know what? That’s ok. I know that being gentle with myself is the best form of self care, which is why this article is all about looking at your relationship with food much more positively in the new year.

Adding Over Subtracting

Rather than think about the things that you need to limit, why not think about the things you should add instead? Here are three things I’m adding to make eating wholesome, exciting, and delicious this year.

1. Whole Food Protein

Ok, ok. Hear me out. The protein craze is real right now, with pre packaged products ranging from protein chips to protein water! By including minimally processed proteins like poultry, steak, lentils, beans, tofu, eggs, quinoa…you’re inherently getting greater nutritional value all around, which will likely leave you more satisfied.

2. Vegetables

If there’s one thing you want to do to feel better in the new year, try adding one vegetable to each meal. Keep things exciting by choosing vegetables you don’t normally eat (or maybe never have!). Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

A platter of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with crispy shallots and a mustard vinaigrette surrounded by bowl of shallots, fresh thyme, and a dish of mustard vinaigrette

A plate of honey glazed carrots with feta and mint

This Steamed Rainbow Chard with Toasted Hazelnuts is a delicious and healthy side dish! Chard is perfectly steamed and flavored with the help of a few secret ingredients.

Whole mushrooms sautéed with thyme and garlic

3. Foods You Enjoy Making…And Eating!

The last and quite honestly most important thing that you should add is cooking foods that you enjoy eating! Chances are, if you enjoy the end result, it’s going to be easier for you to enjoy the process (here’s looking at you, folks that don’t like cooking!). Pick a couple dishes that you know you love, find a recipe, and get cooking. Here are a few of my favorites:

A sliced turkey sandwich with pickles and dill slaw

A morroccan salad topped with colorful vegetables and ingredients

Tacos filled with cilantro coleslaw, crispy salmon bites, pickled red onion, and topped with chopped cilantro

Happy Eating!

Food should ALWAYS be a source of joy, nourishment, and happiness. Don’t get caught up in the fast fixes and habit shaming that are so common this time of year. I’m choosing to focus on abundance over restriction, whole foods over shortcuts, and delicious and wholesome recipes that I enjoy making as much as I do eating!