It’s the time of the year when we plan, resolve, and strategize to up the ante — eat healthy recipes, workout more, and just be better all around. After years of keeping that up for a few weeks only to have it all come crashing down by Super Bowl, we’ve changed our tune.
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How To Adopt Healthy Eating Habits
A few years ago, we decided to do “everything in moderation, including moderation.” We know, it’s not as sexy as a 10 day, 10 pound weight loss plan or some juice fast but it’s now years that we’ve been sticking to this healthy-ish approach. And it turns out, we’re not alone. So, here’s how we plan to continue being healthy-ish in the New Year:
- Eat vegetarian (even vegan or plant-based most of the time
- Eat fish and meat when we can get our hands on the really high quality, responsibly raised animal proteins
- Eat 3 meals daily and minimize the snacking
- But still leave room for our favorites (Mexican food, chocolate, and a few happy hour co*cktails.
More Than 15 Healthy Recipes To Kick Off The New Year
You can do a detox cleanse if you really need to press reset. Or, check out these more than 15 healthy recipes to help you get started:
Green Goddess Smoothie Recipe
vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Start your day ahead with this smoothie loaded with dark leafy greens. Thanks to the coconut and mango, it has a tropical feel that we love.
Cinnamon Walnut Date Smoothie Recipe
vegetarian, gluten free
The Date Shake is one of the best iconic California foods but it’s not that good for you. Here we combine a homemade walnut milk with dates and cinnamon for a healthy update.
Lemon Chia Chews Recipe
vegan, vegetarian
Eating healthy while traveling can be a struggle, which is why we always have a batch of these satisfying energy balls in tow.
Toasted Oat Coconut Granola Recipe
gluten free, vegetarian
Yes, this granola still has sugar and fat, but making it yourself means you can adjust those amounts as you see fit. We also like to add in nuts, dried fruit, and chia or flax seeds for even more nutrition.
Tropical Chia Cacao Acai Bowl Recipe
vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Our take on the classic açai bowl inspired by our trip to Brazil.
Shaved Asparagus Avocado Toast Recipe
vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, nut free
When avocados are season, this is our go-to, healthy twist on avocado toast.
Beet Horseradish Smoked Salmon Breakfast Toast Recipe
nut free
The smoked salmon platter gets modernized in this breakfast toast topped with dill, pickled onions, beets, and hot-smoked salmon.
Roasted Red Pepper Romesco Dip Recipe
vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free
IYKYK when it comes to this easy-to-make, healthy dip that makes a very regular appearance at everything from potlucks to holiday dinners.
Mozzarella Shredded Beet Walnut Dukkah Flatbread Recipe
vegetarian
Shredded beets, dark greens, mozzarella, and homemade dukkah top these individual flatbreads that are a go-to lunch around here.
Tuna, Avocado, White Bean Salad Recipe
gluten free, nut free
This recipe may not seem that extraordinary to you but it is, in fact, the most popular healthy salad on our site for almost 10 years running!
Shredded Chicken Salad With Mustard Miso Dressing
dairy free, gluten free
When a rotisserie chicken dinner is all you have energy for, make this chicken salad with a delicious mustard-miso dressing (sure to become your new go-to dressing, FYI).
Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Crisp cucumbers, loads of fresh herbs, toasted nuts, currants, pomegranates, and brown rice combine in this salad that’s as perfect for an easy lunch as it is at the holiday table.
Sweet Potato Quinoa Grain Bowls Recipe
vegetarian, gluten free
Food trends can come and go but we’ll always turn to these sweet potato grain bowls when we don’t know what to make for dinner!
Butternut Squash Lemon Cashew Grain Bowl Recipe
vegan, vegetarian, dairy free
If you’re ISO a dish that’s healthy, hearty, and satisfying, this is it. Be sure to make double of the lemon cashew dressing as it works on everything from wraps to salads.
Seared Salmon With Cilantro Cashew Sauce Recipe
dairy free
We eat a lot of heart-healthy salmon but it can get boring if you’re not strategic. Enter this cilantro cashew sauce that brings herbs, flavor, and brightness to anything it tops!
Icelandic Oat And Vegetable Soup Recipe
vegan, vegetarian
When you want a satisfying stew that’s plant based, make this slow-simmered Icelandic dish that’s always a hit.
Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
vegetarian, gluten free, nut free
Truth told, we always keep the ingredients for this chili on hand as it’s as fitting after a day of skiing as it is for an easy weeknight meal.
Jalapeno Pistachio Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe
dairy free, gluten free
We don’t eat a ton of baked chicken breasts because they can get very boring very quickly. Enter this jalapeño pistachio pesto which takes the weeknight classic and makes it exciting!
Cilantro Lime Roasted Spatchco*ck Chicken Recipe
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Another favorite chicken dish around here is this simple cilantro-lime roasted chicken. Thanks to the spatchco*cking it takes a fraction of the time to roast but still turns out flavorful and juicy.
More Wellness Tips
In search of even more healthy recipes and travel tips? Check out these articles:
- Top 6 Tips For How To Start A Plant-Based Diet
- How To Travel With Food Allergies And Still Eat Well
- 48 Hour Digital Detox At The Fairmont Grand Del Mar
- Healthy Habits From Italy To Adopt ASAP
- More Than 50 Our Our Best Plant-Based Healthy Recipes
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Photo Credit: Opening photo by Trinette Reed
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About The Author
Aida Mollenkamp is a food and travel expert, author, chef, Food Network personality, and founder of the boutique travel company, In all that she does, Aida aims to help discerning travelers taste the world.
Posts By This Author →
Aida Mollenkamp is a food and travel expert, author, chef, Food Network personality, and founder of the boutique travel company, In all that she does, Aida aims to help discerning travelers taste the world.
View Posts By This Author →
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