Make Better Food Goals and New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year! Time to make resolutions, reflect on the past year, determine how we need to 'improve', make food goals to help us feel 'better' about ourselves. New Year, New You and all that...

Forget all that. It's honestly too much. Did you know that most people who set food/nutrition/diet related resolutions each year quit by the 3rd week or January?

Listen: You are GOOD exactly as you are.

That's not to say that we can't be primed for personal development and self-improvement. It's great to have goals! But, they don't have to be about "starting a new diet" or "losing 10 pounds" or "fitting into my pre-kids jeans"

Let's flip the script on food-related goals for the new year!

Here are 10 ideas for "Food Goals" in the new year that have nothing to do with dieting:

1. Eat seafood 1-2 times per week.
   Swapping seafood in for other proteins has a ton of health benefits, especially the Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Try this Lemony Baked Fish, Spicy Shrimp and Grits or Easy Fish Tacos.
   
2. Add 1 serving of beans, peas or lentils to your meal plan a few times a week.
   Beans, peas and lentils are a subgroup of both your daily vegetable requirements as well as your protein requirements. They're an excellent nutrient-dense protein choices that comes naturally low-fat and packed with other vitamins and minerals. So, give this Spicy Black Bean Salad, Quick Lentil Soup or 15-Minute Italian Greens and Beans Risotto a try.
   
3. Snack on 1 piece of whole fruit per day.
   Most Americans don't each enough fruit a day. Grab an apple, clementine or handful of grapes as a mid-day snack.
   
4. Plan for one dinner each week to be fully plant-based.
   Eating plant-based is good for you and for the planet. Start with one meal per week that's plant-based, you'll get more confident with cooking this way. Try Black Bean Burgers, Veggie Mac and Cheese, or Red Beans and Rice.
   
5. Add a small salad or vegetable side to each meal.
   We love the concept of adding something into your life rather than removing a "bad" thing. By adding more nutrient dense foods, you'll naturally start to crave less things with added sugar, salt and fat.
   
6. Try making your favorite cookies/bread/etc with 50% whole wheat flour.
   This is one of the oldest tricks - one that my mom has been doing my whole life! So many classic baked goods can withstand the swap of some whole wheat flour for all-purpose. Because WW flour contains more fiber and nutrients, this swap will give you more of the good stuff, while maintaining the taste and texture that you love. Try it in quick breads like Banana, Pumpkin or Zucchini, in Chocolate Chip Cookies or Brownies even!
   
7. Minimize food waste in your kitchen by planning ahead.
   Before you head to the store, take a look in your fridge. What's in the veggie drawer that needs to be used? Then, plan your weekly menu around that and what you and your family want to eat. Finally, get creative about using up leftovers. So, save that small bit of veggies and grains from dinner and use them in a salad for lunch the next day. Turn leftover pasta into stirfry!
   
8. Try making a dish at home that you usually order out.
   Try this Easy Chicken Lo Mein, Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps or Cauliflower Fried Rice. You'll be amazed at how easy these dishes can be. Plus, you'll improve your kitchen skills by trying new-to-you techniques!
   
9. Each month, pick one big batch recipe to make and store in the freezer for easy meals throughout the month.
   Try these Make Ahead Veggie Meatballs, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
   
10. Commit yourself to getting more comfortable in the kitchen.
    You are capable of making so many delicious, nutritious dishes for yourself and your family. And if you need any help with kitchen skills, Youtube it! That's been my go-to every time