11 New Year’s Food Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

Guest post by Gregg Makuch
Fri, Jan 6, 2012

With 2012 now upon us, it’s time to think about how food can help you achieve some of your goals this year. Food is so fundamental – nourishing for the body and soul, and it connects us to others and the land itself. Changes made here can make a big difference personally and for our shared resources. Where to start?

Well here’s the good news. Here are 11 New Year’s resolutions that will help you to really amp up your health, vitality, and enjoyment of the good food life. And hey, no need to wait. Go ahead and tweet them now to show everyone that you’re ready to take 2012 by storm.

11 New Year’s Resolutions for an Awesome 2012

1. I resolve to try Meatless Mondays (Tweet this resolution)

Meatless Mondays are a national trend taking even meat lovers by storm. It’s easy to do, has a weekly reset button and comes with the support of an international movement! Eating less meat is good for you, the environment and saves money. Stay tuned for Full Circle’s Meatless Monday recipe each week.

Vegan Quesadillas from Full Circle's Good Food Life blog

2. I resolve to eat more green super foods (Tweet this resolution)

Green foods are a nutritional powerhouse – filled with chlorophyll, an antioxidant and powerful cleansing nutrient, vitamins C and A, calcium and fiber. Leafy greens like kale, chard and collards, as well as sea greens like kelp and algae can help boost everything from your immune function to your skin health. Give this recipe for Fresh Kale and Parsley Salad a try.

3. I resolve to reduce my gluten intake (Tweet this resolution)

All of us can benefit from a little less gluten. Reducing gluten – found in wheat, pasta, and many grains – can help improve digestion, metabolism, nutrient absorption, immune function and athletic performance. It can also help reduce inflammation.  Check out this delicious recipe for gluten free muffins as a starter.

4. I resolve to eat more blue, purple and other dark colored berries (Tweet this resolution)

Let your eyes be your guide – darker is almost always better. Antioxidants in all berries help cleanse the body of cancer-causing free radicals and other toxins. Get frozen berries at this time of year and add to smoothies, pies, crisps, yogurt or your favorite breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Make it an everyday habit.5. I resolve to drink more green tea (Tweet this resolution)

While a cup of coffee every morning is wonderful, drinking green tea has incredible health benefits. Green tea contains polyphenols that are packed with antioxidants; it helps prevent skin damage, reduces inflammation, and does not dehydrate like coffee. Some of my favorite green teas can be found at Floating Leaves, Zoka and Choice Organic Teas. Start by swapping just one cup of coffee for green tea every week and work up from there.

6. I resolve to cook more legumes and whole grains (Tweet this resolution)

An inexpensive and easy way to fill your body with whole food nutrients, fiber and energy. Buy them in bulk to make nutritious and inexpensive meals. Pair grains and legumes to create a protein rich meal and use them as a base for a myriad of roasted or sautéed vegetables. This veggie bean soup is perennial favorite.

Photo from The Metal Vegan's Realm

7. I resolve to try juicing (Tweet this resolution)

Juicing is a great way to get your fruit and vegetable allotment for the day – all in one easy and delicious gulp. Start with a core of apples, carrots, and a green and get creative. Juicing is a great way to use up extra produce from your Full Circle box and can be an easy way to get your kids to eat more veggies. I really like Omega and Vitamix juicers.

8. I resolve to eat more locally and seasonally (Tweet this resolution)

Eating locally and seasonally ensures you get your foods at their peak of flavor, freshness and nutrient content. Get local produce from your Full Circle box, a farmers market, and restaurants specializing in local fare like Emmer & Rye, Tilth, and Lark. Support local food systems and diversity, the environment, your community and health, all while getting better-tasting food for your buck!

9. I resolve to eat and serve more cold-water fish (Tweet this resolution)

Learn to love the cold – water, that is. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids that are essential to heart, circulatory and brain health and also have anti-inflammatory effects. Always go wild, not farmed, for maximum benefit.  Serve at least 1x/week and consider a fish oil supplement for your and your family – kids will especially benefit. Try this simple grilled salmon with a sweet spice rub or this 15-minute braised salmon with fennel.

10. I resolve to get my kids more involved in cooking (Tweet this resolution)

It’s easy for kids to eat packaged, processed and sugary foods, but much more difficult to get them excited about parsnips or Brussels sprouts. Getting them involved in the cooking process will help. Being engaged tends to get them to try and enjoy the end result. Here are some kid-friendly favorites.

11. I resolve to try something new in my Full Circle box (Tweet this resolution)

Like most of us, I customize my box each week. However, this also makes it easy to skip over or avoid new or different foods that I have never tried before. So I make it a point to check out turnips kohlrabi, purple radishes, celeriac, or other new fruit or vegetable to get into the adventure zone and expose me to wonderful new flavors and textures.