The start of the New Year is prime time to be intentional about what we put into our bodies. We often begin our next trip around the sun with lofty weight loss resolutions or a new gym membership. Instead, make this year your time to feel your best with these healthy recipes.
It can be challenging to bring renewed energy and focus to healthy choices after the hectic holiday season. The fear of not bouncing back to healthier, pre-holiday habits can lead to food shame, negative self-talk and even self-sabotage. Learning to balance the holiday season’s celebratory food and drink with a more mindful New Year is key to enjoying the most wonderful time of the year while also starting the next year off on a healthier note. Stocking your food arsenal with an array of health-promoting foods can help boost your energy, repair your gut and rev your metabolism.
Adequate hydration is the first key to regulating your body’s temperature in cold winter months, flushing wastes from the body and maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. With this in mind, try a hot tea aimed at holistic wellness. Antioxidant-rich green tea can boost levels of detoxifying enzymes in the body. The citric acid in lemons protects the liver, helps regulate blood pressure and prevents oxidative stress. Turmeric added to tea, frothed milk or savory dishes, can fight bacteria, viruses and inflammation. And finally, by adding in freshly grated ginger, you can aid digestion after a meal and support waste elimination.
Thrive this year by enjoying the colorful fruits and vegetables of winter. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are high in chlorophyll pigment, which boosts toxins’ excretion. The soluble fiber in apples helps lower cholesterol, heavy metals and food additives. Beets are high in betaine antioxidants to help lower blood pressure and fight inflammation. A grapefruit-based dressing for salad contains enzymes that help shed unwanted pounds. Combined, this powerhouse-packed slaw makes for a great side or lunch entrée.
After the feasting of yesteryear’s festivities, start this year off by finding joy in honoring your body with nourishing, healthy recipes.
Turmeric Green Tea
Makes one 10-ounce cup
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 bag organic green tea
- 10 ounces hot water
- 1 heaping teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional: 2 ounces coconut milk, hot and/or frothed
Directions
Add a tea bag to your favorite tea cup or mug and cover with nearly boiling water. Add remaining ingredients and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain the mixture and add coconut milk or enjoy as is.
Chopped Winter Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Makes 12 ounces or 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 10 ounce bag of shaved
- Brussels sprouts
- 1 medium crisp apple, chopped
- 1/2 sweet potato
- 1 large beet
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup almonds, slivered’
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, salted and roasted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Grapefruit Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Place beets and sweet potato in a medium-sized pot and add enough water to cover the vegetables. Place over high heat and boil for 10-15 minutes, until crisp and tender. Remove from the heat and let sit until cool enough to handle.
Chop cooked beet, sweet potato, apple and carrots to a similar size as the pieces of shaved Brussels sprouts. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and season with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette and pour over the salad before serving.
