25+ Recipes for a Healthy New Year
With each new year comes the desire for a fresh start, a set of new goals, and maybe some workouts and better spending habits. And oftentimes 'eating healthier' is added as a sort of vague, lofty goal.
But if this year you're really committing yourself to improve your eating habits (and in turn your health), there's not a better place to start than the Skagit Valley Food Co-op! Whether it's shifting toward a more plant-based diet or simply adding the rainbow of fruits and veggies to your existing diet, we have all the natural foods and organic produce to start the year off on the right foot.
And if you're skeptical about trying new, healthier recipes, just keep in mind that eating light and fresh doesn't mean boring and bland! So, if you're ready to jump-start the new year with a healthier approach to food, we've put together a list of some of our favorite recipes to help you reach those goals and keep things really tasty, too!
Energy-Boosting Breakfasts
You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you believe that or not, if you plan it right, breakfast can be the meal that boosts your energy for those first few hours before lunch. Here are a few recipes that are sure to get you geared up for the day ahead.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Overnight Oats with Almond Butter & Fruit
A breakfast recipe that you can make ahead and is good for you? Win-win!
Here’s a fairly simple take on overnight oatmeals that calls for some basic ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Customize your oats to include winter citrus to celebrate the bounty of the season!
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Eggs Baked in Avocado with Bacon
Given that avocados are full of healthy fat and do a good job of filling you up, it’s no surprise that they’re the perfect healthy choice for breakfast!
Here, eggs are baked inside avocados and topped with bacon for a simple breakfast that’s delicious.
If you're looking to eat plant-based this year, simply swap out the bacon for a vegan alternative or skip it altogether.
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Mexican Breakfast Bowls
These might be more of a weekend thing than a running-out-the-door-to-work thing, but these Mexican breakfast bowls are too good not to mention!
Made up of roasted sweet potatoes, chorizo, and black beans, these bowls will give you the energy you need to fuel your weekend adventures.
Top them off with a fried egg, avocado, cilantro, and tomatoes (and some hot sauce if you're feeling spicy)!
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef
Morning Glory Muffins
Made up of apples, carrots, fresh orange juice, walnuts, and raisins, these morning glory muffins have a little bit of everything.
The shredded apples and carrots not only add a nice texture and sweetness to these muffins, but they help maintain the shape of the muffin.
Prep these on Sunday night for an easy grab and go breakfast all week long!
Find the full recipe at Once Upon a Chef
More Breakfast Recipes to Consider
Smoked Salmon Breakfast Salad with Crispbread from Bon Appetit
Hummus & Veggie Breakfast Bowls from Gimme Some Oven
Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust from Bon Appetit
Healthy Vegan French Toast from Feasting at Home
Salads That Aren't Boring
With all the fantastic recipes available online, plain old salads are a thing of the past! Here are some of our favorites to fill you up on the good stuff!
Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts
Featuring candied walnuts and lots of pomegranates, this winter salad is far from boring.
Mixed greens are paired with arugula for a bit of fresh peppery flavor.
It's all finished off with a homemade balsamic fig dressing.
Super Green Sun-Dried Tomato Herb Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
If you like a salad packed full of herbs and lots of crispies, consider this super green salad.
What makes this salad special is the crisped chickpeas that add a nice crunch while still being good for you.
This recipe calls for you to make a homemade lemon vinaigrette, but if you're in a pinch for time, grab our housemade one, instead!
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest
Orange & Avocado Salad
We couldn't forget to mention one of our favorite winter produce items to add to a salad: citrus!
Simple but full of juicy, tangy flavor, this salad consists of roughly chopped winter fruit and avocado, and is topped off with a squeeze of lime, some jalapeños for heat, and just a dash of salt.
What this recipe doesn't call for though, is dressing.
The avocado does a good job of adding some oil while the citrus adds juiciness.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Coconut Tangerine Salad
Here's another citrus-forward salad recipe that celebrates the season.
Tangerines are paired with romaine lettuce and cucumber, before being topped with shredded coconut and sliced coconuts for a crunchy element.
Drizzle on a simple balsamic dressing, and serve this alongside some salmon or chicken breast for a well-rounded healthy meal.
More Salad Recipes
Kale & Brussels Sprout Salad with Walnuts, Parmesan & Lemon-Mustard Dressing from Once Upon a Chef
Caesar Salad from Gimme Some Oven
Kale Cranberry Salad from Welcome to the Table
Just-Keeps-Getting-Better Lentil Salad from Bon Appetit
Blend It Up!
Running low on time in the morning? Smoothie. Got that midday hunger while you're working at home? Smoothie. Want to get all your fruits and veggies for the day without eating a heap of greens? Smoothie! Basically, smoothies are the answer to all your hunger pangs. Try some of the recipes below or snag an organic smoothie in the Co-op Deli.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Strawberry-Pomegranate Smoothie
Calling for just 5 simple ingredients, this smoothie is packed full of antioxidants thanks to those powerful little pomegranate seeds.
Banana adds a lovely creamy texture to this smoothie, while strawberries provide a little sweetness.
If you want extra greens in your smoothie, spinach is always a good addition.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Immune Boosting Winter Citrus Smoothie
Not only are this smoothie totally delicious and good for you, but the way it's layered is quite mesmerizing - like a lava flow!
This recipe calls for a few more ingredients than the previous one, but those extra additions provide this smoothie with immune system boosting power.
Top them off with slices of citrus and a dash of hemp seeds if you're feeling fancy.
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Matcha Green Tea & Pineapple Smoothie with Kale
A smoothie that's good for you and gives you a little boost of caffeine? Win-win.
Sweet pineapple pairs well with slightly-bitter matcha, while kale adds the greens your body wants.
If you want to omit the matcha for your kids, feel free to sub in more nut milk.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Green Smoothie with Flax
Here's another green smoothie that utilizes oranges and bananas to add a dash of sweetness to an otherwise veggie-forward recipe.
Ginger and turmeric are added to boost immunity, while flaxseed aids in digestion.
This recipe calls for almond milk, but coconut milk would be a nice substitution for a little extra creaminess and sweetness.
More Smoothie Recipes
Tropical Carrot, Ginger, and Turmeric Smoothie from Bon Appetit
Banana Almond Smoothie from Cookie + Kate
Healthy Black Forest Smoothie from The Chunky Chef
Healthier-for-You Sweets
A healthy diet doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the sweet; it just means adding some creativity to your food choices!
And with the bounty of fresh options we offer in our produce department, it's easy to reach for something sweet and natural rather than candy packed full of chemicals and sugar.
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Healthy Carrot Orange & Ginger Popsicles
Popsicles don't have to be packed full of sugar and preservatives to satisfy your sweet tooth!
This recipe is incredibly simple and produces an ice pop that’s healthy, but still full of sweet flavor.
Though turmeric is optional, it provides the ice pop with a bright orange color that’s pretty incredible.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Maple & Dried Fruit Stuffed Baked Apples
If you love a good apple pie, here's a natural alternative that's easier to make, too!
All you have to do is core an apple, stuff it full of your favorite dried fruits and nuts, and baste them with maple syrup.
What you'll end up with is sweet, tender apples full of rich flavor.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Chantilly Creme & Fresh Fruit
If you've got a craving for sugar, here's a simple and easy dessert that's light, too!
Simply whip up heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until it's a creamy texture that holds a stiff peak.
Dollop it over your favorite fruit. We suggest strawberries, blueberries, or even winter citrus.
More Healthier-for-You Sweets
Healthy Grain-Free Dessert Pizza from Nutrition in the Kitch
Creamy Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pops from Half Baked Harvest
Hummingbird Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction