The New Year Resolution That Doesn’t Require Giving Anything Up

Is 2017 destined to be your healthiest year of eats yet? Have you sworn off whole food groups and vowed to never let another empty calorie pass your lips? If so stop right there! Diets never work.
Instead of making a “do-not-eat” list, expand your diet to include more. More flavors, interesting textures and foreign cuisines. When you broaden your tastes, the scope of your diet evolves to encompass more nutrients and healthy eating becomes effortless.
Make it a goal to experiment with a new ingredient each week! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
(And, if you’re really looking to shape up your eats and fitness, you might also want to check out our 10 in 4 program — it’s all about weight loss with self love … and tasty, fresh, healthy food!)
Explore the world of tea. When you start your day with cocoa tea instead of coffee, you won’t be tempted to zip in the drive-thru for one of those whipped cream-laden caffè mochas.
Don’t eliminate high carb pancakes from your diet; simply add shredded zucchini, carrots, chopped green onion, garlic and parsley to make your pancake mix healthier. Top with savory jam or chutney for a veggie filled breakfast.
African cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Discover nutritious, exotic eats like spicy wat and injera. Bonus: these communal eats are fun to share, so dig in with friends; no utensils required!
Trend alert! Jump on the turmeric bandwagon and garner the many healing benefits of this savory spice.
Add to your recipe collection. Once a week resolve to make a recipe from scratch and use only fresh, seasonal ingredients. The more healthy stuff that goes in, the less room you’ll have for those foods you should consume in moderation.
Restrictive diets are depressing. Don’t limit your choices; give yourself the freedom of variety to discover a happier and healthier year of eats! What new food will be first on your list? —Karen