There’s no doubt that one of the most common New Year’s resolutions people come up with is to lose weight. But resolving to just “lose weight” takes all the fun out of trying. We believe one of the keys to success is to enjoy whatever you’re endeavoring to do–otherwise why bother? So instead of just focusing on weight loss, let’s shift the focus to healthy living instead. Read on to see 18 recipes that can help get you closer to achieving your NSVs and celebrate life with healthy ingredients and strong flavors. You should enjoy what you are eating, and these recipes are so flavorful, you’ll forget it’s winter!
Recipe Key: P=Paleo GF=Gluten Free K=Keto CE=Clean Eating V=Vegan LC=Low Carb
Breakfast Banana Splits — Clean Eating Magazine GF, CE
Replace the ice cream in a traditional banana split with greek yogurt, and you have a healthy breakfast!
What better way to kick off a fun foods resolution than starting your day off with a “banana split”? Though this isn’t cloyingly sweet on the palate the way actual ice cream would be first thing in the morning, the flavors complement each other well with a nice balance of salty and sweet.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal — Oh She Glows CE, V
This oatmeal is much more exciting than your average glop of gruel. If you aren’t eating vegan, it’s also really good if you blend a bit of cream cheese with maple syrup to act as “frosting”. You can also replace the grated carrot with shredded if you like a crunchier oatmeal. Easily customizable and filling enough to get you through til lunch, this breakfast will have you saying “Please, Sir, I want some more!”
Low Carb Lemon Cheesecake Bars — Simply Taralynn GF, K, LC
At only 5 grams of carbs per serving, these bars can easily fit into either a low carb or keto eating plan. And since the crust is made with almond flour in this recipe, it’s gluten-free. Eat this as a decadent breakfast bar, or if you have carbs to spare in your day, as a dessert!
Spiralized Spring Rolls — Inspiralized V
Texture is key with these rice paper rolls. Using a julienne peeler or spiralizer, cut nutritious vegetables into satisfying shapes. The juxtaposition of the crunchy lettuce, cucumber and carrot against creamy avocado is to die for. Make ahead and bring to work for easy lunches all week!
Slow Cooker Paleo Pulled Pork — Anya’s Eats P, GF, K, CE, LC
When you’re craving some good old-fashioned barbecue but lacking the smoker, look no further than pulled pork. Easy to make and tastes amazing with minimal ingredients.
Egg Roll in a Bowl — Ancestral Nutrition P, GF, CE, V
Craving Chinese food but don’t want to bog down your system with an excess of sugar, carbs and fat? Egg roll in a bowl is the answer to your cravings! We recommend adding some kind of protein to this bowl to really boost your macros. Dry bean curd gives it a wonderfully thick texture if you are vegan, and if you eat meat, chicken, shrimp or skirt steak are all equally delicious add-ons.
Sautéed Fish Sticks With Chips and Slaw — Clean Eating Magazine CE
Fish and chips are one of the oldest comfort foods there is. This cleaned-up version is packed with immune boosters but is still tasty enough to please any Brit!
Easy Vegan Ceviche — The Edgy Veg V, CE, LC
In the mood for fresh seafood flavors but don’t eat meat? This vegan ceviche has got you covered! These delicious Mexican flavors will make you forget it’s winter, and you don’t have to go hunting any special ingredients down–you can find them all in your local supermarket!
Low Carb Reuben Casserole — Genius Kitchen K, LC, GF
Yes, it is still winter, which is the best time to enjoy a warm gooey casserole. This reuben casserole gives you all the key flavors of the classic sandwich, with far fewer carbs.
Simple Roast Chicken With Carrot-Top Kale Pesto — A Calculated Whisk P, GF, CE
This is a good dinner recipe to plan for the end of the week. After this meal, you can use the chicken carcass to make homemade chicken stock–its the gift that keeps on giving!
As always, we’d love to hear about your experiences! Try a recipe, snap a pic, and tag us on Instagram at @effective.coverage.