31 January Recipes for a Healthy Start to the New Year
Maggie McCracken
Maggie McCracken
Maggie is a writer and editor currently based in Chicago. She writes about mindfulness, astrology, nutrition, self-development, and fitness, and has a background in yoga instruction.
January: The notorious month of New Year’s resolution is officially here! Though you can obviously plan healthy meals for every month of the year, we’re betting that eating healthy in January tops your list of priorities. If you’re trying to eat clean this month, it can be hard to know where to start. Healthy pop tart recipes are one option, as are macro bowl recipes… But variety is key. Here are 31 super-healthy recipes — yes, one for *every* day of January — to plan around.
January 1
Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Let’s start things off on a plant-based note. This vegan curry recipe is super healthy and also incredibly flavorful. In addition to anti-inflammatory turmeric, it also contains healthy fats from cashews and coconut milk. (via Vegetarian Gastronomy)Apple Cider Chicken
Nothin can help warm you to your toes in the dead of winter quite like the warm, spicy flavors of apple cider. We should clarify: This recipe features not *just* the flavors of apple cider, but also Dijon mustard, olive oil and rosemary. (via Well Plated)January 2
Chickpea, Spinach and Sweet Potato Brown Rice Bowl
If you have any chickpeas left over from your tikka masala, use them up in this vegan and protein-packed brown rice bowl. In addition to healthy veggies, the bowl contains complete vegan proteins, giving you everything you need to stay energized. (via Green Evi)January 3
Sheet Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes, Apples and Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to eating healthy, you can’t go wrong with lean meats and fresh veggies. This dish combines tons of flavor from apples and Brussels sprouts with starchy sweet potatoes (a gluten-free carb source) and chicken. (via Well Plated)January 4
Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet
Speaking of chicken and sweet potatoes, try this version of the combo. Be sure to cook the chicken on its own before adding it into the skillet. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)January 5
Thai Red Curry Recipe With Vegetables
This scrumptious and authentic curry recipe is totally vegan and full of fresh, nutritious veggies. To add some protein, we recommend adding some sautéed chicken, fish or tofu. (via Cookie And Kate)January 6
One Pan Healthy Sausage and Veggies
If you’re a carnivore, there’s no harm in including some flavorful sausage in your diet from time to time. This one-pan recipe pairs succulent sausage with TONS of fresh vegetables. Just remember: The higher the quality of the sausage you use, the healthier the dish will be. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)January 7
Easy Burrito Bowls
Why spend your extra cash at Chipotle when you could make a heart-healthy, fresh-tasting burrito bowl at home? This copycat recipe will taste *just* like the real thing, we promise. (via Damn Delicious)January 8
Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili
Got leftover black beans from your burrito bowl? Use ’em up in this hearty chili, which is made from ground turkey (much lighter than ground beef). Bonus tip: Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream. (via Well Plated)January 9
Warm Balsamic Barley Salad
Ever tried barley? When you’re eating healthy, sometimes you could use a new, special ingredient to help spice things up. This warm balsamic barley salad is just exotic enough to seem fresh and new, as its bursting with flavor, nutrients and whole grains. (via Produce On Parade)January 10
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Farro Chili
Speaking of exotic grains, this warming farro chili is bursting with interesting whole grains and squash. And, bonus, it’s unbelievably easy to make: All you need to do is put the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it cook, and come home to a delicious and nutritious meal. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)January 11
Egg White and Avocado Salad
Egg salad is delicious, but it’s traditionally made with fat-heavy mayo and eggs. This version is lightened up significantly. You’ll use hardboiled egg whites and avocado along with Greek yogurt to make this protein-packed, packable lunch option. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)January 12
Veggie Fajita Rice Bowl
Got leftover avos? Use them up with this light, healthy, fresh and uber-nutritions rice bowl. Pro tip: Use brown rice to add some extra fiber into the mix. (via Whitney Bond)January 13
Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken
This Paleo- and Whole30-friendly barbecue chicken packs a ton of flavor without gobs of added sugar or calories. Here’s an idea: If you have leftovers, you could sub this chicken in for the meat in our next recipe… (via The Natural Nurturer)January 14
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that sweet potatoes contain plentiful amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, potassium, fiber and vitamin B6? And, they’re so delicious. Stuff them with shredded buffalo chicken to make a next-level healthy dinner. (via The Real Food RDs)January 15
Roasted Butternut and Lentil Salad With Goat Cheese
Lentils are a healthy vegetarian source of protein, as is goat cheese. This AMAZING salad is both warming and light, perfect for packing and taking to work. (via Lentils)January 16
Turmeric Chickpea Salad Avocado Boats
Speaking of meals that are ideal for packing and taking to work, check out these adorable avocado bowls stuffed with vegan chickpea salad. Any food that’s healthy, cute AND tasty is fine by us. (via Kara Lydon)January 17
Ahi Poke Avocado Boats
Use the other halves of your avos to make these healthy boats stuffed with fresh ahi tuna. Pro tip: To keep your avocados from turning brown overnight, keep the pit right in the center. It’ll help preserve them a little bit longer. (via The Movement Menu)January 18
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
One of the first rules of a healthy diet is to swap out carby pasta for light, flavorful spaghetti squash. This recipe combines the beloved gourd with broccoli, garlic, mozzarella and Parmesan. (via Domestic Superhero)January 19
One Pan Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken
This Paleo-friendly recipe showcases the flavors of chicken alongside cranberries, maple syrup, olive oil and Italian herbs. Pair it with potatoes, brown rice or, if you’re strictly Paleo, roasted veggies. (via Cotter Crunch)January 20
Vegan “Beef” Stew
This plant-based stew recipe will warm you up and fill your belly without all the red meat. It’s made with cremini mushrooms, celery, onion, carrots, potatoes and an array of herbs and spices. (via Connoisseurus Veg)January 21
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tomato Chutney
Who needs steak with you could eat hearty cauliflower topped with a sweet, tangy tomato sauce? This recipe is perfect when served alongside some leftover chicken or tofu for added protein. (via Muir Glen)January 22
Vegan Potato Soup
Any leftover ingredients you didn’t use in the vegan “beef” stew can to toward this equally yummy and “meat” potato soup. Bonus: This recipe is super easy to make in large batches and heat up throughout the week. It’s not like there’s any meat in the soup that needs to be eaten quickly. Score! (via Cookin Canuck)January 23
Crustless Slow Cooker Spinach Quiche
This grain-free quiche recipe is so simple to make, it’ll surprise you. All you need to do is combine the ingredients, pour into your slow cooker, and cook away. Here’s a tip, though: After rinsing your spinach, be sure to get ALL of the water off — this will help you avoid a watery quiche. (via Everyday Wholehearted)January 24
30-Minute Vegetarian Red Curry
Curries are a perfect meal option for those who are vegan or are otherwise giving up dairy and meat. That’s because it’s usually made with coconut milk, a rich, natural source of fat that will keep you satiated and glowing. (via Kroger)January 25
Simple Sesame Chicken
If you, like us, get cravings for Chinese takeout every once in a while, there’s no need to despair over your healthy diet. This recipe lets you make tangy sesame chicken at home. Serve it with green beans, peas and brown rice for a healthy Asian-inspired creation. (via How Sweet It Is)January 26
Creamy Lentil Coconut Curry
Got leftover coconut milk? Use it in a slightly different way with this protein-rich lentil curry dish. It showcases the flavors of cumin, coriander, garlic, turmeric, ginger, tomatoes and cilantro. (via The Endless Meal)January 27
Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl
The Mediterranean diet has been hailed as one of the healthiest diets in the world, so if you’re trying to adhere to it this January, you’re definitely NOT alone. This Greek-flavored bowl combines fresh chicken with lettuce topped with feta cheese and served alongside rice, hummus and olive. (via Gimme Delicious)January 28
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Chili
Make Paleo-friendly, gluten-free chili with *completely* minimal effort. You can use your choice of ground turkey, chicken or beef as your source of protein. If you feel like keeping things vegetarian, just add some extra sweet potatoes into the mix. (via Cotter Crunch)January 29
Korean Beef Rice Bowls
This healthy recipe lets you indulge in the flavors of ground beef, showcasing its flavors with Korean Gochujang sauce. Serve it with cucumbers for a delicious and refreshing side. (via Skinny Taste)January 30
Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
All you need is one pan to make this completely delicious and flavorful skillet. You can sub pork in for chicken if you’re in the mood, too — pork pairs super well with the flavors of apple and sweet potatoes. (via Well Plated)January 31
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Maggie McCracken
Maggie is a writer and editor currently based in Chicago. She writes about mindfulness, astrology, nutrition, self-development, and fitness, and has a background in yoga instruction.