10 healthy ideas to help you ease into the New Year

Stuffed

A great way to use leftovers, stuffed potatoes or mushrooms are also a satisfying and filling food option that will save you reaching for seconds. Using plenty of vegetables and flavors such as chili peppers, tomatoes and onions you will have a filling, comforting meal without the unwanted calories. A healthy alternative to your festive roast potatoes and stuffing, this dish will also count towards your vegetable intake.

Muffin top

Rather than reaching for the leftover Christmas pudding try making some healthy muffins to bring comfort to those January days. Using flavors such as cinnamon and honey instead of sugar, and vegetable oil rather than butter, you will have a sweet treat without adding to your muffin top! Ditch the candy and get baking, throwing in some seeds and dried fruit for good measure.

Satisfying drink

It’s tempting to opt for rich hot chocolates or creamy lattes to satisfy your cravings while you’re tackling the January sales, but choosing an uplifting hot beverage such as chai tea or green tea with cranberry for a festive but healthy choice will save you a lot of sugar and fat, will hydrate you and leave you feeling refreshed instead of sleepy – perfect to motivate you into a walk or trip to the gym.

Hearty soup

Stocking up on some filling soup will be a comforting way to ease into the New Year while getting some of your vegetables. Make some yourself using butternut squash, lentils and chili peppers, or stock up on the fresh varieties of sugar and cream-free ready-made soups. Accompanied by some soda bread and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds you’ll be full of goodness and not reaching for the Christmas cake afterwards.

Healthy melt

This classic comfort food doesn’t have to be a belly buster; there are lighter options that are just as satisfying. Try using whole meal wraps instead of bread and fill them with beans, onion, avocado and a sprinkling of cheese. Toast until golden and you’ll have a healthy Mexican dish that won’t pile on the pounds like the festive brie and cranberry version. Adding spices will tantalize your taste buds and prevent you seeking flavor in less healthy options.

Chocolate cravings

Chocolate features greatly in many a Christmas family home, but it can be so hard to resist in the New Year when the glistening wrappers are tempting you. To satisfy your sugar craving, and so you’re not missing out completely, opt for a few squares of dark chocolate or Brazil nuts and dried fruit dipped in dark chocolate. The antioxidants will benefit you after the party season.

Take it away!

Despite feeling tired and in need of comfort in January don’t automatically order a take-out. To replace your favorite Indian take-out, opt instead for a homemade vegetable curry, packed with spinach, chick peas and tomatoes, as well as the essential spices and chili peppers to keep your immune system in check. As a comforting yet healthy replacement for your Chinese take-out, consider a noodle stir-fry with prawns. The protein from the prawns will keep you fuller for longer and save you reaching for the phone to order your usual.

Risotto

Risotto can be seen as a stodgy and rich dish, but only if you have a cream and butter laden one. There are lots of lighter risotto options that are just as comforting and satisfying and make a nice alternative to common indulgences like macaroni cheese. Try butternut squash, sage and chestnut risotto for a healthy yet festive meal. Risotto is also a great way to use leftover meats, vegetables and herbs from the Christmas dinner.

Interesting salads

Don’t be put off just yet! Yes, salad doesn’t sound like the most comforting replacement for the rich Christmas foods you long to continue eating into the New Year, but there are lots of interesting ways to make the humble salad more filling and exciting. Try toasted chestnuts, warm pears with a cranberry dressing or flaked almonds, turkey and redcurrants. The more colorful the salad the better, to beat those post-Christmas blues.

Tipple

A common New Year’s resolution is to go teetotal, but if that seems as if it will be too much of a shock to the system after your booze filled break then try instead lighter alcoholic options. A small glass of anti-oxidant rich red wine is a good place to start, especially if you warm it up with slices of orange and a sprinkle of cinnamon to continue that festive feeling. Or, there are in fact many brands of non-alcoholic beers and wines available, not forgetting that on a night out you can have some fruity ‘mocktails.’