Healthy Recipes to Kick Off the New Year Right

Healthy, High-Protein & Family-Friendly Recipes for the New Year

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Hi foodie, Happy New Year! 🎉

I hope your year is already off to a positive and delicious start. After all the holiday treats (which I fully support 😄), I always find myself craving lighter, nourishing meals, recipes that feel good, taste great, and are easy to make.

So in this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing some of my favorite healthy recipes to start the year with — balanced, satisfying, and perfect for everyday cooking. From fresh salads to warm soups and protein-packed meals, these are dishes I personally love making at home this time of year.

Lentil Soup

Comforting, hearty, and naturally healthy — this lentil soup is cozy enough for winter but still light and nutritious. Made with vegetables, lentils, and warm spices, it’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for a nourishing dinner or lunch.

Edamame Salad

A fresh, colorful, protein-packed salad made with edamame, cucumber, black beans, quinoa, and a light sesame-ginger dressing. It’s great for meal prep, works as a light lunch or side dish, and is full of plant-based protein and fiber.

One Pot Chicken & Bulgur

A wholesome one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days. Tender ground chicken, bulgur, vegetables, and spices come together in one pan for a balanced, protein-rich dish that’s great for meal prep and weeknight dinners.

Tuna Oatmeal Patties

High-protein, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep — these tuna oatmeal patties are made without breadcrumbs and are perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Serve them with salad, yogurt-based sauce, or inside a sandwich for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

A simple, wholesome pancake recipe made with oats and banana — no refined flour. They’re naturally sweet, filling, and great for those mornings when you want something comforting but still healthy.

A Big Thank You to This Week’s Sponsor: Pique Life

Dry January Just Got Way More Delicious and Uplifting 🍸✨

January doesn’t have to feel dull or restrictive. It’s a chance to reset, feel amazing, and still enjoy the ritual of a great drink. Enter Vesper, Pique’s newest release—and my favorite upgrade to Dry January.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials, and Vesper is no exception. This non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail—without alcohol or the next-day regret.

It’s what I reach for when I want something special in my glass. Each sip feels celebratory and calming, with a gentle mood lift, relaxed body, and clear, present mind. No haze. No sleep disruption. Just smooth, grounded ease.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous—truly crave-worthy.

Dry January isn’t about giving things up. It’s about discovering something better. And Vesper makes every pour feel like a yes.

Just a small note: clicking the sponsor link gives a little boost to this newsletter. It’s a simple way to support what I do, and I appreciate it more than you know!

Share Your Creations!

If you try one of my recipes, I’d love to hear from you, and see your photos! 📸
Not only does it make my day, but every comment and photo you leave helps my recipes rank higher on Google, which means you’re helping my blog grow and succeed.
So… bake, snap, and share away! ❤️

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Happy Cooking!

David