Cooking Resolutions for Better Health

Fireworks, champagne, and people gathering with family and friends mark New Year’s Eve celebrations in most countries. As we all ring in the new year, people usually have listed some resolutions to start off the months to come. These goals may include looking for a better job; stopping smoking and/or drinking; spending less and saving more; exercising regularly; and spending more time with family and friends.

Resolution lists goes on and on, of course, but for many folks one of the most popular resolutions is to eat better, eat healthier, and lose weight. Sadly, for many by the end of January, say experts, many people just go back to their former ways of cooking and splurging on yummy calorie-laden foods.

Fortunately, the web can lead folks to various healthy-eating websites, from the CDC to the USDA and the American Heart Association, plus numerous medical and private groups offering plans for good health and great meals. For example, this wellness writer and founder of Eat Sunny, Tatiana Boncompagni, offers sensible eating suggestions:

• Pick up healthy ingredients at the grocery store and avoid fattening goodies. If that’s not possible, shop online instead.

• Try to avoid processed foods that contain too much sugar and carbs.

• Avoid condiments, such as mayonnaise and butter-rich sauces. Many contain sugar, and these are fattening and not good for one’s health.

• Starting off any healthful-eating plan could be a challenge. But stick to it—it becomes easier, especially when you see successful weight and body changes.

And as wrap-ups for healthier eating habits—and, indeed, for the rest of life—several health sources list important steps people must take for wholesome eating. Among these, the Healthline offers plenty of savvy advice. This includes eating wholesome foods, such as vegetables, fruits, seafood, and whole grains. These vital nutrients can reduce such diseases as Type 2 diabetes.  

In addition, the site suggests that people should cook more meals at home: A study showed that 11,396 people who cooked and ate at least 5 or more meals were less likely to be overweight and have a better diet than those who eat on the go. It may be slow going at first, so at least start with one meal a day, then notch up homemade meals and snacks. If cooking is a challenge, sign up for online or in-person cooking classes and learn the basics. It also recommends that people should add more fruits and vegetables—whether raw or cooked—to daily meals. Studies show that produce helps protect against many diseases and even early death.

But the Mayo Clinic has ten online diet plans that can guide any person in search of just the right way to eat, for health, weight loss, and supporting healthy joints, plus more. Here is the list:

Best Diets Overall
Best Weight-Loss Diets
Easiest Diets to Follow
Best Diets for Healthy Eating
Best Diets for Diabetes
Best Heart Healthy Diets
Best Diets for Bone & Joint Health
Best Family-Friendly Diets
Best Plant-Based Diets
Best Diet Programs

With so many food plans, anyone can fulfill their New Year’s Eve resolutions for healthier, better eating!

Photo by Kevin McCutcheon on Unsplash

Avatar photo

By

A convert to Catholicism, Alexandra Greeley is a food writer, restaurant critic, and cookbook author, who is passionate about every aspect of the food world — from interviewing chefs to supporting local farmers and to making the connection between food and faith. Her latest work is Cooking with the Saints.

Subscribe to CE
(It's free)

Go to Catholic Exchange homepage

MENU