Take the Veganuary challenge - There are lots of reasons to eat plant-based food, from wanting to be healthier to having compassion for animals and the environment. The beauty of the Veganuary challenge is you can adjust it to your goals and capabilities. Aim for one day a week of plant-based eating, or go the full month of January. This one simple change is a great way to reset your health, your psyche, and your energy for the next 12 months. It’s as easy as ordering meals from a plant-based meal delivery service like @thesixpackchef. We do recommend checking with your doctor first, especially if you have any ongoing medical conditions. Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Dry January - Still recovering from overindulging at the Christmas parties last December? That’s why Dry January became a thing—a resolution to say no to alcohol for a month. There are lots of health benefits, including weight loss (yay!), improved sleep, more energy, and not paying for über-expensive craft cocktails is good for your overstretched wallet. If you find yourself craving a drink at the end of the day, make yourself an easy mocktail. Mix tonic water with fruit or slices of cucumber for an easy, non-alcoholic drink that still feels grown up. Photo by Rirri on Unsplash
Better breakfasts - My lola used to say we’re all just a bundle of habits. So start the year right by making a new one: eat a healthy breakfast. You know it’s the most important meal of the day. It refuels your body and kickstarts your metabolism so you feel energized and can focus on all the things you need to get done. Take a little time to plan your breakfast for a month. Stock your pantry and remember that a good breakfast has to be nutrient-rich with complex carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. You can do this! Photo by Ben Kolde on Unsplash
Rediscover the classics - After a year of restaurants offering 12-course degustation meals, rockstar chef collabs, and where even burgers and pizzas have gone über-gourmet, we say why not go back to the classics? A well-made adobo that reminds you of lola’s cooking. A hearty spaghetti Bolognese like the one dad used to order all the time. Challenge yourself to learn and master one (or more) classic dishes, and relive your best memories through the nostalgic power of food. Troy Barrios
Eat with the seasons - It can be a real challenge to embrace seasonal eating—that is, eating and cooking with seasonal ingredients. But it can be done, and you don’t have to be such a nazi about it. Challenge yourself to eat and cook with seasonal ingredients as much as possible, and be kind to yourself on those days when you can’t. Eating seasonal has a lot of benefits. You savor ingredients at their peak nutritionally and flavor-wise. You step up your cooking skills, begin to shop locally, and even grow relationships with your grocer (i.e., suki). Seasonal eating keeps you attuned to the natural rhythms of the earth, grounding you in the beauty and richness of nature.Photo by Hendrik Schuette on Unsplash
Make food memories - Remember that dinner date you’re always talking about with your girl friends? Schedule it now. Take your mom to that restaurant in Tagaytay. Take the kids to market with you, and teach them how to choose fresh fish. Go on a wine pairing dinner with dad. This year, resolve to make good memories and finally, finally spend time sharing the pleasures of the table with the people you love. Life is short. Make the most of it.Photo by Debbie Tea on Unsplash
Cut down food waste - We only have one planet, we all have to do our bit to take care of it. In your kitchen, at the restaurant, in your office pantry—-wherever you are, challenge yourself to cut down on food waste. It’s a lifestyle change that requires some planning and effort, but so totally worth it. The steps can be simple: cook with leftovers, compost kitchen leftovers, buy “ugly” fruit and vegetables. Store your food properly so they last longer. Stop using single-use plastics. Have the will, make a way.Photo by Katie Smith on Unsplash
Learn a new kitchen skill - You know what feels good? Mastering a new skill. Whether its making dumplings, learning all about wine or whisky pairing, or cooking that complicated recipe from your best friend in culinary school, challenge yourself to learn and master it. Invite your friends to join you. Bake with your kids. A simple class can turn into a grand passion. Photo by Max Saeling on Unsplash
Explore the world through food - Wherever I am in the world, I’m always on a food tour. Why don’t you do this, too? Food is a wonderful doorway to discovering more about people, places, and yourself. So go exploring, in big and small ways. Go to the market in the early mornings. Try out a new cuisine. Sign up for that cooking class. Make a reservation to that restaurant everyone’s talking about. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure — or even just staying at home in your own city, there’s always a way to explore the world through food. This year, go on that journey.Photo by Alice Young on Unsplash
Resolve to give back - A little kindness goes a long way in this hard world. Challenge yourself to find ways to make a difference. Buy tickets to that charity dinner. Sponsor a child’s meal. Buy local. Make your money work towards making the world a better place. Happy New Year! Photo by Shelley Pauls on Unsplash