January is a great time to reset eating habits and start the year with a healthier menu. Here are some recipes that are not only healthy but delicious. They’ll definitely help me eat right in the new year.
Everything in moderation, I say, so eating better doesn’t mean giving up sweets. Both Caroline Mgawe and Araxy Aykanian (Laguna Hills, CA) gave baked goods a healthy twist.
Caroline shared her delicious Easy Healthy Banana Bread recipe. “This easy recipe shows you how good healthy can taste,” thinks Caroline. “This banana bread is high on flavour, wholewheat grain and fibre, and low in sugar and fat.”
Banana bread is one of my favorites and this is a very moist, tasty recipe. You’d never know this is a lightened-up recipe. I used macadamia nuts and loved the flavor and crunch it added. But use whatever nuts you enjoy. Slices would freeze wonderfully too. Just slice, place wax paper between each slice, wrap in plastic wrap and stick in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Then you can have banana bread whenever you want a little treat.
If you love blueberry muffins, then you may want to bake Araxy’s Healthy Blueberry Muffins. “A few years ago, my loving husband had 3 heart stents done on him and I started cooking healthy,” explains Araxy. “These blueberry muffins are easy to make and so delicious. My family and friends love them because they’re light and healthy.”
These delicious muffins are packed with blueberry flavor. Light, fresh and super tasty, these would be great for an on-the-go breakfast or an afternoon pick me up.
“This Crock Pot Oatmeal With Spiced Apples is our favorite oatmeal it tastes like apple pie,” shares Joan Hunt (Youngsville, NC). “The steel cut oats have a more chewy texture to them and are a little heartier than the rolled oats. Keeping you full longer so you won’t snack between breakfast and lunch.”
This oatmeal is hearty. The flavors make this taste just like an apple pie… only it’s healthy! Using steel cut oats helps the oatmeal from getting too mushy. This oatmeal recipe is so easy and flavorful, you’ll never want that instant stuff again. And waking up to the aroma of this will get you out of bed in no time.
If you’re having a vegetarian over to dinner or just want to try something new, April McIver’s Sweet Potato Fajitas are perfect.
“A friend mentioned he’d made sweet potato fajitas and it sounded so good I had to give them a go,” reveals April. “I love the combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavors!”
Sweet potatoes are a great substitution for chicken and beef. We loved the texture and flavor of the potatoes with their crispy edges against the melty cheese and the sliced peppers and onions. Add some salsa and cool sour cream and you have an awesome all veggie fajita.
When I’m eating better, chicken is always on my menu. A recipe I love is Judy Wisniewski’s (Pennsauken, NJ) Chicken With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. It’s easy to prepare and delicious.
“I make this for company all the time, can be served over rice or pasta,” says Judy. “You can use chicken broth in place of the white wine.”
The white wine does add some acidity to the recipe, but I’ve tried this substituting chicken broth and both are fantastic. The sun-dried tomatoes are a bit tart and a burst of flavor. If you’re looking to lower carbs, it would be delicious served over cauliflower rice.
What I love most about these recipes is they may be lower in calories or carbs, but they’re not lacking flavor. If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, we put together a Healthier Fare collection you’ll love. Happy Pinching!