This just in for 2022; behind the usual pledges to exercise more and focus on fitness, the most common new year’s resolution for Brits is to improve their diet, according to YouGov. And sure, whilst we all know that we should be eating our five (or more) a day, cutting back on meat, and amping up the beans, pulses and legumes, it can be hard to actually find the motivation to do just that.
But improving your diet needn’t mean abstinence or asceticism. Instead, eating better in 2022 can be fun, rewarding, sustaining and sustainable, all at the same time. It can also be damn delicious! From meal kits to cooking lessons, here are some IDEAL ways to eat better in 2022.
MAKE THE EFFORT TO COOK
Whether you’re doing Veganuary, have pledged to cut back on your beef, or you’re simply looking to learn some new skills in the kitchen, putting the effort into your cooking really pays off. Firstly, cooking each night is a little act of self respect and self care that goes such a long way. Secondly, you can control what goes into your meals, and embrace a good dose of healthy eating in the process. You also get to give your brain a little workout, learning new techniques, skills, ingredients and dishes. And finally, cooking can be a whole lot of fun!
CONSIDER A MEAL KIT
With an emphasis on fresh, healthy and balanced suppers, meal kits have proven very successful with those wanting to eat a more nutritious diet. In the last couple of years the popularity of meal kits have soared. Indeed, Mindful Chef saw a 452% uptick in orders when we went into the first lockdown in 2020, and the concept has proven such a big hit that even the retail giants are getting in on the act and trying to earn themselves a slice of this pre-prepared, finish-off-in-the-oven pie, too.
As reported by Forbes, Waitrose & Partners, the food retail division of John Lewis Partnership, will become the first supermarket in Britain to launch a recipe box service from January. There are even meal kits by Amazon and Walmart in the States. Indeed, Amazon has now jumped on the bandwagon with AmazonFresh Meal Kits. When Bezos is getting in on the act, you know it’s gone mainstream, after all.
Meal kits are a great way to improve your culinary skills, sure, but they are also a wonderful way to expand your food repertoire. By diversifying your dishes and expanding your repertoire, you can keep mealtimes interesting each and every night of the week. Moreover, a meal kit is a great way to attempt an intimidating recipe and may help you become a more confident cook. All very welcome, indeed.
PLAN MEALS AHEAD OF TIME
Planning your meals ahead can save you time, money and effort, and will give you something to look forward to during the working day, too. Planning meals ahead of time also means that you’re less likely to impulse buy at the supermarket on the way home from work, or snack unnecessarily during the day. It’s also a thriftier way to do things, in terms of both money and food waste. And that’s why you’re here, right?
Read: 8 tips on meal prepping and cooking if you live alone
COOK IN BATCHES
One of the major barriers to eating well at home, each and every day, is the fact that some days, the energy or enthusiasm to cook complex meals or slave over the stove for hours at a time just isn’t there.
To ensure that you can eat well even on these more trying occasions, practice proper meal preparation, and cook in batches when you have the time. Not only will this enable you to eat a quick and delicious meal straight from frozen, but you’ll also be able to store (or use up) fresh ingredients without any wastage, thus saving you money by cutting down on the number of ingredients that you’ll need to buy next time.
REUSE YOUR LEFTOVERS
Speaking of leftovers, they can often lead to exciting, delicious meals in their own right. Today’s risotto could be tomorrow’s arancini balls. Your beef ragu can be turned into a lasagna, a cottage pie, chilli con carne or taco topping.
When it comes to leftovers, make use of your freezer too; should you have a spare portion of a dinner you’ve cooked, rather than knocking it back that evening, why not freeze it and enjoy it anew another time?
COOK WITH THE SEASONS
Generally speaking, when food is picked in its prime and doesn’t have to travel far, it boasts its maximum potential, nutrient wise. Some have even suggested that produce which is in season boasts particular nutrients that the body needs for that time of year, such as summer fruits and their particularly high fluid and sugar content; ideal for replenishing you in the warmer months.
EAT TOGETHER
Eating together helps us eat better. It not only leads to healthier food choices, but eating together gives us the opportunity to talk, laugh, learn and share. And what can be better than that?
THE BOTTOM LINE
Eating better needn’t be a chore; by following a few simple adjustments to your normal routine, you can enjoy healthy, delicious meals every night of the week. Bon Appetite!