Fresh, Healthy Habits and Recipes to try out this New Year!
As we finally say goodbye to 2022, let’s leave all the negativity, drama, and toxicity behind us. It’s 2023, a new year to become better versions of ourselves. To renew goals, take second chances, and pace yourself with your progress. No matter your specific goals, a new year always resonates with new beginnings and opportunities. We listed little habits that will help you in your daily lives and not just for the new year; it’s okay to take slight changes, one step at a time.
- Be grateful.
Studies have shown that counting blessings and appreciating good things can reduce stress and depression. Expressing gratitude to yourself can also lower your blood pressure and slow down the aging process. Elders also tell and advise younger people to speak appreciation and kindness, which helps them to live longer.
- Read more books.
Reading books has many brain benefits, including improving brain connectivity and concentration, expanding your vocabulary, increasing knowledge and comprehension, and reducing stress. Start your year by stacking up your bookshelves or filling your e-book library and gradually finishing them off per week or month!
- Prioritize getting enough quality sleep.
Yep, we get it. Sometimes it’s hard to sleep at night as we either scroll down our phones or consume more time at work and school but improving your sleep can help you feel less groggy and concentrate better the next day. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and set boundaries with your screen time before bedtime. If you have more time to sleep at night, do it!
- Be more physically active.
One of the most valuable ways to reduce stress and depression is to move your body. Commit to exercising for at least 15 minutes daily: jog around the park or neighborhood and walk your dog. You can also try lifting weights or going to the gym. According to medical studies, motion can help improve your mood and provide physical health benefits. Invest in your body now so you can still do more in the future.
- Make your goals achievable.
It’s common to craft new year’s resolutions each year. Most people fail to attain some goals because it’s too unrealistic. Plan the goals you think you can achieve in one month or the whole year. Of course, there’s no harm in achieving more meaningful goals or exceedingly better than you have thought. The sky is only the limit, they say.
- Declutter your things.
If your working space and wardrobe closet are cluttered, it’s time to reorganize stuff! It would take less than 30 minutes to clean your working space and an hour on your wardrobe. It’s nice to rearrange your place now and then since you are spending most of your time in it. A tidier room can make your mind relaxed and happier.
- Take a social media break.
Many advantages can benefit you when you have social media detox. These include boosting your mood, reducing anxiety, increasing your self-esteem, decreasing your fear of missing out (FOMO), and adding more time to be grateful for the things you have.
- Make yourself look good.
Invest in your skincare routine. Explore more outfits from your wardrobe. Get that hair fixed, manicure, pedicure, and foot spa. Make yourself feel really ~good~! Our look is how we choose to present ourselves to the people around us. It’s also how we communicate with other people without saying anything. But mind you a note: Do this FOR YOU, not for other people. How you present yourself in public is how you feel about yourself. Confidence is the key!
- Eat more healthy foods.
We may have said this a hundred times but eating clean and healthy foods can make your life much better! Consuming more greens can add more essential benefits to your body and help improve your mood, and you will reap it, too, in the future! Give yourself a treat today by keeping yourself healthy by adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals.
- Prepare your weekly meal planning.
Planning your weekly meals wisely can save you money and time. Research the ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants or high in fiber, making you feel satiated without consuming much. You can also explore more healthy meal guides and fitness programs online.
Bonus! We've added here a few nutritious recipes that will definitely help you get that ~fitness body goal~! Check it out:
Shrimp & Veggie Salad
Another vegetable salad recipe, shrimp high in protein but also low in calories, carbs, and fat. Antioxidants can also be found in shrimp that can protect your cells from damage.
Ingredients:
455g of E&L Shrimp
175g of E&L Asparagus
150g of red onion, diced
200g of cherry tomatoes, sliced
120g of carrot, shredded
100g of yellow bell pepper, diced
olive oil, to coat
chili powder
1 tsp. of oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
lime juice
Mixed greens
For the Vinaigrette dressing:
3 tbsp. of lime juice
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 tbsp. of E&L Sweetener Honey
½ tsp. of chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 200˚C. On a baking sheet, place the cut vegetables lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil and add the seasonings according to your preference. Bake for about 10 minutes.
- Move the vegetables to the side of the baking sheet and place the shrimp in the center. Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil, seasonings, and lime juice. Bake for 8 minutes without overcooking the shrimp.
- In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients then add the mixed greens, shrimp, and vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy!
Shop our E&L Shrimp for only P490/kg here; E&L Sweetened Honey for only P390/500g here.
Chicken and veggies
An excellent source of protein, chicken is also low in calories. It’s healthier when served with vegetables too. This recipe is perfect for those who want to lose some weight, especially after those holiday feasts.
Ingredients:
4 E&L Chicken Breast
1 red onion, diced
300g of E&L Frozen Broccoli
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
240g of baby carrots
300g of cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
14 sprigs of fresh thyme
7 cloves of garlic
1 pinch of paprika
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 200˚C. On a baking tray, place evenly all the vegetables not overcrowded. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the halves of thyme and garlic cloves to the vegetables.
- Place each chicken breast on aluminum foil. Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika adding the remaining thyme and garlic cloves on top of the chicken breast.
- Seal all sides of the aluminum foil with the seasoned chicken breast inside. Put the 4 chicken foil packs on a baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Shop our E&L Chicken Breast for only P650/2kgs here; E&L Frozen Broccoli for only P180/500g here.
Berry Overnight Oats
Berries are rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can boost your memory and inflammation. Adding berries to your well-balanced meals can generally help control blood sugar, and support eye and heart health.
Ingredients:
½ cup of E&L Frozen Blueberries
1 cup of Arla’s low-fat milk
1 cup of rolled oats
1/8 cup of E&L Chia seeds
12 oz. of Greek yogurt
1 tbsp. of vanilla extract (optional)
E&L Sweetener Honey
Toppings:
½ cup of E&L Mixed Berries
E&L Chia Seeds
Directions:
In a small jar, combine all the ingredients. Mix well until there are no clumps.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
The next morning, add your preferred toppings and enjoy!
Shop our E&L Mixed Berries for only P340/500g here; E&L Blueberries for P325/500g here; E&L Strawberries for P220/500g here; E&L Raspberries for P320/500g here; Arla’s Low- Fat Milk for only P100/1L here; E&L Sweetener Honey for P390/100g here; E&L Chia Seeds for P60/100g here.
Berry Smoothie Bowl
These nutrient-rich, juicy, and round berries can aid gastrointestinal discomfort and joint pain. Berries can also protect your body from toxins. This recipe is quick and easy, plus healthy, and ideal for your new year body goals.
Ingredients:
500g of E&L Mixed Berries
1 banana
140g of Greek yogurt
60mL of almond milk
60g of peanut butter
For toppings:
Shredded coconut
2 tbsp. of E&L Chia Seeds
E&L Mixed Berries
Granola (optional)
Directions:
- Blend all the ingredients using a blender.
- Put it in a bowl and decorate it with the toppings.
Shop our E&L Mixed Berries for only P340/500g here; E&L Blueberries for P325/500g here; E&L Strawberries for P220/500g here; E&L Raspberries for P320/500g here; E&L Chia Seeds for P60/100g here.
Melon Pineapple Salad
This refreshing fruit salad is perfect for your backyard or swimming party! Best paired with grilled meat or seafood choices, this can be a great appetizer or dessert to share with your family and friends!
Ingredients:
1 cup of E&L Melon
1 cup of E&L Strawberries
1 cup of E&L Raspberries
1 cup of E&L Blueberries
1 cup of blackberries
1 cup of pineapple, cubed
For the Dressing
E&L Sweetener Honey
lemon juice
fresh basil
Directions:
- Chop all the fruit and drain any excess liquid. Place all the fruit in a large salad bowl and set it aside.
- Whisk the honey and lemon juice then add the basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Cover and place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Shop our E&L Melon for only P250/500g here; E&L Mixed Berries for only P340/500g here; E&L Blueberries for P325/500g here; E&L Strawberries for P220/500g here; E&L Raspberries for P320/500g here.
Taking all in just the lessons and letting go of all the despair, disappointments, and frustrations, let’s welcome the new year with a warm and grateful heart. Let’s hope for all the best in your career, love life, and blessings this 2023. Have a prosperous new year!