mindful meal plate composition for quick healthy meal prep ideas using fresh organic produce for holistic health by Neighborhood Naturopathic in St Paul MN

A Healthy New Year in Small Steps

Are you someone who wants to make changes this year? Forget the January crash and burn of grand resolutions! It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can make small, sustainable steps towards nutritional health that will nourish your body and mind and last a lifetime. Ditch the diet drama and consider following these small steps towards a health new year:

Mind over Matter:

Don’t underestimate the mental game. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s deeply tied to emotions and habits. Acknowledge your cravings, understand where they come from, and celebrate small victories.

Mindful Meals:

Picture your plate when you are prepping. ½ of your plate should consist of vegetables and/ or fruit, ¼ protein, ¼ whole grains/ rice/ legumes, and a sprinkling of healthy fats like olive oil.

Perfection is a Myth:

Sometimes, whole and fresh isn’t an option. Embrace frozen fruits and veggies. They’re often flash-frozen at their peak, locking in nutrients. If you have two ingredients in front of you…decide which one is healthier and go with that one.

Convenience Can Be Healthy:

Don’t feel guilty about pre-made meals. Look for organic options with minimal processing and ingredients you can pronounce. Remember, sometimes convenience is key to maintaining healthy habits.

Meal Prep Made Easy:

Ditch the overwhelming, time-consuming meal prep marathons. Focus on simple, quick meals with only a few ingredients you can whip up in under an hour. Leftovers? Bonus points for a quick and healthy lunch tomorrow!

Choice Architecture:

Make healthy choices the easy ones. Keep a fruit bowl on your counter, stock your fridge with pre-washed veggies, and hide those tempting chips in the back pantry.

The Power of the Small Steps:

Don’t underestimate the power of adding one fruit or veggie to your meal. It’s a small step that packs a nutritional punch and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

Bonus Tip:

Need some inspiration? Here are three quick, easy, and healthy recipes that you can try right away:

Remember, sustainable changes are about progress, not perfection. It’s about replacing guilt with grace, and celebrating small wins that lead to big changes. So, grab an apple, chop some broccoli, and embrace the joy of nourishing your body and mind, one delicious step at a time.

This year, make a commitment to choose a sustainable lifestyle that doesn’t leave you burnt out or depleted. The gift of healthy living is the kindest gift for yourself and your loved ones. Neighborhood Naturopathic offers memberships that provide a range of member benefits, including discounted savings on IV treatments and add-ins, supplement store order discounts, priority scheduling and more. All memberships cover a three-month period and are paid in monthly installments.  Sign up for your Neighborhood Naturopathic Membership here.

If you are interested in learning more ways that naturopathic medicine supports health and wellness in your life, sign up for our monthly newsletter where we give insider tips and tricks about living well.