Say YES This New Year

The New Year often starts with all kinds of resolutions to say “no” to behaviors we don’t want to engage in. We say “no” to way too much when it comes to the New Year and try to cut everything out all at once. And the all-or-nothing philosophy doesn’t last very long for most people.

But what are you saying “Yes” to, especially when it comes to your diet? I know, this coming from a dietitian. Believe it or not, I don’t want you to suffer and cut out all fun in your life by removing every morsel of yummy food from your plate.

Let’s say “YES” to better-for-you choices in 2018. That doesn’t mean tasteless cardboard or a menu consisting of nothing but tofu and broccoli. , I want to help change the all-or-nothing mindset and share some healthier and affordable options to help kick off the New Year.

Check out these three recipes I got from the Better for You Recipe section on aldi.us to make a fabulous meal.

Three Cheese Kale Stuffed Tomatoes

These stuffed tomatoes can be eaten as an appetizer, a side, or a snack. They are power packed with antioxidants and protein-packed cheese to give some lasting energy.

Chickpea Korma with Spiced Rice

Normally if I’m craving Indian food, I will get takeout because I am too intimidated to cook it myself. Not with this Chickpea Korma recipe! It’s super easy and fabulous. Great for Meatless Monday or any day of the week.

Dark Chocolate Cups with Avocado Mousse

I very rarely go a day without chocolate at some point in my day. Just because it’s the New Year that doesn’t mean I am cutting out chocolate! Say “YES” to these delightful little cups of deliciousness. Fancy enough for company coming over, but easy enough to make them just for your family!

I’m an ALDI regular, and I’m super excited about its new Earth Grown line, which features vegetarian and vegan products like veggie meatballs, burgers (my fave is the southwest quinoa crunch burger), meatless sausages, chicken-less patties, and vegan cheese.

The offering of organic food is expanding all the time at ALDI, just look for the “organic” seal on the packages. Their SimplyNature line is free of 125 artificial ingredients. If you’re gluten free, look for the LiveGfree line of snacks, frozen foods, pantry items, and more.

The best part is saying “YES” to saving money at ALDI. I’ve been shopping there for years and I still am pleasantly surprised at how far my dollars go when I get to the checkout. With four boys plus a hungry husband in the house, I can use all the help I can get on the grocery bill! Click to find your closest ALDI location. Excellent news: they are expanding to 2,500 stores by 2022, which will make them the third largest grocery store by count. Woohoo!

What are you saying “YES” to this New Year?

Tara Collingwood

MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N

Tara is a nationally recognized expert and spokesperson on nutrition, fitness, and health promotion and is quoted in a variety of media including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and websites.