The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals and embrace positive changes. Because food fuels our energy, productivity and focus, it often plays a central role in setting these New Year’s resolutions. Whatever way you’re aiming to improve yourself in the new year, the meals you eat can make a big difference.
At Minute Rice, we want to help you stick to your resolutions. We’ve outlined five key food-related resolutions for the year, along with quick, delicious recipe ideas that fit right into your busy lifestyle—so you can start the year off right, one meal at a time.
Resolution #1: Cooking More Homemade Meals
With everything going on in our fast paced lives nowadays, cooking more homemade meals can seem like a bit of a challenge. That’s why Minute Rice can be prepared quickly, so you can sit down and take a moment to eat more quality meals, no matter the amount of time or skills you have in the kitchen.
In order to make this goal a reality, we’ve got some tips for how you can make more homemade meals, anytime.
Tip 1. Start Meal Planning and Meal Prepping
Planning out your meals in advance or doing some prep beforehand can help you save a lot of time and energy. If you’ve never tried meal prepping before, check out our Meal Prep 101: A Beginner’s Guide for tips to get started.
There are a few different ways to meal prep and save yourself time throughout the week:
- Prepare your meal entirely and divide it up into portioned containers to eat throughout the week like this 15 Minute Chicken and Rice Dinner or this Chicken Primavera. You can also prepare side dishes ahead of time to accompany your meals, like this Mushroom Risotto.
- Batch-cook your meals by preparing a large batch of each ingredient and combine them together right before enjoying. Try it out with these convenient Turkey Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Bowls or this Chicken Broccoli One Pot from recipe creator Gall Adventures. You can also mix and match with other ingredients to switch things up each day.
- Use our perfectly portioned, microwavable Minute Rice Cups and create a meal in minutes! Our Mix It Up Rice Bowls provide dozens of ideas to combine ingredients for the perfect rice bowl for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anything in between.
Tip 2. Make Your Lunch Count
Whether you meal prep or not, preparing a quality homemade lunch for yourself at the office or at home can provide you with a quick recharge to stay fueled for the rest of the day. Learn how you can make your lunch count with all kinds of quick meal ideas you can make with only a microwave and a few ingredients. Our Rice-Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan is a perfect vegetarian option to get you started.
Tip 3. Prepare Takeout At Home
Avoid delivery apps and stopping by the drive-thru with these easy options to make your own takeout-inspired meals at home!
Your favorite Asian restaurant takeout is made easy at home with Minute Rice, from Pad Thai Rice to Microwave Egg Fried Rice and so much more. Pick a few different recipes and make a simple buffet at home!
Craving a juicy burger? This Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is loaded with all of your favorite flavors ready in just 20 minutes.
If your family is in the mood for Mexican, try this Spicy Rice, Bean and Cheese Skillet or check out our guide for Tex-Mex and Mexican dinner ideas.
Resolution #2 Prepare Breakfast At Home
You likely already know about the importance of starting your day with a great breakfast, but preparing breakfast at home using quality foods can make your day even better.
Use the weekend to get ahead of your week’s breakfasts. On Saturday or Sunday morning, prepare a copycat version of your favorite morning baked goods, like a Banana Zucchini Bread loaf or some savory Quinoa and Sausage Breakfast Muffins. Store them in an airtight container to simply grab and go throughout the week.Breakfast bowls are an excellent, hearty way to start your day. For a filling breakfast that comes together quickly, try this Brown Rice and Egg Breakfast Bowl with Spinach or this Breakfast Bowl from recipe creator The Millennial SAHM.
For a quick and easy breakfast option that still helps you start your day on the right foot, this 4 Minute Breakfast Scramble can be made using just four ingredients.
Find more meal ideas to start your mornings with our Simple Breakfast Recipes!
Resolution #3 Swap in Homemade Snacks
Forget the vending machine, feel great inside and out with a homemade snack that will save you time and give you more energy. We suggest using simple but protein-filled items like quinoa, peanut butter, nuts, Greek yogurt and seeds to keep your snacks filling.
Snack Ideas:
- Nutty Buddy Honey Rice: This delicious dessert is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Banana Peanut Butter Rice Bites: These sweet bites can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Four Grains, Berries and Yogurt With Quinoa: Prepare 4 mason jars ahead of time and keep refrigerated to use throughout the week. Top with more seeds of choice like sunflower, pumpkin, chia, hemp or flax seeds.
- Rice and Quinoa Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Make these bars ahead of time for a filling snack on the go.
- Peanut Butter and Honey Rice: An incredibly easy treat that comes together in just 3 minutes with just 3 ingredients.
- Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites: This savory treat makes the perfect bite-sized indulgence, and can be made with any vegetables you have available on hand.
Resolution #4 Add More Fresh Fruits and Veggies to Your Meals
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. With these delicious ideas, it can be easy—and tasty—to incorporate more fresh produce into your meals.
Lettuce Wraps
One of the simplest ways to get more veggies onto your plate is to swap out classic tortillas or bread for lettuce wraps. We suggest using bib, butter, romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves.
Use this simple and hearty recipe for Chicken and Basmati Rice Lettuce Cups that you can put together in just 5 minutes.
Rice Salads
If you want to enjoy salads but always feel like they leave you feeling hungry, add filling ingredients such as rice and quinoa along with a tasty dressing! Salads are also a great way to incorporate fruits in addition to vegetables to add a sweet touch to your meal.
Try all kinds of quick and hearty salad ideas like a 5-minute Greek Salad, Chimichurri Tuna Salad or Arugula, Pear and Multi-Grain Rice Salad.
Rice Bowls
Rice bowls are a great way to enjoy a quick, delicious meal and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables. Plus, they’re easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Try this Fall Harvest Rice Bowl for a tasty seasonal dish, or enjoy Mediterranean flavors with this Greek Brown Rice and Veggie Bowl or this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl from recipe creator Amanda Warren.
Resolution #5 Cut Out Meat Once a Week
Another way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables while also bringing a bit more sustainability to your meals is to cut out meat once a week. Since we all need protein, we’ve put together ways you can swap in plant-based protein for traditional beef, chicken or fish.
Legumes, Seeds, Nuts and Quinoa
To keep you feeling full, make sure to add in protein to your meals even when you’re not eating meat. Luckily there are plenty of alternative sources of protein to enjoy! Use the same items we listed in our snack section like seeds, quinoa and nuts, or add in legumes such as beans, lentils, and more.
Try chickpeas in this California Grain Bowl or combine Red Beans and Rice to make a complete protein together with all 9 essential amino acids.
If you’re just cutting out beef and chicken, you can still swap in tuna or other fish as in this White Bean and Tuna Rice Salad Bowl or this quick and easy Spicy Chipotle Tuna on Rice that’s perfect to take on the go.
Meatless Options
If you find it challenging, substitute meatless alternatives for ingredients you normally enjoy. Plant-based meatballs or burgers are a great place to start. Try a classic Black Bean Veggie Burger or make a veggie burger bowl with this Brown and Wild Rice Bowl with Veggie Burger. Plant-based meatballs like these Vegetarian Mexican Meatballs are another great way to get the meat taste you enjoy in a vegetarian version.
Tofu is another classic meatless alternative that’s packed with protein. This Thai Tofu and Rice Salad is perfect to add to your Meatless Monday roster. Meatier vegetables are also a great option to substitute for meat as the star of your meal, like this Tandoori Cauliflower and Rice Bowl.
Achieve Your Goals, One Meal at a Time
Whatever your New Year’s resolution is, having easy-to-make recipes and convenient ingredients on hand is key to help you stick to your goals. With Minute Rice, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals at home in just minutes, making it easier to stay on track.
As you work towards a fulfilling year, let Minute Rice be your go-to for quick, wholesome meals that keep you energized and motivated to achieve your goals.
