Have you yearned? If you can relate to George in this video clip, this may be a good time to think about making some changes and setting some New Year's resolutions!

Why is it that whenever we talk about New Year’s resolutions, it revolves around our waistline?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s important to take care of your health. One of my biggest dreams is to be able to play with my grandkids on a playground someday, and I can’t do that if I don’t take good care of myself today. However, physical health isn’t the only version of self improvement. There are a ton of ways we can improve ourselves, draw closer to the people that matter to us, and find fulfillment in our lives.

Here is a list of New Year’s resolutions for foodies and home chefs. These are great ideas to make it easier to maintain your weight, but more importantly, they add more to your life.

1. Cook from Home More Often: Learn to make fun sandwiches to bring to work, and get excited over that casserole you prepped last night that will take just a few minutes to bake when you get home. If you organize your schedule, you’ll find more enjoyable ways to cook, and both your budget and your body will thank you.
2. Limit Processed Plant Oils: Processed plant fats are some of the most damaging things possible for your body—some experts say it is the greatest problem with the American diet and the leading cause of many of our health risks, including many types of cancer. Trash your sunflower oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil, and replace it with beef tallow, which is much healthier and super delicious.
3. Explore Global Flavors: Resolve to explore and incorporate a new international cuisine into your cooking repertoire each month. This can introduce you to a variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques from around the world.
4. Reduce Food Waste: Make a commitment to minimize food waste in your kitchen. Plan meals carefully, use leftovers creatively, compost food scraps, and most importantly, make chicken and vegetable stock. You can also explore recipes that use parts of ingredients that are often discarded, such as using vegetable peels or citrus rinds.
5. Embrace Meatless Mondays: Dedicate one day a week to preparing vegetarian or plant-based meals. This resolution not only promotes a healthier diet but also encourages creativity in the kitchen with vegetables, legumes, and other plant-based proteins.
6. Support Local Farmers and Markets: Pledge to buy more locally sourced and seasonal produce. This supports local farmers and ensures that you're getting fresh, in-season ingredients.
7. Master a Culinary Technique: Choose a cooking technique you've always wanted to master, whether it's perfecting your knife skills, mastering the art of baking, or learning to make pasta from scratch. Dedicate time each week to honing this skill.
8. Create a Family Recipe Book: Start compiling your favorite family recipes or create a new family cookbook. This not only preserves culinary traditions but also provides a tangible, personal keepsake for future generations.
9. Experiment with Fermentation: Explore the world of fermentation by making your own sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, or pickles. Fermented foods are not only delicious but also super healthy.
10. Host a Monthly Dinner Club: Start a dinner club with friends or family where each member takes turns hosting a monthly gathering. This encourages socialization, culinary diversity, and the opportunity to share favorite recipes.
11. DIY Pantry Staples: Challenge yourself to make common pantry staples from scratch, such as homemade bread, pasta, pickles, sauces, or spice blends. This can help your budget in some cases, but it also gives you more control over the flavor of your meals and offers substantial health benefits.
12. Mindful Eating Practices: Focus on the experience of eating by practicing mindful eating. Slow down, savor each bite, and pay attention to the flavors and textures. This resolution can lead to a greater appreciation for food and help prevent overeating.

What is your New Year’s Resolution? Do you think I missed one? Drop a comment below and let me know!

Note from Dan: Great article Matt! I love these ideas! Also, I couldn't help but notice that Cook'n is a tool that is designed to help you do almost all of these things on your list. So, if you haven't signed up for a Cook'n Membership yet, do it today and make it a great new year!