When people make new year’s resolutions around food, those resolutions tend to be extreme (read: unsustainable). Inspired by my recent chat with Erin Wade about modern wellness (check last week’s issue), I’ve decided to exclude always and never from my dietary vocabulary this year. My food resolutions this year instead revolve around trying new things and skipping fewer meals.I figure all of us could approach food with more flexibility and joy in 2019. So, just like I did last year, I figured I’d propose some diet-related new year’s resolutions—this year, it’s the guilt- and deprivation-free version. Because I may not be an expert, but I can promise you that stuff isn’t healthy.• Add some new restaurants to your rotationWe all have those three or four restaurants we go to or order from all the time. We usually get the same dish each time, too. While there’s nothing wrong with having favorites, continuously going back to the same places means you’re probably missing out on tons of good food. If you’re looking for some new-ish joints to try out, here’s a few recommendations: Pollito con Papas II (3200 Central Ave. SE), Poki Poblano Fusion Lounge (6910 Montgomery Blvd. NE) and Hollow Spirits (1324 First Street NW).• Stop pretending coffee is a suitable breakfastJust because I’m extremely guilty of this one doesn’t mean I can’t advise others against it. In 2019 let’s all start our days with some kindness to ourselves in the form of fried egg sandwiches, smoothies or just some overnight oatmeal. We deserve it. Our afternoon selves will thank us for it.• Whatever your favorite food/drink is, start buying the Good Version of itAs the above point indicates, I love coffee a lot. I start every day with a little French press, and the ritual has become a central part of my sanity. But it wasn’t until recently that I started buying really good, locally roasted coffee beans. Because that stuff is expensive. As you might expect, though, it’s entirely worth it. Whether the thing you treat yourself with is coffee, wine, chocolate or sirloin steaks, make an effort this year to learn about the quality of your thing and get the nicer stuff. Incidentally, the nicer stuff is usually more humanely and sustainably produced, so you’re not just being selfish with your purchase. You’re voting for better practices.• Make it at homeDo you know how easy it is to make mayonnaise? You can do it with just two ingredients, y’all. Homemade salsa is about a thousand times better than store bought, and have you ever had fresh cashew milk? It’s so much better than the stuff you buy in the store, and it doesn’t have any of those gnarly preservatives in it, too.
Food For Thought: Food Resolutions For 2019
Diets Suck. These Goals Don’t.
3 min read
