Hormel January - New Year's Resolutions

I'm so excited to get to be part of the Hormel Family of Bloggers for the second round of the project. Last go round, we got to try a lot of great new products and recipes, so the kids (and the husband) are all set to do it again.

The first topic, rather fitting for January, is New Year's resolutions, especially in terms of food and eating healthy. What goals are you setting this year, nutritionally? Do you have any tips to help along the way?

We decided, in our New Year's goals, that our big one was going to be meal planning again. We've learned in the past that when we meal plan, we actually eat at home. When we don't, well, there are a whole lot of restaurants to choose from. It's both healthier and cheaper to eat at our house. The other goal, and we're slacking on this a little, is trying a new recipe a week. I didn't try one this past week, but have had a few good ones in the last month that may even get made again.

Hormel also sent some great tips for healthy New Year's resolutions:

• Keep it simple. Don't attempt to overhaul your entire style of eating immediately. Gradual changes are key. Start by adding fruit as a dessert or a delicious veggie as a side dish to dinner.
• Eat a variety of foods. Bringing the same sandwich to work every day isn't going to get you the nutritional value that your body needs.
• Don't deny yourself your favorite treats. It's important to remember moderation, not elimination.
• Sit down with your family and create a meal plan for the week. Keeping in mind the food pyramid and using a tool like MyPlate, create dishes that everyone in the family will enjoy. Let each family member plan a dinner dish for the week and then get everyone's input on what changes can be made to make it a healthier meal.
• Remember to drink water consistently throughout the day. For the body to function properly, you need to continually replenish it with water. This goal could be the perfect opportunity to cut out that extra glass of juice, soda, or coffee, and replace it with a cup of water.

What are your resolution this year? Are you sticking to them so far? Any go-to recipes that are helping you along?

And while you're at it, check out Hormel's Go Big for the Big Game Sweepstakes on Facebook! Enter to win a $500 gift card.

Disclosure: I have received product and information from Hormel Foods in exchange for being a Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger. All opinions expressed within the post are my own.