New Year's Resolutions: Family Style

by Carolina Jantac, MS, RD, LD

As we step into 2025, it's the perfect time for families to come together and set goals that will make the upcoming year healthier, happier, and more memorable. Creating New Year's resolutions as a family not only strengthens bonds but also teaches children the importance of setting and working towards goals. Let's explore some family-friendly resolutions that can have a positive impact on your household.

Eat Better Together

One of the most impactful resolutions a family can make is to focus on healthier eating habits. This doesn't mean completely overhauling your diet overnight, but rather making small, sustainable changes that everyone can enjoy.

Make Meal Planning a Family Affair
Involve your children in meal planning and grocery shopping. This not only teaches them about nutrition but also gives them a sense of ownership over family meals. Try setting aside time each week to plan meals together, allowing each family member to choose a healthy dish they'd like to try.

Introducing New Foods Gradually
Make it a goal to try one new fruit or vegetable each week. You can turn this into a fun family activity by having a taste-testing session or a "rainbow challenge" where you aim to eat fruits and vegetables of different colors throughout the week.

Incorporate Nutritious Snacks
Snack time is an excellent opportunity to introduce healthier options. Once Again Nut Butter products are perfect for creating nutritious and delicious snacks. Our cashew butter, for instance, is packed with vitamin E, protein and healthy fats. Try adding a tablespoon to your oatmeal or use it as a spread on a wheat bread.

Get Active as a Family

Physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health. Make it a family goal to engage in regular exercise together.

Weekly Family Activity
Aim for at least one hour of family movement each week. This could be a weekend hike, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or even a dance party in your living room. The key is to make it fun and inclusive for all family members.

Create a Family Fitness Challenge
Set up a friendly competition to see who can do the most push-ups, jump rope the longest, or take the most steps in a week. Use a chart to track progress and offer small, non-food rewards for reaching milestones.

Cook Together

Cooking as a family is not only a great bonding experience but also an opportunity to teach children about nutrition and kitchen skills.

Cooking Sessions
Designate one meal a week as "family cooking time." Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member and work together to create a healthy meal. This is a perfect time to try out new recipes using Once Again Nut Butter products.

Recipe Idea: Almond Butter Energy Balls
Try this simple recipe for almond butter energy balls. These no-bake treats are perfect for little hands to help roll and are packed with nutrients for a quick, healthy snack.

Prioritize Family Time

In our busy world, it's essential to make time for family connections. Hold weekly family meetings to discuss schedules, meal plans, and any issues or successes from the past week. This open communication helps everyone feel heard and involved in family decisions.

Device-Free Dinners
Make it a rule to have at least three device-free dinners per week. Use this time to talk about your day, share stories, and enjoy each other's company without digital distractions.

Practice Gratitude

Cultivating gratitude can significantly improve family dynamics and individual well-being.

Gratitude Jar
Place a jar in a common area of your home. This is a great way to put some of your Once Again empty jars to great use!

Encourage family members to write down things they're grateful for and add them to the jar throughout the year. Read them together on New Year's Eve to reflect on all the positive moments you've shared.

 

The secret to a successful New Year's resolutions is to make them achievable and enjoyable for the whole family. Make sure everyone is involved from the start, be consistent, and don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way. With these family-style resolutions, you're setting the stage for a year filled with health, happiness, and togetherness. Here's to a fantastic 2025 for you and your loved ones!