Share
AS THE CALENDAR turns to a fresh page, the urge to reinvent ourselves often follows. While grand gestures have their place, the small, deliberate changes are what ultimately stick. Food is more than sustenance; it’s connection, culture, and creativity.
This year, we invite you to embark on a journey of food-positive resolutions—twelve steps, one for each month, to transform your relationship with food. This isn’t about perfection but about embracing the mess and magic of life through what’s on your plate.
***
JANUARY: Try a Cuisine You Never Have Before
The Resolution: Start the year with an open mind and palate by exploring a cuisine you’ve never tasted. Whether it’s Ethiopian injera or Korean bibimbap, the act of discovery can be deeply satisfying.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Food is a gateway to understanding other cultures, fostering empathy and curiosity. It’s also delicious fun.
Steps to Take:
- Research cuisines that intrigue you.
- Find a local restaurant or recipe to start with.
- Dive into the ingredients—shop for that unfamiliar spice or grain.
- Share the experience with friends or family, or journal about the flavours.
FEBRUARY: Reduce Food Waste
The Resolution: Commit to cutting down on food waste at home.
Why It’s Worthwhile: With nearly one-third of all food produced going to waste, this is a small step that makes a big difference for the planet.
Steps to Take:
- Conduct a kitchen audit to identify items you frequently waste.
- Plan meals to use up leftovers and aging produce.
- Learn to store food properly for maximum shelf life.
- Start a compost bin for scraps.
MARCH: Learn a New Cooking Technique
The Resolution: Step out of your comfort zone by mastering a new culinary skill.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Building your kitchen repertoire adds depth to your cooking and keeps meals exciting.
Steps to Take:
- Choose a technique—poaching, fermenting, or even knife skills.
- Watch tutorials or take a class.
- Practise with simple recipes before tackling complex dishes.
- Use your new skill to create a signature dish.
APRIL: Eat Seasonally
The Resolution: Align your meals with the rhythm of nature by eating what’s in season.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Seasonal eating supports local farmers, reduces carbon footprints, and ensures you’re eating food at its peak.
Steps to Take:
- Research what’s in season in your area.
- Visit a farmer’s market or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).
- Base weekly meals around seasonal produce.
- Experiment with preserving surplus seasonal foods.
MAY: Grow Something Edible
The Resolution: Cultivate a small garden, even if it’s just a pot of herbs on your windowsill.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Growing your own food fosters appreciation for the effort behind every bite and brings fresh ingredients to your kitchen.
Steps to Take:
- Start with low-maintenance plants like basil, mint, or cherry tomatoes.
- Research their care requirements.
- Dedicate a daily time for watering and tending.
- Use your harvest in your cooking—even a garnish can be rewarding.
JUNE: Incorporate a Meatless Day Each Week
The Resolution: Dedicate one day a week to vegetarian or vegan meals.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Cutting back on meat reduces environmental impact and invites culinary creativity.
Steps to Take:
- Explore plant-based proteins like lentils, tofu, and beans.
- Plan a meatless meal that excites you, not one that feels like a sacrifice.
- Build your repertoire of satisfying vegetarian dishes.
- Reflect on how it makes you feel physically and mentally.
JULY: Host a Food Gathering
The Resolution: Bring people together over food, whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or potluck.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Food builds community, and shared meals create lasting memories.
Steps to Take:
- Choose a theme or cuisine for the gathering.
- Plan a menu that balances simplicity and flair.
- Invite a mix of friends, family, or neighbours.
- Enjoy the act of hosting without striving for perfection.
AUGUST: Support Local Food Producers
The Resolution: Make a conscious effort to buy from local farmers, fishmongers, or artisan producers.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Supporting local food strengthens your community and ensures fresher ingredients.
Steps to Take:
- Identify local producers through markets or online directories.
- Incorporate their products into your meals.
- Share your discoveries with friends or on social media.
- Build relationships with the people behind your food.
SEPTEMBER: Cook From Scratch
The Resolution: Replace store-bought staples with homemade versions for a month.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Cooking from scratch deepens your understanding of ingredients and is often healthier.
Steps to Take:
- Choose simple staples to start with, like bread, yoghurt, or salad dressing.
- Gather the tools and ingredients needed.
- Dedicate a weekend afternoon to prep.
- Savour the pride that comes with making your own food.
OCTOBER: Try Fermenting or Pickling
The Resolution: Preserve the harvest by fermenting or pickling vegetables.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, and pickling is a practical way to reduce waste.
Steps to Take:
- Choose a vegetable to pickle or ferment—cucumbers, cabbage, or carrots.
- Follow a simple recipe for beginners.
- Store your creation in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy as a condiment or snack.
NOVEMBER: Share Food with Someone in Need
The Resolution: Give back by sharing meals with those less fortunate.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Food is a universal gesture of care, and sharing it strengthens our humanity.
Steps to Take:
- Find a local charity or food bank to support.
- Donate surplus non-perishable items from your pantry.
- Volunteer your time to prepare or serve meals.
- Make it a family or community activity.
DECEMBER: Celebrate Food Traditions
The Resolution: End the year by diving into the rich tapestry of holiday food traditions, whether they’re yours or borrowed.
Why It’s Worthwhile: Food traditions ground us, offering a sense of continuity and belonging.
Steps to Take:
- Choose a traditional recipe to prepare, either from your culture or another.
- Learn about its history and significance.
- Invite loved ones to cook or share the meal.
- Reflect on how it ties your year together.
Closing Thoughts
This year-long journey through food-positive resolutions isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about how you live. These twelve steps invite you to explore, create, and connect with the world in meaningful ways. Food is a common thread that unites us, and by embracing these resolutions, you’re weaving a richer tapestry for the year ahead. So grab a fork, roll up your sleeves, and dig in—2025 is waiting to be tasted.
