I’m going to start this one off with two words — brass tacks — because for me personally, the month of January is more about solutions than resolutions. It’s about those tiny improvements that I know will help to optimize my wellness, inside and out. In short, this month is about getting really practical.
And after weeks of holiday carb-loading and stress-eating, I’ve never been more ready to drop into the welcome zen of my January. Here’s my plan:
- Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit — those aforementioned carbs. As much as I love them (and I truly do), I’ve made peace with the fact that a little gluten management this time of year can go a long way, so I keep these gluten-free seafood recipes in my back pocket.
- Since the farmer’s market isn’t open during the colder months, it’s time for frozen vegetables, which go surprisingly well with our wild-caught seafood, and are an easy and pragmatic way to replace all those carbs with wholesome produce. Alternatively, if you have more access to variety than the average Alaskan, here’s some inspo on excellent seafood and veggie pairings.
- Getting practical is as much about what I consume as it is about the efficiency with which I can get it on the table, so meal-prepping with seafood becomes especially useful.
- Let’s talk fuel. Clean eating typically comes with some incarnation of exercise, and to get the most out of that, I crave food that really nourishes. Cue wild-caught seafood, my favorite and never-disappointing post-work-out fare. It’s light, tasty and nutrient-dense. And if it’s actual pounds I’m trying to shed, I go for the really lean and clean preparations.
- When it’s January in Alaska, I cling to those four to five hours of sunlight and watch it all twinkle off into the early night. Sure, it can get melancholic, but luckily the fatty acids in wild-caught seafood can help fight depression.
- In my experience, sleep is also a key pillar of any legitimate feel-good regimen, and believe it or not, eating fish might help you have a better night sleep.
- And right next to that pillar is that of immunity, especially these days. So, here are some immunity-boosting seafood recipes to serve up all winter long.
That’s my January, everyone. Just kidding — it’s just a vision board/wish list (you know I’ll be deep-frying something sooner or later).
Live wild!...but stay practical!
Monica
Pictured Above: A plate of food that hits all the flavor spots, but with a nod to incremental wellness. Instead of regular pasta, I used chickpea flour pasta, and since the sablefish is glazed with honey, mirin and miso, the result is sweet enough to eclipse the need for dessert. Hello, wellness — it’s nice to see you, too.
