Healthy recipes to kickstart your New Year’s resolutions

The new year brings with it a wave of health-related resolutions as we try to commit to cleaner eating habits. Diet plans can be difficult to stick to, however, and before long we often find ourselves reaching for something sweet, fattening or otherwise unhealthy. 

Rather than scrap our resolutions, we can make small compromises that satisfy our cravings without veering too far off track. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup can be used to enrich a range of nutritious meals without sacrificing their health benefits. 

Is maple syrup healthy? 

Free from artificial preservatives, pure maple syrup is a natural product that provides the body with minerals and antioxidants. The sweetener is rich in manganese, an essential mineral for bone health, and also contains considerable amounts of zinc, copper, calcium and riboflavin, which serves as a source of energy. 

These vitamins and minerals support a range of bodily functions such as maintenance of the nervous and immune systems. One study found that maple syrup contains at least 24 antioxidants, with these compounds helping to delay some of the effects of ageing. 

As a sweetener, maple syrup is also high in sugar, and should therefore be enjoyed in moderation. It does however present a healthier alternative to processed sweeteners like refined sugar, and, due its rich taste, can be enjoyed even in small quantities.

Learn more about the health benefits of maple syrup below.

Healthy recipes to help you hit your dietary goals 

Looking for some healthy recipes that still satisfy your sweet tooth? We’ve gathered five that combine nutritious ingredients with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup below. 

Baked aubergine and halloumi

This baked aubergine is brimming with nutrients – and it tastes delicious too! The salty tones of the halloumi pair perfectly with the maple syrup’s sweetness, while the fresh herbs add a soft, savoury complexion to the dish. 

The baked aubergine is rich in nutritional fibre and, along with the halloumi and flaked almonds, provides a sizeable amount of protein, making this meal an excellent option for a post-workout snack.

Mediterranean seabass

Transport yourself to summer with this wonderful Mediterranean seabass recipe. The seared fillets are paired with a delightful dressing that combines sour lemon juice and sweet maple syrup with garlic, shallots and pepper. 

Though low in total fat, the Mediterranean seabass fillets serve as a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. They also provide a boost of vitamin D, helping to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Chicken pitta pockets

Simple and effective, these chicken pitta pockets can be enjoyed time and time again as a quick snack or light dinner. All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl and then assemble the pitta breads! 

Made with chicken breast and fat-free Greek yoghurt – two of the most protein-dense foods around – these pitta pockets are great to eat after exercising and will help your muscles recover quickly. If you want to go the extra mile with this recipe, swap out the white pitta bread for wholemeal.

Slow cooker chilli con carne

If you’re after a warm and comforting dish that still offers ample health benefits, look no further than this slow cooker chilli con carne! The dish’s natural spiciness is balanced with the sour lime juice and sweetness from the maple syrup to form a rich and complex flavour profile. 

Packed with proteins, carbohydrates and other key nutrients, this slow cooker chilli con carne ticks a number of dietary boxes. If you’d like to lower the amount of fat in this recipe, simply opt for lean mince beef.

Falafel salad bowl

Light, colourful and full of flavour, this falafel salad bowl will impress even the most avid meat-eaters! The homemade falafel plays a starring role and is subtly sweetened by the maple syrup, which also makes its way into the coriander sauce. 

With a generous supply of carrots, avocado, tomato and leafy greens, this falafel salad bowl is bursting with essential nutrients and can be enjoyed either as a light snack or a main meal depending on your portion sizes.

Natural energy drink

Canadian maple syrup is not only suitable for food — it can also be used to enhance a wide range of drinks! This natural energy drink is the perfect example, with the addition of maple syrup providing an extra boost of energy to fuel your workouts.

Made in minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients, the energy drink is incredibly easy to prepare and can be stored for up to five days in the fridge. The sweetness of the maple syrup blends perfectly with the star anise to form a delicious and entirely natural energy drink that can be enjoyed whenever you exercise.

Here’s to a healthy 2024!

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a hassle; the culinary world abounds with recipes that are nutritious and delicious! Next time you’re craving something sweet, try one of the recipes above and then give yourself a pat on the back for choosing the healthier option. 

If you like the look of these healthy recipes, make sure to check out the rest of our recipes with maple syrup!