I hope the new year has been off to a good start for you! I know many of us make goals for the next 12 months in a variety of categories including our health and the way we eat. If this first month has already been a struggle for you, don’t be discouraged! Change and progress take time and simply because you had a rough few days or week (or haven’t even made an attempt yet!) doesn’t mean that all is lost. Simply start fresh tomorrow and enjoy the journey.
What easier way to enjoy the journey than with these fabulous and nourishing recipes to get you on your way?! 
My husband had a blast ringing in the New Year with friends, which I greeted 2016 from my cozy bed due to first trimester “morning” sickness. The plus side of going to bed at 8pm is that you can sneak downstairs early and surprise your hubby with Easy Vegan and Gluten-free Pancakes with pipping hot coffee.
A big pot of New Year’s Smoky BBQ Chili was shared with friends on January 2nd. I love this recipe so much that my husband and I made it just a few days later to enjoy as a quick lunch throughout the week. The first time I made it using dried beans, but was in a hurry the second time around so used 2 cans of black beans and 1 can of pinto beans and reduced the vegetable broth to 4 cups total. It was perfect both ways!
These Stellar Quinoa Burgers (pictured below) were a recipe from my friend, Erica, who never disappoints with her recommendations! The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of oil, which I omitted and they were perfectly delicious. These burgers were hearty, fun to make, and delicious tossed on a salad later in the week.
North Carolina finally started to feel like winter late this month, so Spiced Vegan Lentil Soup was a delicious way to cozy up.
And we can never forget about dessert! Quinoa Pudding from Gabi at Honest Fare was a hearty and creamy take on rice pudding. I used coconut milk and decreased the maple syrup, using on 1 tablespoon maple syrup. This would also be a a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack!
Have you cooked or created a great recipe recently that you’d like me to share? I love trying new recipes, so please send your favorite plant-powered to Stacy@thenourishinghealth.com for a chance to be featured in the months to come!