New Year’s Rice-olutions

Christmas has come and gone, and with the New Year comes a whole new set of goals. But while things like New Year’s resolutions, Dry January and Veganuary can help you think about your health in a different light, it’s key not to push yourself too far. 

So rather than putting pressure on the unachievable, we’ve put together a handful of tips and tricks to help guide you towards healthier habits for a happier, tastier and more colourful 2025.

Variety is the spice of life

If you’ve ever prepped or bulk-made your meals for the week ahead, you’ll know that there’s only so many days you can eat the same thing before you start wondering what else there is instead. Eating well doesn’t exclusively belong to identical trays of broccoli chicken – the key for looking forward to breakfast, lunch and dinner is to mix things up a bit. You can even use the same base components and give them new life with vibrant dressings, exciting toppings, or simply by switching out your favourite Tilda steamed rice packet, pot or Tasty Sides.

Been wondering whether rice is healthy? Take a look at our article here.

Eat little and often

Whatever your goals are for the next year, neither starving or gorging yourself is the right answer. Rather than eating big meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner time, why not eat smaller portions, but more often? For example, enjoy a nice bowl of porridge for breakfast, then bridge the gap that otherwise leads to counting the minutes till lunch with some fruit or a handful of nuts.

No need to plan ahead

Although having a plan can help keep you on track in a number of ways, it’s also important to remember you’re only human. Go ahead and plan what you’re eating for the week, but also leave a little wiggle room in case you feel like spicing things up a bit on the day. Keeping easy meals, like Tilda Indian Black Dahl and a pack of our Basmati Rice, or other microwavable staples, like our Spicy Mexican Rice or Golden Vegetable Rice, as a base to build on means you’re always prepared to add a little more colour to your dishes. 

Cut back, not out

Unless you have strict dietary reasons for cutting things completely out of your diet, it’s often better to reduce rather than remove. Fewer difficult restrictions means you’re less likely to fall off the wagon or give up on your goals. Find a middle ground that works for you and experiment with flavour, colour and texture to find healthy alternatives that make you look forward to mealtimes.

The pressure’s (not) on

Following that thread, it’s important when making changes to not be too hard on yourself. January is hard enough without beating yourself up over food choices and calorie counting. Ultimately, if what you eat helps you stay healthy, happy and energised, you’re already on the right track. After all, cooking for ourselves and others, and enjoying the food we make, should be a joy. 

Fakeaways over takeaways

Reaching for the takeout menu? Save yourself time and money with some soon-to-be-favourite fakeaways. From Chinese food that’s ready to go in a flash – like our Special Fried Rice and Oriental Duck and Mushroom Stir Fry – to fresh Hawaiian Poke Bowls, and delicious Thai tastes, like our Thai Green Curry. If Mexican’s your bag, whip up soft, flavoursome Chicken Tacos in minutes. For Indian, how does Sweet Potato Dhal or just a simple Chicken Curry sound? With staples like Tilda Steamed Rice packets and Tilda Rice Pots, you’re already half-way towards a tasty meal. Add Tasty Sides into the mix and that’s dinner sorted.  

For more takeaway alternatives, here’s a few more to try.

Sleep like a log

Just like your diet, getting a good, restful night’s sleep is just as important to your health and wellbeing. Of course, you don’t always have control of sleep quality, but try and set yourself up as best you can. Ease into calmness with non-caffeinated teas, like camomile, and get to bed at a sensible hour.  

Veggies don’t have to be boring

Unlike what we might have thought as children, vegetables are actually delicious – but it depends on their freshness, and how they’re cooked, served, paired and flavoured. Whether you’re using zesty lemons to bring a little brightness into the mix, getting playful with your herbs and spices, or treating what may be treated as a side as the main attraction. 

Here’s what’s up for grabs: 

WEEKLY PRIZE:

– 9 x £500 Virgin Experience eGift voucher

61 DAILY PRIZES:

– 9x TEFAL Easy Fry Dual Zone EY905D40 Air Fryer & Grill

– 9x £50 Class Pass or £50 Hussle e-gift card

– 9x £41.99 Hello Fresh eGift card

– 9x £50 Supermarket eGift card

– 9x £47.99 Audible 6-month membership eGift card

– 16x Tilda bundles (made up of 1x lunch box, 1x tote bag, 2x napkins, 1x meal planner and an assortment of 5x Tilda steamed ready-to-heat rice pouches, tasty sides and/or rice pots products)

*Max 1 overall entry per person/per day. Max 3 daily prizes & max 1 weekly prize per person. Exclusions apply. Full T&Cs: www.tildawin.com