After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, January is a much-needed time to reset and reflect. Whether unwinding at home or back to the rhythm of work, nourishing yourself with wholesome, comforting meals is an important part of the reset process. In this article, we share with you a cozy “What I Eat in a Day” kind of food diary, featuring very simple, yet satisfying recipes for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. These meals are planned to be both nourishing and easy to make for those days when one desires comfort food with minimal effort.
Breakfast: Coffee-Infused Overnight Oats
Mornings don’t have to be rushed, especially when you can prepare breakfast the night before. Overnight oats are a lifesaver for busy mornings, offering a nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast. This recipe features a coffee twist, making it the perfect energizing start to your day.
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Chia seeds
- Almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- Coffee (strong brewed or instant)
- Maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Toppings: Fresh fruits, nuts, seeds
Instructions:
- In a jar or container, mix together rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, and coffee. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for 1-2 hours if you’re short on time).
- In the morning, stir again and top with your favorite fruits, such as berries or banana slices, and a sprinkle of nuts or granola.
Not only is this meal incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also a great way to fuel your day with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. The coffee infusion adds a pleasant kick, perfect for waking up after a restful sleep.
Lunch: Elevated Vegan Fish Finger Sandwiches
For lunch, we’re taking a classic comfort food—fish finger sandwiches—and giving it a Mediterranean-inspired upgrade. This vegan version features crispy plant-based fish fingers, paired with a garlic aioli, and a tangy olive salsa, and served on soft, fluffy bread. It’s a perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- Vegan fish fingers (such as Green Cuisine’s Bird’s Eye vegan fish fingers)
- Soft sandwich bread or focaccia (for an upgraded sandwich)
- Garlic aioli
- Olive salsa (a mix of olives, capers, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil)
- Rocket or arugula
- Red pickled onions (for an extra tang)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and cook the vegan fish fingers according to the package instructions (usually about 12-15 minutes).
- While the fish fingers are cooking, prepare the olive salsa by chopping olives, capers, and fresh parsley. Mix with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toast the bread or focaccia slices lightly in the oven.
- Once the fish fingers are done, assemble your sandwich by spreading garlic aioli on the bread, adding a layer of rocket, placing the fish fingers, and spooning the olive salsa on top.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a few red pickled onions.
This meal takes only a few minutes to prepare and is perfect for those who want a comforting yet slightly elevated take on a classic sandwich. The olive salsa offers a Mediterranean flair, while the garlic aioli and pickled onions provide the right amount of creaminess and acidity.
Snack: Quick and Healthy Smoothie Bowl
When you need an afternoon snack that’s both nourishing and delicious, a smoothie bowl is the perfect option. This blueberry smoothie bowl is packed with antioxidants and vitamins from frozen blueberries, bananas, and avocado. It’s creamy, refreshing, and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- Frozen blueberries
- Frozen banana (peeled before freezing)
- Avocado (for creaminess)
- Soy milk (or any milk of choice)
- Maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Toppings: Granola, toasted coconut flakes, chia seeds, peanut butter
Instructions:
- Blend together frozen blueberries, frozen banana, avocado, soy milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings, such as granola, toasted coconut flakes, chia seeds, and a dollop of peanut butter.
This smoothie bowl is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making it the perfect snack to keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, it’s quick to make and can be easily customized with any fruits or nuts you have on hand.
Dinner: Warming Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry
After a busy day, there’s nothing better than a one-pot, hearty curry to warm you up. This peanut butter chickpea curry is inspired by West African peanut stews but with an Indian twist. It combines creamy peanut butter, spices, and chickpeas to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas (canned or dried)
- Coconut milk
- Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala
- Vegetable broth
- Fresh spinach (optional)
- Rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala) and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, coconut milk, peanut butter, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the chickpeas and let the curry cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in fresh spinach just before serving, if desired, and cook until wilted.
- Serve the curry with a side of rice.
This curry is not only filling but also incredibly satisfying with its rich, peanut-based sauce. The peanut butter adds a natural sweetness that balances out the spices and acidity from the tomatoes, creating a comforting and nourishing dinner.
Reflecting on the Year: Intentions and Goals for 2025
As we transition from the holiday season into the new year, it’s the perfect time for reflection. While many people make New Year’s resolutions, this year, we’re focusing on setting intentions for a more balanced and intentional lifestyle. Some of our goals include practicing gentle exercise (like aiming for 10,000 steps a day), reducing mindless scrolling, and dedicating more time to hobbies, such as reading and knitting.
Instead of chasing a “glow-up” or perfect version of ourselves, we’re embracing the idea of slow living, where small, steady improvements are just as valuable. We’re looking forward to spending more time with friends, exploring new hobbies, and finding space for creativity and relaxation. Ultimately, we want to enjoy life in a way that feels authentic and joyful, without the pressure of constant self-improvement.
After the whirlwind of the holiday season, the start of the new year is a great time to focus on simplicity and comfort. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a hearty dinner, these meals are designed to nourish both your body and soul. From overnight oats to a rich peanut butter curry, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking for easy-to-make, wholesome meals that don’t require a lot of time or energy.
As we embrace the January reset, we’re also focusing on small, achievable intentions that help us live more intentionally and feel more grounded. We hope this “What I Eat in a Day” gives you some inspiration for your own meals and sets the tone for a cozy and fulfilling year ahead.