What to Eat (and Drink!) to Kick Off the New Year with Fresh, Local Flavors

There's no better way to kick off the new year than with summers fresh, delicious produce!

In keeping with the obligatory “new year, new you” theme, try subbing out highly processed foods with locally grown goodies for a healthy start to 2026.

For example, pause on munching those potato chips loaded with artificial flavours, colourants and preservatives, packaged neatly in soft plastic and foil.

Instead, replace them with equally crunchy (and far more environmentally friendly) carrots, cucumber, fennel bulb or radishes dipped in hummus or dipping sauce.

Say no to sugar-laden lollies pumped, once again, full of artificial flavours and colours and preservatives.

Rather, elect fruits and berries - they're still sweet and delicious, as well as nutritionally satisfying. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries - they have the perfect bite-sized proportions of any confectionary treat, but with the added bonus of being great for your health!

Stone fruit are also in season and another fantastic option for appeasing the sweet-tooth.

After the festivities of Christmas and New Year, it can be nice to take a break from alcohol consumption… yet it might feel rude to not sit down on such lovely evenings and enjoy a beverage of some description.

Rather than another beer or wine, try imbibing a kombucha, a non-alcoholic ginger beer, or make your own cordial using seasonal fruits and flowers to create your own homemade refreshing drink.

Starting the new year in a healthy way doesn't mean eliminating food groups - it's all about changing our habits and finding healthier alternatives.