Recipes for a
Healthier 2026

The holidays are over, and January is here for a post-season refresh. This month is the perfect time to set new wellness goals while introducing quick and easy meals that boost protein and keep calories low. It’s all about implementing sustainable changes in the kitchen to make 2026 your healthiest and tastiest year yet. 

Make achieving your wellness goals a pleasurable experience with a curated lineup of dietitian-approved recipes. Health eCooks’ recipes are approved by chefs in the company’s Washington Crossing–based test kitchen. These meals maximize flavor while keeping calories low and protein high, which is the perfect combination for starting fresh after the holidays. From a fruity oatmeal bake to a protein-packed dinner, here are some ideas to help set you up for success in 2026.

Bake-and-Go Blueberry Power

High-protein Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Casserole is a meal-prep dream for breakfast. It’s assembled in minutes and bakes while you get ready, yielding multiple servings that provide slow-release energy to keep you full until lunch.

✱ Tip: Save time in the morning by prepping it the night before, then just bake in the morning. For extra protein, use fat-free or low-fat milk.

The Ultimate Kale Crunch

Ditch the bland desk salad. Chicken Kale Crunch Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed lunch featuring lean chicken breast, crunchy kale, and a flavorful homemade dressing. It stays fresh for days, making it easy to stay on track throughout the week.

✱ Tip: If you’re short on time, use precooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for instant protein. Not a fan of kale? Swap it out for more tender dark, leafy greens such as baby spinach or arugula.

Mediterranean Magic

Ready in just over an hour with a minimal amount of cleanup required, Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken is the definition of easy cooking. Tender chicken and colorful vegetables, including bell peppers and zucchini, are tossed in a savory blend of herbs and lemon and then roasted together in one pan.

✱ Tip: Need to get dinner on the table fast during the week? Chop all your vegetables the weekend before and store them in the fridge. For extra protein, fiber, and texture, serve with a handful of Crispy Chickpeas (for this and other easy, nutrient-packed meals, visit www.healthecooks.com).

Pictured: Chicken Kale Crunch Salad. For this and other easy recipes, visit www.healthecooks.com.

Adam Fisher is the food and digital content editor of Health eCooks.