The New Year Glow Bowl

There’s something sacred about the first meal of the year.

No pressure.
No perfect plates.
Just something warm, real, and intentional.

This year, I started with a bowl that quietly reminded me what enough feels like — simple, colorful, nourishing. Not a clean slate, but a warm one. The kind that says, you’re fed, you’re safe, and this year doesn’t need fixing.

This week’s Win:

A Cozy Glow Bowl for the First Meal of the Year

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (any color — no quinoa shame here)

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled + cubed

• 2–3 cups greens (kale, spinach, or chard all welcome)

• 1–2 Tbsp olive oil

• Sea salt + black pepper, to taste

Optional protein add-ons:

• 1 soft-boiled egg

• or ½–1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Tahini-Lemon Drizzle

• 2 Tbsp tahini

• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove, grated (optional)

• Warm water to thin

• Pinch of salt

Progress > perfection — eyeballing is encouraged.

Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until golden and tender.

2️⃣ Cook the Quinoa

While the potatoes roast, warm your cooked quinoa.
Leftover quinoa? Even better — future you planned ahead.

3️⃣ Sauté the Greens

Heat a pan with a drizzle of olive oil.
Add greens and cook just until wilted and glossy.
Season lightly — we’re going for comfort, not drama.

4️⃣ Make the Drizzle

Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic (if using), salt, and warm water until smooth and pourable.
It should look creamy and optimistic.

5️⃣ Assemble the Bowl

Layer quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and greens.
Add egg or chickpeas if you want.
Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.

Sit down before you eat.
That’s part of the recipe.

🥄 The Story Behind the Swap

There’s something sacred about the first meal of the year.

No pressure.
No perfect plates.
Just something warm, real, and intentional.

This bowl wasn’t about fixing anything.
It was about reminding myself what enough feels like — balance, color, nourishment, and comfort in the same bite.

Sometimes the best reset isn’t a plan.
It’s a bowl.

Flora Flash:

💡 Myth: January meals have to be light, boring, or restrictive.
Truth: Real nourishment starts with warmth, balance, and food that actually satisfies. 🍲✨

💡 Myth: Healthy bowls are just salads in disguise.
Truth: Quinoa, sweet potatoes, and tahini bring comfort and staying power. 🥔🥣

💡 Myth: Fats should be “cut back” in the new year.
Truth: Tahini adds richness and helps meals feel complete — which usually means fewer snack attacks later. 😉

💡 Myth: Ancient foods are outdated.
Truth: Sesame seeds have been nourishing people for thousands of years for a reason. 🌱

Got your own comfort-food swap? Come share it in the Crew on Facebook — we’re all comparing crispy wins.

Disclaimer:
This story shares my personal experience. It’s not medical advice — always do what works best for you.

Author Bio:
Kathy is the voice behind Unprocessed Living — a mom, home cook, and recovering perfectionist who believes progress tastes better than perfection. When she’s not testing swaps, she’s cheering for yours.