If there’s a better time to try new things than at the start of a new year, we sure can’t think of it! New Year’s is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. As the New Year rolls in, people love to make resolutions! While many resolutions revolve around cutting certain foods out, Every Kid Can Cook is challenging you to add in new foods instead. Read on to find out how you can participate in the New Year-New Food Challenge!

What You’ll Need

•         Cookbooks and/or cooking websites (like a recipe blog)
•         Your imagination and an open mind
•         A notebook or calendar
•         Pen, marker, pencil, or other writing tool

How the Challenge Works

1. Congratulate Yourself! You have already completed the first step of the Every Kid Can Cook New Year-New Food Challenge by reading this far. Keep it up!

2. The Rules. Try any new foods that you want, but avoid processed and packaged foods. Aim for fresh foods that are packed with nutrients, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, or protein. Try to limit new foods that are high in sugar.

Decide how often you’ll try a new food. For some of you, your goal may be one new food a week. For others, your goal might be monthly. Remember, set a goal that will work for you. Everyone is different!

3. Brainstorm. Browse through different food related websites (like this one!), cookbooks, grocery circulars, magazines, and any other resource you think might provide you with ideas of new and healthy foods to try. The challenge involves trying single ingredients as well as meals that use a combination of many foods. For example, someone who’s never had a tomato before might make it a goal to try the tomato by itself, but also on a sandwich!

4. Make a List. Now that you’re feeling inspired, put pen to paper and make a list of the foods you want to try this year. Make it official by marking on a calendar when you want to try specific foods. This is a great way to stay accountable with your goal.

5. Take Notes. As you try new foods, make notes about what you like and what you don’t like. With so many new foods, some will be hits and some will be misses. The important thing is that you’re giving so many healthy new foods a try!

6. Cheer On Other Participants. Be sure to post to the Every Kid Can Cook Facebook page, encouraging other kids out there to try new healthy foods. You can also check in and let people know how you’re doing with the challenge.

Ready to get started? We’re excited for you to join us!