Well, the new year is here, and somehow, we’re already halfway through January! The grey skies, the lack of sunlight, and the return to routines after the sparkle of the holidays—it can all feel a bit much, can’t it? But I’m trying to see it as a chance for fresh starts, little changes, and moments that can brighten these shorter days.
Right now, I’m in Sri Lanka, and one of the highlights of being here is visiting the fruit and veg markets. It’s not just about picking up ingredients; it’s an experience. The vibrant colours, the chatter of the sellers, and the feeling of being connected to the food you’re about to cook—it’s pure joy. Back in the UK, I know it’s not quite the same. The weekly supermarket shop doesn’t have that magic. But even there, I think we can bring a bit of that connection back. Choosing seasonal veg or trying something new and exotic can make the process feel less like a chore and more like a moment of curiosity. I won’t use the “M” word (mindfulness!) because, as Billy Mack says in Love Actually, it’s “all around us.” Let’s just call it thinking about our food.
Life gets busy though, doesn’t it? We all know how real, home-cooked meals bring people together and nourish more than just our bodies. But it’s so easy to fall into the habit of grabbing quick, processed options that don’t really do us any favours. This month, I’ve been focusing on adding more plants to my plate. It’s simple, really—Dr. Neal Barnard’s research on how our diet impacts physical and mental wellbeing really struck a chord with me. What we eat can have such a profound effect on our energy, our mood, and our overall health. And honestly, January feels like the perfect time to give ourselves that little boost with vibrant, nourishing meals.
Veganuary is such a great excuse to try something new, isn’t it? For me, food has always been a way to connect with my heritage and explore flavours that feel like home. Our spice kits make it so easy to do the same—experiment with plant-based cooking, dive into new cuisines, and discover how delicious vegetarian food can really be. It’s not about giving up everything you love or following strict rules; it’s about adding meals that are colourful, flavourful, and packed with goodness.
So why not make this month about adding more colour and flavour to your plate? A warm, spiced lentil curry with greens, a fiery pineapple curry, or a comforting sweet potato curry—it’s all a way to bring a little brightness back into your days. Even just trying something new at Wing Yip (seriously, I could spend hours there!) or picking up more seasonal veg can make a difference.
Here’s to starting the year with hope, colour, and kindness to ourselves. Let’s bring some goodness back to the table and see where it takes us. Trust me—with the right spices, you won’t even miss the processed stuff. Give it a go—you might just surprise yourself.
Aliza xx
