If you’ve already given up on your New Year’s Resolutions, you’re not alone. According to research by John C. Norcross from the University of Scranton, a quarter of those who make resolutions abandon them after a week, while only 19% of resolution-makers stick to their goals for two years. Recognising the pitfalls that often accompany ambitious resolutions, coconut oil brand, Nuts About Cooking, asked Holistic Transformational Coach, Claudia van Schalkwyk, how we can stick to the wellness goals that were set at the beginning of the year.

“I always tell my clients that in order to make a long-lasting impact on their well-being, they should go slowly and steadily,” says Claudia. “The problem is that we didn’t set our habits overnight, so why do we expect change to happen immediately? We need to have more patience with ourselves.”

Claudia is a long-time Nuts About Cooking collaborator who has curated the brand’s 21 Thrive and Revive programme – a great starting point for those seeking a positive change.

The programme was created to inspire participants to make mindful choices, while providing practical resources, such as workout routines, meal plans and recipes – some of which feature coconut oil and showcase its versatility.

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Why We’re Nuts About Cooking

Coconut oil has become a staple for many in the wellness and fitness community; this plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredient is rich in good-for-you triglycerides.

Made from Mozambique-grown coconuts, Nuts About Cooking offers wellness enthusiasts a healthy cooking alternative. With a neutral taste and high smoke point, this refined coconut oil is ideal for frying, sautéing, baking, and more. Nuts About Cooking’s range of coconut oil and non-stick spray has incredible health benefits and is completely free of additives.

For those looking to reset and refocus on their well-being, Claudia and Nuts About Cooking’s 21 Thrive and Revive programme is a free resource that will help participants make mindful choices in the kitchen. To start the program, click here.

With a neutral taste and high smoke point, this refined coconut oil is ideal for frying, sautéing, baking, and more.

For a taste of the recipes included in the three-week meal plan, try these tasty dishes…

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Red Lentil Dip

Protein-packed and loaded with healthy fats, this delish dip is ideal as a quick midday snack. Enjoy with crudité veggies or serve as a healthy snack at social gatherings.

Ingredients

1 C (250 ml) cooked red lentils
1 Tbsp (15 ml) Nuts About Cooking Coconut Oil
¼ onion, chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 Tbsp (15 ml) tahini
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
juice of ¼ lemon
salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

baby carrots, snacking cucumbers, celery sticks.

Method

Place a pan on medium heat; add the coconut oil and onion, then fry for five minutes.

Add the garlic and cumin and fry for another two minutes.

Remove from the heat and place all the ingredients into a blender; season and blitz until smooth. If more acidity is required, add a squeeze or two of lemon juice until satisfied.

Add a splash of water, if necessary, to loosen.

Scoop the dip into a bowl and serve alongside fresh veggies.

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Green Quinoa Salad

A vibrant, flavourful and nutrient-filled salad that tastes fantastic as is, or served alongside grilled hake or chicken.

Ingredients

2 C (500 ml) cooked quinoa
2 C (500 ml) fresh coriander, rinsed
1 C (250 ml) mint leaves, rinsed
1 C (250 ml) fresh parsley, rinsed
juice of ½ lemon
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 Tbsp (15 ml) tahini
2 Tbsp (30 ml) Nuts About Cooking Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp (30 ml) water
salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

grilled fish or chicken

Method

Place all the ingredients (except the quinoa) in a blender and blitz until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Pour the mixture over the quinoa and fold through, until properly incorporated. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy alongside your protein of choice.

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Nuts About Cooking? Visit the website and social media links below to explore the full range of coconut oil products, and get more info about the 21 Thrive and Revive programme. 

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