Mindful eating, the Italian way!

After the sweet excesses of the holidays, we like to take the month of January to reset and get back in touch with a more mindful way of eating. It’s something Giada has done for years, and never fails to start the new year off on a positive note. This time of year can bring lots of talk of restrictive diets and a focus on what you can’t eat—that’s not for us. Instead, we’re taking this moment to reconnect with our appetites with a set of simple, good-for-you recipes that follow the traditional Italian way of eating: lots of variety, with a focus on fresh, whole ingredients.

 
This month, we’re making the most of good, simple foods, with plenty of seasonal veggies, grains, and easy-to-prepare proteins. And yes, there’s still room for pasta! No self-respecting Italian would ever cut it out entirely. Basically, if it’s something Giada’s nonna would have eaten, it’s on our list. Bookmark this page to come back to it as you plan your meals for the month, or stop by whenever you want a little healthy inspiration.

 
These recipes will take you through the day the Italian way, and leave you feeling happier, healthier, and more in touch with yourself, too.

 

BREAKFAST: Wake Up Right

A good day starts with a good breakfast, and while the typical Italian favorite of cappuccino and a pastry is delicious, it doesn’t do much for your blood sugar. These satisfying recipes are high in protein with lots of healthy whole grains to fill you up and give you long-lasting energy to get through the day.

LUNCH: Waste-free Lunches

Wasting food is a cardinal sin in any Italian household—and when the dinners are this delicious, having leftovers for lunch is never a chore. Giada’s mom and nonna always repurposed leftovers into creative lunches, turning cold spaghetti into pasta pizza, roasted veggies into hearty grain salads, and cooked chicken into warming soups in a snap.

DINNER: Versatile Dinners

Family dinners that are healthy, filling, and crowd-pleasing? They’re all right here! This collection of hearty meals has something for every palate, from seafood-focused to plant-based to satisfying meat dishes.

SIDES: Super Sides

Bright salads, flavorful veggies, and satisfying small plates are perfect to round out any meal. Mix-and-match a few for a colorful vegetarian dinner. Or, for a quick-and-easy weeknight meal, pair a simple protein like Giada’s lemon and oregano pounded chicken or Tuscan pork chops with one of these appealing side dishes.

SAUCES: Choose-your-own Flavor Boost

Got a go-to meal you already have down to a science? Stocked up on a sale at the grocery store? These versatile sauces can top readymade salads, spice up a simple protein, or give a new twist to a favorite recipe. Just whip up a batch and keep in the fridge for whenever you need it.

SWEETS: Dreamy Dolci

We told you there was room for everything in this plan! It’s just not realistic—or enjoyable—to go a whole month without sweets. These recipes are whole food-based, with just enough sweetness to satisfy without sending you into sugar overload.