Not into the overpriced cocktails or the hangover that comes with it this New Year’s Eve? While drinking and eating in excess is a popular part of celebrating New Year’s Eve, this year, let’s talk about healthy—but fun—ways to ring in the new year.
1. Try New Recipes
If cooking is the way you want to spend your New Years—whether you are hosting a party or just want to snuggle up with your significant other—healthy alternatives to traditional holiday favorites are a necessity. So grab a few of your closest friends, or make it a romantic date evening and try these delicious and unique recipes. Best Health Magazine, a health and wellness website, gives a healthy spin on your average dip for a yummy appetizer. They suggest a spicy apple, date, and cheese dip that is perfect for dipping fruits and vegetables. For the main course, grab one of winter’s favorite vegetables—the spaghetti squash—and try out a recipe found on All Recipes that includes it. With pine nuts, sage, and Romano cheese this is perfect main dish for vegetarians or side to a chicken dinner. Finally, it’s time for dessert! Try making cinnamon pear frozen yogurt, this recipe, found on All Recipes, is the perfect winter dessert to finish your meal. When it gets closer to midnight, whip up some of Bobby Flay’s easy homemade, fruity champagne to toast as the ball drops. Put on some music and aprons, and enjoy making memories as you cook your way through the New Year.
2. Themed Workouts & Trips
If you would rather get out and have an adventure-filled night, let’s find some exciting, healthy alternatives to drinking at an overcrowded bar. For some light exercise with friends, check out Time’s Up New Year’s Eve Bike Ride. This free event will take you from Washington Square Park and bring you to Belvedere Castle in Central Park where a dance party will be held. There will be dancing, noise making, and, best of all, fireworks! Don’t live in New York City? Don’t worry! Make your own adventure and bike ride to your favorite location to enjoy some hot chocolate or coffee and countdown to midnight in a romantic setting. Last year, my boyfriend took me to the Shawangunk Mountains in Ulster County and we rang in the New Year at the overlook sipping on hot chocolate under the stars. Very romantic! Do some research and find a place like this in your area—it’s a plus if you can bring a telescope!
Some other ideas to ring in the new year without going out and partying are having breakfast at midnight, check out local amusement parks for any fun activities, enjoy small town life and see if any special events are taking place, host a game night, or volunteer for local organizations to make someone else’s New Year’s Eve a little brighter. No matter what you feel like doing this New Year’s Eve there is always something more memorable, and healthier, to do than drinking the night away.
SEE ALSO Fun & Healthy Holiday Activities
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