I had way too much fun writing this post on New Years healthy foods. All the symbolism reminded me of high school English class… which I actually enjoyed. (Yes, really. Where else can you write a 7-page research paper comparing Shakespeare to Star Wars?)
Below are seven healthy recipes that, thanks to their symbolically “lucky” qualities, would be perfect for New Years. (To see the recipes, just click on the photos.)
Why it’s a lucky New Years food: Apples are a symbol of fertility, pleasure, and love. They reveal a five-point star when cut across the middle, which represents a balanced life.
A lucky New Years food because: Greens symbolize money and prosperity in the new year. This grasshopper pie is melt-in-your-mouth rich, yet it has a secretly-healthy ingredient (no, not avocado) that offers vitamins and minerals at the same time.
Why it’s considered a New Year’s lucky food: Cornbread’s golden color represents… wait for it… gold! Adding extra corn kernels, to symbolize golden nuggets, heightens the luck of this recipe.
Why they’re New Years healthy foods: Lentils represent coins (and thus wealth and good luck in the new year). They also swell when cooked, which represents a prosperous life.
Why they’re a lucky New Years recipe: Long noodles symbolize a long life. And greens symbolize wealth and good fortune. Therefore these green noodles are doubly lucky.
Why they’re New Years healthy foods: As mentioned above, greens are representative of money and wealth. And kale’s status as a healthy superfood contributes to the luck (in a more tangible way for those who don’t believe in superstition).
A lucky New Years food because: Ring-shaped cakes symbolize unity, continuity, and coming full circle. Just like lentils, beans are seen to represent coins, bringing you good luck in the new year.
Question of the Day:
Are there any foods that are traditionally part of your New Years celebration each year?
For me, I guess there are only two constants on New Years: chocolate and champagne. Nothing comes up when I google “chocolate lucky on New Years”… but really now, when is chocolate ever not lucky?
Kira - HealthAble Old Soul says
Ginger Kale! You got my eye!
Colleen Grossner says
What a delicious post, Katie!!! Thank you for all that you do! I’m hoping you’ve hit the soccer fields!! I started again a few months ago, after about a 4 yr break, and I am LOVING it!! I bet you will too! Happy New Year!!
Emma says
Green pistachio truffles- green for the $$, chocolate for the =) =) bam.
And, chocolate was used as currency- time to bring back that trend!
Marie says
We always used to make mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked in the oven. I loved them! Blech… 😉
Samantha says
This year I kind of blew it, but normally I try and do something involving black eyed peas.
Becca says
As a high school English teacher, I share your love of symbolism. 🙂 I’m eyeing that kale recipe– I love your dessert recipes, but have yet to try the other ones!