Start Your Year Right: Traditional Lucky Foods with a Healthy Twist
At CMC Primary Care, we’re committed to helping our patients build lasting healthy habits. Our medical team emphasizes that making healthier food choices is crucial for preventing chronic diseases and maintaining overall wellness. Here’s our expert guidance on starting your year with better nutrition.
Why Make Healthier Choices in 2025?
Our physicians at CMC Primary Care frequently observe how diet impacts overall health. Poor nutrition contributes to many conditions we treat, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Our experience shows that small, consistent dietary changes lead to significant health improvements.
CMC Primary Care’s Top Tips for Healthier Eating
Based on our clinical experience, we recommend:
- Plan meals ahead to avoid impulsive food choices
- Fill half your plate with vegetables
- Choose whole grains over refined grains
- Control portions using smaller plates
- Stay hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks
Health Benefits Our Patients Experience
Our patients who maintain healthy eating habits report:
- Improved energy levels and mental clarity
- Better weight management
- Stronger immune system
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Better sleep quality
- Improved mood and mental health
- Enhanced digestive health
- Stronger bones and muscles
CMC PCP-Approved Lucky New Year’s Recipes
Black-Eyed Pea Power Bowl
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes Servings: 4
Black-eyed peas symbolize coins and prosperity in Southern tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, cubed and roasted
Dressing
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Your favorite seasonings. We like red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions:
Layer rice, peas, kale, and sweet potato. Drizzle with dressing. Rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins A and K.
Leafy Green Prosperity Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 6
Greens represent paper money and financial success.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic
- White beans for protein
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Sauté vegetables, add broth, lemon juice, seasonings, and greens, and simmer 20 minutes. Add beans last 5 minutes.
Citrus Pomegranate Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4
Round fruits symbolize completeness and abundance.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, sectioned
- 1 grapefruit, sectioned
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Mixed greens
- Walnuts or shaved almonds (optional)
Dressing
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Olive Oil
- Splash of white wine vinegar
Directions
Arrange fruits over greens, top with pomegranate seeds and dressing.
Golden Orange-Date Energy Balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Servings: 24 balls
Round shapes symbolize coins and completeness, while golden colors represent prosperity.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup raw almonds
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- Pinch of sea salt
- Extra coconut for rolling
Instructions:
Process almonds until finely ground. Add remaining ingredients except extra coconut. Roll into balls, coat in coconut. Chill. Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
Achieve your Weight Loss Goals with CMC
Eating nutritious meals is only one aspect of living healthier and maintaining your weight. If you live in Myrtle Beach or Florence and are struggling with shedding pounds and navigating health issues associated with obesity, then CMC Primary Care and our friends at CMC Weight Loss may be the ticket to helping you achieve your goals.
Ready to improve your overall health? Schedule an appointment with CMC Primary Care today. Our team is here to support you on your journey to better nutrition and wellness. CMC Primary Care has convenient locations all across Conway, Myrtle Beach and beyond. Find a location near you and start your journey toward better nutrition and health.
We have offices in the following locations:
