January always feels different.
After weeks of lechon, pasta, desserts, and paulit-ulit na handaan, our bodies naturally look for a reset. Not a crash diet, not a “no rice ever again” promise—but simpler, cleaner, mas magaan na ulam that still feels comforting.
This year, my goal for January 2026 is simple:
👉 Eat better, not punish myself.
👉 Cook food the family will actually eat.
If you’re a mom like me, you know that “healthy” has to be realistic—or else walang kakain. So here are healthy ulam ideas perfect for a pang-bagong taon reset, Filipino-style.
What “Healthy” Means in Our Kitchen
For us, healthy ulam means:
- More vegetables and fiber
- Leaner protein choices
- Less frying, more sautéing, steaming, or baking
- Still masarap. Always.
Hindi ito diet food. Ito yung mga ulam na pwede mong ulit-ulitin kahit weekday.
Healthy Ulam Ideas to Start January Right
1. Chicken Tinola (Less Oil, More Veggies)
A January classic for a reason.
Light, comforting, and hydrating—perfect after holiday food overload.
Healthy tweak:
Use chicken breast or skinless parts, add more papaya or sayote, and go easy on oil.
2. Ginisang Pechay with Tofu or Lean Ground Pork
Fast, budget-friendly, and packed with greens.
Why it works:
High fiber, high protein, and done in under 20 minutes—pang-weeknight talaga.
3. Grilled or Baked Bangus with Ensaladang Kamatis
Fish is always a good January choice—light but filling.
Pair it with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a little calamansi for a clean, refreshing meal.
4. Chicken or Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Perfect if you want to lessen rice without totally removing it.
Seasoned chicken or tuna, wrapped in crisp lettuce—surprisingly satisfying and very January-reset friendly.
Check out my Tuna Apple Salad Lettuce Wrap recipe here
5. Monggo Guisado with Malunggay
Comfort food that also feels nourishing.
Add malunggay or spinach and use less pork—still hearty, still masarap.
6. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
This is one of those ulam that makes you feel lighter after eating—but busog pa rin.
7. Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Chicken or Shrimp
Clean out the fridge and throw everything into one pan.
Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, cabbage—simple seasoning lang, solved na.
8. Sinigang na Isda or Sinigang na Hipon
Sour, comforting, and veggie-loaded.
January weather + sinigang = perfect combo.
Tips for a Sustainable January Reset
✔ Don’t remove rice completely—control the portion
✔ Add at least one vegetable per meal
✔ Rotate chicken, fish, tofu, and eggs
✔ Keep cooking simple—less stress, more consistency
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is feeling better day by day.
Reset, Not Restrict
January 2026 is not about making up for everything we ate in December. It’s about resetting gently, choosing food that makes us feel good, and building habits we can actually keep.
These healthy ulam ideas are meals I cook for my own family—walang arte, walang guilt, just good food that fits real life.
If you’re easing back into cooking after the holidays, start here. One meal at a time 💛
