Inspiration

Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions in LA (PART 2): Eating Healthier, Being Outdoors, Improving Mental Health

1.2.26

Happy new year! We’ve compiled local resources to help kickstart the top 7 new year's resolutions for 2026 (based on a recent Talker Research poll). Part 2 includes eating healthier, spending more time outdoors, and boosting your mental health. Check out Part 1 for saving money, improving financial wellness, exercising more, and improving physical health.

40% of people want to eat healthier

  • LA Community Resource Centers offer healthy cooking and juicing workshops. Although the centers are run by LA Care, most workshops are available to anyone - even those with different insurance providers - at no cost. 
    • Various locations
  • Not one for cooking? Get fresh, nutritious, from-scratch meals delivered to your door through Everytable, or pick up your order at one of their many local locations. To live their value of equity, meals are priced based on your neighborhood, but remain affordable even for more affluent areas - typically less than $7 per meal.
    • Various locations, mostly Central and South LA
  • Fans of Dry January or those who are just looking to cut down on alcohol may be looking for some NA options to keep the party going. Plenty of bars around LA serve NA cocktails, but to bring it home try an NA bottle shop like Burden of Proof.
    • South Pasadena
  • Calling all vegans and vegan-curious folks! From community events to LA’s first vegan food bank, Vegans of LA is an active pro-vegan meetup group. Join them for events like picnics and parties, or volunteer at the food bank to meet likeminded do-gooders.
    • Event locations vary; food bank is in University Park
  • If you’re looking for fresh, local produce to supplement your diet but farmers markets aren’t for you, try foraging! Join a group like Foraging and Mushroom Hunting Women of SoCal (most active on Facebook) to learn how to forage for fresh foods in a welcoming environment.
    • Various locations

29% of people want to spend more time outdoors

  • There’s never been a better time to support climate resilience while you enjoy the great outdoors! Tree People has been doing just that for 50+ years - hosting events and group hikes, sharing educational resources, and organizing volunteers. Check them out at their monthly moonlight hike ($20).
    • Beverly Hills
  • Work on that green thumb this year at a community garden. Become a member to secure your own plot, or volunteer around the garden to learn more about it. With 44 community gardens throughout LA County, supported by LA Community Garden Council, you're bound to find one near you.
    • Various locations
  • Up your little mental health walks with a fun, social group walk. Check out Hot Girl Walk, a monthly all-levels walking club with more than 4k members. Join the Facebook group for details about upcoming walks.
    • Various locations
  • Ever wish you didn’t have to spend so much time in your car? Maybe you don’t! For commuting, errands, or just for fun, check out LA’s Ride Metro Bike Share, an inexpensive bikeshare system that lets you borrow a bike or e-bike for short-term rides.
    • DTLA, Central LA, Hollywood, North Hollywood, Westwood and the Westside

29% of people want to boost their mental health

  • Helping others has been shown to improve mental health. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, check out Big Sunday, a nonprofit that aims to connect people to communities through volunteering. Of the hundreds of local events on their calendar, there's sure to be one for you!
    • Various locations
  • Local Instagram personality Adam Goes Ham runs a gratitude group that meets regularly for donation-based sound baths, group journaling, nature walks, game nights, and more. Get into a good headspace while meeting likeminded friends.
    • Usually Elysian Park
  • Meditation has a whole host of benefits from reducing stress and chronic pain to improving sleep and self-awareness. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, check out InsightLA, a nonprofit meditation center serving the greater LA area with donation-based workshops and group meditations.
    • Mostly Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
  • Joining an affinity group or community can provide real mental health benefits. Find a support group for any topic from depression to postpartum, or connect with a community through a faith or non-faith community like Atheists United.
    • Various locations
  • Kickstart your creativity with a new hobby. There are a million ways to do this in LA, like the beginner-friendly workshops and classes at Nova Community Arts. If you’re worried about cost, Nova also offers scholarships for discounted prices.
    • Atwater

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