If for you the start of a new year means cut backs, boring diets and plain foods, think again. Essex Life showcases 5 healthy and hearty dishes from top local chefs that will keep you full and help your trim the fat too

1) Clementine & Pomegranate Jewel Cake

Recipe courtesy of ACanteen in Chelmsford. Visit them here.

2) Pan fried fillet of seabass with lentils and kale

Recipe courtesy of The Creek in Great Bentley.

Visit them here.

3) Fat free banana and walnut loaf with blueberry compote

Recipe courtesy of The Boathouse in Dedham. Visit them here.

4) Cobb salad

Recipe courtesy of Orsett Hall.

Visit them here.

5) Courgette ribbon pasta with pan fried sea bream

Recipe courtesy of West Street Vineyard in Coggeshall. Visit them here.

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