I found a delicious crunchy salty snack that has a reasonable amount of fat and a lot of protein and fibre. Yes, I’m talking about dry roasted edamame.
I successfully lost around 65 pounds this year. I’d like to get at least another 65 pounds off in 2012, if not make it to my goal weight. That means I have to make some more changes, like going cold turkey on Slurpees. Yes, my loves, my last Slurpee will be today. It also means I need to find some healthier things to snack on. The dry roasted edamame was an experiment, and I’m pleased to say I like it. It’s not as cheap as, say, a bag of chips, but the nutritional benefits far outweigh the chips, as does the lack of greasiness.
I also bought some kale, and tonight I’m going to experiment with making kale chips. The recipe I’m following is pretty straightforward–toss the kale in a bit of olive oil; sprinkle with sea salt; put in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until they’re nice and crispy.
I’ve also decided to go back to being vegetarian. I picked up some great vegetarian & vegan cookbooks at Half Price, and one of my goals for January is to prepare one recipe a week from either the vegan slow cooker cookbook or the vegetarian slow cooker cookbook.
For 2012, instead of setting a bunch of resolutions at the beginning of the year, only to fail abysmally within two weeks, I have decided to set monthly goals. I figure I can do anything for 31 days. If some of them end up being permanent changes, well, awesome. But if I choose, after 31 days, to focus on other things, well, that’s awesome, too.
I’m spending the last day of 2011 having lunch with Liz and the Monster. Then Liz and I are going to go see The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. And I’m going to Barnes & Noble to spend at least some of the gift card Joe got me for Christmas. And I will probably go to World Market with Liz. Then I’ll either watch Doctor Who with Joe, or else I’ll read.
2011 was a really rough year for me in more ways than I feel free to express on this blog. The things I have written about–losing two dogs and the house fire–are enough to deal with in one year. The other things have sort of pushed it over the edge.
I am declaring 2012 my year. It is going to be a fantastic year!! I know–I have Faith (I am Faith). Wishing you all a very safe and very happy New Year!
