New Year Resolutions

Happy 2015!!

How did you ring in the new year? Did you make any new year resolutions?

We had our typical subdued celebration... It's just the four of us in our pajamas, feasting on seafood and being goofy (silly string fight in the garage!). This year, my kids (ages 8 and 10) asked if they could stay up until midnight. Sure, why not? We have a few more days before we need to get our schedules back in order when school starts. One night up late won't kill us!

As the ball was dropping in New York, my 10 year old asked what resolutions we want to make for 2015. Of course, they don't quite grasp the concept of what a resolution is. And, I know this because they both talked about resolving to get more Skylanders and games for their new handheld gaming systems! Oh boy...

But, when asked what I was going to do for a resolution, I told him one thing: I will eat spicy food! Seriously? Yup... Eat spicy food. That's what I want to do in 2015.

OK, you're probably wondering what in the world spicy food has to do with my transformation or long-term goals. Am I right?

Let's flash back to 1998 (wow, that was a LONG time ago!) when I first met my husband. When we were dating, we'd go out for wings and we'd feast on buffalo wings. I was in my mid-20's and was at a close-to-ideal weight. No health issues (that were known) and I could handle those wings no sweat. Literally. (Ha!)

But, as time progressed, my tolerance of those spicy delights reduced while my waist line (and hips, and thighs, etc.) increased. I put on a TON  of weight in the next decade - lost some, gained even more back. I had heartburn constantly and was diagnosed with acid reflux. Had a doctor prescribe various acid reducers. Had a ton of heartburn issues with both of my pregnancies, too.

Have you figured out why spicy foods yet? Well, since I have eliminated inflammatory foods such as sugar, grains, dairy (for the most part), and anything processed, I no longer have heartburn issues. It's coming up on two years since I made the leap to Paleo and I feel great!

Why not add some spice?

There are definitely some health benefits to eating spicy foods.

Read: Spicy food is good for you!

Spicy food gets its heat from CAPSAICIN. Studies have shown that eating a hot, spicy dish can burn extra calories by temporarily boosting metabolism by as much as eight percent. Studies also have shown that people eat less when eating spicier dishes. While I don't practice calorie counting as a method to lose weight, I do know that calories do matter in many aspects.

Capsaicin can also benefit your heart health - improve function, help with blood flow and even reduce cholesterol. It increases nitric oxide in the blood stream, which can help protect your body against inflammation and reduce blood pressure. While I don't have an issue with blood pressure (normal for me is about 68/110), I like the inflammation benefits.

Read more about the benefits in these two great articles:

• http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/09/16/4-health-benefits-spicy-foods/


• http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/27/why-eat-spicy-food.aspx

Another Year Closer to Goals

Back to resolutions ... Every year, I make a list of what I'd like to accomplish in the coming 365 days ahead. (like HERE & HERE) I like them to be fairly concrete. Must be the project manager in me because I love checking things off of my lists!!

So, here's my list:

1. Complete a (minimum) 100 Day Sugar Detox ... YES: 100 DAYS!!
   
   
   
   • Starting on Monday, January 5, 2015, I will begin a 21 Day Sugar Detox - only it will last until April 15th.
   
   
   • I may switch between the rules of 21DSD and Whole30 but the point of this is to be strict Paleo: no dairy, no gluten-free grains, no alcohol (oh lordy!), no added sugar...
   
   
   
   


2.  Running
   
   
   
   • I've been quite literally chasing this goal and this year it will happen. I want see more progress in this area for me and complete a 5K where I've have not walked in it.
   
   
   • I want to run (read: jog) a complete 5K in 2015
   
   
   • I want to get my kids into running with me. Make this a family goal!!
   
   
   
   


3. Weight Loss
   
   
   
   • I will surpass the 100 pound mark this year! I will celebrate wildly!!
     Note: I am not saying I will achieve my final "goal weight" in 2015. I'm not sure it will happen nor am I going to put that kind of pressure on me.
   
   
   
   


4. Save More Money
   
   
   
   • Gotta have a financial goal in here! We're working on saving more dough for the kids' college education so we have set some goals for what we'll contribute to a fund in this year.
   
   
   
   


5. Get my Essential Oils business going
   
   
   
   1. I would say this is definitely the lowest on the priority list of my resolutions but it's something I would like to do. My first priority is my health and fitness (and family!) but I'd like to carve out some time in my already busy schedule to host some classes and share essential oils more!
   
   
   
   

So, these are my goals ... So much to look forward to! And I'm excited to share my journey and progress with you.

What are you going to try to achieve in 2015?

In good health...
Here's to your journey!

~Anne