New Goals

It's already mid January and 2013 is off to a fast start. I don't believe in making resolutions on a special day, as I feel we need to always be setting goals for ourselves each day. Half that time, I'm just trying to survive the end of each day and finding time to appreciate my loved ones and blessings in my life. Lately, my goal has been to get my babies to eat a wider variety of foods.

Since both my kids entered toddler-hood, it's brought about some finicky eater syndrome. Something neither of them suffered the first year and half of their lives. I realize that kids go through phases. Some days they'll eat anything and everything. Other days, not so much. Lately, I've been encouraging my kids to try one new food each week, be it a new dish, new fruit, or a new vegetable. So far, they've been doing great. 

For example, I made chili with cornbread tonight and they both ate one bowl of it. I usually make this easy dish during football season for Mr. Fliz and I. I use Trader Joe's organic vegetarian chili (sooo yummy!) and bake cornbread (I add some mozzarella and parmesan cheese to mine) right on top of it. It's an all-in-one dish! Takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. The other day, Micro ate some turkey meatballs. It's all about patience and getting them excited to try new things. I love to eat and try to incorporate a variety of foods into my cooking repertoire. It's not easy. Some weeks I just repeat dishes from the previous. I try and get my kids involved when preparing dinner and try to educate them about the benefits of each ingredient. This way, they've contributed to making the dinner and will most likely eat it too. I also sneak in lots of greens. What's not to be proud of what you made?! 

As with all this eating, I've been increasing my running more too. I took a two-month break after my last small race and have already signed up for a half marathon in June. I'm still doing bootcamp workouts twice a week. My little sister is getting married next year and it's TIME TO LOSE THE EXTRA BABY WEIGHT I've been carrying for the past two years. Having had babies back to back took a toll on my body. I was always an active person, but struggled with my eating habits. So each day has been challenging to eat in moderation, especially after the holidays. I had a hard time realizing that my metabolism decreased tremendously as I aged, and my workouts need to be balanced with healthier eating. I've lost weight and toned up some, but I'm not where I want to be. Yet. I'll keep you posted how it goes over the next few months. I don't believe in diets, as I just do what works for my lifestyle. That's healthier food choices, sweet rewards in moderation, and staying active.  I hope your 2013 is off to a good start.

Words to live by. This was my dark chocolate indulgence after running 5.5 miles yesterday.