It’s January 3rd, and I’m finally publishing this blog post, but, hey, it’s better late than never, right?
Above: Photos from New Year’s Eve
I actually wasn’t even sure if I wanted to write a “goals” blog post. I didn’t write one last year – although, I’ve written many over the years – so I went back and forth whether I really wanted to do the whole New Year’s resolution thing. But after a New Year’s Day chat with Mal (we talked about how 2018 felt like a good “reset” and what we wanted to improve upon in the year), I was pretty motivated to set some intentions. Here’s what I came up with!
Compartmentalize work life and home life – Ah, yes. This one is a never-ending battle, but I *think* I’m finally getting the hang of it. Three things that are working for me right now: 1) Putting my phone in our bedroom when my family is at home, so I’m not tempted to check email, social media, etc.; 2) Working ahead and not leaving things to the last-minute; and 3) Asking myself what really matters at the end of the day. The answer is pretty much always my family.
Use fewer iced coffee cups – A reader reached out about my plastic iced coffee cup consumption on New Year’s Day, so I took it as a sign that I needed to get it together and use my tumbler more often when I purchase iced coffee.
Go to bed earlier – My goal is no later than 9:30 PM most nights of the week and 8:30 PM on the nights that I plan to go to the 5:15 AM class at CrossFit.
Listen to my body. Ugh, I had too many injuries this year, so I really want to pay attention to any sort of aches and pains before they get out of control (and land me in the ER). Man, getting old sucks. I’m working with a physical therapist/spine specialist now, so, hopefully, he can help get me to a good place with my imbalances.
Make my snacks count – Maybe it was because of the holiday season, but my snacking was getting a bit out of control. I was reaching for something to munch on pretty much all day long. This year, I want to make my snacks more like mini meals and really beef them up with quality protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. I also want to look forward to my snacks instead of just mindlessly grabbing whatever is around, which brings me to these incredible Roasted Carrot Bites. They’re just 3 ingredients, easy to make, and the perfect nutritious snack when you’re something salty and a little sweet. Definitely give them a try in the new year! 🙂
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds carrots, sliced into 1/4 inch-ish pieces
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil (other cooking oils would work too)
- sea salt to taste
Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine carrots, oil, and salt in a oven-safe dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, tossing carrots midway through cooking. When time is up, turn off oven and leave carrots in oven until they cool, about 90 minutes to 2 hours. This might seem like a long time, but I typically make them at the end of my meal prep when I no longer need the oven.
Makes 4 servings
Macros: P 2 C 16 F 4
P.S. If you want to update your workout wardrobe in the new year, definitely check out the awesome clearance sale at Nike from now until Jan 4 – AND Take an Extra 25% Off Sale Styles! Discount automatically applied at checkout. I did some shopping during over the weekend and saved big time!
Your New Years Eve dress is gorgeous, I love the gold color! Also, the roasted carrot bites sound great, I always love roasting veggies, especially root veggies (parsnips is a definite favorite of mine!) because they easily bring out the natural sweetness and taste great!
Happy 2018! I have also started keeping my phone in another room while at home and you are right, it does the trick!
Thanks for the tip on Nike…they make my favorite yoga capris!
Love your New Years outfit! That dress is stunning.
Roasted veggies are the best..I’ve been enjoying roasted sweet potatoes so much right now!
I really like the dress you wore on New Year’s Eve – super cute.
I’m right there with you on the early bed times. I’m usually up by 5 am to get to the gym shortly after 5:30 am when it opens. I find that if I don’t do my workout first thing in the morning it doesn’t get done at all.
Those carrot bites look SO good! I’m definitely going to need to try these!
Funny, I have a similar goal regarding plastic iced coffee cup usage… have you ever had any issues with places filling your tumbler instead of one of their cups? I have heard that at DD, they will make the iced coffee in their own cup (as usual) & then pour it into yours… thereby negating the use of the tumbler! 🙁
I admittedly have not experienced this myself (because I haven’t tried yet), so I don’t know if that is true or not. I also need to overcome my preference for drinking iced coffee through a straw. Or, find a tumbler w/a straw that somehow won’t leak in my backpack…
Anyway, good for you on this one – I wasn’t the reader that reached out, but I’m right there w/you! 🙂
Thank you for sharing. I am going to try these carrot bites out!
Those carrot bites look SO good! I’m definitely going to need to try these!
One thing I do with work email is shut it off on my phone at night- I just swipe it off!!! It helps so much.
Sounds delicious! Do you refrigerate the carrot bites, or keep at room temperature?
I refrigerate them.
yum, I love any type of roasted veggie! these carrots got a nice crisp
Love the goals compartmentalizing work and home a life long struggle I’m tying to cut myself off at 7pm this year
Good! This is inspirational. I think you should add this as well to the list of New year goals; Meditate more – Build your mental strength as strong as your body!
Love the goals compartmentalizing work and home a life long struggle I’m tying to cut myself off at 7pm this year
Awesome recipe! I can’t wait to try them out for myself. Never been a big carrot fan, but these look pretty tasty!
Oh my days these carrot bites look amazing! I want them now.
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Good! This is inspirational. I think you should add this as well to the list of New year goals
Thank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!!
Good! This is inspirational. I think you should add this as well to the list of New year goals
Thank you for sharing the information! The idea of changing battery sounds better than waiting for the battery to recharging.
I love spicy and also flattered on your recipe. Love the taste and really suggest my friends to take the advantage of this excellent carrots.
Really your New Years eve dress is awesome, and also thanks for spicy and also flattered recipe
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NICE
I’m gonna try this recipe at home for my kids, and i really like the other recipes you have shared.
very tasty and crispy carrot bites i liked it@!!
A healthy, delicious, and crispy recipe you share here. I will try this recipe for my kids.