You know, I LOVE January. I love that people start making New Year’s resolutions, I love that magazines decide to do a ‘healthy’ issue, and I love that people look back on the past year. I feel like for one month, I am like everyone else. I love goals, I love healthy eating, and I love taking the time to look back and reflect. Now if I could just get everyone else to keep it up for the whole year…

2011

This has been a year of transitions. Last year at this time I was working for a corporation in a 9-5 job. If you would have told me that in one year, I was going to be a freelance writer, a cookbook writer, a BeachBody coach, and I would be teaching a blogging/social media class at the UW 2012 Writer’s Institute, I don’t think I would have believed you. Let me re-phrase that: I would have NEVER believed you in a million years.

This past April, everything hit the fan. I left corporate job #1 in March and went to corporate job #2. It was a NIGHTMARE. I truly believe God was saying, “Seriously Kimberly?! I thought we talked about this. You are supposed to be writing!” After a week of coming home in tears, Manatee and I made a decision. It was time for me to go out on my own. We have not looked back since.

I get down sometimes when I don’t get everything done on my to-do list or I look at other AMAZING blogs and realize how far I still need to go, but when it comes down to it, it’s been a good year. I have come a long way and I am super excited about where I am going.

Favorite Posts from 2011

 The post that had the most impact on my life:

 

Five Minute Gourmet: Re-Thinking Ramen

My favorite post: 

An Unlikely Attitude Adjustment

The recipe you really need to try today:

Tofu Lunch Dippers

Biggest Lesson Learned:

 Rest in Peace Zucchini


2012 Goals

Blogging Goals

  1. Save up money for a better camera and photo editing software. Looking back I can definitely see I have improved but my photos still need a lot of work, a LOT of work.
  2. Get to know more fellow fitness/healthy cooking bloggers. I know you are out there because I often read your blogs. My goal is to get to know more of you and hopefully even discover some MORE fitness and cooking bloggers out there in blogosphere.
  3.  More posts, more recipes, and more of my OWN recipes.
  4. Do a video on the blog. I have been thinking about it for a long time and secretly planning some how-to videos. Now that I have said it publicly, I really have to do it. Would love to hear what you would like to see!
  5. 1,000 followers.
Cooking Goals
  1. Ditch the cans and start using dried beans. It was on my list last year and I didn’t do it. I know I need to and I know I will like it. I think I am finally over the scars from senior year of college. April knows what I am talking about but for the rest of you, let’s just say that I didn’t fully understand ratios. We had bowls of beans all over the kitchen because I didn’t fully understand how much they would expand.
  2. More meatless meals. There are so many more exciting protein options when you kick meat out of the picture.
  3. No dairy. I feel better when I don’t eat it and I am slowly realizing that cheese is just not worth it. Even when it’s on pizza.
  4. Continue to eliminate any and all processed foods. Even crackers, even chips.
Fitness Goals
  1. Complete at least two rounds of P90x2. An injury has temporarily sidelined us but on Monday we are going to bring it, x2 style!
  2. Follow p90x2 nutrition plan for at least 90 days. We have been ‘practicing’ but the real thing starts Tuesday! Okay, so I guess I should say Monday but it’s the Rose Bowl, and well, I am Badger girl.
  3. Run at least one half marathon this summer. I’m a little nervous about this with my current injury but fingers crossed that I will be fine by February.
  4. PR in a full sprint triathlon and complete two triathlons summer.
  5. Do something active every single day. This is really the most important goal. Even if I just go for a walk, I want to make sure I am moving my body every single day.

 Happy New Year’s everyone! I would love to hear about some of your goals for 2012. 

Also, just a quick reminder that Monday I will be posting my first prize in my New Year, New You Giveaway series. Four Mondays, Four prizes to help you be healthier, Four winners. 

Let’s kick off a great and healthy 2012! 🙂

 

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