Along with the feeling of closure that this time of year brings, we also feel the excitement and promise of another year about to begin.

While it is useful to set goals throughout the year, there is special momentum to New Year’s goals. Try these 3 success-boosting tips!

1. Commit to 1 or 2 resolutions. Over committing to goals is a sure way to not follow through. Failure breeds failure, so to end your cycle of falling through with your goals, keep it as conservative and simple as possible. Success is important for future morale!
2. Choose goals you really care about. Choosing resolutions that you are emotionally invested in is paramount to your success. Don’t choose goals that others think you should choose. If your goals aren’t really important to you, you probably won’t follow through when the going gets tough. Health and fitness goals are a dime a dozen. While certainly worthwhile, pick a resolution you truly think you can stick to.
3. Write down your resolution(s), tell friends, and shout it from the rooftops! We rarely accomplish important tasks/goals completely alone. Having the encouragement and support of people you see every day will help you succeed. Post reminders where appropriate (on the fridge or pantry if your resolution is dietary related, for example). If you have a fitness goal, put workouts on your calendar with an alert so that you will be reminded.

Learn from your past mistakes and make this year count. You do have the potential to make a positive change to your life. Happy and successful New Year!

This one pot meal is about as easy as it gets yet tastes like its been cooking all day.

Ingredients:
6 free range boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 can full-fat coconut milk
1-3 tsps garam masala spice (depending on how strongly flavored you like it)
2 cups organic spinach

How to:
In a large pot, cook coconut milk, thighs and spice over medium heat for 20 minutes or until thighs are done. Add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes so that it wilts rather than overcooks.
That’s it! You don’t need to babysit this meal at all.
Other veggies that go well with this dish are zucchini, shiitakes and carrots. You can add them in addition to or instead of the spinach.
Enjoy!

Reducing sugar (and getting plenty of healthy fat) around the holidays will help you avoid packing on the extra pounds AND curb sugar cravings.  This holiday season, curl up by the fire with one of these delicious, guilt-free drinks:

1. Christmas cocoa: 1 cup of raw, full-fat organic cow’s milk OR unsweetened full-fat organic coconut milk OR unsweetened nut milk; 3-4 teaspoons raw cacao powder (super high in antioxidants); a dash of vanilla; and a healthy sweetener (4-6 drops stevia extract OR other low fructose sweetener such as 1-2 teaspoons coconut sugar, xylitol, SweetPerfection prebiotic fiber, or Truvia). Heat in a small pot on low-medium heat till warm, stirring throughout so cacao dissolves. Optional: dash of cinnamon or nutmeg & lightly sweetened or unsweetened whipped cream.
2. Winter Wonderland: Heat 1 cup of coconut milk in a small pot on low-medium heat. Pour into a mug and add a healthy sweetener (options mentioned above) to taste. Top with fresh nutmeg.
3. Ginger tea (use fresh ginger root) garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple spice tea.
4. Eggnog: so much tastier & healthier than what you get in the store (see recipe here).
5. Warm milk with cardamom: Use organic, whole milk (preferably raw) or go dairy-free with coconut or nut milk.  The cardamom transforms plain warm milk into an aromatic treat. Crush 1-2 cardamom pods into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for the best flavor. Otherwise, use 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom). Sweeten if preferred (vanilla and/or vanilla crème stevia extract, coconut sugar, SweetPerfection, or Truvia).

Ingredients for these drinks can be found easily in the Bay Area at New Leaf Community Markets, Staff of Life, Rainbow Grocery and most local health food stores.

Published on Examiner.com 12/5/11. Click here to see more articles.