We rang in the New Year with a delicious meal of champagne risotto and lemon chicken (Rachael Ray recipe) and some champagne with black cherries on the side. In the past, I kind of shunned champagne, assuming it was full of sugar and must be much worse than my usual rum and cokes or whiskey sours.  However, after noodling around on some health sites, I found that it’s actually better for you than many other alcohol beverage options. I love that it’s light and doesn’t make me feel as bloated as when I drink beer. I am definitely going to say hello to some more champagne in 2010.

After dinner, we dressed up and headed down to Denver for some fun. I wore a pencil skirt, silk slouchy tank, grey ruffly booties and red lipstick. I love dressing up. Love.

Some fun friends to celebrate with

I can say for the past couple of years I have succeeded in being pretty optimistic.  However, 2009 was filled with tragedy. Mike and I lost a close friend  sister and  to suicide, my father had more surgery in his ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis, and my boyfriend’s mother is facing breast cancer for the second time since October 2008. Mike and I are ready for to make 2010 as happy as we can, I hope that life lets us catch our breath a little.

So on a fresh note, I must say, I have done pretty well in making some healthy meals in 2010. Here is a little post-view of what I’ve enjoyed…I began snacking with hummus as  low-cal way to get my protien in 2008. I have wasted a lot of money on varieties I don’t like– and I have finally settled on a one and only favorite: Falafel King Hummus. It doesn’t have a strong flavor like a lot of cheaper hummus (I don’t know why– but some  hummus’ almost taste like cigarettes in my mouth– does anyone else get that) It’s very smooth and creamy. And best of all– local! From a shop right in Boulder and sold at the Whole Foods on Pearl.

When I am hungry– I usually only crave one thing like cheese and then polish off half of it without eating any fruits and veggies. Now– I will put the thing I am craving on my plate, but mix it up with other fruits and veggies to enjoy alongside for more balance. Carrots and hummus and leftover Chipotle salad have been my new favorite pairings with my cheese cravings. I am also loving Rosemary Crackers from Whole Foods as a hummus and cheese pairing.

Banana nut muffins (made with whole wheat flour, almonds, walnuts and chocolate). I mashed the bananas for like 15 minutes before I remembered that I have a food processor.At least I got a workout…

I am also loving this workout DVD. My roommate’s sister left this here after her visit and said I could have it since I liked it so much! Jillian Michaels makes you sweat! It’s also split up into circuits, so you can do the full 40 minute workout or break it up into smaller workouts if you’re short on time. I am still not intense enough to do the 40 minute circuit– I had to stop after 4 because I was so winded! New Year’s resolution: get through 40 minutes of this intense workout!

Happy 2010! I will share my resolutions shortly.