In One Year, Out the Other

This year, try giving resolutions a rest and just do your best.
Here's a New Year's resolution anyone can keep: Resolve not to make any more New Year's resolutions.

Now, wasn't that easy?

If you're trying to pay down your credit cards, quit smoking, get a new job, find a mate, or shed some excess poundage, abandoning New Year's resolutions won't get you off the hook.

But by setting more realistic goals for yourself and not limiting yourself to a once-a-year, do-or-die, all-out assault on that Everest of debt, those flabby thighs, or the hideous wallpaper you keep meaning to replace, you may find that the finish line isn't so far away after all.

Or as the Rolling Stones put it, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find you get what you need."

"Resolutions are all about taking something away from someone," "No one ever says 'I'm going to get healthy." I think if people framed it differently and made it more of a positive experience, then it would be easier for people to keep resolutions, and psychologically it would make them feel a lot better about themselves."

Don't let your goals run wild. ...be realistic......no you may not run a marathon(or you might)but increase your running each month! Even by just a little. Not good~ "I will lose all that weight" how about....I will try to loose 1 to 2 pounds a week. These are a little more attainable. Taking small steps (just not to small~do challenge "you")will not only hold your interest, but it will get you to that goal

Lean on a support crew when struggling. Think of the friends and family who truly want to see you succeed. Enlisting those with whom you have authentic relationships is key when your motivation begins to wane. Choose people who may have seen you fail in the past and who know how much success means to you

Make yourself a priority. Put your needs first, even when it feels utterly selfish. You will derail your progress if you sacrifice yourself for others in order to please them (such as eating a cupcake that a coworker baked even though you’re on a diet).

Challenge yourself―and change things up. It’s hard to remain enthusiastic when everything stays the same

Remember the deeper meaning.~~~do not forget who you are doing this for. I am losing weight to.....not just look better...but to be healthy!

Creamy Chicken Stew Crock Pot Recipe
The perfect low calorie chicken stew recipe for winter, this tasty dish makes you forget you are a Weight Watcher. The creamy sauce and fresh herbs make this delicious stew a real treat. And at just 4 Points + per cup, it’s a pretty good bargain.

Ingredients
•2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite sized chunks
•1 pound mushrooms, chopped
•1 cup zucchini, chopped
•1 1/2 cups frozen green peas, rinsed under cold water to thaw
•1 cup carrots, sliced
•1/2 cup celery, chopped
•1/2 cup shallots, finely chopped
•4 cups fat free chicken broth
•1/4 cup fat free half and half
•1/2 cup water
•1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
•1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
•1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
•3 bay leaves
•1/2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
•2 tbsp cornstarch
•2 tbsp lemon juice
•1 tsp salt
•1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1.In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, combine mushrooms, shallots, and 1/4 cup water.
2.Cover and cook over high heat, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
3.Add broth, celery, zucchini, carrots, thyme, rosemary and bay leaves; bring to a boil.
4.Place chicken in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker and sprinkle lemon zest on top. Turn heat to high. Carefully pour in the vegetable mixture. Cover and cook until the chicken is very tender, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
5.Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a bowl; discard bay leaves.
6.Skim fat and pour the juices into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until reduced to 2 cups, 15 to 20 minutes.
7.Mix cornstarch with remaining 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Add to the pan and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
8.Add half and half and lemon juice; stir until boiling.
9.Return the chicken and vegetables to the sauce and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
10.Just before serving, stir in peas and parsley.
Preparation time: 30 minute(s)

Cooking time: 4 hour(s)


Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 4 Points +

PER SERVING: 200 calories; 4 g fat; 12 g carbohydrates; 25 g protein; 2 g fiber



Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/09/28/creamy-chicken-stew-crock-pot-recipe/#ixzz1hr5OKQw5