I wanted to talk about goal setting because January really is still a holiday, even if you are back at work…… Kids are home from school, BBQ’s and after work beach swims are part of the daily routine… Most likely we want to keep the holiday vibe going for as long as possible! So, let’s say February 1 is the new NYR start date. Hopefully during January you have at least thought about what you would like to achieve this year, and I hope you wrote it down somewhere in-between your beach and social engagements, or talked about it out loud. That is the beginning of bringing your dreams to fruition. If you follow these ideas below you are sure to succeed right to the very sweet end.

1. Specific – Be exact in what you want.
2. Measurable – Measure it. Eg by weight, distance etc.
3. Action – Take action straight away to make it happen. Join a gym, find a personal trainer, organise your schedule to fit it in.
4. Reasonable – It MUST be possible!
5. Timed – Choose a finish date and set small dates and goals along the way. 

Most importantly, along with these five tips, you really must have a deep desire to achieve your goals. You will fall short of achieving your goals if there is not a deep desire that is meaningful to you. This should be your dream and not someone else’s. For example, anaylyze your motives for achieveing your goals. What does it mean to you? and if say, you were trying to lose weight just to impress someone, are you really doing it for you or them? Can you really see yourself sacrificing that ice-cream or pushing yourself to go to the Pump class after work when you really just want to veg out? Is impressing someone really worth it? Probably not. So, try impressing and focusing on yourself. You are worth it.  Look after your body and do your best. THERE IS MORE PAIN IN REGRET THAN THERE EVER IS IN THE SACRIFICES YOU HAVE TO MAKE TO REACH YOUR GOALS.

Have you been trying to achieve this goal for some years now?

How does that feel, knowing that you could have done it two years ago, and now would be happier and healthier? 

Now scroll down for a healthy treat. This also makes perfect toddler snacks!

Coconut Cacao Almond Cookies; Gluten free, dairy free & optional sugar free!

• 1 1/2 cups almond meal, sifted
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/4 cup raw sugar, honey, brown rice syrup or xylitol (omit for a healthier option)
• 1/4 shredded coconut
• 1/2 tsp bicarb soda and splash of vinegar to activate
• 3 tbs coconut oil
• 1heaped tsp cacao powder
• 1/4 cup cacoa nibs
• You may need a bit of water if mix is too dry after adding cacao & coconut. I like to use rice milk. Also for a vegan recipe, replace the egg with 3/4 cup rice milk or almond milk. 

Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Roll into balls slightly larger than a 50 cent piece and pat down on a baking tray. Bake for 7-10 minutes in the oven on 170 degrees celcius. The cookies should be the consistency of that between a biscuit and sponge cake.  

My 18month old loves them but I make hers without the cacao nibs (choking hazard!).

If you have any comments or questions, contact me or leave them below!

Ali xx