New Years Resolutions You can Achieve

New Years Resolutions

story and recipe by Doug Smith You Can Achieve

There is no doubt that 2020 and 2021 were tough years. Some would argue that 2022 hasn’t been that great either. That gives us even more reason to focus on the inspiring, the good, and the positive for the year ahead! For many of us, planning goes hand in hand with making (and inevitably breaking) New Year’s resolutions. But what if you set yourself some realistic, healthy, and enjoyable goals? Instead of just another year feeling disappointed, you’d be left with a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Plus, you will have some gratification and the opportunity to learn something along the way. Let’s have a little fun as we plan our 2023 goals. To get you started I have included a few of mine.

Reducing Stress For years now we’ve heard about the benefits of embracing a minimalist lifestyle. From reducing stress to improving sleep, mood, and general life enjoyment. Getting rid of clutter is a game changer. Becoming more thankful for everything is also beneficial. Set aside five minutes to just reflect on the day and maybe jot down a few things you're grateful for. You’d be amazed at how quickly these seemingly small activities lead to big accomplishments! Stick to a budget Guilty of setting savings goals only to watch your bank balance go down, down, down...Yep! I’m guilty of this one. It’s hard to set a budget and actually stick to it, let alone save anything these days. But this year I’m committed to using cash. Not only will this allow us to be more accountable but also cash goes further than the card. It's true, cash is king.

Try new recipes It’s all too easy to eat out and order in these days, especially with only having to feed my wife and myself. With the new year comes the opportunity to break out the apron and embrace the enjoyment of cooking at home. The best (aka easiest) way to do this is to make it a date night. If you really want to have some fun, host a few friends or family to a potluck dinner. Indulge in your favorite foods. Don’t forget to work together in the kitchen. Let the fun begin.

Read every day A great way to start the day is with inspirational morning reading as you drink a great cup of coffee (or tea). Reading improves your vocabulary, gives you a feeling of inspiration, and exercises your imagination.

Set up a sleep routine Sleep routine is something most of us can improve on and it’s easier than you might think to get started. Small changes to your nightly routine like switching off the TV earlier, putting the phone away on “do not disturb”, investing in comfortable pillows, and one of my favorites is a little spray of lavender essential oil to assist with relaxation. So if you’re looking to create a better sleep routine, this is the year to do it.

Love on a plant This may seem a bit silly, but it’s actually an important one. As many studies have shown adding a little plant life to your home office, bedroom, living room, or patio can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and even assist with concentration and productivity. Pick something fun and colorful. I have no idea what plants I have in my office but I know they look great and give me pleasure. Side note Jackie knows them all by name, when and how to water.

Book a vacation Goals can’t all be practical or about the day-to-day. It’s just as important to reward yourself, have something to look forward to, and get out into the world. Your next trip awaits!

Side note I didn’t say anything about losing weight, getting healthy, or any of the other “resolutions” you hear so much about. That’s because increasing your reading time, practicing better sleep, or booking your next vacation, will lead you to a healthier life and maybe even a few pounds less. I hope you move into the new year with a sense of empowerment, gratitude, and pleasure. Surround yourself with wise people, be humble, be kind, live your life genuinely, don’t pretend, and allow yourself to love and be loved.

Happy New Year!

Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy". Find Doug the FoodGuy on Spotify and Apple podcasts @The Pizzeria & Enzo Show

My new recipe for the new year: Sticky chicken with coconut rice

Ingredients 6 Chicken bone-in chicken thighs 1 tbsp Yep! Original shake (or your favorite spice blend) 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp butter 2 good drizzles of honey 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 cup rice 1 14oz can of coconut milk 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Method 1- Season the chicken with Yep! seasoning and let sit for 10 min. 2- In a saucepan (or rice cooker) add 1 can of coconut milk, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of rice, and a pinch of salt. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to very low heat for 45 minutes. Let stand, covered for 10 minutes before serving. 3- Heat a pan over medium-high heat. (I will use a cast iron pan) Add the olive oil and the chicken skin side down. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes. Turn and cook till the internal temp is 160 degrees (about 5 more minutes). Remove chicken and set aside. 4- Add the red wine vinegar first then Worcestershire sauce, butter, and a good drizzle of honey. Use a fork to combine all the goodness in the pan. Add the chicken back to the pan skin down. Cook for about 2 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.