Sorry for bragging but my goals of losing weight and gaining health have got off to a cracking start.  I have been fantastic today 🙂

I woke up feeling fresh and enthusiastic about all the good food I had in mind for the days eating.  I started with a green smoothie: 1 small banana, large handful of curly kale, 4 dates, fresh strawberries, half a cup of frozen berries, 250 ml almond milk and 1 tbsp chia seeds for protein and to help me feel full for longer.  Chia seeds swell up and make a huge difference to my satiety.

It turned out rather well and was enjoyed very much.  This used up 7 Weight Watchers points (milk =2, dates = 4 and seeds = 1).

New Years Day was gloriously sunny so Harvey and I took the three dogs for a walk.

Due to all the rain, there were loads of streams in the woods over the road.  They had to be waded in, apparently.

The water babbled down the hills.  Such a pretty sound.

It was very peaceful, still and quiet.  There was practically zero wind and the light and colours were absolutely glorious.

This was one of my favourite walks ever over the road and I was sorry it came to an end.  As a bonus, I earned an extra 4 Weight Watchers points for the walk.

For lunch I made a green and white salad.  Not intentionally, but it ended up that way.

Green and White Salad

Ingredients (serves 1)

• Broccoli, finely sliced
• Cauliflower, finely sliced
• Brussel Sprouts, finely sliced
• Celery, cut in to chunks
• White button mushrooms, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Juice of half a freshly squeezed lemon

To make the salad, place all the vegetables in a large bowl, add the salt, lemon and oil and mix to combine well.  Add the raisins and serve.

I had this with some slices of this lovely bacon wrapped ham I bought half price on Sunday.

This was a very tasty and satisfying lunch and used 11 points (raisins = 2, oil = 4 and 143g of ham = 5).

I kept busy this afternoon. The Christmas tree came down and all the decorations were put away.  I know lots of people wait for Twelfth Night but after NYE I think Christmas is over and want the house cleared up again.

When the chores were all done, 3 boys (and Beryl) stretched out in front of the fire and one ate toasted marshmallows.  The toasting marshmallows did make the house smell heavenly but I managed to resist.

By late afternoon I was peckish so I had a large juicy Naval orange.  It was so good I had another.

Dinner was vegetable based again.  I made a lovely orange and purple coleslaw using carrots, red cabbage and red onion with a light coating of mayonnaise.

Served with a jacket potato, Cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes and red pepper.  I didn’t have enough points for any butter so went without which was fine as the raw vegetables were juicy enough.  This dinner was 17 points (Cheddar = 5, mayonnaise = 6 and 157 g potato = 6).

So what is a Happiness Jar?  It is a lovely idea I got from my friend Lisa.  You find a jar.  I am using this one because it is one of my favourites.  I love the blue glass and the way the colours change as the light changes.  I also like the shape of it and the fact my Dad gave it to me.

I have written a label.

We are ready!

The idea of the jar is to fill it with all the things that have made you happy during the year.  When something makes you happy, make a note of it and pop it in the jar.  This time next year we can have fun reading them.  I have already added a happiness to the jar.

I hope this year brings you lots of happiness.