Happy New Year!

Today is La Befana in Italy. Last night the witch Befana visited all the children and left them treats or coal and onions. I love this tradition because it reminds me of ancient Rome. The beginning of the Roman year was celebrated by offerings to Janus and to Strenia, an ancient Roman goddess of strength and endurance. She was given offerings of dates and figs and honey, (all very Paleo foods), and many scholars believe that Strenia is in fact the origin of the witch Befana. So today, the day of the goddess of strength and endurance, and Paleo food, seems like a good day to take a look forward and remind myself of my goals.

I have been following a sporadic Paleo lifestyle for several years (since 2003 when I learned I had an autoimmune disease--but that is a story for another time). While I rarely eat grains, or beans or starchy foods, and sugar is a rare commodity in my house, I still have not managed to make much headway. I know I am not a perfect Paleo girl. I like wine, for example, and sometimes drink a glass or two with dinner. Since I have moved home to the states, my time has become less and less my own--and to be honest, I just don't have the time to workout and walk like I used to. About an hour a day is what I have, and some days not even that. I am also attached to dairy. I have a cup of coffee every day with a tablespoon of cream in it. It makes me happy. I am very grumpy without it. I also like bleu cheese in my salads a couple of times a week--(I make an excellent apple and walnut salad with bleu cheese and sun dried tomatoes!)

So here the new year arrives and I am re-committing myself to my Paleo diet (with a little dairy and occasional wine). (and maybe some dark chocolate when needed) I am going to have more fun with it this time though. I am going to try some new things, and walk every day for my measly hour and consider it my weight-bearing exercise for now. In a few months if I happen to lose a bit of weight I will try sprinting once in a while and see how it goes...I will go as long as I can without cheating, and without stressing myself out about it. I want to play with my food and enjoy it, and not be so stuck in a rut like I feel I have been lately.

And during this experiment, this new approach, I will have you, dear reader, to talk to and pour my heart out to. You will forgive me if I imagine you as someone like myself, getting on toward the middle part of life, preoccupied with luscious, fresh, homemade food, and a little bit obsessed with diet and nutrition. Felice Anno Nuovo!