I don’t really do the whole New Years resolution thing. I feel like you shouldn’t need a new year to roll over in order to make positive life changes. Really, there is no better time than now to start doing what you want to do, right?

So I didn’t make any resolutions this year; however, midway through January something in my brain just clicked. I thought: it’s time to make some healthy life changes.

I used to be somewhat of a health nut. I exercised several times a week, made a lot of things from scratch, watched everything I put in my mouth, and I was even vegan for a short period of time. That point in time was probably the pinnacle of my health and I truly felt the best I’ve ever felt. Fast forward to several years later, living a much busier life, and my eating habits have taken the quick and nutrient lacking route, and by the time I make it home from work I’m just too exhausted to even fathom forcing in some physical activity.

But good things in life don’t always come easy, so I asked my friends to recommend what they thought to be the most fun and effective home workouts, and I started buying lots of good, nutritious food to make meals at home and lunches for work.

I’ve started doing a variety of workouts (including hula hooping, yoga, and cardio training), and have been bookmarking and trying a lot of really great recipes. It’s only been three weeks as of yet, but so far so good! I already feel less fatigued and more confident, and that is giving me the motivation to keep it up.

The one thing I told myself, though, was that I didn’t want to be super strict with myself. I mean, let’s face it: I love food. I don’t want to bite my nails off trying to suppress my feelings for that chocolate cupcake with peanut butter buttercream that I so badly lust after. Moderation is key, and as long as I’m eating healthy for the most part, I’m still gonna allow myself those little pleasures.

One of the first things I knew I needed for this new lifestyle was a healthy and yummy way to start my day. I also needed something quick that I could prepare and eat in 10 minutes or less on work mornings. Not only is granola a quick and easy breakfast, it’s also super simple to make, has a lengthy shelf life, and is a rather versatile breakfast or snack. Plus, it makes my apartment smell so warm and homey while it’s baking in the oven.

The other great thing about homemade granola is that you can tailor it any which way to suit your taste buds. I personally like a lot of dried fruits and coconut, so that’s why I added a lot in mine, but if that’s not your thing, you can substitute those for whatever you like.

I hope you all will enjoy this version that I’ve created, though. I know I sure do!