A while back, the chocolate mix that I use to make my smoothie was reformulated by the manufacturer, and I didn’t like the results. A friend of mine who agreed with me bought the very last case she could find of the old mix and was kind enough to split it with me. Although I make a smoothie every day, I only use a half a packet (along with some ice, some frozen fruit, and a little coffee) so it has lasted quite a while.

But this evening, to ring out the year 2007, I had my very last ½ packet of the old smoothie mix. I’d been saving it for a while and decided that it would make sense to bid farewell to the stuff on December 31st.

It may not seem like a big deal, but to me this daily ritual has meant a lot — it’s been a safe, comforting and healthy treat that I indulge in with much joy and no guilt. Granted, having one every single day is probably a little strange, but as long as Devin isn’t bothered by the sound of the blender crushing the ice yet one more time, I figure there’s no harm done! As far as compulsive habits go, I can think of a lot worse.

So, I bid a fond farewell to the old mix tonight, having one last chocolate smoothie as part of my dessert.

Of course, I’m not going to stop having smoothies altogether. I have been getting used to the new formula for the past couple of weeks, experimenting with different ways to make it work. I’m not much of a cook or a chemist, but what I’m going for is a milkshake-like consistency – creamy and chocolatey, not too icy and not too thin. I’ve struck upon a reasonable number of ingredients and have been happier with the results than I thought I’d be.

And because I’m so very aware that I’m a creature of habit and easily fall into routines, I also know that it does me good to get outside my comfort zone every now and again. I suppose it’s a paradox for someone who spent most of his life battling being overweight, but when it comes to eating, I’m not very adventurous. Sometimes the only way I’ll try something new is under duress!

One reason I’ve loved my Planet Organics produce delivery so much is that not only do I get fruits and veggies I love, but I also have been regularly exposing myself to new things I’ve never seen or heard of. I’ve learned to be very excited about beets and squash, for example. Each week when there’s something on the suggested list that I’m not sure about, I have to hesitate before I decide to cross it off and order a substitute. The last thing I need is a crate full of “safe” potatoes and cabbage!

There were, of course, a few “misses” along with the hits. I won’t belabor them since I don’t wish to prejudice anyone against something they might not have tried yet, but suffice it to say I’ll never allow “burdock root” to cross my threshhold again. And the next time I get brussels sprouts, I’m just going to give them to Richard!

Anyway, I’m excited about 2008. Having re-read my posts from this time last year, I actually think life is treating me pretty well. Room for improvement, sure, but nevertheless, I have much to be thankful for.

And that new smoothie mix is just the start.

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and skinny new year!