I <3 Peppermint Mochas.

Espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint flavored syrup, topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Grande. Not Skinny.  Its sick. (and not in a good way).

I hate to admit it, but a frothy, hot/sweet beverage is my ultimate weakness. My winter weakness, however, is also a 410 calorie kick in the ass. Ouch.

As we begin the holiday paleo challenge, I have to turn my attention away from the Starbucks Christmas menu and towards my own livelihood, my personal goals and the constant challenge against how good I think I look with a red cup.

At the end of the day I simply have to ask myself, “What do I really want?” It’s surely not the temporary indulgence and subsequent chocolate-laced coffee breath that I get for $4.95.  It’s more like ACTUAL athletic improvement, new PR’s, and looking damn good 6 weeks from now.

It’s on.

The beginning of a paleo challenge can be the hardest part, especially for you newbies, but before those Cocoa Puffs, Pizza or Abuelita’s Empanadas tempt you, take a second to consider what you want. Or as one infamous group may say, “what you really really want.” WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS AND GET IN GEAR. Need motivation? Need help with goal setting? You can count on your teammates and you can count on your coaches. Share your recipe ideas, post pictures of your lunch and ask for suggestions.

Don’t be afraid to admit you’re struggling. We’ve all been there and we can work together to succeed. We’re a team and in 2012 its time to become stronger, faster, fitter, healthier and yes… even sexier.

Let’s Do This CFEP.

-Amy