- Small modifications to your habits add up to BIG changes. Start small and then build on them. Start swapping bread for lower calorie bread or “lettuce” wraps, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, ‘zoodles’ instead of pasta, low carb tortillas. Do NOT try to do too much all at once. These will likely help you get some quick wins on the scale and help build momentum.
- Keep a water bottle with you at ALL times. Double pro tip- I LOVE caffeinated flavored waters
- If you choose “sugar free” alternatives (i.e. Splenda, diet coke)- be mindful if you’re feeling hungry after having them (there’s a scientific explanation for what how the ‘fake’ sugar falsely lowers your blood sugar/its not good for you obviously) –but use as YOU want to- especially if you helps ween off another bad habit ( I ate a package of “Smart Sweets” every DAY of my first 3 months of WW to get off a candy addiction)
- Determine early on what foods you are unwillingly to “change” long-term. I.e., I use regular sugar and half & half in my coffee every morning- but I account for that the rest of the day. I still use butter over margarine. But I drink alcohol really only about 2, maybe 3 times a month. It’s a trade off I’m willing to accept. Also, I’ve also owned the “Hangiexty” I get the day after drinking is rarely worth it.
- Build playlists and/or find Podcasts that you’ll want to have for working out. Just like back in the day, I LOVED having a new “mixed burned CD”- I like having a fresh new mix to keep my brain occupied while working out (PS- the “UnF**ck Your Brain” podcast is AMAZING). Also google Lizard brain.
- Try to become aware of the constant thoughts and self-talk we ALL each engage in. This has been KEY for me- improving mindset and being kinder to yourself isn’t the world’s easiest task. It has often been in baby steps where I catch myself in traffic, “saying” (in my head) bad things to myself. Quickly catching yourself and addressing the thought is a really good first step to build on this.
- Quit thinking of improved health as a temporary thing. For instance, when I signed up for WW and joined the gym- I was really thinking these would be things I could do for a year or 2 and then go back to my “regular” life. This now seems really, really, really silly to “type out” but this really was my mindset each time I began a “health journey”. Whatever YOU set out to do to improve your health, it realllllllllllly needs to be something you can do for the rest of your life. Be in love with the journey, NOT the destination or you’ll boom-a-rang for a lifetime (trust me). Fast results rarely equate long term success. And I’m personally over replacing every outfit I have to account for smaller and larger sizes 😊
- Try to not beat yourself up for having an off day. Allow your self to skip the gym or have a few cookies- but do keep the big picture in mind. And that NOT having cookies all the time and going to the gym make you ultimately a happier human.
- Whenever you can, wherever you can own your truths and be open. What you eat in private shows in public. Owning I’m a binge eater is something I really only more recently accepted about myself (not kidding)- even 9 years post weight loss surgery. Owning it has helped me identify WHY I did what I did and when its going to happen/what sets it off.
- I still struggle with this, on the regular. The scale really, really, really is only part of the story. Sometimes it not going to budge even though you’ve been working REALLY hard to make it move. This is why it is CRITICAL you love the journey and NOT focus on the destination only.
- Measure your portions!!
- Google Hunger- Satiety Scale- and use this list to keep yourself full!
- If you are part of WW, the “Wendy” Method really does work to break a stall (Google this also)
- If you are NOT perfect about tracking every single food, blow off food prep, or binge out completely- take a deep breath. TOMORROW is a new day.
- Fitness Tracker (I LOVE my Apple watch)- buts it’s important to know how physically active you’re being and how to adjust how much you’re eating.
- EAT when YOU ARE HUNGRY. It does NOT matter if its 8 PM.
- You are in competition only with the human in the mirror. Its normal to get jealous and or annoyed with others in this journey (but maybe dig a little deeper in why you feel that way)
- Your brain follows your feet- sometimes you just have to get up and do something and your brain will come along for the ride (This is a VERY helpful tip and reminder for getting to the gym)
- Scour Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook groups for new and fresh ideas- and SUPPORT
- I’m still working on this one- but develop a solid morning routine to set yourself up for success
About the Podcast
Welcome to The Houseplant Podcast, your ultimate guide to houseplants! Join us as we explore the wonders and importance of plants in our lives.
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