The Little Changes I [Should Be] Making
Changing your life is a scary thing. And it’s hard. It takes a lot of work, replacing bad habits with good ones, pushing yourself every single day, avoiding temptation, and figuring out what your body needs.
So let’s just talk about little changes. The small things you know you should be doing, but aren’t.
1. Drink more water.
I feel stupid even writing this down. It’s basic. It’s cheap free. And it’s so good for you! But you already know that.So let’s talk about how to actually do it.
Less of that… more water.
How: sometimes drinking lukewarm (rather than really cold) water, is easier. This definitely works for me! I also spice it up with lemon or cucumber. Just a hint of flavor really can help. And honestly, just having a giant cup at my desk is probably the easiest way to drink more water without thinking. I’ve swapped my lunch time diet coke for water, and I’m feeling much more energized in the afternoon! Once you get in the habit, it gets easier to do it without thinking.
2. Cut down on night time snacking.
I know I’m not the only one who loves a nighttime snack, but mine can get a little out of control. Not that there is anything wrong with having a snack, but I realized it makes more sense for me to snack in the afternoon, when I need the energy, rather than “saving” those snacks for night time.
Ok ignore this specific type of tea… although I do like this one.
How: I tried to just cut out night time snacking, and it lasted for… maybe 2 days. Instead, I’ve started drinking a cup of decaf tea, and something indulgent, like a piece of dark chocolate. Having a bit of something really delicious is so much more satisfying than a giant bowl of rice cakes. The tea keeps me occupied while blogging and answering e-mails, without feeling like I’ve banned myself from the kitchen.
3. Stop eating the whole box of [cereal/cookies/crackers].
Let’s suppose I’m not the only person who has seen a box of cereal disappear after 2 days, and wondered “Wait… when did I eat all that?” It got to the point where I wouldn’t even buy Peanut Butter Puffins, because I literally wouldn’t know how the box could be gone so fast…
These crackers didn’t stand a chance…
How: Instead of banning yourself from the things you love (and buying things you only sort of like, just to restrain yourself) as soon as you get home from the grocery store, divide the box into individual servings. I know it sounds kind of crazy, but not only does it prevent the mindless “hand-in-the-box-everything-I-pass-it” syndrome, it also makes it’s super easy to grab a baggie when you’re running out the door, and you really do need a fast snack! Just be sure that you’re really portioning out accurate servings! (I use a food scale, which sounds kind of anal, but you’d be surprised at some of those cereal serving sizes!)
Now if only I could pretend like I’d totally conquered these…
Yeaaah, I’m with on that last one. I stopped buying cereal, because, well, there’s no way I wouldn’t finish a box in a day.
I started doing 50 pushups a day (well, at least 30, up to 50 depending on if I remember to get them all in!) I also have started (short distance) running to prep for a race I have tomorrow. So exciting! The water thing is so easy, especially with a little lemon juice in there. De-lish! I gave up drinking soda for my new year resolution, and haven’t looked back!
Oh my gosh, that’s AWESOME! (upper body strength is my weakness, haha) I’m not sure if I can TOTALLY give up Soda, but I figure, as long as it’s only every now and then, it’s not so bad ๐
I could always use more water, Im horrible at that one!! And the dont eat the entire box of crackers totally applies to me. I buy a box and especially if I have hummus, those crackers are gone in 3 days!
I chug some water as soon as I wake up every morning. Sneak it in before I even am fully awake….
Yeah, I need to take #3 seriously. I usually polish of an entire pizza by myself. But last night, I only had 4 little pieces and saved the other 2 for lunch today. I was so proud of myself! Before last night, “leftover pizza” was a foreign concept in my home.
Haha I know what you mean! Portion control is probably the hardest thing for me. Even “healthy” foods (like soy crisps, cereal, etc.) get a lot less healthy when I eat the whole box in front of the tv!
hehehehe, I chuckled a little when I saw your “stop eating the whole box of cereal!”โฆ.Im a sucker for this! Carbs are just too good!
Really great tips, thanks! The water thing, I’ve got down. I carry my bottle with me all day long, sitting in on my desk and refilling when empty. It definitely makes it habit, like you said. Night time snacking, like you, I’m currently working on. I’ll still have dessert, but once I’ve decided that I’m full and don’t wish to mindlessly snack for the rest of the night, I, too, make myself tea! It soothes my stomach and puts me into relaxing mode, great for calming before bed. And the heat ensures that I don’t gulp it down either ๐
Thanks for sharing! And good luck incorporating these yourself
I should drink more agua too, I always mean to and forget haha!
I always have trouble with chips and crackers! We don’t buy them often but when I do, I will portion out just one serving for myself and try to only eat that. Sometimes though, I will just eat the chips and skip my other starches/carbs for the day. A girl has got to have chips & salsa !
I am powerless around chips and salsa!!! ๐
OMG – I am the same way! Mexican restaurants, with their warm tortilla chips and salsa, always take my willpower and toss it out the window.
I’ve been attempting the more water goal too. I feel SO much better if I drink what I consider to be a good amount for the day. Also, I love tea before bed! You can get the ‘sleepy’ ones too that help calm you down. They’re nice.