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…
I drink so much water it is insane. We can even each other out. I basically guzzle it like I’ve never seen it in my life. I get a huge glass bottle and drink one each time I eat- try it!
I’m a huge fan of both that smooth move tea (yes, I’m not laughing!) and those crackers. YUM! I try to see whether I”m hungry and then figure if I want a snack. AND sometimes I get it wrong and wake up starving, so it goes.
small goal accomplished? Well I WANT to get into meditation but it is so hard for me to relax!
These are really great small goals. I do what the commenter above said with cereal/cracker snacks: portioning is always useful for preventing eating the whole thing. Lately one of my small goals (which has nothing to do with food) is to be concious of my posture, and sit/stand straight ๐
You and I have talked about these things and I agree 100%. I’ve definitely been drinking more water and trying to limit my nighttime snacking. This week I had an apple or an apple with pb2 for snack after dinner and that seemed to work really well. It’s sweet and satisfying but still fruit!
And the cereal/cracker thing – I have to portion them out as well or else I always go overboard. There’s totally something in those packaged foods that keeps up wanting to go back for more!
I always have PB2 in my pantry but I don’t always think to use it! (Maybe because it’s slightly more work than just dipping into the peanut butter jar, haha) but I do love it with apples!!
I have cut back on my coffee to just one cup a day. There have been a few days when I had two cups, but generally happy I am reducing it.
Dohh my last comment went to spam!
Ah! Darn spam filter! I’ll come find it ๐
I am sooo with you on the water challenge… I do not drink enough water ever and that needs to change! Great goals Liz and enjoy your next few days off!
This post is so right; making the changes bit by bit is the key. Years ago, I used never to eat fruit and veg; I’d get inspired, buy loads and then leave it in the fridge. But when I was diagnosed coeliac, I slowly started eating more, now I couldn’t go a day without!
I like the idea f making the small servings though; there are some things I don’t buy because I know I can’t be trusted ๐
Gosh I really need to do a lot of these, especially drink more water! I absolutely love your page btw and love your name of it I LOVE VEGETABLES… I have always loved my vegies, my friends think I’m a little weird for it… oh well hehe… Thanks again for the nice compliment! Auds ๐
Haha thanks!!! I might be a little crazy but I do love my veggies!
I find that when I always have a water bottle with me (and at room temperature) I drink it crazy fast, which is obviously a good thing! That’s key for me–always have it with me otherwise I’ll never to seeking it out ๐
these are great goals! sometimes i need consciously think about these exact same things – more water, no mindless snacking, and plating my food. ๐ ๐