Simple lifestyle changes to make while trying to lose weight

Today’s post is sponsored by Plenti, by my love for their yogurt is all my own!

Since I posted last week about how I was a bit SHOCKED about how much weight I have packed on and how my goal is to get healthier and moving more, I have started making small lifestyle changes that are going to make a BIG difference in the long run.  Create habits that cultivate a lifestyle change.

These are some simple lifestyle changes I am making while I am trying to lose weight and get HEALTHIER.

1.  Better drink choices.

I am a coffee addict.  I have been trying for awhile to wean myself off the habit by ordering an iced coffee, half caffeine with one sugar (versus three) and half the amount of cream.   I HATE IT BLACK. 


It took me a bit to realize it wasn't so much the coffee I loved, it was the habit.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good cup of coffee but did I really need it or was it because I just made a habit of running through the drive-thru every day for my jolt? 

I have started carrying green tea bags with me daily so when I get to my office, I can make myself a cup of green tea.  I still have my morning cuppa but... no sugar and no cream.  A simple switch that has many great health benefits.  

I also carry a bottle reusable water bottle with me and refill it all day.

2.  Better Food Choices

I have been working hard on making better food choices.  I am incorporating MORE leafy greens, MORE citrus, MORE and MORE whole foods.  I am not the best when it comes to eating healthy and frankly, sometimes I don't want to.  Maybe I want a buffalo wing or pizza.  When I do, I control my portions.  Instead of eating 2-3 slices of pizza, I eat one.  Or I eat a filling salad before.   This is much more successful thank trying to just quit cold turkey. 

I'm also incorporating better snack options.   Well, I should say SNACKS,  period.  I don't eat much in the way of snacks but it's better to keep a constant stream of fuel in smaller increments vs a few large meals.

Some snacks I have been eating:

1.  Sliced apples with almond butter
2. Sliced cucumbers with hummus
3. Greek yogurt with flax, wholegrain oats and pumpkin seeds.
4. Hard-boiled egg and string cheese
5. Blueberries and cottage cheese

(Let me tell you- this Yoplait Plenti Greek Yogurt is AMAZING.  It's like a DESSERT by itself.  I love that it has whole grain oats, flax and pumpkin seeds.  The texture is soooo good.  It's the perfect snack! I found mine at Frys, a Kroger store.)

3.  Move more.

This one is a bit harder since it's the extreme heat season here but I am trying to get up and move more to burn more calories, increase my heart and lung strength and build up more muscle tone over all.  

Things I am doing:

1. Yoga 
2. In home strength training (squats, planks, etc.)
3. Wii Fit (I will share which ones I am using in a later post)

4. Sleep.

Yep.  Sleep.  Your body needs to be well rested in order to be healthy.  The less sleep you get, the more irritable/cranky you become and the more you are likely to suck down sugary drinks or eat sweets).  Also, when you are building muscle- you have to get a good night's sleep in order for your body to heal from the workout.


What are some lifestyle changes you have made in your life to better your health? Or any tips you want to share?