With the new year in full force, I am sure that I am not alone in setting goals for the new year! I am partnering with Macy’s during their Winter Weekend Sale now through January 27^th where you can save 20% with code WINTER to bring you a few easy tips to help you be successful in whatever goals you set for yourself! And while January is a month typically know for resolutions, ANY time is a great time to make yourself better!

I have had several questions on my daily routine of how I stay so fit. I would like to tell you that I go to the gym early every morning , but that would not be the truth! The truth is, I have been a bad exerciser for the past several months! That’s not to say that I am not active. I am constantly moving – chasing after my own children, moving from one thing to another, and walking our sweet dog!

For me, my smart choices come more from what I am putting into my body. Here are a few things I do to help maintain my healthy weight.

1. Watch What You Eat

For me, this is the biggest tool to maintain my weight! On a daily basis, I try to limit my gluten, dairy, and sugar. That doesn’t mean I never cheat, because I totally do! But when I eat foods from the outer aisles of the grocery store (fruits, veggies, lean meats, etc.) I feel better and my weight stays down! One way I make sure I get my daily intake of fruits and veggies is to start my day with a smoothie! I would highly recommend a Vitamix! Mine is over thirty years old and was a hand-me-down from my grandma! It is still going strong!

2. Eat Smaller Portions

One way to easily decrease the amount of calories you consume each day is to eat smaller portions. For me, switching to a smaller container in my lunch was a really easy way to decrease my portions. Instead of putting my leftovers in a larger container, I filled up a smaller container! Another thing Briton and I do when we go out to eat is split a meal. I give him a larger portion, and I eat the smaller portion. If he is too hungry to split, I ask for a to-go container right when my meal comes out. I put half of my meal in the container to go home for another meal.

3. Increase Your Water Intake

This one sounds simple, but it’s true! Drink water – cut out all soda and sugary drinks. This will decrease your calorie intake. Plus,you will just feel better too!

4. Stop Eating After Dinner

I will be honest, I love eating snacks! I love the crunch of a salty snack! I love the full stomach right before bed! But….. it’s not worth it!! So many calories are consumed after dinner. Save yourself those calories. When you get the temptation to eat after dinner, drink some water or a cup of hot tea! Your stomach will be filled, and you won’t feel guilty!

5. Treat Yourself to Some New Gear

I don’t know about you, but I always get excited to wear a new workout outfit to the gym! There is just something connected (at least for me!) to looking cute and feeling confident! I picked up these new pieces and love them! They are perfect for any type of activity you may do at home or at the gym!

If you are really struggling with your weight, commit to a lifestyle change. The weight wasn’t put on in a month, it will take more than a month for it to come off. Don’t do small fixes to take off weight if it isn’t something that can last. Keeping the weight off is a lifestyle commitment! It is daily healthy choices that help you stay where you want to be.

6. Don’t Buy Your Weakness Food

You guys, I love potato chips!!! LOVE THEM! I could consume an entire bag BY MYSELF if I allowed myself to do so! So…… I don’t buy them! I know they are a weakness of mine, and in a moment of weakness, I would eat the whole bag! Whatever your weakness food is, DON’T BUY IT! If it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it!

7. Be Strong

Any time I want to eat something I shouldn’t, I tell myself, “You won’t miss this in half an hour!” and “You will not feel well, and you will regret it later if you eat this now!” Do you know how many cupcakes and cookies were put on my desk each week?? SOOOOOO many! At our school, the kids who have a birthday can deliver their extra birthday treats to other staff members! You guys, I have to throw the treat in the trash right after they leave my room! Odd are pretty good that I wouldn’t fish it out of the trash! Well… unless it was a really bad day!

8. Cut Yourself Some Slack

We all make some diet or exercise choices that are not great! Don’t beat yourself up! Just because you fall off the wagon one day doesn’t mean you should stay off the wagon forever! Don’t compare yourself to someone else. That girl you think has the “perfect body” struggles with something as well. That perfect girl has something on her body that she finds imperfect even if you don’t notice it.

9. Cheat!

Allow yourself to cheat every once in a while! As I have mentioned before, I LOVE ICE CREAM! So every once in a while, I have some! That doesn’t mean I eat it every day – although, I totally want to! Just remember – everything in moderation! If it’s the holidays, indulge a little!

10. Celebrate the little victories, and surround yourself with cheerleaders!

Be proud of yourself for sticking to your lifestyle (I don’t want to say “diet”!) – even if you only did it for one day! Take one day at a time and continue to improve as you go! Surround yourself with those who will support what you are doing and help you along the way. Find someone who will hold you accountable and cheer you on along the way!

You are amazing! And even if you only make a few changes in yourself, that’s awesome! Remember, don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 19! Cheers to you and a healthy 2019!

A big thank you to Macy’s and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!

Candace
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