Secrets of Success

Add a little juice to your veggies

So I sautee vegetables at least once a day... and recently I've been adding a splash of apple juice to the mix when the veggies are almost done. It sounds weird, but letting the juice caramelize leaves your vegetables tasting even more delightful! + =

Read something by Michael Pollan

Do it. You'll be glad you did. I highly recommend "In Defense of Food" or "The Omnivore's Dilemma."

Ditch bready carbs.

They aren't great for you. Cookies are cookies even if they are organic or whole grain. So are cakes and brownies, no matter how natural the sugar is. Bread isn't a whole grain, either, and you can get your fiber from vegetables and fruits instead. It sounds preposterous, but it's helped me a lot!

Find a song to pump you up

Mine is "Extraordinary" by Liz Phair. I don't feel gross coming out of the gym or back from working out/being active - I feel like I can take on anything. Find a song that reminds you to believe in your abilities, stay confident, and embrace your bada$$-ness!

Get outside for a few minutes, even if it is raining.

This is a good idea for the following reasons: It's beautiful out there with trees and plants and the like, fresh air is good for you and can help you clear your head if you're stressed, the sun = vitamin D, and, of course, going outside means you're moving, which is good for you!

Strength train!

Do it! Build muscle and challenge yourself, and you'll not only be stronger, but you'll lose weight if you're also changing how you eat and doing some walking or interval training here and there. Crossfit is one good source of information, and doing bodyweight exercises is great too!

Eat real food.

Vegetable oils? Fake eggs? Atkins bars? Please! The best foods for you are generally whole. Eat real eggs and use full-fat cream, eat lots of vegetables sauteed in a bit of olive oil or coconut oil. These foods satisfy, these foods have more nutrients, and these aren't frankenfoods with strange ingredients. Go whole 80% of the time, and you'll do yourself a favor.