Now: Healthy Tips for Fall

Happy Monday! With it practically Fall (I just painted my nails dark navy blue, so it must be!), now is the time to find smart ways to stay healthy all-season long.

To preface: Before sharing weight maintenance or weight loss advice -- whichever you're seeking -- you should know that I'm a proud Weight Watchers lifetime member. I lost 35 lbs about seven years ago! I'm currently a bit higher than my goal, but it's hopefully temporary (due to some meds). I'll get back; we've all been there before, right? We're just all average gals wanting to look and feel our best!

Here's tips that I am confident will make a real difference:

 1. Don't drink your calories. Always my #1! Yes, you can have a glass a wine, a light beer, a cocktail, etc., but if you're really serious about dropping some lbs the easiest thing to do is to limit alcohol and wine and stick to water and other calorie-free options. While h20 is always best, feel free to opt for diet teas, lemonades and a soda here and there if it helps keep your cravings at bay and keeps you full. If you are going to have a glass though, you better damn well enjoy it! Just know that one 120 cal. serving is not the size of your x-large wine glass!

2. Be honest with yourself. See #1 about your oversized wine glass. You're not foolin' anyone, missy.

3. Count the BLTs: bites, licks and tastes. This is a Weight Watcher mantra that's so true. Just because you're only having a few bites, or a handful of french fries or onion rings from your partner's plate, doesn't mean it doesn't count (unfortunately!). Sorry. Truth hurts, I know.

4. If you can't control yourself, don't take even just one bite. I don't know about you, but I sometimes lack self control, especially around food. If I'm at a party, for example, and there's something decadent, I won't take a bite if I'm watching myself because once I know how good it is I'll want more. This way I can almost trick my brain into thinking it's not worth it. If you're not good at having just one bite, try it, it works.

4. Quantity eater? Me too. Find things to satiate you or keep you occupied. Feel like you need to munch on something while watching TV? Make a bag of 94% fat free kettle or butter popcorn -- my fav; eat an apple (love!), frozen grapes (just stick your grapes in the freezer for a while; so good), blueberries and others fruits; carrot sticks with hummus; or just chew gum to occupy your mouth (I dig the flavored kinds like Trident Tropical Twist).

5. Use a smaller plate. I'll be honest: I like seconds. I don't care if I had the most enormous first portion you've ever seen or one bite. I'll want seconds of pasta, cereal, veggies, anything! To curb my calorie intake, I often use our salad plates for my entree. It's all about the illusion; you're going to pack your plate regardless of the size. Plus, if you want seconds you can go for it, guilt-free!

6. Find exercise you love.  Don't love going to the gym? Don't! Take advantage of some cooling temperatures and go for a fast walk with friends. I got into running by going for walks, which turned into runs, with my roomie and a few other friends while living in Tampa years back. It was our time to gossip and to catch up without other distractions. So fun. It NEVER felt like exercise. Not for you? Try biking, pilates, yoga, or better yet... dance around your room like a crazy lady (we've all been there, don't hate!).


Me, enjoying a crepe in Paris!



7. Most importantly, enjoy what you eat! I totally believe in splurging, in weight 5 pounds more than I'd ideally love to because well, I love food and want to enjoy myself. What's the point of being a stick if you're miserable, right? Right! Just save your calories and fat for things you really enjoy, not mindless eating and drinking when you're not even really appreciating it. 

And worse case? Remember... it's just one meal! Don't give up or get mad at yourself. While all us gals joke about it, one meal really isn't going to add cellulite to our tush. It's about a lifestyle, not a diet.

Now, go forth, eat and conquer!