FIVE THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE THAT YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU FOR

We're a few days into the New Year and if you're anything like me, you're probably still struggling with checking off some of those daily goals.  One of my "resolutions" that I didn't write about, but more so just made a mental note of, is to be more intentional about doing things each day that my body will thank me for.  Some of them are already part of my daily routine and others take a little more dedication.  Here are five things I've been focusing on for a little instant gratification when it comes to taking care of my body -

1. ONE. // LEMON WATER
3. Hot, cold, doesn't matter.  During the day, I try to get my ounces in by refilling my water bottle, but adding a lemon slice to what I'm drinking always makes it easier.  At night, my favorite part of my routine is enjoying my hot lemon water.  (Sometimes I add honey, but usually I prefer it to be somewhat tart.)  J got me this tea kettle for Christmas and it makes life so much easier!  Another trick to making sure you drink water throughout the day - ask for a to-go water with lemon before leaving lunch or dinner when you're out.  Usually if you have it, you'll drink it and that's an easy way to get another 8 ounces in throughout your day.
4. Lemon water is beneficial for so many reasons such as Vitamin C, supporting weight loss, and improving your skin quality.  However, my favorite benefit of drinking lemon water each night is digestion.  Often times, if I feel bloated at the end of the day or simply weighed down from what I've eaten and lemon water helps me feel evened out again before I go to sleep.  It's so inexpensive and makes you feel hydrated + healthy.

TWO. // MOVE, EVEN AT HOMEWhatever your work-out routine looks like, as long as you're doing something, your body will be happier.  I hate early morning workouts, simply because I thrive off of my morning routine so much, but even adding in 20-30 minutes of something at home completely changes my day.  Most of the time, I do BBG and getting it out of the way in the mornings effects what I eat the rest of the day, my energy level, and puts me in a better mood.  Start slow with exercising for 20 minutes at the same time each morning.  Allow it to become a part of your routine and something you crave each day.  After a few weeks, you can increase your time by a few minutes and get on track with a set workout.  Often times, we're intimidated by the thought of having to get dressed, leave the house, go outside in the cold, pay for the gym, etc.  The truth is, you can still be active, even in your own living room!  It doesn't have to be your only workout for the day, but definitely starts it on the right foot.THREE. // PROTEIN SHAKES + AÇAÍ BOWLSI've always eaten fewer, smaller meals throughout the day and I've noticed that when I stick to that, my body feels so much better.  But, small or not, you have to eat the right things in order to stay full and not make a bad decision when you're starving at 2PM.  Throughout the week, I like to alternate between protein shakes + açaí bowls.  Both can be somewhat expensive, so alternating + making one of the two at home really helps me. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays are protein shake days and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I treat myself to a bowl from one of my favorite, local places.  They both keep me full for around 4-5 hours and I can fill-in with healthy snacks when I start to get hungry.  Greek Yogurt with granola, almonds, string cheese, and a banana with almond butter are my favorite go-to snacks when I need a little pick-me-up!  Also, below is my protein shake recipe:1 Scoop Vital Protein Collagen Powder1 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk1 Frozen BananaPinch of Cinnamon1 Scoop Peanut or Almond Butter1/2 Cup IceBlend and pour into 8 ounce cup!FOUR. // GO FOR A WALKObviously this one should be a no-brainer, but sometimes I have to force myself to get out of the house and walk in the evenings.  Especially when it's cold out + dark early - the struggle is real.  However, not only do our pups need the exercise each day, but it's so good for my mind + body.  Again, even a 20-30 minute walk doesn't take much time out of your day, but clears your mind + gets your blood flowing.  I like to walk right before/around sunset.  Especially since I typically work from home, it helps me transition from closing my laptop to enjoying the rest of the night with J.  Plus, I start to feel sluggish around 5:30 and tired from working + running around all day, so it gets my endorphins flowing again and helps give me energy/set the tone for the rest of my night.FIVE. // WEEKEND GROCERY SHOPPING + MEAL PREPI've always loved grocery shopping and recently, we've started going together on Sunday afternoons and meal planning for the week.  Already having the groceries in the fridge that you need to cook is such a game changer + time saver.  More often than not, not being prepared is what causes us to order take out or go out to eat.  When you don't have to make multiple trips to the store each week and you've already planned out healthy, delicious meals, it's so much easier to make better choices.  For us, we spend less money that way, too.  One of our favorite, easy meals (I posted it on stories last week and got so many questions about it) is an easy, homemade salad.  It takes hardly no time and is so good!  Here are the toppings we're currently loving:Spinach + ArugulaGoat CheeseSpiced PecansDried FigsAvocadoProtein of ChoiceGreen Goddess Salad DressingWhether it's eating or working out, I typically live by trying to be disciplined throughout the week and enjoying the weekends.  Balance in everything and trust me - your body will thank you for incorporating these little changes that make a big difference.Thanks so much for stopping by and happy Monday!  XX.Meg