10 {Easy} Healthy Changes to Make Now!

A month or so ago I shared five easy tips and tricks for getting back into shape. I am a big believer in taking things slowly and integrating little things into your diet and/or exercise routine to see bigger changes over time. I’m just not a very drastic person – more of a tortoise than a hare, if you will! Over the past month or so I’ve done a really good job (until getting sick at least) at doing all five of those things: being active every day, drinking my lemon water, stretching + foam rolling regularly, eating my big salads, and getting a solid eight hours.

Today, I’ve teamed up with Kohl’s to share even more healthy changes for summer… all tiny tweaks that are easy to make to your routine… but over time, they’ll add up! I didn’t realize how many cute workout things Kohl’s has… Nike is one of my favorite fitness brands (half my workout clothing is Nike), so I did a little stocking up! These leggings are the best and I want to get this elastic strap tank in every.single.color. Also: this hoodie is soooo comfy – I think I need it in light pink, too!

Outfit Details: Nike Hoodie // Nike Tank // Nike Sports Bra (not pictured but it’s amaazing) // Nike Leggings // Nike Sneakers

ONE // Make it a goal to try something active and NEW every week. I find that it reallllly helps me to stay active when I make a conscious effort to try something new. Whether it’s hip hop yoga, a new class on Aaptiv, or getting outside and doing something athletic with my friends, it feels sooo much less tedious when you are trying something different and getting outside your comfort zone!

TWO // Invest in a spiralizer. Oh my goodness. Am I the only one who is obsessed with my spiralizer? In my old apartment I had a tiny hand held one but I just bought this one and I love it so so much. The table top version is so much easier to use, and I swear that zoodles taste just like real pasta if you get the sauce right. I will make a simple tomato sauce with meat (just add ground beef to any yummy pasta sauce), or Gwyneth’s zucchini cacio e pepe. Cacio e pepe is basically my definition of heaven, so I love this!!! My friend Ali’s blog, Inspiralized, is full of yummy recipes too!

THREE // Switch to white wine spritzers. All those (empty) alcohol calories add up! By drinking a spritzer you’re essentially cutting the calories (and the alcohol in half). I tend to drink (everything – be it water, coffee, or wine) quickly so this is perfect for me.

FOUR // Walk… everywhere! I am thinking about getting a fitness bracelet again. I love my Jawbone bracelet because it kept me accountable for getting those 10,000 steps in every day… sometimes I just get trapped at my desk and having something like that to keep me on track is such a big help.

FIVE // Start making smoothies again. They make such a great breakfast! Besides being delicious, they’re easy to consume first thing in the morning, packed with nutrients, and easy to make. I am obsessed with my Vitamix but have been using it more for soups and sauces… it’s time to start making more breakfast smoothies – this one sounds so good!!!

SIX // Regularly switch up your sneakers. This may sound dumb but my feet were killing me and then I realized I’d been wearing the same sneakers for almost two years. Oops. For runners it is recommended that you change your sneakers every 500 miles or so. I didn’t think this was an issue because I run 10-15 miles a week MAX, but I forget about all the time spent walking around the city in my sneakers. That wears on them too! I tossed my black Nikes and got (gasp) another pair of black Nikes. I’m sorry but black Nikes will always be my sneaker of choice. They’re great for the gym but also with jeans/casual outfits. More importantly though, once I changed my sneakers, my feet stopped hurting.

SEVEN // Meditate. Okay this puts me out of my comfort zone a bit because I hate sitting still. I’m actually the worst when it comes to this. I love moving, doing things, being busy. Being sick was the worst because I had to just lay down for two days, and I go crazy even getting my nails done (not being able to use my hands – my phone – I go crazy!!!) I am going to start small… meditating once or twice a week. I’ve taken classes at MNDFL and have been meaning to download the Headspace app – anyone have any good advice on this front?

EIGHT  // Practice Gratitude. I was doing really well with writing in my 5 minute journal every day, and then I moved! My goal this month is to write in it every morning and night… it really does make such a difference simply writing down what you are thankful for and what made the day great. Sometimes the littlest things can make such a difference, and I noticed that this small thing had a big impact on my happiness.

NINE // Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Hydration is probably my biggest beauty secret. As silly/basic/easy as it sounds, it is so important for keeping your skin looking good. It also helps to keep you full! I keep a water bottle at my desk and fill it up throughout the day, and when I am out and about I am never without it. I like to add a little lemon to mine.

TEN // Take a Probiotic. I have talked about this on Instagram stories and I’m really good about taking them when I travel (it’s the best way to stay bloat-free when you have a long flight) but I feel soooo much better when I take them. They help with digestion, bloat, and this one also helps with your mood. I swear by it.

Created in Partnership with Kohl’s + Shopstyle.

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.