Pinterest Fitness Day 15: Kitchen Tips for Weight Loss

I was inspired by a Pinterest post to make my own list of things I do in my kitchen to stay healthy. They are all important and they are in no particular order. Enjoy!

1. Keep a pen and pad of paper by your side all day long. Draw a line down the middle. On one side, write "Food" and on the other, write "Calories." Record everything you eat. Caloriecounter.com has a great App for that. This way, you can calculate the calories you need and record the calories you consume. It's on old tip, but has stood the test of time!

2. Stock your kitchen up with produce. Make it just as accessible as a bag if chips. Cut and wash ahead of time if you need to.

3. Keep in your kitchen and cook with healthy fats--- Flaxseed, Chia seed, Coconut oil, Olive oil. As long as you measure your portions, these healthy fats have great benefits.

4. Have measuring cups and spoons available and use them! Food scales are pretty cheap and those come in handy as well.

5. Own a good blender or food processor. When choosing the healthiest option for dressings and sauces, especially if you are watching your sodium intake, it sometimes is best just to make your own. You may be surprised how easy it is!

6. Have a little bit if dark chocolate everyday. Yes. One square of a Trader Joe's chocolate bar does it for me and I believe that is 1/16th of a serving! If you deny yourself those things every single day, you may just binge!

7. Put veggies in your smoothies. Spinach and carrots actually work very well.

8. DRINK WATER! Lots of water! No juice! No monster drink! No sugary coffee drink! Most of those drinks are either made up of calories or chemicals or both. Mineral water is an acquired taste, perhaps, but it is very refreshing when ice cold! Drink 8oz of water before a meal to feel up faster.

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt w/ berries and Stevia = YUMMY!

9. Pre-package your snacks. Pack 100-150 calorie snacks like string cheese and a small apple. It is way easier than walking to a vending machine and just as easy as reaching for the bag of empty calories you may consume while watching the Dr. Oz show.

10. Take your vitamins. Everyday. For those of you who are inside most of the day, talk to your doctor or do some research on the benefits of taking extra vitamin D.

11. Use your kitchen. Cook at home. Take meals with you when you are away from home. It is always healthier.