I have recently made a few small changes to my lifestyle that have made a majorly huge difference in the way I feel. So I figured I would share them with you!
1. Only ONE cup of coffee per day: This was a MAJOR change for me. I got the stomach flu about a month ago. I couldn’t keep anything down. So for about 5 days I didn’t drink ANY coffee. On top of being sick, I had the WORST headache, and my husband attributed it to my lack of caffeine. Before getting sick, I drank A LOT of coffee. Like 6 or 8 cups a day, easily. I had to drink a cup the second I woke up or I would get a dull headache. I knew it was bad that I was so dependent on something but I was freaking tired. (and I used a lot of coffee creamer, the bad for you but delicious kind) When I was finally better I told myself I would only allow myself one cup a day. That’s it. And I have stuck to it. Trust me when I tell you that I am the last person I thought would ever say this but… I feel SO much better. It is so nice to wake up and not need a cup of coffee right away. I don’t want to cut it out entirely since I really do love that cup of coffee, but it is so nice to have it as a bonus… not a necessity.
2. ACV drink: When I decided to drop all my coffee, I also decided to start my day with a apple cider vinegar drink. I had heard so much about it, but just never got around to trying it. So I googled a few recipes and I ended up liking this one the best. It is supposed to be all sorts of healthy.
3. I stopped washing my face in morning: So apparently this is a known thing, since about half the people I tell this to respond with, “Oh, I know… I NEVER wash my face in the morning.” Well.. thanks a lot you a-holes for never telling me. I forget where I saw this, but some celebrity said one of their secrets to great skin was to never wash their face in morning, just rinse it with water. (don’t use soap) I never thought this would work for me, since I occasionally use retin-A or a nighttime moisturizer. I thought it would be bad to leave all that stuff on my face before applying my sunscreen and makeup. Well, I was wrong. My skin looks so much better since I started the no soap morning routine. It is less dry, I have had fewer breakouts, and it just looks better to me.
4. No alcohol during the week: This was another big one. My boss was horrified when we were talking about drinking and I said that I drank every night. His response, “You don’t drink every night.. you are just saying that.” I was like, “Nope, I drink every single night.” Everyone just stared at me. Then when he walked away a few people were like, “Yeah.. we drink every night too, but we didn’t want to say that.” (again.. thanks a-holes) Well, the whole conversation got me thinking… I mean, it can’t be healthy to drink every night. I was telling my husband the story and he agreed, so we both decided to stop drinking during the week. I am a little embarrassed to say that it was really hard at first. I would look forward to my glass (or two) of wine when the kids went to bed. But now, I don’t even think about it and I am definitely saving some cash on wine.
5. I eat more salads for lunch: This was kind of an accidental change. I have been so busy at work that I started slacking on making my lunch and prepping my snacks. So I was eating crappy and bringing microwave meals or buying lunch. I decided that on Sunday (or on Monday on my way into work) I would stop at Trader Joe’s and buy a bunch of those pre-made salads and healthy snacks. (usually cottage cheese and a bean salad from the cold section) I buy ahead for three days of salads, then get a soup and one healthy microwave meal to make it through the workweek. (I can’t eat a salad more than 3 days after I bought it, I don’t care what the expiration date says) I feel so much better, it was a reminder for me just how important fresh, healthy foods are.
I made most these changes a few weeks ago, and I have noticed such a difference. I have even lost a few pounds since I cut out all those empty calories. (all that extra coffee creamer and alcohol) Also, I feel like I have so much energy, even though I drink less coffee. So there you go, maybe some of these changes will work for you. Or maybe you are a normal person who doesn’t drink exorbitant amounts of coffee and wine to begin with. In that case, I’m sorry you read this whole thing.
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Great suggestions!! I never thought to not wash my face in the morning?!?! Going to start that today!!!
I know!! Just rinse it with water.. apparently that is all you need! (as long as you washed it well at night!)
Ok, first off thank you for the washing my face part. You are right, why are these a-holes hiding this secret? I never knew. And the coffee, you are a strong courageous female to cut that back. Working mom on one cup of coffee… how does this happen? I loved reading this so much and I'm glad the apple cider vinegar drink work. I was wondering how it went. And Hi-Fives for being the honest one at work. Loved these, (but I have not the strength yet to cut back on coffee.) 🙂
I never thought I would cut back on coffee either.. but I feel so much better! (It is crazy to even see myself writing that, since I drank SO much coffee for SO long) And the face stuff, you will be shocked by how much nicer your skin looks by just rinsing with water in the morning!!
Hey a-hole…I would have had your back in that meeting!
hahaha I know you would have!
Certain people should probably wash their face in the morning and before bed, especially those with super oily skin. With that being said, it just depends on my mood and how much time my toddler gives me if I wash my face in the AM. Usually it is just a quick wipe down but if I get lucky I get to do my whole wash, toner, lotion routine (and my face lotion has SPF in it for when the sun does eventually come out – BONUS!) So tread lightly with skipping the AM wash if you are oily but progress if it happens to work 🙂
Yes I could see the face washing thing not working for everyone. I have combination skin, and I wash my face really well at night. At first I felt like the oils on my skin would mess with my vit c serum and sunscreen, but it doesnt! Its crazy!
I don't drink coffee, but my go-to for caffeine isn't much better. I'm an energy drink girl. Only one a day though, and the no calorie/no sugar ones.. Look at me over here justifying away, lol!
That really doesnt sounds too bad!! I mean I still do drink the one cup… and I have green tea at work, which also has some caffeine.. so I prob still have too much! ha!
I wash my face at night and moisturize in the morning. If you keep up the ACV drink you will be Beyonce fine.
Wait… I am NOT already Beyonce fine???
I never knew about the not washing your face in the morning thing either! You aren't alone there! This is a great list. I'd be curious to see if you notice a difference in how you're feeling in a month or so. You should totally do a follow up post! 🙂
I know me too.. I am obsessed with my new routine!
These are great tips. I can do most of them but giving up my copious amount of coffee will be difficult.
I hear ya!! I have a very minor heart issue and my cardiologist was like, you need to cut back on all this caffeine.. and I STILL wouldnt! It wasnt until I got SO sick and had no choice that I was like.. Ok here's my chance. And the thing is, I feel the same amt of tired/awake as I did when I was drinking 8 cups, but now I just drink 1.
hahaha, you never knew me, or I would've told you about the face washing thing! lol. Same with hair. I only wash a few times a week!
Ok, I'm NOT a fan of vinegar, but I'm going to try the drink. I'll let you know if I hate you or love you…
haha you will hate it at first.. it needs the stevia.. or else it is simply not drinkable in my opinion. I dont enjoy it, but I am getting used to it in a strange way!
These are great ideas! I'm with you in the coffee creamer, (I only drink decaf though-I had a "caffeine detox" two years ago, never again!!) I need to stick to one cup a day. I never thought about washing my face in the morning, but I hardly have a skin regime at night too-I really need to get on that!
I didnt have a skin regime either, until I turned 35… I was like.. Ummm.. I better get on it. So its been a few months and my skin does look better, but the no soap in the morning was a BIG difference.. and it only took a few days! It is the craziest thing!
These tips are great. Thanks! I need to cut the coffee, maybe replacing it with your drink will help. I also love salads for lunch. I try to find healthy alternatives to dressings too.
yeah with the premade salads I have a few go-to ones I like.. one has a lot of calorites (for a salad) but I figure if i get healthy salads most of the time I can trat myself with a few not so great options. 😉
love these tips!
I've heard about the ACV drink I just don't know if I could stomach it…
It doesnt taste great.. but I warm up the water a bit.. just 30 seconds in the microwave and suck it down with a straw. 🙂
You can't wash your face? Well I'll be….LOL! Glad you liked the ACV! Cutting white stuff is KEY too!
hahah water is fine.. just no soap in the morning!! 😉
You can't wash your face? Well I'll be….LOL! Glad you liked the ACV! Cutting white stuff is KEY too!
You are stronger than me on the ACV drink, but the other tips are probably for the better. Whoever came up with caffeine needs to be hanged it's so addicting.
I know! My headaches were so bad.. I am thankful I finally got the chance to cut back. If I hadnt gotten sick.. I don't think i would have ever changed. I was die hard when it came to my coffee.
Great simple list. I've also cut coffee way down. I've tried all cider vinegar drink in the past and I couldn't quite stomach it. I'll have to try yours!
i really think the stevia makes a big difference.. and lots of cinnamon!
These are great ideas. Washing your face with soap only in the evening makes sense since you're washing off all the sweat and makeup. The morning wash shouldn't have as much stuff to wash off. I really need to eat salads for lunch, great call on that one.
Yeah I was slacking on the fresh veggies. It makes a big difference! 😉
I have been eating a lot more salads lately. I can't wait for Spring/Summer to be here for even more fresh goodies!
I agree! I have a little farmers market near me and its been slim pickins..
OK, I had no idea about not washing your face in the morning. I generally don't because I never have time…but now I can say it's because it's good for my skin! Great ideas here, and good for you for trying to be as healthy as possible 🙂
Thank you! It didnt seem like much, but all together it is making a big difference!
Great changes! Good for you! A few months ago cutting down on coffee was a major one for me too, and then cutting out caffeine completely. Now, I can definitely tell the draining difference it had on me! Worth it :).
I know! I am so surprised by how crappy all that coffee was actually making me feel!
Alcohol midweek and one cup of coffee are things I'm trying to work on [and cut out] as well. I had no idea washing your face was a big thing! The things we learn from the a-holes LOL!
hahaha dont you know it!! Have a great weekend!
I tried to give up coffee entirely recently – it only lasted until the next morning. I also try to drink some ACV and apple juice regularly because it is good for your gallbladder. Good luck with all these changes!
haha I can't say that I blame you, I dont think I would have ever dropped down my coffee intake if I never got sick.
These are great Lauren!! My week night wine is smart pop popcorn and I had to But down the bag haha! I'm not the best at washing my face except in the bathtub so the no washing in the morning is a good one for me lol! I love salad and try to limit my coffee intake to the am… This made me,laugh but was filled with great suggestions. You're beautiful and obviously doing lots of thibgs very right, so thanks for sharing! ?
Aww, thank you!! I still miss my wine during the week.. I actually had a glass last night (on a thurs!!) but i just really needed it. lol I hope you have a great weekend!
I love coffee but I only drink a cup a day unless I have a long shift at work then I'll have 2. I'm definitely going to try the ACV drink. It really is good for you. I'm glad you're seeing such amazing results. Keep up the good work!
You will love the ACV! (once you get past the taste!) Good for you on only one cup of coffee.. I hope I can keep my limited intake forever!
I had absolutely no idea about not washing your face in the morning. How could I have missed this? My skin could totally use some help, so I'm going to give that a try. I've not tried the vinegar thing, but I've recently gotten on the warm water and lemon juice kick first thing in the morning and am loving it.
I have been reading about that as well and since many people say you should give your body a AVC break every once in awhile.. i will sub that out on the days I skip it.
I don't think I can do just one cup of coffee but, I'm on board for the rest. 😉
I never thought I could either!! Trust me, you can.. you really dont need it.. and I never thought I would be saying that!
Haha! I love this post!!! I've never heard that you're not supposed to wash your face in the morning either… weird! But nobody ever told me that people shave their big toes either, until I overheard a group of women talking about it a couple years ago. I went and asked a group of my friends and my sisters, and I guess I'm the only one who never got the memo. I guess I made it to 32 without learning a lot of things that I should/shouldn't be doing. Whoops! 😉
WHAAAT?? people shave their big toes? #mindblown
My friend introduced me to some ACV "juice" made my Bragg's and OMFG it's great!!!!!!
I have had that before, it is really good!!!
good decisions. i do all those things. but love my wine though.. almost every night! ;0 maybe i should stop that too… i'll think about it.
Yeah that was a hard one to give up. I cheat sometimes.. but most of the time I can go the whole workweek.
So many things that I never knew. How does that apple cider drink test? And I'm going to start not washing my face in the morning. I also drink wine during the week. Just a glass. Not every night though. I'm not pretending like the others either. 🙂
The drink doesnt taste very good, but I am used to it now. The stevia helps a lot to tone down the vinegar. 🙂 I have more energy and way less bloating too. 🙂
Good for you! I'm one of the I don't drink coffee, wash my face in the morning or salad eating species though…hehe
I should have known.. haha!! 🙂
I actually never wash my face at ALL! At least not with traditional cleansers. I love my homemade oil cleanser with olive oil, castor oil, and tea tree oil. My skin has NEVER looked better. Thanks for sharing at the Talented Tuesday link party. I hope you'll come link up with us again this week!
I will have to look up those natural cleaners!! Sounds awesome!
I have a drink with dinner most nights. I keep telling myself I should probably cut back!
Yeah, I mean I was having a drink every night.. sometimes 2! (I mean just 7 drinks a week sounds like a lot when I would say it to myself!) lol
Great list of small changes to make a big difference! I'll have to try just rinsing my face with water in the mornings. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
Let me know how it goes! I have really noticed a major difference! 🙂
Cool!! Great hints and tips. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I was nodding my head in agreement as I was reading along. I also had no idea that you aren't supposed to wash your face in the morn? News to me. Oh and I have been drinking every night too, you aren't alone. I just started a new workout program and along with it my goal is to only drink on the weekends….so far I have made it 2 days alcohol free this week….the other were very stressful, ooops!
These are all good tips. I am a one cup of coffee a day gal, but I do love that one cup with my hazelnut creamer. I am getting over a bad cold and I haven;t had coffee all week, so I have been doing green tea instead. I will get back to my coffee soon though, I miss it!
My husband and I used to drink wine almost every night, somehow it just becomes a habit! We have cut that out too after we were both waking up groggy! We still enjoy it every now and then during the week and definitely on the weekends!
I will have to try the ACV drink, sounds interesting!
Thanks for linking up! I enjoyed reading your post 🙂
Those are some pretty cool changes and do you see any difference with the ACV drink? I'm not sure if I will try that one. This post was pretty funny. No soap during morning face washings? Hmm, that is an interesting point. Thanks for joining our Workout Wednesday this week – hope you come back on April 15th for our next one. #wowlinkup
I wash my face with water in the morning. I couldn't have done that in my 20's and 30's, my skin was too oily. Congrats on your weight loss. #wowlinkup