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      15 Workouts for When You Don’t Feel Like Working Out

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      Whether you’ve been working on reviving your workout routine or working out at home is as routine to you as Netflix before bed and 24/7 loungewear, somedays we just don’t feel like it. You know those days: the ones where excuses to skip the workout are aplenty (the dishes are piling up in the sink, your Hulu free trial is almost over, your favorite sports bra is in the dirty laundry, etc.). No matter what excuses we come up with, keeping up with a workout routine sometimes feels impossible for no other reason than we just don’t feel like it (it’s like our body’s version of “because I said so”). And guess what: that’s OK. On these days where you don’t feel like working out, listen to your body and identify why you don’t feel like it, and then find a solution to keep you moving. Whether you think you don’t have time, feel bored with the same workout, or are too tired to get off the couch, here are 15 videos that will change your mind. P.S.: the point is not to work out every day. The point is to listen to your body, identify what it needs, move more often, and make exercise easy (because it should be enjoyable!).

      If you don’t have time…

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      You don’t need equipment, you don’t need a yoga mat, and you don’t need more than five minutes to get in this killer workout. Everyone has five minutes to spare (even if it’s waiting for coffee to brew), and you can also do this workout while still in your pajamas, meaning there’s absolutely no reason you wouldn’t have time to squeeze it into your routine.

      If you have a resistance band, six minutes is all you need to make your glutes and inner thighs sore for days–trust me. This one will feel like a tough workout in the amount of time it takes to wait for your Lean Cuisine to heat up. (P.S.: use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!)

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      So five minutes feels like too much to spare? How about four minutes? You can squeeze in this mini-workout while you wait for your coworker to respond about those spreadsheets. Even doing this arm workout while sitting at your desk will be enough to get blood flowing and work those arm muscles. 

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      This is truly one of the most fun workout videos I’ve found on Youtube. After just 10 minutes, you’ll be sweating, sore, and checking yourself out in the mirror. Plus, choreography will put the brain to work, which means you won’t have room to get distracted by your to-do list. 

      Warning: yes, this class is only seven minutes long, but it will get your heart rate up and make you sweat. This short HIIT circuit takes you through quick, intense cardio bursts, allowing you to burn more strength in less time. Try squeezing in this seven minutes before your morning shower. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

      If you’re bored of your workouts…

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      So you’re bored with your workouts and can’t get yourself to step on another treadmill or lift another weight? Opt for exercise that feels more like a night out with the girls than a workout session. 305 Fitness bases their classes off of Miami nightlife, so you know it’s going to be fun. Turn up your speakers and get ready to whip your hair back and forth.

      If you’re bored with the same type of exercise, it might be time to invest in some new equipment that will make your home workouts more challenging and exciting. Try a mini trampoline (bonus points if you still have yours from when you were a kid!) and have some fun while you feel the burn. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

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      If you’ve been exercising on your living room floor for months, you might just need a change of scenery. Apply your SPF, grab a jacket (if the temperatures are getting cold where you are), and take your workout outside. Fantasize that you’re at the beach while watching this Tone It Up HIIT session, or simply go on a jog or hike to get in some exercise that feels like new. 

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      Because what’s more motivating than your favorite songs? The Fitness Marshall has a large variety of fun dances to all of the songs we love. Warning: Lizzo will make you want to twerk, even on a Tuesday in the middle of the workday. Shuffling The Fitness Marshall videos is basically just listening to your favorite Spotify playlist, except with some fun dance moves that will make you break a sweat (in the fiercest way possible). 

      Feeling little motivation to go on another run or do the same workout video? This 15-day challenge that walks you through a variety of yoga, pilates, and sculpt classes, so you’re always trying new things. You won’t have to wonder which exercise you want to do that day (or whether or not you will exercise that day), so you’ll be more likely to stay on track. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

      If you’re feeling tired…

      Feeling unmotivated to exercise could mean you’re tired or burned out, so listen to your body. On days where even changing into a workout set feels like too much work, opt for a therapeutic stretch that will improve your mobility, flexibility, and overall performance, so you’ll be able to work out better when you get back into your usual exercising tomorrow. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

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      On those days where you’re too tired to get off the couch, think of movement as a self-care practice, not exercise (even though it’s both!). This slower-paced sequence holds postures and poses for longer than usual, so you can slow down and do something for your body while restoring energy levels. 

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      If your body is begging for a break, focus on stillness instead of movement, and work your breath instead of your body. This kundalini practice is meant to cultivate more energy, so even a quick break will give you the strength and motivation to get through the rest of your day (even when you’re at your most tired). 

      Yoga is the perfect exercise when you’re feeling tired but still want to work your body. Vinyasa flows are designed to build heat, loosen muscles, and build strength, so you’re reaping all the benefits of working out without over-working your body. This video is a personal favorite for days where I need extra motivation to get to my mat because it focuses on reflection and intention, combining mental health with physical movement. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!
       

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      If you need to ease yourself into a workout, we get it. This five-minute flow is meant for the mornings, so it wakes up your body with slow stretching before building to energizing movement by the end. It’s the perfect morning workout or an ideal pick-me-up during that afternoon slump. 

      What’s your go-to workout when you don’t feel like working out? More

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      6 Ways to De-Stress for Free

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      My reaction to stress typically goes one of two ways: I either faceplant into a bottle of wine or I spend money on stuff I don’t need. Obviously, these tactics are not sustainable or healthy for every time I feel anxious or overwhelmed. That’s why I rely on these six ways to stay calm, cool, and collected in the face of stress.
      1. Take a one-minute nap.
      I used to claim that I “didn’t have time” to nap on a regular basis. I reserved daytime resting for the occasional weekend when I could set aside an hour or two to dive into dreamland. Now that I’m a mom, it’s even rarer to carve out nap time no matter the time or day, so I’ve become a queen of what I call the “one-minute nap.”
      Here’s what you do: set a timer for one minute. Close your eyes. Breathe and be quiet. That’s it.
      If you have more than a minute to spare, then do the same exercise for three, four, or five minutes. (If anything longer opens up in your schedule, go take a legit nap straight away.) But you always have time for 60 seconds of stillness, and your mind and body will absolutely benefit from pressing pause.

      2. Drink a glass of water.
      Did you know that stress can lead to dehydration? If you’re feeling tense, taking a moment to drink a glass of water can be a short-term fix. When I’m tired or experiencing low energy, downing some H2O forces me to slow down and often creates a ripple effect (pun intended) in terms of paying attention to how I nourish and care for myself.
      Because, let’s be honest: if I’m stressed, I’m probably ignoring my body’s signals in general. (Like, probably drinking a ton of caffeine and eating all the sugar.). A water break allows me to reset and regroup.

      3. Unplug.
      Writer Anne Lamott says, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Practically-speaking, this rings true—raise your hand if you’ve ever shut down your computer to “solve” an error message—but it also references two tricky realities of modern life.
      First, we consume an absurd amount of images and words all day, every day, and much of it is negative. Second, most of us are habitually, obsessively tied to our electronic devices…and we rely on those devices to distract us from our daily worries and help us “relax.”

      READ: 7 Things to Do At Night Besides Stare At Your Phone

      While there’s nothing wrong with a little Hulu and Instagram at the end of a long work day, I’ve found that staying attached does more harm than good when I already feel stressed. I try to give myself a real, honest-to-goodness break from technology once in awhile, and then I prioritize other forms of connection. I hug my partner and look in his eyes instead of down at my phone. I pet the soft fur of my sweet little pug, Stanley, and take him for a quick jaunt around the block. I leaf through a few pages of an actual book.
      When you unplug, you have an opportunity to savor the sensations, smells, tastes, and sounds of your life happening right in that very moment, up close and personal.

      When you unplug, you have an opportunity to savor the sensations, smells, tastes, and sounds of your life happening right in that very moment, up close and personal.

      4. Be kind.
      I’ll admit I’m the first to snap or lash out when I’m stressed because, honestly, that’s when I’m inclined to think my problem is the MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM EVER. Except it’s usually not. It can be incredibly helpful to get out of my own head and remember that other people exist, too.
      If you’re all worked up about your own life, try to be nicer and more helpful to others, whether you know them or not. Hold the door open for the lady behind you at the coffee shop. Eat lunch with your coworker instead of going out. Smile at the tired mom with two screaming kids in Target. Compliment a family member, just because. Bite your tongue to offer compassion to the distracted waiter. When someone is talking to you, listen to him or her without furtive glances away or responding with absent-minded “uh huhs.”
      In other words, be present and kind. Good vibes only lead to more good vibes.

      5. Tackle one task off your to-do list.
      I will make long, broad to-do lists that serve as a “brain dump” for literally every single task circling my brain. Sure, it feels good to jot these little tasks down on paper, but when it comes to getting shit done? Uh, I look at my list with a shudder and immediately procrastinate as long as possible.
      But I do love the high of accomplishment associated with productivity. The solution when stressed is to pick one thing to do. Just one. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, either; in fact, it’s better if it is crazy small. Wipe down the kitchen counters instead of cleaning your whole place. Call the dentist on your commute to work. Respond to an email lingering in your inbox.
      Doing one thing will make you feel better than stressing about all the things before doing nothing, I swear.

      Practice gratitude for what’s already abundant in your life.

      6. Count your blessings.
      Sometimes, for me, stress can go hand-in-hand with things like resentment, envy, or comparison. For example, my husband and I have been saving for a down payment on a house, which means that every time someone I know buys a house, I feel stressed. Why? Because we want a house, too! Turns out we want lots of things that we don’t have for a variety of reasons, and this line of thinking can quickly spiral into a pessimistic attitude.
      In that moment, I count my blessings: I have a warm, safe roof over my head and the money to save for a larger home in the first place. Many situations—major financial struggles, health scares, lack of safety—those things are truly worth stressing over. Practice gratitude for what’s already abundant in your life.

      How do you de-stress for free? Tell us in the comments below! More

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      4 Reasons Why Multitasking Is Not the Best Option

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      Allow me to recap what my morning has looked like so far.I answered a couple of emails before starting a load of laundry. I answered another email, jotted down a few thoughts in an article outline, scrolled through Instagram, and then returned a couple more emails. I changed the laundry loads while on a phone call and then turned my attention once again to that article outline I promised myself I’d finish that morning.
      That’s pretty much standard for me — and I’m willing to bet the same holds true for you. When there are seemingly endless things to get done during any given day, multitasking is our new normal.
      But, in case you haven’t already heard, as irresistible as multitasking might seem, it’s really not the most efficient way for you to get your work done. Here’s why.

      1. Multitasking makes you less productive.
      This seems counterintuitive. How can doing two things at the same time actually make you less productive? Well, for starters, you aren’t actually doing two things simultaneously. Scientists say that’s almost impossible for humans to do well (hence why rubbing your stomach while tapping your head is such a beloved party trick). What you’re doing instead is rapidly switching between two tasks. You jump from that email to that project, and so on and so forth.
      Not so bad, right? Consider this: That constant switching counts as an interruption. You’re ripping your focus from one task to dedicate it to another. And, those constant disruptions come at a pretty high cost. Research shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to refocus on the original task that was interrupted.
      So, if you task switch just four times each workday (and, let’s be honest, you’re doing it far more than that), you’re spending nearly an hour just trying to get yourself re-committed to the project at hand. See? Not so productive after all.

      Source: @brooklynblonde1

      2. Multitasking hinders your memory.
      The other day, my mom called me to remind me of something important I had to do. “Oh, that’s right — you need to remember that,” I recited to myself while hanging up the phone. I figured I’d crank out one quick email before tackling that reminder. But — you guessed it — before I managed to circle back around to that, I had entirely forgotten what I was supposed to be doing.
      Sound familiar? That’s because our compulsion to multitask is actually sabotaging our memory. Research from the University of California San Francisco found that multitasking negatively affects our short-term memory — which is also referred to as our “working” memory. Your working memory is what enables you to remember an important deadline someone just told you or the fact that you need to call and schedule a dental cleaning.
      So, if you find yourself forgetting your lunch in the fridge after you told yourself eight times to grab it or not being able to remember a friend’s phone number when she just told it to you, you might be able to blame your multitasking habit for those lapses in your memory.

      Source: Colorjoy Stock

      3. Multitasking leads to poor work.
      Another danger of not being able to commit all of your focus to something? You’re increasing the likelihood of errors. Dr. Paul Hammerness and Margaret Moore, authors of Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life, discovered that multitasking increases your chances of making a mistake or even missing important information or context entirely.
      It makes sense. I’m far more likely to let a typo slip through in an important email if I’m writing that message while also watching TV or talking with a friend. While your urge to rapidly switch between tasks might make you feel like a productivity superhero, it’s probably actually leading to lower-quality work than what you’re capable of producing.

      Source: @alabasterfox

      4. Multitasking makes you feel frazzled.
      How does constantly hopping back and forth between different emails and assignments make you feel? Personally, I feel totally stressed — my eyes feel bleary, my heart rate quickens, and I end the day feeling like I got nothing of real value accomplished. Compare that to spending a couple of dedicated, focused hours to making progress on a big project. How do you feel at the end of that work session? Probably a whole lot different.
      According to David Meyer, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, that’s because multitasking has been proven to boost your stress levels. When you’re trying to accomplish a bunch of tasks — particularly highly important ones — simultaneously, your brain responds to those seemingly impossible demands by pumping out a bunch of adrenaline and other stress hormones.

      Your brain responds to seemingly impossible demands by pumping out adrenaline and other stress hormones.

      The even worse news? A steady flow of those types of hormones can threaten your health. That means multitasking isn’t just sending you into a mental tizzy, it can actually be throwing your body out of whack as well. This only scratches the surface on all of the potential pitfalls related to multitasking. From stifling your creativity to negatively impacting your relationships, this compulsion to cram as many tasks as possible into one time slot doesn’t have a lot of benefits.
      That being said, stopping this natural tendency can be tough — particularly when you’re saddled with a to-do list as long as your arm. The next time you feel the urge to multitask (which I can only assume will be within the next five minutes or so), challenge yourself to stay focused on the task in front of you. You can also experiment with different time management techniques — such as task batching or the Pomodoro Technique — to see what makes you feel your most productive.
      Whatever you do, it’s sure to be a lot more beneficial than constantly switching gears.

      How do you resist the urge to multitask? Let us know! More

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      8 Facts You Need to Know About Immune Health

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      If you couldn’t already tell, we love cooler weather. We stan camel jackets and puffy coats, would much rather get cozy at home than go out, and hot coffee tastes better than iced (#hottake). However, around this time of year, we also start seeing “immune system” pop up in wellness headlines that promise ways to boost your health. I don’t know about you, but I have always been confused AF about what the immune system actually is. As far as I knew, the immune system was like a mystical unicorn that could wave a magic wand and protect us from outside threats. But the immune system is a key part of our bodies and a crucial piece of our wellbeing. We need to understand its function in order to understand how to keep it healthy, and besides, what’s more empowering than knowing our bodies?
      Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the immune system. Since it’s a buzzy topic and (more importantly) a key component to your wellbeing, we wanted to clear up confusion around the immune system, so we chatted with experts to get some answers. Here are eight facts about the immune system that everyone should know, and how you can keep yours as healthy as possible:

      1. The immune system is intertwined with every other system in the body
      We hear about it a lot, but what really is this mysterious immune system? Dr. Tieraona Low Dog M.D., an integrative medical doctor and Chief Medical Advisor at MegaFood, explains that it’s intricately intertwined with every other system in the body. “The immune system is an extremely elegant and complex network of cells that are designed to defend against pathogens that might cause us harm,” she said. “It is intimately intertwined with every other system in the body, constantly surveilling the body threats.”
      In other words, the immune system is not a shield covering the body or a wave of a magic wand like I had pictured. Instead, it’s comprised of cells, organs, and chemicals that detect unhealthy cells that can be harmful to the body, according to Dr. Erin Stokes, a Naturopathic Doctor and Medical Director at MegaFood.  So it’s less like a shield of defense and more like a metal detector at the beach–only instead of pennies and the occasional washed up treasure (a girl can dream, right?), the immune system is trying to detect unhealthy cells.

      2. “Boosting” your immune system is often misinterpreted
      The phrase and advice that I hear most often is about boosting the immune system. Here’s why that’s problematic: yes, it’s possible to have a weakened immune system, but it’s also possible to have an overactive immune system as well. For example, Dr. Low Dog explained that a healthy immune system doesn’t just know when to react, but it knows when not to. “A dysregulated immune system can sometimes attack the body’s healthy cells, causing auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus,” she said.
      So we’re able to (and should!) prioritize practices that keep the immune system healthy, but the goal should be balancing, rather than boosting. Dr. Stokes clarifies what immune health really means. She said, “It’s more about maintaining healthy immune function and providing your immune system with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.” For example, nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc can help support the immune system.*

      3. Your diet can support (or hurt) your immune system
      And now for the good stuff: what we can be doing to actively keep our immune systems as healthy as possible. Both Dr. Stokes and Dr. Low Dog recommended eating whole foods that are rich in nutrients. Dr. Low Dog specifically suggested carotenoids, B-vitamins, vitamin C, and zinc, which she said can be obtained by eating 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, along with whole grains, legumes, and nuts. She also recommended allium vegetables (garlic, onions, leeks, etc.), fermented foods, berries, and culinary herbs and spices because they are powerhouses when it comes to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Dr. Stokes said to “eat the colors of the rainbow” to make sure you’re getting in a variety of phytonutrients.
      Unfortunately for our holiday diets and PSL addiction, just as important as what foods to eat are what foods to avoid. Dr. Low Dog said, “High-sugar, low-fiber foods, as well as overly processed foods, are not good for your immune system or overall health.” The good news is that eating to support your immune system is not rocket science. Focus on getting in a variety of fruits and vegetables with every meal, top your meals with herbs/spices like cilantro, basil, or cinnamon, and eat whole grains and legumes much more often than processed foods. For more info on adding plants to your diet, click here. And if eating clean just isn’t for you, start with small changes like eating berries with your breakfast, adding kale to your pasta, and ordering a side salad with your meal when you eat out.

      4. Yes, supplementation can help maintain a healthy immune system
      We’ve already covered how your diet can affect your immune system with an array of micronutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. And yes, you should be eating fresh, whole foods to keep your body in optimal health. However, sometimes we can all afford a little supplementation to get the nutrients we may not be getting enough of in our diets. In today’s day and age, we have tools and resources to not only stay healthy, but to be as healthy as possible. MegaFood is truly a favorite brand because their products are made with real food and added nutrients. 
      Dr. Stokes and Dr. Low Dog both recommend trying the Immune Defense* supplement.
      It’s made with herbs, added food, and nutrients to help the immune system, like vitamin C, zinc, black elderberry, and phytonutrient-rich herbs (like echinacea and Andrographis). For regular immune support try Daily Immune Support*, C Defense Gummies, D3 Wellness Gummies, or Zinc.

      5. A “healthy immune system” doesn’t mean it’ll never be compromised
      I always thought a minor snuffy nose meant I had a weakened immune system. After all, if you’re healthy, your body is 100% invincible, right? Wrong! “A healthy immune system does not mean you’ll never get sick,” Dr. Low Dog explained. “It means if you do get sick, you’ll be able to mount a great defense, recover, and form ‘immunologic memory’ through the creation of antibodies. This means that when you encounter that pathogen again, you can fight it fast.” In other words, a germ can “slip through the cracks,” and we can get a runny nose, even with peak immune health.

      6. Exercise can affect the immune system
      You know that physical activity is crucial for mental health, optimal energy, and increasing strength or endurance, but it’s also important for immune health. Dr. Stokes explained, “The increased movement of exercise helps immune system cells circulate more rapidly.” Dr. Low Dog agreed, saying that moderate amounts of exercise (less than 60 minutes per day) can help improve immune surveillance. Make sure you’re taking more walks, doing yoga flows, taking online kickboxing classes, or however you prefer to fit in regular movement.
      On the other hand, both experts warned that there’s an extent to how much exercise can help the immune system. “Athletes who are training intensely for competition often experience a disruption in the immune system due to high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. For the rest of us, moderation and regularity are key,” Dr. Low Dog said. Dr. Stokes also warned not to over-exercise when you’re feeling rundown. Even though regular movement is good for the immune system, when you do start feeling under the weather, the body needs to rest more than it needs to do a strenuous workout.

      7. … and stress does too
      Now for a reason to take a mental health day from work tomorrow: high levels of stress can negatively impact the immune system. Dr. Low Dog said, “Numerous studies have shown that prolonged stress can increase immune susceptibility.” PSA: feeling run down during finals week every year of college was not a coincidence.
      Being stressed alone isn’t going to make us sick, but it can weaken the immune system so that when we are exposed to a harmful pathogen (like we often are, just from exposure to the outside world–AKA why I’m a paranoid germaphobe), our bodies don’t fight it like they normally would be able to. Dr. Stokes cited this study, explaining that the mind and body are closely connected (the mind-body connection is real, people!). She recommended regular meditation and yoga to find some inner zen and help reduce stress.

      8. Prioritize self-love
      While this might sound like the fluffy, cliché advice you got from The American Girl’s The Care and Keeping of You when you were in 6th grade, improving self-love can be extremely effective for your overall wellness and, therefore, your immune system. Dr. Stokes said, “One of the best techniques for improving health and wellness is to shift our self-talk and try to develop a more positive voice when talking to ourselves.” Dr. Low Dog agreed, recommending that wellness routines should be simple and we should lead with self-forgiveness. “Life is complicated enough without setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves,” she said. When we’re happy, confident, and treat ourselves well, our bodies (and immune systems) will respond accordingly. 

      SHOP THE STORY

      Megafood
      Gummy C Defense
      daily support for a healthy immune system in a vitamin C gummy*

      Megafood
      Gummy D3 Wellness
      daily support for a healthy immune system and bones in a delicious mixed berry gummy*

      Please consult a doctor before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

      *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

      This post was sponsored by MegaFood, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      I Never Spend More Than 30 Minutes on Dinner—Here Are My Secrets

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      My first year living on my own, I ordered a take-out burrito bowl basically twice a week. I would rather starve all day and eat one hefty, greasy meal I picked up somewhere than spend the energy and time to cook myself something. For one, I barely knew how to cook eggs, let alone a meal, but I also found myself struggling with all the time it’d take to cook. I relished my free time way too much to spend it cooped up in the kitchen. And I couldn’t dare picture how some people actually found cooking to be a self-care activity. Isn’t that what the eating part is for? Fast-forward and in 2020, I’ve done basically a 180. Do I get takeout sometimes? Absolutely. But for the sake of my finances and my health, I began teaching myself a little here and there about cooking at home. But even while I’m spending all my time at home, I don’t enjoy spending a ton of time in the kitchen, so I vowed that every meal I made would be under 30 minutes (a good motivator, if I do say so myself). Over time, I’ve gotten more comfortable in the kitchen, but one thing’s remained: I spend way more time doing my skincare routine than I do cooking dinner. Here are my secrets:

      Source: Blue Apron

      One of the hardest parts of cooking is meal planning and getting everything from the grocery store. Although your meal might only take you 30 minutes, it might take you three hours to figure out what to make, create a list, wait in line at the grocery store, and get everything—and I forget something almost every single time. A meal-delivery service like Blue Apron takes away all of that time and energy planning and buying groceries, so your meals actually can take under 30 minutes.
      My favorite thing about Blue Apron is that you can easily see the recipes when you order, and they always tell you how long it takes to prep and cook. I’m able to order meals that exclusively take under 35 minutes to make, plus I can see how much prep work is involved. I’m making exciting new dishes I never would have made, but they feel easy and doable like everything else I cook. This has led me to keep all of my recipes handy to recreate them again, helping me to build an arsenal of quick and easy meals I know I already like. 
      New customers: click here to save over $60 on your first 3 boxes!

      Source: rawpixel

      2. Save everything you see on IG, Pinterest, and YouTube
      One of my biggest sources of cooking inspiration as of late has been Instagram and Tik Tok. I’m constantly seeing new ways people are making delicious, easy meals that take seriously no time at all. However, it’s easy to forget them all. Lately, I’ve been saving all of my meal ideas in one place so that I can easily come back to them. I use Pinterest because you can Pin anything from the web right there, so pictures I see on Instagram, YouTube videos, and Tik Toks can be saved amongst all the other great recipe content on Pinterest. Every Sunday I look through this catalog of ideas and pick one or two to try for the week. 

      3. Eat breakfast for dinner!
      Once I got out of the funk that breakfast foods need to be eaten for breakfast and dinner foods can only be eaten at dinner, my world changed. Although I absolutely love breakfast foods, sometimes I’m craving a heartier meal when I eat in the mornings and opting for something that would ordinarily be a lunch or dinner for me has been a lifesaver. But like I said, I love breakfast foods (I could eat exclusively sunny-side-up eggs and hash browns with hot sauce for the rest of my life and be the happiest person on Earth), so when I’m in a rut about what to cook for dinner, I go with my go-to breakfast. As long as it has some protein and maybe a side salad (hence the maybe), I’m good to go.

      Source: Anthropologie

      4. Keep a go-to grocery list and meal ideas list on your phone
      This was one of the first pages I made when I started a Bullet Journal, but you can put it basically anywhere: a note on your phone, a page you keep in your purse, on your computer, or even in your car. I first created a list of all of my favorite easy, go-to meals. I started with things like chicken quesadilla, turkey tacos, chicken caesar wraps, pita pizzas, spicy noodles, and an egg scramble. Then, I broke each of those meals down into all of their ingredients and wrote that as a master grocery list. Then when I’m feeling uninspired in the kitchen, I already have a pre-made meal plan and grocery list to get me through the week. This has truly saved me on nights when I’d rather do anything but cook, but if I have these on hand, I know I can make a meal I absolutely love.

      5. Don’t underestimate the power of a doctored-up frozen meal
      Like most people, I live in the frozen section of a grocery store. It’s so much easier, and if you know what to look for, it’s not the worst thing for your body either. But sometimes you need a little something more, so I love taking frozen staples and doctoring them up just a little bit. I’ll take frozen cauliflower rice and cook it in a little bit of soy sauce and sriracha with grilled chicken and a scrambled egg. Add some veggies, and you have the most basic fried “rice” on the planet. Another favorite of mine is using frozen breaded chicken tenders for salads, sandwiches, and wraps for an adult meal instead of just dipping them in BBQ sauce and fries (which I definitely still do on occasion and have zero regrets).  
      I do the same with frozen vegetables, always serving them in a sauce or a ton of my favorite seasonings to make them taste a little fresher. Find whatever ways you can take the frozen items in your freezer to the next level.

      Source: @allyson.trammell

      6. Keep all of your go-to spices on-hand
      Make sure you have a constant flow of all of your go-to spices, seasoning blends, and sauces. For me, that’s garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, soy sauce, chili paste, cinnamon, and taco seasoning, but your list will be different based on what you like to cook! Having these in my cupboard and fridge at all times makes it easy to doctor up a plain meal or add a little extra flavor to something.

      This post includes a sponsored mention of Blue Apron, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Update Your Workout Clothes With These 25 Editor-Approved Picks

      by

      I’d be lying if I said I’ve kept up with the at-home workout plan I optimistically had in mind back in March. I had the best intentions, but alas, when a new Netflix series calls, I must answer. That is until I got a new set from Alo Yoga. In my experience, nothing is as motivating to get moving as a cute workout set. I’ve tried a lot of athletic-wear in my day, but I always come back to Alo Yoga because they truly make the best yoga clothing, with the mission to inspire mindful movement (and they do!). Plus, they are eco-friendly, sweatshop-free, and very high-quality, so you know the pieces are worth investing in. Whether you’re rolling out your mat for a quick yoga flow, RSVPing to virtual HIIT classes, or in search of some new comfy loungewear, the best workout clothes are the ones that do it in style. Also, an important PSA: Alo Yoga just launched a brand new color today, and it’s stunning. Blue Quartz is as cool as it sounds: it’s icy, pretty, and pairs perfectly with all your neutral pieces, making it the ideal color for winter (but low key, I’ll for sure be rocking it well into spring and summer).

      Shop the new color (before it sells out!) and all of our other favorite picks below. 

      Bras/Tops

      Bottoms

      Jackets

       

      This post is sponsored by Alo Yoga, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More