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      How to Have Your Healthiest Year Ever

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      You probably started 2018, 2019, and 2020 vowing it was going to be your healthiest year ever (LOL at the pure innocence of what we thought 2020 was going to be like). You made resolutions with the best intentions, and maybe you even invested in a gym membership or healthy cookbook. But then life gets busy and work gets stressful. Before you know it, you’ve skipped your workout three weeks in a row and are ordering takeout while your cookbook collects dust on the shelf.So why is 2021 going to be different? Read on for 12 tips that will prove this year can be your healthiest year ever, resolutions (and healthy cookbook) or not. The secret is that your healthiest self looks different than my healthiest self; we all need different things to be our best. It’s time we stop thinking there’s only one route to be healthy, and instead, listen to our bodies to achieve what “healthy” means. These tips will get you there. Whether you implement all 12 tips or just a few, by 2022, you’ll be stronger, happier, more confident, and healthier. Read on for the foolproof roadmap to becoming your best self in 2021:

      1. Make one healthy swap every week
      A clean diet doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming. In fact, if it feels hard or unenjoyable, it probably won’t stick. Instead of expecting total transformation, take baby steps and make one healthy swap every week. For example, try spaghetti squash instead of boxed spaghetti in your favorite pasta dish, and next week, swap tortilla chips with sliced jicama to eat with guacamole. Another week, swap your usual pizza with a cauliflower crust or replace half of the rice in your favorite stir-fry recipe with cauliflower rice. Not only will one swap at a time make healthy eating more manageable, but you’ll learn how to make all your favorite meals and go-to recipes with more nutritious options.

      2. Identify the #1 thing holding you back, and then fix it
      You already know to eat more plants, work out more, and decrease sugar intake; knowing how to be healthy isn’t usually the problem. So to be truly healthy, identify what’s holding you back from achieving your health goals. Is it a lack of time, energy, or cravings? Maybe it’s a lack of motivation, or maybe you don’t truly want to give up the habits you know aren’t good for you because they provide emotional comfort. Whatever the reason, identify what’s holding you back from being your healthiest self, and then make a plan to fix it.
      For example, meal prep if the problem is lack of time, or find more nutritious versions of the food you crave. If it’s lack of motivation, rethink your “why” (do you want to adopt healthier habits to feel more confident, live a longer life, or have more energy?), and if bad habits provide emotional comfort, identify the root of the emotional discomfort. Then find alternative methods to relieve stress, anxiety, or boredom in ways that will actually provide a long-term solution.

      3. Go to bed earlier
      Even if your diet fails and you don’t have time to exercise, prioritize sleep over everything because getting enough sleep can affect your overall quality of life. If you have difficulty fitting more sleep into your schedule, start by going to bed five minutes earlier every night until you’ve gained an hour of sleep. If you have difficulty falling asleep, figure out why. Talk to your doctor about improving sleep quality, try adaptogens, or drink chamomile tea and reduce screen time before bed. Going to bed earlier will not only mean more sleep, but it means you can get up earlier for a more productive or relaxing morning routine. 

      4. Prioritize gut health
      There’s a major connection between the gut and the brain, the gut and the immune system, and even the gut and the skin. In other words, prioritizing gut health will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Add fermented foods to your diet (like sauerkraut, miso, or kimchi), eat more fiber, and add prebiotics to meals. More than anything, trust your gut. Pardon the pun, but your body knows what it needs, so pay attention to your body’s reactions: avoid foods that make you feel lethargic or nauseous, and load up on foods that make you feel good. For more ways to improve gut health, click here. 

      5. Set up your environment for success
      You are what you eat, but you are where you live too. Surround yourself with motivating images, start a vision board, or post your mantra on your mirror, desk, or fridge. Whatever is a visual representation of what you want to achieve, seeing your goals as often as possible will keep you motivated. Beyond vision boards and mantras, make sure your home is setting you up for success. Keep your blender in an accessible spot, display healthier cookbooks on the shelves, leave your yoga mat out, and turn your bedroom into a relaxing oasis.

      6. Do something every day that you’re passionate about
      I have a theory (nay, proof!) that afternoon slumps or overall low energy might mean you’re not doing enough that lights a fire in you. To increase your energy and general zest for life (a crucial part of wellness), do more things you’re passionate about. If your job doesn’t get you excited, read a fascinating book on your lunch break, fit in a motivating workout, or spend weekends fighting for a worthy cause. If you’re unsure what you’re passionate about, make a list of events that you look forward to or your greatest talents. What would you invest your time in, even if you weren’t getting paid? What were your favorite hobbies as a little kid? Find ways to fit in those things more consistently. Your energy levels, happiness, and excitement for life will thank you.

      7. Live less sedentarily 
      So you know you need to work out to be healthier, but the healthiest people are active even outside of designated gym time. In addition to your online yoga class or morning jog, focus on living less sedentarily overall by adding more non-exercise movement in your life. For example, walk your dog more often, stand while working, try gardening if you have a yard, clean your house more often, walk everywhere you can, dance while cooking or getting ready, stretch while watching TV, and get outside to take conference calls. For more ways to fit in movement throughout your day (no matter how busy you are), click here. 

      8. Experiment with something new every week
      The secret to achieving your healthiest self might be as simple as making healthy habits feel new. Whether it’s trying a veggie that you’ve never cooked with, taking an online HIIT class when you’re more of a yoga girl, or experimenting with various wellness trends, regularly trying something new can help you become your healthiest self. The purpose is not to fit in every single self-care trend circulating on Instagram (that’s just FOMO disguised as wellness). Instead, the point of experimenting with new things is to find foods, exercises, and products that could really make a difference for you. Plus, trying new things can increase confidence and motivation. 

      9. Put your needs first 
      Do you ever say “yes” when you really want to say “no?” Are you a chronic people-pleaser, or do you waste mental real estate worrying how other people think of you? How often are you disappointing yourself to avoid disappointing other people? To truly be healthy, you have to be OK letting other people down if it means staying true to yourself. Putting your needs first, setting (and keeping) boundaries, and listening to your gut over other people’s advice are some of the most crucial ways to be healthy, but often the most overlooked. Your new 2021 resolution should be to do what you want to do and stay true to who you are. Your healthiest self will follow.

      10. Go on at least one walk every day (or just get outside)
      A simple health goal that could change your life? Go for a walk every single day. Not only is getting your steps up good for your health (your Fitbit will be so proud!) but getting fresh air and sunshine will boost your mood. If you don’t have time to go on a walk, do whatever you can to get fresh air throughout the day: take your laptop out on the balcony or patio for work, make conference calls while walking around the block, or eat your lunch outside (just don’t forget SPF). If it’s too cold to even think about spending time outdoors, open your window for a few minutes of fresh air.

      11. Eat the rainbow (every day)
      No, I’m not talking about Skittles. Plants get their colors from antioxidants, so it only makes sense to eat all the colors to provide your body with all the antioxidants, right? Incorporating reds (tomatoes, apples, red pepper), blues (blueberries, blackberries, blue potatoes), oranges (sweet potato, butternut squash, tangerines), greens (leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, zucchini), yellows (spaghetti squash, bananas, corn) and purples (purple cabbage, eggplant, grapes) is the easiest (and prettiest) way to ensure you’re getting an abundance of phytonutrients and the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. As an easy hack, try to add at least three different colors to each meal or plan grocery lists to include each color of the rainbow.

      12. If you’re not enjoying it, reevaluate
      Maybe you’re in the mindset that getting healthy is supposed to be hard. After all, we’ve been bombarded with restrictive diets and intensive workouts so often, we might confuse exhaustion or deprivation with health. Maybe you’ve even heard the phrase, “nothing worth having comes easy.” But I’d like to offer you a new idea of health: it doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) difficult to achieve any health goal. When we’re eating nourishing foods and moving our bodies in ways we crave, healthier habits are much more sustainable. It’s also a sign that we’re in tune with what our bodies really need.
      You don’t have to make drastic changes or set strict rules to achieve your healthiest self. Instead, it’s about unlearning what you think you “should” or “shouldn’t” do, and listening to what your body is trying to tell you instead. It might take some time to get there, but listening to your body and giving it what makes it feel best should not only be easy, but enjoyable.

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      30 At-Home Workouts You Can Do on Your Lunch Break

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      No matter how many times that I attempt to make a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy my food, my hanger always prevails as I continually find myself inhaling my meals. The one benefit to this fatal flaw of mine is that I have the *unique* ability to use my lunch break to accomplish more than just curbing my hunger with my favorite Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken Bowl. Instead of sleepily scrolling TikTok as I digest, I use the remaining minutes of my lunch to move my body, even if it’s just for a few moments.For a long, long time, it was ingrained in my brain that my workouts “weren’t effective” unless I spent over an hour doing intense cardio or lifting heavy weights at a gym. After the past year of adapting to our new normal, I’ve found that keeping things short, simple, and consistent is more effective for me than pressuring myself to hit the gym multiple days a week for hours on end. More times than not, I don’t have the time, energy, or motivation to make my previous methods even the least bit successful.
      Incorporating movement into my WFH routine has been an absolute game-changer for me and helps me to get my mind right before I tackle the second half of my workday. Whether you find yourself with an extra 10, 20, or 30 minutes in your day, these quick, yet effective workouts are the perfect way to step away from the screen and get your blood pumping:

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      17 One-Minute Habits That Will Change Your Life

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      So you want to get healthier, achieve your career goals, and feel happier? Sounds nice, but it’s always easier said than done. Where do you even start making such major changes? If lofty goals and ambitious resolutions feel overwhelming, know that you don’t need to immediately rearrange your entire life, spend $$$, or have unlimited time to achieve your best life. In fact, you need just one minute. That’s right: the difference between who you are and who you want to be might be just 60 seconds. Try these one-minute habits that will transform your life when done consistently. Add in lots of habits throughout your day or start with just one, but either way, one minute is all you need to change your life.
      1. Get out of bed right away
      If I have one weakness (besides a good cheese plate *swoon*), it’s scrolling through Instagram after waking up. While it seems like a harmless habit, the body won’t fully wake up until you get out of bed and move around, but also because you lose the full 10, 30, or 60-minute morning routine before you open your laptop for work. Get out of bed as soon as you wake up and fill your mornings with as many peaceful, productive, and fulfilling minutes as possible. Your inbox, TikTok explore page, or iMessage app can wait.

      2. Breathe deeply
      Deep breathing (or diaphragmatic breathing) is crucial for mental and physical health, but many of us never focus on our breath. If you think about it, oxygen is the one thing we can’t even go minutes without, so making sure we’re getting more of it can only be beneficial. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, take a few deep breaths to get more oxygen in the lungs and slow the heartbeat, which can help with anxiety. Try it right now (yes, I mean right now): slowly inhale, count to five, and then exhale, relaxing the entire body. It’s like instant medicine, right?

      3. Take movement breaks
      Whether an hour-long workout is a daily essential or you barely have time to change sweatpants before work starts, the body isn’t meant to sit for hours at a time, much less all day long. At least once every hour, take a minute to flow through yoga poses, do some stretches, or turn on your favorite song and dance. 60 seconds of movement is enough to energize the body, reset the mind, and will help you focus better for the rest of the day. Plus, if you don’t think you have time to work out, one-minute periods throughout the day add up.

      4. Add lemon to your water
      Squeezing a lemon into your go-to water bottle takes a couple of seconds, but can result in lasting benefits. Lemon packs nutrients like vitamin C, which plays an important role in the immune system and can boost skin glow. Stefanie Wilkerson, RDN, explained, “Vitamin C helps produce collagen and works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals that can damage our cells.” Hello supple, smooth skin! Bonus: while it is acidic, lemon has alkalizing effects in the body, meaning it might help balance pH levels. A squeeze of lemon basically turns a glass of water into a cocktail of super nutrients. As if you needed more convincing, adding delicious lemon will make you want to drink more water, and staying hydrated always comes with health perks. 

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      5. Mute negative social media accounts as they pop up
      In 2021, it’s high time to rethink whether the bloggers, celebrities, and brands we follow on social media make us feel inspired or bad about our lives. Want to feel instantly happier? If an account or post pops up on your feed that doesn’t leave you feeling inspired, happy, or confident, you know what to do: unfollow (or mute). That also means muting or unfollowing the frenemy you had in high school or your sorority sister’s ex-boyfriend’s cousin that you met a few times. Instead of watching other people live their lives, you can actually go live your own. Use social media to make you better instead of worse by replacing negative accounts with accounts that inspire you or bring you positivity whenever you’re tempted to scroll (like, IDK, @theeverygirl, for a totally random example).  

      6. Tidy up before bed
      That’s right: you only need 60 seconds of tidying up to make a major difference in your life. Whether it’s clearing the dirty laundry off the chair in your bedroom, organizing the bedside table, or wiping the kitchen counter, do a super quick decluttering or cleaning before hitting the hay. Not only can a cleaner environment help you sleep better, but you’ll wake up feeling stress-free and ready to start the day. That pile of dirty laundry on the bedroom chair really knows how to harsh one’s mellow (if you know, you know). 

      7. Express gratitude (out loud)
      You probably already know that gratitude is the secret to boosting mental health or fostering healthier relationships, so practice it beyond gratitude journaling in the morning. For example, whenever you say “thank you,” reflect on how grateful you feel, instead of just going through the motions. If your work wife offered to help with a big project, let her know how much you appreciate having her support, or if your roommate cleans your dishes, tell them how much it made a difference in your busy day. But it doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t be) just the times when you’d say “thank you” anyway. Text your mom out of the blue to say thanks for being there for you, or let your partner know how much you appreciate having them in your life. Express gratitude wherever and whenever you can, and watch how your life transforms. 

      8. Add a finishing touch to your OOTD that makes you feel confident 
      Whether you’re dressing up in business-casual, rocking a button-up and sweatpants (for Zoom meetings, of course), or never bother changing out of your pajamas to start the day (no shame), try adding one finishing touch that makes you feel like the badass you are. Depending on what makes you feel good, try a fitted pair of jeans, a swipe of mascara, or a trendy hair clip to add a little something to your OOTD. The goal isn’t to look better, it’s to feel better, so play around to find what small touches make you feel more confident, energized, or motivated. Never underestimate the power of a structured work blazer or swipe of red lipstick. 

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      9. Check your bank account
      Self-care doesn’t always mean bubble baths or face masks; sometimes, self-care means being an independent adult and doing what you can to feel in control of your finances. While having a detailed financial plan and setting goals can help you reduce money-related stress and achieve what you want out of life, feeling in control of your finances doesn’t always require a lot of time and energy. Every few days, take a minute to glance over your bank account and credit card statements. Getting in the habit of frequently checking can help identify fraud early-on, but will also give you a good idea of where you’re spending and where you can be saving.

      10. Use visualization
      Do you get nervous before a first date or big presentation? Do you ever lack motivation with health goals or feel stuck in your career? The fix to any negative thought could be as easy as visualizing an alternative. We get nervous, stuck, or unmotivated when we visualize the worst-case scenario: a bad date, a failed presentation, a boring job, or too-difficult workouts. So why not replace the thought with a more positive one?
      If you’re feeling nervous, imagine yourself acing the presentation or being your charming self on the date. When you lack motivation, visualize that you are the kind of person who prioritizes workouts and loves eating nourishing foods. And if you’re feeling stuck? Think about what you want the outcome to be, and then picture what that looks like. Visualization may be another name for imagination, but it can serve as the minor confidence boost you need to achieve the desired outcome.

      11. Make your bed
      I know I sound like your mom, but please make your bed. Not only will it feel good to get into a made bed at night, but it’s important for the success of your day. Making your bed first thing every morning means one small win before you even have a cup of coffee, which subconsciously will motivate you to achieve thousands of small wins throughout the day (and you know what they say about small wins: they lead up to big ones). Plus, Gretchen Rubin found in her research that it’s the easiest and most common daily habit you can do to boost happiness.

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      12. Fix your posture
      Bad news for all the other slouchers out there (guilty): your posture might be affecting your physical and mental health. Practice better posture by straightening your back and relaxing your shoulders (and stop looking down at your phone, damn it!). Did you sit up taller just now? Good. Improve your posture throughout the workday (yes, even while working from home) by setting reminders with phone alerts, sticky notes, or as your phone wallpaper to remind you to correct your posture whenever you check the time or read a text message.

      13. Set a mantra or intention
      Everyone has a mantra, whether we’re aware of it or not. It’s that one phrase you hear in your head over and over, or what you tell yourself repeatedly. Many of us are plagued by phrases like “I’m not good enough,” or “What if something goes wrong?” We hear these phrases in our heads so often that we believe them. So what if we could replace these thoughts with phrases that are not only better for us, but can help us be more confident, feel less stressed, and live our best lives? Every morning, pick a mantra or daily intention and write it in your daily planner so you don’t forget it. If you find one phrase you particularly relate to, repeat it to yourself whenever you’re feeling stressed, scared, or not enough.

      14. Apply a layer of SPF at the end of your skincare routine
      It’s easy to remember SPF when the sun is out, the temperature’s warm, and we’re spending all day outside. But in cold weather, or even when we’re spending all day indoors, it’s a little less obvious. To set the record straight once and for all, yes, you still need sunscreen when it’s cloudy outside and even when you’re indoors. Wearing a daily SPF is not only good for skin glow (prevents aging, hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, keeps an even complexion, etc.), but is crucial for your health. Click here to find the perfect sunscreen for your skin, and click here for non-toxic options. 

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      15. Add a handful of leafy greens to your meal
      Being healthier does not have to be a dramatic transformation. It’s actually more sustainable when it’s a gradual series of small habits. The best place to start achieving a healthier diet is not cutting out entire food groups or limiting what you “should” and “should not” eat (which can lead to bingeing or an unhealthy relationship with food). Instead, start transforming your health by adding a handful of leafy greens to your meal. For example, add spinach if you’re making an omelet, throw kale into a pasta sauce, or order a side salad when you’re eating out. Not only are leafy greens superfoods that pack a lot of benefits and are easy to fit into the meals you’re already used to, but small, non-restrictive tweaks can snowball into an overall healthier diet and lifestyle. 

      16. Set your alarm 60 seconds earlier 
      If your mornings feel more like a race against the clock than the peaceful start you imagine, the fix is waking up earlier. However, a full 30 minutes, or even 10 minutes, might seem like you’re missing out on too much sleep. Instead of trying to transform your wake-up time (which would just make you hit “snooze” a couple more times), set your alarm one minute earlier every day. While it sounds like a small change, after 10 days, you could have 10 extra minutes in your morning without even noticing it. Whether you spend that time meditating, indulging in a luxurious skincare routine, or just brewing a cup of coffee with a moment of silence, you won’t miss the 10 minutes of sleep.

      17. Master the art of listening
      Perhaps the #1 life hack and most life-changing habit? Listening. And I mean really listening. Caring about what other people have to say can transform your personal relationships and strengthen (or build more) professional relationships. Your communication will be more effective, and you’ll experience more meaningful connections. You’ll feel less self-conscious when you’re less focused on yourself, and less unsure when you look for answers outside yourself. Of course, utilize important cues like eye contact and follow-up questions, but the best way to listen? Genuinely get curious about what other people have to say. Empathy, understanding, and curiosity will not only transform your life, but will transform the world too. 

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      What I Wish Someone Told Me as a Black Girl Struggling With an Eating Disorder

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      I was 17 when I decided I wanted to take control of my weight, and like every single weight-loss-related piece of information will insist, it requires a lifestyle change. For a long time, I considered the way I completely avoided entire food groups, severely restricted my daily calories to around 1,000 a day, and my hours-long, six-days-a-week HIIT workouts, to be the aforementioned lifestyle change.I think everyone understood my initial desire to lose weight (as I was ostensibly overweight), but not my desire to want to be skinny—and skinny was what I so desperately wanted to be. I wanted no parts of those curves that women like me were supposed to embrace. I was a Black girl that wanted to see hip bones rather than hips. 
      Which is the whole problem, right? As a Black girl growing up, having some meat on your bones was a good thing. Our community values curves. We’re tacitly taught that we should be desirous of a thicker body, and there are many complex, historical, and cultural reasons for this. This is why the idea of a Black girl wanting to be thin seems absurd, and having an eating disorder even more so. In fact, per NEDA, when it comes to eating disorders, Black women are under-diagnosed and under-treated when compared to their white counterparts. Unfortunately, according to VeryWell Mind, studies have shown that medical professionals are simply less likely to diagnose BIPOC with an eating disorder,  even if they have the same kinds of symptoms as a white person who is diagnosed with one. 

      Studies have shown that medical professionals are simply less likely to diagnose BIPOC with an eating disorder,  even if they have the same kinds of symptoms as a white person who is diagnosed with one. 

      This might be why it took me so long to understand that having such severe anxiety about food wasn’t just part of my new, “healthy” lifestyle, and it actually wasn’t OK that I couldn’t eat something without googling the calories (and this was almost a decade ago, so imagine trying to look up the nutritional facts of Chipotle’s fajita vegetables on my Blackberry Storm!).
      Years later, my relationship with food is much improved, though I am still a work in progress. And to be clear, I am in no way offering any medical advice. If you feel like you might be struggling with an eating disorder or you are concerned about your relationship with food, I encourage you to seek the help of a professional. 
      That said, as Black people, we navigate a unique cultural landscape that impacts the way we look at our bodies and food. This kind of discourse is often absent when we talk about eating disorders or unhealthy relationships with food. And while I’ll be thrilled if this message resonates with a broad spectrum of people, I really hope that this article helps a Black girl like me feel a little bit more seen.

      Ignore cultural myths about being a Black girl
      The world has placed Black girls in a box, complete with a laundry list of things supposedly we do and don’t do. And to varying extents, we’ve internalized it as well. I think having a better understanding of this would have been the difference between unsuccessfully telling myself that I needed to stop acting like a white girl and acknowledging that I was going through something that required professional help. I don’t want to frame it as though it’s empowering to assert that Black girls do experience eating disorders, because it’s far from—but thinking that you are immune from a condition because it seemingly “just doesn’t happen” in your community is problematic.
      I think, intuitively, we know that we are complex; I don’t know a single Black woman that lives up to the caricatured stereotype of what we are supposedly like. But we need to remind ourselves of our nuance every time that voice in our head tries to box us in. That’s when we’ll start viewing ourselves as full human beings who have the capacity for the entire range of human experience.

      Don’t lose your culture in your quest to lose weight
      I’m from the Caribbean, and food is a huge part of our culture. We love any excuse to cook a huge meal, stock the bar, and have a good time. Caribbean food is a lot of rice and peas, fried fish, barbecued pork, curry goat, fried plantain, and so on. All delicious, but not necessarily the most healthy if they’re prepared traditionally, and I believe that across the African diaspora, you’ll find similar foods and methods of preparation.
      The thing about an eating disorder is that it will have you terrified of the foods that you’ve grown up with, and by extension, a part of you as well. I’m not trying to say you are what you eat or that entire cultures are defined by foods, but I do think that, especially for People of Color, our foods hold a certain cultural, historical, and emotional weight. I think back to my college days, juggling the trauma and mental stress of living in a foreign country (and the accompanying micro-aggressions and culture shock), all the while depriving myself of the foods that would’ve made me feel closer to home. Don’t do your soul a disservice by suffocating a part of it.

       
      You are responsible for how you present yourself to the world, but not the world’s perception
      I think that sometimes as Black women, we are so used to having every single bit of us scrutinized: our hair, our skin tone, our behavior, our tone of voice, “If I do X, how will it look? What impression will I give?”
      We spend a lot of time policing ourselves, because we know if we don’t someone else will. I totally get it; it’s something I’m very guilty of myself. It was (is) pretty difficult for me to even write this because I’m so anxious about the way I’ll be perceived. There’ve been times that I’ve randomly gone on my Instagram profile and tried to look at it through the eyes of a stranger (please let me know if you’ve done this too, by the way, so I don’t feel totally alone!). I want us to collectively unlearn all of that. Viewing your appearance, your body, or your life through the gaze of others will leave you unhappy and sick. It is your birthright to show up in this life the way you choose; life will become a little lighter once you start owning that. Consistently and relentlessly ask yourself, “Who am I doing this for?”

      I’m not trying to say you are what you eat or that entire cultures are defined by foods, but I do think that, especially for People of Color, our foods hold a certain cultural, historical, and emotional weight.

      Your looks will never bring lasting contentment
      When you embark on a weight loss journey, you expect that it will transform your life—you’ll be prettier, happier, healthier, and skinnier. Some of us unfortunately end up on a slippery slope thinking, “only a few more pounds, then I’ll be good for sure.” Your goal weight keeps getting lower and lower, you are getting thinner and thinner, and somehow you’re still not happy… what gives?
      The biggest lie we tell ourselves is that we can achieve lasting happiness from the way we look. I’ve experienced my body in a vast range of sizes and shapes. I’ve been thin, I’ve been fat, and I’ve been equally dissatisfied either way. Weight loss is not a cure-all, and being skinny won’t make you happy, no matter what society would have you believe. As I try to lose my quarantine weight this year, I’ve been actively trying to keep that in mind. I want to be happy with my body at every stage of this journey, rather than expecting happiness to suddenly emerge at the ‘end.’

      Don’t just cut the branches—uproot
      I was 21 spending a semester abroad in London with a group of amazing girls who were equally eager to soak up all that Europe had to offer. We ran through all our money (I had like $33 to my name on the flight home), finding the cheapest ways to experience the most amazing things. Suddenly, the idea of leaving Paris without trying an authentic crepe or Amsterdam without, ahem, splitting a space cake seemed so absurd, I didn’t care about being skinny. I ate, I laughed, I lived, so obviously I thought, boom, I’m cured—that was easy! Looking back now, I can see that though it was a tiny step in the right direction, it definitely wasn’t a cure.
      You see, while losing yourself fully in an experience can help put things into perspective, if you don’t do the work to actually deal with those unhealthy behaviors, you can slip back into them. As Black women, we are used to doing work on our own, so much so that getting help— any kind of help— feels uncomfortable. Several years later, I’m a long way from where I was, but about a year ago, I realized that though I may have cut the branches, I didn’t uproot the unhealthy behaviors. I tried working with a nutritionist, and in the spirit of full transparency, that experience didn’t quite work for me. But recently I’ve started working with a personal trainer and that process is in fact helping me rethink the way I look at my body and food. When it comes down to it, you basically have to find what works for you, but to truly heal, you have to confront what got you there in the first place.
       
      For further reading or resources, check out the below links
      The National Eating Disorders Association
      What You Need to Know About Eating Disorders
      Yes, Black Women Struggle With Eating Disorders Too
      It’s Time to Correct the Narrative Surrounding Black Girls and Eating Disorders
       
      If you are struggling with an eating disorder or with disordered thoughts or behaviors regarding food and eating, please seek help. Call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support, reach out to a qualified medical professional, or, for a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741. More

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      17 Women in Wellness Show You the Inside of Their Fridge

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      They say eyes are the window to the soul, but I’d like to make the case that the window to the soul is, in fact, your refrigerator. Hear me out: our fridges show what’s most important to us (how many fruits and veggies are in your produce drawer, again?), give insight into our lifestyles (are your shelves full of meal-prepped veggies or leftover takeout?), and contain our deepest, darkest secrets (half-melted Ben & Jerry’s, I’m looking at you). It’s kind of like reading a diary entry. To get inspiration for your fridge (whether it’s food storage, meal prep, or healthy eating tips), we asked 17 women in wellness to send us a felfie (or fridge selfie. Isn’t that a thing yet??). Read on to find out what 17 nutritionists, doctors, wellness bloggers, entreprenuers, and healers keep inside their fridges.
       1. Dr. Mona Vand, Pharmacist and Digital Creator

      “Every week, I get a bunch of fresh produce and wash them well before putting them away in produce bins. This helps me eat healthy when I want quick meals throughout the week. I always make sure to have organic berries, Persian cucumbers, red leaf lettuce, and romaine lettuce on hand. I also probably get about 20 limes and lemons each week because I use them on everything. I also like to make my own plant-based milk and add it to glass milk cartons because it looks aesthetic in the fridge, which always makes eating healthy more enjoyable.”

      “I love to cook and prefer bold, spicy, and fermented flavors like black garlic, gochujang, and hot peppers, so my fridge has a lot of sauces and pastes in it. I’m gluten-free, dairy-free, and have an allergy to nightshades (but my husband doesn’t, so our fridge is a happy blend of different versions of a lot of the same foods. For example, we have four different brands of tortillas in the fridge right now!).
      A few staples in my fridge:
      I always have cauliflower for my grandma’s Spanish rice that I’ll cook this week as a side for tacos. 
      I drink kombucha almost every day. I used to make it myself, but the Kirkland brand is my current favorite. 
      I’m a fan of smoothies, so there is always an obscene amount of almond milk in my fridge. I add dates and almond butter to smoothies, so you’ll always find those in here.
      I also keep some of my skincare products in the fridge for freshness and to cool down my eczema flare-ups. I also keep vitamins like fish oil or any with oregano oil in the fridge to help aid digestion.
      I hate wasting food, so each week I’ll make stir-fry brown rice, noodles, or crispy fried rice with tofu, and use up any leftover veggies in one dish. Anything else that’s past its prime will go into my compost.
      There’s always a chilled bottle of wine in my fridge that’s waiting to be opened for a celebration, a chat with a friend, or just a night at home.

      “I use my Foundational Five system to build a balanced meal, so I always have ingredients for each of the five elements prepped, stocked in the fridge, and ready to put together in an easy, nourishing meal. The five elements are protein, healthy fat, starchy carbohydrates, non-starchy carbohydrates, and the flavor factor (think dressings, sauces, and seasonings). I always stock and organize my fridge with the five elements in mind. You’ll find protein options like baked tofu and eggs, non-starchy carbohydrates with fresh and frozen produce, starchy carbohydrates like beans and potatoes, healthy fats like tahini and homemade dressings, and fermented foods like kimchi for a flavor factor.”

      4. Jessica Rihal, Yoga and Meditation Instructor

      “I always keep free-range eggs, pre-washed greens like arugula or spinach, and yogurt on hand. Always having these items (that I personally enjoy eating) makes it very simple to grab and go, or to create a quick and fulfilling meal in just a few minutes.”

      5. Eliza Ganesh, Cofounder and CEO of Sunwink

      “My philosophy is to keep it simple with whole foods and lots of plants. I don’t have rules; I love bread, cheese, and chocolate, and I’m cool with that. My winter staples include vegetable soup, citrus fruit, elderberry syrup, and Immunity Berry and Detox Ginger Sunwink. Some of favorite brands and splurges are Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese, Siete tortillas, and Ithaca hummus.”

      “My fridge always changes, depending on what recipes I’m trying for the week. But a few must-have items I always keep stocked in my fridge are a variety of leafy greens, blueberries, lemons, limes, and a constant supply of Tops Chicos. There are also eggs hidden in the back somewhere. I love storing seeds and nuts in glass jars to keep them fresher for longer. Since they typically contain high amounts of unsaturated fat, they’re more prone to spoiling faster from heat and light, so if I’m not using them immediately, I’ll store them in the fridge.”

      7. Ailsa Emmel, Certified Nurse Midwife and Blogger

      “I’m not the cook in my house, so I always have to be sure I have healthy snacks and protein on hand to make a salad or quick meal. My hubby loves to season and garnish meals with cilantro and parsley, which we store in mason jars to increase their longevity. Fruits and yogurt are a must for a healthy parfait. Having fresh items that are easy to grab has made being stuck at home so much easier when the munchies creep in.”

      8. Ana Lilia, Certified Breathwork Teacher and Healer

      “Some of the must-have items in my fridge include pickles (I’m really loving pickled pineapple right now) and celery (I juice one bundle per day and drink it on an empty stomach). Celery juice has anti-inflammatory properties and 12 antioxidant compounds.”  

      9. Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Expert and Author

      “These days, my fridge is a combination of produce from Chef Collective and staple items from Fresh Direct. Generally, we always have farm eggs (and lots of them), tons of produce (especially leafy greens and cruciferous veggies), and an assortment of both dairy and non-dairy substitutes.”

      “I hate adding to our landfill waste, so I tend to repurpose takeout containers and use them to store food and leftovers. I also don’t throw out extra condiment packs. Since my kids play sports and my husband is going into the office, these extra condiment packs are great for packed lunches. My family eats veggies and fruit daily. We have a sizable frozen stock of fish and chicken, so for dinner, we will often defrost a little, have rice or beans on the side, and always include a fruit and veggie to accompany it.”

      11. Erika Polsinelli, Kundalini Breathwork Healer and Founder of Evolve By Erika

      “Since my husband and I don’t really drink, I need my fridge stocked with mocktails (like some seltzer or sparkling water, and non-alcoholic elixirs with a squeeze of lemon or orange). I also like to have a green juice handy, in case I’m too lazy to make my own and clean the juicer (if you know, you know). I always have Ezekiel bread to make avocado toasts (an easy go-to for breakfast or lunch) and hummus. Since I am plant-based, hummus is a great source of protein. Last but not least, I always have some fresh produce in case I want to whip up a salad, juice, or smoothie.”

      12. Dr. Kiarra King, OB-GYN and Blogger

      “I’ve been vegetarian for 23 years, so my fridge is plant-based friendly. I always have my favorite veggie sausages (I’m not big on meat replacements, but I like the added variety, texture, and protein from time to time). I use oat milk for recipes like my homemade vegan pancakes and my little one’s cereal. I usually have lots of fruit and veggie options to make fresh smoothies, like carrots, spinach, oranges, apples, and bananas. I’m currently doing a three-day juice cleanse, so that’s in my fridge too.”

      “As a plant-based enthusiast, my staples are obviously vegetables. My fridge is usually full of produce, low-sugar green juices, kombucha, fresh berries, and sprouts. Not pictured, but another favorite fridge staple is vegan cheese. I also love to snack on crudités as a snack, so I typically have a variety of fresh dips and hummus as well.”

      “You’ll find tons of whole foods like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, as well as lots of condiments to spice up veggies. For our little one, we always keep frozen breast milk, organic frozen berries, and frozen vegetables. Peep our home made cold brew too!”
       

      “My fridge basics include eggs, yogurts, yummy cheese, kimchi, some fresh veggies, herbs, lettuces, and my favorite condiments like miso, tahini, tamari, and hot sauce.”

      “My fridge will never feel empty as long as there are condiments (especially hot sauce). Cholula is my classic pick, but I love Cutino Sauce Co, which is a small batch sauce made locally. Since I have a cereal brand, my fridge always has nut milk. If I feel productive, I make almond milk from scratch, but otherwise, it’s a rotating assortment of brands. I’m still on the search for my favorite, but I’m currently into Minor Figures. Dieux is a reusable eye mask that’s quickly become a staple part of my morning routine. After applying serum, I pull the cool mask from the fridge and wear it while drinking an americano and scrolling TikTok. 
      A few other staples: I love looking through the tahini section at Middle Eastern grocers. It’s beautiful how much versatility can come from one single ingredient. I always have a backup (because tahini is self-care!), and Seed + Mill is one of my favorites. Lastly, there are few things better than a turkey sandwich. I keep Kewpie mayo on hand, as it’s the secret ingredient to a perfect sandwich. The slight sweetness of this Japanese-style mayo is unmatched.” 

      “As a mama of three, it’s so important that our fridge is stocked with healthy and enjoyable foods for the kids to grab and go, plus all the essentials to make rich, nutrient-dense meals. Our mantra is to eat your colors, so my fridge is always packed with every color of the rainbow to infuse the antioxidants and nutrients that nature provides. My fridge essentials always include nut milk (I love to make my own when I can, like this cashew milk), fresh fruit and veggies, easy grab-and-go drinks (like kombucha), pasture-raised eggs, fresh juice, and hummus for snacking. You’ll also find snack bars for my kids, dark chocolate (a must) and often, we’ll have leftover smoothies that we sip on throughout the day. I have so much gratitude for my fridge; it’s our treasure trove of yummy, nourishing food and drinks.”

      What are your fridge staples for healthy eating? More

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      8 Small Changes I’m Making to My Routine

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      I am typically not a big resolution gal, but at the start of 2021, I decided to make a list of some basic changes I wanted to make to my routine. They are not really goals, but instead just some simple habits that I want to incorporate into my everyday life. This way of looking at it helps me to remove the pressure of “New Year’s resolutions” and the inevitable disappointment when I don’t achieve them. As everyone knows, the last year or so has presented us with not only more challenges than we could’ve ever expected, but an entirely new way of living. So what better time than now to reevaluate our routines and make some changes? Personally, I’m working toward an overall more wholesome and fulfilling life, and I feel like these small things have helped me nail down just how to go about that. 
      Here are the eight small changes I’m making to my daily routine in 2021:

      1. Come up with a real plan to drink more water
      I have been telling myself to drink more water for what feels like a lifetime now, and it’s something that I always struggle with. However, I purchased a half-gallon “motivational” water bottle at the beginning of January, and I have never been so hydrated. I am trying to drink at least 64 oz. per day, and I am also aiming to drink at least about 20 oz. before my first cup of coffee to be sure to start my day hydrated.

      2. Make time for the things I care about and genuinely enjoy
      As we go into another year while we are staying at home and needing to find more ways to entertain ourselves, I really want to make more time for the things and creative outlets that I enjoy. I feel as though when I was younger, I was always reading, learning, and making art in my free time, but now I tend to just feel exhausted and want to watch Netflix during that time. I am making a conscious effort to take time to express myself through these creative outlets I love and work on learning and refining some skills like cooking and illustration. 

      3. Eat more well-balanced meals
      Rather than making a New Year’s goal like “eat healthier” or “lose weight”—which just never works for me and often ends up making me feel negatively about myself—I decided that I wanted to make more nutritious and well-balanced meals for myself at home. I am doing this by incorporating more fruits and veggies (trying to get in at least one serving with every meal), making simple swaps like regular pasta for chickpea pasta or regular tortillas for low-carb ones, and trying to not rely so much on processed foods. I also have been on a mission to cook at home for a majority of meals—and I have to say, I have been loving it and can’t wait to continue on this journey of becoming a *Top Chef*. 

      4. Wake up earlier
      This has, by far, been the hardest change on this list for me to make. I have never been a morning person, and I am a chronic snoozer, but whenever I do wake up early, I genuinely enjoy it. I like having extra time before work to really just start my day slowly and allow myself to wake up, so I’m trying to get to the point of doing that regularly. The problem comes from the physical process of opening my eyes and getting out of bed (LOL). I have been slowly but surely setting my alarm earlier and working on getting out of bed with more and more time before I log on for work for the day. Maybe eventually I can add a morning workout in?! I’m dreaming big here. 

      heimvision
      Sunrise Alarm Clock

      I have also switched to this sunrise alarm clock versus my phone alarm. It provides a gentler way to wake up (light and nature sounds) and prevents me from grabbing my phone first thing in the morning.

      5. Read before bed instead of being on my phone
      I have a bad habit of getting in bed at night and then scrolling on my phone for far too long. I have decided that instead of just saying “I’m not going on my phone before bed anymore!” (because that would never work for me), I am working on replacing that time with reading, even if it’s just a few pages. My Kindle has been key in achieving this because of the ease of holding it in bed and the fact that it’s backlit (no reading light required).

      6. Incorporate more movement into my routine
      This is another modified version of a classic New Year’s resolution that tends not to work for me (in this case, “workout more”). I am working toward adding more movement into my daily routine, in the simplest way possible. This could come in the form of a full-blown workout, but I am just trying to get outside and walk more, do a quick yoga flow in the morning or before bed, or even do a few minutes of floor exercises whenever I can fit them in.

      7. Upgrade my WFH space
      At the beginning of the year, with no back-to-the-office date in sight, I decided it was finally time to upgrade my work-from-home space. I invested in a couple items—a laptop stand, keyboard, and mouse—that have really made my experience a lot better. Not only has the new setup made me feel more productive, it now feels like I have somewhere to be, rather than just opening my laptop wherever I am and calling it a day.

      8. Do something every day for the mind
      When a new year comes around, we often make goals that have to do with our physical health without really considering what changes we can make in regard to our mental health. After the year that 2020 was and the things we are still going through, I felt like there was no better time than now to take inventory and decide what I needed for my mind this year. I’m keeping it simple: trying to read more, incorporating yoga and meditation into my routine, napping when I need it, and even coloring and journaling to relax. More

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      8 Ways to Fit in Movement When You Don’t Have Time to Work Out

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      When it comes to exercise, we focus on how to get fit. Our New Year’s resolutions are about working out more often, and we set goals to challenge ourselves in miles, reps, or weights. But then real life kicks in, and we realize we don’t have 60 minutes to spare during busy days. Going on a run feels impossible, much less adding in the commute time to get to the gym. The truth is that getting fit isn’t the problem; it’s staying fit. Can you keep up your health goals and find time for yourself, even when your to-do list is overflowing and your schedule is overbooked? The answer: absolutely. Be your own #fitspo with these eight easy hacks to fit in movement, even when you have no time to work out. 
      1. Maximize daily activities
      You don’t have to fit in extra time to work out. Instead, you could move more during the activities you already do. For example, take your dog for a walk or play fetch instead of just letting them out, and take out the recycling in multiple trips to get your step count up. You can also make use of downtime by stretching while watching TV and doing squats or jumping jacks on every commercial break. And if you don’t even have time for walks or watching TV (but what’s life without Bridgerton!?)? Do some calf raises while brushing your teeth, try push-ups before you get in the shower, and dance around the kitchen while cooking. 

      Source: @crystalinmarie

      2. Fit in multiple movement sessions of five minutes or less
      Blocking out an entire 60-minute session might seem impossible when glancing at your daily schedule, but five minutes (or even three)? Now that’s doable. Try to scatter a few different five-minute breaks into your day to get some movement in. For example, fit in five minutes of yoga while your coffee is brewing, try some of these short workout videos in between meetings, and get another 10 minutes in when you wrap up your workday. Without even knowing it, you could easily fit in 45-60 minutes of movement in easier-to-manage increments throughout the day.

      3. Wake up (and go to bed) 20 minutes earlier
      So you swear you don’t have time to work out during the day? Then make more time. Since time is an illusion (no, really), get in control of it by giving yourself more. Even waking up 20 minutes earlier will help you feel like you have a lot more time in your morning and throughout your entire day. But because sleep is just as important for your health, that also means getting to bed 20 minutes earlier too. Turn off Netflix, put away your laptop, and prioritize an earlier bedtime so you’ll feel well-rested and motivated getting up earlier in the morning.

      4. Turn chores into a workout
      Oh, you didn’t think laundry or doing the dishes could also give you envy-worthy biceps or strong glutes? Think again. Some of the most common household chores require some built-in physical activity that can work every part of the body. For example, washing heavy dishes in the sink will work your arms, squatting to pick up the laundry basket of dirty clothes will work your legs, and sweeping can work your obliques. Don’t even get me started on scrubbing the tub, vacuuming the floor, or gardening. And if you do a bunch of chores in a row, it will get your heart rate up to count as cardio. Bonus tip: turn on your favorite playlist and dance around while doing chores for a little extra movement and motivation. Your home has never been cleaner!

      Source: @sassyredlipstick

      5. Get creative with your work setup 
      It’s 2021: of course, you don’t even need to leave your desk to get a good workout in. If you can, consider switching to a standing desk, and if you’re stuck with your old seated desk (boring!), try out a mini exercise bike or treadmill that goes underneath. You could walk or bike miles while you’re scoring promotions, acing presentations, and making $$$. Now that’s multitasking. And if exercise equipment isn’t your thing, switch out your chair for a yoga ball or sit on a wobble cushion to work your core.
      Use technology to your advantage too. Set alarms on your phone or computer every 30-60 minutes to remind you to get up, stretch, and do some jumping jacks. Even 30 seconds of light movement every hour can make a major difference.

      6. Forego conveniences 
      Say goodbye to your front-row parking spot, elevators or escalators, and the shortcut to get home. We’re so used to making everything more comfortable and convenient that we don’t even realize our lifestyle could be so much more active. Many “inconveniences” feel like a hassle because they require physical effort, but physical effort is just a less intentional way to exercise. If your goal is to move more, inconveniences are a good thing. Park in the furthest row, always take the stairs, stand up more during the day, and opt for the furthest bathroom instead of the closest. You’ll get your step count in and will be working muscles you wouldn’t be using otherwise.

      Source: @missenocha

      7. Multitask
      If time is your biggest challenge and exercise doesn’t feel productive enough to prioritize (but what’s more productive than giving your body the tools to feel its best and get more energy?), then accomplish something on your to-do list at the same time. For example, do bicep curls while on conference calls or go on a power walk while talking to your mom or a friend. You can also listen to an online class or audiobook for your book club while working out to accomplish two things at once.

      8. Focus on posture
      If all else fails and you’re sitting at a desk 24/7, you can still be working your muscles and healing your body by simply being mindful of your posture. Proper posture not only prevents injuries later down the road, but sitting up tall with your shoulders back relies on your abs, back, and leg muscles when done correctly. Even Salma Hayek swears by good posture for her physique and, while I call bluff on the fact that she gets that toned without exercise, being mindful of how you sit, stand, and even lay down is can be incredibly effective for the body. 

      How do you fit in movement when you don’t have time for a workout? More

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      My Secrets for Eating Plant-Based, Even When I’m Too Busy to Grocery Shop

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      Eating more fruits and veggies doesn’t sound revolutionary, but the only “diet” I’d universally recommend is plant-based, because it isn’t about limiting or labeling foods as “good” and “bad.” Eating plant-based is not a secret weight-loss diet or an unsustainable eating plan. Instead, it’s the simple decision to eat more of the natural foods from the earth that our bodies are meant to eat. But if eating healthy were that easy, everyone would be doing it, right? With overloaded work schedules and a stay-at-home order that took away our normalcy, toilet paper, and portion control, healthy eating has gone out the window for many of us. If a busy lifestyle leaves you ordering pizza most nights of the week since there’s nothing in the fridge, or staying at home has made you go through chocolate chip cookies quicker than you go through a new Netflix series, don’t worry. I’m often too busy to get to the grocery store, can get lazy with cooking or prepping, and love food way too much to give up my favorite meals and snacks. So if I can eat plant-based, so can you. Here are five secrets I live by for getting in all my fruits and veggies, no matter how busy my schedule is or the last time I went to the grocery store.

      Source: Blue Apron

      1. Get plant-based meals delivered
      Some weeks are just so busy that you don’t have time to plan, prepare, or shop for meals, which makes eating plant-based pretty difficult (Chinese takeout or frozen chicken nuggets are much more tempting). Luckily for the other busy women and health nuts out there, Blue Apron offers health-conscious options like vegetarian, 600 calories or less, etc., so not only can you select meals that you’ll look forward to all day, but you’ll be eating meals that keep you on track with your unique goals. 
      Plus, Blue Apron now offers customizations. What does that mean for your plant-based diet? You can now swap, add, or upgrade proteins on select meals to make them more plant-friendly. So if your roommate or significant other prefers meat, you won’t have to sacrifice your health-focused preferences since you both can get the protein you want (insider tip: look for the “see options” box under the meal’s image after signing up to see if it is customizable).
      New customers: click here to save over $60 on your first 3 boxes!

      Source: Kate Davidson | Colin Price Photography for The Everygirl

      2. Equip your kitchen
      If you’re newly plant-based, you might need some different equipment to make your cooking (and life) a little easier. Having the right tools on hand means a lot more variety in your meals, using the same food and ingredients. For example, try a spiralizer to turn zucchini into noodles, invest in a Nutribullet to quickly DIY a creamy soup out of cauliflower or butternut squash, and a pressure cooker to make dishes out of dried beans and grains (more on that below). 

      Source: Danielle Moss for The Everygirl

      3. Stock up on frozen produce
      Fresh is always best, but for times when you can’t get to the grocery store, stock up on frozen produce. Use frozen produce like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or butternut squash for stews, stir-fries, and smoothies. Not only is frozen produce often cheaper, but it lasts much longer than the fresher versions, so you can keep it on hand for emergencies (AKA when you’re craving stir fry at 11 p.m.). It’s also frozen at peak freshness, which means it’s packed with as many nutrients as possible. Try frozen fruit for smoothies, riced cauliflower or broccoli florets for side dishes, and pre-made meals for the nights you don’t even have time to cook. If you prefer non-packaged produce, you can also chop up fresh veggies and freeze them yourself (produce like sweet potatoes and broccoli can last a long time in the freezer).

      Source: FOODISM360 | Unsplash

      4. Make dry food your best friend
      Just like stocking up on frozen food can prepare you for busy days, dried whole foods are the secret ingredient to satisfying plant-based meals, without the work of grocery shopping every week. Try stocking up on dried beans (like lentils, black beans, or pinto beans) and whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, or millet). They’ll last forever in your pantry, are cheaper than buying prepared (especially when bought in bulk), and can be made in a pressure cooker to save time.

      Source: Leigh Skomal | Unsplash

      5. Think of adding plants instead of taking away other food groups
      I love plant-based eating because it’s just about what you should add; you don’t have to cut out whole food groups or deprive yourself of foods you love. So when life gets busy (because it will) and you don’t have time to cook, prep, grocery shop, or plan ahead (because you won’t), you don’t need to stress and panic-order Papa John’s. Instead, make yourself some pasta (yes, even if it’s not “plant-based”) and think of what you can add to include more plant-powered nutrients. Maybe it’s blending lentils into the pasta sauce or heating frozen broccoli to eat with it.
      When I do order out (which has been more often than not this year, TBH), I get a pizza with all the veggie toppings and order a side salad to go with it, or load up on avocado rolls and shishito peppers. No matter how busy life gets, what ingredients you have in your kitchen, or even which restaurant you order from, don’t worry about how to stick to one diet or limit certain foods. Instead, get creative with how you can add more plants to any meal.

      What tips and tricks help you eat plant-based?

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