When I first started my fitness journey, the scale seemed like a decent way to check my progress. However, it eventually became more than that. I was weighing myself daily, and finding myself upset with any fluctuation that wasn't in my favor. The reality is the weighing yourself daily isn't productive or worthwhile. Body weight can fluctuate anywhere from 2-5 pounds in the course of a day. Not to mention an increase in weight doesn't mean an increase in fat. If you gain muscle, you will weigh more. The number on the scale is a representation of your body's relationship with gravity, nothing more.
2. No more dairy milk
A few years ago I would have called you crazy if you said someday I would stop drinking milk. I used to live for the stuff. I thought it was a nutritional powerhouse, and it is, if you're a calf. Truthfully cows milk isn't meant for human consumption, and certainly not now that it's laced with hormones and steroids. I've replaced all dairy milk with almond milk. I feel like I'm doing the right thing for my body, and also for the poor cows who never agreed to supply us humans with food that should be reserved for their young.
3. Less meat
I've never been a huge fan of red meat, and the more I research, the more I realize my heart is probably grateful for that. We hear a lot about the protein in meat, and how beneficial that is for us. But again, today's meat isn't what it should be. Mass produced meat is made from animals that are pumped full of growth hormones and fed pesticide filled corn. If you're the kind of person who needs meat with every meal, consider buying organic, grass fed, free range, etc etc. Not only is it more healthy for the animals you're eating, and the environment, but also for your heart, and your waistline.
4. Alternative coffee creamers
Today's coffee creamers; holy chemicals, Batman. Let me just list a few of the main ingredients in your common store bought "creamer"; Corn syrup solids, hydrogenated oil, sugar, dipotassium phosphate, and added color. In case you were curious, dipotassium phosphate is a buffering agent used to control acidity, and an industrial fertilizer that controls fungal diseases. Hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oil is code for trans fat. Trans fats are created in a lab, by mixing a normal fat molecule with metal. Corn syrup solids are sugar, an added ingredient in addition to...sugar. Basically, typical coffee creamers are not actually creamer at all, and are no good for you. Almond milk can be a good alternative. Adding some cinnamon and vanilla extract can sweeten it up a bit. Even actual cream with sugar is a safer bet.
5. Reading food labels
Don't count on captions like "fat-free" or "all natural" to help you make your grocery shopping decisions. Be an educated shopper and read your food labels if you're unsure of what you're eating. The less processed foods you eat the better, but if you are in the boxed food aisle, pay attention to the ingredients. If there are a bunch of things you can't pronounce, or a super long list, it's generally not going to be something that's beneficial to you. Take control of your health by knowing what you're putting in your body.
6. Glass over plastic
I've spent pretty much my entire life putting my leftovers in a plastic container, microwaving them in said container, and then eating them from it as well. I also have countless plastic water bottles, so imagine my delight when it was made clear that plastics aren't great for us. Especially not when you're microwaving your food in them. Plastic leeches chemicals into our food and water, yes even when it's BPA free. Now I'm a huge fan of Pyrex glass storage containers, and glass or stainless steel water bottles. If you don't want to get rid of your tupperware, at least considering throwing your food on a plate before heating it up.
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