Easy Lifestyle Changes and Healthy Habits

Easy Lifestyle Changes for Healthy HabitsI’ll cut to the chase on this post: My workout routine has been pretty sad for the past 2+ years, and this isn’t one of those exaggerations to try and make it sound like it’s worse than it is. I really mean 2+ years, not 2+ months. After college, when I was interning at an agency, I would go to 5:30 a.m. workout classes 2-3 times a week,  making sure I was walking and staying active outside of the gym as well. That routine abruptly stopped once I started teaching and then I never got back into it when I returned to the agency. I still have yet to figure out a schedule after starting a new job.

Easy Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Habits

 I should also note that I quickly learned my freshman and sophomore years of college, that I couldn’t eat like I did throughout high school. I had previously Irish danced about four times a week and was fortunate to have a high metabolism. My eating habits were awful. We’re talking rush home from dance to get a double cheeseburger and cheese curds from Culver’s before they closed at 10 p.m. kind of awful. I also didn’t eat vegetables until I went to college. I definitely eat better these days, but I don’t limit anything from my diet. My dad always says everything in moderation which I really agree with. If I attempt to cut chocolate out of my diet, I will go Matilda-style on an entire chocolate cake.

Easy Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Habits Easy Lifestyle Changes for Healthy HabitsWith all of that in mind and knowing I need to get my butt in gear, I thought I’d share a few things I try to be mindful of when I know I’m not working out as much as I would like to. I like to think of these as easy lifestyle changes that don’t take much effort on my part.

  1. When I go out to eat, I typically take half of the dish home and enjoy as leftovers the next day.
  2. Instead of meeting a friend for a drink, meet and go on a walk. I love this one, especially when it’s about to get warmer in the Midwest. Plus, it’s better for your bank account, too!
  3. Park further away from a store when you’re running errands or park a level up in the parking structure. Along those same lines, take the stairs when you can.
  4. I’m definitely not reinventing the wheel on this one, but drink more water! Half of the time my body thinks it’s hungry, I swear I just need to drink a big glass of water.
  5. If you’re a snacker like me, I have a snack drawer at work and make sure I have something in my purse just in case. I go from 0-hangry in no time, and it’s not pretty (ask Bill or my sister). And when I reach that point, I want a plate of nachos, not fruit. I love making these energy bites. I have one right when I wake up in the morning and when I hit my afternoon slump at work (ugh, 2 p.m.).

Easy Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Habits Easy Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Habits

J.Crew hat (sold out) / lululemon 1/4 zip (old, but love this top) / lululemon vest / lululemon leggings / Nike sneakers (sold out, similar style here and here)

Onto the outfit. These leggings are meant to be really tight, but when I tried them on in my regular lululemon size 4, I felt like I couldn’t breathe so I sized up and like the fit. I have loved lululemon for awhile now. I actually worked in their showroom in Madison, WI my senior year of college plus I lived in their pieces when I was training and touring for Irish dance. They got me through 12+ hour rehearsal days and long show and travel days so in my opinion, they’re worth the investment. I got Bill this pair of sweats for his birthday, and I think I officially converted him. I’m going to order them in gray since he wears them so frequently.

Bill and I are both trying to get back into a workout groove. We attempted to go to a spin class this morning, and I totally read the wrong schedule online. I posted more on my Snapchat this morning (carly.haslee).

Do you have any favorite workout classes? Happy to hear any suggestions.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Photos by Alex Good

6 Comments

  1. Speaking of moderation, Erin and I went to barre and then promptly devoured bacon + sausage + cheese + egg + jalepeno jam + egg on toasted raisin bread from City Market. Killin’ it with the balance thing 😉

    Posted 2.25.17
    • Two things: 1. Next time I’m joining!! 2. After I published this post, I ate frozen pizza and Girl Scout cookies. So, I’m right there with ya.

      Posted 2.25.17
  2. Erin wrote:

    After seeing the number on the scale get higher and higher, I decided to try Couch to 5K, a free running app that eases you gradually into running a 5K. I like it because I don’t have to go somewhere special to do it, and I don’t need special equipment.. I put on my running shoes and go, and I’m done in 30 minutes. Then, it’s fun to run in local 5K events!

    Posted 2.27.17
    • I might need to try this! I’ve never been into running but would love to do a 5K.

      Posted 3.7.17
  3. Kaitlin wrote:

    So cute, Carly! I didn’t have much of a workout routine for YEARS, but then I became THAT girl and decided to get in better shape for my wedding. Between Pure Barre and that magical “moderation” word, I’ve been pretty consistent for about two years now (which is a tiny miracle in and of itself).

    I’ve been eyeing those leggings for over a year now, and my new job means I can wear them to work (!!!!). Do you feel like they hold up well? I saw some mixed reviews online, but they’re SO cute!!

    Kaitlin

    Posted 2.28.17
    • Love it! I can’t wait to try Pure Barre. I’ve heard amazing things. As for the leggings, so far so good. I hadn’t read the reviews prior to purchasing (yikes!). I’m wondering when they made the change that’s affecting the seams because mine seem to be holding up. I’ll keep you posted! And yay for wearing leggings to work 🙂

      Posted 3.7.17

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