Swaps on swaps on swaps
Hello Everyone!! Did you have a good weekend? You got your workouts in, right? This post is going to be dedicated to a few of my favorite “swaps” that I have made this past week to accommodate my craving for sweets, busy schedule, and little time to workout!
First off though, I want to tell you after only 6 days on the plan, I feel great! I feel much more energized, my skin is getting clearer, and my clothes are fitting great. It feels great to see small changes, and definitely gives me even more motivation to keep going. It is not too late to sign up!! Sign up here for SELF’s Drop 10 diet. ALSO bets are still on! If you want to join us the pot is up to over $1600! I don’t know what more of an incentive you could need? Click here to join the pot.
Here is my favorite list of swaps. I hope you find a few that will work for you too!!
· Instead of 30 min on elliptical, went to a 50 min cycling class (that I didn’t teach) with a friend
· Instead of going out to dinner with friends, had them over for dinner (shout-out to my friends for being SO supportive – they brought over fresh fish they caught themselves). This helps you to control what goes into the food instead of trusting a restaurant.
· Instead of Diet Soda or glass of wine at dinner, have San Pellegrino with Lime Juice
· Instead of driving to work and class (I know I know… it just rains a a lot ok?), I walked (extra mile each way baby!)
· Instead of browsing the internet during my work break, hit the Stair-climber for 20 min for a HIIT workout
· Instead of just an apple for a snack, made a super green smoothie
o Blend a handful of kale and spinach, 1/2 cup each of frozen blueberries & mixed berries, an orange, 1/2 frozen banana,1 tablespoon flaxseed, juice of 1/2 lime, grated ginger (great tip from a friend…awesome for digestion), 2 cups of water, and ice cubes to desired consistency! Makes 2 servings at about 120 calories each
· Unsweetened Almond Milk for regular milk (made this switch a while ago… never looked back. Almond milk only has 30-40 calories per cup)
· Instead of going out for a dessert, microwave a sliced apple topped with cinnamon for 2 – 3 minutes. Hello apple pie.
· For cooking, coconut oil instead of regular – has super healthy fats in it. Trader Joe’s even has it in a cooking spray instead of using PAM
· Craving pancakes? THESE ARE MY FAVORITE EVER. I will be dedicating a post to these one day. Mash ½ a banana and mix with 2 egg whites until one smooth consistency. In separate bowl, mix 2 Tablespoons of ground flaxseed and ½ Scoop protein powder. Add vanilla, stevia, and cinnamon to taste if desired. Slowly combine wet ingredients into dry. Use a nonstick pan and let heat for 1 minute, slowly pour on mixture. Make sure to cook the bottom through before flipping. Top with fresh berries instead of syrup.
· Brought my own egg & veggie scramble to Starbucks instead of being tempted by those scones. You know, those ones that are freaking delicious. Ya. Those.
· Black coffee instead of a sugar free mocha. Unless it’s Christmas time at Starbucks, then it’s all bets off. Other than that – go for black coffee with a splash of milk if needed.
· Use Stevia instead of Splenda or regular sugar (made this switch a while ago too, Splenda is very carcinogenic..no thank you)
Those are some of my favorites…. I am sure I will be updating later. It is little swaps like these that add up to big results.
What are your favorite swaps?? Most of these ideas I have gotten from others over the years…so please share yours!
Follow me on twitter and instagram for recipes & fitness tips: @britthayley
Xo,
Hayley