4 things: health

so here’s the skinny. the last few weeks of going out in new york coupled with a blowout trip to italy means that i’ve found myself slightly (ever so slightly) pudgy. i’m not too concerned about it; i had a blast putting on each pound. but it is something that needs to be nipped in the bud sooner rather than later. and since everyone i’ve ever talked to with an MD after their name says cleanses are moot, i’m resorting to other methods. so without further ado, here are a few go-to tricks:

1) drink water and a lot of it. no soda, no energy drinks, no booze. nothing but water. it can be hot (tea), it can be (icy) cold, it can be fizzy. but it just needs to be water.

2) on that note, try flavoring it. i love dropping some lemon and cucumber slices into my glass or bottle. other citrus and herbs work well, too. it looks good, tastes good and mimics a trip to the spa (minus the $200+ bill).

3) keep fresh produce out and about in the kitchen - it’s a trick i picked up from my grandmother and mother. they buy whatever is in season at the market, bring it home, wash it and set it out on the counter for all to see. berries, cherry tomatoes, etc. go into pretty little baskets and bowls (or just left spread out on a beautiful dish towel like grammy does). peaches, apples, citrus, etc. go onto trays or plates. this way we all graze on the good stuff and nary a fridge or cupboard is opened. i’d even endorse purchases of favorite small kitchenware if it encourages healthy habits:

[see above, clockwise from top: CB2 bowl (what i use) / drop fruit bowl / glass water dispenser / porcelain berry box / glass bottle / asplund cookie tray (swap the baked goods for fruit & veg, obviously) / striped dish towels / not pictured: faux green paper berry containers / bon appetit linen towel]

4) make one easy change to your beauty routine. i fully believe in being kind to yourself in any way you can and making a simple tweak can quickly reset the tone of your approach. i.e. i’ve (finally) started using coconut oil as a moisturizer (thanks, maura!). think of treating yourself to a pedicure or switching up your haircare products - something painless but productive. one not-as-easy, but crucial effort? more sleep.

any secrets of yours you’d be willing to spill?

[other health & beauty posts here]