Stay Strong: How to Feel Great (and maybe lose those last few pounds)

A few weeks ago, a reader emailed me and said that her baby is almost 2 years old and she just can't shake those last 10 pounds of baby weight. I'm not a medical expert but I've sure been on this train before. Twice, actually! I sent her my favorite tips for watching my weight in the hopes that it helps her. Even if it doesn't take all of the weight off, I can guarantee that taking these steps will help anyone feel great! I always do better if I focus on changing habits to feel good instead of focusing on the weight. When you do the right things for your body, you will feel amazing and the weight will follow!

• Tracking. One of my favorite things to do to keep me accountable is track my food intake. Sometimes I use a notebook and sometimes I use an app and website like MyFitnessPal or LoseIt. It is often the extra snacking that keeps my weight up and if I can pinpoint it, it makes it easier to lose the weight! 
• Up your exercise routine. If you work out 3 days a week, can you make it 4? Or maybe add 15 minutes to each of your workout sessions. 
• Water. Hunger is often the first sign of thirst. The truth is, when you truly feel thirsty, this is a sign of dehydration, not just thirst. Think you need a mid-morning or mid-day snack? Try drinking a glass or two of water first and see if that helps. If you're still hungry after that, pick a nutritious snack. My favorites are apples and carrots. (I can't believe how good this makes me feel!) 
• Sleep. I am not as hungry during the day if I get good sleep the night before. A solid 7-8 hours makes a huge difference in how hungry I am the next day. 

These are simple acts in themselves but change is hard. Don't beat yourself up if you have trouble sticking to all of these right away. Even if you add these changes to your lifestyle one week at a time, you should start feeling better quickly.

What is your favorite tactic for feeling great?