5 Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work

The weight loss industry is full of myths.

People are often advised to do all sorts of crazy things, most of which have no evidence behind them.

However, over the years, scientists have found a number of strategies that seem to be effective.

Here are 5 weight loss tips that are actually evidence-based.

1. Drink Water, Especially Before Meals

It is often claimed that drinking water can help with weight loss — and that’s true.

Drinking water can boost metabolism by 24–30% over a period of 1–1.5 hours, helping you burn off a few more calories!

One study showed that drinking a half-liter (17 ounces) of water about half an hour before meals helped dieters eat fewer calories and lose 44% more weight, compared to those who didn’t drink the water.

I aim to drink a gallon a day - which may seem impossible but to accomplish that goal I use a time-stamped gallon jug! I have been using it daily for 7 months and it’s honestly something I can’t live without.  You can get yours HERE!

2. Eat Eggs For Breakfast

Eating whole eggs can have all sorts of benefits, including helping you lose weight.

Studies show that replacing a grain-based breakfast with eggs can help you eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours as well as lose more weight and body fat.

If you don’t eat eggs, that's fine. Any source of quality protein for breakfast should do the trick.

3. Drink Coffee (Preferably Black)

Coffee has been unfairly demonized. Quality coffee is loaded with antioxidants and can have numerous health benefits.

Studies show that the caffeine in coffee can boost metabolism by 3–11% and increase fat burning by up to 10–29%.

*Just make sure not to add a bunch of sugar or other high-calorie ingredients to your coffee. That will completely negate any benefits.

4. Drink Green Tea

Like coffee, green tea also has many benefits, one of them being weight loss.

Though green tea contains small amounts of caffeine, it is loaded with powerful antioxidants called catechins, which are believed to work synergistically with caffeine to enhance fat burning.

Although the evidence is mixed, many studies show that green tea (either as a beverage or a green tea extract supplement) can help you lose weight.

5. Use Smaller Plates

Using smaller plates has been shown to help some people automatically eat fewer calories.

However, the plate-size effect doesn’t appear to affect everyone. Those who are overweight seem to be more affected.

My Favorite At Home Chemical Peel

Looking for a professional at-home chemical peel that will exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, and decrease the appearance of Scars, Wrinkles, and Fine Lines?

This Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, and deep cleanser is used to minimize acne breakouts by working deep into the pores where oil, dirt, and other impurities build up and block the follicle of the hair. Salicylic works to unclog the pores by increasing the cell turnover rate.

This peel is infused with a unique combination of botanical extracts that work synergistically to provide natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties.

The best part? Each bottle will last 15-20 full face peels

Check out my Insta Stories Highlight HERE for my step by step application and progress photos!

You can SHOP any of the products below by clicking the image! Happy Peeling!

Green Thumb 101 - Indoor Plant Guide

If there is one thing the Corona Virus (aka The Rona,) has brought out in me, it’s my green thumb. I have never enjoyed outdoor gardening, even though I grew up watching my entire family find joy in planting gardens, orchards, and beautiful landscaping in front of their homes. While I enjoyed eating the fresh harvest and gazing at their lovely flowers - it just wasn’t my thing.

Ok - so let’s fast forward to 2020. I’m bored in the house and I’m in the house bored. It’s my 35th birthday and I decide it’s time to get my first REAL houseplant. So what did I do… I sought out the most difficult, finickiest, stubborn plant I can find (what is wrong with me?!).

And (Spoiler Alert), I fell in love with, Giovanni, my Fiddle Leaf Fig!

In a tiny way… this plant changed my life. I felt excited to wake up in the morning and have my coffee, talk to him, check his leaves and watch our little cat rub up against his pot as a way to say good morning, too!

Now… I’m no expert - just a beginner. But as I started adding more and more plants to our home I have learned a lot of things and thought I would pass along some tips if you are starting your own indoor wonderland.

Getting Started

So I’ve found that the biggest secret to keeping a houseplant alive is to replicate its natural environment as close as you can. Take into consideration the amount of humidity, light, and water it has (and prefers) in its original habitat.

Most of the houseplants that I have added to our home fall under the tropical category. So a lot of the advice I have will lean to that variety.

And while I think I’ve mastered the the bare minimum that my houseplants need to survive indoors, I know that there might be some curveballs come my way.

Warning: Don’t be surprised if one day your indoor plants are fine and the next they're dropping leaves and littered with brown spots. It’s a challenge, y’all.

Here Are 5 Basic Tips for Keeping Houseplants Healthy

1. Check your plants before bringing them indoors -- no matter if you’ve just picked up from the local nursery or they've spent the summer outdoors. If they show any signs of pests or disease, keep them quarantined (yeah - that’s a word I never want to hear again either) and cure the problem before you infect your other plants inside.

2. As I mentioned above… Don’t be shocked if your new plants drop some leaves or show symptoms of shock as you move them from the greenhouse/nursery to your abode — especially if light levels in your home are significantly different.

3. Avoid placing plants in “trouble spots”, these include places in your home where the temperature fluctuates or stays too warm or too cold. Tip: do not put them near heating and A/C ducts!

4. Get your Light Right! Here’s a light tip-

   Bright Light = south-facing window

   Moderate Light = east & west-facing windows

   Litte Light = north facing windows

   Tons of light = grab a grow light

5. During the winter months remember that your heating system is probably drying out the air so add a pebble tray under your plant and do some misting to add some humidity back into the atmosphere.

If you are looking for more detailed information about caring for your new indoor plants… keep reading! If you want to shop my shirt outfit in the pic above click here!

CARING FOR YOUR PLANTS

If you remember one this from this article… this is it: LESS IS MORE!

And as with most things in life… this is true (except for diamonds and chocolate chip cookies) and it most certainly applies to plant care. All plants require water, light, and food, but the trick to success is to practice moderation and restraint.

As I mentioned before, it’s so important to refer back to the native climate for your new buddies.

SOIL

When it comes to indoor potting soil - there are some major differences. The best thing to put your indoor plants in is a combination of equal parts peat moss, vermiculite/perlite, and compost. This will give them the best chance to survive!

Espoma is my go-to choice! Here is an excellent all-purpose potting mix that works great for houseplants, available on Amazon.

Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix

WATER

Listen…. this is the BIGGEST mistake new plant parents make.

Put the damn watering can down.

Just remember… most houseplants would prefer being slightly dry than soaking wet.

So a watering schedule of once a week is suitable for most plants. If you are OCD like me you can add a calendar reminder in your phone to check the moisture (grab a moisture meter here) and keep a watering log in your phone so you can track the health and moisture of your plants!

And if it's winter… a plant typically only needs watering a couple times a month.

LIGHTEN UP!

Light is just as important as water. All plants need light to carry out their necessary duties - Give it up for DJ Photosynthesis!

And while all plants need some sort of light to grow… they all are different so make sure you provide them with what they want or they could end up sunburnt (yes… that is a real thing) or ya know, not alive.

Refer to my tips above to see which window you should put your plant near to get the correct light! And one way you can tell you are getting it right with the light… you’ll see new growth!

THE TRINITY TO THRIVE

So just remember, keep your plant in a warm area with good airflow and don’t forget to rotate your plant so all of its sides get proper light!

Your little buddies are going to need the temperature of at least 55 degrees to survive. So you’re gonna want to steer clear of cold drafts in the winter. The warmer you can keep your houseplants, the happier they are (especially the tropical ones)!

One thing I think that makes your plants extra happy is giving them a weekly wipe down. I use a moist paper towel to wipe down their leaves to prevent of buildup and dust. This way their leaves can absorb as much sun as possible and they will stay healthy!

As far as rotating your plants … I like to turn mine 25% every time I water them - that way I’m keeping some kind of consistency with my routine.

SUMMING IT UP

I hope you found some of these tips helpful! Over the next few weeks, I’ll profile all the different plants that I have added to our plant family so you can better understand the specific needs. Please leave me any of your favorite tips below!

Be sure to check out my Instagram for more lifestyle, travel, beauty and fashion tips!

Click any of the pics below to shop this post!

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Target Swim Favorites!

It seems that ever since Victoria Secret stopped selling bathing suits a few years ago, I’ve had trouble getting back into my swimsuit groove. Target has been one of my main go to’s for swim based on the price point and the fact that I can actually go try them on in the store ( not that anyone actually enjoys doing that!). I haven’t even attempted to order from Vicki’s again but with all this “Corona Time” on my hands…. you never know.

Here are 3 swimsuits that I picked up from Target that are flattering and fun! You can shop all my looks below.

Black + White Striped Top // Black + White Striped Bottom // Pink + Navy Seersucker Top // Pink + Navy Seersucker Bottom // Purple Top // Purple Bottom

AM + PM Skincare Routine

Why I went “ALL IN” with BeautyCounter….

I am a self-proclaimed #BeautyJunkie. That coveted Rouge Membership at Sephora doesn’t come easy :)

And at the end of the day, BeautyCounter just made sense.

I have a background in government relations and also managing a medspa, so the advocacy for clean beauty coupled with high performing products was a match made in heaven!

I have tried just about every beauty procedure and product on the quest for beautiful, youthful and healthy skin.

When I set my goals for this year - I dedicated the first 6 months of 2020 to test and commit to a skincare regimen that was going to be beneficial and something I would be consistent with. No more jumping around based on the next promotional email I received from Sephora and Ulta.

And while I love brands like Skinceuitcals, Peter Thomas Roth, Tatcha, Avene, Is Clinical among others… they all lacked something. BeautyCounter is more than just skincare and makeup. It’s a movement and something I’m proud to use!

So without further ado… scroll down to see the products I use and let me know if you have any questions!

My Skin Care Routine

Products are listed in the order I use them, along with AM & PM use noted.

*All of the Countertime products contain natural ingredients comparable to retinol—without harmful side effects such as skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity!

Morning skincare routine

• Burt’s Bees Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes

• Clairsonic Cleansing Brush

• Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil - luxurious and lightweight

  • Or CounterControl Cleanser if you have oily skin

• Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence - feels milky and silky - like a toner, but more beneficial!

• Tripeptide Radiance Serum - increases skin firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Antioxidant Soft Cream (Day) Protective, skin-plumping moisture

• Ultra Renewal Eye Cream – the ONLY eye cream I’ve ever liked

Evening Skincare Routine

• Burt’s Bees Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes

• Clairsonic Cleansing Brush

• Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil - luxurious and lightweight

• Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence - feels milky and silky - like a toner, but more beneficial!

• Tripeptide Radiance Serum - increases skin firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream (Night) – I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT THIS

• Ultra Renewal Eye Cream – the ONLY eye cream I’ve ever liked

• Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm - used as a mask for a hydrating overnight facial

As needed:

• Face Oil – I use this when my skin is particularly dry.

• I also use the Supreme Night Cream in the morning if my skin feels extra parched for some reason.

• Leopard Headband

If you want to get the best bang for your buck I would suggest getting the Countertime Collection or the Countertime regimen. Everything above (except for the facial oil and lotus cleansing balm) is apart of the Countertime Collection.

To place a Beautycounter order, go here: beautycounter.com/brittpennington

Montana Musings - Ranches at Belt Creek

Situated in the heart of Big Sky Country, Ranches at Belt Creek provides rustic adventure and laid back luxury.  

From the moment we arrived at the ranch we were treated like family.  Handpicked wildflowers filled mason jars that lazily lined the bar as a giant bison head smiled from above the fire. With freshly brewed coffee in hand we were ready for a few days of action and adventure. 

Here's a recap of our very favorite things at the Ranch. 

Things To Do: 

ATV Excursion

Journey through pastures full of wildlife and up a challenging trail to a breathtaking view of Belt Creek.  If you are lucky enough to visit during winter, you and your friends can enjoy a snowball fight at 6,000 feet. 

Horseback Riding

Saddle up for a fun day on the trails with Jenny.  No matter if it is your first time on a horse or you’re an avid rider, you'll enjoy a day of moseying along a beautiful trail around Belt Creek, Montana.  

Hiking

Head over to Sluice Boxes State Park (just a short drive from the ranch) to tip toe across babbling brooks, explore abandoned cabins and scale monstrous mountains! 

Tip: Crossing the streams can get extremely rocky so wear appropriate shoes or be prepared to take them off and carry across the water (a lot!). Also, a hiking stick is a must on this adventure!  

Sporting Clays

We spent one day shooting with our Kentucky girl and expert shooter, Caroline! She is an excellent instructor for all skill levels. During the experience, you’ll enjoy a 7 station sporting clay course with a wide variety of shooting scenarios. The Rabbit was definitely the toughest! 

Fly Fishing ​

This was an eye opening experience for me! Fishing was always an activity I enjoyed with my grandpa growing up but fly fishing is very different than casting off of a rod and reel! ​

Fishing on Belt Creek was the mecca of beauty, big skies and the most colorful rainbow trout. 

We spent the morning “getting the hang of” casting and I spent my downtime admiring the beautiful flys that I got to choose from. 

Belt Creek has gained a reputation for producing above average sized fish and it is the perfect photo op for your Montana escape. 

I absolutely cannot wait to go back here! This destination is great for couples, friend groups and families! The staff at Ranches at Belt Creek truly made us feel at home and we couldn’t have had a better time.

To learn more about the ranch you can visit them on their website or Instagram.