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.

Low Carb + Low Cal 4th of July Cocktails

There are so many things to love and celebrate during the upcoming holiday! Fireworks, Freedom and of course Friends & Family. But with all that fun in the sun… it’s easy to rack up the calories and carbs! So, here are 3 Low Carb Cocktails to Help You Celebrate 4th of July and Stay on Track With Your Nutrition Goals!

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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!

My Favorite Products For Icy Blonde Hair

Oh, the quest for Icy Blonde Hair… what a journey it’s been. If you are on the road to that grayish, lavender hue then I’m sure you have a Pinterest board FULL of stunning pictures of girls with those elusive white-blonde locks.

I was there too… and after a year of tweaking and toning. I’m going to pass along my favorite products to help you achieve your look!

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NEW: Skin Twin Foundation

BeautyCounter’s release of their new foundation, Skin Twin was met with A LOT of praise (aka the Zoe Report among many others)!

I finally got my hands on my shade (Med 310) and I wanted to give y’all my honest review!

If you want to see Skin Twin in action… I shot an IGTV to show you how it stands up to my former favorite It Comestic’s CC Cream! I also showed off my favorite brushes I use to get an airbrushed look and a secret brush cleaner that all the celebrity makeup artists use! I will link everything below for you to shop or you can click HERE to watch my IGTV!

Okay… back to Skin Twin! I love it because they made it breathable, buildable and packed full of hyaluronic acid to visibly plump the skin.

There are 18 buildable shades so finding something that is your “Skin’s Twin” is easy - there is also a shade finder tool or if you are like me and want to talk to someone about it… just shoot me a DM or leave a comment below!

The foundation is weightless, long-wearing, and very natural-looking. It truly feels like a second skin.

Here are some of the Benefits:

  1. Second-skin wear: Blends seamlessly into skin for a weightless, breathable, natural finish.

  2. Lasting coverage: Provides buildable light-to-medium coverage that lasts all day

  3. Skin-care benefits : A potent dose of hyaluronic acid visibly plumps and smooths skin immediately and helps to minimize appearance of fine lines over time.

  4. Fragrance Free

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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

Evening Skincare Routine

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

Morning Meditation - Tony Robbins Priming Method

I started using priming about a month ago and it has made such an impact in my life! I stumbled upon this while falling down the rabbit hole of Tony Robbins YouTube videos one night and have been hooked since!

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Palm Springs Getaway

Looking for some low key luxury? You’ll find it at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs.

This high-end oasis boasts mountain desert views and provides the perfect setting for a romantic long weekend or golf filled getaway. 

Poolside Carne Asada Tacos and Spicy Strawberry Margarita

Poolside Carne Asada Tacos and Spicy Strawberry Margarita

With just over 240 rooms this Ritz Carlton leans a little more intimate than most. As expected, the service is incredible and with such few guests, they can fulfill that Ritz promise of going above and beyond.

If you are visiting for a romantic rendezvous, don't miss the adult only pool perched cliffside or the 90-minute couples massage at the spa.

Request a room on the first floor to enjoy your personal fire pit and make sure you ask for a window-side table at The Edge Steakhouse to soak in the infectious desert sunset.

Couples Lounge at the

Couples Lounge at the

If your schedule allows it, plan an ENTIRE day at the spa. We've experienced a lot of spas all over and this is one of our absolute favorites. The spa area features an expansive couple's waiting lounge with a waterfall pool and outside sunning area. Within each locker room, you'll find a steam area, small European plunge pools, aroma showers and all of the toiletries and supplies you would need for a mini makeover. We loved the experience so much that we bought the aroma infused shower head so we could get our daily Ritz fix at home.

If you decide to journey outside the resort you'll have plenty of areas to explore. Palm Springs, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is known for its spiritual retreats, golf courses, and film festivals. It's also flooded with midcentury-modern architecture (à la Frank Sinatra) and happily serves as Hollywood’s hideaway located 100 miles southeast of LA.

Searching for a dinner spot? Ristorante Mamma Gina's was recommended to us from our friend Gennifer and it's a "Can't-Miss". Originating in Italy in 1956, Mamma Gina's has enjoyed its desert location since 1986. The authentic Florentine cuisine was impressive and filling. Save room for dessert and an after-dinner drink because you'll want to soak up the ambiance.

If you are planning a boozy lunch, our gold medal goes to Las Casuelas Terraza. A Plam Springs staple since 1958, this Mexican joint offers a casual environment and a street-side patio adorned with tiny birds and plenty of tequila.

But you don't have to just eat your way through Palm Springs... you can shop your way through it too! Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, mainstream stores, interior design shops and lots of local watering holes.

If you are looking to explore your adventurous side, the surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Not to mention the Coachella Music Festival held every April.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Coachella), is an annual music festival held near Palm Springs in Indio, California. The festival features musical artists from a variety of music genres, including rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance music, as well as art installations. The origin of the event traces back to a Pearl Jam concert in 1993 held to boycott venues controlled by Ticketmaster. Some past acts include Madonna, Drake, Lady Gaga, Guns N' Roses, DJ Khaled and of course Beyonce. Since the festival is so close to LA you’ll find the place swarming with stars trying to get that perfect Instagram shot and dancing the night away. So if celebrity hunting is your game, it's well worth a ticket to Coachella.

Desert Spings Golf Club Britt

Now, if golf is more your speed check out a round at one of many top-rated courses in the area. The prestigious PGA West Golf Club flexes its proverbial golf muscle with six courses designed by some of the biggest names in the business, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.

Desert Springs Golf Club

Our concierge booked us at Desert Springs Golf Club located at the JW Marriott right across town. This course was very playable and a ton of fun. With two courses to choose from it caters to players of all skill levels. Taylor Made rental clubs are available if you aren’t into dragging your sticks around.

No matter what you are looking for you can find it in sunny Palm Springs. We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more can't wait for our next trip.

For more travel information and recommendations check out my other posts!

Britt and Tony Ritz Carlton Palm Springs

Sip Around Germantown- Nashville, TN

East Nashville is on fire y’all. There are so many creative and yummy places to try. I quickly realized that my list of bars and resturants was longer than my long weekend.

So, I combatted my indecisiveness and FOMO by creating a hybrid bar crawl + lite bite tour... which I have christened as the Germantown Sip Around

Here are my most drinkable and snackable places in Germantown.  

5th And Taylor  

[Refined American fare served in lofty, rustic-industrial surrounds with a tree-lined patio]

beauty school dropout

Beauty School Dropout

My first "Sip" was imaginative, easy on the taste buds and the name was just so damn cute. Beauty School Dropout can best be described as floral fused with fruity, accompanied by a warm vanilla finish. [el dorado rum/ grapefruit / vanilla / lime / tiki bitters]

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Sausage Cheddar Biscuits

After one bite of the Sausage Cheddar Biscuits, I bout fell out of my chair.  The crispy crunchy outside paired well with the spicy yet sweet inner filling. Four of these little babies were not enough. Don't skip with Chow Chow relish on the side. 

5th and Taylor

5th and Taylor shined bright as a triple threat by providing over the top customer service.  John David, our server, was knowledgable, friendly and attentive! It was tough to leave 5th and Taylor... but it was time to journey on to our next stop. 

Rolf and Daughters

[Industrial-chic restaurant with clever New American dishes, communal tables & inventive cocktails]

We had the heads up that the Rolf and Daughters menu was um... interesting. And boy, it was. Since we had three more returants to still sip at, we skipped our lite bite here and went straight for the cocktail.  Matt, our bartender, crafted his take on a margarita which he let me re-name as the “Britt-a-Rita”.  

Margarita

Britt - A - Rita

[Tequila, Bitter Bianca, Garnish lemon, Basil, Simple syrup]

I appreciate anyone that will not only craft me my own special cocktail but also let me name it!  

Henrietta Red

[Airy, chic spot for oysters & elevated seafood small plates, plus a separate bar for cocktails]

We hit the bartender jackpot again at Henrietta Red! We veered off the menu for a low(er) sugar option of an Airmail. [vodka, honey, champagne, lime]

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Airmail

I also tried the Little Deuce Coupe (a great nod to the Beach Boys), which would be perfect for a summer afternoon swaying in a hammock. Sweet and delightful. [wodka, lemon, grapefruit, grenadine, mint]

Little Deuce Coupe

Little Deuce Coupe

312 Pizza Co

[Pan pizzas & other Chicago-style fare join draft beers in a big, airy pub with a rustic wood bar]

Our last stop was nothing short of delicious.  After all that sippin' we were ready to eat! 

312 Pizza Co is for all you Chicago-Style pizza lovers out there!  But if you prefer a thinner crust... they'll do that too! 

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Hot + Fresh

We opted to create our own pizza and my goodness it was delicious!  Just a heads up it takes about 30 minutes to get your pizza, but that will give you plenty of time to enjoy one of their creative cocktails or craft beers. 


So if you find yourself thirsty in Nashville, head on over and wet your whistle in Germantown!