We all want to eat healthier but most of us don't know where to begin. Use my tricks to shred those calories while being kinder to your body. Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up at first, mistakes are part of the process and get a jumpstart on your way to a healthier lifestyle!

1. Buy more fresh food.

Sometimes I feel like this goes without saying but this is also one of the hardest! Being a person who is constantly on the go, it can feel like a trap at the grocery store. I want something that is going to be healthy, fill me up for those killer two-hour classes, and quick. I quickly adapted from the Lorelai approach to breakfast, of a Poptart to my new and improved edition of a banana and some yogurt. Also, if you like to cook try filling your favorite omelet toppings into a muffin tin and filling the space with eggs and cheese. You can bake these on Sunday night and have breakfast for the week. Just pop in the microwave!

2. Cut back on your alcohol intake.

The tip that nobody likes to hear... I know! But, hear me out. You don't have to stop drinking completely, just watch what you're drinking! If you start to notice that you're killing a 40 block between you and your friends every week then you might want to reevaluate some of the beer you drink and get a healthier beverage. The same goes for sugary drinks, you can still have a good time and drink but if you're looking to get that summer body quicker than usual then you will want to monitor that!

3. Find a fun way to get exercise.

Zach and I walk around Pre's trail and the Willamette River for an easy dose of exercise. It's fun to go in the morning when it's a little cooler and get a fresh start to the day or as a midday exercise. Be sure to bring water and comfortable shoes because even though it's an easy walk, you'll want to stay comfortable as the mileage catches up on you. Spencer's Butte is also a great way to get a good workout in!

4. Log what you eat.

This may be annoying and tedious but reflecting on your eating choices just might be what you need to spark your desire to be healthier. When you're in the moment and hungry it's easy to grab whatever is easy or in front of you with no concern for the calories but if you start to document everything and see exactly what you're contributing to your health, you might not need anymore convincing to change your habits.

5. Cut out all other liquids except for water.

Tying back into the alcohol consumption, it is amazing to think about how many excess calories are consumed by our liquids alone. Some people say that once they stopped drinking everything else but water they lost 15-20 pounds from that single change only! Keep in mind this may be from a heavier soda drinker than someone who only has a Coke every once in a while, but it's still a good way to pick up healthier habits.

6. Make your plates as colorful as possible!

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do was play with your food? This is even better because you get to be as creative as you want. You can even make a game out of it if you need some incentive and have the winner be whoever has the most diverse colors. Leafy greens are a great way to fill yourself up, especially with spinach and kale and carrots are good for your eyes! Find out what your favorite fruits and veggies are and what benefit they can be to your health!

7. Plan out your meals.

You'd be so surprised to see how much a little bit of meal planning and shopping can really do. You don't have to cook everything for your week on Sunday if you don't want to, but if you make mental notes (or actual ones) about the things that you'd like you eat, you'll be able to prepare better for your week and have a handy shopping list.