30 Real-Life Ways to Simplify Your Life (and Your Weight Loss Journey)

Because health doesn’t have to feel like a second job.

At Merit, we’re big believers in the idea that simple = sustainable. If your plan is too complicated, you’re more likely to burn out, give up, or ghost your kale.

And in honor of Make Your Life Simple Week, we’re sharing 30 tips to simplify your life AND your health—straight from our team of busy moms, nurses, and professionals who are doing their best to juggle all the things, just like you.

Because progress doesn’t require perfection. It just takes small, doable steps (and maybe a Scotch laundry sheet or two).


Here are 30 ways to simplify your life and your weight loss plan:

  1. Plan simple meals. Chicken with a bagged salad, pre-packed meals (try Kevin’s Natural Foods at Target), bunless burger with cottage cheese and veggies. Don’t overthink it.

  2. Use grocery pickup or delivery. No dragging toddlers down aisle 9 = win.

  3. Set a joint calendar with your spouse. It’s the modern version of “we’re on the same page.” - Kaetlynn’s Tip

  4. Teach your teens to drive. One team member’s 15-year-old got a truck—and now he takes himself to everything. Instant time-saver. - Hannah’s Tip

  5. Say “no” without guilt. You don’t need to RSVP to every event. Home time is healing time. - Ashley’s Tip

  6. Limit social media time. Save your energy (and sanity) for things that actually matter. - Rhonda’s Tip

  7. Use laundry sheets that let you wash lights and darks together. Like magic—but for moms. - Hannah’s Tip

  8. Make a list, categorized if needed (if you don’t it’s just stuck in your head) - Try Reminders on Iphone - Stephanie’s Tip

  9. Keep 3–5 go-to dinners on rotation. Everyone loves taco night. No one cares it’s every Tuesday. Think breakfast for dinner, soup & salad, or burger night.

  10. Keep protein snacks in your purse, car, and desk. Prevent the “hangry” spiral. Try individual packed nuts, protein bars (as long as it’s not summer and they won’t melt), or beef jerky.

  11. Prep just the basics. Hard boiled eggs, veggie packs, deli meat. Done in 15 minutes.

  12. Batch your errands. It’s the mom version of time-blocking.

  13. Buy pre-cut veggies and fruit. This is not the hill to die on. - Veronica’s Tip

  14. Get groceries once a week. A little planning goes a long way toward avoiding drive-thru regret.

  15. When you’re getting those groceries, reuse the same grocery list weekly. Scratch off what you don’t need. Simple.

  16. Rotate breakfast and lunch. Oatmeal, eggs, Greek yogurt. Keep it boring = keep it easy.

  17. Stop folding your kids’ clothes. Toss in bins. They’ll survive. You’ll thrive.

  18. Have a water bottle you love. You’ll drink more without even trying.

  19. Put workouts on your calendar. Even a 10-minute walk counts. You’re not training for the Olympics—just real life.

  20. Celebrate tiny wins. Skipped the late-night chips? That’s a win.

  21. Unfollow people who make you feel bad about your body or life. That’s not “inspiration.” That’s emotional clutter.

  22. Make one meal for the whole family—with easy tweaks. Add a veggie, skip the bun. Done.

  23. Choose a “reset day.” For us, it’s Sunday. Just 30 minutes of prep can save you 6 days of chaos.

  24. Repeat after us: Done is better than perfect. Always.

  25. Get a coffee pot with a timer. There’s something magical about waking up to coffee already made.

  26. Pick out clothes the night before. Game-changer for you—and the kids.

  27. Clean on Thursday nights. Weekends are for rest, not rage-cleaning.

  28. Keep lunch fixings stocked at all times. High-fiber tortillas + deli meat + lettuce + cheese + sauce = instant wrap station.

  29. Stop reinventing the wheel-Loved a meal? Make it again next week. Found a workout you don’t hate? Stick with it. Simplicity isn’t boring—it’s brilliant.

  30. Remind yourself: You don’t have to do it all. Choose what matters this week. Let the rest wait.


The Takeaway

Trying to do everything at once will leave you exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning your life choices in the middle of Costco.

Start small. Start simple. And start with just one thing that makes your life easier this week.

That’s not cheating—that’s strategy. And it’s exactly how real, lasting change happens.


Need help figuring out your “one thing”? That’s what we’re here for. 💛


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