Day to day habits for short term change?

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I've put on a bit of weight recently, and most of visible change is on my belly. I think a combination of having a baby (now toddler) and hitting 40 (plus too much snacking & not enough exercise!) I've started a weekly exercise class and am going to get back into running, but wondered if there are any small day to day habits that would make a difference to my belly in the short term? I've got an event in a few weeks where I have to dress up and I feel so uncomfortable in all my nice dresses!
So any tips? I'm gong to cut down on tea as I take a lot of milk in mine and drink more water. Any other suggestions or tips gratefully received. Thanks x

Ditch processed sugar, any alcohol and, if you need to snack, have an apple or small hand full of raw nuts.

I’ve gone back to making smoothies in my ninja blender.

It’s carrot, tomato, apple and orange. I’m doing this in a bid to get more fibre and veg/fruit into my diet.

Plus it will encourage the healthy bacteria in my gut and improve my overall health. Im also adding a few salad leaves and nuts to any meal I make. I’m doing a more slow habit stacking diet though.

@Iamnotawinp ‘it will encourage the healthy bacteria in my gut and improve my overall health’
Unflavoured Kefir is amazing for this (according to test subjects stool samples) it takes around 3 months of daily drinking to boost the good bacteria with kefir, but increased fruit & veg will definitely help.

My smoothies (not totally smooth, I still have pulpy bits) are carrot, celery, whole kiwi, avocado, blueberries and a splash of oj. I then add spirulina, turmeric and 30g of chia seeds which are great for fibre (&feeling full) and omega 3.

A single ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds boasts 11 grams of fiber

I don't drink alcohol, but could definitely do with cutting down on processed sugar!

I'll definitely dig my blender my blender! Do you have that as your breakfast/lunch or is just an extra drink?
A habit stacking diet sounds interesting, do you know where I could find out more about that approach?

Thank you for this!

Add protein to every meal, cut down on portion sizes. Cut sugar and processed carbs. Eat three meals a day, if you need a snack have unflavoured yogurt with some berries and maple syrup.

I eat very healthy, but after 40, even with healthy food, portion size matters.

Try intermittent fasting/time restricted eating. Prioritise protein and restrict processed carbs.