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Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Woman Drops 22 Pounds Using This 10-Minute Morning Walk Strategy

Transform your body this winter with these simple steps.

Chelsea_Wambui7

Looking in the mirror and barely recognizing yourself? Feeling anxious when friends take candid photos? You're not alone. UK-based digital creator Chelsea Wambui found herself in the same position earlier this year before discovering a simple approach that helped her lose 22 pounds. Here's her uncomplicated guide to winter weight loss that doesn't require extreme measures or complicated routines.


The Reality Check: When Body Positivity Masks Real Issues

"I was so tired all the time. I never had any energy," Chelsea reveals in her video. "Being a fashion girlie, I love putting outfits together, and now, because I have gained a lot of weight, I can't wear my favorite outfits anymore."

Her struggle intensified with social situations: "It's even worse when you get to the point where you become anxious when you're around people because if somebody dares to take a candid picture or a video of you... that's when things actually become real."

Beyond Genetics: Taking Control of Your Health

"I have always been the skinny girl. Even with the right genetics, a lack of discipline will always catch up with you," Chelsea admits. According to Mayo Clinic, while genes may influence body type and weight distribution, they don't predetermine your weight destiny. Research shows that lifestyle choices and behaviors play a crucial role in weight management, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Understanding Your Body Type for Realistic Goals

Body composition varies significantly among individuals, and effective weight loss strategies should be tailored to individual body types and metabolism. Chelsea stresses body awareness: "People have different body types, and the way you lose weight is not going to be exactly how I lose weight. If you have an apple-shaped body... you will never look like an hourglass shape unless you get some work done."

The Mental Health Connection: Addressing Hidden Trauma

"There's a lot of people who gain weight as a defense mechanism," Chelsea shares. She describes how trauma can manifest in weight gain: "Your mind just can't let you drop that weight because there's something that it believes that weight is helping you do."

Research confirms the strong connection between mental health and weight management, noting that addressing psychological factors is often crucial for successful, sustainable weight loss.

The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting

"What happens is the period of time that you are fasting, your body goes into ketosis," Chelsea explains. According to the Mayo Clinic, intermittent fasting can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve metabolic health if done correctly. They stress that this eating pattern should be implemented gradually and under appropriate medical supervision.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals the 6 Morning Habits That Helped Her Lose 20 Pounds

Hydration: The Often Overlooked Factor

"Don't just drink plain water," Chelsea advises. "Drink water with electrolytes, that is actually how you hydrate your body." Research confirms that proper hydration is essential for weight loss, noting that electrolyte-balanced hydration helps maintain proper cell function and can help prevent overeating by reducing false hunger signals.

The Walking Solution: Simple But Effective

Regular walking can boost metabolism, improve cardiovascular health, and contribute to sustainable weight loss. "If this is the first time you are getting into it, start with maybe even 2,000 steps," Chelsea suggests. She shares her progress: "Now I walk to and from the gym. Within that, I end up getting around 8,000 to 9,000 steps."

Emotional Eating: Breaking the Cycle

"Binge eating has nothing to do with the food. In fact, it has everything to do with you emotionally regulating yourself," Chelsea reveals. Emotional eating is often a response to stress, anxiety, or other emotional triggers rather than genuine hunger, says the Mayo Clinic.

Winter's Secret Weight Loss Advantage

"The colder periods are the best time for you to lose weight," Chelsea shares. "Your body is burning a lot more calories to try and keep you warm." Science confirms that cold exposure can increase calorie burn as the body works harder to maintain its core temperature, making winter an opportune time for weight loss efforts.

RELATED: Weight Loss Coach Finally Lost 50 Pounds Using These 5 Cheat Codes

Creating Sustainable Results

Gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes are more effective for long-term weight management than crash diets or extreme measures. "This is why we're taking advantage of October till December, so you can start building up this habit instead of waiting to do everything all at once in January," Chelsea explains. She shares her success: "I lost 22 pounds in three months." "You deserve to wear a bikini and feel good about yourself. You deserve your friends to take candid pictures of you, and you are proud of what you look like," Chelsea concludes. "Every single woman deserves to feel good in their body, so lock in." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Nicole Collet thecollets
Woman Lost 7 Pounds in 3 Weeks Eating This Protein Dessert Every Night
Copyright thecollets/Instagram

Starting an exercise routine when you're significantly overweight can feel impossible. For Nicole Collet, a weight loss coach who lost an impressive 130 pounds and kept it off for nine years, the answer wasn't complicated—it was walking for just 15 minutes every day. "When I was morbidly obese, there wasn't much I could do in the form of exercise because of my weight, but I could walk," Nicole explains. Her journey proves that sustainable weight loss doesn't require counting every step or spending hours exercising—just consistent, manageable action that anyone can follow.

Forget Counting Steps, Focus on Time Instead

Nicole's initial mistake was obsessing over step counts rather than creating a sustainable habit. "I set a goal to walk 10,000 steps every single day, but I'm an all or nothing person. So I set it in stone," Nicole shares in her post. At 275 pounds with painful plantar fasciitis, this ambitious target quickly became overwhelming.

The solution was simple yet effective. "I decided to start with 15 minutes because it wasn't too low, but it wasn't too high," she says. This approach allowed her to go at her own pace, taking breaks when needed, while still maintaining consistency. By focusing on completing 15 minutes daily—regardless of distance covered—Nicole created a sustainable habit she could actually stick with.

RELATED: Here's How Long Your Incline Walking Workout Should Be To Shrink Belly Fat

Invest in Proper Footwear for Success

One critical lesson Nicole learned was the importance of proper shoes. "I had a flip-flop thing. And I thought it would be a great idea with plantar fasciitis at 275 pounds to try walking in flip-flops," Nicole recalls with amusement. This uncomfortable experience left her feet so sore she didn't want to walk again.

"Wearing really good supportive shoes and investing in good quality ones like New Balance or whatever feels good on your foot is really important," Nicole emphasizes. Good footwear helped alleviate her foot pain and allowed her to gradually increase her walking time as she progressed.

Don't Fall Into the "Too Much Too Soon" Trap

Going overboard with exercise intensity was another pitfall Nicole and her husband Kyle experienced. "When we first started, we tried to do way too much, way too intense, go way too far from the house, go longer than the 15 minutes, and we would end up just exhausted and sore," Nicole explains.

Even years into their fitness journey, they sometimes make this mistake. Nicole shares, "In the last summer, Kyle and I were doing a mini cut. We just were like, hey, we're in a calorie deficit. It'd be a great idea to go for a two-hour walk in the forest." The result was extreme hunger and exhaustion that derailed their progress. Finding a moderate, sustainable pace prevents this self-sabotaging cycle.

Find Your Sweet Spot: Not Too Little, Not Too Much

The opposite problem—doing too little—can be just as detrimental. "Whenever we would go overboard, because Kyle and I are all or nothing, black-or-white thinking kind of people, we'd pull way back and then we would go from like an hour to five minutes," Nicole admits.

This all-or-nothing approach extended to their eating habits too. "We'd be like well I think we both need a large pizza each... or the opposite and we'd be like okay we ate too much yesterday so now let's only eat like egg whites and tuna," she says. Finding a sustainable middle ground—not too intense, not too easy—proved key to their long-term success.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Combine 15 Minutes of Walking With Portion Control

Nicole's 50-pound weight loss in three months didn't come from walking alone. "I paired my walking of 15 minutes every day with portion control," she explains. This combination created the calorie deficit necessary for significant weight loss.

The dietary component is essential, according to Nicole. "It's very important that you are eating in a calorie deficit and adding some walking or exercise that you like to do as a cherry on top because the diet comes first." This balanced approach addresses both sides of the weight loss equation.

Build Consistency Before Increasing Time

Nicole's 15-minute walks gradually became easier as she lost weight. "By the end of the three months, I had lost the 50 pounds. I also had increased my stamina and I was lighter," Nicole shares. Eventually, she could walk the full 15 minutes without stopping and her plantar fasciitis improved.

Through consistent effort, Nicole and Kyle gradually built their endurance. "We went from 15 minutes to now doing 60 minutes. It took a long time, but we slowly built and that's because it's sustainable," she says. This slow-and-steady approach has helped them maintain their weight loss for nine years.

RELATED: 10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Why 15 Minutes of Walking Works Better Than Other Exercises

After trying numerous exercise options, Nicole and Kyle found walking most effective for long-term weight management. "After everything we've tried, we have found walking to be the best for burning fat, helping us lose weight," Nicole explains.

The simplicity and accessibility of walking makes it ideal for sustainable weight loss. "Walking at a leisurely pace consistently not only helped us lose 130 pounds each but it's helped us keep the weight off for over nine years," Nicole says. This low-impact exercise allows for consistent daily activity without burnout or injury.

Make Your 15-Minute Walks Enjoyable, Not Punishing

Nicole emphasizes the importance of enjoying your weight loss journey. "Making weight loss fun, not making it a punishment, is one of those things that I realized," she shares. Choosing activities and foods you enjoy increases the likelihood of sticking with them.

As Nicole puts it, "Consistency over perfection, slow and steady wins the race. Pick something you can do for exercise and pick things you like to eat so that you can do it for life." This mindset shift transforms weight loss from a temporary diet into a sustainable lifestyle.

RELATED: 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

The Mindset For Long-Term Success

Beyond physical changes, Nicole reminds us of the mental and emotional components of weight loss. "Remember friends that weight loss isn't just about the number on the scale. It's also about here and here—heart and mindset," Nicole encourages.Success comes from building sustainable habits that fit your life and preferences. "Fight through it. You can do it. Don't give up," Nicole advises. By focusing on consistency rather than perfection, anyone can achieve lasting weight loss results—starting with just 15 minutes of walking every day. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Kathleen Hart lil Piece of Hart
I Lost 50 Pounds in 5 Months and These 6 Pillars Were My Secret Weapon
Copyright lil Piece of Hart/Youtube

We've all been there – struggling to find an exercise routine that actually works while watching the scale refuse to budge. Kathleen Hart, Mindset & Weight Loss Coach, knows this challenge all too well. After losing 55 pounds three separate times and keeping it off for over 3 years, Kathleen has built a following of nearly 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel lil Piece of Hart by sharing practical, sustainable weight loss strategies. Her secret weapon? Walking 10,000 steps daily – a simple habit that helped her drop from 200 pounds to 138. Read on to discover how this accessible exercise can transform your body and mindset without complicated workout routines.

The 10,000 Step Secret

Walking might seem too simple to be effective, but Kathleen swears it's "probably the best exercise you can do for weight loss." She explains that getting her steps in every day was "literally the exact key" to how she lost over 55 pounds three times. The beauty of walking, Kathleen points out, is that unlike other exercises, it "does not feel like exercise" – it's enjoyable and incredibly beneficial for your body. Her personal sweet spot? "I aim to get about 10,000 steps every day and I feel like that is my sweet spot," Kathleen shares.

Perfect for Exercise-Haters

If traditional workouts make you cringe, you're not alone. "I hate exercising. There you go, I said it," Kathleen confesses. She doesn't enjoy home workout videos or going to the gym. Yet walking provides a perfect alternative because it's fun and doesn't feel like a chore. Kathleen tried following online workout programs but couldn't stick with them, whereas walking became something she genuinely looks forward to daily.

Anyone Can Do It

One major advantage of walking is its accessibility. "Anyone can do it, all ages, and it is a low impact workout," Kathleen emphasizes. You won't put stress on your joints or knees while still burning calories. Since most people can walk for long distances and periods, it's an exercise option that doesn't require special skills or equipment. Kathleen recommends this approach especially for those who think they can only walk for a few minutes – just aim to add slightly more time each day.

Belly Fat Buster

Looking to target stubborn belly fat? Walking might be your answer. "Walking can reduce belly fat because regular walking can help your body's response to insulin, which is where you hold your belly fat," Kathleen shares from personal experience. Plus, it boosts your metabolism, which helps with overall weight loss. While spot reduction isn't generally possible, improving insulin sensitivity through regular walking can significantly impact how your body stores fat around your midsection.

Mental Health Benefits

Physical transformation isn't the only benefit of daily walks. "Walking is awesome for your mental health," Kathleen stresses. It modifies your nervous system and can actually decrease feelings of anger and stress hormone production. Taking time for yourself during walks provides valuable "me time" that many of us overlook. Kathleen believes mindset is just as important as exercise and nutrition in your weight loss journey, making walking a powerful tool for both physical and mental wellness.

Health Beyond Weight Loss

The benefits of walking extend far beyond just losing pounds. Kathleen explains that regular walking "has the power to lower your blood sugar," reducing your overall diabetes risk. It also helps lower blood pressure and aids in healthy digestion. Additionally, walking strengthens your bones and muscles by maintaining range of motion and improving blood flow. For Kathleen, these health benefits make walking worthwhile even beyond its weight loss effects.

Vitamin D Boost

Taking your walks outdoors provides an additional benefit: natural vitamin D from sunshine. "I'm right in the sun, as you can see me squinting. This is so good for you," Kathleen says enthusiastically. This natural vitamin source contributes to better overall health and can improve your mood. Combined with the physical activity, outdoor walking creates a powerful wellness combination that indoor exercises can't match.

Better Sleep and Stress Relief

Establishing a walking routine creates positive ripple effects throughout your life. Kathleen points out that "by walking and getting more steps and getting your vitamin D and improving your digestion, you are going to get better sleep." Walking also serves as an effective stress reliever by modifying your nervous system to release anger. These benefits create a positive cycle – better sleep leads to better mood, which makes it easier to maintain healthy habits.

Start Small and Build Up

For beginners, Kathleen recommends starting slow: "See how many steps you're walking right now every single day, and just make an improvement a little bit each day." There's no need to jump from 2,000 to 10,000 steps immediately. "It doesn't have to go from 2,000 steps a day all the way up to 10,000 steps in one day," Kathleen emphasizes. When she began her weight loss journey in 2013, she was walking fewer than 2,000 steps daily with her desk job, but evening walks with her husband and dogs became a turning point.

Track Your Progress

Using a fitness tracker can significantly boost motivation. "Fitbits are a great place to start if you're just trying to track your steps," Kathleen advises, though she's since upgraded to an Apple Watch. She finds step tracking "a little bit addicting" because "you like when your Fitbit buzzes and you see your little step goal going up." This immediate feedback creates a rewarding experience that helps maintain consistency in your walking routine.

Challenge Yourself

Once you've established a walking routine, it's time to increase the challenge. Kathleen suggests walking faster: "Push yourself just a little bit faster. Start off slow if you need to and then increase how fast you're walking." For treadmill users, she recommends a structured workout: start with a 2-3 minute slow warmup, then alternate between fast walking (one minute) and medium pace (one minute) for 20-25 minutes, followed by a 2-3 minute cooldown. This interval approach maximizes calorie burn without overwhelming your body.

The 10K Steps Weight Loss Formula

Through trial and error, Kathleen discovered her personal step goal: "I aim to get about 10,000 steps every day and I feel like that is my sweet spot." This target allows her flexibility with her diet while still making progress toward her goals. "That helps me have a little bit of wiggle room with my diet and still be able to crush my goals," Kathleen explains. She shares that she's currently down to 138 pounds from her starting weight of 200 pounds after having her daughter. Finding your personal "sweet spot" might take experimentation, but Kathleen encourages consistency over perfection.

Real Results, No Magic Pills

Weight loss isn't a quick fix, as Kathleen candidly shares: "There's no magic weight loss pill. There's no like apple cider vinegar drink that you can drink that'll just make you drop pounds." Instead, she encourages readers to "start enjoying the journey and the whole thing will change for you." Walking provides a sustainable approach that can become an enjoyable part of your daily life rather than another dreaded obligation. "Losing weight is a journey," Kathleen reminds us, and her impressive 50-pound weight loss in 5 months through walking 10,000 steps daily proves that simple, consistent habits can create dramatic transformations. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Chalene Johnson chalenejohnson
Copyright chalenejohnson/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

After decades of creating high-intensity workout programs and selling millions of exercise DVDs, Chalene Johnson decided to give her body and mind a break. At 55 years young, with nearly 30 years in the health industry and almost 900,000 Instagram followers, Chalene made a dramatic change to her fitness routine last year. "In the last year, I switched up my cardio routine to just walking, which helped me to lose 10 pounds and 10% body fat," she reveals. The mental and physical benefits were so profound that her husband jokes she thinks she invented walking. These are the exact mistakes Chalene fixed to transform her body through walking—and how you can do the same.

Not Walking Nearly Enough

Most Americans only walk between 4,000-6,000 steps daily—what Chalene calls "inactivity." "Whatever it is you're doing right now, I would suggest that you try to increase that," she advises her followers. For weight loss, Chalene recommends increasing your daily steps by 5,000, which equals about an hour of walking for most people. The beauty of walking is flexibility: "That's the greatest thing about walking is it doesn't have to be all continuous," she explains, noting how she and her husband break up their walks throughout the day.

Walking Too Slowly

Your body quickly adapts to any exercise routine and begins burning fewer calories. "Once something is no longer challenging for us, our bodies adapt, and that's when they stop burning as many calories," Chalene explains. She discovered this principle during scientific testing of her Turbo Jam workout. Despite being the hardest worker in the room, she burned the fewest calories because her body had completely adapted to the routine. The solution? "You can do it by walking faster, by adding a weighted vest," or by finding challenging terrain like hills or hiking trails.

Ignoring Your Diet

While walking is fantastic for health, nutrition remains crucial for weight loss. "The most important piece is your nutrition," Chalene emphasizes. Though she doesn't obsess over counting calories anymore, she focuses on creating a slight energy deficit with quality foods. Chalene specifically recommends that "women over 40" increase "protein and fiber and water intake." These adjustments make a tremendous difference in weight management, especially when combined with consistent walking.

Skipping Strength Training

Walking alone isn't enough—muscle is key to transformation. "I don't even think of walking as my workout. I think of it as like my life force," Chalene says. While walking brings her joy and consistency, she maintains regular strength training because "muscle is the secret to your weight loss. It's the secret to your metabolism. It is the secret to your longevity." Chalene warns against becoming "skinny fat"—being small but unhealthy due to high body fat percentage—and instead advocates for building muscle to naturally balance hormones and control hunger.

Missing Opportunities for Extra Steps

Every step counts toward your daily energy expenditure. "All of it is energy out," Chalene points out. She found creative ways to accumulate more steps—replacing phone scrolling time with walking in place adds "an extra 500, sometimes an extra thousand calories a day." Small changes add up significantly: "The average person clocks between 200 and 300 steps in just three to five minutes." Chalene suggests parking farther from store entrances and taking stairs instead of elevators. She's had "so many people reach out and say, 'Chalene, I've lost 15 pounds just because I bought a walking pad and I put it in my living room.'"

Not Tracking Your Progress

Chalene made this mistake herself—assuming she was getting plenty of steps until she actually started tracking them. "What we track, what we are monitoring, we can improve," she explains. Research shows "the group that was tracking their step count was almost 60% more active" than those tracking only exercise minutes. Chalene sets progressive goals, starting with just increasing by "three to 500 steps per day." Her current goal is "19,000 steps a day," and tracking keeps her accountable and motivated.

Sticking to the Same Walking Routine

Our bodies constantly try to conserve energy and will burn fewer calories when they adapt to a routine. "The easiest way to kind of trick your body is to change up your routine," Chalene advises. She alternates between treadmill walking, outdoor walks, and different terrains. "If you're always walking in a treadmill, change it up. Get outside and walk," she suggests. Adding a weighted vest (called "rucking" from military terminology) is another excellent way to increase intensity. Even simply "walking in a new place" keeps mind and body engaged.

Expecting Overnight Results

Sustainable weight loss through walking requires patience and consistency. Chalene's physical transformation took months of dedicated effort. "It's a combination of knowing how much is coming in and making sure a lot more is going out," she reminds people frustrated by slow progress. The benefits extend beyond weight loss—improved mental clarity, better sleep, and reduced stress appear before significant scale changes. Consistency is key to seeing the transformative effects Chalene experienced.

Walking Without Purpose

Chalene structures different walks throughout her day with specific intentions. Her morning walk is "30 to 40 minutes" at "a moderate pace." During work hours, she walks "very slow" on a treadmill desk while handling emails. Before strength training, she does "30 minutes of intense walking" in "zone two, sometimes pushing it into zone three." In the evening, she and her husband take a "30 minute lower intensity walk after dinner" which "helps us to digest our food. It also has helped us to not overeat for dinner." Each walk serves a different purpose in her overall health strategy.

Forgetting Walking Should Be Enjoyable

Unlike high-intensity workouts that required her to "psych myself up," Chalene is "always in the mood to walk." The sustainability factor is why walking succeeded where other exercise routines eventually failed. "It's just, it's helped me to deepen so many of my relationships" through conversations that would be impossible during intense exercise. She values getting "outside every single day" when previously "there were probably weeks where I didn't get outside at all." The enjoyment factor explains why walking has become her consistent daily habit for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Chalene's Exact Daily Walking Schedule

Here's precisely how Chalene structures her walking routine:

  • Morning: "30-40 minute" moderate pace walk followed by stretching
  • During work: Slow walking on a treadmill desk while checking emails
  • Pre-strength training: "30 minutes of intense walking" (zone 2-3)
  • Evening: "30 minute lower intensity walk after dinner" to aid digestion
This routine combines different intensities, environments, and purposes to maximize both the physical and mental benefits of walking. By fixing these common mistakes and embracing walking as a lifestyle rather than just exercise, Chalene transformed her body and mind in ways decades of high-intensity workouts never achieved. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Georgia Malbrough georgiabethfitness
Copyright georgiabethfitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We've all been there—looking in the mirror and promising ourselves that things will change. For Georgia Malbrough, that moment came on her wedding day when she weighed over 200 pounds and couldn't keep up with her three children. Instead of just making another empty promise, Georgia laced up her shoes and started walking. That first simple step began a journey that would transform her body and her life. Her approachable method might be exactly what you need to finally see results.

Take That First Walk

Sometimes the hardest part is simply beginning. Georgia didn't jump into an intense workout regimen overnight. "I struck my little girl and my baby wore my newborn and I walked about a mile at first and I graduated to 2 miles," Georgia told TODAY. She chose walking because it was accessible and doable with three kids in tow. No fancy equipment, no gym membership—just one foot in front of the other. This simple start was the foundation of her entire transformation.

RELATED: 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Focus on Discipline, Not Motivation

Many of us wait for motivation to strike before making changes. Georgia discovered a more sustainable approach. "I had to realize that I was never going to be motivated and that I have to work on my self-discipline and developing our team," she says. By acknowledging that motivation fluctuates, Georgia built habits that carried her through both good days and challenging ones.

Don't Give Up Your Favorite Foods

One of the most refreshing aspects of Georgia's journey is her realistic approach to food. When asked if she eliminated certain foods, Georgia was firm: "No, I cannot live without King cake, pizza, ice cream, gumbo, etcetera, and I refuse to live without it." Instead of banning her favorite Louisiana treats, she practiced moderation and portion control while tracking her caloric intake.

Track What Goes In Your Body

Georgia's approach to nutrition was straightforward. "The first thing you need to do is look at your grocery list track your calories," she advises. This simple practice helped her become more aware of what she was consuming without feeling deprived. By understanding her caloric needs and tracking her intake, Georgia could still enjoy her favorite foods while making progress.

Be Patient With Your Progress

Real, lasting change doesn't happen overnight. "It took a while at first just for me to be consistent and then once the consistency set in, I started seeing results even whenever I didn't look for them," Georgia shares. She didn't pressure herself with unrealistic expectations but instead focused on building consistency and letting the results follow naturally.

RELATED: 20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Graduate From Walking to Strength Training

Walking was just the beginning. "I gave myself 3 months to be consistent with walking and then I decided I would invest in a gym," Georgia explains. By starting with walking and mastering that habit first, she built the foundation for more challenging exercises. This patient, step-by-step approach allowed her to progress naturally without overwhelming herself. Walking created the platform that made everything else possible.

Learn From Others Around You

You don't need a personal trainer to get started. Georgia found inspiration and education all around her. "I started walking on the treadmill and then just googling the moves that I saw other people doing while also scrolling through Instagram looking at other workouts," she says. By observing others and utilizing free resources, Georgia educated herself about effective exercises.

Remember All Calories Aren't Equal

While Georgia focused on calorie counting, nutrition expert Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, offers an important perspective: "All calories are not equal. 100 calories of jellybeans is not going to be the same as 100 calories of apple slices and peanut butter." Talking to TODAY, Glassman explains that while counting calories worked for Georgia, the nutritional value of those calories matters too, as some foods provide essential nutrients and satisfaction while others might increase cravings.

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

Hormones Matter Too

Your body is more complex than simple math. "Hormones play a role in our cravings as well as how we metabolize food," Glassman points out. This understanding can help you make more informed choices about not just how much you eat, but what you eat and when—factors that significantly impact your weight loss journey.

Daily Walks Beat Sporadic Intense Workouts

Both Georgia and Glassman agree that consistency is the true key to success. "Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, and I always just say be consistent with your exercise. It's not about how far or how fast, just to commit to getting moving," Glassman emphasizes. Georgia's daily walking routine proved this point perfectly. She didn't need to run marathons or do extreme workouts—she just needed to show up every day for her walk, rain or shine, motivated or not.

Do It For Yourself

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Georgia's journey was discovering her own strength. "I honestly never felt more proud of myself. I think this is the first thing I've ever done in my entire life that was just for me," Georgia reflects. While her family certainly benefits from her improved health and energy, the personal accomplishment became a powerful source of pride.

RELATED: I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Your First Walk Starts Now

Georgia's advice to those still contemplating change is beautifully simple: "Get up and just take a step forward." That's all it takes to begin—one decision, one walk, one mile at a time. Her journey from those first walks pushing a stroller to losing 100 pounds proves that remarkable transformations don't require remarkable beginnings. They just require you to start walking. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Ashley_Hughes_huze8
From Struggling Mom to Fit Influencer: How I Dropped 40 Pounds with These 3 Simple Habits
Copyright ashleyhuze/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We've all been there—standing on the scale, feeling like change is impossible. For Ashley Porter, that frustration peaked when she saw the number on her scale matched what she weighed the day she gave birth to twins. As a busy mom of four in her thirties, she felt stuck in a cycle of failed attempts and disappointment. "I had done countless weight loss challenges in my life," Ashley shares in her post. "After each baby, the weight seemed to be a little more difficult to get off." But through a dedicated six-month journey involving daily walks and establishing key morning habits, Ashley not only lost 40 pounds but created a sustainable lifestyle she loves. Her story proves that it's never too late to transform your life—and shows exactly how you can do it too.

The Turning Point

Everyone reaches a breaking point before making a real change. For Ashley, October was her darkest month. "I got to the point where I felt I wasn't in control of so many areas of my life," Ashley admits. "I just felt every aspect of my life just felt sad." She had gained weight with each pregnancy and never fully lost it before the next one. When she stepped on the scale at 33 and saw she weighed exactly what she did the day she delivered twins, something inside her shifted. It was time for a change.

RELATED: Coach Lost 90 Pounds by Getting Brutally Honest with Herself About These 10 Things

The Decision That Started It All

Sometimes simply acknowledging you're unhappy creates the momentum for change. "On Halloween last year, I remember sitting down with my husband and talking about all the areas of my life that I wasn't happy with," Ashley reveals. That honest conversation became her catalyst. "In that moment, I immediately felt better. I felt happier. I felt excited," she says. By recognizing her power to choose a different path, Ashley experienced an immediate mental shift that would fuel her entire journey.

Morning Habit 1: The Daily Checklist

Ashley's transformation began with a simple tool—a daily checklist that kept her accountable. "On November 1st, I made my very first checklist and I got on Instagram and I told everyone what I was doing," Ashley explains. Her checklist included items like working out 4-5 times weekly, personal development, daily walks, 8 hours of sleep, and eliminating negativity. This morning ritual of creating and reviewing her checklist set the tone for each day. By making her commitment public, she created extra accountability that helped her follow through consistently.

Morning Habit 2: Personal Development

Starting each day with personal growth became a cornerstone of Ashley's success. "I knew I had so much mental work I needed to do, and spending time daily in personal development, meditating, and focusing on removing negativity from my life, which also included negative self-talk," Ashley shares. She began each morning immersing herself in content that supported her goals—listening to podcasts or watching motivational videos while preparing breakfast. This intentional morning practice reshaped her mindset and fueled her motivation throughout the day.

RELATED: I Lost 100 Pounds in 18 Months With Walking and 3 Simple Food Changes

Morning Habit 3: Visualizing Her Future Self

Ashley's powerful morning visualization practice changed how she approached each day. "Imagine the highest version of yourself and start showing up as her," became the screensaver on her phone and her daily mantra. Each morning, Ashley would envision her ideal self and how that person would navigate the day ahead. "What would her morning routine look like? What time would she go to bed? How would she spend her time in the day?" she would ask herself. This morning habit helped close the gap between her current reality and her aspirations.

Daily Walks: The Consistent Physical Practice

Walking became Ashley's gateway to consistent physical activity. As part of her six-month commitment, she incorporated daily walks into her routine, making them non-negotiable. "I had to unbecome who I naturally am," Ashley admits. "Naturally, I want to stay up late and sleep in all morning. Naturally, I want to relax all day." These walks not only contributed to her weight loss but became a time for mental clarity and reinforcing her commitment to change. The simplicity and accessibility of walking made it the perfect foundation for her physical transformation.

The Decision-Making Framework

Ashley developed a powerful question that guided her choices throughout the day. "Anytime a decision in my day was to be made, I'd ask myself, what would a fit person do?" she explains. This simple framework helped her navigate temptations and stay aligned with her goals. "Yes, I would rather eat a bag of chips. And I knew that was going to give me temporary satisfaction," she acknowledges. "But consciously choosing a healthier alternative made me go to bed feeling accomplished and proud." This mindset shift transformed her eating habits without extreme dieting.

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

Create Your Supportive Environment

Your environment either supports or sabotages your goals. "To really completely reinvent yourself, you've got to be eating, sleeping, breathing this new lifestyle," Ashley emphasizes. She intentionally surrounded herself with content and people that reinforced her new path. "Start following accounts on social media that will inspire you every single day to stick to your new lifestyle. Unfollow anyone who maybe causes you to have negative thoughts," she advises. This environmental design made good choices easier and strengthened her resolve.

Focus On Daily Actions, Not Just Results

Ashley discovered that targeting daily behaviors, not just outcomes, accelerated her progress. "Instead of saying, my goal is to lose 20 pounds, that can be your big goal. But your goal today is to get your workout in and to stick to your meal plan," she suggests. This shift created immediate wins and deeper satisfaction. "When you do this consistently, your big goal happens by default," Ashley explains. By celebrating daily actions rather than distant results, she maintained motivation throughout her journey.

The Power of Daily Progress

The joy of transformation comes from the journey itself. "You will never be happier than when you are working towards something," Ashley insists. She found truth in the idea that "progress equals happiness," experiencing greater fulfillment with each step forward. "The day you decide to change and you wake up and you're crossing things off your checklist that are helping you move the needle towards your goals—you will never be happier," she shares. This realization kept her going even on difficult days.

RELATED: She Walked in a Weighted Vest For 30 Days & Built Strength Without Going to the Gym

When New Habits Become Your Identity

The ultimate reward came when Ashley's new behaviors became automatic. "Eventually the decisions that used to be so hard or uncomfortable for you to make will become uncomfortable for you to not make them because this is just who you are," Ashley explains. After six months of consistent effort, her healthy choices no longer felt like a struggle—they simply felt like her. The morning habits, daily walks, and mindset shifts had transformed not just her body but her identity. "This is the new you," she affirms, celebrating the sustainable nature of her 40-pound weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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15 Daily Habits to Lose 5-10 Pounds in 30 Days
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Depending on your starting weight, losing five to 10 pounds in a month is possible to do in a healthy way. Making a few specific lifestyle and dietary changes and sticking to them will positively impact overall health as well as encourage weight loss. “The foundation of successful weight loss remains a healthy, calorie-controlled diet combined with increased physical activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits.” Here are 15 daily habits shown to help lose up to ten pounds in 30 days.

Eliminate Empty Calories

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Alcohol is full of empty calories, so it’s best to cut down or simply stop drinking it altogether. Every calorie counts when you’re trying to lose weight, so make sure you use those calories to fill your body with healthy, nutrient-dense choices. Drinking too much also disrupts sleep.

Are You Actually Hungry?

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Eat when you’re hungry, and only when you’re hungry. “Listening to your hunger works much better than relying on willpower,” Kayla Kopp, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “When you’re tempted to overeat, have a conversation with yourself: Are you feeling hungry, are you bored or are you feeling emotional? Will eating right now get you closer to your goal?”

Work Out First Thing

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Working out first thing in the morning means you don’t have to make time for it later. It also starts the day off on a good note. No excuses!

Don’t Skip Breakfast

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Studies show people who eat breakfast (provided it’s a healthy one) make better food choices for the rest of the day. "Studies have found that although people who skip breakfast eat slightly fewer calories during the day, they tend to have higher body mass index, or BMI," Christy C. Tangney, PhD, tells Rush University Medical Center.

Take the Stairs

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Walk as much as possible—park away from the grocery store entrance and take the stairs when possible. Walking will encourage fat burning and mental wellness, and you can do it throughout the day, no equipment needed.

Count Your Calories

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This one is boring but crucial—to lose weight, you need to take in less calories than you’re burning off. “For example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week — a rate that experts consider safe — your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories,” says Harvard Health.

Try Intermittent Fasting

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Intermittent fasting can be a powerful weight loss tool for some. “The weight loss effects of time-restricted eating derive primarily from achieving a negative energy balance,” Richard Joseph, MD, tells Harvard Health. “If you maintain your regular diet and then limit the time window during which you eat, it is likely that you will eat a few hundred fewer calories per day.”

No Nighttime Snacking

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Snacking can undermine your healthy eating weight loss plan. “Try to eat most of your daily calories before sitting down to relax for the night,” Kopp tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Many of us have a tendency to overeat without thinking about it while we watch TV after dinner, and we tend to forget just how much we’ve had before calling it a night.”

Be Picky About Carbs

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You don’t have to eliminate carbs—but be choosy about them. “Not all carbohydrates are created equal,” says Corewell Health. “Eating a slice of white bread won’t give your body the same nutrition as eating a slice of whole grain bread. When you’re looking for options for carbohydrates, look at the ingredients. If the first ingredient is a whole grain (like whole wheat), you’re going in the right direction.”

Eliminate Temptation

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Keep junk food out of sight and out of mind. “Don’t keep problem foods around the house and/or at work,” says UC Davis Health. A problem food is a food that you are likely to eat too much of or too often if readily available.”

Get Enough Sleep

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Sleep is important for weight loss. “No one can make mindful food choices when they’re tired. Even missing an hour of sleep can increase your appetite because your body is craving that energy and food is fuel for your body,” psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “You need a clear, focused head to make healthier food choices.”

Lift Weights

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“Resistance training can also be a really effective way of losing weight," Tessa Strain, physical activity epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, tells The Telegraph. “All weight loss comes down to a calories in/calories out equation. resistance training is a really effective way of losing weight because you’re expending energy, which involves burning calories.”

Manage Stress

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Stress can undermine your weight loss efforts. “More commonly, people turn to — or away from — food as a way to help deal with stress,” says Penn Medicine. “Your metabolism can change if you regularly eat large amounts of food or don’t eat enough or at all.”

No Junk Food

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Ultra-processed foods are terrible for weight loss. Not only will they not fill you up, they could make you hungrier. “Processed and fast foods contain enhanced ingredients that hit the dopamine center in your brain and make you want more,” Dr. Albers tells the Cleveland Clinic. “They are designed to be addictive to the brain.”

Drink More Water

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Choose water over high-calorie drinks. “Sometimes we respond to thirst signals by eating — when actually what our bodies want is water,” Dr. Albers explains. “It’s easy to confuse our thirst and hunger signals, or to override thirst signals.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Focusing on long-term health and wellness will make weight loss easier.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Can you lose a significant amount of weight just by walking every day? Yes, absolutely! Not only does walking burn fat, help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, but it also does wonders for your mental state as well. “You need to make it part of your routine,” exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “This is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.” TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walking—here’s how she did it.

Don’t Start Big

@alexx.fitt Step by step walk it off #walking #weightloss ♬ original sound - alexx.fitt

Alex makes the important point that it’s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You don’t have to kickstart your fitness regimen with two-hour walks. Even just half an hour will make a difference to your mood and your health, and encourage you to do it again the next day.

Walking After Meals

Alex says she started off her walking program by simply taking a 15 minute walk after a big meal. Research shows walking after meals can benefit blood sugar. “Exercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,” Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “And over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.”

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. “Getting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,” says Henry Ford Health. “Walking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.”

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. “The closer we get to the evening, the less efficient our bodies are at using insulin to deal with blood glucose, making it harder to keep blood glucose levels healthy,” Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic University’s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. “Yet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.”

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers.”

Using Technology

Alex was thrilled the first time her watch buzzed when she hit 10k steps. Research shows people who track their fitness tend to be successful. “We’ve seen this rise of digital health tools in the last decade, and they provide a great way for people to access interventions to better their health,” Michele Patel, PhD, tells Stanford Medicine.

10,000 Steps a Day

No matter how long or short her walks, Alex always aims for 10,000 steps every day. “Evidence suggests that accumulating up to 10,000 steps per day is helpful for reducing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer,” John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. “And more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

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I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

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“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week