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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.

4 Push-up Mistakes Beginners Make According to Expert

Transform your push-ups from zero to hero with expert guidance.

โœ“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.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi FitMotherProject
Copyright FitMotherProject/YouTube
โœ“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.

Have you ever watched someone effortlessly knock out a set of push-ups and wondered why you can't do the same? You're not alone. While push-ups are a fundamental exercise, most beginners struggle with proper form and progression. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project, has helped thousands of peopleโ€”including those weighing 300-400 poundsโ€”master this essential exercise. Here are the most common mistakes he sees and how to fix them.


Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-ups

Many beginners start with wall push-ups, but this common approach is flawed. "Wall push-ups are next to useless for your gaining your progression because they don't really mimic the push-up," Dr. Balduzzi says in his post. While they might work your triceps slightly, they fail to engage your core and chest muscles the way a proper push-up should.

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

Mistake 2: Skipping Progressive Steps

Sporty woman doing press ups against a white wall outside.โ€‹ Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-upsShutterstock

Jumping straight to floor push-ups is another common error. "You need something that's not so vertical. It needs to be a little more horizontal," Dr. Balduzzi explains. He recommends starting with elevated push-ups using a bench or sturdy surface at hip height, then gradually working your way down to lower heights.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Core Engagement

Fit and attractive young adult woman kneels down on the beach looks to her left with a big beaming happy smile.


Shutterstock

Many beginners focus solely on arm strength, missing a crucial component of proper push-ups. "Push-ups are a full body motion. It's not just arms and chest," emphasizes Dr. Balduzzi. "Feel your core activate and feel your abs and squeeze your butt. Get your whole body involved."

RELATED: I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

Mistake 4: Rushing Through Repetitions

Fitness woman doing feet elevated push-ups on a bench in the city. Sporty girl exercising outdoorsShutterstock

"Form and quality is more important than quantity," states Dr. Balduzzi. "You've seen people do some really sloppy push-ups. It's not creating the tension." Instead of racing through repetitions, focus on controlled movements and proper form.

Dr. Balduzzi recommends a systematic approach to mastering push-ups:

Strength training fitness woman working out core with angled push up exercise on rock. Asian athlete exercising with body weight exercises for toned body. Workout in summer desert landscape.Shutterstock

1. Start with Elevated Push-ups

Begin with a surface at hip height, focusing on engaging your core and maintaining proper form. Practice for 3-4 minutes daily or every other day.

2. Move to Knee Push-ups

"Knee push-ups are absolutely fantastic. Honestly, they're almost as good as regular push-ups," says Dr. Balduzzi. Use padding under your knees for comfort, and maintain the same core engagement as elevated push-ups.

RELATED: 20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Progress to Full Push-ups

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.Shutterstock

Once comfortable with knee push-ups, gradually transition by lifting one leg, then both. "Over time, you can take one leg up, you can start coming up. Over time, as you play around, you get that second leg up, and now you've done your first proper push-up," explains Dr. Balduzzi.

Training Schedule for Success

Sporty Asian woman doing push-ups outdoorsShutterstock

For optimal progress, Dr. Balduzzi recommends practicing push-ups daily or every other day for about five minutes. "Do a set, rest for a minute, maybe a minute and a half. Do another set, rest for a minute," he advises. Track your progress to stay motivated.

RELATED: Are Your Workouts Making You Store More Fat? 6 Exercises To Avoid

Advanced Progression

Close Up of a Beautiful Fitness Girl in an Athletic Top Doing Push Up Exercises While Using a Stopwatch on Her Phone. She is Training at Home in Her Living Room with Minimalistic Interior.Shutterstock

Once you can perform 10 proper push-ups, introduce tempo training. "A tempo push-up would be... on the way down, we're going to control this descending portion for about three seconds. We're going to do a one second pause at the bottom, then we're going to explode up," describes Dr. Balduzzi.

Remember, there's no shame in starting from zero. "Doing five great knee push-ups are way better than some of those guys you see do sloppy 15 bouncy momentum push-ups," reassures Dr. Balduzzi. Focus on proper form, follow the progression, and you'll be doing push-ups before you know it. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss Iโ€™m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

More For You

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi FitMotherProject
Copyright FitMotherProject/YouTube
โœ“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.

Have you ever watched someone effortlessly knock out a set of push-ups and wondered why you can't do the same? You're not alone. While push-ups are a fundamental exercise, most beginners struggle with proper form and progression. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project, has helped thousands of peopleโ€”including those weighing 300-400 poundsโ€”master this essential exercise. Here are the most common mistakes he sees and how to fix them.


Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-ups

Many beginners start with wall push-ups, but this common approach is flawed. "Wall push-ups are next to useless for your gaining your progression because they don't really mimic the push-up," Dr. Balduzzi says in his post. While they might work your triceps slightly, they fail to engage your core and chest muscles the way a proper push-up should.

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

Mistake 2: Skipping Progressive Steps

Sporty woman doing press ups against a white wall outside.โ€‹ Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-upsShutterstock

Jumping straight to floor push-ups is another common error. "You need something that's not so vertical. It needs to be a little more horizontal," Dr. Balduzzi explains. He recommends starting with elevated push-ups using a bench or sturdy surface at hip height, then gradually working your way down to lower heights.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Core Engagement

Fit and attractive young adult woman kneels down on the beach looks to her left with a big beaming happy smile.


Shutterstock

Many beginners focus solely on arm strength, missing a crucial component of proper push-ups. "Push-ups are a full body motion. It's not just arms and chest," emphasizes Dr. Balduzzi. "Feel your core activate and feel your abs and squeeze your butt. Get your whole body involved."

RELATED: I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

Mistake 4: Rushing Through Repetitions

Fitness woman doing feet elevated push-ups on a bench in the city. Sporty girl exercising outdoorsShutterstock

"Form and quality is more important than quantity," states Dr. Balduzzi. "You've seen people do some really sloppy push-ups. It's not creating the tension." Instead of racing through repetitions, focus on controlled movements and proper form.

Dr. Balduzzi recommends a systematic approach to mastering push-ups:

Strength training fitness woman working out core with angled push up exercise on rock. Asian athlete exercising with body weight exercises for toned body. Workout in summer desert landscape.Shutterstock

1. Start with Elevated Push-ups

Begin with a surface at hip height, focusing on engaging your core and maintaining proper form. Practice for 3-4 minutes daily or every other day.

2. Move to Knee Push-ups

"Knee push-ups are absolutely fantastic. Honestly, they're almost as good as regular push-ups," says Dr. Balduzzi. Use padding under your knees for comfort, and maintain the same core engagement as elevated push-ups.

RELATED: 20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Progress to Full Push-ups

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.Shutterstock

Once comfortable with knee push-ups, gradually transition by lifting one leg, then both. "Over time, you can take one leg up, you can start coming up. Over time, as you play around, you get that second leg up, and now you've done your first proper push-up," explains Dr. Balduzzi.

Training Schedule for Success

Sporty Asian woman doing push-ups outdoorsShutterstock

For optimal progress, Dr. Balduzzi recommends practicing push-ups daily or every other day for about five minutes. "Do a set, rest for a minute, maybe a minute and a half. Do another set, rest for a minute," he advises. Track your progress to stay motivated.

RELATED: Are Your Workouts Making You Store More Fat? 6 Exercises To Avoid

Advanced Progression

Close Up of a Beautiful Fitness Girl in an Athletic Top Doing Push Up Exercises While Using a Stopwatch on Her Phone. She is Training at Home in Her Living Room with Minimalistic Interior.Shutterstock

Once you can perform 10 proper push-ups, introduce tempo training. "A tempo push-up would be... on the way down, we're going to control this descending portion for about three seconds. We're going to do a one second pause at the bottom, then we're going to explode up," describes Dr. Balduzzi.

Remember, there's no shame in starting from zero. "Doing five great knee push-ups are way better than some of those guys you see do sloppy 15 bouncy momentum push-ups," reassures Dr. Balduzzi. Focus on proper form, follow the progression, and you'll be doing push-ups before you know it. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss Iโ€™m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Michelle Roots Fitness & Nutrition Coach
7 Realistic Tricks to Lose Arm Fat That Fitness Coach Swears By
Copyright Michelle Roots/YouTube
โœ“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.

Are you making these common protein mistakes? Fix them now for better results. You've done your research. You're eating more protein to support your weight loss journey. But despite your efforts, the scale isn't budging as much as you'd hoped. What gives? Meet Michelle Roots, a kinesiologist, personal trainer, and nutrition coach with over 18 years of experience helping people transform their bodies. "I've seen countless clients make the same protein mistakes that sabotage their fat loss results," Michelle explains. Discover these common pitfalls and learn how to avoid them to finally achieve the results you deserve.

1. Overlooking Total Calorie Intake

When people start tracking macros, they often become laser-focused on protein intake while neglecting their overall calories. "As important as protein is, if you're consistently eating in a calorie surplus, even just a few days per week, you'll still store body fat and see limited fat loss results," Michelle warns in her post.

The Fix: Prioritize protein but track your total calorie intake as well. Even "healthy" protein shakes with multiple ingredients like fruits, seeds, yogurt, and milk can quickly become 500-calorie bombs that derail your deficit.

2. Relying Too Heavily on Supplements

It's easy to reach for protein powders and bars when you're busy, but this approach has drawbacks. "Many people overuse supplements to hit their daily protein goal without focusing on whole foods that provide additional nutrients and greater satiety," Michelle points out.

The Fix: Limit yourself to 1-2 scoops of protein powder or supplements daily, getting the rest from whole food sources like chicken, fish, tofu, salmon, and Greek yogurt. "Meal prep is your best friend here," Michelle suggests. "I cook protein in batches at the beginning of the week so it's ready to add to quick meals instead of reaching for another shake."

3. Ignoring Protein Timing

Trying to consume all your protein in just one or two meals is a common mistake. "I often see people eat minimal protein at breakfast and lunch, then realize they need to consume 90 grams at dinner to meet their daily goalโ€”which usually results in failure," Michelle says.

The Fix: Spread your protein intake throughout the day. For example, if your daily goal is 120 grams, aim for 30 grams at each main meal and divide the rest between snacks. This approach supports muscle protein synthesis, keeps you feeling full, and reduces cravings between meals.

4. Neglecting Variety in Protein Sources

Relying on just chicken, eggs, and protein powder creates two problems: nutrient imbalances and boredom. "It's going to feel more like a diet, and you're going to fall off track because it's not realistic long-term," Michelle explains.

The Fix: Rotate between different protein sources including lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, fish, and plant-based options like lentils and edamame. Don't hesitate to combine protein sources in a single mealโ€”add beans to your chicken salad or edamame to your stir-fry to boost the protein content while adding fiber and nutrients.

5. Not Balancing All Macros

Focusing exclusively on protein while neglecting carbs and fats leads to low energy, poor recovery, and fewer nutrients overall. "If you're strictly focused on protein, you're often missing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which affects your digestion and satiety," Michelle cautions.

The Fix: Calculate appropriate amounts of all three macronutrients based on your goals. Pair your protein with quinoa, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocado. "This balanced approach will improve your energy levels, workout performance, recovery, and digestion," Michelle recommends.

Implement these fixes to your high-protein diet, and you'll be well on your way to breaking through plateaus and achieving the fat loss results you've been working toward.

Michelle Roots Fitness & Nutrition Coach
7 Realistic Tricks to Lose Arm Fat That Fitness Coach Swears By
Copyright Michelle Roots/YouTube

Are you making these common protein mistakes? Fix them now for better results. You've done your research. You're eating more protein to support your weight loss journey. But despite your efforts, the scale isn't budging as much as you'd hoped. What gives? Meet Michelle Roots, a kinesiologist, personal trainer, and nutrition coach with over 18 years of experience helping people transform their bodies. "I've seen countless clients make the same protein mistakes that sabotage their fat loss results," Michelle explains. Discover these common pitfalls and learn how to avoid them to finally achieve the results you deserve.

1. Overlooking Total Calorie Intake

Michelle Roots Fitness & Nutrition CoachCopyright Michelle Roots/YouTube

When people start tracking macros, they often become laser-focused on protein intake while neglecting their overall calories. "As important as protein is, if you're consistently eating in a calorie surplus, even just a few days per week, you'll still store body fat and see limited fat loss results," Michelle warns in her post.

The Fix: Prioritize protein but track your total calorie intake as well. Even "healthy" protein shakes with multiple ingredients like fruits, seeds, yogurt, and milk can quickly become 500-calorie bombs that derail your deficit.

2. Relying Too Heavily on Supplements

Michelle Roots Fitness & Nutrition CoachCopyright Michelle Roots/YouTube

It's easy to reach for protein powders and bars when you're busy, but this approach has drawbacks. "Many people overuse supplements to hit their daily protein goal without focusing on whole foods that provide additional nutrients and greater satiety," Michelle points out.

The Fix: Limit yourself to 1-2 scoops of protein powder or supplements daily, getting the rest from whole food sources like chicken, fish, tofu, salmon, and Greek yogurt. "Meal prep is your best friend here," Michelle suggests. "I cook protein in batches at the beginning of the week so it's ready to add to quick meals instead of reaching for another shake."

3. Ignoring Protein Timing

Michelle Roots Fitness & Nutrition CoachCopyright Michelle Roots/YouTube

Trying to consume all your protein in just one or two meals is a common mistake. "I often see people eat minimal protein at breakfast and lunch, then realize they need to consume 90 grams at dinner to meet their daily goalโ€”which usually results in failure," Michelle says.

The Fix: Spread your protein intake throughout the day. For example, if your daily goal is 120 grams, aim for 30 grams at each main meal and divide the rest between snacks. This approach supports muscle protein synthesis, keeps you feeling full, and reduces cravings between meals.

4. Neglecting Variety in Protein Sources

Michelle Roots Fitness & Nutrition CoachCopyright Michelle Roots/YouTube

Relying on just chicken, eggs, and protein powder creates two problems: nutrient imbalances and boredom. "It's going to feel more like a diet, and you're going to fall off track because it's not realistic long-term," Michelle explains.

The Fix: Rotate between different protein sources including lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, fish, and plant-based options like lentils and edamame. Don't hesitate to combine protein sources in a single mealโ€”add beans to your chicken salad or edamame to your stir-fry to boost the protein content while adding fiber and nutrients.

5. Not Balancing All Macros

Copyright Michelle Roots/YouTube

Focusing exclusively on protein while neglecting carbs and fats leads to low energy, poor recovery, and fewer nutrients overall. "If you're strictly focused on protein, you're often missing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which affects your digestion and satiety," Michelle cautions.

The Fix: Calculate appropriate amounts of all three macronutrients based on your goals. Pair your protein with quinoa, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocado. "This balanced approach will improve your energy levels, workout performance, recovery, and digestion," Michelle recommends.

Implement these fixes to your high-protein diet, and you'll be well on your way to breaking through plateaus and achieving the fat loss results you've been working toward.

Angelina Stebich angeeelina.fit
Copyright angeeelina.fit/Instagram
โœ“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.

Are you doing cardio to build muscle and lose weight? You should avoid a few common mistakes. Angelina Stebich is a fitness coach and influencer who shares her workout tips with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals common mistakes people make during workouts. โ€œ4 worst ways to do cardio if you want to build muscle,โ€ she writes. โ€œCardio is great for heart health and fat loss, but if your goal is muscle growth, the wrong type can sabotage your progress. Hereโ€™s what to avoid,โ€ she says.

Doing Cardio Before Lifting

Her first mistake is super common: Doing cardio before lifting weights. According to Angelina, โ€œit drains energy, making your strength training less effective.โ€ Instead, you should do it after strength training.

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

Doing Fasted Cardio

The second mistake is doing fasted cardio. While skipping your meal before hitting the treadmill is โ€œpopular for fat loss,โ€ she says it isnโ€™t good for your muscles. โ€œIt can increase muscle protein breakdown without proper fueling,โ€ she says.

Doing Cardio on Rest Days

Another mistake lots of people make it doing cardio on rest days. โ€œTreat rest days as true recovery. Light walking? Fine. Intense cardio? Youโ€™re just burning potential gains,โ€ she says.

Ignoring Heart Rate Zones

Her final mistake is ignoring heart rate zones. โ€œStaying in the fat-burning zone (low intensity) preserves muscle better than constant high-intensity work,โ€ she says.

RELATED: 20 Foods You Didnโ€™t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Cardio Isnโ€™t the Enemy

Her bottom line? โ€œCardio isnโ€™t the enemy,โ€ she says. โ€œItโ€™s about balance. Stick to 2โ€“3 sessions per week, prioritize strength training & fuel up properly!โ€

More Reasons Why Doing Cardio Before Lifting Is a Bad Idea

In another post, she reveals why doing cardio before lifting is a bad idea. โ€œMany gym-goers swear by doing cardio before lifting. While it may seem like a good idea, here are some reasons why you might put strength training first,โ€ she says. The first reason? โ€œFatiguing your muscles before lifting can limit your power, performance & energy,โ€ she says.

RELATED: I Got My Best Body After 50 and Hereโ€™s How You Can, Too

Other Reasons?

Other reasons include reduced muscle gains, as โ€œstrength training relies on energy reserves, and cardio can deplete them too soon,โ€ higher injury risk, โ€œtired muscles = compromised form = greater risk of injury,โ€ she says, slower progress, as โ€œprioritizing cardio first may make it harder to progressively overload in weight training,โ€ and decreased focus for form. โ€œCardio can leave you fatigued, making it harder to focus on proper lifting technique,โ€ she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

โœ“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.

Do you feel like you are training hard but arenโ€™t actually seeing results? There are a few signs to look out for, says one expert. Laura Denys is a fitness and nutrition coach with over 1.3 million Instagram followers. In a new post, she explains that you may not be exercising correctly, which explains why you arenโ€™t losing weight. โ€œ3 BIG signs youโ€™re NOT training hard enough to drop body fat and tone up,โ€ she writes in the Instagram video.


You Will Get Results If You Stop Making These 3 Mistakes

โ€œI want to help you see changes and see the results you desire, and these are three common mistakes I see being made as to why you arenโ€™t seeing results,โ€ she says in her post, โ€œso if youโ€™re a busy woman trying to drop fat hit follow & read below.โ€ She then launches into โ€œThe BIG signs.โ€

Mistake 1: You Are Lifting the Same Weight for Weeks and Months

The first mistake? โ€œYou are lifting the SAME weight for weeks and months now - to see progress, you need to be challenging your body, increasing the weights week by week,โ€ she says. โ€œDonโ€™t get me wrong, you wonโ€™t be able to increase every week on every exercise, but to see the change, you have to progressively overload and challenge your muscles !?!โ€™ Put down the 1kg pink weights and believe in yourself, you can do more.โ€

Mistake 2: You Are Doing Too Many Exercises

Mistake two? โ€œYou are doing TOO many exercises. Hitting 10-12 exercises in 1 session,โ€ she says. โ€œHow about 5 or 6 solid exercises that you really push yourself in? Increase those weights with good form and technique. That is all you need, not 50 exercise.โ€

Mistake 3: You Arenโ€™t Being Consistent

And the third mistake? โ€œYou are training inconsistently. One minute you are doing seven workouts a week from YouTube workouts, to fitness classes, to hitting a random spin class or always trying a new program, to next minute you arenโ€™t doing anything at all,โ€ she says. โ€œYour body is so confused about what's going on. Make sure youโ€™re following a structured program made for you where you can progress week by week.โ€

RELATED: She Lost 49 Pounds in her 40s When She Stopped Dieting and Started Doing This One Thing

She Also Recommends These 5 Nighttime Habits, Starting with Reflection

In another post, she reveals five nighttime habits that help keep her healthy. โ€œDo these five things after 7 PM, and your life will never be the same,โ€ she says. The first is to reflect on the day. โ€œAnswer these three simple questions:

  1. What happened today that Iโ€™m grateful for?
  2. Which actions moved me toward my goals?
  3. Are there any changes I can make?

I love these questions because they strike a balance between gratitude and self-improvement,โ€ she says.

Disconnect

Her second suggestion is to disconnect. โ€œImagine trying to park a car thatโ€™s going 70MPH. Thatโ€™s essentially what youโ€™re doing when you hammer your brain with work and TikTok videos until the moment you go to bed. Toss your phone. Get off the computer. Ditch Netflix,โ€ she says.

Make a Plan for Tomorrow

The third nightly habit she recommends is planning for the next day. โ€œA productive day starts the night before,โ€ she says. โ€œThe simple act of writing down your 3 biggest to-do list items can create massive momentum for the day ahead.โ€

Breathe

And, breathe. โ€œYou take 20,000 breaths per day. I might as well make a few of them count.

Try the 4-7-8 Technique: Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and slowly exhale for 8 seconds. One of the best ways to kill stress before bed,โ€ she writes.

RELATED: 14 Belly Fat Mistakes A Dietitian Wants You To Stop Making After 40

Read

Lastly, she recommends reading. โ€œReading is the best way Iโ€™ve found to slow down my mind before bed. If non-fiction is too stimulating, try fiction. It can be a big adjustment at first.

But itโ€™s one of the best habits youโ€™ll ever build,โ€ she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Beautiful woman checking her body shape in a mirror.
15 Daily Habits to Lose 5-10 Pounds in 30 Days
Shutterstock
โœ“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. โ€œThe foundation of successful weight loss remains a healthy, calorie-controlled diet combined with increased physical activity,โ€ says the Mayo Clinic. โ€œFor successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits.โ€ Here are 15 daily habits shown to help lose up to ten pounds in 30 days.

Eliminate Empty Calories

People clinking glasses with wine on the summer terrace of cafe or restaurantShutterstock

Alcohol is full of empty calories, so itโ€™s best to cut down or simply stop drinking it altogether. Every calorie counts when youโ€™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?

Man eats, eatingโ€‹What To Do InsteadShutterstock

Eat when youโ€™re hungry, and only when youโ€™re hungry. โ€œListening to your hunger works much better than relying on willpower,โ€ Kayla Kopp, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. โ€œWhen youโ€™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?โ€

Work Out First Thing

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.โ€‹Progress to Full Push-upsShutterstock

Working out first thing in the morning means you donโ€™t have to make time for it later. It also starts the day off on a good note. No excuses!

Donโ€™t Skip Breakfast

Healthy,Breakfast,Toast,Avocado,SmashShutterstock

Studies show people who eat breakfast (provided itโ€™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

Determined woman running up on seaside mountain stairsโ€‹Regular ExerciseShutterstock

Walk as much as possibleโ€”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

Calories Nutrition Food Exercise ConceptShutterstock

This one is boring but crucialโ€”to lose weight, you need to take in less calories than youโ€™re burning off. โ€œFor example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week โ€” a rate that experts consider safe โ€” your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories,โ€ says Harvard Health.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Skip breakfast concept with no symbol and clock on plate, Intermittent FastingShutterstock

Intermittent fasting can be a powerful weight loss tool for some. โ€œThe weight loss effects of time-restricted eating derive primarily from achieving a negative energy balance,โ€ Richard Joseph, MD, tells Harvard Health. โ€œIf 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.โ€

No Nighttime Snacking

woman eats sweets at night to sneak in a refrigerator. Fridgeโ€‹Breaking Free from Food ObsessionShutterstock

Snacking can undermine your healthy eating weight loss plan. โ€œTry to eat most of your daily calories before sitting down to relax for the night,โ€ Kopp tells the Cleveland Clinic. โ€œMany 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 weโ€™ve had before calling it a night.โ€

Be Picky About Carbs

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewTop 5 Clean Carbs for Your BodyShutterstock

You donโ€™t have to eliminate carbsโ€”but be choosy about them. โ€œNot all carbohydrates are created equal,โ€ says Corewell Health. โ€œEating a slice of white bread wonโ€™t give your body the same nutrition as eating a slice of whole grain bread. When youโ€™re looking for options for carbohydrates, look at the ingredients. If the first ingredient is a whole grain (like whole wheat), youโ€™re going in the right direction.โ€

Eliminate Temptation

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Keep junk food out of sight and out of mind. โ€œDonโ€™t keep problem foods around the house and/or at work,โ€ 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.โ€

Get Enough Sleep

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Sleep is important for weight loss. โ€œNo one can make mindful food choices when theyโ€™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,โ€ psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. โ€œYou need a clear, focused head to make healthier food choices.โ€

Lift Weights

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โ€œResistance training can also be a really effective way of losing weight," Tessa Strain, physical activity epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, tells The Telegraph. โ€œAll weight loss comes down to a calories in/calories out equation. resistance training is a really effective way of losing weight because youโ€™re expending energy, which involves burning calories.โ€

Manage Stress

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Stress can undermine your weight loss efforts. โ€œMore commonly, people turn to โ€” or away from โ€” food as a way to help deal with stress,โ€ says Penn Medicine. โ€œYour metabolism can change if you regularly eat large amounts of food or donโ€™t eat enough or at all.โ€

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. โ€œProcessed and fast foods contain enhanced ingredients that hit the dopamine center in your brain and make you want more,โ€ Dr. Albers tells the Cleveland Clinic. โ€œThey are designed to be addictive to the brain.โ€

Drink More Water

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Choose water over high-calorie drinks. โ€œSometimes we respond to thirst signals by eating โ€” when actually what our bodies want is water,โ€ Dr. Albers explains. โ€œItโ€™s easy to confuse our thirst and hunger signals, or to override thirst signals.โ€

๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ”ฅBody 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
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram
โœ“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. โ€œYou need to make it part of your routine,โ€ exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. โ€œThis is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.โ€ TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walkingโ€”hereโ€™s how she did it.

Donโ€™t Start Big

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

Alex makes the important point that itโ€™s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You donโ€™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. โ€œExercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,โ€ Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. โ€œAnd over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.โ€

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. โ€œGetting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,โ€ says Henry Ford Health. โ€œWalking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. Youโ€™ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.โ€

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. โ€œThe 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,โ€ Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic Universityโ€™s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. โ€œYet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.โ€

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. โ€œThe faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,โ€ says the Mayo Clinic. โ€œFor 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.โ€

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. โ€œWeโ€™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,โ€ 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. โ€œEvidence 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,โ€ John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. โ€œAnd more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.โ€

๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ”ฅBody Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
โœ“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. โ€œHey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,โ€ she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Networkโ€™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

โ€œI 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,โ€ she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

โ€œI'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,โ€ she says about her lunch. โ€œAnd 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. โ€œI made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,โ€ she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

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

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

โ€œThen I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,โ€ she continued. โ€œIt had me sweating.โ€

Protein Bar

โ€œRight after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,โ€ she continued.

Dinner

โ€œAnd finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,โ€ she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is โ€œso delicious and the macros forward are amazing.โ€

Dessert

โ€œLastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,โ€ 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

Copyright Tara Collingwood

โ€œ1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I donโ€™t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,โ€ says Collingwood. โ€œ147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.โ€

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

โ€œI 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,โ€ Collingwood continues. โ€œI would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.โ€ She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. โ€œI do worry about the OxyShred. I couldnโ€™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,โ€ she points out.

๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ”ฅBody 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