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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.

This Coach Stopped Running and Lost Her Puffy Face With 30-Minute Workouts

This fitness coach shares 3 simple daily habits that burn more fat than hours at the gym.

Katie_Hardage_Penland_katiepenland123_3

Do you feel like your face is “puffier” and “fluffier” than it used to be? There might be a reason for that, according to one expert. Katie Hardage Penland is a fitness coach who helps people “workout smarter, not harder.” In a new social media post, she discusses how she depuffed and defluffed her face. “40+ Ladies. I realize I was not overweight by definition in my before picture, and that’s not what this post is about. I had hit my 40s and noticed I started to feel puffier/fluffier,” she writes in the Instagram post.


Running Was Leaving Her with Inflammation

“What once worked for me (running) was actually making me feel worse. I could feel it: in my face, arms, tummy…Long story short, I had to make changes. Here are three that made a huge difference,” she writes at the start of the post.

She Swapped Running for Walking

The first thing she did was swapped running for walking. “Now, my runner people don’t freak out…running obviously has great benefits, but losing fat and toning up is not one of them. I’ve been an avid runner my whole life. If you are excessively running and feeling bad, that’s a sign you need to reevaluate what’s happening to your body,” she writes.

She Focused on Macros Over Calories

Next, she focused on macros, not calories. “Nutrition is important for any age, but especially for midlife mommas! Our bodies are naturally losing muscle as we age, so fueling ourselves with the right macro split can make all the difference!” she writes in the post.

She Incorporated Strength Training

Finally, she incorporated three strength training days a week. “Remember what I just said about us losing muscle as we age?! That’s a BIG problem if you aren’t focused on building it. Muscle burns more calories than fat. It’s more metabolically active than fat tissue, so it burns more calories…not just during a workout but way after, too…like while you’re watching Netflix. If you stop focusing on calories burned in your one treadmill sweat session and start focusing on building some muscle so you can burn more all day, you would see a BIG change in that extra fluff!” she writes.

RELATED:I Lost 32 Pounds of Fat and Shaved 10 Inches Off My Waist with These 8 Tips

She Used to Spend “Hours” at the Gym

In another post she elaborates on how she changed her approach to fitness. “I used to hit the gym for hours on the daily. I would hop on the treadmill, run some miles, piddle around the weight section for a bit, and then throw in some abs or stretches at the end. The problem I had?! NOTHING CHANGED! I was working out so hard, but seeing no positive change for it,” she says.

Her Approach Didn’t Work

“I knew nutrition played a part in that so I counted/restricted calories and started to GAIN weight (and I don’t mean muscle)! I knew something wasn’t right. For the amount of effort I was putting in, the reward should be much better. ‼️Fast forward to now…I learned how to pair my workouts WITH macros and it changed it all for me‼️” she continued.

She Focuses on Progressive Overload

“I follow 30-minute workouts that focus on a progressive overload format. I pair these with the RIGHT macros for my age and body’s needs! This helped balance my hormones, improved my cortisol levels, increased my energy, and improved my sleep…which all resulted in burning crazy fat and building muscle!” she says.

She Pairs Short HIIT Workouts with Lower Carb Days

Here is an example. “I pair a short, HIIT workout with a lower carb day. Your body’s number one preferred source of energy comes from carbs. When you don’t have those to pull from it dips into your fat stores instead! Pair that with a fat-burning workout like HIIT, and watch what happens,” she says.

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Shares 4 Natural Ways She Lost 12 Pounds After Having Kids

She Pairs Higher Carb Days with 30 Minute Strength Training Workouts

“On the flip side, I pair my higher carb days with 30-minute strength training workouts…to have the energy, to build the muscle which helps burn more fat all day. If you’re not seeing the change you want to see, try this method!” she says. “Work smarter, not harder!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

More For You

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 your face is “puffier” and “fluffier” than it used to be? There might be a reason for that, according to one expert. Katie Hardage Penland is a fitness coach who helps people “workout smarter, not harder.” In a new social media post, she discusses how she depuffed and defluffed her face. “40+ Ladies. I realize I was not overweight by definition in my before picture, and that’s not what this post is about. I had hit my 40s and noticed I started to feel puffier/fluffier,” she writes in the Instagram post.


Running Was Leaving Her with Inflammation

“What once worked for me (running) was actually making me feel worse. I could feel it: in my face, arms, tummy…Long story short, I had to make changes. Here are three that made a huge difference,” she writes at the start of the post.

She Swapped Running for Walking

The first thing she did was swapped running for walking. “Now, my runner people don’t freak out…running obviously has great benefits, but losing fat and toning up is not one of them. I’ve been an avid runner my whole life. If you are excessively running and feeling bad, that’s a sign you need to reevaluate what’s happening to your body,” she writes.

She Focused on Macros Over Calories

Next, she focused on macros, not calories. “Nutrition is important for any age, but especially for midlife mommas! Our bodies are naturally losing muscle as we age, so fueling ourselves with the right macro split can make all the difference!” she writes in the post.

She Incorporated Strength Training

Finally, she incorporated three strength training days a week. “Remember what I just said about us losing muscle as we age?! That’s a BIG problem if you aren’t focused on building it. Muscle burns more calories than fat. It’s more metabolically active than fat tissue, so it burns more calories…not just during a workout but way after, too…like while you’re watching Netflix. If you stop focusing on calories burned in your one treadmill sweat session and start focusing on building some muscle so you can burn more all day, you would see a BIG change in that extra fluff!” she writes.

RELATED:I Lost 32 Pounds of Fat and Shaved 10 Inches Off My Waist with These 8 Tips

She Used to Spend “Hours” at the Gym

In another post she elaborates on how she changed her approach to fitness. “I used to hit the gym for hours on the daily. I would hop on the treadmill, run some miles, piddle around the weight section for a bit, and then throw in some abs or stretches at the end. The problem I had?! NOTHING CHANGED! I was working out so hard, but seeing no positive change for it,” she says.

Her Approach Didn’t Work

“I knew nutrition played a part in that so I counted/restricted calories and started to GAIN weight (and I don’t mean muscle)! I knew something wasn’t right. For the amount of effort I was putting in, the reward should be much better. ‼️Fast forward to now…I learned how to pair my workouts WITH macros and it changed it all for me‼️” she continued.

She Focuses on Progressive Overload

“I follow 30-minute workouts that focus on a progressive overload format. I pair these with the RIGHT macros for my age and body’s needs! This helped balance my hormones, improved my cortisol levels, increased my energy, and improved my sleep…which all resulted in burning crazy fat and building muscle!” she says.

She Pairs Short HIIT Workouts with Lower Carb Days

Here is an example. “I pair a short, HIIT workout with a lower carb day. Your body’s number one preferred source of energy comes from carbs. When you don’t have those to pull from it dips into your fat stores instead! Pair that with a fat-burning workout like HIIT, and watch what happens,” she says.

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Shares 4 Natural Ways She Lost 12 Pounds After Having Kids

She Pairs Higher Carb Days with 30 Minute Strength Training Workouts

“On the flip side, I pair my higher carb days with 30-minute strength training workouts…to have the energy, to build the muscle which helps burn more fat all day. If you’re not seeing the change you want to see, try this method!” she says. “Work smarter, not harder!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Online fitness coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about her weight loss. In her many viral videos, she reveals the simple but effective changes she made to her lifestyle that enabled her to drop the weight fast. In a new Instagram video, she gets specific about the “3 things” she “stopped doing to lose 40 pounds.”


She Stepped Away From the Scale

The first thing Alex did was stop weighing herself, she writes. “Why? The scale was messing with my head, so I threw it off my balcony.”

She Stopped Counting Calories

Alexandra_alexx.fitt11alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Lots of health experts recommend counting calories, but that didn’t work for Alex. “I stopped counting calories and stuck to a schedule. I ate breakfast at 8 a.m., a snack at 11, lunch at 1, a snack at 3, and dinner at 6. And yeah, your schedule may be different, but if you have 5 minutes to check TikTok or like this post, you have 5 minutes to grab an apple or pick up a protein bar and throw it in your purse,” she writes.

Related: I'm a Dietitian, and These Are 7 Foods You Should Never Eat

She Stopped Doing Workouts She Hated

Alexandra_alexx.fitt12alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Her third lifestyle change? “I stopped doing the workouts I hated,” she claims. I remember I’d always do 40 minutes on the Stairmaster (it didn’t help me lose weight, only raise my cortisol levels), and on the days I was lazy, I’d skip the gym altogether just because I didn’t want to do cardio. Now, my only cardio is walking.”

Her advice? “Start implementing a routine that makes you happy and works for you, not anyone else,” she concludes the post.

Here’s How She Used Walking for Weight Loss

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

As for exercise, in some of her other videos, Alex elaborated on how walking helped with her weight loss. Not only would she walk for 20-30 minutes in the morning, but she would take a short 10-15 minute walk after lunch.

Related: 5 Habits from Fitness Trainer Krissy Cela that Could Change Your Life

Try to Walk 30 to 60 Minutes a Day, Says Another Expert

Active woman using smartwatchShutterstock

“You can do 30-60 minutes all at one time, or you can do a few 10-15 minute bouts of exercise throughout the day. Whatever works for you,” says The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Either way, you are raising your metabolism and teaching your body to burn calories.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Just because experts recommend habits, like counting calories, weighing yourself, or doing specific workouts, doesn’t mean they will work for you. If they don’t, make changes accordingly.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Kiki (@kikivirk) is a weight loss influencer who has amassed a social media following for sharing all the tips and tricks that enabled her to lose a whopping 60 pounds and keep it off. In one of her viral videos – viewed over 8 million times, Kiki reveals the biggest weight loss mistake she made on her journey – and also what ultimately led to her weight loss success.


She Says Doing High Intensity Workouts Were a “Huge Mistake”

@kikivirk

The plan that helped me shed 60lbs 💪🏽 #weightloss #pcos #pcosweightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsforwomen #pcosworkout

“I was so motivated to lose weight and I wanted to see results fast, but I didn't do my research and I jumped straight in, literally into a high intensity, 90 day workout plan. Huge mistake,” Kiki says in the video.

After 45 Days She Hadn’t Lost Weight

kikivirk2kikivirk/TikTok

After a month-and-a-half, she didn't feel like she'd lost any weight. “I was overdoing it. The long, painful HIIT workouts were actually doing my body no good. They were causing it too much stress and loads of other problems,” she says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

She Had “Weight Plateaus” and “Felt So Hungry and Fatigued”

young sports woman working out, running and feeling tired on treadmill in gymShutterstock

In another video, she specified that she was doing “high intensity cardio” five times a week in hopes it “would burn fat fast and give me my dream body,” she explained. “But instead, I had weight plateaus and felt so hungry and fatigued.

Her Fat Began to “Melt Off” When She Started Strength Training

,Dumbbells,,,Rack,hym,weights, fitness, exerciseShutterstock

“Literally, as soon as I started strength training and less cardio, the fat began to melt off, and the lean muscle mass I gained gave me the tone look I'd always wanted,” she continued.

Her Program: LISS, Walking, Strength and Resistance Training, and a Short HIIT Workout

Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on waterfront in late summer or fallShutterstock

Her program starts with doing 45 to 60 minutes of LISS cardio four times a week. She also walks 7 to 12,000 steps every day, does strength and resistance training three times a week, and a 15-minute HIIT workout once a week.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

An Expert Weighs In

Kendra_Gamblehitfitnesstraining/Instagram

“What she says is definitely spot on,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. “Intense cardio and intense HIIT more than twice a week will do the body more harm than good and is not the way to lose fat and get that toned look.” Instead, she agrees that “increasing your everyday steps is more of the most important and beginner things you can do to start losing fat along with getting your diet right.” Unfortunately, “fat loss is not an immediate thing and will take time and dedication but she explains it all perfectly.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are a beginner trying to lose weight, starting by increasing your steps and modifying your diet instead of going overboard with higher intensity workouts.

Jenna Rizzo jennaaaamariee
I'm a Diet Expert, and These Are the Top 5 Foods I Avoid to Stay Lean
Copyright jennaaaamariee/Instagram

Are you burning out with your workout routine? It could be preventing you from losing weight. Jenna Rizzo is a fitness influencer and online coach who helps her clients “shed inches off their waist without crash dieting.” In a new Instagram post, she focuses on a popular workout method. “Let me share with you something most women don’t know when it comes to losing weight,” she writes, revealing the workout you should skip and why.

Working Out Too Hard Can Slow Results

“Working out too hard can slow down your results,” she says. While you are “supposed to work hard in the gym” there is a such thing as overdoing it. “I live for the days I walk out of the gym feeling like a baby deer after a good leg day. BUT There’s a fine line between pushing yourself enough to get amazing results and doing workouts that are just hard for the sake of being hard,” she says.

She Doesn’t Recommend High-Intensity or Bootcamp Workouts

“No rhyme or reason - just balls to the wall, high heart rate, as many calories as you can burn workout that just leaves you dead,” is not a good approach, per Rizzo. “I see this all the time with ‘fitness influencer’ workouts, bootcamp classes, hiit workouts.. I even fell for the mentality that was the ‘best’ way to workout - peep my before pic lol. But there’s a few reasons these workouts can create issues,” she continues.

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

Too Much Volume

The first reason they don’t work is too much volume. “Busting out 50 squats is impressive, but not exactly practical. How do you progress from that? Do 100 reps next week? 200 reps the week after?” she says.

Too Much Focus on the Weight and Not Muscles

She also says that many people are “too focused on just moving the weight - not the muscles you want to target,” which isn’t good. “Never taking the time to develop a mind muscle connection, it’s likely you won’t ever hit the intended muscle you’re trying to work.”

RELATED:10 Foods to Avoid If You're Trying to Burn Fat, Says Expert

Not Resting Enough

Finally, not taking adequate rest is another common faux pas with these workouts. “This goes for inside and outside the gym. Take more than 60 seconds rest time between sets and give yourself minimum 1 full rest day per week,” she says.

She Recommends Her “Minimalist Training System”

“I’ve used my minimalist training system on myself & with my clients for a while now.. & I’ve yet to have a client who’s not a little shocked at their plan for being so easy compared to anything they’ve done before lol.. But the results continue to speak for themselves.”

RELATED:6 Standing Workouts for a Stronger, Leaner Core

Also, If You Want to Lose Weight Fast, Hydrate

In another post, she reveals how she loses weight fast, starting with hydration. “Number one, I'm going to make sure I'm drinking a ton of water,” says Rizzo. “Now, I know a lot of times people think that drinking a ton of water is gonna cause you to retain a ton of water, but it actually does the opposite. You can kind of think of it as flushing out your system.”

Also Decrease Carb Intake

“Number two, I'm gonna be eating slightly lower carbs. So have you ever heard of when people do keto and they magically drop five pounds in like two days and everybody thinks it's magic? Well this is because when you eat carbs, your body's gonna hold onto a certain amount of water weight because of it. So when you cut back on your carbs, your body's gonna be able to let go of a decent bit of water, which again will help us look a little bit tighter and leaner,” Rizzo continues.

And Amp Up Fiber and Probiotic Intake

“Number three, I'm eating at least 30 grams of fiber and getting some good probiotics in. So this is gonna be really good for your gut help, help keep you regular, if you know what I mean. Gonna help cut down on any inflammation and bloating you might have in your gut,” she says.

Sleep More

“And number four, I'm getting as much sleep as I possibly can and if you know me, you know, I prioritize sleep over almost everything when it comes to weight loss because most people truly aren't getting enough. But in this particular instance, I'm getting good long deep sleep to help cut back any inflammation and unwanted water weight,” Rizzo concludes. What are the other health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, and helps relieve stress in addition to aiding in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose more than 40 pounds? While it might seem intimidating to embark on a major weight loss journey, there are lots of weight loss warriors who have shared their success stories to keep you inspired and motivated. Many of them have revealed the easy and doable lifestyle changes they made that enabled them to slim down and keep the weight off. Here are 20 tips from nine men and women who have lost up to 165 pounds to help you achieve your weight loss goals.


Indya Ago Lost 120 Pounds by Learning How to Have a “Balanced” Approach to Food

@indyaagos

Something I tell my clients when they first start coaching with me is that in order for these results to be sustainable we have to create balance. when I first started my weight loss journey, I used to restrict myself so much, I would demonize so many different kinds of foods that diet culture had brainwashed me, and into believing were the reason why I wasn’t able to reach the results I was looking for. Which just led me to cycles of binging, and creating a very unhealthy relationship between nutrition and my body. Through proper education on macronutrients, I was able to heal this relationship. And this is how I help my clients and maintain their goals as well. Education is power. WIEIAD DEETS: 💚 breakfast: protein, pancakes, egg, white scramble, turkey bacon 💚 snack: fruit, salad, and protein smoothie 💚 lunch: birria tacos + veg 💚 dinner: seafood boil Babe, if you’re ready to finally create a lifestyle transformation that’s sustainable while still eating all of the foods that you enjoy, I would love to work with you. I’m now accepting new clients, the link is in my bio. Let’s get to work! #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #weightlossjourney #weightlossgoals #weightlosscoach #weightlosshelp #weightlosschallenge #fatlosstips #fatlossjourney #nutritiontips #mindsetcoach #caloriedeficit #summerbody #nutritioncoach #fitnesscoach #mindset #mindsetcoach #mentalhealth #weightlosstransformation #fatlosstips #fatlosstransformation #whatieatinaday #highprotein

Indya Agos (@indyaagos) is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost a whopping 120 pounds via natural methods. “Something I tell my clients when they first start coaching with me is that in order for these results to be sustainable we have to create balance,” she says. “When I first started my weight loss journey, I used to restrict myself so much,” she continues. “I would demonize so many different kinds of foods that diet culture had brainwashed me, and into believing were the reason why I wasn’t able to reach the results I was looking for.”

She Also Educated Herself on Macronutrients

Indya previously suffered from “cycles of binging, and creating a very unhealthy relationship between nutrition and my body,” she maintains. “Through proper education on macronutrients, I was able to heal this relationship. And this is how I help my clients and maintain their goals as well. Education is power.”

RELATED:15 Reasons Why You May Not Losing Weight While on Ozempic

She “Started Slow” and Learned “Self-Trust”

@indyaagos

If you wanna lose 80 pounds next year, I’m gonna tell you exactly how to do it! No gatekeeping the secret to success here. The number one thing that you need to get clear on, is the amount of time it’s going to take you to achieve your goal, the amount of effort required for you to get there, and, of course, why it’s so important to you. Setting a realistic expectation for yourself, while also simultaneously connecting with your why is the first step to create the foundation. You need to be successful through 2024. When you understand that this journey is going to take time, it’s going to require sacrifice, it’s going to require you stepping so far out of your comfort zone, that you may be paralyzed by fear at times. But being okay with the discomfort. Surrendering to knowing that in those moments of uncertainty, in those moments of insecurity, and discomfort, are facilitating growth. Connecting with knowing that, allowing yourself to grow, is what is going to help you reach your goals. And not only reach your goals, sustain those achievements. Baby, 2024 can be your year, and the first thing that you need to do, is get your mindset right. Know why you’re on this journey, know what you need to do to get from point A to point B, and set yourself up for success. Start building the mindset, habits, and routines into your daily life now in order to be successful 2024. and if you’re ready to take the next step, you’re ready to invest in yourself. I’m now accepting applications for January. The link is in my bio let’s get to work!🤘🏽 #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #weightlossjourney #weightlossgoals #weightlosscoach #weightlosshelp #weightlosschallenge #fatlosstips #fatlossjourney #nutritiontips #mindsetcoach #newyearsresolution #newyearnewme #nutritioncoach #fitnesscoach

In another video, Indya reveals another tactic that helped her lose so much weight. “You got to start slow,” she says. “If you approach this from an all or nothing mentality, you are only setting yourself up for failure. A big part of this journey is regaining self-trust. You are so used to letting yourself down. The way that you build trust with yourself again is by following through with the promises that you've made to yourself.”

And Took a Deep Dive Into Her Failed Attempts at Weight Loss

Another thing she did is “going to require you to dig deep,” she says. “We need to figure out what your main excuses or your repeated point of failure chances are. You've been stuck in the same exact cycle, repeating the same narratives as to why you haven't been able to be successful in the past. If your story is that you never have any time, then we need to figure out why you're not prioritizing making time. People make time for what's important to them. If the story is that you are overwhelmed and you have no idea where to start, then it is time to reach out for help so that you have a plan of action as well as guidance.”

Raven Norwood Lost 165 Pounds By Cutting Processed Foods From Her Diet

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven1rowwithraven/Instagram

Raven Norwood, 28, of Huntington Beach, California, started her weight loss journey at 212 pounds and has managed to drop down to 155 pounds, losing 165 pounds in two years. In an interview with Body Network, she explains that she used to eat food containing several dyes, fast food, and packaged food with GMOs, too much MSG, and preservatives. While she didn’t eliminate “any specific food groups because balance is the key to longevity,” she did cut the above from her diet and started cooking her own meals “as much as possible.” Creating healthy relationships with all food groups is so important when it comes to keeping the weight off, she stresses. “Balance is key, so, if I want a cookie here and there, I eat the cookie… no biggie!”

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

She Also Amped Up Her Water Intake

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven2raven.grl/Instagram

Raven adds that “lots of water” keeps her hydrated and feeling full. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

She Fell in Love with a Boutique Fitness Method

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven4raven.grl/Instagram

Raven also encourages finding a fitness form that you love. She discovered rowing at her local Row House. “I love how boutique and specialized gyms are getting more recognition! When I first found Row House, I had never seen a gym dedicated to rowing,” she says. “And on top of that you get floorwork exercises, group fitness and the wonderful community that comes along with it! I think a lot of people would benefit from boutique gyms.”

She Took Progress Pictures

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven6raven.grl/Instagram

Progress photos were also an important part of Raven’s weight loss journey. “Sometimes your mind will play tricks on you, and make you feel like you haven’t done as much as you have,” she says. If she feels discouraged, she will look at her “Day 1” photo and it will provide instant motivation. “Take photos because your mind will play tricks on you, but those photos won’t,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Dils Less Lost 50 Pounds by Not Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach

Dils Lee (@dilshealth) lost 50 pounds by making a few simple lifestyle habit changes, which not only aided in weight loss, but were a game-changer in her overall health, especially with her inflammation and hormonal imbalance. One of the first changes that she made? “I stopped drinking coffee on an empty stomach and started making my breakfast look like this,” she said. “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to bloating, nausea, and anxiety, and it can also raise your cortisol levels, which can negatively impact ovulation weight and hormonal imbalances.”

She Also Switched From HIIT to Low Intensity Workouts

You don’t have to do HIIT workouts to lose weight. The second change that she made “was stopping all high intensity training while I was losing weight,” she said. “I found that I harbored a lot of inflammation in my face, arms, body, stomach, and legs everywhere.” Instead, she opted for lower intensity training. “Basically, by switching to lower intensity workouts, I've found that my waist has drastically come in. My stomach is much more flat, and I'm actually building a lot of tone and muscle in my arms and legs,” she says.

And, She Prioritized Sleep

“The fourth change that I made is that I introduced a healthy sleep routine,” Dils reveals. “My routine includes using supplements like magnesium and then not using my phone an hour before bed. Prioritizing sleep will help your body recover after physical activity. It'll also help with hormone regulation, metabolic regulation, stress and emotional wellbeing.” What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Joseph Graham Jr. Lost 75 Pounds By Jump Roping and Doing Pushups

@theguywiththepinkshoes

🎟️ before and after - 50 lbs (weight loss transformation)🔥 show people where you started🌸✌🏾 #WeightLossJourney #WeightLoss #Fittok #jumprope #jumpropechallenge #transformationchallenge #HealthyLiving #FitnessGoals #BeforeAndAfter #BodyPositivity #WellnessWednesday #GlowUp #FitnessMotivation #LifestyleChange #DietTransformation #MindBodySoul #SelfLoveJourney #EmpowerYourself #FitnessInspiration #ChangeIsGood #WeightLossStory #ProgressNotPerfection #InspireOthers #WellnessTransformation #MotivatedMindset #FitnessJourney #PositiveChanges #NewYou #HealthyHabits #fyp #foryourpage #beforeandafterweightloss #ilikewhenitrains

No gym, no problem. Joseph Graham Jr. (@theguywiththepinkshoes) is a fitness influencer and “crossrope athlete” who lost a whopping 75 pounds and toned up his dad bod by jumping rope and doing push ups at home. He does “harder” push ups, he says. “It's not enough to just do as many as you can and do them fast. Once you feel comfortable doing pushups, once you feel like you've kind of got it down, you have to start making it harder for yourself,” he explains. “The resistance is what builds the strength, right?

Alexandra Lost 40 Pounds by Eating the Same Meals Every Day

Online fitness coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) personally lost 40 pounds by eating the same meals daily. “For 1-2 months I ate the same meals every single day why? Because I was confused I didn’t know what to eat or where to start so I ate the same thing everyday,” Alexandra confesses in the caption of her video.

She Also Walks 10,000 Steps a Day

In another video she reveals that walking 10,000 steps a day was also key. “I weigh around 150lbs so walking 10k steps burns an extra 300-400 calories a day without spending hours on the stair master,” says Alexandra. “Walking can be done anywhere you don’t have to get fancy gym clothes you can literally walk in your pjs,” she adds. And, it helps regulate hunger. “Walking is not an extremely difficult exercise and it can help regulate your appetite hormones and reduce feelings of hunger,” she says.

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

David Tuckfield Lost 60 Pounds EMS Workouts

David_Tuckfield7David Tuckfield

David Tuckfield, 61, dropped 60 pounds and reduced his body fat by 23 percent in 16 months by incorporating electro muscle stimulation (EMS) workouts into his routine, which he discovered at BODY20. “I was very skeptical when I first tried the EMS workouts. I was shocked after my demo workout how much I felt a difference,” he told Body Network. “For me, the amazing thing about the EMS workouts to me is that I can actually feel or sense my muscles. That was something that I had never experienced. At first I could feel them only during the workouts, but now when I exert myself I can discern which muscles are engaged. I don’t have huge or impressive muscles, but that I am more in-tune with the muscles I have. It is a good feeling to feel your muscles engage when you do an activity.” Another “great thing” about the workout “is that you really get a full workout (or better) in 20 minutes,” he says.

He Also Set Long-Term Goals

David_Tuckfield5David Tuckfield

He also started looking at weight loss as a long-term goal. “Don’t think short term. Think of it as a very long journey,” he suggests. “You will plateau, and you should just be comfortable with that. If you don’t stress out about the plateaus, you will eventually work through them.” Daily weigh-ins also helped him. “If you’ve gained weight, ask yourself what you did yesterday that would have made you gain weight. Usually the answer is obvious,” he says.

Joy Maria Lost 70 Pounds with Hot Girl Walks

@therealjoyymaria

Replying to @177777734 this is exactly how I did & you can too 🫶🏽🥂 #postpartumweightloss #weightlosstransformation #fatlossjourney #weightlossgoals #greenscreen

Joy Maria (@therealjoyymaria/video) is a weight loss influencer and mother who lost 70 pounds in less than 11 months with the help of, wait for it, “Hot girl walks,” she reveals in a video. “Walking is a thousand percent, the most underrated way to lose weight,” she adds, “and one of my favorite things to do is walk.” She started walking to her errands, walking to and from workouts, and whenever else she could get steps in.

She Also Followed a Meal Plan

@therealjoyymaria

Dont sleep on walking 🫶🏽 #hotgirlwalk #walking #weightloss #weightlosstransformation #weightlosscheck #postpartumweightloss

“If somebody is telling you that you can lose weight without being in a calorie deficit run because they're lying,” she adds, calling it “the most important step” to losing weight. “I know you guys have heard the saying, you cannot outrun a bad diet, and it's so true. Google, TDEE calculator. From there, put in your information. I'm gonna tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat. I ate about 1600 to 1800 calories daily, just depending on my activity level for the day. If I did two workouts that day, I would eat closer to 1800. If I had a more sedentary day, I would eat closer to 1500 to 1600.” She also followed a meal plan. “I have a seven day meal plan available at the top of my profile. It just makes it really easy when you're going to a grocery shop, when you're first starting out, when things are structured, it's gonna make it a lot easier to follow and just to stay consistent, not skipping breakfast, especially if we're exercising.”

Gen Cohen Lost 50 Pounds by Doing the 12-3-30

Gen Cohen, CNC, lost 50 pounds by doing a few different workouts, including the 12-3-30.

She said that “rather than subscribing to some crazy fitness routine, I'd commit to lifting weights three maximum four times per week and prioritize getting a 60 minute walk in per day,” in a video. “You can go to the gym and do 12-3-30. You can take your dog for a walk. You can get a walking pad and put it under your desk. I don't care how, just 60 minutes of walking.”

Joan Henning Lost 130 Pounds with Keto

Joan_HenningJoan Henning

In 2019, Joan Henning started her 130-pound weight loss journey with the keto diet.“ I was able to start keto,” she says. She stayed on the low carb diet for “months.” While on keto, “I probably lost about 10 pounds because keto, it comes off quickly,” she said.

💪🔥Body Booster: Start your weight loss journey slowly and avoid an all-or-nothing mentality to prevent setting yourself up for failure. Focus on regaining self-trust by consistently following through with the promises you make to yourself.

Diarmid Murphy murphysmethods_onlinecoach
​Skipping Meals
Copyright murphysmethods_onlinecoach/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.

The good news? You can slim down by eating delicious food. The bad? You might have to ditch some of your favorite ones. Diarmid Murphy is an online fitness coach and trainer who helps his clients lose weight and build muscle with sustainable methods. In a new post, he gets real about his own nutrition plan. “Foods I avoid to stay lean all year round,” he captioned the Instagram post.

“When trying to get lean there are no foods you must completely avoid,” he writes. “And I do still enjoy these foods in moderation… But some make it much harder to stay in a calorie deficit due to their high calorie density, low satiety, or ability to trigger overeating. So you got to be weary of them.”

Highly Processed Foods

The first category on his list? Highly processed foods, “like fast food, pastries, and deep fried items pack a ton of calories with little nutritional value, making it easy to overconsume without feeling full,” he explains.

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

Sugary Drinks

He also avoids drinking his calories. “Sugary drinks, fruit juices, and excessive alcohol add empty calories without providing satiety, so it’s best to minimize them,” he writes.

Highly Calorie Coffee Drinks

Another beverage no-no? “High calorie coffee drinks like fancy lattes, frappuccinos, and creamy coffees from cafés can easily pack 300-600 calories due to added syrups, cream, and full fat milk,” he says.

Cheese and Fatty Dairy

“Cheese is delicious but very high in calories per gram, meaning just a small amount can add up quickly,” he says. “Full fat dairy like heavy cream and full fat yogurt can also be sneaky sources of extra calories.”

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

Ultra Processed Snacks

Don’t cave and munch on unhealthy snacks. “Ultra-processed snacks like crisps, biscuits, and sweets are engineered to be addictive and are often loaded with refined carbs and unhealthy fats that spike hunger,” he writes.

Fatty Spreads, Sauces, and Dressings

Be careful of condidiments. “High fat spreads, oily dressings, and creamy sauces can turn a low calorie meal into a calorie bomb, so portion control is key,” he says.

“Healthy” Nuts, Seeds, Granola, and Even Avocado

Sometimes, “healthy” foods aren’t good for weight loss. He says that “healthy” high-calorie foods like nuts, avocados, and granola “are fine in moderation but can add up fast if not tracked properly.”

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

Conclusion

The bottom line? It’s all about moderation. “Instead of thinking about avoidance, focus on high protein, high volume foods that keep you satisfied while staying within your calorie target,” he writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

NASHVILLE - JUN 5: Michelle Monaghan attends the 2019 CMT Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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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.

Fact: Michelle Monaghan just entered the final year of her forties. On March 23, the seasoned Hollywood actress, who is the talk of the town with her latest role in the third season of White Lotus, turned 49. This might come as a shock to anyone watching her galavanting around every episode in tiny swimsuits, showing off her flawless and flat-abbed figure. Recently, she has revealed some of her top diet and fitness tips, and we plan on stealing all of them.

Protein-Packed Breakfast

Michelle starts the day with a protein-packed breakfast. "Breakfast is my fuel for the day. It might be a bowl of goat's-milk yogurt with granola, berries, and raisins, and maybe shaved almonds and flaxseed thrown in, and a banana smoothie,” she dished to Women’s Health.

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

Protein, Veggies, Whole Grains

LOS ANGELES, CA. October 10, 2024: Michelle Monaghan at Warner Bros TV Group\u2019s Fall TV Party.

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"I don't think they make sense,” Michelle says about diets. “Ultimately, it's eating sensibly...but if I'm at a restaurant, all bets are off!" She eats salads “three or four times a week.” Turkey sandwiches with avocado and a slice of Swiss cheese are another favorite, and also homemade soup, "broccoli, cauliflower, butternut squash—make a big batch and you have it for days," she says. Fish, including trout and salmon, paired with steamed or roasted veggies or brown rice, is one of her favorite dinners.

Strength Training

Michelle Monaghan at the 2024 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, USA on November 9, 2024.

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Michelle works out with a trainer three days a week doing strength training. Her hour-long sessions consist of exercises like cable work, squats, lunges, and step-ups. “It's a push to make myself go—it's hard!" she says. "But whenever I get off my lazy butt, I'm happy I did,” she says.

Pilates

“Pilates is my everyday self-care,” she revealed in a recent post. She added to Shape that the elongating workout is “really challenging,” adding. “I find that it's a good balance for my running, which makes my muscles tight. Pilates loosens me up.”

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

Soul Cycle

“I also love SoulCycle. I played a Spin instructor in a movie, and at the time I thought, There's no way I'm getting on a bike. But SoulCycle had just opened in L.A., so I went with friends. The lights were off, candles were burning, and we were hooked. It's like church!”

Green Juice

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28, 2010: Michelle Monaghan at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie "Due Date" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood. October 28, 2010  Los Angeles, CA

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She is also a fan of drinking her nutrients. “I try to drink green juice three times a week— kale, celery, spinach. Sometimes that replaces my coffee," she told Women’s Health. "I also bought a Vitamix blender. It purees everything."

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

Hiking

LOS ANGELES - NOV 15:  Michelle Monaghan at the 40th Anniversary of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise at Dolby Theater on November 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA

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Outdoor exercise is also part of her routine. “Years ago, when I started working out, it was about getting my body in shape. But now the mental benefits outweigh the physical ones. That's why I love going for a hike in the morning. There's something about climbing a mountain that's symbolic-you set your intention and what you want to focus on. I think about what I have to do today or what I have to accomplish this week. It allows me that space where there's no one else around," she added to Shape. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Brittney Blanco
​Carne Asada with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Copyright bylt.by.britt/Instagram

Are you trying to lose weight but don’t want to run? One expert claims to have the ultimate fat-burning hack. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new post, she reveals her cardio workout when she wants to lose weight fast. “Cardio trick to lose 10-15 pounds of fat fast without running,” she writes.

The Workout Takes 20 Minutes

Woman walking outdoors.10 Unexpected Ways Walking Helps You Lose WeightShutterstock

Brittney reveals that the total duration of the workout is 20 minutes. “Gradually ramp up the intensity while keeping your heart rate in the fat-burning zone (60-70% of max HR) to melt those calories!” she writes.

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

Workout Breakdown: Low-Intensity Warm-Up (10 Minutes)

A backpacker walking on the farm track with sheep grazing on the green hills. Taken at Wharariki beach track, Golden Bay, South Island,Shutterstock

She explains that you start with a low-intensity warmup for 10 minutes at a speed of 3.5 miles per hour and a 5 percent incline. The purpose? “Gently ignite fat-burning without stressing your joints. Perfect to ease into the workout!” she writes.

Moderate-Intensity Phase (10 Minutes)

Hiking in the mountains. Female legs with sports shoes and backpack running on a trail mountain, close upShutterstock

The next phase? Moderate intensity, she reveals. Go at a speed of 3.8 miles per hour and an incline of 7 percent. The purpose: “Turn up the burn! Engage your glutes and boost calorie burn while keeping it steady,” she writes.

Fat-Burning Push (5 Minutes)

fit african american woman hiking up runyon canyon at sunsetShutterstock

The final part of the workout is a “fat-burning push” going at a speed of 4 miles per hour and an incline of 10 percent. “Max out the fat burn and challenge your lower body (glutes, hamstrings, calves) as you finish strong!” she writes.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Why This Routine Is Good

Young woman hiking up the hill and looking away. Female hiker walking on country trail.Shutterstock

Efficient Fat Burn: “Torch calories while being gentle on your joints,” she writes. Muscle Engagement: “Targets key muscle groups for a toned look,” she adds. Progressive Challenge: “Keeps your workout interesting by gradually increasing intensity,” she concludes.

Why Walking on an Incline Is Recommended

Two fit young women friends exercising in a park running up the hill. Active healthy lifestyle and outdoor workout conceptShutterstock

Walking on an incline burns more calories than walking fast or even running on a flat surface, so many experts suggest upping your incline. A 2013 study even found that walking on a 2 to 7 percent incline increased heart rate by almost 10 percent compared to running on a flat surface. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.