Skip to content
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@celebwell.com.

Katie Austin Flashes Washboard Abs and Reveals 5 Things She Does to Get Her “Mojo Back”

Here are the health habits that help her mentally and physically recharge.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Katie_Austin3
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Katie Austin is showing off her flat abs in a new motivational video. In a social media post shared to Instagram and TikTok, Denise Austin’s fitness protege daughter flaunts her incredibly fit figure while revealing some of her top tips for getting your “mojo” back. “So you wake up feeling a little blah. Here are some things that I like to do to inspire happiness,” she captioned the post. Body Network has all the details on her health habits.


1. Water with Lemon

Katie starts the day with a celeb favorite: water with lemon. “I love to put lemon in my water to hydrate and detoxify, especially in the morning,” she says. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lemon water offers a variety of health benefits, including aiding in hydration and digestion. It also offers a boost of potassium and vitamin C.

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds With These 7 Exercises Everyone Can Do

2. Mini Exercise Sessions

“Even if I don't want to, moving my body for just 15 to 20 minutes” is a must for Katie. Why? It helps make her “feel stronger and more energized,” she says. While the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity per week, breaking workouts up into mini sessions is a great idea, according to experts. Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach, recommends taking a few 10 minute walks every day. “A 10 minute walk is equal to a thousand steps. So if you think of it that way, it's like, “Oh, okay, I can take short little walk breaks.”

3. Walking

“If it's nice outside, I love to go for a walk,” says Katie. “It always clears my mind and it's an easy way to get my steps in.” Research, including a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, supports walking for more than weight loss. They found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

4. Snack Boards

Katie also prepares fun but healthy snacks. “I love to make myself a little snack board. It's like a little smorgasbord of some fun things to fuel my body properly and again, give me some energy,” she says.

Related: These 7 “Efficient Girl” Tips Will Help You Lose Weight Fast

5. Tackling Her To-Do List

Another mental health game-changer for Katie? “Checking off something on my to-do list, whether it's big or small, will always make me feel good and accomplished,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Incorporate several 10-minute walks into your daily routine. Each 10-minute walk is equivalent to taking a thousand steps. It's a simple and effective way to improve your health. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

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.

Katie Austin is showing off her flat abs in a new motivational video. In a social media post shared to Instagram and TikTok, Denise Austin’s fitness protege daughter flaunts her incredibly fit figure while revealing some of her top tips for getting your “mojo” back. “So you wake up feeling a little blah. Here are some things that I like to do to inspire happiness,” she captioned the post. Body Network has all the details on her health habits.


1. Water with Lemon

Katie starts the day with a celeb favorite: water with lemon. “I love to put lemon in my water to hydrate and detoxify, especially in the morning,” she says. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lemon water offers a variety of health benefits, including aiding in hydration and digestion. It also offers a boost of potassium and vitamin C.

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds With These 7 Exercises Everyone Can Do

2. Mini Exercise Sessions

“Even if I don't want to, moving my body for just 15 to 20 minutes” is a must for Katie. Why? It helps make her “feel stronger and more energized,” she says. While the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity per week, breaking workouts up into mini sessions is a great idea, according to experts. Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach, recommends taking a few 10 minute walks every day. “A 10 minute walk is equal to a thousand steps. So if you think of it that way, it's like, “Oh, okay, I can take short little walk breaks.”

3. Walking

“If it's nice outside, I love to go for a walk,” says Katie. “It always clears my mind and it's an easy way to get my steps in.” Research, including a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, supports walking for more than weight loss. They found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

4. Snack Boards

Katie also prepares fun but healthy snacks. “I love to make myself a little snack board. It's like a little smorgasbord of some fun things to fuel my body properly and again, give me some energy,” she says.

Related: These 7 “Efficient Girl” Tips Will Help You Lose Weight Fast

5. Tackling Her To-Do List

Another mental health game-changer for Katie? “Checking off something on my to-do list, whether it's big or small, will always make me feel good and accomplished,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Incorporate several 10-minute walks into your daily routine. Each 10-minute walk is equivalent to taking a thousand steps. It's a simple and effective way to improve your health. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

celebrity, singer, ,Katy,Perry,Arrives,For,Carol
Shutterstock
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.

Katy Perry is looking more ab fab than ever – in a crop top! In a new social media post, the singer flaunts her flat abs in a two-piece holiday-themed sequined ensemble in photos taken at Jingle Ball. “This way to jingle bell ball,” she captioned the series of Instagram snaps. Perry is one of the many stars who slimmed down in 2024 and was accused by fans of using Ozempic. However, she has poked fun at the claims and denied using the jab to drop pounds. Here is everything Body Network knows about her weight loss.


She Dropped Nearly 20 Pounds by Cutting Out Sugar and Processed Foods

In April 2024, a source close to the singer told Life & Style that Perry did not use Ozempic to transform her body. Instead, she dropped nearly 20 pounds the “natural way,” they said. “She cut out sugar and processed foods and it really worked,” the insider dished.

Orlando Bloom Is Her “Live-In Health Coach”

The insider also maintains that Katy has a “live-in health coach” in fiancé Orlando Bloom. “He’s very disciplined, so that’s given her the motivation to really stick to eating clean,” they maintain.

RELATED:She Has a Better Body at 44 Than 24 After Changing These 3 Habits

She Eats 5 Small Meals Per Day

The insider maintains that Katy sticks to eating five small meals per day, sticking to whole, natural food. “Mostly lean protein like chicken or fish and fresh veggies and fruits, nuts and seeds,” they told Life & Style.

Her Health Is Part of Her Job

Katy has previously said that staying in shape is part of her job. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities in my life, and I know how fortunate I am, but when I don’t have my health, nothing else matters,” she told Prevention. “If I can’t get on the stage and do it, I disappoint so many people. I’ve lost my magical power if I can’t get onstage.”

Apple Cider Vinegar

Perry and Bloom are such big fans of apple cider vinegar. They are co-owners of Bragg. In fact, when they first started dating, she found a water bottle that was “kind of cloudy because it had apple cider vinegar in it” in his car. She saw it as a sign they were meant to be. “Is this looove?” she joked about the moment. “My mother made me drink it every day, but now it’s a staple for me,” she told Prevention. “I’m here to help reeducate people on how to use it,” she said. She not only drinks it, adding two tablespoons into eight ounces of water, she rinses veggies in it, even bathes in it, adding one cup to her bath.

RELATED:7 Real GLP-1 Weight Loss Results “Nobody Talks About,” Doctor Reveals

HIIT Workout

Katy trains with Harley Pasternak, working out five days per week. Her workouts are mostly high intensity interval training. “Katy aims to exercise five days a week, doing short, high-intensity workouts—including lunges and hip thrusts," he told Closer magazine. “These tone, as well as boost her metabolism, and can be done anywhere.” There is lots of research backing up the benefits of HIIT workouts, including body fat reduction, improved cardiovascular function, and mental health. It is also time effective.

She Also Does Yoga and Meditates

“I have had a dance with depression, and hot yoga helps clear it all out,” Katy told Prevention. One of her favorites is CorePower Yoga, which she can do wherever she is. “You always know what you’re going to get,” she says. “If you have a healthy body, it helps you have a healthy mind.”

Meditation

She also practices Transcendental Medication. “It clears my head completely,” she told Prevention. “And it ignites something in my brain. I get some of my best creative ideas when I’m TM’ing.” She does it daily, and even brings her teacher on tour with her. “For me, TM has been anxiety-reducing, depression-reducing, great for jet lag, hangovers, mood swings. Anytime I’m in a funky mood, I’m like, ‘give me 20 minutes.’” “When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress,” says the Mayo Clinic. Benefits include:

  • Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
  • Building skills to manage your stress
  • Increasing self-awareness
  • Focusing on the present
  • Reducing negative emotions
  • Increasing imagination and creativity
  • Increasing patience and tolerance
  • Lowering resting heart rate
  • Lowering resting blood pressure
  • Improving sleep quality

Fun “Masked” Exercise

Katy has a love-hate relationship with exercise, so she likes to trick herself into activity.“It's not my favorite thing to do with the world—unless I'm dancing or I'm snowboarding or I'm doing something that's kind of masked,” she told Women’s Health.

RELATED:Woman Walks 20,000 Steps for 30 Days and Discovers 3 Unexpected Changes

Hydration

Katy prioritizes hydration, sometimes adding LMNT hydration salts to it. “That is the best way to start, is just to drink water,” she says. “I know it's such a cliché, but I think a lot of us go straight to the coffee without just drinking a glass of water.” The Mayo Clinic explains that 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. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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.

Lisa Jean Lanceford is a fitness trainer and influencer with over 3.7 million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares her workouts on social media and via the STRNG app. In one of her recent Instagram posts, she shared the exercises that are responsible for her 6-pack abs. “Sheeeeesh this one burns 🔥 Let’s get this ABS workout done,” she wrote in the captioned. Here is everything you need to know about her workout plus the other lifestyle habits that help keep her in shape.


Here Is Her Ab Workout

In the video, she demonstrates the following exercises:

  • Kneeling cable crunch

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Roman chair oblique knee raises

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Alternating knee tuck double crunch

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Cross crawls

    20-24 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Low to high cable woodchips

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets each side

Intuitive Eating

Lisa promotes “intuitive eating,” explaining the principles in an Instagram post.

“Your relationship with food plays a key role in your overall fitness journey. Whilst it’s good to have a sufficient understanding of your diet and nutrition, striving for the ‘perfect’ diet may lead to controlling or disordered eating habits. If you have eaten a cheeseburger, you do not have to feel guilty, skip your next meal or ‘burn it off.’ Instead, focus on the positives. You received a great source of iron, protein, carbs, calcium and you probably rather enjoyed it. You do not need to use exercise to negate eating but rather consume food for enjoyment, nourishment and to fuel workouts and recovery,” she says.

Related: 10 High Fiber Foods to Keep You Full in a Day, According to Dietitian

Here Is How She “Builds” Healthy Meals

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford2lisafiitt/Instagram

In another post, she explains “how to build a healthy and balanced meal,” starting with a “good quality protein sources such as lean meat, a soya-based product such as tofu or tempeh, dairy or lentils, beans and edamame beans,” she says. Next up, starchy carbohydrates, which “should make up just over a 1/3 of the food you eat,” she explains.

“They are essential for energy and nutrients, therefore you should aim to include some at every meal. Low GI carbohydrates slowly release energy and are higher in fibre which means they will keep you fuller for longer. Some low GI options include potatoes with skin on, brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, oats, and buckwheat.”

Then, fill your plate “with a rainbow of non- starchy vegetables and dark leafy greens. Examples include broccoli, spinach, kale, peppers, cucumber, courgette, onion, aubergine, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes and so on. Also be sure to include some fruit throughout the day as snacks or added to breakfast, etc,” she adds. Finally, “Pick a small amount of healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and seeds.”

No Diets

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford1lisafiitt/Instagram

Lisa doesn’t like to label her eating plan. “I don’t like to call it a diet as it’s my lifestyle and not a diet. My nutrition has stayed the same, except some days I am increasing my calories as I am working out more, so I need to make sure I am fuelling my body right. I am doing LIVE Instagram workouts with my followers and challenging myself with new HIIT workouts alongside weight training (working with what I have) and my morning walks,” she told Women Fitness.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds and Here’s Everything I Learned Along My Journey

Walking in the Morning

Beautiful woman traveler climbs uphill with a dog on a background of mountain views. She is with a backpack and in red clothes.Shutterstock

While she spends a lot of time in the gym, Lisa starts her day with steps. “I do a 1 hour walk every morning. It helps with my mindset for the day and I think about everything I am grateful for. It’s so calm, quiet and peaceful and it gets my mind going for the day. Always practice gratitude and always appreciate the little things in life,” she added to Women Fitness.

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, crunches, and sit-ups aren’t the best exercises to build abs. Try doing a set like Lisa’s, which works all the muscles in your midsection, including obliques, and will get you the best results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 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.

Workouts don’t have to be complicated to be effective, and they don’t have to be long. Brianna Joye is a fitness trainer and the founder of City Girls Who Walk, who has a following of over 1.1 million people on Instagram. She is famous for sharing her realistic workouts that help people get into shape fast. One of her recent videos promises a full upper body and torso workout in just a few exercises. “3 moves to sculpt your arms & waistline,” she writes in the video, adding in the caption that her “fav exercises” will help you get a “strong core.” Here is what you need to know about the workout – and everything else about Brianna’s approach to fitness and diet.


3 Moves to Shape Your Arms and Waistline

She suggests doing three rounds of the exercises.

  • Plank pull through x 12
  • Wood chopper x 12 (Don’t forget to do the other side, she reminds)
  • Russian twist x 12

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

briannajoye_fitness-1briannajoye_fitness/TikTok

Brianna reveals what she eats in a day in a TikTok video. For breakfast, she eats sliced bananas and a spoonful of peanut butter. Next up a snack of greek yogurt, walnuts, honey and berries, followed up by a Koia protein shake. For lunch she has a spicy chicken caesar lettuce wrap, and dinner, a harvest bowl with sliced chicken, broccoli, sweet potato, and avocado topped with hot honey. And dessert? A donut!

Related: Can't Lose Weight Despite Eating Less? This Could Be Why

She Goes Running

Rear view of young woman walking on treadmillShutterstock

Brianna runs on the treadmill. According to the Mayo Clinic, running is great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say.

She Drinks This “Debloating” Green Juice

briannajoye_fitness-2briannajoye_fitness/Instagram

In an Instagram video Brianna revealed her recipe for a “debloating” green drink. The “best green juice recipe” starts with a cup of pineapple. “We're doing two lemons, just a couple pieces of ginger, a couple pieces of celery, and one whole cucumber. We're just going to put it all in one handful of organic spinach, and then we are using some coconut water (“for some added electrolytes”) but you can also use water. Then, you blend the mixture. “Once it's blended, you're just going to pour it into a bowl, and then you want a strainer on top of it. I'm just using a cheesecloth. Then you're just going to lift, so all the pulp gets out of it and we're just going to squeeze,” she says.

Related: 6 Important Things You Should Consider Before Getting Breast Augmentation

She Makes Healthier Versions of Her Favorite Meals

briannajoye_fitness-3briannajoye_fitness/Instagram

Another habit of Brianna’s is making healthier versions of her favorite foods. For example, she has shared recipes for “healthier hot Cheetos,” pasta chips, and Big Mac low-carb, high protein taco burgers.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you don’t have a lot of time to invest in exercise, try doing mini workouts – like Brianna’s – a few times a day.

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.

Emily Skye is looking ab-fab during a night out. In a new social media post the influencer shows off her famous figure – including her chiseled abs – in a bright around two-piece set. “It was such a fun night dancing the night away, I haven’t done that in many years… it was not so fun the next day though. I was reminded why I barely ever drink!” she wrote in the caption. “Gorgeous as always!!🧡” commented fellow fitness influencer Alexia Clark. “You look incredible !” added another follower. How does Emily keep her midsection tight? A lot of it boils down to her diet. Here is everything you need to know about it.


Protein, Protein, Protein

Emily focuses on designing her meals around protein. She starts the day with an egg, spinach and halloumi wrap and then has a tuna, kale, sweet potato and avocado salad at lunch. “I usually aim to include protein at breakfast, like eggs and dairy, which also have a range of important minerals,” she told NW Magazine. “A savoury breakfast means I can throw in some vegetables, plus wholegrain carbs for slow-release energy.” She also loves fish. “I try to include fish a few times a week for lean protein and important omega-3 fats. I add some pumpkin and sesame seeds for extra mineral, protein and healthy fats,” she said.

Related: I Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months with This Diet Trick

Food Prep

Emily_Skye_emilyskyefit2emilyskyefit/Instagram

Skye is a big fan of food prepping.“A salad or noodle bowl is a quick lunch option,” she said in the same interview. She might also have a berry smoothie or a spoonful of nut butter for a quick fuellng.

Balance is key, says Skye. "I like intuitive eating and to allow myself one or two treat meals a week. It does depend on what's happening though. If I have a photoshoot or something coming up, I'm a bit more strict with myself because I know I have a goal to achieve, but generally, I allow a couple of treats. My favorite 'treat' foods are chips and chocolate,” she told Women's Best.

She Changes Her Diet When She Needs To

Emily_Skye_emilyskyefit3emilyskyefit/Instagram

"It's always about what my gut will tolerate. At the moment I'm working through fixing that. I like to eat basics, unprocessed and organic food wherever and whenever it's possible. I like the hunter-gather diet, organic meats, fish nuts, and seeds. I don't have much in the way of bread or pasta just because it doesn't agree with my tummy. My diet is all about how I feel when and after eating the food!" she told Women’s Best.

Skye doesn’t use the terminology “cheat” days. "I call them treat days, I don't like the negative connotation attached to the word cheat because you're not cheating yourself! I think we all deserve to have something that we enjoy and not worry about what it's doing to our bodies,” she told Women’s Best.

Related: The #1 Right Way to Lose Lower Stomach Fat

5 Workouts a Week

Emily_Skye_emilyskyefit4emilyskyefit/Instagram

Skye works out 5-6 times per week, sometimes at midnight. “Some people might think my progress is due to my genetics or because of breastfeeding but I can tell you it's got a LOT to do with hard work and consistency,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “All those midnight workouts I did after Mia fell asleep and eating healthy meals from my FIT Program are getting me great results.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Opt for basic, unprocessed, and organic foods whenever possible. Include organic meats, fish, nuts, and seeds in your diet, similar to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Limit your intake of bread and pasta.

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

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

The 10,000 Step Secret

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

Perfect for Exercise-Haters

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

Anyone Can Do It

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

Belly Fat Buster

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

Mental Health Benefits

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

Health Beyond Weight Loss

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

Vitamin D Boost

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

Better Sleep and Stress Relief

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

Start Small and Build Up

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

Track Your Progress

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

Challenge Yourself

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

The 10K Steps Weight Loss Formula

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

Real Results, No Magic Pills

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

Tara Dixon mummyjuggler
Copyright mummyjuggler/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.

If you have over 50 pounds to lose, it can feel overwhelming. One way to ease the burden is by getting advice from weight loss warriors who have successfully gotten in shape and are sharing their solutions. Tara Dixon is a personal trainer and online coach who helps women “find the best version of themselves, lose weight & break free from fad diets,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a recent social media post, she revealed her top 5 asked questions about how she lost 84 lbs in a year. “Just remember what worked for me might not work for everyone!” she reminded.

I Worked Out My Calorie Deficit

“How do you work out your calorie deficit?” is the top question she is asked. “I guessed at first… and guess what? I wasn’t eating enough 🤣. And then I found out about a TDEE calculator (I used a free one online) and this should give you your deficit. 3 months into my journey, I started working with a coach (worth its weight in gold if this is something you can afford). My top tips with this… always make sure you are eating enough, you can’t function and workout effectively if you don’t eat enough. Don’t stress too much over cals: try it for a week, if you’re being honest with your tracking and still not losing weight, you can lower it slightly. Keep it simple,” she said.

I Tracked My Macros

Next, she is regularly asked about how she tracked her macros. “What do I track with? NUTRACHECK. I find it simple and clear. Easy to track cals and protein,” she reveals.

I Ate Enough Protein

Protein is another core part of any weight loss journey, and Tara made sure to eat enough. “How do I get 150g protein in every day?” is another FAQ her followers have. “Plan your meals around your protein and make sure your breakfast is protein heavy so you’re not chasing your tail all day long,” she responds.

I Cut Out Alcohol

A lot of people also want to know: “Did you cut out alcohol?” she says. “I did at first as I was so determined to lose weight, but I have since reintroduced it. Just remember nothing is forever and it’s ok to stop something for a bit if it’s not serving you in a positive way.”

I Prioritized Nutrition Over Exercise

The last question: Is exercise more important than diet? “Nooooo. You cannot outrun a bad diet. For weight loss it’s all about nutrition and calorie deficit. Steps second and then exercise. So if you’re strapped for time but really want to lose weight, prioritise your nutrition,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Jennifer Madison
Copyright Jennifer Madison/YouTube/Shutterstock
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 Challenge That Changes Everything

We all have moments when we look in the mirror and don't recognize the person staring back. Jennifer Madison found herself at that crossroads and decided to take action. "It was honestly kind of on a whim that I decided to do this," Jennifer admits in her post. "I gave up alcohol not too long ago, just because I wanted to feel better about myself, and I felt like alcohol wasn't helping with any of my goals." Her journey began after hitting 38 days alcohol-free, coincidentally the same number of days she lasted in her previous 75 Hard attempt. This time would be different. Discover how this ordinary woman achieved extraordinary results through pure determination.

What Is 75 Hard Anyway?

Hand holding 1 gallon plastic bottle of drinking water; silhouette on white.Shutterstock

75 Hard isn't just another fitness challenge—it's a complete mental toughness program designed to transform your life through discipline. The rules are simple but demanding: take a daily progress photo, drink a gallon of water, follow a diet with no cheat meals or alcohol, complete two 45-minute workouts (one outdoors regardless of weather), and read 10 pages of a non-fiction book. Miss one task, and you start over at day one. "If you're already looking for excuses, there are plenty out there," Jennifer says. "There will always be an important event coming up. The weather won't always be 70 and sunny." But the rewards are worth every sacrifice.

The First Week Breakthrough

Woman,Walking,In,The,Park,With,Bottle,Water,In,Summer​Daily WalksShutterstock

Committing to something is always easier than maintaining it, especially when old habits try to pull you back. Jennifer started strong but knew the real challenge would come during her commute days. "I don't know yet if I'm going to share this, or if I want to put it out there again with the world that I'm trying again," she confessed early on. "I know my family is not going to want me to do this again, so I haven't told anyone because I truly was at a really, really dark place last time." Despite her doubts, the results came quickly—she dropped 5.2 pounds in just one week, proving that immediate payoff can fuel long-term commitment.

Overcoming Social Pressure

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

Social situations become minefields when you're committed to strict habits. Jennifer faced this head-on during work dinners and celebrations. "Everyone was drinking wine. They were like, 'Oh Jen didn't get a glass.' They told the waiter it was my birthday. He got me a little shot of vodka and pineapple juice. I gave it to a co-worker," Jennifer recalls. She even resorted to smashing cake into a napkin to avoid breaking her commitment when pressured to eat dessert. While these moments were challenging, they strengthened her resolve and showed that saying "no" gets easier with practice.

The Weather Won't Stop You

Girl under RainShutterstock

Mother Nature doesn't care about your fitness goals, but true transformation means persevering anyway. "It's pouring. So this is what I looked like coming back into work. I'm soaked. My pants are soaked. My shoes are soaked. My socks are soaked. I look like a wet dog but I got my 45 minutes in so that's what counts," Jennifer shared after a particularly brutal outdoor workout. Through rain, cold, and exhaustion, she never missed a day. Your excuses about weather conditions will seem insignificant after seeing what's possible with true commitment.

Hitting the 38-Day Milestone

Smart watch on the woman's hand​It's Now Part Of My LifeShutterstock

Breaking past your previous failure point creates powerful momentum. Day 38 marked a significant psychological milestone for Jennifer—the day she had given up during her first attempt. "I am feeling so happy. My spirits are very high. I am on cloud nine, honestly," Jennifer revealed. "I'm gonna accomplish it this time around. I know I'm gonna hit all 75 days." Pushing through your former breaking point proves that your past doesn't define your future. You can rewrite your story with persistence.

The Physical Transformation

Woman trying dress in looking in mirror cheerful and happy.How to Lose Weight Fast for a Special Occasion, According to an ExpertShutterstock

Consistent effort yields undeniable results. Jennifer lost an impressive 25 pounds during her 75 Hard journey, but the benefits went far beyond numbers on a scale. "My mom kept commenting on how my face looks so much skinnier. I just look in the mirror and I look at myself in the camera so much that I don't really notice the changes," Jennifer remarked. Sometimes others notice our transformation before we do. Your daily progress may seem small, but others will see the dramatic difference when your discipline accumulates over weeks and months.

Developing Healthy Nutrition Habits

,pan,pot,stove,kitchen,Cooking,Lunch,Preparing,​Why Should You Make Them?Shutterstock

Food discipline isn't just about following rules—it's about developing better awareness of your body's actual needs. "Something I really struggle with and something I'm really working on is trying to control food noise and figuring out am I eating because I feel like it's time to eat or am I eating because I'm hungry," Jennifer shared. Throughout the challenge, she learned to resist social eating cues and listen to her body instead. You'll discover that many of your eating habits are based on convenience or social pressure rather than genuine hunger.

Finding Joy in Movement

Young healthy athletic woman running on a treadmill near the sunny window in the gym and listening music.Shutterstock

Exercise becomes something you crave rather than dread when it becomes part of your identity. Jennifer gradually shifted from reluctant workouts to enthusiastic movement. "I feel so good. If I could, I would do midday workouts all the time. I feel like I have the most energy to do my best workouts," she noticed by the end of her journey. Your relationship with physical activity can transform completely when you commit to consistent practice regardless of motivation.

The Mental Transformation

Happy fit middle aged woman cheering and celebrating as she walks along a rural lane through a leafy green park after working out jogging.12 Ways to Lose Weight Simply by WalkingShutterstock

The physical changes are impressive, but the mental shift is what truly lasts. "I give up too often and I'm changing who I am. I'm not that person anymore. I don't give up on things. I follow through with things. I accomplish my goals," Jennifer declared during the final third of her challenge. This mental toughness extends to every area of life, from career ambitions to personal relationships. You'll develop a proven track record with yourself that builds unshakable self-trust.

Life After 75 Hard

Female bare feet with weight scale on wooden floorShutterstock

Completing a challenge means nothing if you return to old habits. The true test comes after day 75. "In the nearly two months that have passed since doing 75 Hard, I've lost even more weight and feel better than I ever did," Jennifer reported. She maintained her reading habit, consistent workouts, outdoor walks, and even added weight training. The challenge provided the structure to develop habits that became a sustainable lifestyle. Your transformation doesn't have to end when the challenge does.

Start Your Own Transformation Today

Drinking water and staying hydrated. Person running in the park trying shoe next to bottle of water.​HydrationShutterstock

Jennifer's journey proves that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results through consistent discipline. She started just like you—uncertain, with plenty of excuses and past failures. Yet 75 days of unwavering commitment completely transformed both her body and mindset. "If someone told you that you could change your entire life in just two and a half months, would you do the work necessary to make the change?" Jennifer asks. The answer is up to you, but her results speak for themselves. What could you accomplish in the next 75 days? And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.