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

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

Fitness Skeptic Walked 90 Days to Get Back in Shape

Discover simple 3-month plan anyone can follow from home.

Claude_Kiseke8

Ever look at old photos and barely recognize yourself? Or feel a pang of anxiety about the upcoming beach season? You're not alone. Millions of people struggle with body confidence and finding a sustainable approach to fitness. In this article, travel vlogger and wellness enthusiastClaude Kiseke shares her practical, no-nonsense approach to getting back in shape without expensive gym memberships or crash diets. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or need to get back on track, her 90-day plan offers simple, achievable steps anyone can follow.


A Moment of Truth in Front of the Camera

"I was watching my vlogs back and noticed that I was a lot less confident in a bikini than this time last year, which is crazy because I've always been very comfortable with my nakedness," Claude shares in her post. This moment of self-reflection led her to realize she had been "hunching over or covering myself a lot" – behavior that felt unnatural to her typically confident self. After years of starting and stopping various fitness routines, she decided to document her journey back to confidence through a realistic 90-day transformation plan.

Check Your Readiness for Change

Before starting any weight loss journey, the Mayo Clinic stresses the importance of mental preparation. Ask yourself if you're ready to change eating habits, increase physical activity, and dedicate time to these changes. For Claude, this moment came after realizing, "I've done all the research, I might as well do a nutrition and PT course because I know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. I just don't do it."

RELATED:83-Year-Old Woman Drops 13 Pounds With 5 Simple Habits

Find Your Motivation

"The time is going, and I have attainable goals, and I could have reached it two, three years ago, and here I still am," Claude admits. The Mayo Clinic suggests making a list of personal reasons for weight loss to stay motivated. Consider posting inspirational notes on your refrigerator or tracking progress in a journal. Having a support system is crucial - choose people who listen to your concerns and share your healthy lifestyle goals.

Set Smart, Achievable Goals

Mayo Clinic recommends aiming to lose 1-2 pounds per week, which requires burning 500-750 more calories than you consume daily. Claude's approach aligns with this: "I've decided to set myself a 90-day goal and it's not like one of those lose 60 million pounds in this time." She chose three specific goals: cooking at home, increasing fiber intake, and consistent exercise.

Master the Basics of Weight Loss Science

Understanding your body's calorie needs is crucial. "If my metabolic rate is 1,800 and I'm eating 1000 calories a day that is 800 calories less, I'm literally starving myself," Claude explains. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that sustainable weight loss comes from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular physical activity.

Start With Walking - The Gateway Exercise

"What I like about walking is that you're not fighting for your life the way you are when you're running," Claude shares. This aligns with Mayo Clinic's recommendation to build up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days. Claude built up to "17 to 20,000 steps a day and I wouldn't break a sweat from it because I was so used to it."

Follow a Progressive 90-Day Plan

Claude breaks down the challenge into three phases:

  • Weeks 1-4: Foundation building
  • Weeks 5-8: Progressive overload
  • Weeks 9-12: Intensity increase

The Mayo Clinic supports this gradual approach, emphasizing that lasting weight loss requires permanent lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting.

RELATED:This Woman Lost 10 Pounds in 30 Days With Simple Walking Routine

Make Healthy Eating Enjoyable

"Life is not that deep," Claude says about occasional indulgences. The Mayo Clinic recommends focusing on fresh, minimally processed foods while being mindful during meals. They suggest eating at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruits daily, choosing whole grains, and limiting added sugars.

Address Common Weight Loss Myths

"Either you have abs or you don't, and it's okay to work on having a flat stomach that doesn't have abs," Claude states. She debunks spot reduction myths and the concept of "good" and "bad" foods. The Mayo Clinic supports this balanced approach, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes.

Embrace Mental and Physical Well-being

"Having those crazy washboard abs is great, but if you don't like the way you feel or if you're not confident in how you feel in all the stages of your journey, then even when you get to whatever your goal is, you're still going to be looking for something else," Claude reflects. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of changing your mindset and dealing with setbacks constructively. Remember that lasting change takes time and consistency.

RELATED:7 Budget Protein Foods This Chef Always Buys at Costco

Stay Active Beyond Exercise

The Mayo Clinic recommends finding ways to move more throughout the day: taking stairs, parking farther away, or standing during phone calls. Claude's approach of incorporating daily walks aligns with this advice. Both emphasize that any extra movement helps burn calories and contribute to overall 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

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.

Ever look at old photos and barely recognize yourself? Or feel a pang of anxiety about the upcoming beach season? You're not alone. Millions of people struggle with body confidence and finding a sustainable approach to fitness. In this article, travel vlogger and wellness enthusiastClaude Kiseke shares her practical, no-nonsense approach to getting back in shape without expensive gym memberships or crash diets. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or need to get back on track, her 90-day plan offers simple, achievable steps anyone can follow.


A Moment of Truth in Front of the Camera

"I was watching my vlogs back and noticed that I was a lot less confident in a bikini than this time last year, which is crazy because I've always been very comfortable with my nakedness," Claude shares in her post. This moment of self-reflection led her to realize she had been "hunching over or covering myself a lot" – behavior that felt unnatural to her typically confident self. After years of starting and stopping various fitness routines, she decided to document her journey back to confidence through a realistic 90-day transformation plan.

Check Your Readiness for Change

Before starting any weight loss journey, the Mayo Clinic stresses the importance of mental preparation. Ask yourself if you're ready to change eating habits, increase physical activity, and dedicate time to these changes. For Claude, this moment came after realizing, "I've done all the research, I might as well do a nutrition and PT course because I know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. I just don't do it."

RELATED:83-Year-Old Woman Drops 13 Pounds With 5 Simple Habits

Find Your Motivation

"The time is going, and I have attainable goals, and I could have reached it two, three years ago, and here I still am," Claude admits. The Mayo Clinic suggests making a list of personal reasons for weight loss to stay motivated. Consider posting inspirational notes on your refrigerator or tracking progress in a journal. Having a support system is crucial - choose people who listen to your concerns and share your healthy lifestyle goals.

Set Smart, Achievable Goals

Mayo Clinic recommends aiming to lose 1-2 pounds per week, which requires burning 500-750 more calories than you consume daily. Claude's approach aligns with this: "I've decided to set myself a 90-day goal and it's not like one of those lose 60 million pounds in this time." She chose three specific goals: cooking at home, increasing fiber intake, and consistent exercise.

Master the Basics of Weight Loss Science

Understanding your body's calorie needs is crucial. "If my metabolic rate is 1,800 and I'm eating 1000 calories a day that is 800 calories less, I'm literally starving myself," Claude explains. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that sustainable weight loss comes from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular physical activity.

Start With Walking - The Gateway Exercise

"What I like about walking is that you're not fighting for your life the way you are when you're running," Claude shares. This aligns with Mayo Clinic's recommendation to build up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days. Claude built up to "17 to 20,000 steps a day and I wouldn't break a sweat from it because I was so used to it."

Follow a Progressive 90-Day Plan

Claude breaks down the challenge into three phases:

  • Weeks 1-4: Foundation building
  • Weeks 5-8: Progressive overload
  • Weeks 9-12: Intensity increase

The Mayo Clinic supports this gradual approach, emphasizing that lasting weight loss requires permanent lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting.

RELATED:This Woman Lost 10 Pounds in 30 Days With Simple Walking Routine

Make Healthy Eating Enjoyable

"Life is not that deep," Claude says about occasional indulgences. The Mayo Clinic recommends focusing on fresh, minimally processed foods while being mindful during meals. They suggest eating at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruits daily, choosing whole grains, and limiting added sugars.

Address Common Weight Loss Myths

"Either you have abs or you don't, and it's okay to work on having a flat stomach that doesn't have abs," Claude states. She debunks spot reduction myths and the concept of "good" and "bad" foods. The Mayo Clinic supports this balanced approach, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes.

Embrace Mental and Physical Well-being

"Having those crazy washboard abs is great, but if you don't like the way you feel or if you're not confident in how you feel in all the stages of your journey, then even when you get to whatever your goal is, you're still going to be looking for something else," Claude reflects. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of changing your mindset and dealing with setbacks constructively. Remember that lasting change takes time and consistency.

RELATED:7 Budget Protein Foods This Chef Always Buys at Costco

Stay Active Beyond Exercise

The Mayo Clinic recommends finding ways to move more throughout the day: taking stairs, parking farther away, or standing during phone calls. Claude's approach of incorporating daily walks aligns with this advice. Both emphasize that any extra movement helps burn calories and contribute to overall health. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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 weight without having to go to the gym? Tarn Kaur is an online fitness coach, social media influencer, and weight loss warrior. She often shares tips and tricks on how to slim down in a healthy and sustainable way. In a recent TikTok, she revealed that she lost an average of 10 pounds a month without having to hit the gym. “I lost 71 pounds, and I did all of this without going to the gym,” she says, going on to reveal how she did it.


Walking Is the Key to Weight Loss, She Says

@weightlosswithtarn

How I lost weight without gym!🤍 #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #weightlossjourneyuk #weightlossprogress

The secret to her weight loss success? Putting on some sneakers. “My biggest tip I can give you is actually go out and get yourself walking. It sounds so simple, and it sounds like you won’t really do much, but it absolutely changed everything for me,” she said.

She Started Walking to Feel Better

“So when I was at my largest, I was always out of breath, always. My mental health wasn’t that great, and I was always fatigued and low energy. So what I decided to do, and this is where I didn’t really focus on the scales. I just wanted to feel better. I went for a walk, and that’s how everything began,” she says.

She Focused On Walking Daily to Establish a Habit

“The biggest tip I can give you is you don’t need to walk 10,000, 20,000, or 30,000 steps a day, but what you need to do is start to build that habit of movement. Whether that’s going out for 1,000 steps or you’re not even counting, but just walking every single day around the block, around your area and building that up over time,” she explained.

She Didn’t Go to the Gym Until After Her Fat Loss Stage

She went on to lose 70 pounds over an eight month period of time, “and I only started working out near the end when I wanted to tone up and my body felt quite soft per se,” she claims. “I really wanted to tone up, and that’s when I started doing home workouts again. I didn’t go to the gym during that fat loss phase.”

RELATED: 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coache

She Walked Every Day

“What I did do, though, is go for a walk every single day without fail. It didn’t need to be 10,000 steps every single day, but I made that a real key habit of mine. And once I started to really build that consistency and discipline of going out every single day, everything else stacked on top quite easily,” she explained.

It Actually Stuck

“I was someone that would never stick to anything for more than a week. I tried all of the silly diets,” she says. “And what actually stuck is just trying to make my body feel better and not focusing on what the scale said.”

She Started Walking More and More Steps

“I started off quite slow because I was so unhealthy and so overweight. I was out of breath just going around the block. That eventually progressed over months, weeks and weeks, months and months, days and days. It progressed to 10 to 12,000 steps a day, and it just became so easy. My legs were so toned even though the rest of me still needed work. My legs literally could take me anywhere, and they did.”

It Helped Her Mental Health

“It just became a real kind of need in my everyday routine to go out, not only for my body and for exercise and for endorphins, but for my mental health. During that time, I had time for myself. I put my headphones on, I completely shifted my mindset,” she says.

RELATED: I Lost 120 Pounds by Cutting Out These Common Foods I'll Never Eat Again

She Shifted Her Mindset

“I didn’t see it as ‘Oh, I need to go for a walk because I need to lose weight.’ I just changed it to ‘I want to go for a walk, I want some alone time, I wanna listen to my favorite podcast, I wanna catch up with a friend on the phone, I wanna get some fresh air.’”

The Biggest Takeaway? Start Slow and Be Consistent

“Honestly, it sounds so simple, but the most important thing is you need to start so slowly and so easily on this journey that you feel like you’re not doing anything. That’s what I felt like, and it changed everything. I am now in the best shape of my life. I feel great mentally and physically, and honestly, just take that first step. That literal first step, be consistent with it,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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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.

Do you want to burn body fat without going on a drastic diet or spending hours in the gym daily? Paul Revelia, owner of Pro Physique, is a fitness coach who helps people burn fat and become the fittest versions of themselves. In one of his viral videos, he explains how walking was seriously instrumental in his own body fat loss journey and how you can follow in his footsteps. In the clip, he explains how “when I was trying to lose body fat,” all he did “was walk” and how 10,000 steps a day helped him achieve his goals.


Wear a Fitness Tracker

Runner,Using,Heart,Rate,Monitor,Training,Running,,Smartwatch,Checking,PerformanceShutterstock

“Right here, we're gonna talk about the idea of fat loss and how it relates to getting steps per day. Because we now wear fitness trackers, we now have this accountability that we didn't have before, and it was a game changer for me when I actually started paying attention,” he explains in the video.

He Wanted to Determine How Many Steps Equals a Mile

He explains that he “ran an experiment at the local track” to figure out how many steps actually translate to one mile. He also wanted to figure out exactly what 10,000 steps “look like.”

10,000 Steps Is Generally Considered the Goal

Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Feb 20, 2022. A Person with an Apple Watch Series 7 with a pedometer app on the screen and with a daily ten thousand steps.Shutterstock

He reveals that an FAQ is, “Can you please tell me if you can lose weight walking 10,000 steps?” But first of all, “what is 10,000 steps?” he asks. “I think a lot of us hear this term, you should get 10,000 steps a day, but what does 10,000 steps a day actually look like?”

He Tested It Out at His Local Track

man running in the track. Fit male fitness runner jogging in stadium

So, he went to a local track that was a quarter mile. “Obviously, if it's a quarter mile, it takes four laps to walk a mile. So I decided I'm gonna run the time, and I'm gonna actually count my steps, not use a device. Sometimes, those are a little inaccurate. So, I actually walked multiple times around and counted my steps every time. So how many steps do you think it took to get around a quarter mile or a mile?”

One-Quarter Mile Took 5 Minutes and 440 Steps

Runner with heart rate monitor sports smart watch. Man running looking at his pulse outside in nature on road with smartwatch.Shutterstock

“I was a little surprised,” he confesses. “That entire walk, which took five minutes to get around that quarter mile, took me 440 steps. Now I'm six foot three. Maybe my steps are longer than yours, but I was a little surprised. That means that it's only 1,760 steps for a mile. That means if you're getting 10,000 steps a day, what is that? Seven, eight miles? I mean, that is a significant amount of walking. And I think the idea of you losing weight walking 10,000 steps a day? Hell, yes.”

Walking and Walking for Fat Loss Are Two Different Things

Travel concept. Men wear leather shoes and travel on the Suspension bridge.Shutterstock

He explained that he had used walking for all his fat loss in the past. “However, there is a big difference between walking and walking for the purposes of losing body fat,” Paul explains. “Now, when I'm traveling or going on vacation or I just wanna get my steps up so I can enjoy some food, I will do that. However, when I'm trying to get lean, when I'm trying to get shredded, get my body fat down, well below 10%, yes, I use walking.”

When Walking for Fat Loss, He Changes the Intensity

Young sexy couple is running along the promenade. they are doing their sport workout in the beautiful sundown along the beach. colorful dress, trees, water, mountains and a amazing blue sky.Shutterstock

When he is walking for fat loss, “I'm not walking on a track at a casual pace. No, I changed the intensity of the exercise,” he says, revealing some “methods” to use walking for fat loss.

You Need to Calculate Calories In and Out and Your Metabolic Weight

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

First, you need to look at your “calories in, calories out,” he says. Next, you need to understand your “basal metabolic rate,” he adds. “What are your requirements? And then, how much are you burning throughout the day?”

Most of the Calories You Burn Aren’t From Exercise

Underwater,Reflection,Silhouette,Of,A,Girl,Walking,On,The,SeashoreShutterstock

“I think a lot of us assume that most of the calories we burn come in the form of exercise. That is actually a very small portion of that. In fact, I don't count my exercise towards my fat loss calories,” he reveals. “I only count what is typically gonna be my basal metabolic rate or the amount of energy that my body requires just to keep the lights on and keep moving along with the calories that I burn in cardiovascular exercise.”

He Lifts Weights

Fit people standing at barbells before exercise. Horizontal indoors shotShutterstock

His focus at the gym is weightlifting. “When people say there's no way you got that physique just from walking, guys, I've been lifting weights for 30 years. The only thing that really changes when you see me here with a little bit more body fat and here with a little bit less body fat is the body fat. The muscle was there,” he says.

You Look More Muscular When You Shed Body Fat

close up of man holding weight in gymShutterstock

“There's this weird thing that happens. You have this illusion. The more body fat you have, the more you don't have as much shape and detail. You actually look more muscular. More people come up to me in the gym when I'm 205 pounds than I'm at 235 pounds. This look is kind of an illusion. I'm not stronger. I don't have more muscle, and yet I look much more muscular, and I look stronger,” he says.

Diet Is Key

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

“That is what bodybuilding is all about. It's about dieting down, getting to very low body fat levels, and keeping as much muscle as possible. So, for the purposes of can you lose weight by walking 10,000 steps, yes. But you can also gain weight walking 10,000 steps a day if your diet is a mess,” he says.

RELATED: 4 Ways I Tightened My Sagging Skin After 50

He Recommends an Online Calculator

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

He recommends using an online calculator. “I'm gonna let you plug in all the information you need to get an accurate reading for where your calories should be for fat loss, rapid fat loss, muscle building, bulking, whatever it might be. And then you can give yourself a plan,” he says.

If You Overexercise, You Will Overconsume Calories

Nutritional label with focus on calories.Shutterstock

“Although I would love to just tell everyone, ‘Hey if you go walk 10,000 steps a day, you're gonna lose weight,’ what happens when some people exercise more, and the research actually backs this up, is they overconsume calories,” he says. “That's right. If you're not being accountable, well, there is a likelihood that you're going to eat more because you're hungrier. So this tells us that exercise might actually cause an induction of overeating.”

He Made This Mistake When He Was Younger

Rear view to runner in blue t-shirt and black leggings running on bridge. Outdoor exercising on smooth concrete ground on lake bridge. Sun is outlining man bodyShutterstock

He even did that when he was younger and “got as fat as possible,” he admits. “I did end up putting on a lot of body fat through those years. I don't regret it because it was a learning experience, and I went through it. But I can also attest to the fact that sometimes, when you add more food, you actually move more, right? It's called adaptive thermogenesis. It works that way. Some people, they get more food, they get more energy. It all depends on where you're at in your life and your calories and your diet.”

You Can Walk on Incline, Change Intensity, and Change Speed

Couple of Young Happy Travelers Hiking with Backpacks on the Beautiful Rocky Trail at Warm Summer Sunset. Family Travel and Adventure Concept.Shutterstock

“Can you lose weight walking 10,000 steps a day?” He says the answer is yes. “That's seven miles or so of walking per day, which is a significant amount. Now, do I walk 10,000 steps? Perhaps, but what do I do? I change the intensity. I walk on an incline. I speed up on that incline.”

RELATED:I Lost 120 Pounds by Walking. Here Is What I Wish I Knew Before

Whatever Method You Choose, It Boils Down to Diet

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

“Is it better to walk 10,000 steps a day outside on a flat surface? Or is it better to walk 5,000 steps a day on an incline? Maybe it's better to walk 2000 steps, but you're sprinting, right? So, there are different modalities, intensities, and ways to get the same result. But ultimately, it all comes down to that big pie that shows us how many calories we're burning throughout the day, okay?” he says.

You Don’t Need to “Go Hard”

Tired young man runner taking a rest after running hard at the parkShutterstock

“Most of the calories that we're gonna burn are gonna come in the form of non-exercise activity. And a lot of the reasons I love using walking is because it's not a form of cardio that's gonna diminish my non-exercise activity. And this is what I mean by that. A lot of people love to go hard. They love to go hard on their cardio for 15 to 30 minutes, but then they're gas and exhausted the rest of the day. If you've ever done high-intensity sprints, you know what I'm talking about, it wrecks you. That means for the rest of the day, you have less neat or non-exercise activity thermogenesis. So, although you burn more calories in that 15 to 20 to 30-minute session, you burn fewer calories. The other 23 and a half hours a day. Who's the real winner here? Depends on your goals,” he says.

You Don’t Have to Be a “High-Intensity Athlete”

Strong,Fitness,,Gym,,Dumbbell,Teamwork,Training, push,up, muscle, weights,Shutterstock

“If something specific requires you to be a high-intensity athlete, great. I’m not telling you guys 47 years old, lifetime natural, I'm sustaining well below 10% body fat with almost zero effort through walking, hitting my macros, and going to the gym a couple days a week,” he continues.

RELATED:I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life After 50 With These Top Foods

You Can Lose Weight Walking

“So yeah, get your butts to the track, count those steps. I wanna see if it's the same for you. Four me for a quarter mile. So what would that be? So that actually works out almost perfectly to six miles. It's about 10,000, 500 steps for six miles. So 10,000 steps is a six-mile walk. That is not nothing. You can definitely lose weight doing that,” he says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

We've all heard about the benefits of walking, but few commit to making it a serious daily habit. That's what sets fitness coachPernilla apart. Known for her practical approach to wellness and followed by over 300,000 people on Instagram, she decided to push her usual walking routine further – committing to 20,000 steps every day for a month. "My body changed completely," she reveals, "but what surprised me most were the mental benefits." Here's what happened when she traded scrolling time for stepping time.


The Commitment: Small Steps, Big Vision

"Before you optimize, you need to standardize," Pernilla explains in her post, drawing from James Clear's Atomic Habits philosophy. "Don't worry about hitting a specific step count initially. Just make walking a daily habit first." She emphasizes that even a short daily walk can plant the seed for bigger changes.

RELATED: He Did Farmer's Walks for 30 Days and His Body Transformed "Almost Immediately"

Unexpected Sleep Improvements

"After walking 8-10 miles each day, your body knows it's done something meaningful," Pernilla says. She found herself falling into deep, refreshing sleep each night. "If we're not moving enough, it impacts our sleep, which then makes it harder to move the next day. Breaking this cycle was game-changing for me."

Physical Changes Beyond Weight Loss

"My shoulders are more open now, and I stand taller naturally," Pernilla shares. She noticed her body becoming leaner and more toned, but emphasizes that the benefits went deeper. "Many times we're not as asymmetrical as we think – our daily habits just keep us stuck in certain patterns. Consistent walking helps undo that."

The Mental Clarity Breakthrough

The most surprising outcome was emotional. "I'm genuinely more positive and balanced," Pernilla reveals. "Moving my body is how I feel happiest – it's been true since childhood." She describes walking as a form of meditation, noting how the rhythmic movement helps process daily stress.

RELATED: She Lost 28 Pounds Eating in Restaurants by Following These 4 Rules

The 'Walker's High' Is Real

"There's this metabolic state I can't really describe," Pernilla shares. "It's like a runner's high, but for walking. You hit this point where you feel like you could walk forever. It's smooth, it feels so good, and your body just wants to keep moving."

Making Time: The Reality Check

Time was her biggest challenge, but Pernilla found creative solutions: "Most of us underestimate how much time we have in a day. After sleeping eight hours and working eight hours, we still have eight hours left." Her trick? Combining walks with other activities: "I've watched entire movies while walking on a treadmill. After a few minutes, you don't even realize you're moving."

Maximizing Every Step

Want better results? Pernilla recommends walking with palms facing forward. "It sounds crazy, but it's a game-changer for confidence," she says. For added benefits, she uses light ankle weights and varies her walking pace. "Even walking briskly around your neighborhood, getting your heart rate up slightly, can help you get the most out of your time."

The Science-Backed Benefits

"Walking typically has a VO2 max of around 40%," Pernilla explains. "Unlike high-intensity workouts, which can increase stress hormones, walking actually reduces our cortisol levels. That's probably another reason why it feels so good when you do it regularly."

RELATED: 5 Quick Protein Meals a Doctor Uses to “Drop Weight Fast” on Ozempic

Tracking Progress Without Obsession

"There's a difference between having a disciplined daily goal and tying your self-worth to that goal," Pernilla emphasizes. She suggests approaching walking goals like a tennis umpire: "Don't get emotional about the outcomes. Just observe, be curious, and look for ways to improve."

Start Your Own Journey

"This isn't about hitting 20,000 steps immediately," Pernilla concludes. "If you're currently walking 3,000 steps, start by adding just 20 minutes of walking to your day." Her final advice? "The path to transformation begins with a single step – literally and metaphorically. My body changed completely, but it started with that first decision to walk more each day." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nikki Madoch Nikki Gets Fit
I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps
Copyright nikkigets_fit/Instagram


Most of us struggle to find time for exercise or believe we need intense workouts to see results. As a certified nutrition coach who lost over 70 pounds, Nikki Madoch(@NikkiGetsFit) was skeptical about walking's impact on weight loss. "I didn't want to put in the effort to go walk because I just didn't think it was even worth it," she admits. But after committing to daily walks for 30 days, she discovered five game-changing strategies that accelerated her weight loss journey. In just one month of implementing these tricks, she noticed significant changes in her body composition and lost weight as part of her overall program.

The Morning Movement Trick

"I like to do little walks in the morning. It helps me to just start my day," Nikki reveals in her post. She discovered that splitting her morning walks into two sessions – first walking the dogs, then taking a solo walk - helped her accumulate 2,000-3,000 steps before breakfast. "After I walk the dogs each, I will go on a solo walk by myself," she explains, noting how this simple habit set her up for success each day.

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

The After-Dinner Fat-Burning Secret

The most surprising discovery was how evening walks affected her body. "If I just like sit there after eating all that food, it just kind of like sits in my stomach," Nikki shares. She found that walking after dinner not only aided digestion but also reduced bloating significantly. "I've noticed this past month I have not felt nearly as bloated as I usually do," she reports, attributing this change directly to her post-dinner walks.

How to Make Evening Walks a Habit

Making the after-dinner walk consistent wasn't always easy. "Today's the first day that it's felt like it's a little bit of a chore to hit 10k," Nikki admits. "I finished dinner and I really didn't want to go out but I wanted to stick to this and stay consistent." Her solution was to focus on the immediate benefits: "It always felt good when I was done and I was always happy that I went and did it."

The Workout Enhancement Method

Rather than replacing her gym sessions, Nikki discovered that walking enhanced her workout results. "Going walking throughout the day, whether it's right when I get home from the gym or like right after dinner, it helps my muscles and my joints," she explains. This combination of regular walks and gym workouts led to better muscle definition: "I've noticed my legs getting smaller, but still muscular. They're just seeming to look more toned."

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

Maximizing Gym Results

Nikki found that walking complemented her gym routine perfectly. "I did look, obviously from the start of my workout is the first thing I did today going to the gym. So I had zero steps and when I was done, I had 900 steps just from walking around and walking in and out and stuff," she shares. This showed her that every movement counts towards the daily goal.

The Stealth Steps Strategy

On busy days, Nikki found creative ways to accumulate steps. "I actually just put my phone in my apron while I was walking around and that helped me to get another 1,000 steps," she shares. She maximized everyday activities by parking further from stores and pacing during daily tasks. "I did go to the store after the gym, which helped me get some steps. I actually parked further and that helped," she notes about making movement a natural part of her routine.

Dealing with Weather Challenges

Bad weather didn't stop her progress. "Today is the first day that it is so cold that I just don't even want to walk outside," Nikki admits. Her solution? "I'm just using my walking pad... I like to do sometimes is kind of just take breaks and do it in intervals. So I'll walk for 30 minutes, sit for 30 minutes, walk for 30 minutes, and then that'll be 6,000 steps that I get."

The Sustainable Sweet Spot

The biggest revelation was about the optimal step count. "I think that honestly 8,000 steps would be just as beneficial," Nikki reflects. She discovered that aiming for a flexible range of 8,000-12,000 steps was more sustainable than strictly targeting 10,000. "I feel like you can kind of be flexible with it throughout the week... as long as you're just incorporating the movement consistently, it really does make a big difference," she explains.

Planning for Success

Success required some strategic thinking. "Today's the first day that I actually have to plan out my steps ahead of time," Nikki shares about a busy day. "I'm probably not going to be able to get my steps after dinner. So right now I'm walking the dogs. I went to the gym this morning and I do have to go to the grocery store so I'm going to park further and try to get some extra steps there." This kind of planning helped her stay consistent even on challenging days.

The Visible Results

After 30 days, the changes were undeniable. "I've noticed the most difference on my body in this past month. And I think it's because of the walking," Nikki shares. Beyond the physical changes, she experienced improved digestion, reduced bloating, and better muscle recovery. "I've been back in weight loss mode and I've lost 12 pounds, but I've noticed the most difference on my body in this past month," she reveals about combining walking with her overall weight loss strategy.

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The Mental Transformation

The benefits went beyond physical changes. "It got to the point after like a week or two where I was like, I can't imagine not doing this. It feels like I've always done these walks," Nikki shares. The daily walks became a form of self-care and stress relief, making the habit even more valuable for overall wellness.

Making It Work Long-Term

"Through this experience I've realized how beneficial walking actually is and how much it can actually change," Nikki concludes. The key to success isn't perfection but consistency. She plans to continue with a flexible approach to daily steps, focusing on making walking a sustainable part of her lifestyle while still challenging herself to move more throughout the day. "I've enjoyed hitting that target every day. It feels accomplishing every night when I finish it," she adds, emphasizing the satisfaction of building a healthy habit that delivers real results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nikki Madoch Nikki Gets Fit
I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps
Copyright nikkigets_fit/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.

Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating. We often focus on the wrong things and set ourselves up for disappointment. Nikki Madoch (@NikkiGetsFit) knows this all too well. As a self-described "nutrition athlete" with ASM CPT and CNC certifications, Nikki has shared her experience losing an impressive 70 pounds on the Weight Watchers program. Her insights might just be the perspective shift you need to make your own journey more successful and sustainable.

The Right Motivation Makes All the Difference

Most people start losing weight to look better, but that's rarely enough to stick with it long-term. "For so long, I just wanted to look better, have a flat stomach, and look like other people. That was all it was," Nikki admits in her post. She found out that feeling better physically became what truly kept her going, not how she looked, which completely changed her approach and results.

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

Health Benefits Show Up Quickly

The physical improvements from healthier eating can pop up much faster than you might think. "After just one week, I could not believe how much better I felt," Nikki says. She noticed huge differences in her energy and overall well-being after cutting out fast food and focusing on portion control and foods that actually nourished her body.

Feeling Good Trumps Looking Good

Lasting weight loss comes from caring more about how your body feels than how it looks. "What keeps me going is how good I feel when I take care of myself, eat healthy, nourish myself, drink enough water, get enough sleep, and exercise," Nikki points out. While looking better in clothes feels nice, it's the improved quality of life that really drives her to keep making healthy choices.

Body Image Issues Can Actually Increase

Surprisingly, losing weight doesn't magically fix body image issues and might even create new ones. "I didn't know that I would have more body dysmorphia as I lost weight," Nikki confesses. She caught herself becoming more critical and self-conscious about specific body parts during her journey than she had been at her heaviest weight.

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

The Mental Game Gets Tougher

Weight loss demands as much mental strength as physical discipline, especially as you make progress. "It was a whole new mental game that I had to work through," Nikki says about dealing with increased body scrutiny. Learning to shift her focus back to health and strength rather than picking apart her physical imperfections became crucial for her continued success.

Don't Be Afraid to Use All Your Resources

If you're following a structured program, take full advantage of all the flexibility it offers. "I was too scared to use my weeklies," Nikki talks about her initial approach to Weight Watchers points. She later discovered that using all her allotted weekly points actually helped her lose more weight rather than slowing her down.

Strategic Indulgence Works Best

How you use extra calories or points matters more than whether you use them. "What worked best for me was using my weeklies on different snacks that I like—protein bars, nuts, peanut butter spread," Nikki shares. She found that spreading out enjoyable foods throughout the week worked better than saving everything for one big cheat meal.

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Variety Prevents Burnout

Eating the same healthy foods over and over leads to boredom and eventually giving up. "It is very easy to get burned out of things, and it's very important to switch things up," Nikki warns. She learned to keep introducing new recipes, ingredients, and meal ideas to keep her plan interesting and something she could stick with.

Try One New Thing Weekly

Small changes make a big difference in keeping meals from getting boring. "Just trying to add a new recipe each week, just a simple recipe, so that I'm trying something new," Nikki suggests. This approach keeps meals exciting without becoming overwhelming or taking too much time.

The Scale Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Weight is just one measurement and often a misleading one, especially when building muscle. "Weight and the number on the scale is not everything," Nikki insists. She weighs 190 pounds at 6 feet tall and feels healthier now than when she weighed less but had less muscle.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Progress Photos Tell a Better Story

Visual proof of body changes can be more motivating than scale numbers. "I'm actually really happy that I did start taking progress pictures from the start," Nikki mentions. These photos helped her see that she looked smaller at a higher weight due to muscle gain, proving that the scale wasn't telling her the full story of her success.

Embrace Multiple Ways to Measure Success

Relying only on weight can lead to frustration, especially during plateaus. "Having different ways to not focus so much on the scale to see your progress is so important," Nikki talks about. She figured out how to judge her progress through how clothes fit, strength gains, and overall wellbeing rather than obsessing over a specific number.

Final Word

Nikki's journey shows that lasting weight loss comes from focusing on health, enjoyment, and sustainable habits rather than just appearance or numbers on a scale. By shifting your perspective on motivation, measurements, and what truly matters, you can create a healthier relationship with food and your body that lasts far beyond reaching your goal weight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Mateo Ruperti lifting_with_mateo
Copyright lifting_with_mateo/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.

Are you frustrated with all the one-size-fits-all fat loss methods that don’t seem to work for you? One expert claims there are a handful of easy and effective methods you can choose from to lose weight. Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who uses his LWM Blueprint to help “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days.” In a new post, he reveals five methods that you can use to drop weight fast. “How to lose body fat in 3 months,” he writes.

Method 1

His first method involves a lot of coffee and water. “Drink a lot of water, so your tummy will be filled with water and you won’t have urges to eat,” he says. Drink black coffee: Caffeine will give you energy and will manipulate your brain into thinking you are not hungry. Use this when having cravings.”

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

Method 2

The second method involves exercise and a calorie deficit. “Be in a slight calorie deficit of 200-300 calories. Use high dense food to make you feel like you are full without eating so many calories,” he says. Also, do cardio. “Walk about 10,000 to 15,000 steps everyday. Walking is the best form of cardio to burn calories.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Method 3

The third method is following the 30-30-30 Rule. “Do 30 minutes of cardio after 30 minutes of waking up and then eat 30 grams of protein. This is one the fastest ways to burn fat!” he claims.

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

Method 4

His final method? “Eat foods that are rich in protein,” he says, revealing the following recommendations:

  • Egg whites
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Broccoli.

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

Bonus Tips

He also offers some bonus tips

  • Stop drinking ALCOHOL
  • No soda, Starbucks etc.
  • Count your calories precisely for at least 6 days a week.
  • Sleep 7-8 hours a day for better rest and recovery.

And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

HAMILTON, CANADA - JUNE 29, 2017 Costco Wholesale storefront in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Costco operates a chain of membership warehouses, carrying merchandise at lower prices.
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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.

Costco is known for selling some of the most delicious but calorie-heavy items, including pizza dripping with cheese and toppings, substantial hot dogs, and larger-than-life muffins. However, it is also an excellent resource for anyone on a diet or trying to lose weight. Health experts, trainers, and influencers share their go-to weight loss finds at the warehouse daily. Here are the 8 best Costco foods for losing weight that shoppers just discovered.

Wild Caught Salmon

,Salmon,Fish,Fillets, protein, food, dinner​Amp Up Your Protein IntakeShutterstock

Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, recommends stocking up on wild-caught salmon, either frozen or fresh, at Costco. “Wild-caught salmon is rich in Omega-3s for heart and brain health,” she told our sister site, Eat This, Not That!. “These healthy fats are essential as we age, helping to reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Costco offers a variety of wild-caught salmon options that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared for easy, nutritious meals.”

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

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shake

container,Fairlife, milk,grocery, store.food,shopping,supermarket​Fairlife: The High-Protein Milk Game-ChangerShutterstock

I, and lots of influencers and fitness pros, are obsessed with Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shakes. TikToker Ali Olson, who has lost 105 pounds, recently shared a post showing the protein-packed milk in a video detailing her daily diet. Collingwood is also a big fan of Fairlife milk products. “It is delicious and also has a higher protein content than ‘regular’ milk due to how they process the milk,” she says. “It is good for post-workout, on your cereal, in a smoothie, or just a glass with dinner.”

Organic Meat

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meat​Grass-Fed Beef: The Satisfaction SolutionShutterstock

Costco is an excellent resource for organic meat. “Would I rather eat grass-fed, organic meat all the time? Sure, but I’m not a gazillionaire. That’s why I tend to stock up on beef (usually steaks and chuck roast) as well as chicken (organic if I can find it) while I’m there,” writesRuth Soukup, a midlife health and mindset coach, in an Instagram post.

Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken

Holly Hillyer lost 45 pounds and swears that Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken is a must-buy. “Throw this over a bed of cauliflower rice for a quick meal,” she suggests about the paleo-friendly and ultra-clean meals that are easy to prepare and found in the refrigerator section of the warehouse.

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

Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars are a dessert that offers some health benefits. My daughter prefers Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars over traditional ice cream bars – and they cost a fraction of the price compared to Whole Foods or Target. Each bar is just 90 calories and offers 5 grams of protein.

Poppi Prebiotic Soda

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - 6 SEPT 2024: Three cans of Poppi Prebiotic Soda on a bed of ice.

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There’s a reason Pepsi purchased Poppi Prebiotic Soda for nearly 2 billion dollars. The soda isn’t just delicious, the apple cider vinegar and gut-boosting beverage offers health benefits, including improved digestion. I always pick up a box of these on a trip to the warehouse.

Mush Overnight Oats

Los Angeles, California, United States - 08-16-2023: A view of a hand holding a package of Mush Oats, on display at a local grocery store.

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Don’t have time to make overnight oats from scratch? Keep a box of Mush Overnight Oats in your fridge. The individually packaged and portioned overnight oats are great for a quick but nutritious breakfast.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Tru Grill Grilled Chicken Strips

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plate​Greek Chicken BowlShutterstock

Keep pre-cooked, lean proteins on hand for easy and nutritious dinners that will fill you up. Hillyer also recommends Tru Grill precooked Grilled Chicken Strips. “Heat and top a salad for an easy protein with dinner. My kids also love these just dipped in ketchup,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.