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She Lost 21 Pounds by Accepting These “Honest and Brutal” Truths

Expert shares game-changing weight loss approach.

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Are you struggling to lose weight? You might have to face some uncomfortable truths in order to do so, says one expert. Sofe Ring is a Certified Nutrition Coach with almost 100,000 followers on social media who dropped 21 pounds and helps others do the same. In a new Instagram post she reveals “honest and brutal” truths she had to accept during the weight loss process. “There were some brutal truths I had to accept when I was trying to lose weight. They weren’t easy to admit to, but once I worked to process them, it made weight loss and my emotions towards food so much easier to manage,” she writes. Here they are:


She Had to Accept How Much She Weighed

The first step was acceptance. “I had to accept how much I weighed. I bought a scale but didn’t like the number. I thought maybe it was broken, so I bought a new scale. Same number. Being truthful and honest to myself about what I was dealing with was a huge eye-opener,” she writes.

RELATED: Coach Drops 10 Pounds in 2 Months, "5 Things to Avoid in 2025"

She Had to Accept She Was “Eating” Her Feelings

Next, she had to understand what was driving her eating habits. “I had to accept that I was eating my feelings. I had unresolved mind games that were taunting me. For some, when they are stressed, they curl up and lose weight. For me, I would eat to distract myself from dealing with all of it. That’s not okay,” she says.

She Had to Accept That She Couldn’t Do Certain Types of Workouts

“I had to accept that despite going to 3-4 hard HIIT workout classes a week, I’d often get so fatigued midway through class that giving it my all was just too exhausting. My body felt wrecked, and I needed to acknowledge that I just couldn’t do those workouts anymore,” she writes.

She Had to Accept That Calorie Counting Isn’t Bad

“I had to accept that counting calories is NOT a bad thing,” she continued. “In reality, calories are just another way of saying energy, which is what our body needs to be fueled. Excess energy just sits stagnant. I had to accept that I just needed to get over the unsubstantiated stigma and do what was best for me.”

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

She Had to Accept That There Is No “Perfect Time to Start”

And there is no such thing as perfect timing. “I had to accept that there is no perfect time to start. Not next week, not next month. It’s never going to be perfect,” she writes.

She Had to Accept That Things Would Be Hard

“I had to accept that things would be hard. I love food, and I love how food brings us together, but I had to accept that the love I had was doing me damage. I can still love food, but in different ways,” she continues.

She Had to Accept That No Food Is the Enemy

She also had to change her relationship with food. “I had to accept bread and sugar are not the enemy. No food is the enemy. The enemy was my mindset and approach to eating,” she writes.

RELATED: Mother Of 2 Used GLP-1 Microdosing To Drop 30 Pounds And Keep It Off

She Had to Accept That She Couldn’t Eat as Much as Her Husband

“I had to accept that I should not eat as much as my husband. I can’t be making our plates with the same portion when he weighs nearly 75lbs more than me,” she says.

She Had to Accept That Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Next, she had to learn about patience. “I had to accept that I wouldn’t see change overnight. I had to remember that good things truly take time,” she writes at the end. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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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 struggling to lose weight? You might have to face some uncomfortable truths in order to do so, says one expert. Sofe Ring is a Certified Nutrition Coach with almost 100,000 followers on social media who dropped 21 pounds and helps others do the same. In a new Instagram post she reveals “honest and brutal” truths she had to accept during the weight loss process. “There were some brutal truths I had to accept when I was trying to lose weight. They weren’t easy to admit to, but once I worked to process them, it made weight loss and my emotions towards food so much easier to manage,” she writes. Here they are:


She Had to Accept How Much She Weighed

The first step was acceptance. “I had to accept how much I weighed. I bought a scale but didn’t like the number. I thought maybe it was broken, so I bought a new scale. Same number. Being truthful and honest to myself about what I was dealing with was a huge eye-opener,” she writes.

RELATED: Coach Drops 10 Pounds in 2 Months, "5 Things to Avoid in 2025"

She Had to Accept She Was “Eating” Her Feelings

Next, she had to understand what was driving her eating habits. “I had to accept that I was eating my feelings. I had unresolved mind games that were taunting me. For some, when they are stressed, they curl up and lose weight. For me, I would eat to distract myself from dealing with all of it. That’s not okay,” she says.

She Had to Accept That She Couldn’t Do Certain Types of Workouts

“I had to accept that despite going to 3-4 hard HIIT workout classes a week, I’d often get so fatigued midway through class that giving it my all was just too exhausting. My body felt wrecked, and I needed to acknowledge that I just couldn’t do those workouts anymore,” she writes.

She Had to Accept That Calorie Counting Isn’t Bad

“I had to accept that counting calories is NOT a bad thing,” she continued. “In reality, calories are just another way of saying energy, which is what our body needs to be fueled. Excess energy just sits stagnant. I had to accept that I just needed to get over the unsubstantiated stigma and do what was best for me.”

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

She Had to Accept That There Is No “Perfect Time to Start”

And there is no such thing as perfect timing. “I had to accept that there is no perfect time to start. Not next week, not next month. It’s never going to be perfect,” she writes.

She Had to Accept That Things Would Be Hard

“I had to accept that things would be hard. I love food, and I love how food brings us together, but I had to accept that the love I had was doing me damage. I can still love food, but in different ways,” she continues.

She Had to Accept That No Food Is the Enemy

She also had to change her relationship with food. “I had to accept bread and sugar are not the enemy. No food is the enemy. The enemy was my mindset and approach to eating,” she writes.

RELATED: Mother Of 2 Used GLP-1 Microdosing To Drop 30 Pounds And Keep It Off

She Had to Accept That She Couldn’t Eat as Much as Her Husband

“I had to accept that I should not eat as much as my husband. I can’t be making our plates with the same portion when he weighs nearly 75lbs more than me,” she says.

She Had to Accept That Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Next, she had to learn about patience. “I had to accept that I wouldn’t see change overnight. I had to remember that good things truly take time,” she writes at the end. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/Instagram

Are you curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.

When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/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 curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.

When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

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

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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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.

Carla, 23, from Melbourne, Australia, lost 90 lbs in one year after a health scare made her reassess her relationship with food. She opened up about her weight loss journey in an interview with Truly. “At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140,” she says in the viral video. “I had such a bad relationship with food. I just couldn't control myself. I would be eating way too much. I turned to food as a comfort. Men used to say that I would look prettier if I lost weight.” She also reveals the three basic things she did to lose weight and keep it off.


She Hit Bottom

Carla decided to lose weight after a health scare landed her in the hospital. “I was incredibly insecure, and I went into the weight loss journey for the wrong reasons, and it backfired on me heavily. It turned into an eating disorder, and then I ended up putting on the weight after I was laying in bed, crying all night, saying, ‘I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever.’ And that was my big turning point,” she says in the video.

She Struggled With Her Weight Since She Was 12

Check your body shape with white weight scales, top view.Shutterstock

She was 12 or 13 when she started to realize she was overweight. “Coming into high school, you really start to care about how people see you, I find. And I just became very conscious of it,” she says. “When I was 16 years old, I lost 55 pounds, but I wouldn't say that I did it in the most healthy way. I did suffer from an eating disorder, and I also had a bit of body dysmorphia. So every time I looked in the mirror, I would just see myself as much heavier than I really was when I was just, you know, pretty underweight.”

She Suffered From Disordered Eating

@carlavisentin_

Thats what i call an investment 📈 #weightloss #weightlossjourney #motivation #glowup #fyp

“At one point, I had such a bad relationship with food. The food was very scary. It was very nerve-wracking back then to go out to eat with my friends because I just couldn't control myself. I would be either eating way too much, or I would have these urges to go to the bathroom and purge it,” she says. “I was always afraid of trying to lose weight because I was scared that I would go back into that really bad cycle and that bad mentality. But I was pretty. I would say I am. I was confident and confident enough in myself when I was overweight in 2020, and I just wanted to make sure that I knew that I was beautiful, whether I was overweight or not.”

She Ended up in the Hospital

Asian woman lying sick in hospital.Shutterstock

“I remember I was in hospital due to ulcerative colitis. I was in and out of the hospital three times in a span of a year I can remember. And I remember the last time that I was in the hospital, I was laying in bed crying all night, saying, I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever. And that was my big turning point,” she explains. “And as soon as I got out of that hospital, I started doing my research on weight loss. And I tried to ingrain in my brain that we're gonna do this right this time, and we're going to do this healthy.”

First Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Stopped Ordering Takeout

Courier delivery food service at home. Man courier delivered the order no name bag with food.Shutterstock

One thing she did? “I deleted all my fast food apps for no temptation at all,” she says. Prior to losing weight, she “really didn't care and I would eat whatever I really wanted and I would get a lot of Uber Eats,” she says. Now she only gets it “a handful of times a year,” adding that “it's very special every time that happens.”

Second Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Did Online Workouts

Smiling woman in sportswear is sitting on the floor with bottle of water and is using a laptop at home in the living room.Shutterstock

The next basic thing that helped her lose weight? Online workouts. “I would grab my laptop, go on YouTube, search up some workout videos and follow them in my living room or even outside,” she said.

Third Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Shared Side By Side Photos

“At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140. For me to finally see results after two months, it felt very rewarding,” she says. “And putting those side-by-side photos of my before and after just made me more motivated to keep going,” she says.

The Response Has Been Astounding

Social media and digital online concept, man using smart phone with Social media. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media. Social Distancing ,Working From Home concept.Shutterstock

The response has been astounding. “I've gotten a bunch of different comments from men about my weight previously and even now. There are guys who would've never looked in my direction prior to me losing weight who now suddenly care about me. Guys that would maybe even bully me before they suddenly want to get to know who I am. I feel like showing my weight loss journey on social media shows that, literally, anyone can do it. I'm just a normal girl, normal adolescent girl, and she was just able to do it,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Ways to Lose Weight Over 50 Without Feeling Hungry

She Wants to Become Stronger

Woman exercising with a kettlebell weight, low-section cropShutterstock

“Losing weight working out makes me feel so much stronger. Not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. I'm excited to grow more muscle. So that is going to be, I think, the end goal at the end of the year, just building more muscle and becoming more stronger,” she says.

Know Your Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable

“You literally have all the resources that you need within yourself. Definitely holding yourself accountable, reminding yourself what your goals are daily, regularly, all the time,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Lacey Iskra laceeiskk
Copyright laceeiskk/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 eating less and exercising more and still can’t seem to lose weight? Lacey Iskra is a health coach who specializes in “root cause healing,” helping “women get to the root cause of their symptoms, lose fat & increase their energy,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a recent video, she reveals some of the habits she had to give up in order to health her gut and lose weight. “6 crappy habits I had to quit to heal my hormones and lose 20 pounds of fat,” she writes in the video.

She Had to Shift Her Perspective From Eating Less and Working Out More

“I also had to give up a massive belief…A belief I had carried for most of my life,” she continues. “That in order to look and feel how I wanted I just had to eat less and move more. The belief was not working for me and also not serving me. Because I did that. I skipped meals, ate salads multiple times a day and refused to eat anything that wasn’t labelled low calorie.

She Wasn’t Losing Weight and Was “Puffy” and “Exhausted”

“And by following and listening this belief i dug my body into a deep hole,” she says. “Where nothing was working and I felt so stuck. I couldn’t possible eat any less or move any more and yet I was still bloated, puffy, overweight and exhausted.”

She Finally Admitted That the Habits Were Hurting Her

“Once I admitted that my daily habits were hurting me more then serving me I promised myself to start making changes and these were the first habits I kicked to the curb!!” she says, going onto to reveal the list.

Here Are the Bad Habits She Quit

  • Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
  • Working out 7 days a week and never taking rest days
  • Doom scrolling on my phone before bed
  • Rushing through everything absolutely as fast as possible
  • Undereating and skipping meals
  • Running multiple times per week.

She Also Recommends Modifying Current Habits

In another post, she reveals how modifying her daily habits and adding to them was also a game changer. “I still relax on the couch every night … now I just wear a castor oil pack,” she writes. “I still drink a litre of water every morning …now It just has two nettle teabags in it.”

She Also Tweaked Her Diet and Workouts

“I still hit 8000-10,000 steps per day….now I just do it outside instead of in. I still eat 4 meals a day ….now I just make sure its mainly whole foods. I still eat breakfast….now I just make it double the size lol,” she continued. The bottom line? Making small changes to you habits can result in a big, positive impact. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Ilene_Block silverandstrong
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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.

Weight loss in your 50s and 60s may seem impossible – but it’s not. According to one expert, you may even be able to shed pounds by doubling your calorie intake. Ilene Block is the founder of Silver and Strong, a coaching company that specializes in helping women over 50 get into the best shape of their lives. She lost 40 pounds at 61 (and 55 pounds altogether) by making a few simple changes to her routine. “At 61 and overweight, I went from eating 1,000 calories a day to over 2,000 in six month,s and here’s what happened,” she writes. “I lost 40 lbs!” she reveals in the post. “A reverse diet is the process of gradually increasing your calories over time to repair your metabolism. Here’s how you do it,” she says.

Assess Your Starting Point

First, assess your starting point. The first thing to do is track current intake. “Log everything you eat for a few days to confirm you’re consuming 1,000 calories,” says Ilene. Next, establish maintenance needs. “Use a calculator or consult a coach to estimate your true maintenance calories.”

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Set Your Goals

Next, set your goals, starting with shifting your focus to building muscle. “Weight training will help ensure that the additional calories you are eating are used for muscle growth and repair rather than fat storage,” she writes. Also, accept temporary weight fluctuations. “A slight weight increase is normal and doesn’t mean fat gain. If you’re eating more, especially carbs, your body will retain a certain amount of water,” she says.

Increase Calories Gradually

Next, she recommends increasing calories gradually. “Start with +5-10% per week,” she writes. “Add 50–100 calories to your daily intake each week, focusing on nutrient-dense foods.”

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

Prioritize Macronutrients

Another essential thing to do is prioritize macronutrients.

Protein: “Aim for 1g per pound of goal body weight,” she suggests.

Carbs: “Gradually increase carbs to fuel workouts and promote recovery (this should be the remainder of your calories,” she says.

Fats: “Maintain healthy fat intake (20-30% of total calories),” she adds.

Monitor Progress and Adjust

And monitor progress and make adjustments. “Track Your Metrics: Monitor your weight and measurements (chest, waist, hips, thigh), and how you feel (energy, sleep, mood),” she writes. “If no significant weight gain occurs, increase calories again the following week.”

Incorporate Resistance Training

Next comes exercise, which she recommends resistance training. “Lift heavy weights 3-5 times per week to maximize muscle growth and metabolic adaptation,” she says. Also, avoid excess cardio. “Too much cardio can counteract calorie increases by burning through them.”

RELATED:I'm 50+ and These 7 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

Transition to Maintenance

Now it’s time to transition to maintenance. “Once you reach 2,000 calories (or your calculated maintenance level), stay consistent (and be patient to get here). You should be experiencing improved energy and the freedom to eat more without gaining weight,” she writes.

Do a Cut to Lose Body Fat

Lastly, it’s time to do a cut to lose body fat. “After being in maintenance for several months, if you want to lose body fat, you can now do a traditional diet (where you are in a caloric deficit) and lose fat while maintaining your muscle mass,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Caroline Idiens carolinescircuits
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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.

Are you over 40 and trying to lose weight? Getting in shape can be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. One personal trainer maintains that all you need to do is master five simple exercises. Caroline Idiens is a fitness influencer and personal trainer with over 25 years of professional experience helping clients achieve their fitness goals. In a new post, she reveals a few key moves to help you shape up. “5 exercises you need to do at 40+ to build strength💪🏻add weights as you progress,” she writes.

Squats

The first exercise? Squats. “Squats are a brilliant compound functional move building lower body strength and engaging the core,” she says. “You can do bodyweight squats or use weights/bands. This exercise works quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, core.”

Lunges

Woman doing walking lunges outdoors. Fitness, sport and healthy lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

Next up, another glute buster, lunges, a “functional move,” she explains. “You can do forward, reverse & lateral lunges. This exercise works glutes, hamstrings, quads. Again add weights as needed.”

Push-Ups

Strong senior man making strength workout, doing push ups on sports mat, exercising at home, copy space. Sporty elderly man training his body, leading active lifestyleShutterstock

Another exercise that offers a lot of bang for its buck? Push-ups, “a brilliant bodyweight exercise that build upper body strength & engage the core. Modify as needed (e.g incline push-ups against the wall or a chair),” she says. “This exercise works your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core.”

Rows

Crop anonymous female athlete in tight orange sportswear doing exercise with resistance band on rowing machine during workout in gym

Shutterstock

Rows, either with body weight or actual weights, as you progress. “Rows strengthen your back, improve your posture. Great functional move. They work the back muscles as well as engaging the arms & shoulders & core for stability,” she says.

Planks

Home training concept. Smiling senior woman doing elbow plank on yoga mat in living room. Positive mature lady doing her workout routine, exercising indoors, strengthening her core musclesShutterstock

And last but not least, planks. They are “a great exercise for building upper body & core strength,” she says. “They work your deep core muscles.”

Lift Weights

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“Strength training is vital as you age. My passion has always been strength training, and never more so than today,” Caroline previously wrote for Sheer Luxe. “Once we hit 30, our bone density and muscle mass decrease. Strength training plays a significant role in preventing this loss and we can actually build new bone by using weights. This can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which women are so susceptible to, especially post-menopause.”

There Are Lots of Benefits

Fit mature woman in sportswear lifting a dumbbell during a strength training session at the gymShutterstock

“Moreover, strength training gives you such a feeling of power in everyday life – it’ll help with sleep, anxiety, co-ordination and will also help you manage your weight,” she wrote, adding that it “won’t make you bulky,” despite popular misconception. “It’s a myth that using weights will make you bulky – unless you are using very heavy weights and dramatically changing your diet, this simply isn’t true. It’s also important to remember that you can’t spot reduce fat. Your body works as a whole and, whilst you can tone a particular area, working the full body consistently along with a sensible diet will make the difference.”

Science Supports Strength Training for Weight Loss

Mature athlete using rowing machine while working out in a gym.Shutterstock

According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

She Also Recommends Cardio

Portrait of active mature woman training on stationary bike workout in gymShutterstock

“In an ideal world, combine weights with cardio,” Caroline adds. Why is it important to do both? “While you may burn more calories in a cardio workout, strength training builds muscle. The two aren’t mutually exclusive and, for a leaner, fitter body, you should combine the two. Cardio is essential for heart health and for building stamina and endurance. At the same time, when we lift weights, we build muscle, boost metabolism and reduce our risk of injury,” she says.

Diet Matters

Portrait, fruit salad and apple with a senior woman in the kitchen of her home for health, diet or nutrition. Smile, food and cooking with a happy mature female pension eating healthy in the houseShutterstock

And, you can’t out-exercise a bad diet. “People think they can exercise, eat rubbish and still see great results,” she recently told The Daily Mail. “Sadly it doesn’t work like that. It’s about balance and moderation.” As for one main meal tip? “And protein with every meal – you need it for strength training,” she says.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

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Caroline starts her day with tea, coffee, and a banana. Then, after her 9 am workout class, she has breakfast, usually scrambled egg and avocado on sourdough. For lunc,h she likes chicken salad. Dinner might be a teriyaki salmon noodle stir-fry. As for snacks, she might have fruit and a bit of chocolate in the afternoon. She also drinks a lot of water. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Brittney Blanco bylt.by.britt
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Do you want to lose weight by eating Mexican food? While ethnic cuisine might not be the first thing to come to mind if you are on a diet, according to one expert, there are a handful of south-of-the-border-inspired meals that can fuel fat-burning. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and digital creator who regularly shares her weight loss and stay-fit tricks and tips with her followers. In a new post, she reveals a few of her go-to concoctions that help her lose weight. “4 Mexican meals I eat on repeat when I’m trying to drop body fat and gain muscle,” she writes.

High-Protein Chicken Fajita Bowl

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Ingredients: 5 oz grilled chicken breast, 1/2 cup cooked white rice, 1/2 cup sautéed bell peppers & onions, 1/4 avocado (sliced), 1 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (sour cream substitute)

Macros: Calories: ~450 | Protein: 45g | Carbs: 40g | Fats: 12g

Lean Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

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Ingredients: 5 oz extra-lean ground turkey (99%), 1/4 cup black beans, 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp guacamole, 3 large romaine lettuce leaves (as taco shells), 1 tbsp shredded cheese (optional)

Macros: Calories: ~420 | Protein: 50g | Carbs: 25g | Fats: 12g

Carne Asada with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

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Ingredients: 6 oz grilled flank steak, 1 cup cauliflower rice (sautéed with lime juice & cilantro), 1/4 avocado, 1 tbsp pico de gallo

Macros: Calories: ~480 | Protein: 55g | Carbs: 15g | Fats: 20g

Protein-Packed Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros tostadas with fried egg, tomato salsa, bean paste and cheese. Mexican food

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Ingredients: 3 egg whites + 1 whole egg, 1 small corn tortilla, 1/4 cup black beans, 2 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp cotija cheese (optional)

Macros: Calories: ~350 | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 30g | Fats: 10g

Sweet Potato Bowl

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In a previous post she reveals meals she “eats on repeat” when she wants to lose weight fast. The first one? A sweet potato bowl, filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fat.

  • 4 oz cooked lean ground beef
  • 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 avocado
  • Tomatoes and onions
  • 550 calories, 31g protein.

Chicken Salad

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Next up is Brittney’s chicken salad.

  • 100g cooked chicken breast
  • 3 tbsp corn
  • 1 tbsp feta cheese
  • 1 hass avocado
  • 2 tbsp Bolthouse Caesar dressing
  • 505 calories, 37g protein.

Harvest Chipotle Bowl

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This Harvest Chipotle Bowl is inspired by Mexican fast food joint, Chipotle, without all the calories.

  • 4 oz of chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup of white rice
  • Pico de gallo
  • Fajita veggies
  • 2 tablespoons of corn
  • 1/2 avocado
  • Salsa
  • 411 calories, 36g protein.

Turkey Breast Wrap

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This Turkey Breast Wrap offers lots of protein, fiber, and healthy fat.

  • 100g sliced turkey breast
  • 1 whole grain tortilla
  • 1/2 avocado
  • Lettuce, tomatoes, onions
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 469 calories, 30g protein.

Greek Chicken Wraps

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Another great wrap idea? Greek Chicken Wraps.

  • 6 oz raw chicken breast
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Greek seasoning
  • 1 whole wheat pita
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach
  • Cucumber, tomato, red onion
  • 2 tbsp feta cheese
  • 584 calories, 51g protein.

“Add chicken breast to a bowl, add the olive oil and Greek seasoning. Mix to combine. Cook chicken. To assemble, place pita on a plate and top with tzatziki, spinach, cucumber, onion, chicken, and feta. Enjoy,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.