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15 Travel Habits That Help You Stay Fit and Lose Weight on the Go

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you have to derail your diet and exercise routine.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Young,Woman,Enjoying,Her,Vacation,At,The,Sea,-woman,Walking
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Traveling, whether for work or pleasure, can interrupt your daily life and majorly derail your diet and fitness routine. However, it doesn’t have to, says one expert. Jamie Maitland, certified holistic nutritionist, elite fitness trainer, creator of the 21 Day Reset, and founder of The Office Health, explains that you can achieve your weight loss goals while on the go. “Traveling, as we all know, can throw a curveball into your normal routine, but only if you let it,” she says. “Learn to adapt and keep these tips in mind to help keep you on track no matter where you are.” Here are 15 travel habits that help you stay fit and lose weight on the go.


Select Your Hotel Carefully

Fitness club in luxury hotelShutterstock

When booking a place to stay, take your fitness goals into consideration. “Choose a hotel that has a gym,” suggests Maitland. You can also check ahead whether your room has a mini fridge, so you can bring meals or healthy snacks with you.

Do Restaurant Research

A happy young Indian woman having a pancake in a restaurantShutterstock

Because traveling usually involves dining out, do some restaurant research ahead of time. “Google local healthy restaurants in the area so you have a plan when you have to eat out,” says Maitland.

Do Workouts in Your Room

Young well-built man go in for sports in apartment. He lying on carimate and does abs workout. Guy hold hands behind head. Intensive workout.Shutterstock

In the age of Instagram and YouTube, it’s pretty easy to find hotel workouts that require zero equipment. “It’s 2024, we have the internet at our finger tips, YouTube a quick 12 minute workout before you go about your day,” Maitland says.

Bring a Resistance Band

Young female athlete using resistance band while working out in the living room.Shutterstock

While you can’t exactly travel with weights, you can bring compact exercise tools. “Bring a resistance band,” Maitland recommends. “I always have at least one band with me anywhere I travel. It’s light, versatile, and extremely effective when used correctly.”

RELATED: #1 Secret Revealed for Sticking to Your Workout Routine

Do a Micro Workout

Young sporty woman doing two-leg deep squat morning exercise standing in living room, teen girl burning fat calories with online fitness training help crouching for buttocks lift at home, side viewShutterstock

Even if you don’t have access to the Internet, you can still do some exercises on your own. “Don’t underestimate the power of a good micro workout on the floor of your hotel room!” says Maitland.

Hydrate

Head shot close up young dreamy woman holding glass of fresh pure water, looking aside. Happy lady visualizing future, planning workday, enjoying morning healthy habit at home, healthcare concept.Shutterstock

Hydration is always important, but even more so while traveling as your body is often thrown off balance. “Drink your water,” Maitland recommends. “This will help you to feel full and improve your digestion.”

Bring Protein-Packed Snacks

Closeup on fit sports woman in sport clothes with chocolate raw protein bar using smart watch in the modern living room.Shutterstock

“Travel with your favorite snacks such as to-go protein,” Maitland recommends. “This is very convenient, especially when you're on the go. Not to mention, a very easy way to get in 25 grams of clean protein.”

Look for Calorie Burning Activities

Beautiful young happy african woman with afro curly hairstyle strolling in the city - Cheerful black student walking on the streetsShutterstock

Don’t forget to stay active. “Scope out the area you're visiting and see what parks or gardens they may have and go enjoy some sun and nature,” says Maitland.

RELATED: 5 Easy Ways to Lose 2 Pounds a Week

Get Your Steps In

Pedestrian blur, crowd of people walking in London city, panoramic view of people crossing the streetShutterstock

Traveling to new places is a great opportunity to explore on foot. “Walk as much as you can. You don’t always need to rely on an Uber if your legs work just fine; get moving,” says Maitland.

Take the Stairs

Stairs climbing running woman doing run up steps on staircaseShutterstock/Maridav

If you need to slip in an extra workout, avoid the elevator. “Utilize the stairs in your hotel,” suggests Maitland. “They make for an excellent cardio workout.”

Swim

Professional swimmer, swimming race, indoor poolShutterstock

Swimming is another great workout while traveling. “If your hotel happens to have a pool, that’s another good way to get in some cardio,” says Maitland. Swimming is a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity, according to the CDC. Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. In addition to the many physical benefits, there are multiple studies supporting the mental health benefits of swimming as well.

Take a Class

fitness, sport, training, aerobics and people concept - close up of people working out with steppers in gym from backShutterstock

Many hotels and resorts offer daily fitness classes. If not, use your smartphone to find local fitness studios to find one nearby, Maitland recommends.

Walk the Airport

Handsome businessman is walking at the airportShutterstock

Just like some people walk the mall, the airport offers a great opportunity to get your steps in. “If you happen to be delayed at the airport, don’t be shy to take a few laps around the airport just to keep your body moving,” says Maitland.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting concept with a woman sitting hungry in front of food and looking at her watch to make sure she breaks fast on the correct time. A dietary modification for healthy lifestyle.Shutterstock

Even if you aren’t a regular intermittent faster, traveling can be an easy time to try time restricted eating. “Practice fasting when you aren’t able to find good quality food,” says Maitland.

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

Sleep Well

rest, sleeping, comfort and people concept - young woman stretching in bed at home bedroomShutterstock

Finally, try to get the ample rest your body needs to recharge. “Get a good night’s sleep,” Maitland urges. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

💪🔥Body Booster: Pack a resistance band when traveling to maintain your workout routine. It's lightweight, versatile, and effective when used properly.

More For You

Young,Woman,Enjoying,Her,Vacation,At,The,Sea,-woman,Walking
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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.

Traveling, whether for work or pleasure, can interrupt your daily life and majorly derail your diet and fitness routine. However, it doesn’t have to, says one expert. Jamie Maitland, certified holistic nutritionist, elite fitness trainer, creator of the 21 Day Reset, and founder of The Office Health, explains that you can achieve your weight loss goals while on the go. “Traveling, as we all know, can throw a curveball into your normal routine, but only if you let it,” she says. “Learn to adapt and keep these tips in mind to help keep you on track no matter where you are.” Here are 15 travel habits that help you stay fit and lose weight on the go.


Select Your Hotel Carefully

Fitness club in luxury hotelShutterstock

When booking a place to stay, take your fitness goals into consideration. “Choose a hotel that has a gym,” suggests Maitland. You can also check ahead whether your room has a mini fridge, so you can bring meals or healthy snacks with you.

Do Restaurant Research

A happy young Indian woman having a pancake in a restaurantShutterstock

Because traveling usually involves dining out, do some restaurant research ahead of time. “Google local healthy restaurants in the area so you have a plan when you have to eat out,” says Maitland.

Do Workouts in Your Room

Young well-built man go in for sports in apartment. He lying on carimate and does abs workout. Guy hold hands behind head. Intensive workout.Shutterstock

In the age of Instagram and YouTube, it’s pretty easy to find hotel workouts that require zero equipment. “It’s 2024, we have the internet at our finger tips, YouTube a quick 12 minute workout before you go about your day,” Maitland says.

Bring a Resistance Band

Young female athlete using resistance band while working out in the living room.Shutterstock

While you can’t exactly travel with weights, you can bring compact exercise tools. “Bring a resistance band,” Maitland recommends. “I always have at least one band with me anywhere I travel. It’s light, versatile, and extremely effective when used correctly.”

RELATED: #1 Secret Revealed for Sticking to Your Workout Routine

Do a Micro Workout

Young sporty woman doing two-leg deep squat morning exercise standing in living room, teen girl burning fat calories with online fitness training help crouching for buttocks lift at home, side viewShutterstock

Even if you don’t have access to the Internet, you can still do some exercises on your own. “Don’t underestimate the power of a good micro workout on the floor of your hotel room!” says Maitland.

Hydrate

Head shot close up young dreamy woman holding glass of fresh pure water, looking aside. Happy lady visualizing future, planning workday, enjoying morning healthy habit at home, healthcare concept.Shutterstock

Hydration is always important, but even more so while traveling as your body is often thrown off balance. “Drink your water,” Maitland recommends. “This will help you to feel full and improve your digestion.”

Bring Protein-Packed Snacks

Closeup on fit sports woman in sport clothes with chocolate raw protein bar using smart watch in the modern living room.Shutterstock

“Travel with your favorite snacks such as to-go protein,” Maitland recommends. “This is very convenient, especially when you're on the go. Not to mention, a very easy way to get in 25 grams of clean protein.”

Look for Calorie Burning Activities

Beautiful young happy african woman with afro curly hairstyle strolling in the city - Cheerful black student walking on the streetsShutterstock

Don’t forget to stay active. “Scope out the area you're visiting and see what parks or gardens they may have and go enjoy some sun and nature,” says Maitland.

RELATED: 5 Easy Ways to Lose 2 Pounds a Week

Get Your Steps In

Pedestrian blur, crowd of people walking in London city, panoramic view of people crossing the streetShutterstock

Traveling to new places is a great opportunity to explore on foot. “Walk as much as you can. You don’t always need to rely on an Uber if your legs work just fine; get moving,” says Maitland.

Take the Stairs

Stairs climbing running woman doing run up steps on staircaseShutterstock/Maridav

If you need to slip in an extra workout, avoid the elevator. “Utilize the stairs in your hotel,” suggests Maitland. “They make for an excellent cardio workout.”

Swim

Professional swimmer, swimming race, indoor poolShutterstock

Swimming is another great workout while traveling. “If your hotel happens to have a pool, that’s another good way to get in some cardio,” says Maitland. Swimming is a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity, according to the CDC. Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. In addition to the many physical benefits, there are multiple studies supporting the mental health benefits of swimming as well.

Take a Class

fitness, sport, training, aerobics and people concept - close up of people working out with steppers in gym from backShutterstock

Many hotels and resorts offer daily fitness classes. If not, use your smartphone to find local fitness studios to find one nearby, Maitland recommends.

Walk the Airport

Handsome businessman is walking at the airportShutterstock

Just like some people walk the mall, the airport offers a great opportunity to get your steps in. “If you happen to be delayed at the airport, don’t be shy to take a few laps around the airport just to keep your body moving,” says Maitland.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting concept with a woman sitting hungry in front of food and looking at her watch to make sure she breaks fast on the correct time. A dietary modification for healthy lifestyle.Shutterstock

Even if you aren’t a regular intermittent faster, traveling can be an easy time to try time restricted eating. “Practice fasting when you aren’t able to find good quality food,” says Maitland.

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

Sleep Well

rest, sleeping, comfort and people concept - young woman stretching in bed at home bedroomShutterstock

Finally, try to get the ample rest your body needs to recharge. “Get a good night’s sleep,” Maitland urges. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

💪🔥Body Booster: Pack a resistance band when traveling to maintain your workout routine. It's lightweight, versatile, and effective when used properly.

What are the key health habits of people who have lost weight and managed to keep it off? Maria Lucey is a Registered Dietician based in Ireland and Bermuda who “has helped hundreds of people successfully lose weight.” However, according to the pro, “the real power comes in keeping that weight off.” In a recent viral video, she shares “seven effective habits that I use personally and share with my clients to help them stay slim after losing weight.”


Weight Control Varies for Everyone

Maria starts off by explaining that “weight control is not always an easy task” and that it is easier for some to maintain their weight more than others. “There are huge genetic components to weight: your hormones impact your weight, what medications you're on, even how your mother ate when you were in the womb can impact how you manage your weight later in life,” she says. “So please don't be disheartened if you're struggling. You may need a deeper dive with the help of a dietician to do this.”

Habit #1: Self Monitoring

According to Maria, a “huge centerpiece of any behavioral weight loss intervention is encouraging people to self-monitor.” Checking your weight, aka weighing yourself, is key, she says. “As a dietician, I often have people who like to come to me to check their weight, and they like to keep coming back, which helps them stay accountable.” However, you can also weigh yourself at home.

How Often Should You Weigh Yourself?

“The optimal frequency for how often you weigh yourself is going to depend on when people are actively trying to lose weight. I often recommend checking your weight every two weeks. This is usually enough for most people. It's more likely to show truer results when focusing on the big picture, and it will be less impacted by daily fluctuations,” she says.

When Should You Weigh Yourself

If you are going to weigh yourself, the best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning “after you've gone to the restroom before you eat or drink anything,” says Maria. “The reason for this is that your body has had enough time to digest all of the food and drinks that you've had the day before. And when you weigh yourself in the morning, you want to wear as little clothing as possible or at least wear the same thing every time you step up on the scale.” Also, if you choose to weigh yourself once a week or every two weeks, “make sure you weigh yourself on the same day of the week,” she recommends.

Habit #2: Get Organized and Meal Prep

Another habit is getting organized, “and there is no secret cheat code here,” she says. “I always say to my clients, nobody accidentally falls into a salad for lunch or a lovely home-cooked, nice balanced dinner. You need to have some sort of a system and some element of organization in place.” This doesn’t mean “everything needs to be crazy planned out and that you're eating out of Tupperware all of the time, but taking some time to plan ahead each week is important,” she says. She meal preps on a Sunday for the next few days. Then, on Wednesday, she does a mini meal prep for the rest of the week and is less structured on the weekend. “It's finding what works for you,” she says.

Habit #3: Get Your Nutrition in Order

The next habit is focusing on nutrition. “Now, I am presuming that everybody watching this video is thinking that I am just about to tell you not to eat processed foods, but you might be in for a shock here. To get very real, eating healthy can be challenging. You have to be quite organized, as just mentioned,” she says. “I always say that if you make nutrition too complicated, it will just become something that you don't want to do.” While she doesn’t expect her clients to “be completely eating whole foods all of the time,” she does encourage them to avoid processed foods for the most part. “Tinned beans, microwaveable packets of rice and quinoa, jars of pasta sauce, these are all examples of processed foods that can come in handy,” she says. “I do, of course, advocate for staying away from foods that are highly processed most of the time. And these are foods that have really long ingredient lists. And in the ingredient list, there's lots of things that you don't even recognize.”

Habit #4: Don’t Clear Your Plate

“People who tend to maintain their weight loss, they tend to eat their meals out twice,” she says, stressing the importance of not clearing your plate. “If you go out to a nice restaurant and you're served a monstrous portion of food and you can't eat at all, there is no need to feel obligated to eat it,” she says. “Even in the really fancy places, they almost give you the box when they see that you're struggling. And I think this is great. It eliminates food waste. And if you have this really amazing meal and you don't want to leave it behind this way, you don't have to feel bad if you can't eat it all. So it's a really good habit to take your time to enjoy the meal when you are eating out. It takes time for your brain to send signals to your stomach to tell you that you're full. So eat it slowly and see how you're feeling. If you're still hungry, that's fine. Finish the meal, but if not, ask somebody for a box so you can bring the rest of it home. You can enjoy it that evening or the next day.”

Habit #5: Get Into a Food Groove

Variety is important for a balanced diet, but “too much variety can backfire,” says Maria. “People who are successfully managing to control their weight and their eating habits have what I like to call a food groove. The majority of their meals consist of well-planned staples. There are a few surprises thrown in, but for the most part, their diets are fairly predictable. And what I mean by this is that they are fairly consistent with their major meals.”

RELATED:I Lost 110 Pounds: Here Are the 19 Most Unhealthy Junk Foods I'll Never Touch Again

Habit #6: Don’t Overcomplicate Exercise

“When it comes to what type of exercise is best, I always say start at level one, which is just finding something that you enjoy and stick to it consistently. You don't have to overcomplicate it more than that,” says Maria. “Now, if you can go a step further up to level two, you want to try and have a balance of cardio exercises like running, fast walking, or cycling, as well as some strength resistance exercises. This is the type of exercise that will utilize your muscles. A balance of both is the most important thing for your health.” She also stresses the importance of daily movement over your two workouts a week, like “walking that little bit further, taking the stairs, carrying your groceries,” she says. “All of this movement contributes to what we call non-exercise activity thermogenesis or NEAT for short. So this is the amount of energy that you're using throughout the day that isn't coming from that planned-out exercise. And this is actually a bigger calorie burn than the structured exercise that you were trying to do in the first place. So making your lifestyle just a little bit more active in your daily routines is really valuable.”

Habit #7: Snack Smart

Lastly, she stresses the importance of having balanced snacks. “By having regular meals and snacks, you have more control than when you do eventually sit down to have your meal. This prevents overindulging, and it helps with managing your portion sizes. You can eat in a way that feels much better for your body,” she says. “Eating regularly is often an overlooked but easy-to-incorporate tool that can help you massively when it comes to your weight and your eating habits.” 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

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is a beauty and lifestyle influencer on TikTok who regularly shares about her weight loss journey. According to Jenna, she lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one of her many viral TikTok videos, she reveals how she lost weight using five simple hacks.


1. Jenna Gained “About 30” Pounds From Drinking Every Weekend and Other Unhealthy Habits

@jennaevelynnn

How I lost 15-20 pounds after my freshman year of college. 10k steps a day, low-cal, high protein meals, and strength training + pilates! #weightloss #freshman15 #howilostweight #weightransformation #healthylifestyle #mealprep #pilates

Jenna, who is currently a college student, reveals that she “probably gained about 20 pounds” while being a freshman in college due to “drinking every weekend, not being in a deficit, not hitting my protein goals, and not working out the right way for my body,” she reveals in her viral video. “Here's what I did to actually lose the 15 to 20 pounds very quickly.”

2. Low Calorie, High Protein Meals

Chickpea,Bean,Fusilli,Pasta.,Bowl,Raw,Pasta,Chickpea, proteinShutterstock

According to Jenna “food was the biggest thing,” when it came to her weight loss. “I was still eating a lot, but it was low calorie, high protein,” she added. Her “staples” for low cal high protein meals? “Chickpea pasta” and fat free cottage cheese, which she made sauces out of and “used it in everything,” she added. She also ate a lot of ground turkey. “I would make taco bowls,” she said. She also ate chicken and Greek yogurt “all the time” and turkey bacon. “I'd make breakfast sandwiches,” she added. Research supporting amping up protein intake for weight loss. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Related: 12 Steps to Sculpt the Ultimate Chest

3. Weight Training and Pilates

Pilates,Exercises,Reformer,Bed,workout,fitness,gym,exerciseShutterstock

Jenna maintains that she started losing weight, when she started doing “low impact workouts, like walking dumbbell only lifts, and Pilates,” she said. “Here was my weekly workout split: Monday dumbbell only glutes Tuesday, full body Pilates. Wednesday, back buys, arms, dumbbell only Thursday, Pilates Friday, quad dumbbell, only Saturday cardio.”

4. 10,000 Steps a Day

Walking,Women,Jeans,And,Sneaker,Shoes, exercise, fitnessShutterstock

Jenna explains that one “huge” component of her weight loss was walking. “Hit your 10,000 steps a day,” she says. “Some of those steps for me before my workouts would come from walking, doing the 12-3-30 workout or the stair stepper.” The 12-3-30 workout involves using a treadmill and walking on a level 12 incline at a speed of 3 for 30 minutes. Experts maintain that it burns more calories than walking fast or even running on a flat surface. And, studies, including a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity, have found that walking around 10,000 steps per day can help you lose weight. But that’s not the only benefit of getting your steps in. 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.

Related: I'm a Fitness Expert and This is My Simple Beginner's Diet Plan That Actually Works

5. Meal Prep

Preparing,Batch,Of,Healthy,Meals,food, cooking, kitchen, portion,control,size,dietShutterstock

Finally, meal prepping and using high quality ingredients, was a key part of Jenna’s weight loss plan. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

💪🔥Body Booster: Walking 10,000 steps a day isn’t only good for your body and losing weight, but your mind. One study linked the daily step goal to a decreased risk of dementia and less cardiovascular disease.

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.

You don’t need a fancy gym, personal trainer, or several hours a day to get into the best shape of your life. According to one expert, losing weight requires just a pair of sneakers. Online fitness trainer and coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about how she lost 50 pounds by making a few simple tweaks to her life. In a recent Instagram video, she reveals the simple exercise that is responsible for her transformation: Walking. “10k steps a day is life-changing here’s how,” she writes in the caption.


You Can Burn a Lot of Extra Calories

alexxandra_fitt2alexx.fitt/TikTok

“I weigh around 150lbs so walking 10k steps burns an extra 300-400 calories a day without spending hours on the stair master,” says Alexandra.

It Can Be Done Anywhere, Wearing Anything

alexxandra_fitt3alexx.fitt/TikTok

You also don’t need to spend a lot on clothing or equipment. “Walking can be done anywhere you don’t have to get fancy gym clothes you can literally walk in your pjs,” she adds.

RELATED: 5 Foods to Melt Your Belly Fat Away=

It Helps Regulate Appetite

Female hands tying shoelace on running shoes before practice. Woman athlete preparing for jogging outdoors. Runner getting ready for training. Sport active lifestyle concept. Close-upShutterstock

Walking is also good for appetite regulation, according to Alexandra. “Walking is not an extremely difficult exercise and it can help regulate your appetite hormones and reduce feelings of hunger,” she says.

It Uses “Fat as Fuel”

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

Walking also uses “fat as fuel,” she says. “Since walking is low impact your body will tap into your fat storage instead of ‘eating up’ your muscles.”

Walking Plus Healthy Eating Habits Helped Her Lose Weights

Alexandra_alexx.fitt11alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

“When I lost 40lbs, the ONLY exercise I did was walk,” says Alexandra. “Gyms were shut down, so it’s all I could do. Along with cleaning up my eating habits walking is the main exercise that helped me lose weight fast!”

RELATED: 19 Arm-Toning Workouts for Women Looking to Achieve Sculpted Shoulders and Biceps

Brisk Walking Boasts Many Other Health Benefits

Abstract image of people in motion with blurred backgroundShutterstock

According to JAMA Internal Medicine, walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day offers lots of healthy benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

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

And, Walking 10K Steps a Day Has Been Linked to Weight Loss

Active woman using smartwatchShutterstock

Also, a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found that walking 10,000 steps a day is great for weight loss and weight management.

💪🔥Body Booster: Set a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day for a week. At the end of the week assess how your body looks and feels.

Young cauciasian fitness woman wearing sport clothes training outdoors drinking fresh water
Shutterstock

Hanji (@coachedbyhajni) is an online diet and fitness coach who has built up a serious following on TikTok. Most of her videos offer helpful tips and tricks about how to lose weight via diet and nutrition. In one viral video she shares some “efficient girl” weight loss tips. “If you want to drop weight and you are too lazy to go to the gym, here are my top seven tips on how to do just that without it feeling like it's too much effort,” she says in the clip.


1. Drink One-Half to a Liter of Water in the Morning

@coachedbyhajni

I want to call these efficient girl weight loss tips 🥰 #weightlosstips #weightlosshacks #lazygirlfitness #lazygirlweightloss #lazygirlworkout #weightlossjouney #fatlossjourney #loseweightqickly #fastweightloss #quickweightloss #fatlosstips #femalefitnessmotivation #shygirlfitness #shygirlworkout #femalefitnesscoach #femalefitnesscoaching

“Here's a fun piece of info for you: Your body doesn't actually know the difference between hunger and thirst,” says Hanji. “By the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated, so make sure that you start your day by drinking half a liter to a liter of water to obviously be a hydrated queen, and also to help you be more satiated.” What should your daily hydration goal be? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women, 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids.

2. Eat a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Steak and Eggs. Steak, served medium rare with eggs scrambled or sunny side up, toast and potato hash. Traditionally classical American or French Bistro breakfast or brunch favorite: steak and eggs.Shutterstock

“Talking about morning stuff, you also want to be having at least 30 grams of protein in your breakfast,” says Hanji. “This is to help keep you satiated during the day, and also to help you prevent any muscle loss because you don't want to end up like an inflated balloon when you lose weight. You want to make sure that you lose it from body fat, so to prevent that, you're going to want to eat enough protein.” Why is protein so important? Not only does it keep you feeling full and satiated throughout the day, but clinical trials have found that amping up your intake not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Related: #1 Mistake to Avoid When Trying to Burn Belly Fat

3. Go On a Hot Girl Walk

Woman running outdoors in morningShutterstock

Next up, “you want to go on a hot girl walk,” recommends Hanji. “I know that this might be a bit more effort than you were expecting, but going on a 20 to 30 minute walk first thing in the morning is not only going to help boost your activity levels throughout the day, but it's also going to help reset your mind. It's going to be an amazing time for you to listen to a podcast and to just be in nature and be a bit mindful.” Weight loss isn’t the only benefit of walking. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

4. Do Squats, Lunges, and Pushups Throughout the Day

Sporty Asian woman doing push-ups outdoorsShutterstock

“Okay, this fourth one is actually my favorite and the weirdest one. This is going to help you maintain the curves where you want them to be,” says Hanji. “So whenever you arrive at the office, every single time you go to the bathroom, I want you to be doing 10 squats, 10 lunges per leg, and 10 incline pushups on the sink to make sure that you're working out those muscles without having to go to the gym.” Each week adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity, according to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

5. Grab a Protein Bar Instead of Chocolate

Closeup on fit sports woman in sport clothes with chocolate raw protein bar using smart watch in the modern living room.Shutterstock

“My fifth tip is actually going to be a small swap that I want you to make. Next time you go shopping for that chocolate bar. I want you to grab a protein bar instead because it's not only going to help you satisfy your cravings for chocolate, it's also going to give you some extra boost of protein, which is again, going to help you preserve that muscle mass so you don't end up looking like a deflated balloon as you lose weight,” she says.

6. Walk for Five Minutes Every Hour

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Hanji recommends using your phone for the next suggestion. “You want to set an alarm or a timer for every hour, so every maybe 55 minutes, I want this to go off, and I want you to get up. The moment you hear that alarm or you feel that buzz on your wrist, I want you to get up and walk around the office for about five minutes just to increase your energy expenditure this way,” she says. “Combining this with your hot girl walk in the morning, you're going to basically increase your energy expenditure and put yourself further into a calorie deficit.”

Related: Lose and Extra 5 Pounds Per Month by Eliminating These 3 Things From Your Diet

7. Only Let Yourself Watch Netflix or YouTube When You Are Doing Cardio

Home workout - woman exercising in front of a flat screen watching a fitness program or exercising during a TV show lying on a yoga mat in front of the sofa in the living room of a house or apartment.Shutterstock

“The last step that I have for you today is basically limiting your Netflix and YouTube time only for cardio,” says Hanji. “I want you to get on that treadmill and have some fun. Watch your favorite show, watch a YouTube video. Enjoy that time and limit your watch time to only the times when you're watching cardio this, where you're going to be basically combining fun with progress. Who doesn't love that?”

💪🔥Body Booster: To maximize energy expenditure, go on one long walk in the morning and take mini walks every hour.

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

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

The 10,000 Step Secret

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

Perfect for Exercise-Haters

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

Anyone Can Do It

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

Belly Fat Buster

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

Mental Health Benefits

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

Health Beyond Weight Loss

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

Vitamin D Boost

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

Better Sleep and Stress Relief

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

Start Small and Build Up

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

Track Your Progress

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

Challenge Yourself

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

The 10K Steps Weight Loss Formula

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

Real Results, No Magic Pills

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

Tara Dixon mummyjuggler
Copyright mummyjuggler/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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

I Worked Out My Calorie Deficit

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

I Tracked My Macros

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

I Ate Enough Protein

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

I Cut Out Alcohol

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

I Prioritized Nutrition Over Exercise

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

Jennifer Madison
Copyright Jennifer Madison/YouTube/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

The Challenge That Changes Everything

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

What Is 75 Hard Anyway?

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

The First Week Breakthrough

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

Overcoming Social Pressure

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

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

The Weather Won't Stop You

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

Hitting the 38-Day Milestone

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

The Physical Transformation

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

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

Developing Healthy Nutrition Habits

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

Finding Joy in Movement

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

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

The Mental Transformation

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

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

Life After 75 Hard

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

Start Your Own Transformation Today

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

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