Many people embarking on a weight loss journey may feel pressure to avoid going out with their friends, quite often condemning themselves to a life sans socialising.
However, excusing yourself from nights out might not be necessary if you’re keen on shedding fat and getting lean.
Isabelle, an online coach who goes by @fitness4lazygirls, imparted her wisdom onto her followers, vowing that she wouldn’t withhold her toning tips.
While balancing proper nutrition with sufficient exercise, she insisted that she was able to tone her body “while actually enjoying her life” - as well as the process along the way.
Isabelle said she toned her body 'while actually enjoying her life'
TikTok/@fitness4lazygirls
1. Nutrition
First, she prioritised diet and nutrition, opting for high-protein meals she enjoyed, partnered with a calorie deficit, during her fat loss phase.
A deficit is an age-old approach to dieting. When your body burns more calories than you consume, fat reserves are used for energy. As a result, you lose weight.
Additionally, meals high in protein are known for aiding weight loss by keeping you fuller for longer, preserving lean body mass, using more energy to digest food, and storing less body fat, since protein is more challenging to keep as a fat reserve, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
After her initial weight loss, when Isabelle transitioned to weight maintenance, she opted for a more intuitive approach to eating.
“That being said, I never said no to social events or nights out because you can include all your favourite foods and a balanced approach - and you should, if you want to maintain it,” she advised. “You just want to be mindful and adjust around it.”
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2. Exercise
When it comes to working out, Isabelle aims to strength train four times a week, serving as her “foundation regardless of her goal”.
She explained that she would sprinkle a few different workouts “to mix it up” throughout her weekly routine.
“During my fat loss phase, it was running and, right now, it’s pilates,” she divulged to her followers.
“I’ve also become generally more active, so I’ve strived to go on daily walks and get around 8,000 steps a day, which has so many benefits both mentally and physically.”
Turning her fitness regime into a lifestyle was the 'game changer', Isabelle said
TikTok/@fitness4lazygirls
3. Consistency
But, Isabelle admitted, turning this fitness regime into a lifestyle was the “game changer” in her body transformation.
“I know that sounds boring, but if you can make it fun and make the changes part of your daily routine, it becomes second-nature and something you genuinely enjoy,” she explained.
“Small changes add up, and the time will pass either way, so you may as well make it count.”
Of course, before embarking on any major lifestyle change, it’s best to speak with your GP or equivalent medical professional to ensure the path is well-suited to your specific circumstances.