Embarking on a weight loss journey comes with its unique set of challenges, and who better to learn from than women who’ve successfully navigated the path? Discover their personal hurdles, dietary strategies, workout routines, and the impact of family support on their weight loss success.
- Navigating Fitness and Nutrition
- Combining Pleasure with Exercise
- Planning for Weight Loss Success
- Setting Goals and Seeking Support
- Balancing Diet with Consistent Exercise
5 Inspiring Women Share Weight Loss Journey
Navigating Fitness and Nutrition
Samrah Yousuf, Content Lead, SQUATWOLF
Hey everyone! I’m Samrah Yousuf, working on all things fitness as a Digital Content Producer at SQUATWOLF. My weight-loss journey has been quite a ride, with its fair share of struggles, especially when it came to sticking to gym sessions and figuring out what to eat.
It wasn’t until I got some help from a personal trainer that things started to click. They showed me how tracking my macros could align with my goals to build muscle and lose fat. I started planning my meals every week, which was a game-changer for me. This way, I didn’t have to stress about cooking every day or ordering food. I aimed for a diet with 60% of my calories from protein, 20% from carbs, and 20% from fats. It helped me stay on a slight caloric deficit of 1,700-1,800 calories daily without feeling starved.
YouTube became my go-to for meal-prep inspiration, proving you don’t need fancy gadgets to eat right. I switched to healthier options like Greek yogurt and light cheese, keeping my meals delicious but low in sodium. I also added more fruits for natural sweetness. Working out became more consistent too, hitting the gym three times a week with my PT’s guidance.
Throughout all this, my family’s support was incredible. Whether it was reminding me to pack my gym bag or joining me for walks, they were always there, making the journey feel supported and shared.
So, to anyone on their weight-loss path, remember: understanding your nutritional needs, prepping ahead, and leaning on your support network can make all the difference. It’s not about perfection but making small, sustainable changes towards a healthier you.
Combining Pleasure with Exercise
Vishakha Singh, SEO Manager, Quicklly
Here, I am going to share that this weight-loss journey was not a nice cruise throughout the year. However, of all the challenges I have encountered, the hardest one for me was controlling my food intake while on the regimen. Snacking in between meals without consciousness was something that I had in mind, and sugar treats had no comparison to my weak willpower.
This habit, however, did not last long, and I couldn’t keep up with the healthy process of meal prepping. If it weren’t for it, then my life would be different! I focused on nutritious food components like vegetables, fruits, and lean protein, and this regime gave me more energy and power as compared to smaller meals. Having portion control was going to be another realization. I opted for small dishes instead of large ones and started paying attention to what my body says—you will be amazed at how much one can eat if they aren’t cautious! This was another area of my life where, quite figuratively, I had to reinvent the ‘exercise’ wheel. It was not that I had never been to the gym before, but it just didn’t fire up my interest in any way.
Therefore, I combined what I liked, like dancing Zumba with my girlfriends, so that I would find pleasure in my physical exercises. The music and the social event were the key factors that kept me looking forward to the next workout. I began with a few classes per week and started lightly; this way, I could build up strength and work more intensively later on. As for my health, there was something in particular that had to be done before I could start leading a more active lifestyle, and that was a visit to my doctor. She helped me establish a schedule that my body needs, and she established a specific plan that could take care of any potential health conditions.
Being surrounded by family was something I could not appreciate enough as it allowed me to talk to people who cared. My private team, consisting of my husband and kids, was my biggest supporter. They would cook healthier meals for me, drive me to workouts if needed, and all the while cheer me up whenever I needed some motivation. Also, they would celebrate with me whenever I achieved something, big or small. The most important thing was having that sort of backup team; having them by my side truly meant the whole world.
Planning for Weight Loss Success
Anam Barkan, Travel Enthusiast, Director Marketing and Founder, Zoyago
Beginning the process of losing weight presented its fair share of obstacles. A notable obstacle encountered was the preservation of, consistency in the face of a hectic schedule replete with work and travel obligations. To surmount this, I placed planning and preparation as a top priority, arranging meals and exercises in advance to ensure I remained on track.
I emphasized whole, well-balanced foods in my diet, consuming an abundance of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Tailored to my fitness level and objectives, my exercise regimen included strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardiovascular activity.
Occasionally, I experienced health concerns such as fatigue and muscle soreness during my journey; however, I managed to cope with them by ensuring adequate rest and hydration, and by adjusting the intensity of my workouts.
The invaluable contributions of my family were encouragement, accountability, and understanding in times of difficulty; they were critical to my success. Their consistent encouragement inspired and motivated me to continue striving to achieve my objectives.
Setting Goals and Seeking Support
Krixelle Sant, Founder & CEO, Sell My House Fast For Cash
I faced several challenges during my weight-loss journey, but the most prominent ones were a lack of motivation and unhealthy eating habits. Lack of motivation is a common problem that many people face when trying to lose weight. I often felt demotivated and would give up on my healthy routine for days, which hindered my progress. Moreover, I had a habit of indulging in unhealthy foods, especially junk food and sugary drinks. These challenges made it difficult for me to achieve my weight-loss goals.
To overcome the lack of motivation, I focused on setting achievable short-term goals and rewarding myself when I achieved them. This helped me stay motivated throughout my journey.
Additionally, I sought support from family and friends, who would encourage me to keep going. I consulted a nutritionist to address my unhealthy eating habits and followed a personalized diet plan. I also made sure to incorporate regular exercise into my routine.
Balancing Diet with Consistent Exercise
Aqsa Tabassam, PR & Brand Manager, RevenueGeeks
During my weight-loss journey, I faced various challenges, including cravings, lack of motivation, and plateauing progress. To overcome these obstacles, I made sure to set realistic goals. I also maintained consistency in my diet and exercise routine.
I adopted a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. I also reduced my intake of processed foods and sugary snacks.
Regular exercises, such as cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, also played a role in my journey. I encountered occasional health issues, such as muscle soreness and fatigue.
However, I listened to my body, adjusted my workouts as needed, and prioritized rest and recovery. Family support played a crucial role in my journey and provided encouragement, accountability, and motivation to stay committed to my goals.
Special Thanks: From navigating fitness and nutrition to balancing diet with consistent exercise, the Partnerships Development Team has gathered five insightful stories featuring advice from a content lead and a PR & brand manager, among others.