Losing weight is no easy task.
It requires determination, focus, and lots of discipline. If you ever lost a significant amount of weight, you probably know that doing so feels like a real achievement – and it does for a good reason.
With loads of addictive, processed foods around us, it is hard to keep track of what and how much we eat. Since work often intervenes as well, it might be hard for us to find the right time to exercise or otherwise stay physically active.
Instagram / mandies_transformation
Nevertheless, Amanda Wood, also known as Mandie, managed to drop 150 pounds of her weight in the two-year-period after listening to her nutritionist. This 37-year-old began her transformation in 2015, as she had enough of being tired and feeling invisible all the time.
Instagram / mandies_transformation
At the beginning of her weight loss journey, Mandie weighed 375 pounds. She decided to consult a nutritionist who helped her build a healthy diet and workout plan.
1. Calories And Their Sources
“I follow balanced macros, which for me means that I try to ensure I am getting 35 percent of my calories from carbs, 25 percent of my calories from fat, and 40 percent of my calories from protein,” Amanda explained PopSugar.
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Here’s a golden rule: Eat less than you consume, and your weight will eventually drop. In general, a consistent daily lack of 500 calories results in a 1 pound weight loss over a period of 1 week. This means that if your body uses 2500 calories per day and you only eat and drink 2000 calories per day for a week, you’re going to lose around 1 pound of weight. Of course, following the macros as Mandie mentioned above is also crucial.
2. Exercise
No pain, no gain. Physical activity is critical to ensuring both the short-term as well as the long-term success of one’s weight management.
While it may be hard to find the right time to exercise, it is vital not to give into the excuses that your mind is generating and ‘just do it’ instead.
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Amanda, like most people, had a hard time staying motivated in the beginning. After a few unsuccessful attempts at remaining active, she hired a personal trainer who she admits was a great investment. “Now going to the gym is one of my favorite times of the week,” Mandie explained.
3. Goals Management
According to Amanda, the key to continuous weight loss was also in setting realistic goals. “Five pounds is much more manageable than the 200 pounds” she said. Therefore, set multiple clear milestones and achieve them one by one in order to reach the finish line.
Instagram / mandies_transformation
As the final piece of advice, Mandie encourages people to believe in themselves and not to give up even when things get rough.
Do you agree with the weight loss tips that Amanda shared? Do you have your own secret to losing weight? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post!