5 Lifestyle Changes For Weight Loss

A lot of you have commented and asked about my weight loss lately, so I wanted to share a bit about my struggle and how I made healthy changes and lost 15 lbs. 
Something you probably don’t know about me is that I grew up overweight. From the ages of 8-14/15 I was overweight (shout out to people who knew me then!) and trying diet after diet. The weird part? I was extremely active and danced my whole life. I’ll share more about it later. Fast forward- I did lose weight and have kept it off for about 15ish years, and I grew out of the stage. But my struggle with weight is ongoing.  I’m not someone who can just eat whatever and not work out, and I’m definitely not naturally thin. To those who are like me, you’re not alone!
With a busy lifestyle, about 6 months ago it hits me: I hadn’t worked out consistently in almost a year, which is unlike me. I also noticed in this time I went through a rut and definitely didn’t feel my best every day. In May I finally had enough. I made 5 changes and because I’ve benefited so much from them, I had to share!

1. Spin Class- Over 
I’m the type of person who either needs a trainer (eek) or a good class schedule to truly commit to working out consistently. My freshman year in college, I tried cardio kickboxing (it was more of a dance style boxing) and fell in love and got into the best shape of my life because of it. It’s been, oh, 7-8 years (ew,old) since I found something I love enough (besides the occasional Zumba) to get into beast mode. 
To be honest, I’ve always been terrified of spin class. I thought I could never do that – oh hell no. Too hard. Well, I tried my first class at Flywheel last year and realized I could actually survive a class but didn’t quite catch the bug. At my new gym in LA, I noticed a spin class so I challenged myself to go. In May of this year I went to my first class at this gym and I’ve been consistently spinning (at my gym or Soul Cycle) at least 3, typically 4 days a week ever since. I will do 1-2 days a week of Pilates as well. It’s a habit and a total lifestyle now and I’ll never stop! I even bought by own spin shoes, this relationship is serious. And the results are my reasoning. I’ve lost a total of 15 lbs. and I feel better than I have in a long, long time.
Here is a BEFORE PIC:
2. Diet:
It’s no secret that your diet is important. But for me, diet is a four letter word. I hate feeling extremely restricted and I know I can’t maintain something crazy for life, so I made small adjustments that work for me.
I stick with a low carb diet but I do not restrict carbs all the time. I try to have no carbs past 6pm each night and swap bread for lettuce wrapped food products. My big thing is portion control. I eat small meals throughout the day in strict portions, that way I can still enjoy the foods I love. 
– Oh, and I cook at home. You guys know I hate cooking but I’m trying to learn, and my favorite sources for healthy recipes are 1) Eat Yourself Skinny and 2) Skinny Taste. They are the best blogs! 
3. BTL Vanquish ME –
In addition to the diet and exercise schedule I have adopted over the past 4 months, I tried a new non-nip or tuck, FDA Cleared breakthrough treatment called BTL Vanquish ME. You’re like, “Say what?” It’s a contactless device which harnesses radio frequency to simultaneously slim abs, belly, love handles, flanks, as well as inner and outer thighs. Because my problem area has always been my thighs, I decided to focus on this area for my treatment.
There is no downtime, and all you do is sit for an hour with a device heating up near the problem area. Basically, the device is using radio frequency to melt fat cells and has been cleared by the FDA for the circumferential reduction of thighs (as well as abdomen). After four treatments over the course of four weeks, I noticed a big difference in the texture of the skin on my legs, and definitely lost inches on my thighs. While results vary based on the individual, I lost 1.5 inches to be exact! The process was great for me because I had a bit of stubborn fat so the addition of BTL Vanquish ME,  in combination  with diet + exercise, finally helped me minimize and get toner-looking thighs. I also did the BTL Cellutone treatment with each session, which explains the smoother skin texture. Over all, I would definitely suggest trying a BTL Vanquish ME for leg therapy. It’s easy, and it works.
4. SLEEP Schedule
I’ve talked about my sleep habits a lot on the blog. That’s because I’ve been trying to change them over the past couple of years and have succeeded! I now get 7-8 hours of sleep every night consistently and I cannot tell you the difference it has made in all aspects of my life. Things just flow better and I get so much more done. People ask me how I do it and I say this: turn off the TV at night and get in bed by 9:45. You don’t have to go to sleep right away, but personally I go to bed no later than 10:30 and wake up around 6 every day. 5:30 if I take a 6AM spin class, which I do at least once a week. 
5. Water Intake-
In addition to the change in my diet, I have really tried to make an effort to drink more water. At least the recommended amount per day if not more. I notice that when I am consistent with this, I feel so much better and I look so much better to be honest. You don’t realize how much dehydration can mess with your appearance and more importantly, how you feel. 
I honestly can say the combination of each of the changes has not only made me thinner and stronger, it’s made me happier and healthier. I’m a goal setter. Always have been. I thrive when I am working towards a goal. Accomplishing these long time goals of health in all aspects has given me so much confidence and I feel like I’m back to my old self again.  
I’ve got a ways to go, but I’m happier and healthier and it feels great. I hope you can use some of my tips to do the same! 🙂

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  1. You go girl! You look amazing! I too have the same struggles and if I keep up with the exercise, 80/20 food philosophy and water intake, I feel a million times better! 🙂

    1. Looking great! I am myself an academic tutor and essay writing expert at essaywriter.org.uk. I will be happy recommend this useful website to my students and academic writers, who are who are looking for health related blogs at our academic institute.

  2. I am not one of those who would go to nay length to lose a few pounds but I firmly believe in staying fit and the points you have mentioned are all part of my fitness regime. Enough sleep, a healthy diet and lots of water does bring a lot of positive results, mentally and physically. Oh, I'd love to join a spin class too and yes, doesn't losing a few unwanted pounds feel great 🙂

    http://beforbeauty.com

  3. congrats and great post! I've been trying to get healthier too – i just signed up for the gym last month and so far I've been going almost everyday! Now on to tackle food! Thanks for sharing!

    lifeisashoe

  4. Looking amazing girl!! I'm also one of those people who will just always have the struggle. I love to eat and have no concept of portion control sometimes. Luckily I enjoy working out, or else I'd be huge! Need to start doing smaller meals and swapping bread with lettuce, so smart! Keep up the good work lady!

    xo Jessica
    My Style Vita

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