If you follow on Instagram you know next week we’re starting the #fitmamabikinichallenge! Challenges, motivation, workouts, recipes, and GIVEAWAYS galore. Plus an amazing prize for the person with the biggest transformation from AboutTime! So to get ready for this fun campaign, I want to give you the tools you need to lose weight and get in your best shape. First we need to talk about diet.
Let me preface this by saying I am not a dietician. I am, however, an avid food consumer 😉 With all these different diets to choose from, it can be overwhelming. I’m here to cut through the bull. Above are the base rules to lose weight. You can safely lose 1-2 pounds a week. To do that you’ll need to cut 500-1000 calories a day. THIS DOES NOT MEAN STARVE YOURSELF. It means small portions, eat often, and exercise!
Also, I supplement with protein from AboutTime. Why? It’s all-natural, it’s delicious, and it makes sure I’m getting enough protein a day. And guess what? All Happily Hughes friends get 25% off! Just use “HAPPILYHUGHES” at checkout.
As I said earlier, these are base rules. Begin with these ten and see how your body responds. After a couple months, tweak it a little to fit your body and what it needs. For example: all of the above work for me well, but on days where I have an extra hard workout, I add an extra meal. And some days when I’m lagging in energy, I munch on a little extra healthy fat and fiber than normal. Leg Days? I have a glass of chocolate milk before bed. These are all things I’ve found to work for ME by listening to my body. And it took me a good year to figure this all out. So give yourself time, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to tweak your diet.
Also, I supplement with protein from AboutTime. Why? It’s all-natural, it’s delicious, and it makes sure I’m getting enough protein a day. And guess what? All Happily Hughes friends get 25% off! Just use “HAPPILYHUGHES” at checkout.
As I said earlier, these are base rules. Begin with these ten and see how your body responds. After a couple months, tweak it a little to fit your body and what it needs. For example: all of the above work for me well, but on days where I have an extra hard workout, I add an extra meal. And some days when I’m lagging in energy, I munch on a little extra healthy fat and fiber than normal. Leg Days? I have a glass of chocolate milk before bed. These are all things I’ve found to work for ME by listening to my body. And it took me a good year to figure this all out. So give yourself time, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to tweak your diet.
Agree with most of these – especially drinking water! Water will not only keep you hydrated, but it will keep you energized and feeling full. Have a great challenge!
Thank you dear!!
It all looks so simple…..easier said than done sometimes. All the best with the challenge!
So true! Trying your best is all you can do.
Having lost about 50 lbs myself I can agree with this list. I found that eating four meals and two snacks each day helped me stay on track and enjoy getting fit.
AH! Congrats Stephanie!! That is amazing! And I am glad you agree.
great tips! I have found that smaller meals and drinking lots of water has helped ALOT
Right? I realized sometime when I think I'm hungry, I'm actually just thirsty!
I'm trying hard to break the eat all evening habit. I'm definitely leaner when I'm not snacking all evening.
It's so hard isn't it? Especially as moms!!
All great tips for losing weight, especially the water one. I've been told that if you drink a glass of water when you think you're hungry that it'll help to determine whether or not you're truly hungry or just thinking about the idea of food.
Yes! I noticed this was especially true when I was pregnant!
I agree with most of these also, great tips! Getting enough water can definitely be a struggle for a lot of people (me included!)
I have to bring a water bottle around with me everywhere to make sure I do!
i think water and sleep are the two most important things on your list. if you are drinking enough water, you aren't confusing hunger with thirst and if you are getting enough sleep your body is thanking you!
I agree with you wholeheartedly!!
Sounds like a fun time on your blog! I am trying to work out regularly!
Join in!!!!
I think it is important to point out that cutting the 1000 calories a day could also include a deficit from exercise. For many, cutting 1000 calories a day could indeed put their caloric consumption into a dangerously low zone.
Love these tips, especially the water. I'm not the best with making sure I drink enough water. Some days I will get to lunch time and realize I haven't had a drop yet…I'm working on it!
These are great tips for losing weight, the water especially which I def need to work on. The eating after 8 is hard for me since I work nights, but I try to stop a few hours before I am going to go to bed. Sounds like a great challenge!
It's amazing to realize how important "drink water" is for fitness, health and weight loss.