Here, I am going to share that this weight loss journey was not a nice cruise throughout the year. However, from all the challenges I have encountered, the hardest one for me was controlling my food intake while on the regimen. Snacking in between meals with no consciousness was something that I had in mind, and sugar treats had no comparison to my weak power. 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 totally 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 gone for small dishes instead of large and instead started paying attention to what my body says – you will be amazed 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 never had 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 actually find pleasure in my physical exercises. The music and the social event were the key factors that kept me caring for the next workout. Without being aware, I was looking forward for the next session. I began with a few classes per week and started off lightly, this way I could build up strength and work more intensively in later times. 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 gave me the opportunity to talk to people who cared. My own 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 along with me whenever I achieved something, big or small. The most important thing was having that sort of backup team by myself truly means the whole world.
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 really 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 1700-1800 calories a day 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 own 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.
I believe a common challenge many women encounter is time. Juggling being a business owner, mother, and wife can make it tough to find time for fitness. That's why I suggest sticking to a routine. Make everything a habit, from your diet to staying hydrated, to fitting in your workout. Take the time to invest in yourself and feel great!