Fitness Tips

How To Lose Fat And Build A Lean Physique

My transformation from 2017-2025. In the photo on the left I had already lost 40 lbs.

Over the course of losing and keeping off over 145 lbs since 2016 I have learned quite a bit about what it takes to make fat loss not only possible, but also sustainable.  Next are the five things you need to do to lose fat and build a lean physique.

  1. Don’t rush.  Slow and steady consistent effort with your nutrition and regular activity wins every time.  
  2. Create a small to moderate calorie deficit.  Don’t slash your food intake to lose crazy amounts of weight fast.  Aim for about 1/2-1 pound of fat loss a week.
  3. Prioritize protein in every meal.  25-30g per meal with a total daily goal of 1g per lb of ideal bodyweight. 
  4. Move more often in your daily life.  Create a step goal of 8-10k steps and start hitting this target everyday. 
  5. Resistance Train.  Follow a high quality and progressive resistance training program so you can build lean muscle along the way.  

6. BELIEVE your efforts are worth it!  Keep going!

Sound basic and foundational? You bet it is. This is what actually works. No gimmicks, fads, or quick tricks. Put the basics on repeat. Let’s see what happens.


Remember that the process is slow. Very Slow.  Some weeks we can feel like no progress is happening at all. Start again fresh every day. It’s amazing how all the small things we do each day add up with time and consistency.  Keep Going!  

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Fitness Tips

Focus On This To Succeed In An Epic Fitness Transformation

My transformation through the years. 2016-2025.

Over the course of losing and keeping off over 145 lbs since 2016 I have learned quite a bit about what it takes to make fat loss not only possible, but also sustainable.  Next are the things you need to stay focused on. Day in and day out… for years.

  1. Meet a daily step goal to ensure regular activity.
  2. Resistance train with a focus on progressive overload to build muscle and strength.
  3. Keep track of your total calories and prioritize protein and fruits or veggies with each meal to align your nutrition with your goals.
  4. Include some fun foods in moderation. 
  5. Do the above consistently. 
  6. Believe it is possible.
  7. Believe your efforts were worth it! 

Sound basic and foundational? You bet it is. This is what actually works. No gimmicks, fads, or quick tricks. Put the basics on repeat. Let’s see what happens.


Remember that the process is slow. Very Slow.  Some weeks we can feel like no progress is happening at all. Start again fresh every day. It’s amazing how all the small things we do each day add up with time and consistency.  Keep Going!  

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Fitness Tips

What is something you could do MOVING FOWARD to MAKE IT EASIER?

This is a question on my weekly email check in form for all my 1 on 1 online clients.

Next I share a couple responses from the real people I coach.  They demonstrate how the process of getting and sustaining incredible results is not a stagnant process.  Instead the journey is alive and ongoing.  

I won’t be able to work out at my normal times… due to family activities…so I am going to go to the gym in the middle of my workday.”

“Taking it one day at a time.  I’m excited to see what my body can do.”

“I will start referring back to my goals and reevaluate/ get more specific on what I want to accomplish and why….”

“I am going to put my phone in the other room….instead of doom scrolling.  I can do it!”

“I’m focusing on getting enough rest to recover effectively”

“I’m making chili for my whole fam for a celebratory event. I got the lean ground beef ready! Gonna fill up on the good stuff before we are inundated with desserts.”

Every day, every week we try to make it happen.  Not out of sheer will, but through mindfulness, creativity, and patience.  We reflect and consider

Is there is a way to make it easier? 

It’s not always possible, but we keep trying anyway.  

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Uncategorized

The Best Time To START Or Get Back On Track Is NOW 

Examples of The Foundational Five.

  • eat 30g of protein in your next meal
  • do 10 body weight squats and/or take a 10 minute walk
  • drink a glass of water
  • turn off your screen and go to bed
  • enjoy 3 deep slow breaths with your eyes closed

Do any, some or all of the above.

Nice!

You are now a fitness minded person who also takes action!

Remember, there is no perfect time to start or get back on track.  

There will be injuries, emergencies, vacations, holidays, deadlines, births, deaths, and all manner of craziness all along the journey. 

It doesn’t take much to start or get back on track.  

It only takes a moment.  The moment you decide there is no reason to wait. 

NOW is always the best time to start or get back on track.  

Results are built through all the small thoughts and actions done consistently despite it all.  

Keep going.  You’ve got this. 

Hugs🤗

Warmly,

Coach Mel

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/