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If you’re a woman who struggles with weight management, you aren’t alone. According to Our Bodies, Ourselves, only 12% of women are satisfied with their current body size. A healthy weight isn’t just about size, however. Maintaining a weight appropriate for your build can help prevent various physical problems, from diabetes to cardiovascular disease.

Reframing your mindset about weight management is the first step in shedding pounds in a way that is both effective and long-lasting. It’s also critical to recognize that every body is unique and that what works for your friend or husband won’t necessarily work for you. With this knowledge, you can start exploring healthy weight loss options, like LBX Fitness, which takes a holistic approach to helping diverse females transform their minds and bodies alike.

This guide gives you the knowledge you need to start a productive weight-loss journey. Read on to find out more about how women lose weight differently from men and learn what you can do to achieve greater wellbeing in mind and body.

Why women may struggle more than men to lose weight

Women’s bodies are biologically designed for pregnancy. This is why women tend to store more fat around the abdomen and thighs, for example. It’s all about protecting that theoretical baby. Women also tend to have a slower metabolism than men, according to The Cleveland Clinic, which makes it harder to shed pounds.

Additionally, women’s bodies are impacted by hormone issues that contribute to weight fluctuations and make managing regular weight difficult. Goop explains that factors like dysregulated cortisol levels can pose problems, such as sparking sugar cravings. With this knowledge, you can better understand the need for a personally tailored weight management plan that’s designed for your one-of-a-kind female figure.

Healthy diet and exercise changes that women can make to shed pounds

Diet and exercise are the basis of healthy weight loss. “Diet” doesn’t refer to fad plans, however. The key is to eat healthy and nutritious food. Avoid processed items, which have excess sugars and empty calories. Prioritize a balanced intake of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Don’t starve yourself. This causes your body to go into survival mode and store fat. Meal planning is one way to take control of what you eat.

As for exercise, the key is consistency. There’s no point doing super intense workouts one week just to sit on the couch the following week. Find forms of physical activity that you genuinely enjoy and don’t have a problem sticking with. Real Buzz lists some fun options, like dancing, indoor soccer, climbing, and more.

Additional tips to support successful weight loss strategies

Effective weight management that lasts isn’t about making short-term changes — it requires revamping your lifestyle. Instead of focusing on shedding pounds, focus on a healthier life in general, both mental and physical. For example, exercise doesn’t just burn calories and support weight loss. It’s also proven to boost your mind, according to Harvard Health.

Find ways to embrace healthy change and enjoy it. You might motivate yourself to work out by investing in some cute new exercise clothing, for instance. Organic cotton sports bras, tanks, and underwear from Davy Piper will keep you comfy, wick away moisture, and make you that much more motivated to break a sweat.

Understanding your body’s unique needs is the first step in achieving lasting weight loss. Hopefully, this guide has provided some insights into how you can get started in creating a healthier lifestyle that will nurture body and mind alike.

LBX Fitness provides women with the personalized plans they need to successfully lose weight and keep it off. Get started with a 30-day challenge.

Sheila Johnson

When we started 2020, no one could have predicted the challenges and changes that were in store for all of us. From a global pandemic to months in lockdown to fluctuating restrictions, there’s a lot to keep up with. There are a few shifts that are likely to stick around even after this crisis is over. Consider these widespread pandemic lifestyle changes. 
 
We’re Spending More Time at Home 
 
We’ve all spent most of 2020 staying safe in our homes, and this trend is not likely to go anywhere in the months ahead. COVID-19 cases are rising once again and public health experts are predicting these surges to continue through the winter, so sheltering in place at home will be the best way to protect your family and yourself. 
 
If you are going to be at home more, you should take a few steps to make it more comforting and calming. To reduce stress and clear any bad energy, spend some time cleaning up and organizing, and then open a few windows to let a fresh breeze purify your air. After making these adjustments, you may even notice that your family members are arguing less. 
 
We’re Spending More Time With Family 
 
Taking the time to make subtle improvements around your home can relieve stress. This can be especially helpful when you are sheltering in place with a spouse, partner, and/or children. While having more time with the ones you love can be a positive, it can also cause issues when you are trying to work remotely, helping kids with online school, and constantly having to find ways to keep your family entertained. 
 
Since you’re likely to be at home with your family for the foreseeable future, it’s essential that you find ways to mitigate any extra tension you may be experiencing. Taking more time each day for self-care will help, or you can get your entire family out for some sun and exercise. With indoor activities still on hold, it’s also a good idea to get used to spending more hours outdoors.

Also know that increasing screen time is completely okay. In fact, most experts recommend that parents embrace screens and technology, especially in lockdown. Online gaming can even be a great way to spend time as a family, so long as you have the right internet connection to support all that extra playtime.
 
We Need to Keep Supporting Local Businesses
 
Small business owners are still fighting to survive amidst pandemic restrictions and considerations, and need support from consumers like you. So the next time you need to pick up any essentials, commit to shopping local.

If you’re thinking of starting a small business yourself to make up for lost income due to the pandemic – or to simply shift careers – know that there are many online tools that can help. For instance, you can fill out all necessary forms online that are needed to establish an LLC for your new business. By signing up with a trusted service, you can leave the necessary research (for example: your state’s requirements, fees and regulations) entirely in their hands so that you can focus on other aspects of the business itself.
 
We all want the COVID-19 pandemic to be over and for our lives to return to normal. Even so, that normal is likely to look a lot different than it did in the past. So be prepared for a few pandemic changes to still be around and find ways to make them work for your life. 
 
If you’re finding it hard to maintain good health during the pandemic, connect with LBX Fitness for exercise and coaching services.
 
Photo Credit: Rawpixel

Dylan Foster
Health Wise Well

Self-isolation and quarantine measures can make you feel lonely and out of touch with the world. Even though you may not be able to go to the gym or fitness studio right now, it doesn’t mean you have to let these healthy routines slide. There are many ways to stay motivated at home so you can keep up your health and fitness goals.

Being stuck inside can also wreak havoc on your diet, especially if you’re a little out of practice with cooking every meal at home. That pantry full of boxed and canned foods might not bring that much inspiration, but there are plenty of ways to cook amazing meals at home with things you have on hand. The following resources can give you a helping hand.

For expert virtual yoga and fitness instruction, reach out to LBX Fitness! Send us a message or call 980-819-1656.

Set Yourself Up for a Perfect Workout at Home

With these home fitness tips, you won’t miss the gym at all!

7 Reasons Your Home Is Your Enemy When It Comes to Working Out

Minimalist Fitness: How to Get In Lean Shape With Little or No Equipment

Best Home Gym Equipment

Tips for Cleaning Your Home Gym

Motivate Yourself to Get Moving

The key to an at-home fitness program is staying motivated to work out.

Get Moving! 9 Products That Will Motivate You to Get Fit

Clothing to Motivate Your Fitness Regime

7 Workout Motivation Tips That Will Get You Off the Couch

The Best Online Fitness App to Make The Most of Your Time

Tips for Making the Most of Your Pantry Foods

Since you’re spending much more time at home and shopping less, you may need to make use of your pantry.

Basic Foods Checklist: How to Stock Your Kitchen for Simple Meals

Look for Healthy Recipes Utilizing What You Have in Your Pantry
7 Ways to Enhance the Flavor of Your Meals

How to Cook Pasta Perfectly (Because You’re Probably Doing It Wrong)

Having your life disrupted by the coronavirus can make it hard to achieve your goals. However, you can make the most of your time spent at home by creating a motivating place to work out and cooking delicious pantry meals with the ingredients you’ve got stocked in your kitchen.

In today’s fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to slow things down. Having a hobby is an excellent way to spend time on yourself. When choosing a hobby, make sure you pick an activity you enjoy. This is about you finding a way to learn something new, relax and unwind from life’s daily stressors. With LBX Fitness‘s suggested tips, websites, and apps listed below, you’ll find the hobby that suits you best.

The Benefits of Having a Hobby

A good hobby is one you do for yourself. It is a tool for you to unwind and a way to cope with stress, according to Psychology Today. Finding a hobby like this has many mental health benefits and can also be a great way to form new social connections, especially if you’re in recovery.

Having a creative hobby, which is often used in conjunction with art therapy, can help provide you with structure and allow you to regain a sense of control in your life. Training yourself to turn toward your hobby as stress relief or using it to find a sense of purpose and meaning can help reduce the risk of relapsing.

Mastering an Instrument

Learning a new instrument takes time and patience, but it can be an excellent way to keep the mind sharp and relieve stress. And when you finally master that song you’ve been practicing for weeks, you’re hit with a confidence boost and sense of accomplishment. For many, music takes on a form of self-expression. It is a way to express what they may not be able to put into words.

If you want to learn an instrument but you don’t want to shell out money for private lessons, you can easily download some helpful apps to set you on the right path. And as JoyTunes points out, there are many online tutorials that can also help you get started.

Take Up Sewing

Do not shy away from hobbies that can double as a way to save money. Clothes are expensive, especially if you’re into fashion. Spending your hard-earned cash on designer clothes can quickly break the bank. This is why learning to sew can be hugely beneficial. Not only is it cost-effective but you can design and show off your own clothes!

Remember, it will take a lot of practice before you get good. Start by taking an introductory class and simple projects and build your skills from there. Additionally, there are many helpful sewing apps that can help you find your footing with this creative hobby.

Learn to Cook

Few things are as satisfying as cooking and serving a delicious meal you made yourself. On top of that, The Chicago Tribune mentions that cooking your own meals is a great way to stay healthy and make you happier. By learning to cook, picking up new recipes and shopping for food, you can avoid processed and unhealthy foods. Cooking is also a great place to experiment and really perfect a recipe on your own!

Break Out the Sketchbook

Many people find drawing incredibly soothing but become frustrated when the image in their head does not appear on the page. That’s okay, some hobbies take a while before you see any progress, but don’t give up. The internet is filled with resources to help all skill levels to improve their craft. From step by step tutorials to YouTube videos to basic techniques, the internet can be your greatest ally.

Launching Your New Career in IT

Perhaps you love to dabble in information technology and want to take it a step further? If timing is right to begin pursuing a new career in IT, the first step along that journey is selecting an IT degree program to learn the skills needed for this challenging, rewarding and lucrative field. If studying full-time isn’t an option, WGU’s programs offer flexibility for you to set your own pace while still preparing you to enter the field as soon as you’re ready to get started. Not only will the degree program help you land a job, it’ll prepare you for success.

Finding a Hobby

Remember, whatever hobby you choose should be one that brings you joy. Do not hesitate to try out several different things. The right hobby is out there for you.

LBX Fitness advocates for women’s health by providing virtual fitness instruction. Consider taking our yoga class, booking a one-on-one session, or taking the 30 Day Fitness Challenge.

Photo via Unsplash

Dylan Foster