Melissa Gardner, a Utah-based fitness influencer and mother of two, has become an inspiration for many with her successful 50-pound (22.67 kg) weight loss. She frequently shares her fitness routines and meal plans to motivate others on their health journeys. Recently, she shared the steps she would take if she had to lose the 23 kg again, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to shed weight.
In a video titled “If I Had to Lose 50 lbs All Over Again, Here’s What I Would Do,” Gardner outlined a series of steps that helped her achieve success the first time—and what she would do differently if she had to start over.
Seek Professional Guidance: Gardner would consult an expert to calculate her macronutrients, avoiding the guesswork of tracking a calorie deficit.
Learn About Macronutrients: She suggests using resources like YouTube to fully understand how to track macros, ensuring consistency in staying within a calorie deficit.
Track Smartly: While tracking calories and macros isn’t necessary, she finds it a helpful tool to maintain control over her diet.
Schedule Workouts: Gardner emphasizes time-blocking her days to prioritize workouts, treating them as non-negotiable commitments.
Set Realistic Workout Goals: She would focus on attainable workout targets and rely on accountability from others to stay on track, gradually increasing intensity over time.
Embrace the Learning Process: Reminding herself that she’s a beginner, Gardner would ask questions and seek support to improve.
Prioritize Protein: To feel fuller for longer, she would make protein-rich meals a central part of her diet.
Add Fiber: Including fiber would help keep her feeling full and promote gut health.
Pre-Workout Boost: Gardner would incorporate her favorite pre-workout to make early morning sessions easier.
Exercise Routine: She would run three times a week—two short sessions and one longer run—and lift weights at least three times weekly.
Ignore Judgment: Gardner advises focusing on personal progress, rather than worrying about others’ opinions.
Patience is Key: Understanding that weight gain took time, she would remind herself that losing it would take time as well.
Adopt a Lifestyle Mindset: Gardner sees weight loss as a lifestyle change, reinforcing her commitment to becoming a healthier version of herself.
Self-Accountability: She would remind herself of her ability to follow through on promises, particularly to herself.
Develop New Skills: Lastly, Gardner would seek guidance in areas where she lacked knowledge, ensuring that her weight loss journey remained a priority despite life’s challenges.
