Losing weight can be a challenging journey, especially when years of effort yield little to no results. Many struggle with finding the right balance of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to achieve sustainable weight loss. Personal trainer, nutritionist, and wellness coach Rachael Sacerdoti knows this struggle all too well.
In a wellness chat with Hello! Magazine, she highlights years of failed attempts until she finally discovered effective strategies that transformed her body and her approach during the middle years of her life.
Two of her go-to strategies include protecting your metabolism and maintaining consistency. Read on to get all her insights.
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
1. Protect your metabolism
Protecting your metabolism is essential for successful and sustainable weight loss. Your metabolism controls how efficiently your body burns calories, so keeping it in optimal condition can help you lose weight more effectively.
"If your routine doesn't involve resistance training, protein, and a healthy dose of knowledge about how to build lean muscle mass, you're 100% going to lose muscle. You might lose weight overall, but what you're actually doing is hammering your metabolism (by losing muscle) and setting yourself up perfectly for the yo-yo effect," says Sacerdoti.
2. Maintaining consistency
Consistency is the cornerstone for successful weight loss, as lasting results come from sustainable habits rather than quick fixes. Sticking to a balanced routine of healthy eating, regular exercise, and mindful lifestyle choices helps create a calorie deficit over time while supporting overall well-being.
"Weight loss really is a marathon, not a sprint. Especially if you want to lose weight during menopause or perimenopause. Finding a pace that works for you and that you can maintain is a game changer," Rachael notes.
The bottom line
Rachael has three other general tips you should consider as well: prioritizing your health, being an example for your children, and nourishing your soul.
By focusing on your overall well-being, you’re more likely to maintain healthy eating habits like eating nutritious foods and staying active. Leading by example motivates you to make better choices while creating a supportive environment. Lastly, nourishing your soul through self-care and stress management helps prevent emotional eating and keeps you committed to your weight loss journey.
Sacerdoti concludes, "Only once you've done this does a lasting physical change happen. This is also when the biggest feel-good factor kicks in. Your confidence soars, and you're able to perform at a totally different level."
