How Clean Eating, Weightlifting, and Hiit Helped a Reddit User Lose 25Lbs in 12 Months

Introduction

Losing weight is not an easy process, but with the right motivation and support, it is achievable. A Reddit user by the name of au196_967 is a testimony to this fact. In just 12 months, she managed to lose 25lbs, reducing her body fat percentage from 36% to 21%. She shared her transformation journey on Reddit, inspiring thousands of people to embark on their own weight loss journeys.

How She Did It

Clean eating, weightlifting, and HIIT circuit workouts were the secret to au196_967's weight loss success. She avoided processed foods and focused on eating lots of protein and veggies. For her workouts, she chose weightlifting, which she enjoys, and HIIT circuit workouts. Although she hates cardio, she still does it for the warm-up and cool-down. She also swims laps when she can.

Cardio: Low Intensity vs. High Intensity

au196_967 used the Polar watch to check her heart rate all the time, which she keeps above 150. For cardio, she does ten minutes on the treadmill at a high incline and around 8 mph, then 30 seconds running, 30 seconds resting on the sides, repeating. She hates running but understands its importance for warm-up and cool-down. She suggests doing low-intensity cardio if you dread high-intensity cardio. Running at your normal pace as long as you can then subtracting a mile an hour the next time you run is a fantastic way to improve your cardio. It helps to remember that you should be running at a pace where your muscles are the limiting factor at the end of the run rather than being out of breath.

Importance of Body Fat Percentage

au196_967 states that she has been at 140lbs for five months, but her body fat percentage has gone down from 29% to 21%. She knows that the scale doesn't accurately represent her progress. Therefore, it is essential to complement a scale reading with measurements of body fat percentage, which offers a better understanding of what's happening in your body as your weight shifts.

Conclusion

au196_967's weight loss journey is proof that with the right combination of diet and exercise, losing weight is achievable. If you're looking to start your weight loss journey, clean eating and HIIT circuit workouts could be a good starting point. While weightlifting can be intimidating at first, it is an excellent way to tone your muscles and improve your overall fitness. Don't forget to take body fat measurements for a clearer picture of your progress. Remember that consistency is key, as losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint.