top of page
Writer's pictureCoach Pollard

What are the top priorities for weight loss - diet, steps, or the gym?

When it comes to losing weight, there are a few key things you should focus on to get the best results without driving yourself crazy. With so much advice out there, it can be tough to figure out where to start. So, let's break it down into the top priorities for weight loss--these three main things that really matter: diet, daily steps, and gym workouts.



This image shows a woman balancing three aspects of a healthy lifestyle in a visually split scene. On the left, she sits at a table meal planning, surrounded by fruits, vegetables, and a notebook. In the middle, she walks along a park path wearing athletic clothing and holding a water bottle. On the right, she is in a gym, lifting a barbell while wearing gym attire. The three scenes represent her focus on diet, daily steps, and strength training as part of her fitness routine. The overall tone of the image is positive and energetic
Prioritizing diet, then daily steps, finally gym

1. Top Priorities for Weight Loss: Diet

First things first: your diet is everything when it comes to losing weight. It’s all about what and how much you’re eating. If you’re not paying attention to your calories or eating the right kinds of foods, it’s going to be an uphill battle. Think lean proteins, veggies, healthy fats, and good carbs – that’s the stuff that’ll fuel you up and help you shed those pounds.


Real-life example: Take Sarah, who’s got a full plate with work and family life. She doesn’t have a ton of time, but she meal preps every Sunday like a boss. By sticking to her plan, she’s lost weight even when she couldn't hit the gym regularly.

What to do if you’re short on time: Focus on your diet! Even if you can’t make it to the gym, you can still control what you eat. Swapping chips for fruit or ditching sugary drinks can go a long way.


2. Top Priorities for Weight Loss: Daily Steps

Okay, we’ve all heard about the magical 10,000 steps a day thing, right? But honestly, even adding just a few thousand steps to your day can make a big difference. Walking more burns calories, boosts your energy, and keeps your heart healthy. Plus, it’s something you can fit in almost anywhere – take the stairs, walk during a phone call, or park farther away.



Real-life example: Jake works from home and realized he was sitting way too much. So, he started walking during his phone calls and taking a quick 15-minute walk during lunch. Pretty soon, his step count was up, and he started feeling more energized while also losing weight.


What to do if you’re short on time: Just add more steps. Even if you don’t have time for a full-on workout, squeezing in a short walk after lunch or moving around during the day can really help.


3. Top Priorities for Weight Loss: Gym Workouts

Yes, gym time is great – but it’s not the be-all, end-all of weight loss. Sure, strength training and cardio are awesome for building muscle and boosting your metabolism, but if your diet and daily movement are out of whack, you won’t see the results you’re after. When you can make it to the gym, mix it up with strength training, cardio, and flexibility work for the best results.


Real-life example: Kelly was hitting the weights regularly but couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t losing weight. Once she started dialing in her diet and walking more throughout the day, things finally clicked. It wasn’t just about the gym – it was the whole package that helped her break through her plateau.


What to do if you’re short on time: If you can squeeze in a gym session, great! Focus on full-body strength workouts or a quick HIIT session to get the most out of your time. But if you can’t, just keep up with your steps and eat smart.


So there you have it – diet, steps, and workouts are the big three. When life gets busy, don’t stress about doing it all. Pick one or two to focus on, stay consistent, and you’ll still make progress! It’s all about doing what you can with the time you’ve got.

Comments


bottom of page