One day I started walking and that one day changed my whole life. This is how I lost 80 pounds walking.
The Beginning of a New Life
My 80 pound weight loss didn’t begin with a diet. It began with a walk. In fact, weight loss wasn’t even a thought in my mind.
Before you read further, here’s a podcast I recorded on how I lost 80 pounds walking and I give you actionable tips for losing weight for good in that podcast that are not in this post.
At that time in my life, I was feeling particularly unhappy and insecure working as a consultant in California unsure of my future, unhappy that I’d sacrificed so much of my personal life to corporate America. One night after a particularly stressful day, a coworker suggested I go to the beach to think.
When I arrived, I saw a path on the strand where people were walking and running. I hadn’t been active in over decade due to my avascular necrosis, but something pulled me toward that path. A voice inside me said “you should walk.“
So that’s what I did. That night as I walked, I realized for once I didn’t feel strangled by life. I could breathe. I could just be.
After my walk, I looked back at the ocean and thought to myself “I’m going to walk here every night.” And that’s what I did. Every night from that day forward, I walked. The first week 10 minutes, the next month 20 minutes the month after 30 minutes, then 40, 60, 90 and eventually I was walking 8-9 miles at a 12-13 minute per mile pace. The pace of a slow runner!
How I Lost 80 Pounds Walking
Walking made me feel good. It cleared my head, helped me see what I wanted more of in my life. One of which was losing weight. Since I was a teenager I’d tried losing weight over and over again, and failed miserably. But I never understood what the missing ingredient was until I started walking.
The missing ingredient was living.
Suddenly, my focus became fueling my body with healthier choices so I could do more of the things that inspired me like walking. I was eating better by choice, not by the demands of a diet.
After two months of walking, I lost 10 pounds. Those 10 pounds motivated me to continue walking and eating healthy. Over 18 months, I lost 80 pounds going from a size 14/16 to a size 2 to 4.
At that time, I didn’t run, cycle, swim, lift weights or do any of the things I do today. I just walked. And with each step, the weight fell from my body almost effortlessly.
Walking changed me.
Not only did it change my body, it changed everything about me as a person. Suddenly, the world was full of new possibilities. With every pound I lost, part of the old me died. The old me who didn’t love herself or think she was good enough. As those parts died, a new me emerged. The me who’s confident, secure and proud in her own skin.
Walking taught me I was capable of anything.
Walking fired a passion in me to live life beyond my expectations and experience more of what it has to offer. It sparked a dream that I could live a different and more fulfilling life.
Now years later, I look back at the first day I started walking as the beginning of my new life.
A life where I lost 80 pounds, taught myself to cook, take beautiful pictures of food, started this little blog that transformed into my primary source of income and led me to the path of becoming a nutritionist and starting my own private practice.
Now I help women transform their lives and lose weight. I’m telling you this because it’s not just about the food you eat or diet you do. It’s about living a healthy life, choosing cleaner, chemical-free products (toxins get stored as fat) and making time for meal prep and activity.
Sometimes dreams aren’t as far outside our reach as we think. It’s about being willing to take the first step in the direction you want to go.
Having you been walking for weight loss and not losing weight? Watch the video for 6 reasons Why You’re Not Losing Weight Walking.
Are you willing to take the first step? Watch my free hormonal weight loss class and listen to my podcast.
If you haven’t been working out, walking is a great way to start with fitness. The key is to walk at a very fast pace to get your heart rate up. This is how you get the cardiovascular benefit that will help you lose weight. It’s not guaranteed that everyone will lose weight walking as it depends on your health status and eating habits.
I’m sure this will be very inspiring for so many people! Walking is very unintimidating and can be so peaceful and a great stress reliever too. When I can’t run anymore, walking will replace it 🙂
Thanks, Michele! It’s important to me that others understand they don’t have to be a runner to be healthy.
We might need to talk about this one for I Love To Run (to re appear later on in the year). This is fabulous and so inspiring!
Sure! I’m glad you liked it. I’m never sure how runners will respond to this.
I feel like I am starting my new life right now. I’ve moved back home, am genuinely happy, feel blessed, and trying to be grateful for everything that I have. Oh and change wouldn’t be complete without a hair make over! I am chopping my hair this Friday and donating it in memory of my niece who passed from cancer. I don’t know what the future holds but I sure am loving my life right now!
I’m sorry to hear about your niece Daisy. I’m glad you are doing things to make yourself feel good and be happy. Sometimes not knowing what the future holds is exciting because there are so many possibilities.
I love this! I did a very similar thing and lost about 40 pounds. It definitely changed me. I think that people underestimate the power of walking, but it’s a pretty decent workouts!
Congrats on that stellar weight loss Morgan! I agree that many discredit walking for weight loss.
Hi I feel good I have just started walking from 25 days going gym doing exercise is not possible I feel shy as I m to big
Your story motivates me
Glad to hear that!
This is an incredible story, and I am so proud of you!!!! Just that first walk made all the difference. You are an inspirtation.. Have a great day
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Thanks, Heather! It just shows that something small can have a really big impact.
Such an inspirational post.
Thank you Jamie!
I think walking often gets discredited, but it’s an AWESOME exercise, and I’m so glad you shared your experience!
Thanks, Emily! I cannot tell you how many things I’ve read recently that states walking does nothing for weight loss and it’s just not true.
This is awesome and so inspirational! You’re amazing! We really underestimate walking… I’m guilty of this too, but Americans are so obsessed with extreme fitness. We can’t feel fit unless we can lift a mini cooper off of a pinned stranger. But walking is amazing. I was just sick for about a week and have been trying to get more walking in before I hit the gym again. So therapeutic 🙂
I could not agree with you more on the extreme fitness obsession Michelle. It goes along with our fast pace society and desire to do more, more and more. It’s time people slow down & see the benefits to getting back to a normal pace.
I think walking is an underrated exercise. It’s so calming, easy on the joints, and is great for cardio. Great post!
It really is underrated. Glad you liked the post Heather!
Megan,
It is so good to read you…
Thanks a lot for sharing your story. I think I MUST start walking now.
Power walking is a great exercise that when done correctly you can use power walking to lose weight, and surprisingly it will strengthen and tone your legs, stomach, back, and arms. When done correctly, power walking can quickly heat up your body and burn a lot of calories.
Just read this story for the first time! SUCH a great journey and I appreciate you sharing it with the blogosphere. I am a true believer in just being active throughout the day can make such a big difference. If you go to a spin class and then sit on your butt at your office the rest of your day versus making an effort to walk around throughout your day, I feel like thats so much better for your health.
It is very true walking is a miracle and it’s way better than jogging or running for lose weight especially who has physical limitations like Megan said.I lost 60 pound in 7 months just do walking 6 times a week for an hour and as I eat clean healthy food ,with drinking a lots of water.If you really want from your heart to lose weight walk will take you there.And it doesn’t cost you anything but a happy life.
Congratulations! Small changes really make a big difference. Everyone says you need to do high intensity workouts, but really just moving more will get you there. Keep up the good work!
Hi Megan,
All I could do was cry while reading this. 8 have suffered 2 car accidents in 2013. Suffered from debilitating migraine since age 20 that often left be bed ridden. I have suffered with depression since I was a young girl (I’m 40 now), making motivation and the get up and go attitude very hard to grab onto. I used to be 132 lbs when I was in my early 20’s. I’m about 220 lbs now. The bedriddeness caused me to lose a lot of muscle mass/strength also. My body was in severe horrific pain but since being on KYÄNI it has given me my life back. Watch my testimonial here:
Donna’s Montreal Kyäni Testimonial (in front of 2000 +ppl)
https://youtu.be/grCe88c9WFk
Donna’s 2 min Kyäni Testimonial
https://youtu.be/-g02wFaZwYs
Now that the inflammation, muscle/nerve pain is nearly give and my migraine I’m wanting to build back strength and lose a ton of weight. It’s not the visual (vain reasons why) I want to lose weight, but I just don’t feel right being this heavy.
It can become very discouraging when you are encouraged to only do HIIT or very intense workouts in order to succeed. I haven’t really moved let alone worked out in many years.
After reading your story it breathed some hope in me that I can lose the weight but at least just walking in the beginning.
I suffered a lot of impact with my knees especially from the car accidents so right now
High impact is not an option.
But, I’m going to step out in faith and start walking. One step closer to big goals, but baby steps are as important.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m from Canada.
Love D
people always underestimate the power of movement. As in walking! Love your story and thanks for sharing this post again. IT must be SHARED again. Such encouragement
Thank you friend! There’s so many new people here that I thought it was worth sharing again. xoxo
Can I get legs like that from walking?
Everyone is different and gets different results. You can’t target a specific area with a workout.
Wow, congrats this is such an amazing story. Sometime taking the first step is all it takes then staying consistent. Love this!
You’re exactly right! Thanks Ivanna!
About how fast do you typically walk? I have started trying to walk 4-5 miles a day and am desperately trying to lose these 35 lbs I’ve gained during pregnancy and almost nothing has worked after 4 years!!
Thanks:)
I average 12-14 minute miles. Remember what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. You can’t compare. People aren’t apples to apples. This is meant to inspire others to get active and to find what works for them. If you’ve been doing the same thing for a long time, it’s time to change things. The body is highly adaptive.
Hi Megan,
I just wanted to thank you for writing this. Before reading I was wondering if I could lose the 85lbs I gained over the last 2 year by eating right and walking. I’m so glad to hear your success and I’m happy you’re confident and looking wonderful. When I was done reading I forced myself to get up and go on my treadmill (which has been gaining dust) I think k I’ll start walking everyday and see where it takes me. Thanks again!
Hi Megan! It’s nice to “meet” another Megan who spells their name the same as me! Yes! Walking is a great way to get started if you have been sedentary for awhile. It will also give you motivation to do more. I’m glad this post gave you the confidence you needed to start!
Hello, I was just curious if you lost that 85 pounds? I used to walk due to not having a car and now I never walk and needless to say I am back up to 185 pounds. I know walking works in the long run but I like to see quick results. I wonder how long it will take to get back down to 150 pounds?
I lost 80 pounds by walking and changing my diet over the course of 16 months. True fat loss takes time and you absolutely have to change your diet. Walking is just one piece of the puzzle. If you have the mindset that you want it to happen fast, the weight will come back and any shortcuts you take will result in losing water and muscle. If you haven’t watched my free weight loss training I recommend you do! https://skinnyfitalicious.com/why-diets-fail-webinar/
I need to lose about 60 lbs. Googled “walking to lose weight” and didn’t get very good enthusiasm out of it…today I typed in walking instead of running (bc I simply can’t run) and came across this…..let me just say THANK YOU. I needed to hear that I don’t need to run at 200lbd to lose some of before my body can run. Trust me, I WANT to run but my shins hurt,ankles hurt and I’m out of breath in 25 seconds so it’s a real downer when I just need to take it slow until my body can lift itself with a better weight…I want to lose it faster! I can walk forever tho! And for you you say it will work, I’ll walk allllll day now!
No, you don’t need to run but you do need to walk at a fast pace. The key with walking is that you have to be someone who hasn’t been active (i.e. been leading a sedentary lifestyle). That and eating a little below your caloric needs will help with weight loss and great for the cardiovascular system too!
I just started my weight loss journey. Well, seriously started it. I’ve lost 39 lbs so far. I’m 187 lbs now, down from 226 in January. All I’ve been doing is walking daily and hiking on weekends. When I started, a friend told me I was wasting my time, because walking wasn’t enough, I had to do weight lifting and join a gym etc. But I got 39 lbs less to prove her wrong. I’ve noticed my endurance is a lot better as well. Before, I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without wheezing. Now I’m covering miles effortlessly. Even participated in my first 15k! I came dead last but crossed that finish line anyway. My point is, not everybody likes the gym or can afford personal trainers and whatnot. Walking is the cheapest, easiest exercise that anybody at any fitness level can do.
Thanks for your post Camille, so encouraging to know one can lose this amount of weigh by just walking. I am going to follow your lead and hopefully by August I’ll also have lost 39 ibs.
Good video
I’m at standstill, will sign up for tips
Thank you
29 year old man here. My whole life I’ve always had a ferocious appetite, and it just reflected the gusto I like to get out of life. But I was also very overweight as an adolescent and child, and it had adverse effects on my whole life. In my late teens I got into working out vigorously, and it had great effects. However, the truth about weight lifting, distance running, and endless forms of intense cardio is that (1) they are VERY stressful on the body, even though they feel good, and are very rewarding, (2), they are high-risk for injury, (3) they don’t burn enough calories, and (4) you simply sometimes don’t have the energy to push yourself to the limit. When I started going for long walks (6-8 miles), I found that all of these problems disappeared…the advantages were numerous. I can walk even if I’m extremely tired. I can walk if I’m full or hungry, if it’s hot or if it’s cold, day or night, rain or shine. Running doesn’t always allow for that! When you’re walking, you can listen to music, listen to videos, debates, the news, or simply enjoy the scenery. You can study flashcards, catch up on phone calls or e-mails on your smart phone, or converse with a friend…anything you can imagine! You can walk anywhere your legs take you, and you can walk anywhere in the world that you might be without having to plan a route! If you go for long walks, I guarantee you your appetite will both increase, be more controlled, and also naturally guide you to eat as much as you would like without wanting to overeat, because you will truly be satisfied after being able to indulge any day you feel like it! Virtually none of these benefits really occur when you are doing intense runs or other forms of special regimented exercise because of the level of stress, extreme focus, risk of injury, need to plan and prepare, and/or need for a special environment or training program that comes from having to engage in such activities. I encourage anyone to exercise however you like, but walking about 2 hours a day is indeed a life changing habit to adopt, I promise. You’ll burn tons of calories, you’ll strengthen your legs, you feel like a million bucks, you get to enjoy nature and destress, and once you start a long walk you know for the next 2 hours it’s your time to be left alone. Lastly, if you feel like bursting into a run for 20 minutes, you can do that, but there’s no pressure because your habit is just to walk! The only disadvantage to this regiment over others is that it takes 2 hours! But in the end, I find it’s not unreasonable because you can use that time to do many of the productive things I was mentioning above, which you can’t do with other exercises that require 100% of your attention. Additionally, you don’t HAVE to commute somewhere to walk; you can just zip out the door and be on your way, so it’s not that much more time than trips to the gym in the end. Besides, in the end, we spend our whole lives, every waking moment, inside our own bodies, so if we can’t afford to invest a significant amount of time into our health, then we really aren’t properly prioritizing our lives correctly, in my opinion. One last thing is that a lot of hot chicks like to walk, rather than run, so that’s a plus too! Haha!
I am a 65-year woman, and I need to lose at least 100 pounds. Do you think that age matters when walking to lose weight?
Yes, it does because as you age metabolism slows down.
Which shouldn’t discourage you at all. A regular walking program, reducing calories and eating clean = weight loss and a healthier body. I say, go for it no matter your age!
I found age didn’t matter. At 65 and 160 lbs I started walking 4 times a week. After a year with slight changes in my eating habits I was 140 lbs and decided to walk the Camino in Spain 800 k over 35 days (lots of eating and drinking)and lost 5 more lbs. I put my weight loss down mainly to the consistent walking.
Hi Megan,
Your story is an inspiration to all those who are struggling with not only weight loss issue but also for them who are trying to find their place in the universe.
Thanks a lot.
Great article! It really helps me to lose weight. it is just easy way before I get used to sitting after finish my work but after following your walk at home starting with 1 mile and then 2 miles and finally the 4 miles, I start to be motivated to work out every day. I start to lose weight which is good. Walking a weight loss very helpful always to lose weight.
thank you again
This is a very inspiring history! Our bodies are made for walking but sometimes we forgot that. Great Post!
You are incredible!! I’m glad I found you and follow you on Instagram. Your recipes are delicious and your advices are very helpful.
Thank you so much!
Megan you are awesome! thanks for the inspiration to gain back control over my weight and my life, I am forever grateful and love you for it. 🙂
Thank you for this story 🙂 . Walking is not only important to physical health but to mental health as well. I feel that today’s society does not reflect (or daydream) enough. When I walk with a great playlist, my mind runs wild and I always feel so invigorated when I am done!!
have never been able to lose weight and now i’m 64 and 80 pounds overweight
nothing ever works 100% of my life
went on a one hour walk this morning
hope it helps
MEGAN THIS STORY IS BEYOND INSPIRING! I have been living with AVN, I am 35 years old. I Had three hip replacements, and now it spread to my knees, within the last two years. I am a master hair designer from NYC and have been extremely skinny and active my entire life until I was diagnosed with AVASCULAR necrosis. I also gained about 50 pounds. I have been praying and I believe God is going to use you to help me loose weight, help change my mindset, my attitude towards myself and my life. I need to be healthy , well & strong enough to face my medical challenges ahead. I believe tomorrow will be the first day of my new life… we have our first phone consultation… and l am willing and ready. I want what you have ! ❤️
Hi Megan, this was very inspiring. I started gaining weight when I started working from home as a nurse. I’m allergic to nature and walking outside triggered my asthma. My brother is a fitness trainer and he bought me a treadmill so that walking outside wouldn’t trigger my asthma/allergies. I started power walking on my treadmill during my break times. 13 min in the morning on my first 15 min break then 25 min during my 30 min lunch time and 13 min again during my last break of my work day. I’ve noticed that I had already put in 8k steps. with that said, after 5 months I’ve lost 20 lbs starting at 182 lb down to 160 lbs – walking on my treadmill became an addiction. Even on my days off I still followed my treadmill routine. I walk 15k-20k steps a day. I am now down to 130 lb a year later. I can’t go on a day without putting my steps in for the day.
This made it easier for being a single mom of 3
The best stress reliever
Wonderful to hear! Walking is great for the body and the soul too. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story.
I started actively walking g for 30 to 45 minutes a day. But the weird question i have is that I noticed that it takes me less time than it did before to complete my circuit. I normally walk/speed walk and sometimes jog. But I finish my sleep circuit faster.. I don’t under stand.
I loved reading about your walking.
I was so fit at for years , racing in time trials , I even won 4 national championships!!! then in my late 30’s I started the menopause! It completely ruined my life, I couldn’t stay active as it stole all my energy levels, so I started walking the menopause away and I love it. I walked 31 miles in 10 hours and 2 minutes, right through the middle of Cornwall in England , the walk is called the Saints Way.
I absolutely love it, walking fast is just as good as running slow.
I’ve been walking about 7 or 8 miles a day 5 days a week but I’m not losing weight. My question is why?
You have to be in a caloric deficit with your diet to lose weight. Walking alone will not result in weight loss.
Hi Megan,
I completely agree with every single word you’ve written here. I walk at least five miles a day, every day, and it has completely and utterly changed my entire life. I used to do every single thing I could to avoid exercise – but now walking five miles a day is an absolute necessity for me, and something I will be doing every single day for the rest of my life. It’s something I have to do every day, it’s something I need to do every day, but most importantly, it’s something I WANT to do every day.
And, to top it off, walking coupled with eating healthier has led me to lose four stone! And that four stone was four stone I didn’t intend to lose, so bonus for me!
This made me want to cry. It was so beautifully written. Great job.
I enjoy cycling indoors more than walking. If I go for 40-50 minutes I get all those feel good chemicals afterwards, I like working up a good sweat, and I feel like I’ve accomplished something. The only problem is sometimes I get bored. Do you ever get bored on your walks or cant quiet your mind, and if so, what do you do? When I go for walks my mind doesn’t relax, it just obsessed about things and I don’t get peace from it. Also I live in a city and it doesn’t relax my mind to walk there. So I’m a little stuck. Do you have any suggestions?
If you always think about how much you don’t like walking, it will feel miserable for you. Start thinking inspiring things, listen to inspiring podcasts and music to refocus your mind. It is a practice.
This is inspiring. I live in the UK and I need to lose 40 pounds of weight. I’m 190 pounds and I want to be 160 pounds. I’m at my heaviest.
I’m 53 and struggling to lose weight. Prior to having children I was fit and only weighed 104 lbs. Now after 5 children I struggle to get below 165 lbs…ever.
My biggest problem is depression and feeling so overwhelmed that I can’t get myself to do anything that benefits me. And yes I am on medication for the depression but still struggle. I feel as though I sabotage my weightloss on purpose; as some sort of punishment. I know exactly what I need to do to lose weight and get fit again, but I just can’t get myself to do it.
Hi Janelle, are you listening to my podcast? I definitely recommend you do because this is exactly what I discuss in my podcast episodes. We know what to do, but we don’t know how to support ourselves and show up for ourselves. I recommend you start with listening to the episode on self sabotage: https://skinnyfitalicious.com/why-you-self-sabotage-weight-loss/ and also the episode on dropping self judgement: https://skinnyfitalicious.libsyn.com/63-dropping-self-judgement