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.
lindsay Cotter says
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
Megan says
Thank you friend! There's so many new people here that I thought it was worth sharing again. xoxo
GG says
Can I get legs like that from walking?
Megan says
Everyone is different and gets different results. You can't target a specific area with a workout.
Donna says
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
Can Boztepe says
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.
Megan says
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!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
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.
John says
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.
Viviana Gomez says
Megan,
It is so good to read you...
Thanks a lot for sharing your story. I think I MUST start walking now.
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I think walking is an underrated exercise. It's so calming, easy on the joints, and is great for cardio. Great post!
Megan says
It really is underrated. Glad you liked the post Heather!
Michelle @ Unbound Wellness says
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 🙂
Megan says
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.
Emily says
I think walking often gets discredited, but it's an AWESOME exercise, and I'm so glad you shared your experience!
Megan says
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.
Jamie says
Such an inspirational post.
Megan says
Thank you Jamie!
Heather says
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
Megan says
Thanks, Heather! It just shows that something small can have a really big impact.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
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!
Megan says
Congrats on that stellar weight loss Morgan! I agree that many discredit walking for weight loss.
Chetna says
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
Megan says
Glad to hear that!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says
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!
Megan says
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.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
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!
Megan says
Sure! I'm glad you liked it. I'm never sure how runners will respond to this.
Michele @ Paleo Running Momma says
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 🙂
Megan says
Thanks, Michele! It's important to me that others understand they don't have to be a runner to be healthy.