So, you want to lose 10 pounds in a month? Well, depending on your point of view, it either sounds EASY or impossible. Spoiler alert: it's totally possible because I did it, and I'm about to tell you how!

Jordan Page before & after weight loss, from Fun Cheap or Free

Okay, before we dive into all the details, I want to give you a quick pep talk! If you're reading this because you want to lose 10 pounds, you've got this! You can DO it!

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But because I'm not one to sugarcoat things, I do want to keep it real. Losing the weight isn't the hard part. It's keeping it off that's the challenge! And today, I'm going to share what's worked for me, so you can lose those 10 pounds and keep them off. Are you ready to do this?

WHY DID I DECIDE TO LOSE 10 POUNDS IN A MONTH?

Jordan Page before losing 10 pounds, from Fun Cheap or Free

You might be wondering why I felt inspired to shed some pounds. It's a fair question. No, I wasn't just trying to squeeze into a dress for a fancy-schmancy event. I guess you could say I just reached a breaking point.

I was tired all the time and couldn't remember the last time I read a food label. I was cranky and spending more and more time on the couch in front of the TV, with the computer in my lap, using the “I'm working” excuse. 

My clothes weren't fitting well at all (blamed that on having babies), and I was self-conscious at the swimming pool. My back and neck were falling apart, and it caused me so much pain I could hardly sleep. I blamed it on the couch, mattress, seat in my car, and any other excuse I could imagine.

I went to the doc, excited to show him my lopsided hips (did you see that “before” pic?!) and get a quick fix prescription to see a chiropractor. Instead, he prescribed me four months of Pilates and yoga, telling me the problem was my lack of muscle tone and core. Um, excuse me?!

TL;DR: after months of pain, excuses, and poor habits, my doctor told me I was out of shape. The nerve! Ouch. After that big dose of humble pie, I was determined to lose 10 pounds. So, how did I do it? I'll tell you! First up, I want to share two essential lessons I learned.

IF YOU WANT TO LOSE 10 POUNDS IN A MONTH, DON'T GO IT ALONE

Okay, this is important, you guys. For me, at least, I need accountability to stay motivated. When it comes to exercise, I'm just not one of those lucky gals who loves waking up at 5:00 and going on a run. Sorry, not sorry.

But do you know what I do love? Spending time with my friends and family! And having the occasional kitchen dance party. (Okay, maybe more than occasional.)

If you're like me, then find a workout buddy! I promise it will be SO much easier and WAY more fun if you don't go it alone. And, if you're looking for some ideas that will help make working out feel less like a chore, we've got 'em! Now, to my next big lesson.

TRUST YOURSELF

If I'm being honest, I have tried to lose weight many times before. And every time I set out to lose weight, I did it in secret, mostly because I felt embarrassed. I didn't want to hear people's opinions of my body. I have a lanky body type, so people would always say, “you don't need to lose weight; what are you talking about?!”

I felt like I had to defend myself and got no support or understanding. Ultimately, no one understands your body like YOU do. Being healthy doesn't mean being “skinny.” I was (and still am) lanky, sure, but my body (and mental state) were falling apart. My muscles, skin, organs, and even bones, were suffering…even if the number on the scale wasn't too bad. It wasn't until I decided to do this journey with my husband and my family that I truly committed myself and did what it took to make change happen.

So, with those words of advice out of the way, I'm going to tell you what, specifically, worked for me. I'll share how I exercised, what I ate, and maybe most importantly, how I maintained. But one quick disclaimer first: before you begin any new exercise or change up your diet, be sure to consult with your doctor first. Okay, now on to what I did!

EXERCISE TIPS: WHAT WORKED FOR ME

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Look, like I said earlier, I'm no marathon runner. So, if you're already out competing in Iron Man competitions, you can go ahead and skip this part. I'm no expert, but this worked for me:

  • Shared My Progress on Social Media – I posted my progress on Instagram and got the family involved to get encouragement and suggestions and be held accountable.
  • Exercised at Home 5-6 Times Each Week – There were many days when I didn't have time to workout until midnight, but I made it happen! We borrowed a friend's Insanity DVD because I didn't know where else to turn for a good at-home workout. I hated Insanity though, it was SO boring and was all cardio – I felt like I didn't get toned at all.  I have to admit that cardio was good for losing weight fast, but now I'm focusing more on toning my core to help get my body in check.
  • Worked Out with My Husband – I did every exercise with Bubba because I knew I would get lazy and slack off if I did it by myself.

Pretty doable, right? I didn't even have to leave my house. Now, let's talk about how I changed my eating habits to help get back in shape.

HOW TO LOSE 10 POUNDS: NUTRITION TIPS

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I don't know who needs to hear this, but crash diets don't work. Crazy fads don't work. They're not realistic or sustainable. Sure, you might drop weight FAST. But if it's not a realistic LIFESTYLE you can maintain, you're bound to let the weight creep back on, not knowing how to maintain the loss. Here's what worked for me:

  • Cut Back on Sugar – I didn't cut it out completely (what kind of life is that??), but I found balance and ate it in moderation. And since I'm a sugar addict, the cutting back I did was pretty drastic for my typical lifestyle.
  • Stopped Eating After 7:30 pm – Yes, I'm being serious here. No snacks. Not even a bite. It's easier than it sounds! You get used to it.
  • Ate More Consciously – I didn't use a food log or count calories or anything; I just made conscious decisions. I stopped mindlessly eating. I cut out unnecessary snacking, cooked healthier, and made the veggie the largest portion on my plate at dinner.
  • Drank More Water – Ladies, we could all stand to drink more water, right?! It really does help curb those cravings and beat fatigue! Try it for a week.

And that's pretty much it! Nothing fancy or complicated, just a few small shifts. So, the real question! How did I keep the weight off? Let's talk about it!

HOW TO KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF (AND MAYBE EVEN LOSE MORE)

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I could sum up this section in just three words: variety, consistency, and fun.

I have workout ADD. If I do a class too many times, I'm over it. I lose steam and stop working out, so I need variety, and I need it at my fingertips.

One thing I did to keep myself motivated was join a local gym. I saved up money for a year and paid in cash for a one-year membership to our local gym. I wanted a variety of classes but mostly wanted to have a place with childcare that would allow me to relax in a hot tub and shower in peace once in a while (true story). You know I keep it real with you guys!

When it comes to eating, I like variety, too! By shelf cooking and finding creative ways to make ordinary food feel more fun, I've been able to curb a lot of my cravings and keep my nutrition in check. (And skip the fast food drive-through temptation!)

Sticking to more mindful eating and carving out time in my block schedule for workouts I actually enjoy has been life-changing for me! My back isn't hurting anymore, I have the energy to get on the floor and play with my kids, and I feel like I've gained a few years back in my life. For me, that's SO much more priceless than the number on the scale!

SHARE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS STORY

And there you have it! Just my raw, honest story and a few tips that I hope help you on your journey.

I'd love to hear what's worked for you! Have you lost weight? What did you do? Leave your comments below or some positive words to encourage others!

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Looking for ways to stay motivated and reach your goals?

You've got this! Now, let's get to work!

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