36 and Thriving: How Fat Loss and Consistency Transformed My Life

As I celebrate my 36th birthday, I find myself reflecting on an incredible year of transformation and empowerment—not just for myself, but for the many women and moms I’ve had the privilege to coach. Becoming a certified coach with the FASTer Way has not only brought a change of pace in my life but has also empowered me, my family, and countless women both locally and out of state.

Finding My Passion with FASTer Way

This past year, joining the FASTer Way program has been nothing short of life-changing. It allowed me to find my voice and passion, giving me the flexibility to determine my own schedule while finding immense joy in my career development. The ability to help other women achieve their fat loss goals and lead healthier lives has been incredibly rewarding.

“Working with you has been transformative. Your guidance and support have helped me lose 20 pounds and regain my confidence!” — Kayla, MINTFit Client

Insights on Thyroid Health

Living with a thyroid disease has taught me invaluable lessons about nutrition and exercise. Proper management of thyroid health is crucial for overall well-being, and I’ve learned to tailor my approach to diet and fitness to accommodate this condition. Understanding the importance of nutrient-dense foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and incorporating appropriate exercise routines has not only helped me but has also informed how I coach others with similar health challenges.

Parenting as a Busy Mom

Balancing parenting with a focus on nutrition and exercise is a challenge many of us face. As a busy mom, prioritizing my health is essential, not just for my well-being but for my family’s too. By integrating healthy habits into our daily routine, I’ve found ways to make fitness a family affair, whether it’s through sports, preparing nutritious meals together, or setting a positive example. This holistic approach has brought us closer as a family and instilled lasting healthy habits in my children.

Prioritizing Nutrition

Nutrition is a cornerstone of any successful fat loss journey. From grocery shopping to meal prepping, finding ways to save money while ensuring we eat healthily is crucial. I’ve learned to navigate these challenges efficiently, and I’m excited to share more detailed tips in an upcoming blog post. Whether it’s planning meals for the week, finding budget-friendly healthy options, or preparing nutritious lunches for work, prioritizing nutrition doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A Funny Realization: Going All In

Not that it’s a bad thing (most of the time), but I tend to go all in when I start something. Over the years, I’ve learned that this can lead to disappointment when I don’t succeed fast enough. For instance, there was that time I bought a dirt bike to ride with my husband, who is a serious biker. I thought, “How hard could it be?” Turns out, dirt bikes are heavy, and racing through the woods on a bike with a motor was a bit above my skill level. Let’s just say I have a newfound respect for my husband’s hobby!

This "all-in" mentality didn't just apply to dirt biking—it also applied to my numerous attempts at yo-yo dieting. I would dive headfirst into the latest diet trend, drop weight quickly, and then, once I stopped, I’d gain it all back—sometimes with a little extra. This cycle of extreme dieting and inevitable weight gain taught me that balance and consistency are critical.

I’ve learned to build a sustainable lifestyle where it’s okay to enjoy a cinnamon bun on my birthday, as long as I also stick to my workout routine. It’s about saying yes to the things you love without neglecting your long-term goals. In the past, I would tell myself, “I’ll start again after the weekend,” and that’s where I failed. EVERY. TIME.

Now, I focus on maintaining a balanced approach. By integrating healthy habits into my daily life and remaining consistent, I’ve found that I can enjoy the journey without the constant rollercoaster of dieting and weight gain. This realization has been a game-changer, teaching me the importance of a balanced, consistent approach to both fitness and nutrition.

The Real Struggle: FAT Loss

What I really wanted to highlight is that I had been chasing the dream of weight loss for years, but what I truly needed was FAT loss. My mind was confused by social media and the terms used about weight loss. Figuring this out was probably the biggest eye-opener for me.

Yes, I have lost a lot of weight—after my second pregnancy, I was over 200 lbs. That was 11 years ago, and since then, I have discovered that lifestyle changes matter. Now, I am back under 150 lbs. At this point, it’s fat that I am looking to lose, and each time I take measurements, I am continually losing FAT while building muscle. This is critical at the age of 36 as we age and go through perimenopause.

Building muscle now is incredibly important as we age because it helps to boost metabolism, maintain strength, and improve overall health. Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, especially during perimenopause, leading to increased fat storage and a slower metabolism. By focusing on building and maintaining muscle, we can counteract these effects, stay fit, and feel strong and energetic.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Partnership

As I look to the future, my hope is to continue growing MINTFit and finding other busy moms who share my passion for nutrition and fitness to join me as partners. The joy and satisfaction I’ve found in helping others burn fat and transform their lives are unparalleled, and I’m eager to extend this opportunity to more women. If you’re struggling with fat loss, know that my program can help you achieve your goals and experience the same joy and empowerment that I have.

Join the Journey!
Want to be part of this transformative journey? Sign up for The MINTFit Monthly to get regular recipes, tips, and updates, and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily motivation and inspiration.

Thank you for being a part of my journey this past year. Here’s to another year of transformation, growth, and helping more women achieve their fat loss goals!

Happy 36th to me, and cheers to a brighter, healthier future for all of us.

Love,

Meg