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Research backed articles about fitness, nutrition, mindset, health and wellness.

If you don't see an article about a topic that you would like to see, shoot us an email and we'll be happy to cover it.

How to Finally Make Fat Loss Simple, Sustainable, and Actually Stick

5/3/2025

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Coach Kayli

NASM Certified Personal Trainer and NCI Certified Nutrition Coach specializing in women’s health, fat loss, and mindset transformation.

Summer is almost here—and if you’re like most women I coach, you’re probably feeling a little pressure to "get it together" before the season hits full swing. Maybe you’ve tried to start over more times than you can count. You’ve done the crazy cardio routines, skipped meals, cut carbs, and downloaded another free challenge hoping this time it will stick.
But let me tell you something powerful:

It’s not too late. You don’t need to be perfect. And you definitely don’t need to punish your body to feel confident this summer.
The next 90 days can look and feel completely different—not because you finally found the "magic fix," but because you focused on what actually works.
Let’s break it down.

​
Why Most Fat Loss Plans Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead)

The biggest mistake I see women make this time of year?
They go all in.
  • 5-6 workouts a week
  • Barely eating
  • Hoping for the scale to drop fast

    And then life happens. A busy week. A skipped workout. A weekend of pizza and wine. Suddenly, you're "off track" and it all feels like a failure.
Here’s the truth: The all-or-nothing mindset is what’s keeping you stuck.
What works? Building a sustainable system of habits you can actually stick with—even on a busy Tuesday or a low-energy weekend.


5 Things You Can Start Doing Today

These are simple. They’re doable. And most importantly, they work.
1. Pick Your BAMs (Bare Ass Minimums)
These are the 4 daily non-negotiables I teach in my Phoenix Rising program:
  • 8,000 steps per day
  • Protein goal (aim for 25-30g per meal)
  • Hydration + morning routine (start your day with electrolytes and 30 mins without your phone)
  • 2-3 strength sessions per week

When you hit these, you're moving the needle—even if the scale doesn't budge overnight.

2. Choose 3 Autopilot Breakfasts + 3 Autopilot Lunches
Don’t play macro Tetris every night. Instead, create a simple meal rotation that hits your protein and fiber goals without making you think too hard.
Not sure how? I’ve got a free plug-and-play guide you can download right [here].

3. Lift Something Heavy Twice a Week
Cardio won’t shape your body—strength training will. You don’t need hours in the gym. Just commit to moving your body with resistance a couple times a week. Your metabolism and your future self will thank you.

4. Focus on MORE, Not Less
Instead of obsessing over what to cut, focus on what to add:
  • More protein
  • More movement
  • More whole foods
  • More water
  • More rest
  • More self-respect
That shift alone can change your whole mindset.

5. Track Your Wins (Not Just Your Weight)
You are not a number on a scale. Track your strength. Your energy. Your consistency. Your confidence. Because those are the things that stick when the scale fluctuates.


If You Start Now, You’ll Be So Glad You Did
Imagine where you could be 90 days from now if you stopped overcomplicating the process and just focused on the right things.
You could:
  • Feel proud of your habits
  • Get stronger and more energized
  • Enjoy summer without the crash diet stress
  • Build real momentum that lasts way beyond bikini season
And you don’t have to do it alone.



Something New Is Coming...

I’m getting ready to launch my brand-new Phoenix Rising Group Coaching Community before the end of this month—and it’s built just for women like you:
  • Women who’ve tried it all.
  • Women who are tired of starting over.
  • Women who want guidance, accountability, and a no-BS system that actually works.

Inside, you’ll get everything from expert video lessons, weekly live coaching with me, 90-day challenges with cash prizes, and access to my training app with built-in habit tracking.

More details are coming soon—but if your gut says this could be the thing that finally sticks, stay close.

This summer? We rise. ✨


Ready to simplify your next 90 days? Start with your BAMs today, and watch what happens.
You in?

​
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How to Lose Weight in Your 40s Without Destroying Your Metabolism

3/15/2025

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By Coach Kayli

Losing weight in your 40s feels different than it did in your 20s and 30s—because it is! Many women notice that the strategies they once relied on (eating less, doing more cardio, skipping meals) no longer work. In fact, they often backfire, leading to stalled progress, low energy, and frustration.

The good news? Weight loss in your 40s is absolutely possible—you just need the right approach that supports your metabolism rather than wrecking it. Here’s how you can lose fat, build strength, and feel amazing without extreme dieting.
Why Losing Weight Feels Harder After 40Many women believe that weight gain in their 40s is just an unavoidable part of aging, but that’s not entirely true.

​The real reasons fat loss feels harder include:

✅ Hormonal Changes: Estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate, affecting how your body stores fat—often leading to more accumulation around the midsection.
✅
Muscle Loss: If you aren’t actively working to maintain or build muscle, your body naturally loses it over time, slowing your metabolism.
✅
Higher Stress Levels: Busy careers, family responsibilities, and less time for self-care lead to higher cortisol levels, which can contribute to fat storage.
✅
Slower Recovery: Your body doesn’t bounce back as quickly, making excessive exercise and undereating even more harmful.

So what’s the solution? Instead of chasing quick fixes, you need a sustainable, metabolism-friendly approach.

5 Steps to Losing Weight Without Damaging Your Metabolism

1. Prioritize Protein for Fat Loss and Muscle Retention. Protein is non-negotiable if you want to lose fat without losing muscle. It helps keep you full, supports muscle maintenance, and even has a thermic effect—meaning your body burns more calories digesting it.

💡 Goal: Aim for 0.7-1g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
🔹 Simple ways to hit your protein target:
  • Start every meal with a protein source (chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese).
  • Keep high-protein snacks on hand (protein shakes, boiled eggs, turkey roll-ups, jerky).
  • Don’t fear protein powders—they’re a convenient way to boost intake!

2. Strength Train to Keep Your Metabolism High

If you’re relying solely on cardio to lose weight, you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle. Strength training helps you build and preserve muscle, which keeps your metabolism fast and prevents that dreaded “skinny fat” look.

💡 Goal: Train 3-4x per week, focusing on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, hip thrusts, bench presses, and pull-ups.

🔹 Strength training benefits:
  • Increases metabolism, so you burn more calories even at rest.
  • Improves bone density and joint health.
  • Helps reshape your body so you look lean rather than just “smaller.”

3. Stop Starving Yourself—Eat ENOUGH for Fat Loss

One of the biggest mistakes women make in their 40s is eating too little.

Severely cutting calories might lead to weight loss at first, but it also causes muscle loss, slows your metabolism, and increases cravings, making long-term fat loss nearly impossible.

💡 Solution: Instead of eating as little as possible, focus on eating enough to fuel your workouts and recovery. A reasonable calorie deficit (200-500 calories below maintenance) is plenty to see steady fat loss.
🔹 How to know if you’re eating too little:
  • You feel constantly fatigued and irritable.
  • You’ve hit a weight loss plateau despite eating less.
  • You experience intense cravings or binge episodes.

4. Balance Your Cardio—Don’t Overdo It

Cardio is great for heart health, but excessive cardio can increase stress hormones, break down muscle, and slow your metabolism.

💡 Goal: Instead of spending hours on the treadmill, aim for 2-3 days of cardio per week and make it intentional—think brisk walks, incline treadmill work, or short HIIT sessions.

🔹 Best cardio options for fat loss:
  • Daily walks (at least 8,000 steps per day)
  • 20-30 minutes of incline walking or cycling
  • 1-2 short HIIT sessions per week (optional)

5. Manage Stress & Prioritize SleepCortisol (your stress hormone) plays a huge role in fat loss, especially around the midsection. High stress combined with poor sleep can increase cravings, slow metabolism, and make weight loss feel impossible.

💡 Solution: Create habits that reduce stress and improve recovery.
🔹 Simple stress-reducing habits:
  • Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Set boundaries with work and personal responsibilities.
  • Take 5-10 minutes a day for deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
  • Prioritize hobbies and time outdoors to relax your nervous system.

The Bottom Line: You CAN Lose Fat at 40+ Without Wrecking Your Metabolism

If your goal is to lose weight in your 40s and beyond, the old ways of dieting and endless cardio won’t cut it. Instead, focus on building muscle, eating enough protein, and managing stress.

By following these steps, you won’t just lose weight—you’ll feel stronger, have more energy, and create a body that looks and feels incredible for years to come.

🚀 Ready to lose fat and get strong without the diet rollercoaster? Stay tuned—I have something coming soon that will help you get there! 💪🔥


​
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How to Speed Up Your Metabolism: Debunking Myths and Simple Steps to See Results in 2025

1/4/2025

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As the New Year kicks off, many of us are setting health and fitness goals. For those looking to lose weight or build muscle, one question often comes up: "How can I speed up my metabolism?" While the idea of revving up your metabolism sounds great, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction and focus on strategies that truly work.
In this blog post, we’ll bust common myths about metabolism and provide actionable steps to help you support your metabolism for lasting results.


What Is Metabolism? Your metabolism is the process your body uses to convert food into energy. It’s not a single organ or system but a series of chemical reactions that keep you alive and functioning. The speed of your metabolism—your metabolic rate—is influenced by several factors, including:
  • Age: Metabolism naturally slows as you get older. But not as much as think!
  • Body Composition: Muscle burns more calories than fat at rest.
  • Hormones: Thyroid function, insulin levels, and other hormones play a significant role.
  • Activity Level: Movement and exercise directly affect how many calories you burn.



Myth-Busting: What Won’t Speed Up Your Metabolism!

Before diving into what works, let’s dispel some common misconceptions:
  • Skipping Meals: Many believe eating less drastically will speed up fat loss, but this often leads to the opposite effect, slowing your metabolism and causing muscle loss.
  • Eating "Metabolism-Boosting Foods": While green tea, spicy foods, and apple cider vinegar have small effects, they won’t make a significant difference alone.
  • Excessive Cardio: Overdoing cardio can lead to muscle loss, which slows your resting metabolic rate over time.



5 Proven Ways to Support Your Metabolism

1. Build and Maintain Muscle: 
Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to increase your resting metabolic rate. Muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat, meaning you burn more calories even when at rest. Aim for at least 2-3 strength training sessions per week.
Action Step: Start incorporating compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to build muscle.

2. Prioritize Protein in Every Meal: 
Protein has the highest thermic effect of food (TEF), meaning your body burns more calories digesting protein compared to carbs or fat. Protein also helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
Action Step: Include a source of protein (e.g., chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, or Greek yogurt) with every meal and snack.

3. Stay Consistently Active: 
While exercise is essential, non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) also plays a huge role in calorie burn. This includes all the movement you do outside of workouts, such as walking, cleaning, or even fidgeting.
Action Step: Set a daily step goal, such as 8,000-10,000 steps, to increase your overall activity level.

4. Don’t Skimp on Sleep: 
Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, such as leptin and ghrelin. Chronic sleep deprivation can make weight management more challenging.
Action Step: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

5. Fuel Your Body Consistently: 
Under-eating can cause your metabolism to slow down over time as your body tries to conserve energy. Ensure you’re eating enough calories to support your activity level and goals.
Action Step: Work with a coach or use a calorie-tracking app to determine the right caloric intake for you.



Kickstart Your 2025 Metabolism Goals

The start of a new year is the perfect time to take control of your health and set yourself up for success. By focusing on building muscle, eating enough protein, staying active, prioritizing sleep, and fueling your body properly, you can create a lifestyle that supports a healthy metabolism—no gimmicks needed.

If you’re ready to start the year strong and want expert guidance, let me help you achieve your goals! I specialize in helping women in their 30s-50s regain confidence, build strength, and simplify fat loss with sustainable methods.

 Let’s work together to make 2025 your healthiest year yet. Click below to learn more about my personalized coaching programs!


Phoenix Coaching
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Setting Realistic New Year's Fitness Goals: A Guide to Success

12/21/2024

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Blog Post by Coach Julie

NCI Certified Nutrition Coach L1 & Certified Mindset Coach
Specializing in Women's Health and Gut Health

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As the New Year approaches, many people find themselves motivated to prioritize health and fitness. However, studies show that only 9% of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions long-term. Setting realistic and achievable fitness goals can be the key to becoming part of this successful minority.

​Why Setting Realistic Goals MattersUnrealistic expectations often lead to burnout and discouragement. For example, attempting to lose 20 pounds in one month or committing to daily gym visits when you’ve been sedentary sets you up for failure. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, people who set small, incremental goals are 50% more likely to maintain new habits over a year.

Tips for Setting Achievable Fitness Goals
  1. Follow the SMART Framework
    Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” aim for, “I’ll walk for 30 minutes, five days a week, for the next three months.”
  2. Focus on Process Goals, Not Just Outcomes
    Outcome goals like “losing 10 pounds” are important, but process goals, such as “completing three workout sessions per week,” keep you focused on actions you can control.
  3. Start Small
    If you’re new to exercise, start with manageable activities. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which can be broken into 10-minute intervals.
  4. Track Your Progress
    Use a fitness app or journal to monitor your achievements. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that tracking progress increases the likelihood of achieving goals by 42%.
  5. Celebrate Milestones
    Reward yourself for small victories, such as completing your first month of workouts. Positive reinforcement strengthens new habits.
    ​
Common Fitness Goals and How to Tackle Them
  1. Weight Loss
    • Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week, a safe and sustainable rate according to the National Institute of Health.
    • Combine a caloric deficit with strength training to preserve muscle mass.
  2. Building Muscle
    • Prioritize strength training with progressive overload, aiming for at least 2-3 sessions per week.
    • Ensure adequate protein intake (¾ to 1 gram per pound of body weight).
  3. Improving Endurance
    • Start with activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Gradually increase duration and intensity by 10% per week to avoid injury.
  4. Enhancing Flexibility
    • Incorporate stretching or yoga into your routine for 10-15 minutes daily. Studies suggest this reduces muscle stiffness and improves overall performance.

Overcoming Common Barriers
  1. Time Constraints
    Integrate short, effective workouts like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which can improve cardiovascular health in as little as 20 minutes. For even quicker options, try the Ascend Fitness app and its 15 Minutes of Fire program, designed to get you in and out of the gym in just 15 minutes while delivering maximum results.
  2. Loss of Motivation
    ​
    Keep your goals visible and adjust them as needed. A friend or accountability partner can also help you stay on track. Hiring a coach, like Coach Kayli or myself, can provide personalized support, structure, and encouragement to keep you motivated and progressing toward your goals.
  3. Plateaus
    Regularly update your routine by increasing intensity, trying new exercises, or adjusting your diet to continue seeing progress.

    This year, set yourself up for success by crafting fitness goals that are realistic, actionable, and aligned with your lifestyle. By taking small steps and celebrating your progress, you can make 2025 the year you achieve lasting health and fitness.


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    Author

    Kayli is a certified personal trainer and online coach that specializes in fitness, wellness, nutrition, mindset, mobility and everything in between.

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Personal Training
    • Online Nutrition and Fitness Coaching
    • Custom Training Programs
    • Senior Fitness Classes
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Entrees
    • Dressings
    • Snacks
  • Blog
  • Phoenix Rising Podcast
  • Product Recommendations
  • Contact Me
  • Ascend Mobile App