Every time I come across tales of quick weight loss, I can't help but feel doubtful, pondering to myself:

• What particular tactics are they employing?
• How does this affect their health?
• What is the level of sustainability?

Some strategies may yield quick results but fail disastrously over time. That’s not something I wish for you or anyone else. The name of the game is:.

Lasting athleticism.

Nevertheless, this article from Today was filled with so many 'gems' that I thought it deserved to be shared—despite the fact that two months isn't a very long period.

Here goes:

Similar to countless others, Ashley Evans and Brendan Roche found the pandemic challenging. Their workout routines took a hit and, by their own admission, they indulged in a "treat-yourself-every-meal kind of scenario."

One day, as they were planning a trip to Maui, they decided to step on the scale. Evans weighed in at 225 while Roche hit 260. Their initial excitement about the upcoming vacation quickly shifted to embarrassment, followed by a renewed sense of determination.

According to Evans:

We glanced at each other and made a promise to begin our weight-loss journey together that very day.

We made eye contact and promised to begin our weight-loss journey together from that very day.

They avoided any strict diets, intense daily runs, or subscribing to meal plans. According to them, they simply returned "to the basics."

Below are several adjustments they implemented:

• Removed alcohol.
• Got rid of all the ultra-processed and junk food from the home.
• Only cook the amount of food you need for a single meal (so there aren’t any leftovers).
• Cut back on late-night snacking (if they do, they choose healthier options).
• When they order takeout, they go for salads and smoothies.
• Swapped out white potatoes for sweet potatoes.
• Swap white rice for cauliflower rice.
• Philly cheesesteak sandwiches transformed into stuffed peppers filled with steak, onions, mushrooms, and cheese.

These small, steady adjustments allowed us to enjoy our favorite foods. Plus, when you're cooking at home, you get to decide exactly what goes into your meals.

These small, step-by-step adjustments allowed us to enjoy our favorite foods without feeling deprived. Plus, cooking at home gives you full control over the ingredients you use.

After establishing solid healthy eating habits over several months, they felt ready to add exercise into their routine. Previously, they had trouble maintaining a consistent workout regimen. Determined not to rush into it this time, they opted for a steady, gradual approach to make sustainable progress.

In the initial month, they began by running ½ mile on the treadmill and performing 2–3 strength exercises. That's all. Gradually, this escalated into additional weight-lifting sessions… pickleball matches… and comprehensive full-body workouts.

All these minor adjustments led to each of them shedding 40 pounds. Not only did it make them feel more at ease for their journey, but it also gave them much more endurance to relish their experience. And the changes didn't end with the trip. Roche has dedicated himself to building physical strength and gaining muscle. Meanwhile, Evans is focusing on mastering pull-ups and is contemplating a marathon or bodybuilding competition.

“Initially, our trip to Maui was our motivation, but now the daily drive comes from seeing results and feeling healthy.”

Initially, the trip to Maui gave us the motivation we needed, but now it's the results and the sense of being healthy that inspire us daily.

What’s remarkable about their journey is the chain reaction that getting fit has set off. While the initial spark might have been the Mau trip, it has now blazed into a much fiercer passion for staying healthy.

Roche described the biggest benefit for him:

“When I was at my heaviest, I found myself napping during the day. I had absolutely no energy. I lost interest in activities I used to enjoy. I stopped going fishing and didn’t visit the gun range anymore. My days were spent playing video games and sleeping. These days, I sleep more soundly and wake up eager to tackle whatever the day has in store for me,”.

“When I was at my heaviest, I'd find myself napping during the afternoon. I felt completely drained. I lost interest in activities I once enjoyed. I stopped fishing and going to the gun range. Instead, I'd just play video games and sleep. But now, I get better sleep and wake up looking forward to the day's activities,”.

Think about the power of that:

Start your day with enthusiasm for the activities you have planned.

This boost in your energy levels, physical strength, and confidence truly opens up more opportunities for you to engage in life's activities. And that stands as one of the most delightful advantages that fitness provides.