If you grew up in the ’90s or early 2000s like I did, you’re probably familiar with Lindora, Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, and all the other diet fads that came and went. And if you’re like me, you probably dabbled in some (okay—most) of them.
Yeah! Turns out, that’s not exactly healthy. No wonder the results never really stuck.
After years of research, trial and error, and firsthand experience, I finally found a lifestyle that helped me achieve my best body and health at 40, even after birthing four kids. The best part? It’s easy, sustainable, and lets you enjoy food again!
The Lifestyle Shift
If you’ve followed me for a while, you probably know the story. But for those who don’t, here’s a quick version:
My oldest son, Camden, became passionate about health and nutrition after watching me struggle with multiple miscarriages. He guided me through a complete lifestyle shift—adjusting my diet, introducing me to a reverse diet (more on that below), and prioritizing strength training and daily movement.
Long story short, after three back-to-back miscarriages, I had my healthiest pregnancy at 39 and delivered my super healthy baby boy, Jack, without complications. No preeclampsia, no HELLP syndrome (which I had with my other three biological kids), and an unmedicated birth! I also transitioned to a non-toxic lifestyle, which you can read more about here.
Camden took his passion even further, earning his OFNC in women’s hormone coaching, CPPC in pre/post-natal coaching, and specializing in menopause. To date, he has helped over 750 women transform their health and achieve their dream bodies. If you’re curious, you can learn more about his program here.
Here’s just a peek at the transformation he helped me achieve!
The Plan That Changed Everything
Here’s what worked for me:
- Reverse Dieting to regulate my metabolism. This meant gradually increasing my calorie intake while prioritizing protein and whole foods.
- Understanding Food—learning that not all calories are equal and that healthy fats aren’t the enemy.
- Strength Training—Camden put together a strength training routine that had me lifting heavy weights 4x weekly (which I love—so much better than exhausting myself with endless cardio!).
- Daily Steps—aiming for 10,000 steps a day.
- I worked on stress management, incorporating meditation to lower my cortisol levels.
- Quality Supplements—I started taking Mary Ruth’s multivitamins and Seed probiotics, along with a few additional supplements Camden recommended to improve my sleep and gut function.
And speaking of sleep—before this, I would wake up every night for 30 minutes to an hour due to high cortisol levels. Since making these changes, I finally sleep through the night and wake up feeling refreshed!
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But How Do I Stick to a Whole-Food Lifestyle When So Busy?
Balancing a healthy lifestyle while raising six kids, running businesses, and traveling frequently? I am not going to lie, it can be difficult to manage. But after years of trial and error, I’ve found a system that works:
- Meal Delivery Services—During especially hectic times, I lean on Factor Meals for quick, dietitian-approved meals that take minutes to prepare. I love that these are fresh, never frozen, and can be kept stocked in our fridge. I order the protein-focused or calorie-conscious options, and they are absolutely delicious (my whole family loves them!).
- Home Chef—I opt for their healthier options and make simple swaps, like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or reducing oil.
- Stocking Up on Whole Foods—We always have fresh fruits and veggies at home, and when time allows, we meal prep using recipes from Camden’s guide, the Clean Simple Eats app, and Lillie Eats & Tells’ macro-based cookbooks.
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- Staying Hydrated—I always carry a water bottle with me.
- Healthy Grab-and-Go Options—I keep MOSH bars, string cheese, unsalted nuts, apples, Offbeat Nut Butter packets, and Clean Simple Eats protein packs handy.
- Making Smart Choices When Eating Out—I prioritize protein and healthy fats using Cam’s Fast Food Cheat Sheets.
- Tracking Macros (Until I Didn’t Have To)—For a long time, I used MyFitnessPal to track macros, but now I can eat intuitively without sacrificing my physique because I know what my body responds to.
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I Want This For You, Too!
I wish someone had told younger me all of this. If you’re serious about improving your health and achieving a sustainable lifestyle, I highly recommend reaching out to Camden and checking out his 90-Day Accelerator Program.
This is your year, not just to get the body you want, but to transform your health, longevity, and energy levels for good.
And even if you’re not ready to dive in just yet, follow him on Instagram! He shares tons of free info, including grocery hauls, fast-food cheat sheets, and more. I follow his advice daily, and I know it can help you too!
Emily is an editor for Global Munchkins, the ultimate guide to family travel, fun, and bonding—founded by her sister, a well-loved influencer who knows how to sprinkle a little magic into everything. With years of collaboration under their belts, Emily adds her own dash of humor and heart to every article, because who knows you better than your sister?
