A little while back, I was chatting with a woman in one of my coaching groups. She’s a smart, accomplished executive—but her body didn’t reflect the powerhouse she truly is.
She had spent years building her career and subsequently her own business… but in the process, she lost herself. Her confidence dipped, her energy tanked, and the scale was stuck. Worse? No matter what she tried—nothing worked long-term.
For 5 years, she was stuck in the frustrating “yo-yo loop”—losing and gaining the same 30 pounds over and over again and beating herself up about it. Sound familiar?
She felt defeated, but she wasn’t broken—she just didn’t have the right strategy. So, we dug in, uncovered the hidden obstacles, and rebuilt her plan from the inside out.
In this article, I want to walk you through the biggest mistakes that were keeping her stuck—and that may be holding you back too. If 2025 is the year you’re ready to step back into your power, read this closely.
Mistake #1: Obsessing Over Weight Loss Instead of Fat Loss
Let me say this loud and clear: The scale is a liar.
Your goal isn’t just to weigh less—it’s to feel stronger, leaner, and more confident in your skin. That means preserving muscle while losing fat.
Muscle is your best friend after 40. It boosts metabolism, supports hormone balance, and makes everyday tasks feel easier.
Cardio and cutting calories might drop the number on the scale… but you risk losing precious muscle in the process. The better route? Strength training + protein-rich, low glycemic, nutrient-dense meals.
That’s how you shape your body—not just shrink it.
Mistake #2: Wanting 5 Years of Results in 5 Weeks
So many women tell me they’ve “tried everything.” But when I ask how long they gave it, the answer is usually… 3 weeks. Maybe 6.
If you spent years putting everyone else first, your body deserves more than a 30-day fix.
Change takes time. That doesn’t mean it has to be slow or miserable. But it does mean giving yourself a realistic runway—at least 3 to 6 months—to lose fat and reset your metabolism.
I teach this in two phases:
- Burn the fat and boost metabolic health
- Maintain the results with a sustainable routine
Fast fixes don’t work. Smart strategies do.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Tools
You can’t outwork a bad diet. And you definitely can’t outrun menopause with endless cardio.
Too many women jump on the treadmill when it’s time to “get in shape.” The problem? That only works short-term—and often leads to burnout or injury.
Exercise should be about strength, energy, and mobility. Fat loss? That’s where your nutrition comes in.
In my world, we use food to burn fat, and fitness to build a body that stays strong for decades.
Mistake #4: Not Managing Hunger
Yes, hunger is part of fat loss… but you don’t have to be miserable.
If you’re constantly starving, chances are you’re missing a few basics:
- A consistent meal schedule that works for your body. If you read my high protein low glycemic guide you’ll know that I’m big on the 4-4-12 way of eating.
- Enough high-quality protein
- Hydration (thirst often disguises itself as hunger)
- Nutrients that help regulate hormones and appetite
Master your hunger, and you master your results.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Sleep
One of my most successful clients had dropped 84 pounds—but she hit a wall. She felt hungry all the time and couldn’t figure out why.
Turns out, she was only sleeping 6 hours a night. Once we got her closer to 7-8 hours, everything changed.
Sleep is like free medicine. Lack of it messes with your hunger hormones, slows metabolism, and sends cravings through the roof.
Want to burn fat, feel energized, and stop the late-night snacking cycle? Start with sleep.
Mistake #6: Flying Blind (No Awareness)
Self-sabotage is real—and it often comes from a lack of awareness.
One client would be perfect for a few days… then go completely off the rails. When I asked her why, she said: “I don’t know.”
After a few coaching sessions, we uncovered her stress triggers and her deep-seated “all or nothing” mindset. Once she understood her patterns, everything shifted.
If you’re stuck, don’t just try harder. Try smarter. Build awareness, and the changes stick.
If you think this might be a problem for you I covered part of this topic in a YouTube Video recently
Mistake #7: Nutrient Deficiencies That Hijack Your Progress
Most women don’t realize how much low vitamin D, B12, or fiber can affect fat loss.
When you’re deficient in key nutrients:
- Energy drops
- Cravings spike
- Mood tanks
- Hunger takes over
These aren’t willpower issues—they’re biology issues. A simple blood test can give you answers. And fixing these deficiencies can completely change your results.
Mistake #8: Focusing on the Scale Instead of Becoming a New You
This is the big one.
You’re not just trying to lose 20 pounds.
You’re becoming a woman who:
- Moves daily
- Eats with purpose
- Prioritizes her health
- Shows up in the world with confidence
That starts with mindset. Identity. Lifestyle.
When you start acting like the fit, confident version of you before the results come… the results follow faster than you think.
Here’s the truth, my friend: You don’t need another diet. You need a better approach.
One that works with your body… not against it.
If you’re ready to finally feel strong, energetic, and confident in your own skin—without starving or spinning your wheels—I’d love to support you in 2025.
Let’s make this the year you own your health again.
You’ve got this. 💪
— Ruth Sheridan Founder, Fit Wise Woman
P.S. If you’re a woman 40+ who wants to drop 15+ pounds without giving up your favorite foods or spending hours in the gym… I have a few coaching spots open for spring. Click here to apply.
