Forget Fitness Plans—Your Energy is the Key to Everything

 Three years ago, I found myself in a familiar struggle: I had gained 20 pounds in two years, and no matter how many times I tried to get back on track, nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t just about the number on the scale—it was the overwhelming weight of everything else in my life. Between work, family, and adjusting to significant life changes, I felt like I was constantly juggling.

I tried every trick in the book: restrictive diets, high-intensity workout routines, and even the latest detox fad. Yet, no matter how much effort I put in, I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. Worse, I felt more drained and defeated. I was mentally and physically exhausted, and I was beginning to question whether I was doing something wrong. The truth was, I wasn’t failing at losing weight. I was simply approaching it all wrong.

What I came to realize through all of this struggle is something that completely shifted my perspective: It wasn’t about fitness plans or strict diets. It was about energy. I had been focusing so much on “doing” more—exercising more, eating cleaner, being more disciplined—that I completely ignored the root cause of my exhaustion: I wasn’t addressing my energy levels.

Energy is the fuel we need to navigate our lives. It’s what keeps us moving, thinking clearly, and able to show up for ourselves and others. But if your energy is depleted—whether it’s from stress, emotional strain, lack of sleep, or the constant juggling act of work and family—no fitness plan will be sustainable. The more you push your body without replenishing your energy, the harder it becomes to maintain balance and achieve your goals.

The key to getting back on track, for me, wasn’t about a fitness plan. It was about creating a lifestyle that supported my energy in a way that nurtured my whole person. This meant focusing on small, sustainable habits that built me up rather than draining me further.

1. Prioritize Sleep

When you’re exhausted, everything feels harder. Sleep is the foundation of your energy, and without it, you’re setting yourself up for failure. I started focusing on getting enough sleep—not just for my body but for my mind. Rest is essential for recovery, emotional balance, and the mental clarity needed to tackle the day.

2. Nourish Your Body—Not Just Your Waistline

It’s easy to fall into the trap of dieting when trying to lose weight, but what I realized was that my body needed real, nourishing food to fuel my energy. Instead of focusing on “clean eating” rules, I started paying attention to how food made me feel—energized, satisfied, or sluggish. Whole foods, healthy fats, and a balance of protein and carbs became the focus.

3. Move for Energy, Not for Weight Loss

I’d been caught in the cycle of intense workouts, feeling like I had to burn calories to compensate for everything else. But the truth is, movement is meant to make you feel good, not miserable. I shifted my mindset: exercise became a way to boost my energy levels and improve my mood. Whether it was a short walk, a quick stretch, or a 20-minute yoga flow, I noticed a significant change in how I felt throughout the day.

4. Set Boundaries with Your Time and Emotions

One of the biggest energy drains for me was the constant need to say “yes” to everything. As a working mom, I often felt like I was expected to be everywhere and do everything. Learning to set boundaries became a game changer. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you smart. You need to protect your energy, and that often means saying no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

5. Make Time for Self-Care—Without the Guilt

As working moms, we tend to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. But neglecting ourselves only leads to burnout. I started carving out time for self-care that wasn’t about being productive or “doing” more, but about simply recharging my spirit. Whether it was reading, journaling, or taking a bubble bath, I made it a point to put myself first—without feeling guilty.

6. Reevaluate Your Mindset

Finally, I had to reframe my mindset. I had been stuck in a cycle of perfectionism, thinking that I had to be perfect in every area of my life to be worthy. But the truth is, we’re all human. There’s no such thing as perfect. By letting go of unrealistic expectations and embracing who I was in the moment, I felt freer, lighter, and more at peace.

The bottom line? Fitness plans and diets alone won’t give you the lasting change you seek. Energy is what sustains you, and until you address how you’re fueling your body, mind, and emotions, you’ll keep spinning your wheels. It’s time to stop chasing the scale and start focusing on what really matters: your energy.

When you focus on nourishing your energy, everything else—your health, your work, your family life—falls into place. Once I realized that, I felt more confident, empowered, and in control. The changes I made weren’t extreme—they were simple, small shifts that created lasting impact.

So, forget the latest fitness fad. Start paying attention to what energizes you, and the rest will follow.

I’m Marialva Ventura, and everybody calls me The Thriving Mommy. I am a Life Balance Coach dedicated to helping working moms reclaim their energy, confidence, and peace through practical, sustainable strategies. If you found value in this post, connect with me on Linkedin and  subscribe to my newsletter below for more tips and insights on creating balance, reducing stress, and thriving in both work and life.