One of Jenna Rizzo’s cornerstone practices is walking five times a week. Despite its simplicity, Rizzo champions walking as an incredibly effective exercise, not just for weight loss but for overall health improvement. “I’m sure you’ve heard other fitness creators talk about getting steps in before. You may even be thinking, ‘How could something so simple be so beneficial’?” Rizzo shared in a recent TikTok video. She firmly believes in walking’s power to enhance cardiovascular health and mental well-being, calling it “the most underrated exercise.”
While the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, Rizzo’s approach aligns well with this, emphasizing that even less than the often-cited 10,000 daily steps can still yield significant health benefits. For those looking to spice up their routine, she suggests incorporating fast-paced music, interval training, strength exercises, and varied terrain into their walks.
Protein: Building Blocks of Nutrition
Jenna Rizzo also stresses the importance of protein in her diet, consuming about 120 grams daily—a practice backed by her years of experience and evolving nutritional knowledge. Early misconceptions led her to restrict protein intake to post-workout meals, but she has since recognized its broader benefits. “So back when I first started college, I had a guy tell me that if I ever ate protein outside of, like, just finishing a workout, it would be stored as fat,” Rizzo recounted. Nowadays, she prepares protein-rich foods like chicken thighs, steak, and shrimp in large batches, ensuring she meets her nutritional goals throughout the week.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance suggests much lower protein levels, but Rizzo’s intake reflects a more personalized and possibly intensive regimen, likely suited to her active lifestyle. However, she advises consulting with a healthcare provider to tailor any diet to individual needs, especially when considering higher protein consumption.
Hydration: The Fountain of Youth
“I drink water like it’s my job,” says Rizzo, highlighting hydration as a critical component of her daily routine. She notes the widespread issue of chronic dehydration and promotes water consumption as a key to maintaining youthfulness and vitality. Pointing to her forehead, Rizzo credits her clear skin and lack of Botox to her diligent water intake, jokingly remarking that if her forehead “looks like a stack of pancakes,” it’s a sign she needs to hydrate more.
Sacrifice – The Key to Long-term Success
Lastly, Rizzo believes in making sacrifices for the sake of long-term health and wellness goals. Whether it’s resisting the temptation of sweets, skipping late-night outings, or adhering strictly to workout schedules, she emphasizes the importance of choices that benefit future well-being over immediate gratification. “If ‘present me’ impulsively wants something…I may do it, but I know ‘future me’ is going to pay for it,” she explained. Her philosophy centers on discipline and foresight, prioritizing long-term health over short-lived pleasures.