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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

10 Inch-Shedding Secrets a Dietitian Swears By—No Restrictive Dieting Required

Small changes that lead to big results without deprivation

Abbey Sharp
Copyright Abbey Sharp/YouTube

Struggling with contradictory weight loss advice and fad diets that just don't deliver? You're not alone. Abbey Sharp is here to help cut through the noise with science-backed strategies that actually work. As a Registered Dietitian (RD), TV personality, and founder of Abbey's Kitchen, with over 700,000 YouTube subscribers, Abbey brings credible nutrition expertise to the table. Her philosophy? Weight loss doesn't have to be restrictive or complicated. Read on to discover simple, sustainable changes that could transform your health journey.


The Foundation: Understanding Calorie Deficit

"In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. Hard stop," Abbey explains. But don't worry—this doesn't mean measuring every Cheerio or logging every bite in MyFitnessPal. According to Abbey, the most important factor in weight loss is actually appetite management, not obsessive calorie counting.

Choosing naturally satiating foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats—what Abbey calls her "hunger-crushing combo"—creates the foundation for sustainable weight loss. With that foundation in place, these smaller hacks can help move the needle without deprivation.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

1. Front-Load Your Calories

"Research has shown that eating more of our calories earlier in the day can help with appetite and cravings into the evening," Abbey notes. This contradicts intermittent fasting patterns that push meals later in the day. Our bodies are more insulin sensitive in the morning, and a high-protein breakfast specifically can promote fullness throughout the day. If you usually skip breakfast and eat most calories at night, try shifting those meals earlier.

2. Harness the Power of Retrogradation

It sounds complicated, but Abbey explains this simple science: "When we cool starch-rich carbohydrate-based foods like rice, pasta, and bread, those starch molecules get rearranged into a type of fiber called resistant starch." This resistant starch supports gut health, reduces glycemic load, and promotes longer-lasting fullness. Plus, it decreases absorbable calories in starchy foods by 10-15%—making your calorie deficit easier to maintain.

3. Apply the Pistachio Principle

Named by Dr. James Painter, Abbey describes how "eating pistachios with the shells on prompted participants to eat less of them because the shells acted as a visual cue of how much they ate." This principle works with any food that leaves evidence of consumption—shells, wrappers, or even using small bowls instead of eating from packages. These visual cues promote mindful eating and help you check in with hunger signals.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

4. Choose Whole Nuts Over Nut Butters

"Recent studies have shown that the fat in almonds is actually encapsulated by the cell wall, which is hard for our bodies to break down," Abbey shares. This means up to a third of almond calories aren't bioavailable to us. However, processing nuts into butter makes more calories absorbable. Abbey isn't suggesting eliminating nut butter entirely—it's still nutritious—but as a general rule, the more whole a food is, the more work your body needs to do to digest it, which can benefit weight management.

5. Put Out a Veggie Tray Before Dinner

A simple yet effective strategy: "Researchers found that having a high-fiber veggie preload can help with weight management by increasing fullness hormones like GLP-1 and peptide YY," Abbey notes. One study showed that participants who ate a small salad before lunch consumed fewer calories from their main meal. Putting out vegetables while preparing dinner encourages eating nutrient-dense foods when you're actually hungry, potentially reducing intake of higher-calorie options.

6. Make Your Smoothies Thick

"We know that an important trigger for satiety is a stretching of the vagus nerve, which sends a message to your brain to pump out satiety hormones," Abbey explains. Research shows that regardless of calorie content, thicker smoothies make people feel fuller than thinner ones. Abbey suggests making protein shakes "Frosty-style" by adding frozen banana, ice cubes, nut butter, and Greek yogurt for maximum satiety.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

7. Increase Your NEAT

"NEAT is all of the energy that you spend throughout the day outside of structured exercise," Abbey clarifies. This includes fidgeting, cleaning, and walking—activities that can burn more calories collectively than gym workouts. Research shows NEAT plays a massive role in body weight, partly because we don't typically compensate for this movement by eating more. Abbey suggests pacing during calls, walking meetings, taking stairs, and using fidget toys to naturally increase daily movement.

8. Lower Your Bedroom Temperature

Poor sleep is linked to higher BMI, as Abbey points out: "inadequate shut-eye can mess with our hunger and satiety hormones, increase our blood sugars and appetite, and decrease our daily energy expenditure." Research suggests the ideal sleeping temperature is 65-68°F (18-20°C), as higher temperatures interfere with restorative sleep. Preliminary studies also indicate that sleeping in cooler rooms may increase brown fat, which burns calories to maintain core temperature and improves insulin sensitivity—an important factor in weight management.

9. Get Morning Sunlight Exposure

"Exposing yourself to sunlight first thing when you wake up helps to support your natural circadian rhythm," Abbey explains, which improves sleep and optimizes metabolic function. Research shows an association between morning light exposure and lower BMI. One study found that 45 minutes of morning light decreased appetite and led to fat loss after just three weeks. Abbey suggests a morning walk to combine light exposure with movement.

10. Take a Short Walk After Meals

"This is an evidence-based tip for reducing post-meal blood sugars and therefore improving overall insulin sensitivity," Abbey notes. Stable blood sugar is critical for weight management due to the relationship between insulin signaling and body fat. When insulin resistance develops, it triggers hunger hormones, leading to increased calorie consumption and abdominal fat gain, which further perpetuates insulin resistance. A quick post-meal walk helps break this cycle.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Simple Changes, Sustainable Results

Abbey emphasizes that these hacks aren't prescriptive—they're options to consider incorporating if they feel manageable for your lifestyle. "For a lot of people, sustainable weight loss comes from a collection of small changes that are so simple and intuitive that they can actually be maintained," she concludes. Choose the strategies that work for you, and remember that consistency with small changes often leads to the most lasting results.

More For You

Abbey Sharp
Copyright Abbey Sharp/YouTube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Struggling with contradictory weight loss advice and fad diets that just don't deliver? You're not alone. Abbey Sharp is here to help cut through the noise with science-backed strategies that actually work. As a Registered Dietitian (RD), TV personality, and founder of Abbey's Kitchen, with over 700,000 YouTube subscribers, Abbey brings credible nutrition expertise to the table. Her philosophy? Weight loss doesn't have to be restrictive or complicated. Read on to discover simple, sustainable changes that could transform your health journey.

The Foundation: Understanding Calorie Deficit

"In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. Hard stop," Abbey explains. But don't worry—this doesn't mean measuring every Cheerio or logging every bite in MyFitnessPal. According to Abbey, the most important factor in weight loss is actually appetite management, not obsessive calorie counting.

Choosing naturally satiating foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats—what Abbey calls her "hunger-crushing combo"—creates the foundation for sustainable weight loss. With that foundation in place, these smaller hacks can help move the needle without deprivation.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

1. Front-Load Your Calories

"Research has shown that eating more of our calories earlier in the day can help with appetite and cravings into the evening," Abbey notes. This contradicts intermittent fasting patterns that push meals later in the day. Our bodies are more insulin sensitive in the morning, and a high-protein breakfast specifically can promote fullness throughout the day. If you usually skip breakfast and eat most calories at night, try shifting those meals earlier.

2. Harness the Power of Retrogradation

It sounds complicated, but Abbey explains this simple science: "When we cool starch-rich carbohydrate-based foods like rice, pasta, and bread, those starch molecules get rearranged into a type of fiber called resistant starch." This resistant starch supports gut health, reduces glycemic load, and promotes longer-lasting fullness. Plus, it decreases absorbable calories in starchy foods by 10-15%—making your calorie deficit easier to maintain.

3. Apply the Pistachio Principle

Named by Dr. James Painter, Abbey describes how "eating pistachios with the shells on prompted participants to eat less of them because the shells acted as a visual cue of how much they ate." This principle works with any food that leaves evidence of consumption—shells, wrappers, or even using small bowls instead of eating from packages. These visual cues promote mindful eating and help you check in with hunger signals.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

4. Choose Whole Nuts Over Nut Butters

"Recent studies have shown that the fat in almonds is actually encapsulated by the cell wall, which is hard for our bodies to break down," Abbey shares. This means up to a third of almond calories aren't bioavailable to us. However, processing nuts into butter makes more calories absorbable. Abbey isn't suggesting eliminating nut butter entirely—it's still nutritious—but as a general rule, the more whole a food is, the more work your body needs to do to digest it, which can benefit weight management.

5. Put Out a Veggie Tray Before Dinner

A simple yet effective strategy: "Researchers found that having a high-fiber veggie preload can help with weight management by increasing fullness hormones like GLP-1 and peptide YY," Abbey notes. One study showed that participants who ate a small salad before lunch consumed fewer calories from their main meal. Putting out vegetables while preparing dinner encourages eating nutrient-dense foods when you're actually hungry, potentially reducing intake of higher-calorie options.

6. Make Your Smoothies Thick

"We know that an important trigger for satiety is a stretching of the vagus nerve, which sends a message to your brain to pump out satiety hormones," Abbey explains. Research shows that regardless of calorie content, thicker smoothies make people feel fuller than thinner ones. Abbey suggests making protein shakes "Frosty-style" by adding frozen banana, ice cubes, nut butter, and Greek yogurt for maximum satiety.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

7. Increase Your NEAT

"NEAT is all of the energy that you spend throughout the day outside of structured exercise," Abbey clarifies. This includes fidgeting, cleaning, and walking—activities that can burn more calories collectively than gym workouts. Research shows NEAT plays a massive role in body weight, partly because we don't typically compensate for this movement by eating more. Abbey suggests pacing during calls, walking meetings, taking stairs, and using fidget toys to naturally increase daily movement.

8. Lower Your Bedroom Temperature

Poor sleep is linked to higher BMI, as Abbey points out: "inadequate shut-eye can mess with our hunger and satiety hormones, increase our blood sugars and appetite, and decrease our daily energy expenditure." Research suggests the ideal sleeping temperature is 65-68°F (18-20°C), as higher temperatures interfere with restorative sleep. Preliminary studies also indicate that sleeping in cooler rooms may increase brown fat, which burns calories to maintain core temperature and improves insulin sensitivity—an important factor in weight management.

9. Get Morning Sunlight Exposure

"Exposing yourself to sunlight first thing when you wake up helps to support your natural circadian rhythm," Abbey explains, which improves sleep and optimizes metabolic function. Research shows an association between morning light exposure and lower BMI. One study found that 45 minutes of morning light decreased appetite and led to fat loss after just three weeks. Abbey suggests a morning walk to combine light exposure with movement.

10. Take a Short Walk After Meals

"This is an evidence-based tip for reducing post-meal blood sugars and therefore improving overall insulin sensitivity," Abbey notes. Stable blood sugar is critical for weight management due to the relationship between insulin signaling and body fat. When insulin resistance develops, it triggers hunger hormones, leading to increased calorie consumption and abdominal fat gain, which further perpetuates insulin resistance. A quick post-meal walk helps break this cycle.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Simple Changes, Sustainable Results

Abbey emphasizes that these hacks aren't prescriptive—they're options to consider incorporating if they feel manageable for your lifestyle. "For a lot of people, sustainable weight loss comes from a collection of small changes that are so simple and intuitive that they can actually be maintained," she concludes. Choose the strategies that work for you, and remember that consistency with small changes often leads to the most lasting results.

Courtney Rushing rushingtothekitchen
Copyright rushingtothekitchen/Instagram

Are you on a weight loss journey but not getting the desired results? One expert has some tips that are helping her lose weight now. Courtney Rushing is a nutritionist with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. In a new post, she reveals what she is currently doing to accelerate her weight loss. “I’m halfway through my mindful deficit and here are some non-negotiable habits (shocker- these are the same habits I have at maintenance),” she writes in the post. “Here are some key things that have helped me see results.”

Fat Loss Is About Creating a Sustainable Calorie Deficit

“Fat loss is NOT about starving yourself, doing endless cardio, or cutting out your favorite foods,” she writes. “Fat loss IS about creating a sustainable calorie deficit while prioritizing muscle retention, recovery, and overall well-being.”

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Prep for Success

Courtney recommends setting yourself up for success with healthy habits. “Grocery shopping & meal prep to stay prepared,” she says. This includes “making healthy sweet treats instead of ignoring cravings” and grocery shopping at the beginning of each week “with a plan so I’m always prepared,” she says.

Balanced Macros

She also recommends keeping macros balanced. “Prioritizing protein & fiber for balanced meals,” she says. “Ensured all meals are balanced with protein, carbs, fat, fiber.”

Hydration

Hydration is also key. “Ensured adequate water intake daily along with electrolyte support,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Strength Training

She also lifts weights. “Strength training 5x a week to preserve muscle,” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Walking

Get your steps in. “Adding in more daily movement (NEAT matters!) ” she says. One way she does this is by adding in more walks. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Rest and Recovery

“Prioritizing rest, recovery, and stress management should also be a priority. “Breathwork, prayer, and practicing gratitude” are three habits she recommends.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Sleep

Make sure to get enough sleep. “7 to 9 hours of sleep per night,” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Stay Consistente

Make sure to stick to your healthy habits. “Staying consistent (not perfect!) over time,” she says.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Make Them Your Lifestyle

Focus on making these habits your lifestyle. “Fat loss doesn’t have to feel miserable and it’s MUCH easier when you have spent time at maintenance turning these habits into your lifestyle already,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Trish_Koeslag_liftwithtrish11
Copyright liftwithtrish/Instagram
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Are you struggling to lose weight? Trish Koeslag is revealing the truth about two popular diet myths. In a new social media post, the women’s nutrition and fitness coach, whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement to lose weight, reveals that she struggled to lose weight until she finally learned two things. “It took me two decades to unlearn these 2 dieting myths that helped me lose 15 pounds in my 40s and keep it off,” she writes in the series of Instagram snaps, revealing her truth.


Myth 1: If You Eat Clean, You Will Lose Weight

The first myth? As long as you “EAT CLEAN,” you will lose weight, she says in her post. “For 20+ years, I believed this. I thought if I had chicken, rice, and broccoli, my food intake was on point. Don’t get me wrong, choosing whole foods is truly my jam, BUT eating clean doesn’t guarantee fat loss.”

Truth: A Calorie Deficit Helps You Lose Weight

What is the secret to weight loss? It’s simple, according to Tricia. “A calorie deficit is what guarantees a fat loss. (It’s science, please don’t @ me),” she writes.

RELATED:I Lost 30 Pounds and Kept It Off and Here are 13 Habits That Changed My Life

What to Do: Track Food Using an App

“So 👉🏻 all this time I was eating clean, I wasn’t losing fat because I wasn’t in a calorie deficit. You can still eat clean and gain weight. Shocking, right ⁉️⤵️,” she says. “So 👉🏻 I started tracking my food in an app to get an accurate idea of what my calorie intake was ✅.”

Myth 2: You Deserve Cheat Meals

The next myth she is busting may be hard to hear. “I deserved weekend ‘CHEAT MEALS’” is another thought that prevented her from listing weight. “Yup! I ate ‘clean’ Monday to Thursday and then ate ‘dirty’ Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I thought because I did ‘good’ all week with my food, I deserved a reward with ‘bad’ food,” she says.

Truth: There Are No Good or Bad Foods

You need to shift your mindset, she explains. “So 👉🏻 first of all, there are no good or bad foods. Food is food. Let’s stop labeling it. Are there better sources of food? Yes, but that doesn’t make food good or bad, clean or dirty.”

RELATED:Gillian Ferguson Flaunts Tiny Waist and Reveals 3 Things That Will “Speed Up Fat Loss” That You Probably Aren’t Doing

What to Do: Eat Maintenance Calories 7 Days a Week

Instead, be consistent with your diet, she encourages. “ I stopped the weekend binges by eating my maintenance calories 7 days a week, fitting in all the foods I love, in moderation.”

Also, She Recommends Reverse Dieting

In another post, she offers a few more tips on how she lost 15 pounds in 3 months, starting with following a reverse diet protocol. “Most people do not do this part, and this is a huge reason why people gain fat back,” she says.

And Eating at Home

A few more diet recommendations, in addition to “tracking your food,” keeping “your protein high,” and choosing “mostly whole foods (90% whole foods vs 10% fun food), " are eating at home “most of the time,” which she calls “a big one.”

RELATED:14 Walking Mistakes Sabotaging Your Weight Loss That Experts Urge You to Stop

Hydrate and Rest Are Important, Too

Hydration and rest are also key. “Limit alcohol, keep water intake at 3-4L/day, sleep well, manage stress,” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Trish Koeslag liftwithtrish
Copyright liftwithtrish/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you struggling to lose weight in perimenopause? Just because you are over 40 doesn’t mean that achieving your body goals is impossible. Trish Koeslag is a women’s nutrition and fitness coach whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement to lose weight. In a new social media post, she unveils her weight loss secrets through tips. “10 proven diet tips to lose 15 pounds if you’re in perimenopause,” she writes. “Are you ready to make this the year where you put yourself first? If the answer is ‘hell yes’ then LFG.”

Calculate Your Macros

Start by calculating your macros. Use a macro calculator “and follow your maintenance calories by tracking your food for 2 weeks (be honest!)” she writes.

Get Yourself in a Deficit

Next, get yourself in a deficit. “After 2 weeks of consistency use my macro calculator to create a 15% deficit if you haven’t seen any fat loss progress with your maintenance calories (progress looks like the scale dropping, inches dropping, clothes fitting better, energy improvements, strength in the gym…)” she continues.

Eat More Protein

Amp up your protein intake. “Aim for 30g of protein per meal and space out your meals every 3-4 hours,” she says. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Eat Whole Foods 90 Percent of the Time

Trish recommends staying away from processed foods and filling your plate with clean, nutritious options – most of the time. “Choose 90% whole foods - add lots of veggies to your meals (half your plate)” she writes.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Hydrate

Next, hydrate. “Drink 3L of water + electrolytes (I use LMNT)” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Track Everything You Eat

Don’t forget to track everything you eat to keep yourself accountable. “Track your food in an app (eyeballing does not work, you’ll have to weigh your food in grams) - I have used my fitness pal, MM+ and Cronometer, any app will do,” she says.

Walk 10,000 Steps Per Day

Make sure to get your steps in. “Work your way up to 10K steps per day (get outside for a walk everyday)” she says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Lift Weights

Strength training is also crucial for weight loss. “Start lifting weights: aim for 3 full body days or 4 days of 2 upper + 2 lower days,” she urges. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

Get Enough Sleep

You also need to rest. “Sleep sleep sleep (this WILL make or break you)” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Stay in Your Own Lane

Lastly, don’t pay attention to everyone else. “Stay in your own damn lane!! Who cares what everyone else is doing!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Cassie Black, MS RD (@fatlossdietician), is a nutrition expert and Instagram influencer who helps “women ditch yo-yo dieting and lose fat for good without sacrificing the foods they love.” In one of her viral posts, she reveals an easy hack for losing weight. “This is another one for my ladies who want to lose weight but are also balling on a time budget,” she writes in the caption.


She Stopped Spending Hours in the Kitchen

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“Life got a lot easier for me when I stopped trying to make weight loss unnecessarily hard and time-consuming,” she starts. “Instead, I started focusing on the little things I could to see results without spending hours in the kitchen, meal-prepping, or seeking ‘special’ food options.”

Related: I Started to Walk 1 Mile Every Day, and Here’s How I Made It Happen

She Started Being More Intentional About the Order in Which She Eats Food

Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At KitchenShutterstock

She claims that the secret isn’t just what you eat but the order in which you eat it. “One of the little things I’ve stumbled upon in my journey is being more intentional about the order in which I eat my food,” she continues. “Now, I’m not saying this is a hard and fast rule or anything, but I am saying that it can be one of those little things that add up in a big way.”

The Order: Veggies, Protein, Starchy Carbs

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.Shutterstock

Here is the order: “I focus on eating veggies first, protein second, and starchy carbs last,” she reveals.

Veggies Fill You Up and Give You Fiber

broccoli in hands. a wooden background. healthy eating concept.Shutterstock

“Veggies help to fill you up and also can give you some fiber to support a better blood sugar response right off the bat (something that is KEY for more efficient weight loss),” she says.

Protein Helps You Feel Fuller Sooner So You Don’t Overindulge in Starchy Carbs

Grilled chicken breasts and vegetablesShutterstock

“Protein helps you feel more full sooner so that when you get to starchy carbs, you aren’t ravenous and can eat an amount that feels satisfying and supports your goals,” she continues.

The Method Isn’t Restrictive

Close up of woman’s mouth eating spaghetti by using her fork. Focus of a girl wearing red lipstick consuming her food.Shutterstock

“It’s a win-win situation because you aren’t taking anything away, spending any more time on the meal AND you’re helping your body burn fat more efficiently,” she points out.

It Also Works Well While Traveling

Beach travel - woman walking on sand beach leaving footprints in the sand. Closeup detail of female feet and golden sand on Maui, Hawaii, USA.Shutterstock

The method comes in handy even when she isn’t at home. “This works really well for me, especially when I’m eating out or on vacation,” she says.

Related: 4 Things I Did to Lose Stomach Fat

Our Expert Agrees

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, is totally on board with her recommendation. “You are getting the healthy veggies first, and the fiber can assist in filling you up and delaying how quickly blood sugar goes up. Protein has a similar response in providing satiety or a more lasting fullness and helping to regulate blood sugar. Starchy carbs aren’t bad to eat, but they don’t fill you up as quickly and it is easy to overeat them,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try eating your food in this order: Veggies, protein, starchy carbs. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Young woman in casual clothes at supermarket store looking at meat sausage and read ingredients
​Stock Up on Groceries
Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you struggling to hit your protein goals? Jarrah Martin is a fitness trainer and social media influencer who educates people about fat loss. In a new social media post, he discusses the importance of protein and how eating eggs every day may not always be the best way to meet your daily goals. “10 foods that pack more protein & fewer calories than three eggs,” he writes. “These are protein powerhouses.”

3 Eggs Don’t Offer Enough Protein

Funny,Little,Easter,Egg,Stories,,Hand,Drawn,Faces,With,Expression:9 High-Protein Foods That Beat Eggs for Weight LossShutterstock

“Look, eggs aren’t bad for protein—hell, they’re decent—but if you’re ONLY eating 2-3 eggs for protein, you’re falling short. Three eggs give you 18g of protein, but that’s 210 calories… decent, but definitely not enough to hit optimal protein targets,” he writes

You Need to Be in a Calorie Deficit While Consuming Enough Protein

“Now, if you’re trying to lose fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit (eating less than you burn). But here’s the deal, protein is your secret weapon to keep muscle, stay full, and make fat loss easier than you thought,” he continues.

10 Foods with More Protein and Fewer Calories Than 3 Eggs

chicken fillet on a stone background​Slow Cooker Buffalo ChickenShutterstock

Here are 10 foods that give you MORE protein for FEWER calories than just 3 eggs:

  1. Nonfat Greek yogurt (1 cup) – 25g protein, 145 cals
  2. Chicken breast (4 oz, cooked) – 30g protein, 170 cals
  3. Cottage cheese (200g, low-fat) – 25g protein, 145 cals
  4. Canned tuna (4 oz, in water) – 24g protein, 110 cals
  5. Egg whites (250g) – 27g protein, 130 cals
  6. Shrimp (5 oz, cooked) – 29g protein, 150 cals
  7. White fish (5 oz, cooked) – 30g protein, 150 cals
  8. Lean ground turkey (6 oz, 99% lean, cooked) – 38g protein, 180 cals
  9. Pork tenderloin (5 oz, cooked) – 30g protein, 170 cals
  10. Protein powder (1.5 scoops) – 33g protein, 150 cals

You Can Keep Eating Eggs Too

A white chicken egg among many brown eggs with happy ,relax and smiley face, represent concept of differentiation, relax ,optimistic , growth mindset , freedom and independentEat This for Breakfast to Burn More Fat, Says Nutrition ExpertShutterstock

“Try swapping one of these into your next meal and watch how much easier it is to hit your protein goals,” he says. “And yeah, if you like eggs, keep them in the mix—they’re nutrient-dense, no doubt. But balance your shit the right way.”

The Bottom Line

The bottom line? “If you’re serious about fat loss, focus on high-protein, lower-calorie foods that keep you full, build muscle, and make that fat loss WAY easier,” he says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Grace Macena nutritionwith_grace
Nutritionist Reveals the 6 Morning Habits That Helped Her Lose 20 Pounds
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have become popular for weight loss. However, according to some health experts, there are foods you can eat that trigger the same appetite-suppressing hormones as the injections. Grace Macena is a social media influencer and “macro focused” nutritionist who promotes sustainable weight loss. In a new post, she reveals some of the foods that can help with weight loss. “10 foods that I eat daily that mimic Ozempic,” she writes.

Ozempic Turns Down Your Appetite

“These medications mimic a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) — and here’s why that matters,” she writes in the post. “Basically, they turn down your appetite and help your body use food more efficiently.”

Here Is What These Foods Do

  • They slow down how fast food leaves your stomach (you stay full longer)
  • They help regulate blood sugar after meals
  • They reduce cravings by acting on hunger centers in your brain
  • They improve insulin sensitivity

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

1. Avocados

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Avocados are the first food she eats to mimic the effects of Ozempic. “Healthy fats = steady blood sugar + long-lasting fullness,” she says.

2. Potatoes

Hot buttered jacket baked potatoes close up with steam. baked potatoe​Bonus Tip: Look Out for Hidden CaloriesShutterstock

Next up is a surprising starch: potatoes, “boiled or baked,” she says. “High on the satiety index = super filling with fewer calories.”

3. Chia Seeds

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Chia seeds, which are fibrous little seeds that expand when soaked in liquid, are food number three. “Forms a gel in your stomach = makes you feel full fast,” she writes.

4. Eggs

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Eggs, a staple in most healthy diets, are only on her list. “Protein powerhouse that lowers hunger hormones,” she writes.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

5. Oats

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Oats, especially steel-cut, are another must-eat to mimic Ozempic. “High fiber = blunts blood sugar spikes + keeps you full,” she says.

6. Greek Yogurt

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She is also a fan of Greek yogurt, another food most health experts recommend. “Balances gut health & helps control hunger,” she says.

7. Leafy Greens

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Leafy greens, including kale and spinach, also made the list. “Low cal, high volume = fills you up without the calories,” she says.

8. Meat

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Meat, specifically lean cuts like chicken or beef, is high on her list. “High protein = reduces ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and boosts metabolism,” she says.

9. Salmon

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Up next, salmon. “Omega-3s support insulin health & reduce cravings,” she says about the popular fish.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

10. Berries

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Last on the list of Ozempic-like foods? Berries. “Fiber + antioxidants = better blood sugar control,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Mr America Jason Kozma mramericajasonkozma
Copyright mramericajasonkozma/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you ever wonder what exercises fitness pros do themselves to achieve their award-winning bodies? We have the answer. Body Network asked Mr. America himself, Jason Kozma, a Los Angeles personal trainer, High Performance Personal Training, to spill the beans on his top core exercises for strong abs. Here are seven he swears by.

Hanging Leg Raises

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Why trainers love it: This move targets the lower abs, which are notoriously hard to hit. It also challenges grip and shoulder stability.

How to do it: Hang from a pull-up bar with your arms fully extended. Some gyms have arm loops expressly for this exercise. Keeping your legs straight, raise them until they’re parallel to the ground (or higher for advanced). Slowly lower them down without swinging.

Trainer Tip: Avoid using momentum; go slow for max burn.

Planks (and Variations)

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Why trainers love it: Planks build deep core strength and improve posture by engaging multiple stabilizing muscles.

How to do it: Forearms on the ground, body in a straight line from head to heels. Keep your glutes and core tight—don’t let your hips sag. Hold for 30–60 seconds.

Trainer Tip: Progress to side planks, plank shoulder taps, or plank reaches for added challenge.

Weighted Sit-Ups

Asian woman are sit-up with added weight on her more and more trainer are there to help.

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Why trainers love it: Adding resistance helps strengthen and grow your rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscles).

How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent, holding a weight plate or dumbbell against your chest or extended overhead. Perform a sit-up while keeping control of the weight. Best to find something to anchor your feet or use a sit-up bench.

Trainer Tip: Keep your lower back from arching as you sit up.

Weighted Crunches

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Why trainers love it: A focused, compact move that brings serious burn to the upper abs.

How to do it: Lie on your back, knees bent, weight plate either held behind your head or held at arms length above your face. Crunch upward, lifting shoulder blades off the floor, then lower with control.

Trainer Tip: You can do these on an exercise ball to get a greater range of motion.

Russian Twists (Weighted or Bodyweight)

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Why trainers love it: Excellent for building oblique strength and rotational power.

How to do it: Sit with your knees bent, heels off or lightly touching the floor. Hold a weight and twist side to side, touching the ground on each rep.

Trainer Tip: Keep your chest lifted and back straight to avoid strain.

Dead Bug

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Why trainers love it: Teaches core stability and coordination, great for beginners and advanced lifters alike.

How to do it: Lie on your back, arms extended toward the ceiling, knees bent at 90 degrees. Lower your opposite arm and leg toward the floor without arching your back. Return to start and repeat on the other side.

Trainer Tip: Press your lower back into the floor the entire time.

Ab Wheel Rollouts

Brunette cheerful young woman in sportswear at abdominal exercise, rollouts. Fit caucasian girl improving body endurance, Happy fitness model at workout, looks air camera toothy smiles.

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Why trainers love it: One of the most challenging and effective moves for building total core strength and control.

How to do it: Start on your knees with hands gripping the ab wheel. Slowly roll forward, keeping your core tight, until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Roll back to the starting position.

Trainer Tip: Don’t let your back arch—core tightness is crucial, even if you have to shorten the movement. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster