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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@celebwell.com.

10 “Lazy Girl” Weight Loss Tips

Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated.

Laura_Coen_lauracoenfit3

Do you want to lose weight without having to make any major changes to your routine? According to one expert, you don’t have to. Laura Coen (@lauracoenfit) is a social media influencer and weight loss warrior who majorly transformed her body by making a few simple changes to her routine. In a new TikTok video, she unveils her “Lazy Girl's Guide to Weight Loss,” explaining, “This is the laziest way possible that you can lose weight and feel your best.” Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood, also weighs in. Read on to discover how to lose weight without much extra work.


Drink More Water

Healthy Lifestyle. Portrait Of Happy Smiling Young Woman With Glass Of Fresh Water. Healthcare. Drinks. Health, Beauty, Diet Concept. Healthy Eating.Shutterstock

“Number one, drink more water,” says Laura. “When you wake up, drink some water. She also recommends drinking water with meals and carrying “a big flask thing” around with you. “It definitely helps,” she says.

Walk More

Woman exercise walking in the park listening to music with headphoneShutterstock

“Number two, walk more,” says Laura. “If you're popping into the shops, just go, ‘I'm just gonna walk.’ The little walks that you get throughout the day are actually gonna add up to a bigger goal. And walking is actually great for fat loss.”

Meal Prep

Healthy,Meal,Prep,Containers,,Green,Beans,,Chicken,Breast,diet,cooking,kitchenShutterstock

“If you're someone who doesn't want to do tons of meal prep, just meal prep, the little bits, maybe just meal prep, your chicken, your fish. So get loads of cans of tuna and meal prep,” Laura says. “Whack them all in the container in the fridge. And then you can just go to them when you need lunch. This literally takes a couple of hours on the weekend, if that.”

RELATED: I Lost 23 Pounds in 8 Weeks, and These Are My Top 10 Tips

Buy Prepackaged Food

Pre-packaged vegetable salads displayed in a commercial refrigeratorShutterstock

“Just buy prepackaged foods,” says Laura. “Just try and make sure the packaging is recyclable where possible. Things like prepackaged chicken that's already cooked, obviously like cans of tuna, prepackaged rice makes it so much easier.”

Sleep More

Peaceful serene beautiful young lady wear pajamas lying asleep relaxing sleeping in cozy white bed on soft pillow resting covered with blanket enjoying good healthy sleep concept, above top viewShutterstock

“Sleep more,” Laura continues. “Yeah, your body actually needs a lot of sleep. So if you're up till 3:00 AM scrolling TikTok, maybe save it more for tomorrow. Go to sleep.”

Eat Dinner Later

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

“This one actually helps me a lot, but it is eating dinner later,” Laura claims. “I know a lot of people say don't eat after 9:00 PM. That's bollocks by the way. But if you have dinner or tea or whatever you call it later, there's less chance for you getting really hungry after dinner and then binging on something.”

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Cut Down on Alcohol

Group of friends in a wine tasting tour at vineyard - Hands toasting red wine glasses with sun flare - Friendship and travelling conceptShutterstock

“I'm sorry but cut down on your alcohol. I say that with a heavy heart because I love a drink, but alcohol is literally empty calories. So if you are going out every Friday and Saturday and you are drinking two bottles of wine, that's quite a lot of calories. So if you're someone who is not gonna cut out the alcohol, that's fine as well. You can switch to lower calorie drinks,” she says. “Just don't forget all the cocktails and the mixes you are drinking with. The alcohol is actually quite calorific as well.”

Cut Your Carb Servings in Half

Laura_Coen_lauracoenfit4lauracoenfit/TikTok

She also says to cut down on carbs. “Portions of rice or pasta or potatoes, whatever you have on your plate, just half it,” Laura says. It could be that that still fills you up. If you are hungry, then eat something else. But the chances are you just might be eating too big a portion. And then to build up the volume of your plate, add extra vegetables or maybe add some extra chicken like any kind of protein.

Because if you're not weighing out your rice, past potatoes, whatever it is, chances are you are eating too much and you're eating it because it's on your plate instead of actually being hungry and needing it. And no carbs are not bad. They're just quite calorie-dense.”

Drink Protein Shakes

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

“Find a good protein powder,” Laura recommends. “The more protein you have, the more full you'll be. And also it is just a good snack. If you are just a little bit hungry, have a protein shake. Make sure it's one you actually like.”

Use Cooking Sprays

cans, PAM, cooking, spray, grocery, store, oil, cooking, aerosolShutterstock

“If you're someone who uses oil in your cooking, switch to fry light sprays or just don't use oil. There's literally non-stick pans out there. You don't really need oil, but fry like sprays are a lifesaver for me,” she concludes.

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

“These tips are very sensible and simple to start doing in anyone’s life,” says Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “Sleep, moving more, portion control, planning/prepping meals ... All great advice. If you want more energy or weight loss, you have to change your current routine to get results and these are excellent tips to get started.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, take an honest look at your habits. Making simple changes can oftentimes rear the biggest results.

More For You

Nutrition coach Lora Higgins
Copyright lorahiggins_nutritioncoaching/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 want to shape up before spring break? According to one expert, you can easily make it happen. Lora Higgins is a nutrition coach whose mission is to help women over 50 drop a dress size in 90 days. In a new Instagram post, she reveals her foolproof hack for shaping up fast – without starving yourself or slaving away at the gym. “Drop a dress size. The lazy girl method for tracking your food to lose 10 pounds by spring. It’s easy tracking that actually works,” she writes.

Focus on Protein

“Want to lose 10 lbs without obsessing over every single calorie? 🙅♀️ This lazy girl hack is perfect for you! Instead of tracking everything, let’s make it SIMPLE—just focus on protein,” she says.

Protein Is Crucial for Burning Fat and Building Muscle

She goes on to explain why the method works. “Why protein? It keeps you full, boosts your metabolism, & helps you burn fat while holding onto that precious muscle,” she writes.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

How much protein do you need? “A good rule of thumb is 0.8 - 1g of protein per pound of your ideal body weight. So, if your goal is to weigh 140 lbs, you should aim for around 120-140g of protein a day. Simple, right?” she writes.

Here Is How to Spread It Out

Next, she goes on to explain how to spread it out. For breakfast, she recommends aiming for 30g of protein, “think eggs & Greek yogurt,” she says. “Lunch: Another 30g (grilled chicken or a protein-packed salad)” she writes. A great protein-fueled snack at 20 grams is a protein shake or beef jerky. For dinner, “Finish with 40g (steak, fish, or turkey burger)” she suggests.

And, This Is Why You Should Spread It Out

Why should you spread protein out instead of eating it all in one meal? “By spreading your protein throughout the day, you’ll feel fuller longer, crush those cravings, & hit your goals without even trying!” she explains.

Here Is Her Lazy Girl Shopping List

She even includes a “Lazy girl shopping list,” because “we all need easy go-tos,” she says.

  • Pre-cooked grilled chicken strips 🐔
  • Greek yogurt cups 🥄
  • Cottage cheese 🧀
  • Protein shakes or powder 🍫
  • Hard-boiled eggs 🥚
  • Canned tuna or salmon 🐟
  • Turkey burgers 🍔
  • Beef jerky or turkey jerky 🥩

Pro Tips

She concludes with a pro tip. “Keeping these on hand makes it easy to grab & go without stressing about what to eat. Just focus on hitting your protein target & watch the weight start to melt off!: she writes. “No need to count every calorie, no fancy apps—just focus on protein & let the rest fall into place.”

What Science Says About Protein and Weight Loss

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. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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.

Do you want to lose weight without having to make any major changes to your routine? According to one expert, you don’t have to. Laura Coen (@lauracoenfit) is a social media influencer and weight loss warrior who majorly transformed her body by making a few simple changes to her routine. In a new TikTok video, she unveils her “Lazy Girl's Guide to Weight Loss,” explaining, “This is the laziest way possible that you can lose weight and feel your best.” Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood, also weighs in. Read on to discover how to lose weight without much extra work.


Drink More Water

Healthy Lifestyle. Portrait Of Happy Smiling Young Woman With Glass Of Fresh Water. Healthcare. Drinks. Health, Beauty, Diet Concept. Healthy Eating.Shutterstock

“Number one, drink more water,” says Laura. “When you wake up, drink some water. She also recommends drinking water with meals and carrying “a big flask thing” around with you. “It definitely helps,” she says.

Walk More

Woman exercise walking in the park listening to music with headphoneShutterstock

“Number two, walk more,” says Laura. “If you're popping into the shops, just go, ‘I'm just gonna walk.’ The little walks that you get throughout the day are actually gonna add up to a bigger goal. And walking is actually great for fat loss.”

Meal Prep

Healthy,Meal,Prep,Containers,,Green,Beans,,Chicken,Breast,diet,cooking,kitchenShutterstock

“If you're someone who doesn't want to do tons of meal prep, just meal prep, the little bits, maybe just meal prep, your chicken, your fish. So get loads of cans of tuna and meal prep,” Laura says. “Whack them all in the container in the fridge. And then you can just go to them when you need lunch. This literally takes a couple of hours on the weekend, if that.”

RELATED: I Lost 23 Pounds in 8 Weeks, and These Are My Top 10 Tips

Buy Prepackaged Food

Pre-packaged vegetable salads displayed in a commercial refrigeratorShutterstock

“Just buy prepackaged foods,” says Laura. “Just try and make sure the packaging is recyclable where possible. Things like prepackaged chicken that's already cooked, obviously like cans of tuna, prepackaged rice makes it so much easier.”

Sleep More

Peaceful serene beautiful young lady wear pajamas lying asleep relaxing sleeping in cozy white bed on soft pillow resting covered with blanket enjoying good healthy sleep concept, above top viewShutterstock

“Sleep more,” Laura continues. “Yeah, your body actually needs a lot of sleep. So if you're up till 3:00 AM scrolling TikTok, maybe save it more for tomorrow. Go to sleep.”

Eat Dinner Later

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

“This one actually helps me a lot, but it is eating dinner later,” Laura claims. “I know a lot of people say don't eat after 9:00 PM. That's bollocks by the way. But if you have dinner or tea or whatever you call it later, there's less chance for you getting really hungry after dinner and then binging on something.”

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Cut Down on Alcohol

Group of friends in a wine tasting tour at vineyard - Hands toasting red wine glasses with sun flare - Friendship and travelling conceptShutterstock

“I'm sorry but cut down on your alcohol. I say that with a heavy heart because I love a drink, but alcohol is literally empty calories. So if you are going out every Friday and Saturday and you are drinking two bottles of wine, that's quite a lot of calories. So if you're someone who is not gonna cut out the alcohol, that's fine as well. You can switch to lower calorie drinks,” she says. “Just don't forget all the cocktails and the mixes you are drinking with. The alcohol is actually quite calorific as well.”

Cut Your Carb Servings in Half

Laura_Coen_lauracoenfit4lauracoenfit/TikTok

She also says to cut down on carbs. “Portions of rice or pasta or potatoes, whatever you have on your plate, just half it,” Laura says. It could be that that still fills you up. If you are hungry, then eat something else. But the chances are you just might be eating too big a portion. And then to build up the volume of your plate, add extra vegetables or maybe add some extra chicken like any kind of protein.

Because if you're not weighing out your rice, past potatoes, whatever it is, chances are you are eating too much and you're eating it because it's on your plate instead of actually being hungry and needing it. And no carbs are not bad. They're just quite calorie-dense.”

Drink Protein Shakes

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

“Find a good protein powder,” Laura recommends. “The more protein you have, the more full you'll be. And also it is just a good snack. If you are just a little bit hungry, have a protein shake. Make sure it's one you actually like.”

Use Cooking Sprays

cans, PAM, cooking, spray, grocery, store, oil, cooking, aerosolShutterstock

“If you're someone who uses oil in your cooking, switch to fry light sprays or just don't use oil. There's literally non-stick pans out there. You don't really need oil, but fry like sprays are a lifesaver for me,” she concludes.

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

“These tips are very sensible and simple to start doing in anyone’s life,” says Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “Sleep, moving more, portion control, planning/prepping meals ... All great advice. If you want more energy or weight loss, you have to change your current routine to get results and these are excellent tips to get started.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, take an honest look at your habits. Making simple changes can oftentimes rear the biggest results.

Monica lifestylewithmon
Copyright lifestylewithmon/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 want to lose weight but aren’t exactly sure what to do? One expert who lost 10 pounds has some tips to get you started. Monica is a registered nurse and MASM CPT certified personal trainer who shares her body transformation on social media. In a few recent posts, she reveals the simple tips that helped her to achieve her fat loss goals and transform her body.

TUT Technique

The first tip is incorporating the TUT (Time under tension) technique. “Most muscle is built during the amount of time the muscle is put under tension,” she writes. “What this means is when you slow down and control your exercises more, you will get more benefits out of them. I started noticing the biggest changes in my physique when I went down in weight, and up in time under tension. The number one thing here is to make sure your form is never compromised as that is when injury is more likely to occur.”

Rest

Her second tip is to rest. “Make sure you are allowing your body the proper amount of rest it needs to recover,” she says. “Resting does not always look like skipping the gym or not being active. You can actively rest by going on long walks, attending low impact classes like some forms of yoga or pilates and many other ways. When I stopped intensely training 6-7 days a week and cut down to 4-5 with a couple active rest days, I notice a lot more changes physically.”

Follow a Consistent Workout Split

Next, she recommends following a consistent workout split. “When I started scheduling out my days and my workouts it helped me go into the gym with a plan and leave feeling like I had accomplished what I needed to,” she said. “If you have a goal, you need a clear path on how to get to it. My workout split does change depending on my goals, but currently it consists of 2 lower body days, 1-2 upper body day, 1 heavy cardio day and 2 active rest days.”

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

Clean Up Your Diet

Her fourth tip? Clean up your diet. “Avoid heavily processed foods as much as you can,” she says, noting that there is a lot of added junk in many of the foods you think are healthy. “Be aware of what you’re putting into your body. When I started eating a diet that was more dense in whole and nutritious foods, I started noticing the biggest change in my physique. My cravings also went down significantly. It’s true what they say about your diet being 70% of the battle when it comes to losing fat and getting healthy. Trust m,e it is worth it!” she says.

LISS Cardio

In another video she reveals some other tips that helped her lose weight, starting with LISS (low-intensity stead state cardio), “the most efficient method of cardio to reduce fat,” she writes. “The idea here is that you keep your heart rate in your “fat burning zone” which is about 65%-75% of your max heart rate. I would do a 45 min brisk walk everyday or a low speed on the stair stepper for example!”

Drink Water

Hydration is another one of her tips. “Drink your water! Once I started drinking enough water I felt my false hunger cues start to go away. This is because our bodies sometimes have a hard time differentiating between hunger and thirst. Keep yourself hydrated to be more in tune with when you are actually hungry,” she writes.

Take Progress Photos

Next, take progress photos. “On days you feel like quitting and like you look the same or don’t feel much different, you can look at the pictures from where you started,” she explains. “You will see all the changes that have happened gradually over time. This will prevent you from quitting and ending up back at square one all over again.”

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Lift Weights

Her final tip? Weight training. “But do it right! Time under tension will always beat amount of weight lifted in my person opinion,” she explains. “When you focus on time under tension (slowing down your movements and controlling them) you are putting more stress on the muscle. When you lift so heavy that you can’t slow and control your movements, momentum comes more into play and you may not be getting the max benefits of an exercise. It may also cause the movement to not target the muscles you wanted and engage surround muscles to help compensate for loading too much weight.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Young cauciasian fitness woman wearing sport clothes training outdoors drinking fresh water
Shutterstock

Hanji (@coachedbyhajni) is an online diet and fitness coach who has built up a serious following on TikTok. Most of her videos offer helpful tips and tricks about how to lose weight via diet and nutrition. In one viral video she shares some “efficient girl” weight loss tips. “If you want to drop weight and you are too lazy to go to the gym, here are my top seven tips on how to do just that without it feeling like it's too much effort,” she says in the clip.


1. Drink One-Half to a Liter of Water in the Morning

@coachedbyhajni

I want to call these efficient girl weight loss tips 🥰 #weightlosstips #weightlosshacks #lazygirlfitness #lazygirlweightloss #lazygirlworkout #weightlossjouney #fatlossjourney #loseweightqickly #fastweightloss #quickweightloss #fatlosstips #femalefitnessmotivation #shygirlfitness #shygirlworkout #femalefitnesscoach #femalefitnesscoaching

“Here's a fun piece of info for you: Your body doesn't actually know the difference between hunger and thirst,” says Hanji. “By the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated, so make sure that you start your day by drinking half a liter to a liter of water to obviously be a hydrated queen, and also to help you be more satiated.” What should your daily hydration goal be? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women, 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids.

2. Eat a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Steak and Eggs. Steak, served medium rare with eggs scrambled or sunny side up, toast and potato hash. Traditionally classical American or French Bistro breakfast or brunch favorite: steak and eggs.Shutterstock

“Talking about morning stuff, you also want to be having at least 30 grams of protein in your breakfast,” says Hanji. “This is to help keep you satiated during the day, and also to help you prevent any muscle loss because you don't want to end up like an inflated balloon when you lose weight. You want to make sure that you lose it from body fat, so to prevent that, you're going to want to eat enough protein.” Why is protein so important? Not only does it keep you feeling full and satiated throughout the day, but clinical trials have found that amping up your intake 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.

Related: #1 Mistake to Avoid When Trying to Burn Belly Fat

3. Go On a Hot Girl Walk

Woman running outdoors in morningShutterstock

Next up, “you want to go on a hot girl walk,” recommends Hanji. “I know that this might be a bit more effort than you were expecting, but going on a 20 to 30 minute walk first thing in the morning is not only going to help boost your activity levels throughout the day, but it's also going to help reset your mind. It's going to be an amazing time for you to listen to a podcast and to just be in nature and be a bit mindful.” Weight loss isn’t the only benefit of walking. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

4. Do Squats, Lunges, and Pushups Throughout the Day

Sporty Asian woman doing push-ups outdoorsShutterstock

“Okay, this fourth one is actually my favorite and the weirdest one. This is going to help you maintain the curves where you want them to be,” says Hanji. “So whenever you arrive at the office, every single time you go to the bathroom, I want you to be doing 10 squats, 10 lunges per leg, and 10 incline pushups on the sink to make sure that you're working out those muscles without having to go to the gym.” Each week adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity, according to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

5. Grab a Protein Bar Instead of Chocolate

Closeup on fit sports woman in sport clothes with chocolate raw protein bar using smart watch in the modern living room.Shutterstock

“My fifth tip is actually going to be a small swap that I want you to make. Next time you go shopping for that chocolate bar. I want you to grab a protein bar instead because it's not only going to help you satisfy your cravings for chocolate, it's also going to give you some extra boost of protein, which is again, going to help you preserve that muscle mass so you don't end up looking like a deflated balloon as you lose weight,” she says.

6. Walk for Five Minutes Every Hour

Fit woman walking in park during autumn timeShutterstock

Hanji recommends using your phone for the next suggestion. “You want to set an alarm or a timer for every hour, so every maybe 55 minutes, I want this to go off, and I want you to get up. The moment you hear that alarm or you feel that buzz on your wrist, I want you to get up and walk around the office for about five minutes just to increase your energy expenditure this way,” she says. “Combining this with your hot girl walk in the morning, you're going to basically increase your energy expenditure and put yourself further into a calorie deficit.”

Related: Lose and Extra 5 Pounds Per Month by Eliminating These 3 Things From Your Diet

7. Only Let Yourself Watch Netflix or YouTube When You Are Doing Cardio

Home workout - woman exercising in front of a flat screen watching a fitness program or exercising during a TV show lying on a yoga mat in front of the sofa in the living room of a house or apartment.Shutterstock

“The last step that I have for you today is basically limiting your Netflix and YouTube time only for cardio,” says Hanji. “I want you to get on that treadmill and have some fun. Watch your favorite show, watch a YouTube video. Enjoy that time and limit your watch time to only the times when you're watching cardio this, where you're going to be basically combining fun with progress. Who doesn't love that?”

💪🔥Body Booster: To maximize energy expenditure, go on one long walk in the morning and take mini walks every hour.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is a beauty and lifestyle influencer on TikTok who regularly shares about her weight loss journey. According to Jenna, she lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one of her many viral TikTok videos, she reveals how she lost weight using five simple hacks.


1. Jenna Gained “About 30” Pounds From Drinking Every Weekend and Other Unhealthy Habits

@jennaevelynnn

How I lost 15-20 pounds after my freshman year of college. 10k steps a day, low-cal, high protein meals, and strength training + pilates! #weightloss #freshman15 #howilostweight #weightransformation #healthylifestyle #mealprep #pilates

Jenna, who is currently a college student, reveals that she “probably gained about 20 pounds” while being a freshman in college due to “drinking every weekend, not being in a deficit, not hitting my protein goals, and not working out the right way for my body,” she reveals in her viral video. “Here's what I did to actually lose the 15 to 20 pounds very quickly.”

2. Low Calorie, High Protein Meals

Chickpea,Bean,Fusilli,Pasta.,Bowl,Raw,Pasta,Chickpea, proteinShutterstock

According to Jenna “food was the biggest thing,” when it came to her weight loss. “I was still eating a lot, but it was low calorie, high protein,” she added. Her “staples” for low cal high protein meals? “Chickpea pasta” and fat free cottage cheese, which she made sauces out of and “used it in everything,” she added. She also ate a lot of ground turkey. “I would make taco bowls,” she said. She also ate chicken and Greek yogurt “all the time” and turkey bacon. “I'd make breakfast sandwiches,” she added. Research supporting amping up protein intake for weight loss. 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.

Related: 12 Steps to Sculpt the Ultimate Chest

3. Weight Training and Pilates

Pilates,Exercises,Reformer,Bed,workout,fitness,gym,exerciseShutterstock

Jenna maintains that she started losing weight, when she started doing “low impact workouts, like walking dumbbell only lifts, and Pilates,” she said. “Here was my weekly workout split: Monday dumbbell only glutes Tuesday, full body Pilates. Wednesday, back buys, arms, dumbbell only Thursday, Pilates Friday, quad dumbbell, only Saturday cardio.”

4. 10,000 Steps a Day

Walking,Women,Jeans,And,Sneaker,Shoes, exercise, fitnessShutterstock

Jenna explains that one “huge” component of her weight loss was walking. “Hit your 10,000 steps a day,” she says. “Some of those steps for me before my workouts would come from walking, doing the 12-3-30 workout or the stair stepper.” The 12-3-30 workout involves using a treadmill and walking on a level 12 incline at a speed of 3 for 30 minutes. Experts maintain that it burns more calories than walking fast or even running on a flat surface. And, studies, including a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity, have found that walking around 10,000 steps per day can help you lose weight. But that’s not the only benefit of getting your steps in. 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: I'm a Fitness Expert and This is My Simple Beginner's Diet Plan That Actually Works

5. Meal Prep

Preparing,Batch,Of,Healthy,Meals,food, cooking, kitchen, portion,control,size,dietShutterstock

Finally, meal prepping and using high quality ingredients, was a key part of Jenna’s weight loss plan. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

💪🔥Body Booster: Walking 10,000 steps a day isn’t only good for your body and losing weight, but your mind. One study linked the daily step goal to a decreased risk of dementia and less cardiovascular disease.

Rachel Marcinko rachel_mar5fit
Copyright rachel_mar5fit/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.

According to experts, you can eat fast food and lose weight. Rachel Marcinko is a fitness and nutrition coach who maintains a physique with just 15 percent body fat. In a new post, she reveals a major secret: She eats fast food and manages to lose fat while doing so. “4 fast food high protein meals under 500 calories I eat on the go when trying to lose body fat,” she writes, revealing her go-to meals from Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Panera and Starbucks.

Chipotle: High-Protein Bowl

Here is her Chipotle order:

  • Chicken or steak
  • Fajita veggies
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Tomato salsa
  • Light black beans

Optional: sour cream on the side for dipping, but be mindful of the amount.

Calories: ~350 | Protein ~40g.

Chick-fil-A” Grilled Chicken Nuggets with Side Salad

Here is her Chick-fil-A order:

  • 12-count grilled nuggets
  • Side salad with light dressing
  • Try the Light Balsamic Vinegarette, Honey Mustard, or Light Italian for lower-calorie dressing options.

Calories: ~360 | Protein ~49g.

Panera: Custom Salad with Chicken

Here is her Panera order:

  • Green Goddess Cobb (no avocado, no bacon)
  • Extra chicken
  • Keep the dressing on the side to control fat intake

Calories: ~370 | Protein ~43g.

Starbucks: Turkey Bacon & Egg White Sandwich

At Starbucks, she keeps is simple, ordering the Turkey Bacon & Egg White Sandwich.

Calories: 230 | Protein: 17g.

Why These Options Work

“These options along with others can be very easily included in a meal plan tailored towards your fat loss goals,” she writes. No more guessing what to eat or how many calories you need to lose fat.”

She Also Eats Bowls, Starting with This Korean Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl

In another post, she reveals four of her go-to meal bowls for fat loss. Korean Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl.

Protein: ~42g.

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
  • Seasoned with chili oil, sesame oil, teriyaki, and brown sugar
  • ½ medium Japanese sweet potato
  • ¼ avocado, sliced
  • 2-4 tbsp shredded cheese
  • ½ cup sautéed spinach or kale (optional)
  • Truffle hot sauce (optional).

Yolo Greek Yogurt/Cottage Cheese Bowl

Protein: ~40g

Ingredients:

  • 1 - 1 ½ cup Fage Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (or mix)
  • ¼ cup granola
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ cup mixed berries
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • ½ scoop protein powder (optional for more protein)
  • Other optional toppings - rice cakes, cereal, sugar-free chocolate syrup, PB, powdered pb, dates, pumpkin seeds, sugar-free pudding mix.

Salmon & Quinoa Bowl

Protein: ~42g

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz grilled salmon
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup mixed greens
  • ¼ cup edamame
  • 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tbsp dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp lite balsamic dressing.

Chipotle Chicken Thigh Bowl

Protein: ~40g

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cooked in crockpot with chipotle peppers, honey, garlic, and sale and pepper)
  • ½ cup cooked cilantro-lime rice
  • ¼ cup black beans
  • ¼ avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup pickled red onions
  • 1 tbsp cotija or feta cheese
  • Sauce: greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, sale pepper, chipotle sauce
  • Fresh cilantro & lime juice.
And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Kassie Magnusen kassie_beth_
Coach Lost 60 Pounds Eating These 11 High Protein Meals
Copyright kassie_beth_/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 want to lose 10 pounds by bikini season? One expert has the meals to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Kassie Magnusen is a weight loss and nutrition coach who helps “busy mamas drop fat & get the sculpted body they’ve always wanted,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she recommends a handful of weight-loss meals. “Fat loss comes down to eating smart, fueling your body, and keeping meals simple but high in protein. If I wanted to drop 10 lbs before summer, these are 5 meals I’d be eating on repeat,” she writes. “Eating like THIS = fat loss that actually feels good.”

High-Protein Berry Oatmeal

This breakfast dish is packed with 35g of protein.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup oats + ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
  • ½ cup almond milk + ½ cup mixed berries
  • ½ tbsp peanut butter + cinnamon.

Why it works: “Keeps energy stable, is high in fiber & protein, and actually fills you up,” she says.

Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plate​Greek Chicken BowlShutterstock

This bowl of grilled chicken and grain offers 40g of protein.

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz grilled chicken breast
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil + lemon juice.

Why it works: “Protein + fiber + healthy fats = no cravings,” she says.

Turkey Taco Bowl

Raw Turkey breast fillets minced meat on black plate ready to cook​Lean Turkey Taco Lettuce WrapsShutterstock

Next is a Mexican-inspired dish made with ground turkey with 38g of protein.

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • ½ cup cooked jasmine rice
  • ¼ avocado + 2 tbsp salsa
  • ¼ cup black beans + taco seasoning.

Why it works: “Balanced with protein, carbs & fats—plus, it actually tastes good,” she says.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Sweet Potatoes

Pan fried butter garlic shrimp on plate

Shutterstock

Shrimp and potatoes are a satisfying combination with 35g of protein.

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz shrimp, sautéed in 1 tbsp butter & garlic
  • ½ cup roasted sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup sautéed spinach.

Why it works: “Nutrient-dense, high in protein, and easy to make,” she says.

High-Protein Chocolate Yogurt Bowl

Chocolate colour protein, whey powder sprinkle in cup. Bodybuilding, fitness and gym lifestyleShutterstock

This could be good as a breakfast or dessert, with 30g of protein

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt (plain, 0%)
  • ½ scoop chocolate protein powder
  • ½ tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tbsp granola.

Why it works: “Satisfies sweet cravings while keeping protein high,” she says.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

fresh chicken breast raw on cutting board​8. ChickenShutterstock

In another post she adds three lunch recipes for weight loss.

Ingredients:

  • -1 whole-grain wrap
  • - 4 oz shredded rotisserie chicken
  • -2 tbsp Primal Kitchen Buffalo Ranch Dressing (~70 cals)
  • - shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded carrot.

Macros: 40g protein | 26g carbs | 11g fat | 410 calories.

Greek Chicken Bowl

cooking and home concept - close up of female emptying jar with quinoaShutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz cooked chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber & tomato
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki sauce
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli (optional for extra veg).

Macros: 38g protein | 37g carbs | 10g fat | 495 calories.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Taco Bowl

Raw minced beef uncooked meat over board​Burger BowlShutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz lean ground turkey or beef browned, then add taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup black beans
  • 1/4 cup corn
  • 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese
  • 2 tbsp salsa
  • 1 tbsp light sour cream (optional).

Garlic Butter Steak & Sweet Potato Skillet

Overhead shot of chef preparing ribeye with butter, thyme and garlic. Keto diet.

Shutterstock

In another post, she shares more meals that will help you lose weight.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lean sirloin steak, cubed

• 2 large sweet potatoes, diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt & pepper.

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes, season with paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 8-10 min until tender.

2. Push potatoes to the side, add butter and garlic, then cook steak bites for 3-4 min per side.

3. Mix everything together and serve!

(40g protein, 420 cals per serving).

Teriyaki Salmon & Rice

Honey teriyaki salmon with green beans and rice, top view. Asian cuisine recipe.Shutterstock

Ingredients:

• 4 (4 oz) salmon fillets

• 2 cups cooked brown rice

• 2 cups steamed broccoli

• ¼ cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400. Place salmon on baking sheet, brush with teriyaki sauce, bake for 12-15 min

2. While salmon cooks, steam broccoli and prepare rice

3. Drizzle salmon with extra sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve with rice & broccoli.

(35g protein, 400 cals per serving),

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

mexican chili chicken stew​Slow Cooker Salsa ChickenShutterstock

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (per serving).

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, salsa, beans, corn, and spices in slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours

2. Shred chicken with forks and mix everything together

3. Serve over jasmine rice or in tortillas for a family taco night

(38g protein, 410 cals per serving) And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr Jennifer McCann The GYN MD
5 Expert Tips to Keep Weight Off After Ozempic
Copyright The GYN MD/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 to reach your weight loss goals despite your best efforts? You're not alone. Millions of Americans face this challenge daily, even with the newest medical options available. Dr. Jennifer McCann, board-certified in both OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine, has been helping women optimize their health for over 12 years. "I specialize in complete women's care that incorporates total wellness, including considerations in gynecology, hormonal status and weight optimization," says Dr. McCann. Read on to discover how to maximize your results with today's most talked-about weight loss treatments.

Understanding Weight Loss Injections

Before diving into strategies for success, it's important to understand what these medications actually do. "These injections include medicines like semaglutide, otherwise known as Ozempic, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)," Dr. McCann explains in her video. While semaglutide has FDA approval for weight loss in certain individuals, Mounjaro is currently approved only for type 2 diabetes—though many patients experience significant weight reduction with both.

According to Dr. McCann, these medications work through several mechanisms: "They inhibit glucagon release which reduces hunger, decrease glucose production from the liver, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite." These combined effects lead to what can be substantial weight loss, particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility who struggle with exercise-based approaches.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Who Should Consider These Treatments?

Closeup hand pulling toilet paper roll in holder for wipe, woman sitting on toilet she taking and tearing white tissue on wall to towel clean in bathroom, Healthcare conceptShutterstock

"These medicines are not for everybody," cautions Dr. McCann. There are important contraindications to consider, including "a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or other endocrine problems or cancers." She emphasizes the importance of discussing your complete medical history with your physician before starting treatment.

Side effects can also occur. "They can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps," notes Dr. McCann. While these symptoms typically subside after a few weeks of treatment, she acknowledges they can sometimes persist longer.

Making the Most of Your Treatment

Never fear, your pharmacist is here. Cropped shot of an attractive young female pharmacist working in a pharmacy.​You Want It to Be Effective Without Side EffectsShutterstock

Dr. McCann views these medications as a starting point rather than a complete solution. "What I like to tell my patients is to use these medicines to really start your lifestyle change," she says. The initial weight loss provides momentum, but maintaining results requires building healthy habits during treatment.

With that foundation in mind, here are Dr. McCann's top three tips for maximizing your results while on weight loss injections:

Tip 1: Eliminate All Sodas and Sugary Drinks

Refreshing Bubbly Soda Pop with Ice Cubes. Cold soda iced drink in a glasses - Selective focus, shallow DOF.​2. Sugary DrinksShutterstock

The single most important dietary change? "Stop all sodas," Dr. McCann states emphatically. This includes not just carbonated soft drinks but all sugary beverages like slushes and sweetened coffee drinks.

The impact is staggering: "Drinking one can of soda can make you gain 15 pounds over one year," Dr. McCann explains. "It's virtually impossible to lose weight and keep it off if you drink soda, especially more than one can daily."

This doesn't mean giving up caffeine altogether. Dr. McCann suggests alternatives: "Coffee is a great alternative, especially either black coffee or mixed with a little bit of stevia. A sugar-free skinny latte is also a great option."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Tip 2: Prioritize Protein with Every Meal

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition diet​Teriyaki Salmon & RiceShutterstock

When appetite suppression kicks in, making your limited calories count becomes crucial. "Make sure that when you feel like eating, you get your protein, specifically lean protein," advises Dr. McCann.

There's science behind this recommendation. "Protein is what builds your muscle, and your muscle is what burns calories," she explains. "If you don't take in enough protein, you will lose muscle and won't be able to burn as many calories."

The metabolic benefits are significant: "Protein increases your metabolism by increasing your muscle, and that lets you burn more calories," says Dr. McCann. This creates a virtuous cycle that enhances the medication's effectiveness.

Tip 3: Incorporate Consistent Exercise

Stairs climbing running woman doing run up steps on staircase

Shutterstock

Exercise remains essential, even with powerful medications. "Exercise is very important for weight loss, for keeping the weight off, for your cardiovascular health," Dr. McCann emphasizes. She adds that it "actually is a natural remedy for anxiety because it releases cortisol."

For beginners, Dr. McCann recommends starting small: "If you're just starting out, 20 minutes four times a week through high intensity training, something like HIIT classes, will be just fine." As fitness improves, both duration and intensity can gradually increase.

Those with physical limitations shouldn't despair. "Exercise is still important, but you may need to talk to a personal trainer to see what exercises you specifically can do to help maintain your muscles," suggests Dr. McCann.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

The Long-Term Perspective

Overweight,Woman,Eating,Healthy,Meal,In,Kitchen6 Metabolism Mistakes Making Women Over 40 Gain WeightShutterstock

These medications offer a valuable opportunity to reset your relationship with food and activity. "Make sure to use this weight loss boost to start your healthy living," Dr. McCann advises, "so that you can lose even more weight and be able to keep it off after you stop the injections."The habits you develop during treatment will determine your long-term success. By eliminating sugary drinks, prioritizing protein, and incorporating regular exercise now, you're building the foundation for sustainable results that last well beyond your final injection. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.