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

12 Expert Tips to Shed 10 Pounds Before the Holidays

Here's how to shed pounds without sacrificing your health or happiness.

Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 25, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 25, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Nutrition & Diet

Struggling to shed those last few pounds before the holidays? You’re not alone. Weight loss can be tough, especially with busy schedules, holiday treats, and constant temptations around every corner. But with the right strategy, you can reach your goal in a sustainable way without sacrificing your health or happiness. Dani Marenburg, a double-certified nutrition coach, has guided over 1,000 women through their weight loss journeys, helping them develop effective and balanced routines. On her popular podcast, Mindin' My Macros, she shares expert advice on how to distinguish fat loss from weight loss and how to make realistic changes to get lasting results. Here's how to drop those extra pounds before the holiday season.

Understanding Weight Loss vs. Fat Loss

On her podcast, Dani emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between weight loss and fat loss. "We want to be preserving that muscle. We want to be strictly targeting body fat in the body to reduce that body fat and expose the muscle for that more lean, toned physique," she explains. Sustainable fat loss typically looks like a half a pound to a pound and a half per week when looking at weekly average weight.

Set Realistic Goals

"Realistic fat loss, if you're using the scale, is going to look like half a pound to two pounds per week," Dani advises on her podcast. She recommends using weekly average weight, body measurements, and photos to track progress more accurately than daily weigh-ins.

Create a Moderate Calorie Deficit

Dani, on her podcast, suggests entering a strategic deficit while prioritizing protein intake. "We just need to cut back slightly to actually get to that point where your body's going to start to reduce the body fat, but maintain muscle," she explains. This approach helps preserve muscle mass while targeting body fat.

The Mayo Clinic supports this approach, stating, "To take in fewer calories than you burn, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends cutting 500 to 750 calories a day to lose 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.5 to 0.7 kilograms) a week."

Increase Daily Movement

"Daily movement is such an important piece because this makes up more of a caloric burn per day than your exercise can," Dani notes on her podcast. She recommends aiming for 10,000 steps a day or gradually increasing your current step count by 2,000-3,000 steps.

The Mayo Clinic confirms, "Being active is vital to losing weight and keeping it off. When active, the body uses more energy in the form of calories."

Prioritize Strength Training

Dani emphasizes the importance of preserving muscle mass through strength training. "The more muscle that you have on your body, the more calories you're burning at rest," she explains. This helps maintain a higher metabolic rate during weight loss.

The Mayo Clinic supports this: "Adding resistance training and aerobic exercise to a weight-loss program helps prevent the loss of bone and muscle."

Focus on Nutrition Quality

On her podcast, Dani recommends an 80/20 or 90/10 approach, with the majority of food coming from whole, nutrient-dense sources. "Whole foods are going to have a higher thermic effect just as protein is going to have a higher thermic effect in the body," she explains.

RELATED:5 High-Protein Smoothies to Burn Fat Every Morning

Stay Hydrated

"Hydration is so critical because what happens is that your body is ridding fat; those fat cells are going to be excreted through your urine," Dani says on her podcast. She recommends aiming for 80-100 ounces of water per day.

Manage Stress and Sleep

Dani emphasizes the importance of managing stress and prioritizing sleep for successful weight loss. Dr. Susan Albers supports this, telling the Cleveland Clinic, "No one can make mindful food choices when they're tired. Even missing an hour of sleep can increase your appetite because your body craves that energy and food is fuel for your body."

RELATED: I Lost 22 Pounds in 3 Months With These 7 Game-Changing Tips That Transformed My Body

Consider Intermittent Fasting

While not mentioned by Dani, intermittent fasting can be a useful tool for some. Neuroscientist Mark Mattsontells Johns Hopkins Health, "If someone is eating three meals a day, plus snacks, and they're not exercising, then every time they eat, they're running on those calories and not burning their fat stores."

Track Your Progress

Dani recommends tracking your eating habits without judgment to establish a baseline. This helps you understand your current protein, carb, and fat intake and identify patterns in your eating behavior.

RELATED:6 Signs Your Body Needs More Nutrients

Seek Professional Guidance

Finally, on her podcast, Dani suggests getting a customized macro plan from a professional to ensure you're meeting your body's needs. "Your health is the best return on investment that you can make," she emphasizes.

By implementing these strategies and focusing on sustainable habits, you can work towards losing 10 pounds by the holidays while prioritizing your overall health and well-being. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Nutrition & Diet

10 Wellness Habits to Lose 10 Pounds Before Summer

Paulina Stein, aka Paulina Hefferan paulinastein
Copyright paulinastein/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 14, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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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.

Swimsuit season is almost here: Are you ready? If not, one expert has some suggestions to help you shape up before slipping into your swimsuit. Paulina Stein, aka Paulina Hefferan, is a celebrity trainer and fitness influencer who boasts over 96,300 followers on Instagram. In a new social media post, she unveils her summer prep plan. “If I wanted to drop 10 pounds before summer, here are 10 wellness habits I’d start doing now,” she writes. “Ready to lose 1.5-2 lbs PER WEEK? Try this!”

Take Probiotics

Her first tip? Take probiotics to restore gut health. “Take 3 Reset Pm Gut cleanse nightly! SUPER IMPORTANT to improve stagnant digestion. Also add in daily probiotic in the AM! Also, gut inflammation can slow down weight loss,” she writes.

Eat in a Small Calorie Deficit

Next, she recommends eating in a slight calorie deficit. “Reduce about 200-300 calories per day (I suggest cutting back on fats that are high in calories like nut butters, oils, or starchy carbs like pasta). Cut out carbs and you’ll drop water weight, not fat!” she says.

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

Eat Protein

Amp up your protein intake. “Eat protein at every meal! Eat around 4-6 oz,” she writes. 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.

Walk

Walking will also help shape you up fast. “Walk 20-30 minutes per day! This speeds up digestion. BONUS if you can get in 10k + steps daily!” she writes. A 2018 study published in 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.

Lift Weights

She also recommends strength training. “Add 3 weight lifting days in weekly (Lower body, upper body, full body)” she writes. 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

Drink Water

Don’t forget to hydrate. “Drink 1 gallon of water daily! SUPER IMPORTANT! Not 1 Stanley or 2. You need 4!” she says. 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

Sleep

Don’t sleep on sleep. “Try to prioritize 7+ hours of sleep nightly. Lack of sleep can affect hormones and slow down weight loss,” she writes. 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.

Reduce Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories. “Reduce alcohol to 1x per week (stops fat burn!)” she says. Not only are alcoholic drinks high in calories, but when you drink you are more likely to eat unhealthy food and exercise less.

Reduce Salt Intake and Cut Back on Gas-Causing food.

Don’t overlook sodium. “Reduce salt intake (not cut out),” she suggests. Also, cut back on “gas causing food,” she says. “FODMAPS, including seasonings, onions, garlic, broccoli,” she says.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Drink Coffee After Eating

Another surprising suggestion? She says to drink coffee after eating in the morning “to balance cortisol.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point ou

Don’t Go Overboard on the Weekends

Her last tip? Don’t go overboard on the weekends, because they matter. “If you are great during the week and go ravenous on weekend,” she says, noting that it’s all about “balance.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

6 Hacks to Drop 10 Pounds by Valentine's Day

Emily Ogan livefitwithem
Copyright livefitwithem/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 25, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Do you want to slim down in time for Valentine’s Day? It might be as easy as following 6 expert-recommended tips. Emily Ogan is an Advanced Macro and Hormone Specialist. “I help busy women find balance + results,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post, she reveals how to drop 10 pounds in a month. “Dropping 10 pounds by Valentine’s Day is totally doable. Here’s exactly what I would do,” she writes. “Got weight loss goals? 🙋🏻♀️ Here’s how I would tackle a 10-20 lb weight loss goal in 2025,” she adds.

Get a Plan

If you want to lose weight, winging it is not the idea approach, per Ogan. “Get a plan,” she recommends. Be clear and write down everything you are going to do. “Following a plan saves you time and helps you stay consistent,” she says.

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

Daily Movement

Next up, exercise every day. “Daily movement,” is key, she says. “Aim for 5-8k+ steps a day. Small changes like taking the stairs or a short walk during lunch add up and keep you active throughout the day.”

Strength Train

Her third habit for rapid weight loss? Strength training. “Strength train 3-4 times a week for 30-minute sessions. Focus on progressive overload – gradually increasing weights to challenge your muscles- and keep your lifts HEAVY (the last couple reps of each set should be challenging),” she writes.

Carb Cycling

She also recommends carb cycling. “Intentionally varying your carbs and pairing it strategically with the type of workouts you do is a secret recipe for fat burning,” she explains.

Protein and Whole Foods

Another dietary recommendation for weight loss is pairing protein with whole foods. “Focus on whole foods. Balance your macros, but make protein a priority. It’s essential for muscle repair and will keep you feeling full longer,” she says.

Rest

Also, make sure to rest. “Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep. Your body needs time to recover. Make sure you’re getting enough restful sleep and taking at least 2 days off for active recovery,” she says.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact

The bottom line? You can lose weight and keep it off by making simple but effective changes to your routine. “The good news? This is TOTALLY do-able and sustainable by making small change,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Nutrition & Diet

Trainer Lost 10 Lbs with These 8 Easy Tips

Monica lifestylewithmon
Copyright lifestylewithmon/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 09, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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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.

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.

Nutrition & Diet

This Nutrition Coach Reveals 3 Hacks That Will Help You Lose 10 Pounds Before Christmas

Jenn_Markwardt4
Copyright jennmarkwardt/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothNov 05, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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 the holidays? Jenn Markwardt is a fitness and nutrition coach and founder of Flourish Nutrition, whose goal is “helping you lose 20lbs in a stress-free way. In a recent social media post, she reveals how to drop weight fast by making a few simple tweaks to your routine. “Maybe it’s your energy, maybe it’s an extra 10-20lbs that came out of nowhere, especially around your middle, or maybe it’s exhaustion and brain fog you can’t get rid of,” she writes in the Instagram post. “Here are the three️ things I (and my clients) would avoid if I wanted to drop fat and get my energy back.”

Stop Eating Healthy and Start Eating with Intention

New York - January 9, 2020: MyFitnessPal application on a smartphone. MyFitnessPal is a mobileShutterstock

Her first tip? Stop eating “healthy” and start eating with intention. “Track your food for a week (not forever, and you’ll be amazed at what you learn. It’s not about eating as little as possible; it’s about understanding how to build your pants in a way that leaves you full and satiated and helps your body lose fat without restriction and hunger,” she writes in her post.

Get More Focused with Exercise

Sport watch run woman checking smartwatch tracker. Trail running runner girl looking at heart rate monitor smart watch in forest wearing jacket sportswear. Female athlete jogger training in woods.Shutterstock

Next, “stop doing random workouts and only relying on cardio,” she says. “Muscle is the key to lighting up your metabolism and helping you actually keep your results! You should be training intentionally in a progressive overload style (building in weights or reps each week) to optimize your results!”

Don’t Do It Alone

Side view of two attractive sports women on running track. Girls on treadmillShutterstock

And her third tip is to “stop trying to go it alone,” she says. “Listen, things change as we age, but you are not broken. It’s not impossible to see results, but you have to do things differently than you did in the past, and it’s a heck of a lot easier when you have the support and accountability of coaches and other women just like you.”

RELATED: I'm a 75-Year-Old and Here Are My 15 Secrets to Staying in the Best Shape of My Life

She Also Recommends These 5 Healthy Habits for Weight Loss

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

In another post, she reveals that one of her clients dropped a whopping 30 pounds over a period of six months, “and this was someone who has done literally every diet under the sun,” she says in the clip. “Here are the five habits we focused on to optimize her metabolism hormones and get her energy back so fat loss felt easy,” she adds in the post.

Walk 8,000 to 10,000 Steps Per Day

Man using daily activity tracking app on mobile phone showing 10 000 steps daily goal achievementShutterstock

The first habit is to get your steps in. She recommends “daily movement of 8-10k steps.” Why should you aim for 10,000 steps per day? A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking that amount 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.

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Close up of young businessman eating rib steak on wooden tray at restaurant.Shutterstock

Next, amp up your protein intake. “30g of protein at each meal for satiation and preserving and building muscle,” she writes. 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.

Also, Increase Fiber Intake

Health food concept for a high fiber diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes and herbs. Foods high in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates and vitamins on mShutterstock

Also, she recommends amping up your fiber intake. “25g of fiber daily” is her suggestion. Why? “Fiber is key for balancing blood sugar and keeping you full, so you avoid mindless snacking,” she says.

RELATED: This Guru Doctor Reveals 8 Hormone Mistakes Making You Gain Weight After 40

Strength Train

A fitness enthusiast training at the gym, lifting weights and performing exercises with dumbbells to build up her strength and maintain her health and beauty, fitness GYM dark backgroundShutterstock

In addition to getting your steps in, she recommends doing strength training to build muscle. Specifically, she suggests three 30-minute strength workouts a week “using our Flourish Fitness progressive overload program,” she writes. 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

Stress Management

Calm young Hispanic woman holding hands in namaste meditating doing yoga breathing exercises with eyes closed feeling peace of mind, mental balance standing in green nature tropical park.Shutterstock

Lastly, she stresses the importance of mental health. She explains that “stress management and finding and creating the time to prioritize” yourself is fundamental in getting in physical shape.

A Lot of Factors Impact Weight Loss

Young Caucasian suntanned beautiful elegant woman eating, biting Italian thick tomato pizza with burata cheese Yummy unhealthy food. Liking fingersShutterstock

“And here’s why this works: your metabolism isn’t just ONE thing. There are a lot of factors, and your daily habits have the biggest impact on your metabolic health and hormones. You don’t have to do these things perfectly, but consistency (even on the weekends) matters for forever results,” she writes at the end of the post. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

12 Expert Tips to Shed 10 Pounds Before the Holidays

Dani_Marenburg_Danni_Patton_mindinmymacros
Copyright mindinmymacros/Instagram/Shutterstock
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 25, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
See Full Bio
Follow:
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.

Struggling to shed those last few pounds before the holidays? You’re not alone. Weight loss can be tough, especially with busy schedules, holiday treats, and constant temptations around every corner. But with the right strategy, you can reach your goal in a sustainable way without sacrificing your health or happiness. Dani Marenburg, a double-certified nutrition coach, has guided over 1,000 women through their weight loss journeys, helping them develop effective and balanced routines. On her popular podcast, Mindin' My Macros, she shares expert advice on how to distinguish fat loss from weight loss and how to make realistic changes to get lasting results. Here's how to drop those extra pounds before the holiday season.

Understanding Weight Loss vs. Fat Loss

On her podcast, Dani emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between weight loss and fat loss. "We want to be preserving that muscle. We want to be strictly targeting body fat in the body to reduce that body fat and expose the muscle for that more lean, toned physique," she explains. Sustainable fat loss typically looks like a half a pound to a pound and a half per week when looking at weekly average weight.

Set Realistic Goals

"Realistic fat loss, if you're using the scale, is going to look like half a pound to two pounds per week," Dani advises on her podcast. She recommends using weekly average weight, body measurements, and photos to track progress more accurately than daily weigh-ins.

Create a Moderate Calorie Deficit

Dani, on her podcast, suggests entering a strategic deficit while prioritizing protein intake. "We just need to cut back slightly to actually get to that point where your body's going to start to reduce the body fat, but maintain muscle," she explains. This approach helps preserve muscle mass while targeting body fat.

The Mayo Clinic supports this approach, stating, "To take in fewer calories than you burn, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends cutting 500 to 750 calories a day to lose 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.5 to 0.7 kilograms) a week."

Increase Daily Movement

"Daily movement is such an important piece because this makes up more of a caloric burn per day than your exercise can," Dani notes on her podcast. She recommends aiming for 10,000 steps a day or gradually increasing your current step count by 2,000-3,000 steps.

The Mayo Clinic confirms, "Being active is vital to losing weight and keeping it off. When active, the body uses more energy in the form of calories."

Prioritize Strength Training

Dani emphasizes the importance of preserving muscle mass through strength training. "The more muscle that you have on your body, the more calories you're burning at rest," she explains. This helps maintain a higher metabolic rate during weight loss.

The Mayo Clinic supports this: "Adding resistance training and aerobic exercise to a weight-loss program helps prevent the loss of bone and muscle."

Focus on Nutrition Quality

On her podcast, Dani recommends an 80/20 or 90/10 approach, with the majority of food coming from whole, nutrient-dense sources. "Whole foods are going to have a higher thermic effect just as protein is going to have a higher thermic effect in the body," she explains.

RELATED:5 High-Protein Smoothies to Burn Fat Every Morning

Stay Hydrated

"Hydration is so critical because what happens is that your body is ridding fat; those fat cells are going to be excreted through your urine," Dani says on her podcast. She recommends aiming for 80-100 ounces of water per day.

Manage Stress and Sleep

Dani emphasizes the importance of managing stress and prioritizing sleep for successful weight loss. Dr. Susan Albers supports this, telling the Cleveland Clinic, "No one can make mindful food choices when they're tired. Even missing an hour of sleep can increase your appetite because your body craves that energy and food is fuel for your body."

RELATED: I Lost 22 Pounds in 3 Months With These 7 Game-Changing Tips That Transformed My Body

Consider Intermittent Fasting

While not mentioned by Dani, intermittent fasting can be a useful tool for some. Neuroscientist Mark Mattsontells Johns Hopkins Health, "If someone is eating three meals a day, plus snacks, and they're not exercising, then every time they eat, they're running on those calories and not burning their fat stores."

Track Your Progress

Dani recommends tracking your eating habits without judgment to establish a baseline. This helps you understand your current protein, carb, and fat intake and identify patterns in your eating behavior.

RELATED:6 Signs Your Body Needs More Nutrients

Seek Professional Guidance

Finally, on her podcast, Dani suggests getting a customized macro plan from a professional to ensure you're meeting your body's needs. "Your health is the best return on investment that you can make," she emphasizes.

By implementing these strategies and focusing on sustainable habits, you can work towards losing 10 pounds by the holidays while prioritizing your overall health and well-being. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Coach Reveals the 4 Biggest Cardio Mistakes You Are Making

Angelina Stebich angeeelina.fit
Copyright angeeelina.fit/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 15, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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 doing cardio to build muscle and lose weight? You should avoid a few common mistakes. Angelina Stebich is a fitness coach and influencer who shares her workout tips with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals common mistakes people make during workouts. “4 worst ways to do cardio if you want to build muscle,” she writes. “Cardio is great for heart health and fat loss, but if your goal is muscle growth, the wrong type can sabotage your progress. Here’s what to avoid,” she says.

Doing Cardio Before Lifting

Her first mistake is super common: Doing cardio before lifting weights. According to Angelina, “it drains energy, making your strength training less effective.” Instead, you should do it after strength training.

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

Doing Fasted Cardio

The second mistake is doing fasted cardio. While skipping your meal before hitting the treadmill is “popular for fat loss,” she says it isn’t good for your muscles. “It can increase muscle protein breakdown without proper fueling,” she says.

Doing Cardio on Rest Days

Another mistake lots of people make it doing cardio on rest days. “Treat rest days as true recovery. Light walking? Fine. Intense cardio? You’re just burning potential gains,” she says.

Ignoring Heart Rate Zones

Her final mistake is ignoring heart rate zones. “Staying in the fat-burning zone (low intensity) preserves muscle better than constant high-intensity work,” she says.

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Cardio Isn’t the Enemy

Her bottom line? “Cardio isn’t the enemy,” she says. “It’s about balance. Stick to 2–3 sessions per week, prioritize strength training & fuel up properly!”

More Reasons Why Doing Cardio Before Lifting Is a Bad Idea

In another post, she reveals why doing cardio before lifting is a bad idea. “Many gym-goers swear by doing cardio before lifting. While it may seem like a good idea, here are some reasons why you might put strength training first,” she says. The first reason? “Fatiguing your muscles before lifting can limit your power, performance & energy,” she says.

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

Other Reasons?

Other reasons include reduced muscle gains, as “strength training relies on energy reserves, and cardio can deplete them too soon,” higher injury risk, “tired muscles = compromised form = greater risk of injury,” she says, slower progress, as “prioritizing cardio first may make it harder to progressively overload in weight training,” and decreased focus for form. “Cardio can leave you fatigued, making it harder to focus on proper lifting technique,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

4 Foods to Eat to Lose 10 Pounds by Easter

Brittney Blanco
​Greek Chicken Wraps
Copyright bylt.by.britt/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 15, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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.

Are you unsure what you should be eating to lose weight? One expert has the answer. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. “If you want to lose 5 to 10 pounds by Easter, these are the foods I would eat daily,” she writes.

Fuel Your Body the Right Way

,Couple,,Fitness,Gym,muscles,bodybuilderShutterstock

According to Brittney, she understands the ratio of what you should be eating to lose weight. “Want more energy, muscle, and balanced hormones? It all starts with your plate! Here’s how to fuel up the right way,” she says.

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

Prioritize Protein

Fresh chicken eggs​7. EggsShutterstock

First, prioritize protein. “Protein keeps you full, builds muscle, and boosts metabolism. Aim for 0.8-1g per pound of body weight (or at least 100g daily)” she writes. The best sources? Eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, salmon, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, and tuna. Why? “Helps burn fat, maintain muscle, and curb cravings!” she says.

Eat More Fiber

,Kale,Cabbage,leafy,greens​The Power of Green GuardiansShutterstock

Next, eat more fiber, mostly veggies and fruit. “Fiber supports digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Aim for 25g daily,” she says. The veggies she recommends are broccoli, green beans, kale, asparagus, and zucchini, and fruits, berries, banana, mango, kiwi, and oranges. Why? “Keeps you full and supports a healthy gut!”

Carbs

Boiled quinoa in white bowl on brown wooden table​30. QuinoaShutterstock

Next up carbs, which equal energy. “Carbs fuel your body and workouts. Choose quality sources,” she writes. Best options: Potatoes, quinoa, farro, bulgur, rice. Why? “Prevents energy crashes and supports muscle recovery,” she writes.

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

Healthy Fats

Chia,Seeds.,Chia,Word,Made,From,Chia,Seeds.,Selective,FocusShutterstop

Amp up your healthy fats intake for hormone balance. “Fats help with hormones, brain health, and nutrient absorption,” she says. Best sources: Egg yolks, avocado, cheese, olive oil, chia seeds, almonds, nut butters. Why? “Supports metabolism, mood, and glowing skin!” she writes.

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

Build a Balanced Plate

Sock eyed salmon with green beans and lemonShutterstock

Using these sources, build a balanced plate. “Keep it simple,” she urges. Why? “Provides balanced nutrition, steady energy, and prevents cravings!” Here is the plate she recommends.

¼ plate protein 🥩

¼ plate carbs 🍚

Thumb-size healthy fats 🥑

½ plate veggies 🥦

And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Nutrition & Diet

Coach Reveals the Truth About Intermittent Fasting

McKenna Olsen mckennahenrie
Woman Added 800 Calories Daily and Lost 10 Pounds Without Exercise in 90 Days
Copyright mckennahenrie/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 15, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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.

Over the past few years, intermittent fasting has been one of the buzziest terms in weight loss. So, should you try it? McKenna Olsen is an influencer and health coach who recently lost 10 pounds. In a new social media post, she answers the question: Is intermittent fasting beneficial for weight loss? Here is her answer.

Why Intermittent Fasting Is Popular

“Firstly, it’s important to know WHY it’s a popular strategy,” she explains. “It’s not ‘magic’ by any means but it’s popular because it helps to put you in a calorie deficit,” she says. While time restricted eating “can be useful for those who tend to OVERconsume,” not everyone will benefit from it.

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

Cortisol Levels Are Higher in the Morning

Here is why. “Firstly, understand that our cortisol levels are highest in the AM,” she says, “so they are going to be exacerbated if we fast for extended periods.” Also, “if you are active in the morning, it just increases cortisol.” ⁣

Fasting Can Cause a More Rapid Decline in Hormones for Women

“Second, when it comes to hormones, women are MUCH different than men. We already deal with declining sex hormones as we age, so extreme levels of fasting CAN cause a more rapid decline. We also need to keep blood sugar levels more stable. If your body is under chronic stress, it’s going to produce more and more insulin which (based upon severity) can lead to cases like insulin resistance,” she says.

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Fasting Can Lead to Undereating During the Day

⁣”Not only can fasting be stressful, but also can lead to undereating during the day (especially if you have a busy life and ALREADY have a hard time eating enough), which leads to ultimately under recovering, especially for those who are active, too, which can cause a cascade of hormonal issues because exercise IS a stressor, so eating insufficient amounts due to extreme levels of fasting can wreck havoc on recovery,” she says.

It Can Also Make You More “Food Focused”

⁣”Lastly, fasting simply can make you more food focused, can sometimes cause hunger hormones to build leading you to overconsume when it does come meal time and for some, lead to an unhealthy relationship with food,” she says.

She Doesn’t Recommend It⁣

Overall, she doesn’t recommend it. “I know intermittent fasting has become a weight loss trend, but it’s mostly because it puts people in a caloric deficit to help control intake if you struggle with overeating,” she says.

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

Here Is What She Does Recommend⁣

“Working with so many women who have struggled with yo-yo dieting, I have found eating regular balanced meals, nourishing their bodies properly and regularly is more sustainable and healthier hormonally, for the long term,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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