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15 Bedtime Rituals That Enhance Fat Burning and Aid Weight Loss

Here’s how your sleep affects fat-burning.

Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastSep 08, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Young woman turning off lamp before sleep in bedroom.
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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastSep 08, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fitness & Workouts

Sleep is incredibly important for weight loss and fat burning. Good quality sleep—and the right amount of it—is a powerful weapon in your weight loss arsenal. On the other hand, poor quality, disrupted sleep can seriously undermine your health and fitness efforts and slow down fat burning. Luckily, there are certain things you can do at bedtime to encourage sleep and, therefore, encourage weight loss. Here are 15 rituals that can help boost your fitness regimen.

10 Minutes of Stretching

Rear view of woman stretching her arm and shoulderShutterstock

Jumping straight into bed isn’t enough to relax, experts say. "After being so active, you need to transition before going to bed," Anna Ribaudo, PT, DPT, OCS, Capp-OB, tells HSS. Ribaudo recommends 10 minutes of gentle stretching before bed. "Your day is like your marathon. It doesn't matter whether you're walking, standing or sitting at a desk, your muscles are being tested. Stretching is a way to relax them so you can rest more comfortably."

Journaling

Woman hand writing journal on small notebook at outdoor area in cafe with morning scene and vintage filer effectShutterstock

Writing before bed is a great way to calm your mind down. “It may not always be an easy habit to get into, but journaling before bed can really make a difference if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep,” Michael J. Breus, PhD, tells Psychology Today. “If you’re preoccupied with nighttime worries, give it a try. Good sleep and renewed peace of mind could be just a few minutes away.”

Meditation

Calm,Couple,Meditating,Spiritual,Shutterstock

Meditation is a wonderful way to get your mind and body ready for sleep. “I think we often start replaying the day in our mind and worrying about what we could have done better or what we didn’t do right,” functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “These sleep meditations can be very helpful in releasing some of those thoughts.”

RELATED:19 Things to Do if You Want to Drop a Few Pounds Really Quick

Reading a Book

Woman with cup of beverage reading book at table, closeupShutterstock

Reading at bedtime isn’t just for children—studies show it improves sleep for adults, too. “Reading before bed is one of my favorite ways to relax as part of a bedtime routine,” Sleep Medicine Physician Dustin Cotliar, MD, tells the Sleep Foundation. “I recommend it to my patients who have trouble sleeping.”

Calming Music

Portrait handsome bearded man wearing glasses,headphones listening to music at modern home.Guy sitting in vintage chair,holding smartphone and relaxing.Panoramic windows background.Blurred backgroundShutterstock

Soft, gentle music can positively impact sleep quality. “Relaxing music triggers changes to the body that in many ways mimic a sleep state,” Dr. Breus tells Psychology Today. “A slower heart rate, slower breathing, and lower blood pressure are all physiological changes that make possible the process of falling asleep and staying asleep.”

Bedtime Tea

Hand,That,Pours,Chinese,Green,Tea,From,Glass,Kettle,ToShutterstock

Herbal tea, such as chamomile, can help you relax at bedtime. “Chamomile tea is more than just a calming beverage to consume before bedtime,” says Harvard Health. “Chamomile is an herb taken from the flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. People around the world have been using it as a natural remedy for several health conditions since ancient times.”

Use Blackout Curtains

young woman opening curtains in a bedroomShutterstock

Too much light can interfere with sleep. “We are surrounded by so much external light, even outside of our phone screens,” says Dr. Young. “It can make a big difference in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.”

Take a Bath

Happy woman bathes in a bathtub white foam on her face fun emotionsShutterstock

The ‘warm bath effect’ is shown to increase deep sleep by 10-15 percent. “When you’ve had a warm bath or shower, all of the blood races to the surface of your skin. As a result… your core body temperature actually plummets,” says Matthew Walker, PhD.

RELATED:15 Ozempic Alternatives for Effective Weight Loss

No Screens In Bed

Insomnia and social media addiction concept. Young woman uses smartphone while lying in bed at night, tonedShutterstock

“The light from our screens can delay our transition to sleep, even if we are engaged in some soothing activity online,” Joanna A. Cooper, MD, tells Sutter Health. “But it’s more likely that our evening texting, television shows or video games are stimulating in themselves, keeping the brain busy and wound up, and even causing adrenaline rushes instead of calm.”

Sound Machine

Top View Bed at Night: Attractive young Couple Sleeping Together, Holding Each other in Arms, Embracing. Blue Nightly Colors with Cold Weak Lamppost Light Shining Through the Window.Shutterstock

Using a sound machine at bedtime may encourage deeper sleep. “Pink noise has a lower tone and sounds lower pitched than white,” Ruckshanda Majid, MD, tells Memorial Hermann Health System. “It’s more reminiscent of light rain, waterfalls or rivers. The deepest pitch is brown noise, like a heavy rainfall.”

Be Consistent

Peaceful young man sleeping in a comfortable bed alone at home, enjoying his orthopedic mattress and cozy pillow. Good sleep concept. Copy spaceShutterstock

Consistency is important for sleep quality. “Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends,” says the CDC. “Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.”

Limit Alcohol

Waiter pouring red wine in a glass.Shutterstock

Alcohol can negatively impact sleep quality. “There’s some evidence that alcohol actually disrupts the release of melatonin in your brain,” Aristidis Latridis, MD, tells Piedmont Health. “Melatonin is the hormone that your brain releases when it wants to go to sleep. As a result, people who drink alcohol tend to have very broken sleep and don’t sleep well. They also wake up in the morning not feeling as rested as they should.”

Turn Down the Lights

Sleeping beauty, lights and woman with sleep and creative neon lighting. Resting, face and model glow and feeling relax and calm on a bed pillow with aesthetic profile in a bedroom bed at homeShutterstock

Avoid bright lights before bedtime. “LED lights, while being more energy efficient, tend to produce more blue light,” Deirdre Conroy, PhD, tells Michigan Medicine. “Using dim or red lights before bedtime may help you sleep better.

Keep It Cool

Woman is turning on air conditioner in homeShutterstock

Keep the temperature down to promote sleep. “We know that in order to fall asleep and stay asleep, we need our core body temperature to drop by one or two degrees," Dr Maja Schaedel, co-founder of The Good Sleep Clinic, tells The Standard. “Lowering the room temperature from 24C (75F) to 18C (64F) has a significant impact on sleep quality, making it much better during cooler climates.”

RELATED:I Lost 160 Pounds by Making These 10 Fast Food Swaps

Avoid Caffeine

Woman hand holding coffee cup on table against city view in vintage cafeShutterstock

Caffeine can disrupt your sleep quality, so be mindful of having it close to bedtime. “It can take two to 10 hours for just half of caffeine’s effects to wear off,” Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “This ‘half-life,’ as it’s known, varies from person to person. Someone who metabolizes caffeine slowly should probably avoid evening caffeine if they want a good night’s rest.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Sleep impacts every aspect of your health, so don’t neglect it!

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Fitness & Workouts

15 Bedtime Rituals That Enhance Fat Burning and Aid Weight Loss

Young woman turning off lamp before sleep in bedroom.
Shutterstock
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastSep 08, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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.

Sleep is incredibly important for weight loss and fat burning. Good quality sleep—and the right amount of it—is a powerful weapon in your weight loss arsenal. On the other hand, poor quality, disrupted sleep can seriously undermine your health and fitness efforts and slow down fat burning. Luckily, there are certain things you can do at bedtime to encourage sleep and, therefore, encourage weight loss. Here are 15 rituals that can help boost your fitness regimen.

10 Minutes of Stretching

Rear view of woman stretching her arm and shoulderShutterstock

Jumping straight into bed isn’t enough to relax, experts say. "After being so active, you need to transition before going to bed," Anna Ribaudo, PT, DPT, OCS, Capp-OB, tells HSS. Ribaudo recommends 10 minutes of gentle stretching before bed. "Your day is like your marathon. It doesn't matter whether you're walking, standing or sitting at a desk, your muscles are being tested. Stretching is a way to relax them so you can rest more comfortably."

Journaling

Woman hand writing journal on small notebook at outdoor area in cafe with morning scene and vintage filer effectShutterstock

Writing before bed is a great way to calm your mind down. “It may not always be an easy habit to get into, but journaling before bed can really make a difference if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep,” Michael J. Breus, PhD, tells Psychology Today. “If you’re preoccupied with nighttime worries, give it a try. Good sleep and renewed peace of mind could be just a few minutes away.”

Meditation

Calm,Couple,Meditating,Spiritual,Shutterstock

Meditation is a wonderful way to get your mind and body ready for sleep. “I think we often start replaying the day in our mind and worrying about what we could have done better or what we didn’t do right,” functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “These sleep meditations can be very helpful in releasing some of those thoughts.”

RELATED:19 Things to Do if You Want to Drop a Few Pounds Really Quick

Reading a Book

Woman with cup of beverage reading book at table, closeupShutterstock

Reading at bedtime isn’t just for children—studies show it improves sleep for adults, too. “Reading before bed is one of my favorite ways to relax as part of a bedtime routine,” Sleep Medicine Physician Dustin Cotliar, MD, tells the Sleep Foundation. “I recommend it to my patients who have trouble sleeping.”

Calming Music

Portrait handsome bearded man wearing glasses,headphones listening to music at modern home.Guy sitting in vintage chair,holding smartphone and relaxing.Panoramic windows background.Blurred backgroundShutterstock

Soft, gentle music can positively impact sleep quality. “Relaxing music triggers changes to the body that in many ways mimic a sleep state,” Dr. Breus tells Psychology Today. “A slower heart rate, slower breathing, and lower blood pressure are all physiological changes that make possible the process of falling asleep and staying asleep.”

Bedtime Tea

Hand,That,Pours,Chinese,Green,Tea,From,Glass,Kettle,ToShutterstock

Herbal tea, such as chamomile, can help you relax at bedtime. “Chamomile tea is more than just a calming beverage to consume before bedtime,” says Harvard Health. “Chamomile is an herb taken from the flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. People around the world have been using it as a natural remedy for several health conditions since ancient times.”

Use Blackout Curtains

young woman opening curtains in a bedroomShutterstock

Too much light can interfere with sleep. “We are surrounded by so much external light, even outside of our phone screens,” says Dr. Young. “It can make a big difference in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.”

Take a Bath

Happy woman bathes in a bathtub white foam on her face fun emotionsShutterstock

The ‘warm bath effect’ is shown to increase deep sleep by 10-15 percent. “When you’ve had a warm bath or shower, all of the blood races to the surface of your skin. As a result… your core body temperature actually plummets,” says Matthew Walker, PhD.

RELATED:15 Ozempic Alternatives for Effective Weight Loss

No Screens In Bed

Insomnia and social media addiction concept. Young woman uses smartphone while lying in bed at night, tonedShutterstock

“The light from our screens can delay our transition to sleep, even if we are engaged in some soothing activity online,” Joanna A. Cooper, MD, tells Sutter Health. “But it’s more likely that our evening texting, television shows or video games are stimulating in themselves, keeping the brain busy and wound up, and even causing adrenaline rushes instead of calm.”

Sound Machine

Top View Bed at Night: Attractive young Couple Sleeping Together, Holding Each other in Arms, Embracing. Blue Nightly Colors with Cold Weak Lamppost Light Shining Through the Window.Shutterstock

Using a sound machine at bedtime may encourage deeper sleep. “Pink noise has a lower tone and sounds lower pitched than white,” Ruckshanda Majid, MD, tells Memorial Hermann Health System. “It’s more reminiscent of light rain, waterfalls or rivers. The deepest pitch is brown noise, like a heavy rainfall.”

Be Consistent

Peaceful young man sleeping in a comfortable bed alone at home, enjoying his orthopedic mattress and cozy pillow. Good sleep concept. Copy spaceShutterstock

Consistency is important for sleep quality. “Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends,” says the CDC. “Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.”

Limit Alcohol

Waiter pouring red wine in a glass.Shutterstock

Alcohol can negatively impact sleep quality. “There’s some evidence that alcohol actually disrupts the release of melatonin in your brain,” Aristidis Latridis, MD, tells Piedmont Health. “Melatonin is the hormone that your brain releases when it wants to go to sleep. As a result, people who drink alcohol tend to have very broken sleep and don’t sleep well. They also wake up in the morning not feeling as rested as they should.”

Turn Down the Lights

Sleeping beauty, lights and woman with sleep and creative neon lighting. Resting, face and model glow and feeling relax and calm on a bed pillow with aesthetic profile in a bedroom bed at homeShutterstock

Avoid bright lights before bedtime. “LED lights, while being more energy efficient, tend to produce more blue light,” Deirdre Conroy, PhD, tells Michigan Medicine. “Using dim or red lights before bedtime may help you sleep better.

Keep It Cool

Woman is turning on air conditioner in homeShutterstock

Keep the temperature down to promote sleep. “We know that in order to fall asleep and stay asleep, we need our core body temperature to drop by one or two degrees," Dr Maja Schaedel, co-founder of The Good Sleep Clinic, tells The Standard. “Lowering the room temperature from 24C (75F) to 18C (64F) has a significant impact on sleep quality, making it much better during cooler climates.”

RELATED:I Lost 160 Pounds by Making These 10 Fast Food Swaps

Avoid Caffeine

Woman hand holding coffee cup on table against city view in vintage cafeShutterstock

Caffeine can disrupt your sleep quality, so be mindful of having it close to bedtime. “It can take two to 10 hours for just half of caffeine’s effects to wear off,” Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “This ‘half-life,’ as it’s known, varies from person to person. Someone who metabolizes caffeine slowly should probably avoid evening caffeine if they want a good night’s rest.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Sleep impacts every aspect of your health, so don’t neglect it!

Nutrition & Diet

5 Little-Known Tips for Burning Belly Fat

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 10, 2024
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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 burn fat without having to make major changes to your life? According to experts, there are a few simple things you can do to majorly amplify fat loss. Mike Diamonds, MD, founder of Sculpt by Science, is social media famous for sharing helpful hacks on how to get into shape and lose weight. In a recent clip, he reveals some little-known tips for burning belly fat. “These are five fat loss cheat codes. I wish I knew when I started,” he says at the start of the YouTube Shorts clip. We also asked our Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, to weigh in.

Walk for Cardio

Heart,Rate,monitor,Smartwatch,,Runner,Time,Shutterstock

“Number one, walking should be your main form of cardio,” says Diamonds, citing research that has shown that it burns the most fat. “I’m not sure it actually burns the most fat, but low to moderate intensity cardio is great, especially for beginners,” says Collingood. “Walking is simple—it doesn't take any equipment other than a good pair of shoes,” she adds. It can also be social. “Meet friends or family or take the dog with you for a nice brisk walk.”

RELATED:5 Best Exercises for “Bra Bulge” After 50

High Protein Diet

Grilled top sirloin or cup rump beef meat steak on marble board. Black background. Top viewShutterstock

Next, “the formula to being able to build muscle and lose fat is a high protein diet,” claims Diamonds. “30 to 50 grams per meal multiplied by a caloric deficit and weightlifting.” Collingwood agrees that you “definitely want protein to maintain and build muscle,” adding that it also keeps you satisfied.

Seven to Eight Hours of Sleep

Sleeping,sleep,snooze,bed,asleep,night,dreamShutterstock

“Three, sleep a minimum of seven to eight hours,” says Diamonds. “Sleeping any less will feel like playing Call of Duty or FIFA in hard mode.” Collingwood agrees that sleep is “absolutely necessary,” recommending 7 to 9 hours “to recover the body and help with hormone regulation.”

Morning Workouts and Exercise in Afternoon

Runners,Fitness,Couple,Running,Training,On,Beach.,Morning,Cardio,Workout,exercise,sand,sea,ocean,sunShutterstock

“Train in the morning and eat in the afternoon. Myself and my clients find the most productive formula is to train in the morning and then break your fast after midday,” claims Diamonds. “Morning is great for training but if you wait several hours to eat you are leaving yourself open to poor recovery,” notes Collingwood. “It is better to eat something within an hour after training, especially if training is intense or long.”

RELATED:3 Best Practices for Walking, by a Podiatrist

Eat the Same Food Every Day for a Week

Beautiful young sports people are talking and smiling while cooking healthy food in kitchen at homeShutterstock

And his last tip, “track your diet for one day and then eat the same food every day for a week. This will make your journey so much easier,” he says. “Tracking what you eat can be very eye opening, but it’s not necessary to eat the same thing every day,” says Collingwood. “Variety is better for the gut microbiome and to keep you from getting bored or feeling deprived.”

💪🔥Body Booster: In order to maximize belly fat, start by taking a look at your diet and making sure you are meeting the protein recommendations for your height, weight, and gender.

Nutrition & Diet

Researchers Reveal: The Fastest Way to Melt Belly Fat and Keep It Off

Shot of fintess woman eating a healthy poke bowl while looking at camera in the kitchen at home.
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Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackNov 01, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
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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.

Losing belly fat is a top goal for many, but keeping it off is often the real challenge. Thankfully, recent research has pinpointed effective methods that can help you shed belly fat quickly and, even better, keep it from coming back. These science-backed strategies focus on boosting metabolism, managing stress, and improving muscle tone—all of which contribute to lasting belly fat loss. Incorporating these methods into your routine can accelerate fat burning and lead to a leaner, more defined midsection that lasts. Here’s what researchers say is the fastest way to melt belly fat and keep it off for good.

Prioritize High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Crunches, High Intensity Interval Training or HIITShutterstock

Burns Fat in Less Time

HIIT workouts are known for their efficiency in burning fat, especially around the belly. By alternating between short bursts of intense activity and brief rest periods, HIIT increases calorie burn both during and after your workout. Studies show that HIIT is one of the most effective exercises for targeting belly fat, making it ideal for those looking to shed weight fast.

Eat Protein at Every Meal to Boost Metabolism

food, people and leisure concept - close up of happy smiling woman eating meat for lunch at restaurantShutterstock

Supports Fat-Burning and Muscle Preservation

Protein-rich foods help increase the thermic effect of food, meaning your body burns more calories during digestion. Eating protein at every meal also helps maintain muscle mass, which is essential for a higher metabolism. This increase in metabolic rate aids in keeping belly fat off, even when you’re not working out.

Incorporate Strength Training for Lasting Fat Loss

Weights, dumbbells and happy woman in gym for workout, bodybuilder training and exercise. Fitness, sports and person with weightlifting equipment for strength, muscles and wellness for strong armsShutterstock

Build Muscle to Burn More Calories

Strength training, like lifting weights or resistance exercises, builds muscle, which naturally burns more calories at rest. This long-term increase in calorie burn is key to keeping belly fat off. Adding strength training to your weekly routine not only sculpts your body but also ensures that any lost fat stays gone.

Reduce Refined Carbs to Prevent Fat Storage

happy young woman preparing tasty snacks at the kitchen table in the morning lightShutterstock

Control Blood Sugar and Insulin Spikes

Refined carbs, such as white bread and sugary snacks, can cause blood sugar spikes that lead to insulin release—a hormone that promotes fat storage, particularly in the belly area. Opting for whole grains instead helps keep blood sugar stable, which is essential for both losing belly fat and keeping it off.

RELATED:Fitness Expert Reveals What Really Happened When He Tried the Celebrity Weight Loss Shot

Practice Mindful Eating to Avoid Overeating

Girl,Eating,Banana,On,The,Beach,Against,The,Backdrop,OfShutterstock

Stay Aware of Hunger and Fullness Cues

Mindful eating involves paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues, which can prevent overeating and help manage calorie intake. Research shows that people who practice mindful eating are more likely to maintain weight loss, as it helps them avoid unnecessary snacking and portion control issues that contribute to belly fat.

Get 7–8 Hours of Quality Sleep Each Night

Woman wakes up in a country house or hotel with panoramic windows in pine forest raised her hands yawning. Good morning and recreation on nature conceptShutterstock

Improves Fat-Burning Hormones

Sleep is essential for regulating the hormones that control hunger and fat storage, like leptin and cortisol. Studies show that a lack of sleep can lead to increased cravings and belly fat storage. Prioritizing sleep supports hormone balance, making it easier to lose and maintain a flat stomach.

Drink Green Tea Daily to Boost Metabolism

Japanese green teaShutterstock

Catechins in Green Tea Enhance Fat Burning

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that stimulate fat burning, especially in the belly area. Drinking green tea regularly can increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories and specifically target stubborn fat stores. A cup or two a day is a simple habit that can lead to lasting results.

RELATED:Fat Loss Coach Reveals 3 Hidden Signs Your Body is Storing Fat

Manage Stress Levels to Reduce Cortisol

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Lower Cortisol to Prevent Belly Fat Accumulation

Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which are associated with increased belly fat. Practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or even daily walks, can help lower cortisol and prevent stress-related weight gain in the midsection. Following these research-backed methods can help you achieve a leaner waistline and prevent the return of belly fat. Each of these strategies is designed to maximize fat burning and support metabolic health, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and toned midsection over time. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

10 Daily Rituals to Boost Metabolism and Lose Weight Over 50

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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 10, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Are you dealing with unwanted weight gain and increasingly low energy with the passing years? “Your metabolism changes as you get older,” says the National Institutes of Health. “You burn fewer calories and break down foods differently. You also lose lean muscle. Unless you exercise more and adjust your diet, the pounds can add up. Middle-age spread can quickly become middle-age sprawl.” This doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging—here are ten daily rituals that can help boost metabolism and encourage weight loss after 50.

Weights Are Your Friend

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Hit the weight section of the gym, or use equipment at home to build strength and muscle. “Muscle is more metabolically active — it burns more calories than fat,” William Yancy Jr, MD, tells AARP. “So having a higher ratio of muscle to fat will mean you burn more energy — just while sitting. To build that muscle, you have to exercise, and that burns calories, too.”​

Calorie Deficit

Young girl eating a fruit salad after a workout . Fitness and healthy lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

Make sure you’re getting the correct amount of calories a day. “At age 50, you need 200 fewer calories a day than you did when you were 20, assuming you are equally active,” Stacy Weiss, MD, tells Northwest Community Healthcare. “After age 60, you need 400-500 calories less. If you’re moderately active, up to age 50, around 2,000 calories a day is good. After 50, you need to decrease to 1,800 calories.”

Move Throughout the Day

Senior couple exercise stretching resistance band at home, health care and active seniors conceptShutterstock

The couch potato lifestyle is terrible for your metabolism, so make a point of sitting as little as possible. Maybe start a habit where you walk before breakfast every day. “At some point, everyone loses muscle mass as they get older and gains abdominal fat,” aging and exercise expert Dr. Mark Mattson tells the NIH. “Over-eating and leading a sedentary lifestyle can speed up age-related changes in metabolism.”

RELATED: Lose Weight Faster with These 11 Effective Workouts

Don’t Ignore Sleep Health

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 is crucial for a healthy metabolism and to encourage fat-burning. Try bedtime rituals such as a warm bath, reading a book, or meditation. Make a point of going to bed and waking up as much as possible at the same time.

Happy Hour Habits

Japanese green teaShutterstock

If daily happy hour has become a habit, replace it with a more healthy ritual a few times a week. Try tea or sparkling water. “Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that approximately 20 percent of adults aged 60-64 and around 10 percent over age 65 report current binge drinking,” says the National Institutes of Health.

Daily Hydration

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water. Smiling caucasian female model holding transparent glass in her hand. Closeup. Focus on the armShutterstock

Make a point of drinking water first thing in the morning to start your day hydrated. “Proper hydration is essential for many bodily functions, including moving nutrients throughout the body, lubricating joints, and maintaining blood pressure,” Vanessa Ling, ND, CNS, writes for the National Council on Aging. “Some evidence suggests that drinking water before a meal can curb your appetite to help with portion control.”

Phone a Friend

Group of multiethnic mature people stretching arms outdoor. Middle aged yoga class doing breathing exercise at park. Beautifil women and fit men doing breath exercise together with outstretched arms.Shutterstock

Reach out to friends and loved ones every day to get support and encouragement. “Surround yourself with friends and loved ones who support your efforts to eat a healthy diet and increase your physical activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Better yet, team up and make the lifestyle changes together.”

Fun Hobbies

A young woman pulls weeds in her huge garden in the spring, clearing the garden after winterShutterstock

Make time every day for an active hobby you genuinely enjoy. “Find time to take care of yourself. Activities that you enjoy doing can help you get exercise,” says the Mayo Clinic. “This can include gardening, yoga or other active hobbies.”

RELATED: 12 House Cleaning Chores That Burn Calories After 50

Protein With Every Meal

Grilled chicken breasts and vegetablesShutterstock

Including protein with every meal can help with fat-burning and weight loss. “As you age, you require more protein to build or maintain muscle,” registered dietician Alex Oskian tells the National Council on Aging. “A good rule of thumb is to include a protein food (animal or plant-based source of protein) at all meals and snacks.”

Small, Consistent Changes

Happy fit middle aged woman cheering and celebrating as she walks along a rural lane through a leafy green park after working out jogging.Shutterstock

Keeping up with these rituals can transform your life and health. “You’re not just losing pounds—you’re gaining life,” family medicine physician Phyllis Pobee, MD, tells the National Council on Aging. “Focus on sustainable changes that celebrate your body. Small, consistent tweaks over time can lead to remarkable transformations.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Eat protein with every meal and snack to encourage weight loss.

Nutrition & Diet

8 Fat Burning Methods Better Than Exercise, According to Weight Loss Expert

Abram Anderson
Abram Anderson/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 02, 2024
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.

Do you want to burn fat without counting calories or spending hours at the gym? Abram Anderson is a weight loss coach who regularly shares tips on how to burn fat fast. In a few new video post, he reveals simple hacks for burning fat that take very little effort. “Do you want to lose weight faster than what you're currently doing? But you do not want to count calories, you do not want to take supplements, and you don't want to have to use willpower?” he says, going on to reveal them.

Focus on Speeding Up Your Metabolism

To burn fat fast, you need to rev up your fat-burning system. “One of the tips that I give,” he says in the post, “is to try to speed up your metabolism. There's a few different ways to speed up your metabolism extremely easily.”

RELATED: 5 High-Protein Breakfasts Hollywood Trainer Magnus Lygdback Swears By

Do 30 Seconds of an Activity Right Before You Eat

The first suggestion he has? “You can do 30 seconds of an activity right before you eat. You'll be able to increase your insulin sensitivity right before you eat. You'll be able to eat the same number of calories and store less as fat that way, plus you have a higher metabolism,” he says.

Or, Add Spices to Your Food

“Or you can try to eat spicier food,” he says. “If you were just to add spices to your food, you can literally eat the same number of calories once again and actually burn more of them without having them stored as body fat,” he claims.

Two Tablespoons of Fermented Food Per Meal Helps Melt Body Fat

In another video, he reveals something you should add to every meal to melt body fat. “According to scientific research, two tablespoons of a fermented food with meals” is all you need “if you want to improve your microbiome and melt body fat drastically,” he says.

RELATED: Weight Loss Coach Lost 40 Pounds and Kept It Off for 14 Years With These 5 Changes

Kimchi Is the Best One to Eat

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“It's not just any fermented food. According to our data, it seems that kimchi seems to far outweigh the benefits for weight loss and microbiome health compared to anything else,” he continues. “So the yogurt just doesn't cut it. But if you could have kimchi in your diet, it can do absolute wonders.”

Disruption of Blood Sugar Leads to Overeating

“If you want to learn how to stop overeating so you can melt body fat easier, this is the advice that we give to our clients inside of our health and life coaching program. And it's helped them melt 20, 50, a hundred plus pounds of body fat without counting calories,” he continues. “This advice might work for you, too. By far, the biggest thing that is leading to overeating is a disruption in your blood sugar levels.”

Here Is the Secret to Prevent Binge Eating

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“What happens is you eat something that's high in carbohydrates and easy to digest, and you get a blood sugar spike. When you have a blood sugar spike, even if you're staying in normal ranges, your body will release insulin, which will cause a blood sugar spike down. That spike down causes you to feel uncontrollably hungry, where you feel like you can eat everything in sight,” he says. “The solution to this is to add in complex carbohydrates, water, and a food from nature inside of that meal, and that's how you prevent binge eating.”

And, Walking Is the Most Effective Workout for Losing Body Fat

“Walking has proven to be the most effective exercise for losing body fat, at least for my clients,” adding that “it doesn't actually require a whole lot of effort in order to see phenomenal results with it.” However, when you walk matters. “If you choose when you do your walk, you can actually maximize your results. So if you were to actually walk first thing in the morning or walk immediately after a workout for whatever reason, that seems to increase the amount of body fat you lose. And my theory is twofold,” he says.

Walking in the Morning Can Help Curb Cortisol Levels When They Are the Highest

“One, when you walk in the morning, you get sunshine, and your cortisol levels are the highest. You can actually curb that and better metabolize stress hormones because cortisol has been shown to be both anabolic to fat and catabolic muscle. So you can curb that if you walk in the morning,” he says.

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Walking Post Workout Can Utilize the Afterburn Effect

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The other best time to walk? “Two, if you were to walk after a workout, you actually utilize something called the afterburn effect,” he says. This is “where you burn additional calories even after your workout, and it's like extending it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Cortisol Expert Reveals the Secret to Losing “That Last Layer of Fat”

Lindsay Dudley lindsay_dudley_
Copyright Lindsay Dudley/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 31, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you struggling to lose those last few pounds and shed your final layer of fat? Lindsay Dudley is a cortisol coach who helps moms over 40 increase energy, decrease stress, and accelerate weight loss goals by regulating cortisol levels. She often shares her tricks and secrets for dropping pounds. In a new Instagram post, she discusses getting rid of stubborn body fat. “The secret to losing that last layer of fat,” she says, revealing the three tips.

You’re Cutting Calories and Doing Cardio, But the Scale Isn’t Moving

“Does this sound familiar,” she writes. “You’re cutting calories and eating less, but the scale just won’t move—or worse, it’s creeping up. You’re grinding through tough cardio sessions, yet that belly fat seems to have taken up permanent residence. You feel like you are doing all the right things, but the weight keeps piling on.”

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

Your Body Might Be in Fat Storage Mode

“Here’s what might be happening: Your body could be in fat-storage mode, and there’s actual science to explain it. Sometimes the very habits we think are helping us can actually work against us,” she says. “What I do and recommend to my clients to achieve sustainable results,” she adds, revealing the three habits.

Eat Enough Protein

“Ensure you’re eating enough protein! Protein is essential for fat loss because it preserves muscle, boosts metabolism, and keeps you feeling full. Aim to eat 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily to support fat burning and maintain lean 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.

Ditch the Endless Cardio

Next, “ditch the endless cardio!” she says. “Overdoing it on high-intensity workouts can raise cortisol levels, which encourages belly fat. Swap some of those sessions for strength training to build muscle and boost fat burning—even while you rest.” 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

Balance Your Hormones

The third tip? “Balance your hormones!!! As we age, hormones (like cortisol) have a huge impact on fat storage. The right nutrition and supplements to support hormone health can make a big difference.”

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

These Three Things Were Game-Changing for Her

She maintains that doing these things was the ultimate game-changer. “These small shifts helped me lose 6 pounds and keep it off at 43 even after having two incredible boys!! Once I made the changes, everything started to fall into place,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Leslie Bibb Reveals Her Diet and Fitness Secrets

LOS ANGELES - FEB 28: Leslie Bibb arrives at the Harper's Bazaar Celebrates The Launch Of The Dukes of Melrose Event at the Sunset Tower on February 28, 2013 in West Hollywood, CA
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 31, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

Leslie Bibb has been stealing scenes this season on This White Lotus as part of the salacious swimsuit-clad friend trio, which includes Michelle Monaghan and Carrie Coon. A few things you might not know about the gorgeous blonde actress? One, she is married to her White Lotus costar Sam Rockwell, whom she has been with for over 15 years. Two, she has been acting for nearly 30 years. Brace yourself for number three: In November, she turned 50. If you are curious how she manages to look half her age, Body Network rounded up her top diet and fitness habits.

She Hydrates in the Morning

Bibb starts her day by hydrating. “I try to drink water first thing in the morning. Sometimes it's hard, I try to get as much water in me, at least like 20 ounces so I can check that off the list. As Sam likes to say, I hydrate,” she told The Zoe Report.

She Does Yoga

“I am a morning person, by the way, so I like to get up early and I like to listen to some jazz. And then I try to do yoga with my yoga teacher, this wonderful teacher in Los Angeles, Jenny Brill. It just gets me back in my body,” she told TZR. “I think yoga is like a treat for myself because I do a private [lesson], which is nice.” She added: “Yoga for me has been a really centering, good thing.”

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

She Meditates

LOS ANGELES, USA. February 10, 2025: Leslie Bibb at the season 3 premiere for HBO's The White Lotus.​She Hydrates in the MorningShutterstock

Leslie likes to get her zen on. “I always try to meditate. I've done a meditation class. I have a mantra. I have it all. But it's hard sometimes. My brain can get a little busy,” she says.

She Makes Her Own Hummus and Curries

Leslie Bibb and Sam Rockwell at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Tag' held at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, USA on June 7, 2018.

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She also confessed that her “new obsession” is cooking, particularly two things. “One is instead of buying cans of beans, doing an old school dry beans: soaking them overnight, and then making my own hummus so I'm not buying it. Doing it truly from scratch, so if I'm making chili, all my beans are dry, and then it's nothing from a can. Then the second thing I've really gotten into is learning how to make curries. I would say that coconut milk, and coconut cream, and curries have become my new obsession in the kitchen. I'm obsessed with making a Thai Curry,” she told TZR.

RELATED:I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

She Invests in Cooking Gadgets

LOS ANGELES - JAN 10: LESLIE BIBB ABC All Star Winter TCA Party 2012 on January 10, 2012 in Pasadena, CA

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She also invests in cooking gadgets to make healthy eating easier. “My Ninja is my thing. It's a go-to ... And I don't even think I've scratched the surface of what it can do. I make my own pesto, I make my own hummus, the other day I made from scratch cauliflower soup. And this is the other thing, I'm really into making my own broth. I do my own vegetable stock or my own chicken stock. It's so silly and corny, but I love it. I have a thing about opening a fridge and seeing a full fridge or a full freezer, like the way my aunts and my mom always used to have when I was a kid. It just makes me feel faith, and like I'm taken care of if there's food in the house in that way,” she says.

She Drinks Her Greens.

PARK CITY, UT-JAN 28: Actress Leslie Bibb attends the "Don Verdean" premiere at the Eccles Theater during the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2015 in Park City, Utah.

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Bibb told New York Magazine that she loves Athletic Greens. “The first thing I do in the morning is drink this. I love that it simplifies taking a ton of supplements. It doesn’t have a weird taste to it,” she says. “The color green gets a really bad wrap. Dare I say there’s a hint of vanilla in this, but it doesn’t taste the way it looks.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

9 "Healthy" Foods Stopping You From Losing Weight

Maxie Haase maxiehaase
Copyright maxiehaase/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 31, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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 trying to lose weight but can’t get your diet right? You might need to ditch a few foods from your daily menu. Maxie Haase is a macros nutrition coach who helps her clients lose weight in a natural and sustainable way, finding “peace with food and power through nutrition.” In a recent Instagram post, she discusses food to avoid if you are trying to lose weight.

These Foods Aren’t “Bad” But Won’t Help You Lose Weight

“I like to spend my macros wisely when in a caloric deficit and everything I’m about to list is based off of personal preference and experience; I AM NOT SAYING THESE FOODS ARE BAD! When cutting, I aim to eat mostly whole, single ingredient foods and try to make my meals higher volume to help with satiation. Here is my list of things I avoid,” she writes.

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

Nut Butters and Nuts

The first food to avoid in a calorie deficit is nut butters and nuts. “I love peanut butter more than most people, but 1 serving is 190-200cals and I would rather spread those cals out in a different way,” she says.

Granola

As a kid, you might have been trained to believe granola is healthy, but it’s not great for weight loss. “It’s so crunchy and delicious, but the portion size compared to nutritional profile is not worth it to me,” she writes.

Honey

Honey is sourced from bees, but that doesn’t mean it is better than other sweeteners for weight loss. “Arguably the best natural sweetener, but it’s pure carbs and I would rather eat those carbs/can do without adding sweetness to yogurt. It’s not necessary to me,” she writes.

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

Fancy Coffees

Many fun and sweet coffees are to be ordered at your local shop, but be careful. “I will keep my coffee order simple because lattes and super sugary drinks are calorie dense and I’d rather eat those cals,” she says.

Apples, Bananas, and Watermelon

Lots of weight loss experts recommend fruit, but there are a few to avoid, including apples, bananas, and watermelon. “This sounds nuts, but those fruits are a lot higher in carb in comparison to berries. When cutting, I eat mostly berries!” she says.

Alcohol

Alcohol is basically drinking your calories. “It eats up my cals, gives me no nutritional benefit and messes up my digestion,” she says.

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

High Fat Protein

Sure, some higher-fat meats are great sources of protein – but they are also high in fat! She recommends avoiding high fat protein on the regular. “I choose leaner meat like chicken, lean beef, white fish, shrimp for the majority of my meals to save fat for other things in my day,” she says.

Protein Bars

Protein bars are another no-no. “You will never catch me eating a 200-300 cal fake candy bar. I can make a meal with those cals that is much more filling,” she says.

Dining Out

She also avoids dining out. “I can make a much larger, lower cal meal at home that is more satisfying,’ she says.

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

Bottom Line

The bottom line? “All of the things listed above are not BAD. I simply cut back or remove them from my weekly routine/grocery haul when in a caloric deficit because it allows me more flexibility with the rest of my day,” she says. 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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