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

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

19 Ways to Drop a Few Pounds Really Quick

Follow experts' advice and slim down fast.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Jenna_Rizzo_jennaaaamariee11
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Are you trying to lose weight fast? The bad news: Most get-slim-quick tactics aren’t sustainable. Most experts recommend losing one to two pounds per week by following a healthy diet and exercise routine. However, if you are in a hurry to lose weight really quickly, several habits can help you get the job done. Here are 19 things to do if you want to drop a few pounds really quick, according to experts.


When You Lose Weight Fast, It’s Usually Water Weight

Female bare feet with weight scale on wooden floorShutterstock

Fitness coach Jenna Rizzo (@jennaaaamariee) explains that you can lose a few pounds fast, but it isn’t fat you are losing. “If I have a last minute trip coming up or like a surprise photo shoot and I just wanna tighten up for it really quick, this is what I do,” she says in a video, revealing that most quick fixes are “most likely a scam,” but “that being said, I do have a couple of tricks up my sleeve if something pops up and you just wanna tighten up for it really quick. So we're talking like a couple pounds of water weight, not 20 pounds of fat loss.”

Drink Lots of Water

healthy fitness girl with protein shake. Smile sport woman in the sunny dayShutterstock

“Number one, I'm going to make sure I'm drinking a ton of water,” says Rizzo. “Now, I know a lot of times people think that drinking a ton of water is gonna cause you to retain a ton of water, but it actually does the opposite. You can kind of think of it as flushing out your system.”

Decrease Carb Intake

Full Frame Shot Of Foods Containing Unhealthy Or Bad CarbohydratesShutterstock

“Number two, I'm gonna be eating slightly lower carbs. So, have you ever heard of when people do keto, and they magically drop five pounds in like two days, and everybody thinks it's magic? Well, this is because when you eat carbs, your body's gonna hold onto a certain amount of water weight because of it. So when you cut back on your carbs, your body's gonna be able to let go of a decent bit of water, which again will help us look a little bit tighter and leaner,” Rizzo continues.

Amp Up Fiber and Probiotic Intake

High,Fiber,Foods.,Healthy,Balanced,Dieting,Concept.,Top,ViewShutterstock

“Number three, I'm eating at least 30 grams of fiber and getting some good probiotics in. So this is gonna be really good for your gut help, help keep you regular, if you know what I mean. Gonna help cut down on any inflammation and bloating you might have in your gut,” she says.

Sleep More

Woman sleeping with hand under cheek on pillow in bed.Shutterstock

“And number four, I'm getting as much sleep as I possibly can, and if you know me, you know, I prioritize sleep over almost everything when it comes to weight loss because most people truly aren't getting enough. But in this particular instance, I'm getting good long, deep sleep to help cut back any inflammation and unwanted water weight,” Rizzo concludes. What are the other 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, and helps relieve stress in addition to aiding in weight loss.

Walk More

Young asian tourist woman walk and relaxing on the beach. In pink dress cloth and hat during summer season holiday. Pattaya, ThailandShutterstock

Mandy (@mandymfit) reveals that her go-to habit to “slim down fast, like for an event or something that you have in like a week” is to amp up her steps. “8,000 to 10,000 steps a day every single day. Like you need to be walking a lot,” she says. “This is because walking is low impact and also is cardio, so it's just gonna shred that right off your body. I feel like not a lot of people know how great walking is for you and that it's actually considered the best exercise you can do to lose weight fast. Like it's actually better for you than running in certain ways.” Science endorses walking for weight loss. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management.

Pilates

A young woman in sportswear does Pilates on a reformer, lifting her leg up.Side view.Pilates, a pilates reformer class.Healthy Lifestyle Concept.High quality photoShutterstock

Ariana (@earthangelariana) is another fitness influencer who has a few tips on diet and exercise for losing weight fast and clearing up her complexion. “For exercise, I do Pilates. I love it. It's not super intense. It's not like making me breathe and feel like I wanna die. It's honestly kind of like a meditative thing once you get used to it,” she says. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic there are lots of benefits to the workout, as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

RELATED:15 Ozempic Alternatives for Effective Weight Loss

Avoid Saturated Fats

Oil,Cooking,Oil,Synthetic,fatShutterstock

As for eating, Ariana doesn’t believe you need to be super restrictive. “You don't need to restrict yourself from eating a lot. You just need to eat the right things. Most of us are eating things that are so rich in saturated fat and calories, and that's literally why we eat like a small thing and gain weight,” she says.

Meal Prep

Pizza time. Young beautiful couple in kitchen. Family of two preparing food. Couple making delicious pizza. Man grating cheese. Nice loft interior with light bulbsShutterstock

Ariana also encourages planning out your meals ahead of time. “I am literally in the process of meal prepping, and I'm gonna be having three meals per day, and I'm going to literally lose so much weight. It's gonna be crazy,” she says. “You might say, ‘I don't have the time for that.’ You don't have the time for that because you don't meal prep. You don't have the time because you're not organized.”

Eat Lots of Low-Calorie Food

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berryShutterstock

Ariana tries to load up on low-calorie food. For example, she will have dairy-free Greek yogurt in the morning from Trader Joe’s and then put “coconut flakes, freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, whatever I wanna put in there that is not high in calories,” she says. “Granola, no.” For lunch, she will fill up on a cucumber salad with dressing made from the same Greek cashew yogurt, “So it's literally so low in calories. Like the whole thing is probably gonna be like a hundred calories,” Ariana says.

She also eats “like little fruits here and there throughout the day,” followed by dinner, “either whitefish, cod, chicken, or eggs and chickpeas, and I'm gonna pair that with a Greek salad dinner altogether, maybe max 500 calories,” she says. Her base meals total around 1,000 calories, “and that's just like the base. I can literally have wine. I can have a little bit of chocolate here and there. I can add on to that because my goal is just personally, my goal, guys, is just to stay under 1,700 to 1,500 calories,” she says.

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

No Gluten

Celiac, Gluten,Free Certification,food,labelShutterstock

Ariana maintains a gluten-free diet. “Gluten will literally inflame you so much. Go search it up right now on TikTok, people who literally cut out sugar, dairy, and gluten for a week,” she says, revealing it helps keep her skin clear.

Calculate Your Caloric Limits

Writing,On,Notebook,And,Work,With,Calculator,And,LaptopShutterstock

John Schaefer (@johnschaeferhealth) recommends starting by calculating your target caloric intake. Take your current weight, “subtract 10 pounds, that's your goal weight,” he says in a viral video about how to lose 10 pounds fast. “Multiply that by 12,” he instructs.”That's your daily caloric limit per day. Come in as far underneath that as you can, as long as you're hitting your daily protein minimum and feeling good.”

Calculate Your Protein Minimum

selection food sources of protein. healthy diet eating concept. close upShutterstock

“Step two, to find your daily protein minimum, take that goal weight, multiply by 0.6, and that is the amount of grams per day in protein I want you to hit each and every day,” he says. “You wanna protect muscle from being lost along with fat.”

Drink a Protein Smoothie

Banana and chocolate smoothie in the glass jarShutterstock

He also recommends having “a big green smoothie” with healthy fat and fiber to keep you full. He makes his with half avocado, two scoops, pea protein powder, two big handfuls of spinach, one half cup mixed berries, almond milk, half cup Greek yogurt.

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Track Every Calorie

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

While it might be a pain, Schaefer recommends tracking “each and every calorie to ensure you're hitting your numbers.” He recommends using an app like FitnessPal to make it easier.

Try Intermittent Fasting

20:4 fasting diet concept. One third plate with healthy food and two third plate is empty. Beef, salmon, egg, broccoli, tomato, nuts, carrots, mushrooms. Dark background. Top view.Shutterstock

Weight loss influencer and medical student Johnny Hadace (@Johnnyhadac) recommends intermittent fasting to lose weight fast. “I'm a big supporter of fasting,” he says in a viral video. “When I lost 50 pounds in five months, I would make sure to fast from 7:00 PM to 9:00 AM every single day.” Intermittent fasting works by “prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Eat at Least Three Meals a Day and a Snack

Healthy snack concept, top view.Shutterstock

Also, “you need to be eating at least three meals a day in a snack if necessary,” says Hadac. “You cannot be starving yourself all day long and then over-consuming calories at night. That's the worst thing you can be doing if you're trying to lose weight.”

Exercise Daily

Image of happy young man walking on the street and looking aside while talking by his phone.Shutterstock

Hadac also stresses the importance of daily exercise. “You need to make sure that you're moving your body every single day. Whether you're hitting the gym, you're walking, you're stretching, doing yoga, whatever it is, move your body,” he says.

Quit Sugar

,Granulated,Sugar,sweet,cubesShutterstock

Kylie Wolfe (@kylie_wolfe), a weight loss influencer, recommends cutting sugar from your diet. “Sugar is not good for you,” she says in a viral video. “Just stop the ‘Oh, it's just a sweet treat every single day. Okay? Every now and then, whatever.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Eat Whole Foods

Image of young woman sitting in kitchen while eating fish and tomatoes.Shutterstock/Shift Drive

Kylie also recommends sticking to whole foods and eliminating “the gross fast food, the McDonald's, the Wendy's, the Taco Bell,” from your diet. “All of the processed food needs to be out. What was put on this earth for us to eat is what you need to put into your body. That's what your body can digest. So like eggs, fish, red meat, avocado, like fruits, vegetables, shit like that is what you need to be eating. You don't need to be going and eating a Big Mac and fries and drinking pop,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Aim for 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily to slim down. Walking is a low-impact, effective way to shed excess weight.

More For You

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 trying to lose weight fast? The bad news: Most get-slim-quick tactics aren’t sustainable. Most experts recommend losing one to two pounds per week by following a healthy diet and exercise routine. However, if you are in a hurry to lose weight really quickly, several habits can help you get the job done. Here are 19 things to do if you want to drop a few pounds really quick, according to experts.


When You Lose Weight Fast, It’s Usually Water Weight

Female bare feet with weight scale on wooden floorShutterstock

Fitness coach Jenna Rizzo (@jennaaaamariee) explains that you can lose a few pounds fast, but it isn’t fat you are losing. “If I have a last minute trip coming up or like a surprise photo shoot and I just wanna tighten up for it really quick, this is what I do,” she says in a video, revealing that most quick fixes are “most likely a scam,” but “that being said, I do have a couple of tricks up my sleeve if something pops up and you just wanna tighten up for it really quick. So we're talking like a couple pounds of water weight, not 20 pounds of fat loss.”

Drink Lots of Water

healthy fitness girl with protein shake. Smile sport woman in the sunny dayShutterstock

“Number one, I'm going to make sure I'm drinking a ton of water,” says Rizzo. “Now, I know a lot of times people think that drinking a ton of water is gonna cause you to retain a ton of water, but it actually does the opposite. You can kind of think of it as flushing out your system.”

Decrease Carb Intake

Full Frame Shot Of Foods Containing Unhealthy Or Bad CarbohydratesShutterstock

“Number two, I'm gonna be eating slightly lower carbs. So, have you ever heard of when people do keto, and they magically drop five pounds in like two days, and everybody thinks it's magic? Well, this is because when you eat carbs, your body's gonna hold onto a certain amount of water weight because of it. So when you cut back on your carbs, your body's gonna be able to let go of a decent bit of water, which again will help us look a little bit tighter and leaner,” Rizzo continues.

Amp Up Fiber and Probiotic Intake

High,Fiber,Foods.,Healthy,Balanced,Dieting,Concept.,Top,ViewShutterstock

“Number three, I'm eating at least 30 grams of fiber and getting some good probiotics in. So this is gonna be really good for your gut help, help keep you regular, if you know what I mean. Gonna help cut down on any inflammation and bloating you might have in your gut,” she says.

Sleep More

Woman sleeping with hand under cheek on pillow in bed.Shutterstock

“And number four, I'm getting as much sleep as I possibly can, and if you know me, you know, I prioritize sleep over almost everything when it comes to weight loss because most people truly aren't getting enough. But in this particular instance, I'm getting good long, deep sleep to help cut back any inflammation and unwanted water weight,” Rizzo concludes. What are the other 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, and helps relieve stress in addition to aiding in weight loss.

Walk More

Young asian tourist woman walk and relaxing on the beach. In pink dress cloth and hat during summer season holiday. Pattaya, ThailandShutterstock

Mandy (@mandymfit) reveals that her go-to habit to “slim down fast, like for an event or something that you have in like a week” is to amp up her steps. “8,000 to 10,000 steps a day every single day. Like you need to be walking a lot,” she says. “This is because walking is low impact and also is cardio, so it's just gonna shred that right off your body. I feel like not a lot of people know how great walking is for you and that it's actually considered the best exercise you can do to lose weight fast. Like it's actually better for you than running in certain ways.” Science endorses walking for weight loss. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management.

Pilates

A young woman in sportswear does Pilates on a reformer, lifting her leg up.Side view.Pilates, a pilates reformer class.Healthy Lifestyle Concept.High quality photoShutterstock

Ariana (@earthangelariana) is another fitness influencer who has a few tips on diet and exercise for losing weight fast and clearing up her complexion. “For exercise, I do Pilates. I love it. It's not super intense. It's not like making me breathe and feel like I wanna die. It's honestly kind of like a meditative thing once you get used to it,” she says. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic there are lots of benefits to the workout, as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

RELATED:15 Ozempic Alternatives for Effective Weight Loss

Avoid Saturated Fats

Oil,Cooking,Oil,Synthetic,fatShutterstock

As for eating, Ariana doesn’t believe you need to be super restrictive. “You don't need to restrict yourself from eating a lot. You just need to eat the right things. Most of us are eating things that are so rich in saturated fat and calories, and that's literally why we eat like a small thing and gain weight,” she says.

Meal Prep

Pizza time. Young beautiful couple in kitchen. Family of two preparing food. Couple making delicious pizza. Man grating cheese. Nice loft interior with light bulbsShutterstock

Ariana also encourages planning out your meals ahead of time. “I am literally in the process of meal prepping, and I'm gonna be having three meals per day, and I'm going to literally lose so much weight. It's gonna be crazy,” she says. “You might say, ‘I don't have the time for that.’ You don't have the time for that because you don't meal prep. You don't have the time because you're not organized.”

Eat Lots of Low-Calorie Food

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berryShutterstock

Ariana tries to load up on low-calorie food. For example, she will have dairy-free Greek yogurt in the morning from Trader Joe’s and then put “coconut flakes, freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, whatever I wanna put in there that is not high in calories,” she says. “Granola, no.” For lunch, she will fill up on a cucumber salad with dressing made from the same Greek cashew yogurt, “So it's literally so low in calories. Like the whole thing is probably gonna be like a hundred calories,” Ariana says.

She also eats “like little fruits here and there throughout the day,” followed by dinner, “either whitefish, cod, chicken, or eggs and chickpeas, and I'm gonna pair that with a Greek salad dinner altogether, maybe max 500 calories,” she says. Her base meals total around 1,000 calories, “and that's just like the base. I can literally have wine. I can have a little bit of chocolate here and there. I can add on to that because my goal is just personally, my goal, guys, is just to stay under 1,700 to 1,500 calories,” she says.

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

No Gluten

Celiac, Gluten,Free Certification,food,labelShutterstock

Ariana maintains a gluten-free diet. “Gluten will literally inflame you so much. Go search it up right now on TikTok, people who literally cut out sugar, dairy, and gluten for a week,” she says, revealing it helps keep her skin clear.

Calculate Your Caloric Limits

Writing,On,Notebook,And,Work,With,Calculator,And,LaptopShutterstock

John Schaefer (@johnschaeferhealth) recommends starting by calculating your target caloric intake. Take your current weight, “subtract 10 pounds, that's your goal weight,” he says in a viral video about how to lose 10 pounds fast. “Multiply that by 12,” he instructs.”That's your daily caloric limit per day. Come in as far underneath that as you can, as long as you're hitting your daily protein minimum and feeling good.”

Calculate Your Protein Minimum

selection food sources of protein. healthy diet eating concept. close upShutterstock

“Step two, to find your daily protein minimum, take that goal weight, multiply by 0.6, and that is the amount of grams per day in protein I want you to hit each and every day,” he says. “You wanna protect muscle from being lost along with fat.”

Drink a Protein Smoothie

Banana and chocolate smoothie in the glass jarShutterstock

He also recommends having “a big green smoothie” with healthy fat and fiber to keep you full. He makes his with half avocado, two scoops, pea protein powder, two big handfuls of spinach, one half cup mixed berries, almond milk, half cup Greek yogurt.

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Track Every Calorie

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

While it might be a pain, Schaefer recommends tracking “each and every calorie to ensure you're hitting your numbers.” He recommends using an app like FitnessPal to make it easier.

Try Intermittent Fasting

20:4 fasting diet concept. One third plate with healthy food and two third plate is empty. Beef, salmon, egg, broccoli, tomato, nuts, carrots, mushrooms. Dark background. Top view.Shutterstock

Weight loss influencer and medical student Johnny Hadace (@Johnnyhadac) recommends intermittent fasting to lose weight fast. “I'm a big supporter of fasting,” he says in a viral video. “When I lost 50 pounds in five months, I would make sure to fast from 7:00 PM to 9:00 AM every single day.” Intermittent fasting works by “prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Eat at Least Three Meals a Day and a Snack

Healthy snack concept, top view.Shutterstock

Also, “you need to be eating at least three meals a day in a snack if necessary,” says Hadac. “You cannot be starving yourself all day long and then over-consuming calories at night. That's the worst thing you can be doing if you're trying to lose weight.”

Exercise Daily

Image of happy young man walking on the street and looking aside while talking by his phone.Shutterstock

Hadac also stresses the importance of daily exercise. “You need to make sure that you're moving your body every single day. Whether you're hitting the gym, you're walking, you're stretching, doing yoga, whatever it is, move your body,” he says.

Quit Sugar

,Granulated,Sugar,sweet,cubesShutterstock

Kylie Wolfe (@kylie_wolfe), a weight loss influencer, recommends cutting sugar from your diet. “Sugar is not good for you,” she says in a viral video. “Just stop the ‘Oh, it's just a sweet treat every single day. Okay? Every now and then, whatever.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Eat Whole Foods

Image of young woman sitting in kitchen while eating fish and tomatoes.Shutterstock/Shift Drive

Kylie also recommends sticking to whole foods and eliminating “the gross fast food, the McDonald's, the Wendy's, the Taco Bell,” from your diet. “All of the processed food needs to be out. What was put on this earth for us to eat is what you need to put into your body. That's what your body can digest. So like eggs, fish, red meat, avocado, like fruits, vegetables, shit like that is what you need to be eating. You don't need to be going and eating a Big Mac and fries and drinking pop,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Aim for 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily to slim down. Walking is a low-impact, effective way to shed excess weight.

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.

Jenn Clayton is a Certified Weight Loss and Nutrition Coach and social media influencer. In her viral videos, she shares tips and tricks on how to lose weight — fast. “Today we're talking about how to lose 20 pounds as fast as possible,” she says in the clip. She also reveals that she lost “just under 140 pounds” by counting macros and calories. Here is exactly how she did it.


Lifestyle Changes Can Help You Lose Weight Fast and Keep It Off

Choosing between apple and donutShutterstock

Losing weight is challenging whether you're trying to lose five pounds or 20 pounds, and we know that steady weight loss keeps the weight off. Fast weight loss doesn't always keep the weight off long term, but there are definitely some healthy lifestyle changes that you can make while losing weight that will ensure that you do it quickly and keep it off long term,” says Jenn.

Set Realistic Expectations, Losing One to Two Pounds a Week

Scale Woman Feet Standing On Weight Scale In Bathroom. Cholesterol ControlShutterstock

“The first thing we always wanna do when we're setting out to lose weight is set expectations that are safe and reasonable. Losing weight safely typically means about one to two pounds per week. So, anywhere from 52 to 104 pounds lost safely over the course of one year. A balanced, nutritious diet moving your body, this is how you're going to keep those 52 or 104 pounds off long term,” she says.

1. Count Calories

Assorted foods with calorie count labels, illustrating healthy diet and calorie tracking.Shutterstock

“Tip number one to drop weight quickly is to count your calories,” says Jenn. “Basically, weight loss is going to occur when you take in less than you're putting out, whether that's in your day-to-day life exercise included, not exercise included because you don't have to exercise to lose weight. It's all about how many calories in versus calories out.”

Have Your Macros and Calories Done

“The best way to know what your calorie consumption would be for steady weight loss is to have your personalized macros and calories done,” she says. “I follow my own macros and calories, and that's led to my almost 140-pound weight loss.”

2. Drink More Water

women drinking water on the parkShutterstock

Number two is to drink more water. “Now, we hear this all the time: of course, drinking water is going to hydrate you. It's going to help with your hair, your skin, your nails, and just how you feel overall,” she says. “But drinking water actually has big benefits for weight loss.”

And, Swap It Out Sugary Drinks with It

Soft drinks and fruit juice mixed with soda high in sugar have a negative effect on physical healthShutterstock

“Part of the reason for this is you're going to be swapping beverages with calories for water, so things like alcohol, soda, pop juices, teas, energy drinks, swap those out for water that's going to save you calories. And remember we talked about calories and calories out, and it's going to hydrate. You flush everything out of your body, which leads to weight loss. The other great benefit of water is it's going to help you keep full. Water sits in your belly, takes up space in your belly, so it's going to help keep you fuller for longer,” she says.

3. Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plateShutterstock

“Number three, and this is probably the most important of all of this, and this is to increase your protein intake,” says Jenn. “Protein is king when it comes to weight loss. Again, your protein intake is going to vary from anybody else. The protein that you need every day is specialized for you, and that is part of that macro and calorie calculation.”

Protein Is Harder to Digest, So It Burns More Calories

“Protein is the hardest macronutrient for your body to digest, so it's harder than carbs. It's harder than fat. And when our body is digesting protein, it's burning calories. The act of digesting food burns calories. So, if it takes longer to digest protein, we're going to burn more calories in the process. And I don't know about you, but burning calories just digesting my food sounds pretty good. Not to mention, protein will keep you fuller for longer and satisfied between meals. So make sure that protein is part of every meal and snack,” she says.

4. Reduce Refined Carbohydrates

Fruity cereal in a bowl with milk and pink spoon in a wooden backgroundShutterstock

Number four is to reduce your refined carbohydrate intake. “Now, this doesn't mean eliminating carbs altogether or restricting carbs. We really want to focus on slow-digesting carbs. Those are going to be the carbs that have fiber,” she says.

Slow Digesting Carbs Should Be 80 Percent of Your Carb Intake

Rolled,Oats,,Healthy,Breakfast,Cereal,Oat,Flakes,In,Bowl,food, oatmealShutterstock

She recommends things like rolled oats, sprouted bread, and quinoa. “Those are slow-digesting carbs. They should make up about 80% of your carb intake, and then that other 20% sitting over here can be some of those fast-digesting carbs like rice cakes, chips, crackers, and cookies. Those types of things are okay to have in moderation. But if we reduce those processed carbs and really focus on unrefined slow digesting carbs, again, it will keep us fuller for longer, and it takes our body longer to digest, therefore burning more calories,” she says.

5. Lift Weights

Exercising with smile. Young beautiful fit woman in sportswear exercising with dumbbells in green parkShutterstock

Number five, start lifting weights. “I can't stress how important this is. Now, this doesn't mean that you have to go to the gym and do a 150-pound deadlift. You can actually focus on lightweights with high reps,” she suggests.

You Will Build Lean Muscle

Beautiful strong sexy athletic muscular young caucasian fitness girl workout training in the gym on diet pumping up abs muscles and posing bodybuilding health care and fitness conceptShutterstock

“This is going to build lean muscle. Lean muscle burns calories at rest. So the more lean muscle you have on your body, the more calories you're going to burn, doing absolutely nothing. So, sitting around watching TV, you're burning calories with that lean muscle, and the only way to build lean muscle is to lift weights. Not to mention, when we're experiencing a calorie deficit and we lose weight, remember that weight is made up of water, fat, and lean muscle. We're going to lose some of our lean muscle. So we want to make sure that we can maintain and build as much as possible while losing weight. And remember, the amount of lean muscle in our body decreases as we age. So lifting weights is even more important as we get older,” says Jenn.

6. Eat More Fiber

Healthy natural ingredients containing dietary fiber. Healthy high fiber diet eating concept with antioxidants and vitaminsShutterstock

Number six, eat more fiber. This goes right along with eating more protein. It's going to help keep you fuller for longer. And when we have a higher protein diet, we can have issues going number two, and by eating enough fiber that's going to alleviate those issues.

Here Are Some Great Sources

Composition with assorted organic vegetables and fruits.Shutterstock

She also points out that fiber fills you up. “Not to mention the benefits of keeping us full. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, these are all amazing sources of fiber,” she says.

7. Follow a Sleep Schedule

Good morning, new day, weekend, holiday. Happy middle aged woman lying on bed, lady stretching arms after sleep and enjoying morning in cozy comfort bedroom interior, free spaceShutterstock

Number seven, follow a sleep schedule. “Sleep is so important for weight loss, maybe even as important as being in a calorie deficit. When we lack sleep, our body wants energy. The energy we would have gotten from getting enough sleep increases the cortisol levels in our body, which makes us crave foods that give us energy. And what are those foods? Fast digesting carbs, cakes, cookies, crackers, candy, sugar, things that give our body instant energy,” she says.

Practice Sleep Hygiene with These Tips

Fresh shower behind wet glass window with water drops splashing. Water running from shower head and faucet in modern bathroom.Shutterstock

“Some tips to improve your sleep are getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night, practicing a calming bedtime ritual before bed, such as reading or taking a relaxing shower, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on the weekends,” she continues. “Limiting screen time before bed, minimizing your intake of caffeine and large meals before bed, and reducing sources of light noise. And lastly, keep the room where you sleep at a cool temperature. These are really, really important facets in getting in your sleep, which leads ultimately to faster weight loss.”

8. Set Goals and Stay Accountable

Goals,Memo,Written,On,A,Notebook,With,Woman,Hand,PenShutterstock

Number eight, set a reasonable goal and stay accountable. “Consistency is key. Consistency over perfection,” she says. “Whatever goal you have for yourself, it should be reasonable, and it should keep you motivated. When I was in the bulk of my weight loss journey, I always had a goal of reaching the next weight decade, 190 pounds two, a hundred eighty-two, a hundred seventy. That was my goal.”

Reward Yourself

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“Every time I reached a new weight decade, I rewarded myself with something not related to food that helped keep me motivated, helped keep me accountable, and I was very consistent in not only the foods that I chose but also moving my body regularly,” she reveals. “Set realistic and small goals that eventually lead to a big goal because that's really what's going to keep you motivated. Consistency over perfection. That's the key to weight loss.”

9. Add Cardio to Your Routine

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Number nine, add some cardio to your routine. “This doesn't mean you have to go to the gym and sweat it out for hours upon hours. You can do some simple cardio that's going to help burn extra calories and remember, calories in, calories out. That's how we lose weight.”

RELATED: 11 Signs Ozempic Is Not for You

Here Are Examples of Cardio to Do

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“Some great examples of cardio that you can add to your day are things like walking, running, jumping, rope, rowing, hiking, and biking. Maybe 20 minutes three times a week is a great place to start. Just moving our body overall not only helps with mobility, flexibility, maintaining lean muscle but also helps with weight loss,” she says.

10. Eat Slowly and Mindfully

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Number 10 is to eat slowly, is to eat slowly and mindfully. “Don't be distracted when you're eating. Turn off the tv, and put your phone away. Really focus on your food. Take small bites and chew them really well. I know that I'm a fast eater, so what works for me is setting my silverware down between bites. That way, I actually have to focus on chewing what's in my mouth, swallowing that, and then picking up my silverware again for the next bite. It's actually recommended to chew your food about 20 times before swallowing,” she says.

Eliminate Distractions

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“Eliminating any distractions is going to lead to mindful eating, and you're going to enjoy your food. Eat it slower, which sends a signal from your stomach to your brain that you've consumed. Food keeps you full, you don't overeat, and it's a great way to really enjoy the amazing foods that you're eating,” she points out.

Losing 20 Pounds Is Stressful, But Doable

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“Losing 20 pounds or really losing any pounds is very, very stressful. It can be very frustrating, but there are some things that you can do in your day-to-day life that not only speed up your weight loss but help you keep it off long term,” she says at the end of the clip.

Talk to Your Doctor First

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“Make sure that you talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. And remember consistency over perfection. We're not going to be perfect on our weight loss journey. Really, truly, 80% of eating on plan and 20% of eating off of plan are going to lead to amazing quick results with weight loss,” she continues.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism

Be Patient

Finally, be patient. “Patience is the key to determination and motivation. Remember, setting small goals that lead to a big goal will keep you motivated, get the weight off, and keep it off long term,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Can you lose weight fast and keep it off? Yes, says one top health and fitness expert. Jillian Michaels is a fitness expert and star of The Biggest Loser. In a recent video, she reveals that it is possible to lose weight fast. At the start of the clip, Michaels points out that “nobody ever” says, “I want to lose weight slowly.” And there’s nothing wrong with that. “There's a lot of conflicting information about whether it's safe, whether you lose weight too quickly, and whether you will have loose skin. And so here's the deal. You can lose weight quickly, and you can lose weight quickly, safely, depending on how you lose it,” she maintains.


Most People Go About Rapid Weight Loss the Wrong Way

According to Michaels, most people go about rapid weight loss the wrong way. “To lose weight, we have to create a calorie deficit. You've gotta eat less food than your body is burning in a day,” she points out, noting that a pound “is about 3,500 calories,” so if you wanted to lose two pounds a week, you would need to burn a thousand extra calories a day. “This is where diets get dangerous,” she says.

RELATED:10 Foods That I Will Never Eat Again After Losing 120 Pounds

Starving Yourself Throws Off Your Hormones

She explains that when people diet and do “things like fasts and cleanses or dramatic calorie reduction,” they are usually depriving their body of nutrients. “There's a reason people talk about yo-yo dieting,” she says, explaining that you will lose weight, but gain it all back. “When you starve the body, you're telling your body, ‘Oh my god, food is really scarce’” which then shifts your hormone balance, “to store more fat and I'm going to cannibalize my own healthy tissue because I need fat to insulate my vital organs,” she says.

It “Messes Up” Your Metabolism

“The bottom line is it messes up your metabolism, and when you start eating normally again, if you even go back to normal, because a lot of times with these dramatic diets, there's a huge pendulum swing the other way, you've now damaged your metabolism,” she says. “You're going to put the weight you lost on and then some.” This is yo-yo dieting. “Plus, when we starve ourselves, we've lost lean tissue, lean body mass, which also compromises your metabolism. So it's this really dangerous, bad cycle.”

You Also Won’t Be Able to Exercise

“Plus, how much are you really going to lose? So what are you going to run on 500 calories a day? Well, you're certainly not exercising on 500 calories a day. I mean, and even if you were, what did you burn? 2,000 calories a day?” she points out. This might help you lose three pounds a week, but you will “starve your body and do a ton of damage. Like you can't starve the weight off. It's just not possible,” she says.

RELATED:7 Foods You Should Never Eat, According to a Nutrition Expert

If You Want to Lose Weight Rapidly, You Need to Exercise

The answer to losing weight fast, according to Michaels? “Rapid weight loss comes from exercise,” she says. “If you're maintaining your weight, it's going to be all food. If you don't overeat, you're not going to get any bigger, okay? If you're trying to lose weight, it's like 80% exercise because you can't starve it off,” she says. “It requires more energy to move your body, period,” she adds, noting that “certain fitness techniques” are better than others for energy. They include HIIT, plyometrics, free weights, and metabolic circuits.

Women Should Never Drop Below 1,200 Calories and Men, 1,500

“If you want to lose weight quickly and safely, this is the absolute bottom line for women. Do not go below 1200 calories and you can have unlimited green vegetables. You gotta count the stuff you put on them, but you can eat unlimited greens because the reality is that you're going to get more fiber, more phytonutrients, and it almost requires as much energy for you to break down and metabolize that food than the amount of energy that's actually in the food. As a man, I never would go below, never would go below 1500 would not do it,” she says.

You Can Do 4 to 5 Hours of Higher Intensity Exercise a Week

She explains that you can do four to five hours of higher intensity training a week. “I don't mean four to five hours of the craziest techniques like HIIT and this and that. You can do like a good hour of resistance training in circuits with free weights, multiple muscle group exercises, squat thrusters, things of that nature. Pull ups, pushups that are going to burn more calories. You can work HIIT intervals into those sessions, four to five hours of intensity a week maximum.”

RELATED:I'm a Nutrition Pro: This 28-Day Walking Routine Burns More Fat Than Cardio

And, the Rest of Your Exercise Should Be Lower Intensity

“The rest has gotta be low intensity activity,” she says. This includes hiking, walking, biking, swimming, “so that you're not over training, you're not overstressing, you're not putting your body at risk of injury, you're still giving your body enough recovery time,” Michaels continues. “I always call that kind of low intensity cardio, the bread and butter of extreme weight loss.”

If You Want to Lose Weight Fast, Do as Much Lower Intensity Cardio As You Can

“If you want to lose a lot of weight, it's a lot of that low intensity cardio, a lot of it. And that's where it's not realistic, but it is safe. It is okay,” she says. “The extremes, that's where things get dangerous.”

RELATED:I Lost Over 250 Pounds And These Are 11 Habits That Transformed My Body

And, Here Is the Truth About Loose Skin

As for loose skin, “contrary to popular belief, it doesn't matter how quickly you lose weight. If you've got loose skin, you've got loose skin and that's it,” Michaels says. “The skin is an organ. How it rebounds after weight loss has a lot of different factors and components, one of them being genetics.” 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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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 frustrated with all the one-size-fits-all fat loss methods that don’t seem to work for you? One expert claims there are a handful of easy and effective methods you can choose from to lose weight. Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who uses his LWM Blueprint to help “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days.” In a new post, he reveals five methods that you can use to drop weight fast. “How to lose body fat in 3 months,” he writes.

Method 1

His first method involves a lot of coffee and water. “Drink a lot of water, so your tummy will be filled with water and you won’t have urges to eat,” he says. Drink black coffee: Caffeine will give you energy and will manipulate your brain into thinking you are not hungry. Use this when having cravings.”

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

Method 2

The second method involves exercise and a calorie deficit. “Be in a slight calorie deficit of 200-300 calories. Use high dense food to make you feel like you are full without eating so many calories,” he says. Also, do cardio. “Walk about 10,000 to 15,000 steps everyday. Walking is the best form of cardio to burn calories.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Method 3

The third method is following the 30-30-30 Rule. “Do 30 minutes of cardio after 30 minutes of waking up and then eat 30 grams of protein. This is one the fastest ways to burn fat!” he claims.

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

Method 4

His final method? “Eat foods that are rich in protein,” he says, revealing the following recommendations:

  • Egg whites
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Broccoli.

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

Bonus Tips

He also offers some bonus tips

  • Stop drinking ALCOHOL
  • No soda, Starbucks etc.
  • Count your calories precisely for at least 6 days a week.
  • Sleep 7-8 hours a day for better rest and recovery.

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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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.

Losing weight after 50 can be challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. “Not all people over 50 will experience the same degree of difficulty with weight loss as genes determine 40 to 70 percent of what your weight is at a given time,” Holly Lofton, MD, director of the NYU Langone Medical Weight Management Program in New York City, tells AARP. Here’s how to kickstart an effective over-50 weight loss program in just two weeks.


Lift Weights

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Lifting weights helps burn fat even when you’re not exercising. “Muscle is more metabolically active — it burns more calories than fat,” William Yancy Jr., MD, director of the Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center in Durham, North Carolina, 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.”​

RELATED: Caroline Idiens Shows Off Strong Arms And Reveals Beginner Bicep and Tricep Workout

Be Mindful of Drinking

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Alcohol can be kryptonite to any weight-loss regimen—but lowering intake or abstaining completely can help accelerate weight loss. “Across the board, for people who are trying to lose some weight, cutting out empty calories is a good place to start,” Leslie Heinberg, PhD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Oftentimes, beverages are a big source of empty calories — whether it’s soda, juice, sweet tea, beer, wine or cocktails. Any of those things add calories, but really without nutrition and without the sense of feeling full.”

Calories Count

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Calories count, so make an effort to track how much you are consuming. “First, multiply your current weight by 15 — that's roughly the number of calories per pound of body weight needed to maintain your current weight if you are moderately active,” say the experts at Harvard Health. “For example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week — a rate that experts consider safe — your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories.” Don’t go too far, though: women should eat at least 1,200 calories a day, and men should eat at least 1,500.

Ditch the Sugar

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Want to lose weight quickly? Ditch the added sugars, experts warn. Not all foods containing sugars are the same,” dietitian Victoria Taylor tells the British Heart Foundation. “Fruit or dairy products contain natural sugars but are nutritious foods that contain vitamins, minerals and in some cases fiber. What we need to cut down on are free sugars, which include added sugars, syrups, or juices. It’s recommended that we eat less than 30g (1 oz) of free sugars each day, but most of us are eating more than this.”

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

Aerobic Exercise and Active Hobbies

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Getting your heart rate going is a great way to accelerate fat loss. “For most healthy adults, experts recommend moderate aerobic activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “This includes brisk walking for at least 150 to 200 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week. Find time to take care of yourself. Activities that you enjoy doing can help you get exercise. This can include gardening, yoga or other active hobbies.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Cut out empty liquid calories from sugary drinks, alcohol, and juices. Prioritize water and low-calorie beverages for weight loss.

Nikki Madoch Nikki Gets Fit
I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps
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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.

Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating. We often focus on the wrong things and set ourselves up for disappointment. Nikki Madoch (@NikkiGetsFit) knows this all too well. As a self-described "nutrition athlete" with ASM CPT and CNC certifications, Nikki has shared her experience losing an impressive 70 pounds on the Weight Watchers program. Her insights might just be the perspective shift you need to make your own journey more successful and sustainable.

The Right Motivation Makes All the Difference

Most people start losing weight to look better, but that's rarely enough to stick with it long-term. "For so long, I just wanted to look better, have a flat stomach, and look like other people. That was all it was," Nikki admits in her post. She found out that feeling better physically became what truly kept her going, not how she looked, which completely changed her approach and results.

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

Health Benefits Show Up Quickly

The physical improvements from healthier eating can pop up much faster than you might think. "After just one week, I could not believe how much better I felt," Nikki says. She noticed huge differences in her energy and overall well-being after cutting out fast food and focusing on portion control and foods that actually nourished her body.

Feeling Good Trumps Looking Good

Lasting weight loss comes from caring more about how your body feels than how it looks. "What keeps me going is how good I feel when I take care of myself, eat healthy, nourish myself, drink enough water, get enough sleep, and exercise," Nikki points out. While looking better in clothes feels nice, it's the improved quality of life that really drives her to keep making healthy choices.

Body Image Issues Can Actually Increase

Surprisingly, losing weight doesn't magically fix body image issues and might even create new ones. "I didn't know that I would have more body dysmorphia as I lost weight," Nikki confesses. She caught herself becoming more critical and self-conscious about specific body parts during her journey than she had been at her heaviest weight.

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

The Mental Game Gets Tougher

Weight loss demands as much mental strength as physical discipline, especially as you make progress. "It was a whole new mental game that I had to work through," Nikki says about dealing with increased body scrutiny. Learning to shift her focus back to health and strength rather than picking apart her physical imperfections became crucial for her continued success.

Don't Be Afraid to Use All Your Resources

If you're following a structured program, take full advantage of all the flexibility it offers. "I was too scared to use my weeklies," Nikki talks about her initial approach to Weight Watchers points. She later discovered that using all her allotted weekly points actually helped her lose more weight rather than slowing her down.

Strategic Indulgence Works Best

How you use extra calories or points matters more than whether you use them. "What worked best for me was using my weeklies on different snacks that I like—protein bars, nuts, peanut butter spread," Nikki shares. She found that spreading out enjoyable foods throughout the week worked better than saving everything for one big cheat meal.

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

Variety Prevents Burnout

Eating the same healthy foods over and over leads to boredom and eventually giving up. "It is very easy to get burned out of things, and it's very important to switch things up," Nikki warns. She learned to keep introducing new recipes, ingredients, and meal ideas to keep her plan interesting and something she could stick with.

Try One New Thing Weekly

Small changes make a big difference in keeping meals from getting boring. "Just trying to add a new recipe each week, just a simple recipe, so that I'm trying something new," Nikki suggests. This approach keeps meals exciting without becoming overwhelming or taking too much time.

The Scale Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Weight is just one measurement and often a misleading one, especially when building muscle. "Weight and the number on the scale is not everything," Nikki insists. She weighs 190 pounds at 6 feet tall and feels healthier now than when she weighed less but had less muscle.

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

Progress Photos Tell a Better Story

Visual proof of body changes can be more motivating than scale numbers. "I'm actually really happy that I did start taking progress pictures from the start," Nikki mentions. These photos helped her see that she looked smaller at a higher weight due to muscle gain, proving that the scale wasn't telling her the full story of her success.

Embrace Multiple Ways to Measure Success

Relying only on weight can lead to frustration, especially during plateaus. "Having different ways to not focus so much on the scale to see your progress is so important," Nikki talks about. She figured out how to judge her progress through how clothes fit, strength gains, and overall wellbeing rather than obsessing over a specific number.

Final Word

Nikki's journey shows that lasting weight loss comes from focusing on health, enjoyment, and sustainable habits rather than just appearance or numbers on a scale. By shifting your perspective on motivation, measurements, and what truly matters, you can create a healthier relationship with food and your body that lasts far beyond reaching your goal weight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

HAMILTON, CANADA - JUNE 29, 2017 Costco Wholesale storefront in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Costco operates a chain of membership warehouses, carrying merchandise at lower prices.
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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.

Costco is known for selling some of the most delicious but calorie-heavy items, including pizza dripping with cheese and toppings, substantial hot dogs, and larger-than-life muffins. However, it is also an excellent resource for anyone on a diet or trying to lose weight. Health experts, trainers, and influencers share their go-to weight loss finds at the warehouse daily. Here are the 8 best Costco foods for losing weight that shoppers just discovered.

Wild Caught Salmon

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Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, recommends stocking up on wild-caught salmon, either frozen or fresh, at Costco. “Wild-caught salmon is rich in Omega-3s for heart and brain health,” she told our sister site, Eat This, Not That!. “These healthy fats are essential as we age, helping to reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Costco offers a variety of wild-caught salmon options that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared for easy, nutritious meals.”

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

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shake

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I, and lots of influencers and fitness pros, are obsessed with Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shakes. TikToker Ali Olson, who has lost 105 pounds, recently shared a post showing the protein-packed milk in a video detailing her daily diet. Collingwood is also a big fan of Fairlife milk products. “It is delicious and also has a higher protein content than ‘regular’ milk due to how they process the milk,” she says. “It is good for post-workout, on your cereal, in a smoothie, or just a glass with dinner.”

Organic Meat

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Costco is an excellent resource for organic meat. “Would I rather eat grass-fed, organic meat all the time? Sure, but I’m not a gazillionaire. That’s why I tend to stock up on beef (usually steaks and chuck roast) as well as chicken (organic if I can find it) while I’m there,” writesRuth Soukup, a midlife health and mindset coach, in an Instagram post.

Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken

Holly Hillyer lost 45 pounds and swears that Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken is a must-buy. “Throw this over a bed of cauliflower rice for a quick meal,” she suggests about the paleo-friendly and ultra-clean meals that are easy to prepare and found in the refrigerator section of the warehouse.

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

Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars are a dessert that offers some health benefits. My daughter prefers Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars over traditional ice cream bars – and they cost a fraction of the price compared to Whole Foods or Target. Each bar is just 90 calories and offers 5 grams of protein.

Poppi Prebiotic Soda

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - 6 SEPT 2024: Three cans of Poppi Prebiotic Soda on a bed of ice.

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There’s a reason Pepsi purchased Poppi Prebiotic Soda for nearly 2 billion dollars. The soda isn’t just delicious, the apple cider vinegar and gut-boosting beverage offers health benefits, including improved digestion. I always pick up a box of these on a trip to the warehouse.

Mush Overnight Oats

Los Angeles, California, United States - 08-16-2023: A view of a hand holding a package of Mush Oats, on display at a local grocery store.

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Don’t have time to make overnight oats from scratch? Keep a box of Mush Overnight Oats in your fridge. The individually packaged and portioned overnight oats are great for a quick but nutritious breakfast.

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

Tru Grill Grilled Chicken Strips

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Keep pre-cooked, lean proteins on hand for easy and nutritious dinners that will fill you up. Hillyer also recommends Tru Grill precooked Grilled Chicken Strips. “Heat and top a salad for an easy protein with dinner. My kids also love these just dipped in ketchup,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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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.

Is your evening routine supporting your weight loss goals? While you are likely focusing on changing your daily habits if you are trying to lose weight, you might be overlooking some very important ones: Your nighttime habits. Certified fitness trainer Jason Kozma, aka Mr. America is a champion bodybuilder who trains clients at Santa Monica-based High Performance Personal Training and explains that your before-bedtime habits can influence the way you are burning fat overnight. “While there's no magic formula for overnight weight loss, here are some evening routines that can support your overall weight loss efforts,” Kozma says. Here are 15 evening routines you should incorporate into your life to lose more weight.


Meal Prep

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Plan tomorrow's meals today, encourages Kozma. “Prep healthy meals and snacks to avoid impulsive eating the next day,” he says. One study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Hydrate

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If you want to lose more weight, drink more water. Nightly hydration is key, says Kozma. “Drink a glass of water before bed to stay hydrated and avoid late-night snacking,” he recommends. How much water should you aim to drink every day? While the exact amount will vary by gender, weight, activity level, and climate, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids.

Put Down Your Tablet

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Limiting screen time can also help you lose weight. “Reduce exposure to screens before bed to improve sleep quality, which is crucial for weight management,” Kozma says.

Avoid Late Night Eating

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Mindful eating, especially around bedtime, is another healthy habit to encourage weight loss. “Avoid late-night eating by practicing mindfulness and recognizing true hunger cues,” says Kozma.

Relaxation Techniques

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Koza also recommends getting your zen on by incorporating relaxation techniques into your evening routine. “Engage in relaxation activities like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to reduce stress levels, which can impact weight,” he says. “When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress,” says the Mayo Clinic. Benefits include:

  • Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
  • Building skills to manage your stress
  • Increasing self-awareness
  • Focusing on the present
  • Reducing negative emotions
  • Increasing imagination and creativity
  • Increasing patience and tolerance
  • Lowering resting heart rate
  • Lowering resting blood pressure
  • Improving sleep quality

Set a Sleep Schedule

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Setting a sleep schedule will help ensure you get ample rest. “Aim for 8 hours of quality sleep each night to support weight loss and overall health,” he says. 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.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Brush Your Teeth Early

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Train your brain to avoid eating after dinner by brushing your teeth early. “Brushing your teeth after dinner signals the end of eating for the day, reducing the temptation to snack,” explains Kozma.

RELATED: I Lost 60 Pounds in 16 Months with EMS Workouts and Ditching Nachos

Avoid Alcohol

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While having a nightcap may seem tempting, especially to help you fall asleep, Kozma does not recommend it. “Alcohol is all empty calories and drinking at night prevents you from getting restful sleep,” he points out.

Eat a Light Dinner

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Don’t go overboard with dinner. While many people eat their biggest meal of the day at night, it’s not exactly idea for digestion. “Opt for a light dinner with lean protein, vegetables, and low carbs to promote satiety without excess calories,” says Kozma.

Skip Sweets

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Also, you might want to avoid sugar and treats before bed. “Skip desserts and sugary snacks before bed to prevent spikes in blood sugar and unnecessary calorie consumption,” says Kozma.

Take an Evening Walk

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Taking an evening walk is a great way to get your steps in and promote digestion. “Take a walk after dinner to aid digestion and boost metabolism,” says Kozma.

Create a Sleeping Sanctuary

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Preparing your environment and creating a sleeping sanctuary will help you get undisturbed sleep. “Make your bedroom conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet,” Kozma recommends.

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Journal

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The end of the day is a perfect time to journal. “Reflect on your day, jot down any challenges or successes, and set intentions for the next day,” Kozma suggests.

Avoid Caffeine

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While coffee and other forms of caffeine aren’t bad for you, drinking them later in the day might impede on your sleep. “Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening to prevent sleep disturbances,” says Kozma.

Positive Affirmation

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Finally, take a little time by saying some positive affirmations. “End your day on a positive note by practicing gratitude and affirmations for your progress towards your weight loss goals,” suggests Kozma.

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Make Sure Your Lifestyle Is Healthy the Rest of the Day

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While these habits offer the building blocks to burn fat, don’t forget to focus on healthy living all day long. “These evening routines can complement a healthy lifestyle but won't replace the importance of regimented nutrition and regular exercise,” says Kozma.

💪🔥Body Booster: Drink a glass of water before bed to stay hydrated and avoid late-night snacking,