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2 Trader Joe’s Products That Helped Me Lose 365 Pounds at 41

One weight loss warrior swears by these proteins.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Steve_Lutsk_dadbodsteve11_175193
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Getting in the recommended amount of protein daily can feel overwhelming – especially if you are busy. However, according to one weight loss expert, fueling up with fat-burning food doesn’t have to be complicated. Steve Lutsk (@dadbodsteve) is a fitness trainer and influencer who has transformed his body over the years, losing a whopping 365 pounds. He regularly shares simple but effective tips on how to maximize your workouts, including how to shop for food. “I am 41 years old. I stay shredded year round. I have two high protein pre-cooked hidden gems from Trader Joe's your whole family's gonna love,” he says in a recent TikTok clip. What does he recommend and why? Here is what you need to know.


Each Meal Offers 30 to 50 Grams of Protein

Chicken Breast on Food Scale with Mushrooms and SpinachShutterstock

Both proteins are “easily gonna get 30 to 50 grams of protein per meal,” he says. “All you have to do is heat 'em up in a pan. They are so good, they sell out.”

Meal One: Sous Vide Chicken Thighs

Steve_Lutsk_dadbodsteve8dadbodsteve/TikTok

“I had to go back the next day to get these Sous Vide chicken thighs,” he says about the popular protein, which boasts 18 grams of protein per 3 oz serving.

Easy to Cook and Versatile

Steve_Lutsk_dadbodsteve9dadbodsteve/TikTok

“Cook them in a pan for about seven minutes. They get nice and crispy as they cook in their own fat. It's better than most restaurant chicken. Just throw it on top of the salad,” he recommends.

Meal Two: Bulgogi Beef

Steve_Lutsk_dadbodsteve4dadbodsteve/TikTok

“You also gonna get this Bulgogi Beef, which also sells out sometimes,” he continues, adding that it is “flavored phenomenally.” One 5 oz serving is 280 calories, 16 grams fat, 740 mg of sodium, 13 g carbohydrates, 9 g sugar, and 21 g protein.

Serve with Rice, Kimchi, and Gochujang

Steve_Lutsk_dadbodsteve7dadbodsteve/TikTok

“Heat it up for a few minutes and serve it with some rice, kimchi, and gochujang,” he suggests. “It's so good. You'll think you're in Korea, or at least Korea town.”

RELATED: This is the Optimal Amount of Protein You May Need Every Day, According to Expert

Our Expert Agrees That Premade Proteins Are a Good Idea

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Why are premade proteins a good idea? “Premade proteins can be very convenient,” explains Body Network’s 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. “They come prepped and ready to just bake, grill, or throw in the skillet with minimal prep work trimming the meat or waiting for a marinade to soak in. Sometimes they are already cooked and all you are doing is warming them up which makes them especially convenient for throwing on top of salads or combining with other leftover veggies and starches for lunch.”

However, Read Labels Carefully

Nutrition facts on whey protein products. nutrition labels and ingredients as well as the contents of the productShutterstock

Collingwood does suggest paying attention to the nutritional labels. “Because they often have sauces on them, the sodium content can be quite high and might also have a lot of added fat. Read labels to look at overall calories, fat, sodium, and protein content to make sure it fits into your goals for the day,” she says.

Other Great Trader Joe’s Protein Options: Sous Vide Turkey Breast Tenderloins

Trader Joe's discount retailer storefront, shopping carts - Saugus, Massachusetts USA - February 27, 2018Shutterstock

Another great option if you like turkey? Sous Vide Turkey Breast Tenderloins. They offer 20 grams of protein and 100 calories per 3 oz serving.

Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken

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Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken is also incredibly tasty and great for adding to salads, rice bowls, or wraps. One 3 oz serving boasts 21 grams of protein and just 110 calories.

RELATED: Drop 40 Pounds in 6 Months with These 7 Simple Adjustments

Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu

Los Angeles, CA/USA 08/21/2019 Plastic bottles of Huy Fong Food Sriracha hot chili sauce in a supermarket aisleShutterstock

For those who don’t eat meat, Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu offers 15 grams of fiber per 3.5 ounce serving with 140 calories. Add it to stir fries, salad, wraps, or anything else you can think of.

💪🔥Body Booster: Always keep some premade proteins on hand. That way you are less likely to reach for unhealthy food when you are hungry.

@dadbodsteve High protein Trader Joe’s hidden gems. So good they sell out! It’s easy to get 30-50 grams of protein per meal from both the beef Bulgogi, and the Sous vide chicken thighs. What’s your favorite source of protein from Trader Joe’s? #protein #traderjoes #diet #nutrition ♬ Big Gangsta (Instrumental) - Kevin Gates

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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.

Do you want to lose weight fast and keep it off? Dropping 10 pounds in the next few months is easier than you think. All it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes – and learning from other weight loss warriors who came before you is always a great idea. Here are 20 ways 12 people who lost over 10 pounds in 4 months achieved their weight loss goals.


Gen Cohen Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months by Maintaining a Caloric Deficit

In a recent Instagram post, Gen Cohen, CNC, shared how she lost 10lbs in the first two months of her health journey. “What I would do is eat in a modest caloric deficit, which if you're a woman watching this video means you'll probably be eating an average of 1500 to 2000 calories per day in order to lose weight,” she says.

She Also Used an App

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

Apps also helped Cohen achieve her weight loss goals. “I would download an app like MyFitnessPal and preplan my meals the day before to make sure I was able to hit my calories and my protein goal while still enjoying my social life,” she continued.

And, She Drank A LOT of Water

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

Another helpful habit in her weight loss was investing in a big water bottle. “I would drink 16 ounces of water before getting out of bed in the morning, which helps regulate your cortisol and stress levels throughout the day,” she says. “And I would also drink 16 ounces of water before each meal. This will help you feel full quicker while you're still learning proper portion control.”

Blake Sanburg Lost 23 Pounds in 2 Months by Hitting the Gym

@thenutritionnarc

10 weight loss tips

Blake Sanburg (@thenutritionnarc) is a diet and fitness influencer with over 415,900 TikTok followers who lost 23 pounds in two months. His number one tip to lose weight? “Start going to the gym,” Blake suggests. “Do weightlifting and cardio. This will help not only burn calories, but it'll also increase your muscle mass, which will make you seem less fat.”

He Also Avoided “Liquid Calories”

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“Number two, avoid liquid calories such as sugary drinks, alcohol, soda, and stuff like that instead of diet soda,” Blake continued. “These are scientifically proven to be the easiest calories to cut out.”

He Amped Up His Protein Intake

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

Blake also amped up his protein intake. “The general rule of thumb is one gram of protein per pound of body weight. So if your goal weight is 150 pounds, try to eat 150 grams of protein.”

RELATED:Wegovy vs Ozempic: Pros and Cons for Weight Loss Treatment

He Took Progress Pictures

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And, for accountability purposes, “take progress pictures,” he said. “It is very tough to see changes when you're looking at yourself every single day. So go back and look at the first day.”

Cam Jones Lost 10 Pounds in 50 Days by Rigorously Tracking His Eating Habits

Cam Jones, one half of the brother influencer duo who make up Goal Guys, a YouTube account providing “different goals in fitness and productivity,” revealed in a viral video how he lost 10 pounds in 50 days.

“I genuinely do not understand how I've put on so much weight. I eat pretty healthy. I exercise two to three times a week, so what am I doing wrong?” he says in the video, setting a goal of losing 10 pounds of body fat in 50 days. Cam starts with a goal of “paying careful attention” to nutrition.

“The first thing I'm aiming for a daily calorie goal of just 1900 calories, and as crazy as it is to say I actually think my current diet is pretty healthy, so I'm also going to track every food I eat for the next 50 days to figure out where I've been going wrong,” he says

He Also Cut Snacks

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Cam points out that the little snacks you eat in the day add up. Just three squares of dark chocolate, half a bag of popcorn in one glass of wine total 660 calories. “I was severely underestimating how many calories were in those snacks because I was having those four times a week,” he says, pointing out “that's an extra 2,400 calories per week. That's more than I'm going to eat today. So no wonder I was putting on weight even though I was exercising.”

Melissa Lattari Lost 15 Pounds in a Month by Reducing Sodium Intake

@melissa.lattari

Replying to @A how to lose 10lbs of water #fyp #wateretention #howtofixbloating #weightloss #weightlosshack #viral

Melissa Lattari (@melissa.lattari) dropped 15 pounds in a month, explaining in a viral video how she did it. “Losing 10 to 15 pounds of water weight is easier than you think it is,” she says in the clip. Melissa maintains that dropping the weight is simple. “The easiest way to lose water weight, okay, listen up, is by switching up your diet,” she maintains. “Water retention happens when we're consuming too much sodium in our diet,” she continues. “Therefore, if you're eating a lot of overly processed foods such as pizza, frozen foods, prepackaged foods or going out and eating at a restaurant where they usually cook most foods with vegetable oils, your body is going to obtain more water.”

Sydney St-Aubin Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months by Increasing Her Steps Every Day

@sydneystaubin

19 lbs down since january and still going 👏🏻 here’s what i’ve been doing and what i plan to continue to do to reach my goal by hopefully september 🤍 #weightloss #caloricdeficit #athomeworkouts #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogram

Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months. One of her main recommendations? Not only should you “get your steps in,” but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for?

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.

Jenna Evelyn Lost 20 Pounds in Three Months by Meal Prepping

@jennaevelynnn

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

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one viral TikTok video, she reveals that meal prepping and using high-quality ingredients were crucial to her weight loss. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high-protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning.

Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Isis Kellier Lost 15 Pounds in 6 Weeks by Intermittent Fasting

Isis Kellier revealed in one TikTok video that she dropped an average of 2.5 pounds a week and 15 pounds in 6 weeks by intermittent fasting, or “OMAD,” she reveals, which stands for “one meal a day. “The Lightly intermittent fasting app helps to keep everything on track,” she added.

In another video, she details what she eats in a day, starting at 2:00 pm with two glasses of green juice followed by a bowl of fruit. For her main meal of the day, “dinner,” she eats at 4:00 pm and enjoys spicy vodka pasta with a grilled chicken breast on top. At 5:30 pm, she drinks two Premiere Protein shakes.

Nour T Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months by Eating Less

@nourrtann

the best weight loss hack, have you heard of it before? #volumeeatinghack #volumeating #volumeeatinghacks #weightlosshacks #sustainableweightlosstips #sustainableweightlosstip #realisticweightlossmeals

Nour T (@nourrtann/) lost a whopping 40 pounds in just five months with one simple habit. In one of her viral videos, she reveals that no matter what diet you want to go on, simply eating less will result in weight loss. “One thing I will say: Keto, paleo, Atkins, high protein, low fat, low carb, whatever it is, they all work. They all work because you're probably eating less,” she continues. “And also, please remember that eating healthy and eating to lose weight are completely different things.”

She Also Started Volume Eating

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“In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” Nour continues. “You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low-calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. Another example? “Instead of having a whole serving of pasta, you would split it in half and then have zoodles,” she adds, explaining that you would mix in your cauliflower rice with your rice or zucchini noodles with your noodles. “You're eating the same exact amount as you would've, but the calories you're cut in half, and you're allowing yourself to eat much more vegetables, which are good for you,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds Doing the 75 Hard Method

Briana Farnsworth Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months by Interval Training on a Treadmill

@brianafarnsworthx

Replying to @$ I like to implement other workouts everyone now and then but I swear by walks!! #walkingroutine #hotgirlwalks #slimlegs #slimarms #weightloss #modelworkout #modelroutine #modelarms

Briana Farnsworth (@brianafarnsworthx) lost a whopping 30 pounds in three months just by walking. “People literally don't believe me when I tell them that I changed my body from this to this just by walking alone,” she says in the clip. Her key to losing weight with walking is doing interval training on an incline. “So my treadmill has this option here, it's called Fat Burner, and I love this one. It alternates between the incline of 1.5 to 4.5, and then I usually keep my speed between 3 and 4,” she explains, adding that if you don’t have that option, you can manually change the incline and speed accordingly.

Blake Also Amped Up His Fiber Intake

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Blake (@thenutritionnarc) offers another weight loss tip that helped him get in shape, “eat more fiber,” he says. This is probably one of the most underrated macronutrients. It's not a macronutrient, but it is one of the most underrated things you can eat. It will not only keep you full, it'll improve your gut microbiome health, and it'll also keep you regular,” he explains.

Keisha Lost 40 Pounds in One Month by Filling Up on Healthy Fats

@kickweightwithkeisha

#grocerylist #kickweightwithkeisha @Kick Weight With Keisha

Keisha (@kickweightwithkeisha) is a diet and fitness influencer who lost 40 pounds in just one month. She claims that amping up her intake of healthy fats was instrumental in her weight loss. “Fats are going to consist of things like avocados, olive oil, avocado oil, butter, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and cheese,” she says.

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

And, by Cutting Out Added Sugar

Coffee blended with ghee butter and MCT coconut oil, paleo, keto, ketogenic drink breakfast.Shutterstock

“Now, the only thing that I drank, water, tea, and coffee,” she continued. However she avoided buying calorie-heavy sweeteners. “Okay, if you're going to do sugar for your tea and your coffee, you want to do a natural sugar substitute, which are things like Stevia, monk, fruit, Truvia,” she says.

Amber Clemens Lost 160 Pounds by Eating Fast Food

@amber_c_fitness

Something I still struggle with after losing 160 pounds ❤️ #weightloss #weightlossstruggle #growingupfat #beforeandafter #fatphobia #thinprivilege

Amber Clemens (@amber_c_fitness) is a weight loss warrior and influencer on TikTok who lost a whopping 160 pounds while still eating fast food. In a viral video, she describes her before meal at Wendy’s: A Four for Four meal with a Junior cheeseburger, four piece chicken nugget, a small fry, “and I would actually order an additional six piece nugget because I wanted 10 and I would get a large root beer and that one meal would be 1,450 calories,” she says, noting “that's not including any dipping sauces that I would get to dip this stuff in, but I couldn't find the nutrition information for that.”

Now, she chooses from two lower calorie alternatives, the apple pecan salad “because it's so filling,” she says. “You get a high volume of food for about 550 calories.” Her other option is a six piece nugget and a small fry paired with a medium light lemonade. “And you can get that meal for 545 calories,” she says. “It's not about cutting things out, it's about finding things that you like equally as much, making swaps in moderation,” she points out. Read about more of her swaps here.

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.

Katie Dunlop, a fitness influencer and certified personal trainer, transformed her body and her life by shedding 45 pounds and getting rid of stubborn stomach fat. In a recent YouTube video, Katie shared the key dietary changes that helped her reach her goals. She revealed that her weight loss success wasn’t just about exercise; it involved being more mindful of her food choices and cutting out certain items that were sneaking extra calories and sugar into her daily routine.


Through consistency, dedication, and small, sustainable changes, Katie not only achieved her weight loss goals but also became an inspiration to thousands of others. By cutting out these six specific foods, which she once thought were healthy or harmless, Katie finally saw the results she wanted. Here's a look at the six foods she eliminated and how these small shifts made a big difference.

I Ditched Sugary Coffee Creamers

"I was a huge international delight girl, and this is not just to hate on this brand; it's just that it was my brand. I did international delight, French vanilla coffee creamer in my coffee every day," she says in the video. "So that was an excess of 20 to 25 grams of sugar first thing in the morning before 7:00 AM. I'm like, let's just get a little cup of sugar in here, and 24 grams of sugar is the daily recommended amount of added sugar."

I Cut Out Fiber and Protein Bars

"So I used to eat fiber bars or protein bars every single day. I would use them as meal replacements, thinking that they were healthy, but that wasn't the case," she says in the video.

"The problem with most of these bars is they have so many unnecessary added ingredients. So ideally, I try to keep my bars to 10 grams of protein or more, six grams of sugar or less, and it's hard to find any bars that have that, that also don't have just a bunch of chemicals in the ingredient list or fake sugars and stuff."

I Stopped My Nightly Frozen Yogurt Habit

"In college, we had a yogurt land down the street from us, and this is when frozen yogurt was it. And so we went a couple of times, and then we just kept going and kept going. We ended up going almost every single night we could walk to it," she says in the video.

"Well, in a small, like a cup serving of most of those frozen yogurts, they have 25 grams of sugar. And then on top of it, I felt like it was a gateway drug. I don't know how to describe it. Then you're like, oh, a little gram cracker, a little granola, that's healthy. Oh, a little coconut spread. You just start adding and adding, and all of a sudden, you have 500 extra calories a day that I didn't need."

I Gave Up the Special K Diet

"Does anyone remember the Special K diet? Anyone? Am I dating myself? Okay, so you know the Special K cereal, the brand cereal, they've removed all of this from their website. I went digging, I could find nothing. It was a real thing though," she says in the video.

"It was basically the idea that you were to swap two meals a day with Special K cereal, and they claim that you could lose six pounds and a pant size in two weeks."

RELATED:I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps

I Stopped Snacking on Veggie Chips

"I was duped into thinking that veggie chips were so much healthier than potato chips or the hint of lime toss. I was obsessed with it. They were veggies, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. It took me so long to realize that they were not at all healthier," she says in the video.

"The whole process that they have to go through in order to make them into chips basically just takes most of the nutrients out of them. And you are left with just a vegetable-colored shaped potato chip."

I Stopped Eating After 9 PM

"I had to stop eating after 9:00 PM, and let's just say there's not a magical time. So don't think, oh my gosh, 9:00 PM said I stopped eating at seven. This is not a problem for me. It may still be 9:00 PM, which was my time," she says in the video.

"The reason why I had to give myself a time at night to stop eating was because I would just keep going. Those cravings would hit me mentally or physically, and I didn't really know how to control them. The bottom line was I wasn't making healthy choices after 9:00 PM."

RELATED:Top 10 Leafy Greens to Burn Fat You Should Eat Every Day

The Power of Small Changes

"When I did that, those hundreds of excess calories were cut from my diet when I cut out the creamers with all the sugars and fake stuff. When I stopped eating all these fiber bars and cereals and all these little things that I thought were healthy, I actually started getting results," she says in the video.

"Yes, I was moving my body, but I wasn't doing anything crazy. You guys know I started 10 minutes a day and I moved up to, I do 30 to 45 minutes a day now. But it's those little tiny things that add up."

By making these changes and being mindful of her food choices, Katie was able to lose 45 pounds and transform her body. Her story highlights the importance of identifying and eliminating hidden sources of excess calories and sugar in our diets. And if you enjoyed this, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Martin Balcaitis
Copyright Martin Balcaitis
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.

If you've ever felt frustrated with dieting, you're not alone. After 15 years of trying different weight loss approaches, Martin Balcaitis, 45, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lindora in Orange County, California, finally discovered the game-changing mistake that had been holding him back all along. His transformation story proves that sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest results.

The Wake-Up Call

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

"I feel like I've always been trying to lose weight!" Martin tells Body Network. "But now that I'm in my mid-40s, I know that it isn't so much about the number on the scale, but my overall health for longevity – that was my real motivator this time around."

The Crucial Discovery

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.​Understanding True Protein ContentShutterstock

Standing at 5'9" and weighing 222 pounds, Martin thought he had tried everything. Then came the revelation that changed everything: "I thought I was eating a correct portion for myself, but eyeballing wasn't my friend," he admits. "A food scale was crucial to my success."

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

The Transformation

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

The results speak for themselves. In just six months, Martin dropped from 222 pounds to 165 pounds, achieving a remarkable transformation in his body composition. "My overall body fat percentage went from 36% to 15% in 6 months," he shares proudly.

A New Approach to Food

Man eats, eating​What To Do InsteadShutterstock

Unlike previous attempts at weight loss, Martin's new strategy didn't involve cutting out foods entirely. "I haven't eliminated anything – which is great!" he explains. "I simply know how to manage portions and adjust my eating that day if I know I'm going to have something decadent or high-carb during the day."

A Day of Measured Eating

Woman hands breaking an egg to separate egg white and yolks and egg shells at the backgroundShutterstock

Martin's daily menu is both satisfying and strategic. "Breakfast is typically one egg, some egg whites and cottage cheese blended in what I call my 'protein eggs' with spinach and some meat," he says. "Lunch will be a salad with a yogurt-based dressing and dinner is roasted vegetables and lean protein – also three Lindora snacks too!"

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

The Workout Strategy

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Time management proved to be another crucial lesson. "Time can always get the best of us so I make sure to workout in the morning," Martin explains. "I make too many excuses to not go to the gym after work." His dedication has paid off: "I can actually see some abs poking through now!"

Dealing with Setbacks

Within gym with modern fitness equipment for fitness events and more. Modern of gym interior with equipment. Sports equipment in the gym.Shutterstock

Martin maintains a realistic approach to challenges. "Sometimes the motivation just isn't there and you have to tell yourself that it's a marathon, not a sprint," he reflects. "Don't beat yourself up if you skip a workout or can't go the distance you wanted to."

The Power of Accountability

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Making the journey public became a powerful tool. "Be vocal about it. I told people I was trying to lose weight to help hold me accountable," he advises. His commitment extended to his wardrobe: "I donated clothes once they were too big for me – I didn't want to buy big clothes again, so I had to keep going!"

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

A Science-Based Approach

Measuring,Body,Composition,Balance,,Standing,On,The,Medical,ScalesShutterstock

Martin emphasizes the importance of data in his success. "Knowledge is power, so I would encourage everyone to get a body composition analysis done so they have a true understanding of what their numbers are to make a plan of attack," he recommends.

The Path to Success

Social media and digital online concept, man using smart phone with Social media. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media. Social Distancing ,Working From Home concept.Shutterstock

For those inspired by his journey, Martin offers encouraging advice: "Just start! You don't have to wait for a certain day, you don't have to have a big goal in mind – just take little steps and once you see some progress it will motivate you to keep going."

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Maintaining Momentum

Successful man raising arms after cross track running on summer sunset. Fitness male athlete with arms up celebrating success and goals after sport exercising and working out.Shutterstock

His approach to staying motivated remains practical and empowering. "If I am feeling badly about my body – it is 100% in my control to fix it," he states. "Having a plan and solutions is the answer and putting that plan into action is key." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Losing 30 pounds is a major achievement: Research shows that for the overweight, every pound lost has a positive impact on health—including blood pressure, cholesterol, improved mobility and much more. “For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, a 5% loss is 10 pounds, dropping your weight to 190 pounds. This modest weight loss can decrease your risk for chronic diseases related to obesity,” says the CDC. There’s no one-size-fits-all method: different people respond to different tactics, but the common denominator is weight loss success. Here are five people who lost 30 pounds, sharing exactly how they did it.


Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

@jessiemgolden

You can get leaner in a chill/soft life way🤝 #longtermweightloss #sustainableweightlosstipsforwomen #weightlosstipsforwomenover35 #caloriesinvscaloriesout #fatlosshelpforwomen #intuitiveweightloss #sustainablefatlosstips #sustainableweightloss #sustainablefatloss #lowimpactworkout

Jessie (@jessiemgolden) lost 30 pounds and kept it off with what she calls a “chill, soft life way” which caused as little stress as possible. “I developed a strategy that suited my psychology,” she says. That consisted of looking at what she eats and figuring out what a trade-off might be in her diet, and how certain foods affected her metabolism. “I absolutely had a long-term view,” she says.

Calorie Deficit

@pitalifts

#weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogress #beforeandafter

TikToker Jess (@pitalifts) lost weight using the good old-fashioned calorie deficit method. Jess showed how she handled her calorie deficit without getting too stressed, focusing on protein shakes, protein chips, and low-calorie high-protein meals with vegetables. This kept her feeling satiated even while cutting calories.

RELATED:12 Ways to Eat For Your Best Body After 40

Lots of Walking

@mila.magnani

You can actually feel your sugar doors open, for me I start to sweat and feel a huge rush of happiness and energy- similar to a runner’s high A single bout of moderate intensity exercise (walking for 30+ minutes) can increase the glucose uptake by at least 40% Here is a great video explaining the science @Dr Idz (MBBS, MRes, Dip IBLM) #pcosweightloss #sugardoors #pcosexercise #pcosworkout #pcosweightlosstips #weightlosstipsforwomen #walkingforweightloss #walkingforfatloss #insulinsensitivity

Mila (@mila.magnani) lost 30 pounds with PCOS and hypothyroidism by going on 30-40 minute walks. “You can actually feel your sugar doors open, for me I start to sweat and feel a huge rush of happiness and energy—similar to a runner’s high,” she captioned the video. “A single bout of moderate intensity exercise (walking for 30+ minutes) can increase the glucose uptake by at least 40%”

RELATED: 5 Effective Ways to Walk to Burn Body Fat

1,700 Calories a Day

@denisehamdan

what i eat in a day that helped me lose 30 pounds pt 4!! heres some high protein low calorie healthy food inspo for yall, lmk if u guys want any recipes ◡̈ Products➡️ Create Creatine gummies @Create Wellness use code DENISE25 for a discount & greens drink by @Bloom Nutrition #antiinflammatorydiet #burnbodyfat #whatieatinaday #highprotein #highproteinmeals #highproteinrecipes #highproteinsnack #highproteinlowcalories #whatieatinadayhealthy #bodyrecomposition #lose30lbs #glowup #weightloss #weightlosscheck #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogress #howtoloseweight #guthealth ##howtolosebellyfat #healthy #gymtok #fittok #bloom #bloating #bloompartner #lifestyle #diet #healthyfoodinspo

Denise (@denisehamdan) lost 30 pounds by overhauling her diet, sticking to 1700 calories and 130+ grams of protein to help build muscle and stay satiated. So what are some of the things she eats on a daily basis? Coffee, supplements, egg wraps, a green drink, turkey snack sticks, a protein bar, and chicken alfredo from scratch.

Mind Over Matter

@chris.gordert

You deserve what you desire, now its time to earn it 🙏🙏 #chrisgordert #gordertgang

Chris (chris.gordert) lost 30 pounds in two months by changing his entire mindset. Along with lifestyle changes such as watching what he eats and increasing his cardio workouts, he says the real change came from within. It wasn’t until he changed his mental approach that real changes happened. “I changed my mind,” he says. “Sit down with yourself and write a contract up in your mind. No ifs, no ands, no buts. When you’re ready, sign it in your mind.”

💪🔥Body Booster: To avoid stress while in a calorie deficit, prioritize high-protein, low-calorie foods like protein shakes, protein chips, and veggies. This will help you feel full and satisfied.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

If you have a lot of weight to lose, it can seem hopeless and impossible. However, Samantha Costa, a 23-year-old influencer, lost a whopping 60 pounds in 3 months. In a viral YouTube video, she explains exactly how she did it, and a lot of it had to do with shifting her perspective and overall approach to weight loss.


Losing 60 Pounds in 6 Months with PCOS

Samantha_CostaSamantha Costa/YouTube

She starts with her backstory: In 2018 she was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which resulted in weight gain. “I fluctuate weight a lot and it also affects my periods. With that being said, because I was diagnosed with PCOS, I put on a lot of weight very fast, and it wasn't a type of weight that was healthy,” she said. Costa, who is five-foot-one, topped the scale at around 200 pounds. “Being in a place where I knew I wasn't healthy was really scaring me.” At the time she was able to drop 50 to 60 pounds in “five to six months” by going to Orangetherory and eating right. “I think I weighed around 196 pounds and I got down to around 135,” she specified.

Related: #1 Way to Flatten Your Stomach for Women, According to a Pelvic Floor Expert

The Power of Whole Grains

Wholemeal,Fusilli,Pasta,Whole, GrainsShutterstock

Her main dietary change at the time involved swapping out white carbs with whole grain and whole wheat. “I literally had grilled chicken, pasta, grated cheese, and tomato sauce every single day because that's what made me happy,” she said. After graduating from college in May 2022, “and I honestly was a very steady weight of around probably 129 pounds to 140 throughout all of my senior year of college,” she felt like she was at a healthy weight for herself around 135 pounds. She spent the summer lifeguarding. “I was having a really fun time, and honestly everything was going very well,” she continued.

A Stressful Job Ruined Her Health and Happiness

Samantha_Costa2Samantha Costa/YouTube

However, in August she started her “big job at a big four company” and it was “the downfall of everything,” she claims. “I'm not going to talk too much about it, but the stress of that job, which I am no longer working in, was very, very hard for me.” She stopped working out and spent most of her free time isolating. Over a period of about 7 months she probably gained 60 to 70 pounds, and was “very, very sad,” she says. “I wasn't happy with how I looked and I was having a hard time with it, but it was more that I knew I wasn't healthy and I knew I needed to get healthy because of this. I would always tell myself, ‘You know what? You did it once. You can definitely do it again.’”

From 10,000 Steps to 500

Young adult woman walking up the stairs with sun sport background.Shutterstock/siam.pukkato

She couldn’t motivate herself to go to fitness studio again, “something that I used to love going to do,” she says. While she used to walk 10,000 steps a day, she “was lucky if I hit probably 500 steps a day because I was always at my computer, always doing something for work, and there was really just no time for me to do it.”

She Lost 10 Pounds in a Week and Kept Going

Woman,,Balance,Weight,Scale,health,scalesShutterstock

Every day she looked in the mirror and told herself “in three months from now, you will look so much better. You'll feel so much better, which is the most important, and you will want to do things because you started.” Eventually she started seeing progress, claiming that she lost 10 pounds in one week, which she knew was water weight. Within a few weeks she noticed a “little bit of a difference” and once she started to see that difference, “it was a lot easier to believe in myself and notice that there was real progress happening and that there was change happening, which allowed me to keep going within my journey.”

Related: 11 Shoulder-Sculpting Workouts for Impressive Definition

The Secrets to Her Success

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She revealed that she did keto, which is “very hard to sustain,” she admits. “It was very hard for me to eat a certain amount of carbs every single day, and it was very hard for me to cut out sugar. I'm someone who loves sugar, but I knew that in order to be in a healthy place again, and in order to get to my goal in the most efficient way, especially with summer coming up, I needed to do something that would really change and really allow my body to adapt.” She also emphasizes the importance of protein. “Eating carbs is something that obviously we all need. I am not saying don't eat carbs. Please eat your macros. Please eat carbs. Please allow yourself to have the energy that you need. I'm just saying what I did was I lowered the amount of carbs that I ate, but I was still eating enough to feel energized to be able to go to the gym and to give my body what it needs.”

She Increased Intake of Proteins and Exercised

ChickenGrill,grilled,bbq,breast,meat,proteinShutterstock

Amping up your protein intake may help you lose weight. 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. She also went back to fitness studio four to five times a week, starting with gentle workouts and working her way up to more intense ones. She also recommends taking rest days.

Stay Motivated and Positive on Your Journey

Samantha_Costa5sam.costaa/Instagram

“In the beginning, you're probably going to feel like you can't do it and it's probably going to feel impossible, and if you are someone who doesn't feel like that, I give you so much credit because I've been there so many times and I felt like it was impossible every single time,” she adds. “The number one thing I want to tell you is to prove yourself wrong. Prove every single person that may have doubted you wrong. The only thing that matters is that you believe in yourself. The only thing that matters is that you have the mindset that will allow you to feel better, and every single time you question yourself, make one of those videos, take progress pictures, tell yourself that you are so much better than you were even one day ago, and if you are really having trouble starting, just try for one day.”

Related: Fitness Expert's $5 a Day Meal Plan for Fat Loss

💪🔥Body Booster: Increasing your protein intake and decreasing your carbohydrates is a scientifically backed tactic for weight loss. However, you still need a sufficient amount of carbs to stay energized.

Kathe Martin nutrition.by.kathe
Copyright nutrition.by.kathe/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you training hard and taking extreme measures with your diet but can’t seem to lose weight? You might need to tone things down, one expert says. Kathe Martin is a certified nutrition coach who helps women transform their bodies via nutrition and exercise. In a new post, she shares her dramatic before-and-after photo, revealing how she smartened up her approach to losing weight. “Transformation Over 40—But It Didn’t Happen Overnight,” she writes in the caption, revealing the simple tactics she used to lose weight. “The key? Dialing in my nutrition and training smarter, not harder,” she writes. Here is what she did:

There Is No Quick Fix

“This isn’t a 6-week challenge or a quick-fix diet. This is years of consistency, trial and error, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Progress wasn’t linear—I had my ups and downs, moments of doubt, and times when I felt like I was doing everything right but still wasn’t seeing the results I wanted,” she writes.

She Dialed in Her Nutrition

“The real shift happened when I finally dialed in my nutrition. No more extreme dieting, no more chasing quick fixes—just fueling my body in a way that actually worked for me,” she continued.

She Changed Her Approach to Fitness, Running Less

She also had to change her approach to fitness. “And as much as I love running, I had to face a hard truth: more wasn’t always better. I used to run five days a week, thinking that was the key to getting lean, but in reality, I needed more balance,” she writes.

Now She Runs Twice a Week

She now balanced cardio with strength. “Now, I still run (because I love it and always will! 🏃♀️), but just twice a week (only during race season), while making lifting the priority.”

She Lifts Weights and Does Low-Intensity Workout

She also started lifting weights. “Strength training and low intensity gave me the results I had been chasing for years,” she reveals.

She Used to Do CrossFit

“I was never this strong or this lean in all my years of CrossFit. I worked hard, but I was constantly under-fueling, overdoing cardio, and stuck in the mindset that more was better. Turns out, smarter was better,” she admits.

It Takes Time and Commitment

“So if you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like your progress isn’t happening fast enough—just know, this takes TIME. But if you stay consistent, work smarter (not harder), and trust the process… the results WILL come.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Jill Thornton breakthroughbyjill
Copyright breakthroughbyjill/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you looking for some high-protein snack ideas to buy at Costco? One expert is revealing her go-to buys at the warehouse. Jill Thornton is a Strength & Nutrition Coach who helps women in their forties lose weight via strength training and nutrition. In a new Instagram post, she unveils her list of nine must-try snacks that help her stay fit. “Nine Costco snacks I eat on repeat to stay lean and strong in my 40s as a mom in nutrition coach,” she writes.

Fresh Additions Ready to Eat Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites

The first item on her list is Fresh Additions Ready to Eat Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites, individually packaged, pre-portioned chunks of chicken. “So darn easy and tasty each pack is 24 g of protein. I like these with barbecue sauce as a dip,” she says.

Organic Gala Apples

She also buys bags of Organic Gala Apples. “The absolute easiest snack to have on hand. I keep one in my car at all times and have one for lunch most days. Lots of fiber here,” she maintains.

Free Range, Hard-Boiled, Ready to Eat Eggs

Sure, you can boil your own eggs at home, but this bag makes eating protein super convenient. “12 grams of protein per pack. An easy, done-for-you snack. Two eggs have 12 grams of protein,” she says. “I like to use two packs, remove yolks from one pack, and make easy egg salad. You can also stand, eat stand alone with some salt and pepper.”

Archer Provisions Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Mango Habanero

Archer Provisions Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Mango Habanero is another one of her go-to, protein-packed snacks. “One serving is nine grams of protein and only 70 calories,” she says. “A great snack option and the flavor is amazing. A great ingredient list for a jerky as well.”

Pop Corners, 30 Bags.

Looking for a little crunch? She recommends individual bags of Pop Corners. “I literally love these. I eat them as snacks or with my lunch. I usually pack them when I am on the go for lunch or at the ball fields,” she says.

Foster's Original Pickled Veggies

If you like a savory snack, this three-pack of Foster's Original Pickled Veggies, which comes with pickled asparagus spears, pickled carrot sticks, and pickled beans, is a must-buy. “Probably my favorite snack of all time. These are an excellent super low-calorie snack, like 10 calories per serving, plus loads of vitamins in minerals, only veggies can give you,” she says.

Tru Fru Nature's Strawberries

She calls Tru Fru Nature's Strawberries her “new bestie.” What is not to love about “frozen fruit plus chocolate, yes, please,” she says. “One serving is only 90 calories and satisfies a sweet tooth. They have tons of variety. I like the blueberry and cherry flavors too.”

Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt

Like most health influencers, she is also a fan of Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt. “The real MVP for a protein-packed snack, 15 grams per serving. I like to add granola and fruit to Greek yogurt for a super balanced and filling afternoon snack,” she says.

Aurora Bites Mini Peppers.

Aurora Bites mini peppers are the last item on her list. “Your starter pack for ‘it's so hard to work veggies into my day.’ These guys are ready to go so easy and delish,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/Instagram/
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Many people use ChatGPT to help with writing projects or find inspiration. But did you know that you can use the AI tool to help you lose weight? Cassie B of Cassie B Fitness is a coach and influencer who shares her health and fitness journey with thousands of social media followers. In a new social media post, she discusses how you can take advantage of the unconventional tool for weight loss. “5 ways you can use ChatGPT to help you lose weight,” she writes in the Instagram post.

She starts by saying that the AI tool can help simplify fat loss. “Work smarter, not harder,” she writes. “Use these five prompts in ChatGPT to help you lose weight.”

It Can Calculate Your Deficit

The first way to use it is by asking it to calculate your deficit. “Help me find a healthy calorie deficit. I weigh (weight in pounds), I’m (age), I’m a (M/F), I’m (height), and I usually workout x times a week. What’s a healthy calorie deficit for me?” is what to say, she maintains.

It Can Help You Build a Meal Plan

Chat GPT can also help you build a meal plan. “I can have 1700-1800 calories a day. Build me a meal plan with 3 meals and a snack. I love fruit, meats, and bread. I don’t like fish or vegetables. Id like my meals to be easy, quick, and high in protein,” is the question to ask.

It Can Help You Plan Your Workout Schedule

It can also plan your schedule for the week to include workouts. What to say? “I’d like to start walking 30 minutes a day. I have to work from 8-4, and my commute is 30 minutes each way. It makes me about 30 minutes to get ready in the morning. Build a schedule for me this week so I know when to workout.”

It Can Help with Motivation

It can also help keep you motivated. “I’m on a weight loss journey but struggling to keep motivated. Give me your best motivational quotes, tips, and ideas. I have about 30 more pounds to lose,” you should say.

It Can Help Build Your Workout Routine

Finally, it can help you build your workout routine. “I want to improve my upper body strength so I can finally do a pull up and improve my cardio health. I’m willing to workout 6 days a week for 30-45 minutes a day. Build me the best workout schedule so I can achieve my goals,” is what to say.

Use It — It’s Free!

Cassie finishes her post by pointing out that the tool doesn’t cost a dime. “This technology exists FOR FREE. Let’s use it to become the best versions of ourselves,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.