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20 Surprising Foods That Shrink Abdominal Fat in 60 Days

Eat your way to a smaller waistline with these RD-endorsed foods.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 16, 2024
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 16, 2024
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Nutrition & Diet

Do you want to shave inches off your waistline in two months? Most people focus on cutting foods from their diet when trying to lose weight and shrink belly fat. However, many experts maintain you should focus on adding the right food instead. Incorporating the right foods can actually help you blast abdominal fat, claims Kylie Bensley, MS, RD, Certified Nutritionist, Clinical Dietician, and Founder of Sulinu. Here are 20 surprising foods that shrink abdominal fat in 60 days.

Mineral Mocktails

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“Mineral mocktails” are a fun way to drink your nutrients, explains Bensley. “These ensure you are getting the essential vitamins your body needs to function properly, plus they can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep your bowels regular, which is beneficial for keeping your gut bacteria healthy,” she says.

Ginger Turmeric Juice

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Make a drink with ginger and turmeric, she recommends. “Ginger supports motility and things moving through the gut,” says Bensley. “Turmeric is considered a digestive bitter and stimulates digestion. Plus, It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.”

Fatty Fish

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Fatty fish are “high in protein content to keep you full throughout the day,” Bensley says, noting that omega-3 fatty acids support heart health. “Although fatty fish won’t help you actually lose weight, swapping meat with this is a healthier polyunsaturated fat and a step in the right direction.”

Apples + Unsalted Almond Butter

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Try snacking on apples with unsalted almond butter. “This is the best go-to snack for weight loss for several reasons,” says Bensley. “First, calorically, it is under 300 calories, which is relatively low. Second, the fat from the almonds is healthy and will keep you full. Third, the fiber from the apple can also create a long-term fullness. The fiber is also considered a prebiotic which supports gut health.”

Icelandic Yogurt

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Stock your fridge with Icelandic Yogurt. “A study showed that obese adults who ate three servings of fat-free yogurt a day (as well as being on a reduced-calorie diet) lost significantly more fat and weight than those who were also on a decreased-calorie diet but didn’t have yogurt. The yogurt eaters lost 22% more weight and 61% more body fat than the others in the research group,” says Bensley.

Chili Peppers + Avocado

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Another great combo? “The capsaicin in chili peppers is known to raise metabolism while the fat in the avocado can provide satiating fat,” explains Bensley. “While avocados can be higher in calories (300+ calories per avocado), eating just one with a pepper is a good snack!”

Coffee + Coconut Oil

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Spike your coffee with coconut oil, Bensley recommends. “Some people may scoff at this, but MCT makes up 30% of fat in coconut oil. Due to its molecule shape, it can easily be absorbed and used as a quick energy source. Combine that with the research backing weight loss of coffee (research shows it can increase the number of calories burned), and it’s a great option,” she says.

Lentils + Cucumber/Tomatoes

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Pair lentils with cucumbers or tomatoes or cucumbers for a filling meal. “This food pairing works for weight loss in that it is heavy in plant protein (lentils have 7 grams per serving) and rich in fiber and water,” Bensley says. “Lentils also contain carbohydrates but will not cause a protein spike due to its protein and fiber content.”

Green Tea + Lemon

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What makes green tea and lemon a great combo? “Green tea has what's called ECGC, which is known for weight loss and thermogenic effects on the body. It contains catechin, which helps break down fat. Lemon has many great vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support your body functions,” explains Bensley.

Whey Protein

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Whey is a great source of protein, per Bensley. “Loaded with the amino acid leucine, whey protein is a nutrient-dense type of powder that has been shown to rebuild muscle,” she explains. “I only recommend whey protein for surgery healing because of its potent research-backed effectiveness in repairing the body and not causing weight gain. Studies have shown that replacing the sources of calories with whey protein combined with resistance training led to a weight loss of about 8 pounds.”

Eggs

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Once deemed unhealthy, eggs are now considered a healthy food. “I recommend eggs daily because of their nutrient density and their high levels of selenium, a potent antioxidant. Eggs rank extremely high on a satiety scale, which means they help you feel full, aka, lower ‘food noise’ while being low in calories They also have been shown to boost metabolism through the thermic effect,” Bensley says.

Low Sugar Mocktails

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Low-sugar, alcohol-free mocktails will help you cut down on booze. “One of the largest swaps you can make is to replace your alcohol with alcohol-free versions. Going alcohol-free can change your body composition with less stomach fat,” explains Bensley. “As an RD, this is one of the biggest recommendations just due to the altered metabolism in our body that alcohol creates. It also affects our sleep cycles, which is related to weight gain.”

Algae

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Bensley also recommends algae. “Algae provides a healthy plant-based version of Omega-3, a healthy fat that is recommended to consume for weight loss,” she says.

Kefir

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Consuming dairy kefir is a great way to get probiotics. “Kefir contains the strain lactobacillus, and several studies have shown that it can help reduce visceral fat (the fat surrounding the organs) levels in the body. I recommend low-fat kefir as full fat can stall weight loss,” she says.

RELATED: 25 Essential Habits to Banish Abdominal Fat in 90 Days

Sauerkraut

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Sauerkraut is a great addition to your meal. “A 2015 study found that those who were consuming probiotics such as ones found in sauerkraut instead of placebo gained 50% less body fat,” Bensley reveals. “Since sauerkraut is high in fiber and low in calories and is considered a delicious side garnish, it is easy to add to your meals.”

Kiwi

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Kiwi is a great high-fiber fruit, according to Bensley. “Each kiwi contains 7g fiber,” she says. “And it also is known to reduce belly fat through its high satiety effects of the fiber and water.”

RELATED:10 Surprising Exercises to Look Amazing After 50 in Just 30 Days

Degassed Beans

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Degassed beans “are a perfect food for weight loss,” says Bensley. “I recommend adding baking soda to the cooking process as a way to de-gas them. I recommend this to my surgery clients, and they say it's the perfect way to prevent constipation and gas. Beans are also rich in fiber and protein, which causes satiety.”

Ground Turkey

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Ground turkey is a high-protein and low-calorie option compared to beef, Bensley reveals. “Two turkey burgers have nearly 50g of protein, and the thermal effect of digesting protein aids in weight loss.”

Oats

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Eat your oats, Bensley recommends! “Consuming oats containing beta-glucan for 3 months can lead to a reduction of body fat and lower BM, according to a recent study. Using minimally processed oats contains the most amount of beta-glucan,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost 13 Pounds in 4 Weeks With These 14 Changes

Sprouted Bread

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Next time you are craving carbs, opt for sprouted bread. “Sprouted bread is superior to all other types of bread due to its ability to regulate blood sugar, have whole fiber content, and have mineral-rich ingredients,” Bensley explains. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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Nutrition & Diet

5 Foods to Melt Your Belly Fat Away

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 10, 2024
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Do you want to lose weight while filling up your body with yummy food? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to starve yourself to burn belly fat. Jeremy Ethier is a kinesiologist fitness influencer with over 6.1 million YouTube followers and one million Instagram followers. He is famous for sharing science-backed training and nutritional videos, helping people lose weight and get into great shape. He recently dropped a YouTube video revealing five types of food that help melt belly fat away fast. 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, weighs in on his suggestions.

Low Calorie Density Foods

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The first food on the list is “low calorie density foods,” those which “contain a ton of weight and volume for relatively few calories,” explains Ehier. “People who eat these foods consume fewer calories everyday but end up eating more actual food than those who don’t eat these foods.” He says that the best low calorie density foods for belly fat loss are “most fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods.”

However, he doesn’t recommend completely restricting yourself from high calorie density foods. “You just want to eat less of them and add more low to moderate calorie density foods into your diet. For example, during breakfast, instead of having high sugar granola, go for a whole grain cereal with fruit,” he says.

Collingwood adds that the concept is also called “volumetrics” which is eating high water, high fiber foods that are dense in nutrition but fairly low in calories. “These foods fill you up and keep you full for longer and you look at a plate FULL of food, which feels good psychologically when you are trying to lose weight and don’t feel like you are eating really small amounts of food,” she explains.

Lean Proteins

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“Depending on the type of food you eat, your body will burn a certain amount of calories just to digest that food. This is what’s known as the thermic effect of food and is part of what makes our next food, lean proteins, so effective for belly fat loss. The importance of having enough protein when losing fat goes far beyond this,” explains Ethier. “It’s the most important food to help you maintain or even build more muscle as you lose fat. This will not only help you look better once you get lean enough to lose your belly fat, but it also seems to correlate well with preventing fat regain after your diet is over.”

He recommends prioritizing lean proteins “that deliver significantly more protein for fewer calories,” like egg whites, shrimp, protein powder, low-fat greek yogurt, extra lean ground beef, chicken breast, turkey, tofu, and white fish. “You can still have the fattier protein sources in moderation, but by eating mostly leaner proteins, you’ll not only consume fewer calories, but you can also potentially swap those saved ‘fat’ calories for something else.”

Collingwood agrees that protein has the highest TEF (thermic effect of food) “which is part of the reason protein keeps you full for longer and is excellent for weight maintenance and weight loss,” she says. “Protein should be spread out throughout the day to optimize muscle most effectively.”

RELATED: 5 Little-Known Tips for Burning Belly Fat

Omega-6 PUFA-Rich Food

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The third type of food is those rich in omega-6 PUFAs. “You need about 20 to 30 percent of your calories to come from fats to support your general health and hormones. But the specific types of fat you eat matter when it comes to belly fat,” he explains. “To potentially avoid building up the dangerous fat in the belly and organs, try to moderate the amount of daily fats you get from saturated sources such as bacon, cheese, butter, cream, and fatty meats like pork and beef.”

Instead, he says to eat foods rich in omega-6 PUFAs, “such as nuts, seeds, and seed oils, as well as omega-3 PUFAs which have been shown to have other health benefits and can be found in sources such as salmon, tuna and flaxseed.” Omega-3 and natural sources of Omega-6 PUFAs are essential for good health “including for the brain and absorption of nutrients,” Collingwood agrees. “Saturated fats will not provide as much value and can be potentially dangerous for heart health.”

Beverages Sweetened with Non-Nutrtives

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The 4th food on our list that’ll help you lose belly fat “is a controversial one,” claims Ethier, which “was put to the test in a 2015 study, where researchers took 300 overweight individuals and had them start the same weight loss program,” he says. The only difference? One group drank an additional 24 ounces of plain water, and the other, water that included a non-nutritive sweetener. “The sugar free group not only experienced significantly greater weight loss, but they were also better able to keep that weight off for good. Why? It's possible that in the water group, limiting access to sweet beverages may have promoted their desire to satisfy their cravings from other sources like candy and desserts,” he says. Collingwood notes that non nutritive sweeteners by themselves have not been proven to contribute to weight loss, “but when substituting for sugar containing foods/beverages they can help reduce overall calories,” she says. “In this study it isn’t clear why people drinking non-nutritive sweeteners would lose more weight, but it is a possibility that it helped to cut back on cravings for other sweets as postulated here.”

RELATED: Simple Full Body Home Workout For Small Spaces

Foods You Love, But Modified

Jeremy_Ethier3Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

“So far I’ve given you a lot of great food options to lose fat. But let’s be honest, some of the foods I mentioned won’t appeal to you. Sure zucchini is a low calorie dense food and yes egg whites are a great lean protein source, but if you don’t enjoy those foods then don’t force yourself to eat them,” explains Ethier.

The key to making your diet stick? Is “to eat your favorite foods,” he admits. “Personally, I love wraps, burritos, and shawarmas so I make one every day. But I’ll incorporate what I taught you earlier about what to eat to lose belly fat by using a low calorie wrap or tortilla, adding plenty of veggies, using a lean protein source, and adding fats or calorie dense condiments in moderation. So pick a handful of your favorite foods from each of the categories we went through, add a couple of your favorite treats to have every now and then, and that’s pretty much your diet. It’s as simple as that.”

Collingwood agrees. “It is key to eat foods you like and to learn new ways to cook and season lower calorie foods so that you do look forward to eating them and enjoy them just as much as higher calorie versions of the same foods,” she says, “If you want something high calorie that just doesn’t have an acceptable lower calorie substitute, enjoy it in small portions and limit how often you indulge.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try eating low calorie, high density foods for a week, and see if you notice any diet changes.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Foods That Reduce Abdominal Fat

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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastSep 09, 2024
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Belly fat—also known as abdominal or visceral fat—is a particularly dangerous type of fat stored deep in the abdominal cavity underneath the muscle, surrounding vital organs such as the pancreas, liver, and intestines. “For women, a waist measurement of more than 35 inches (89 centimeters) signals an unhealthy amount of belly fat and a greater risk of health problems,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “In general, though, the greater the waist measurement, the higher the health risks.” While belly fat cannot be spot-targeted, certain things can help with fat-burning, and diet plays a crucial part in that. Here are five foods that can help encourage belly fat loss.

Get Enough Fiber

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Research shows getting the right amount of fiber can help with weight loss (ideally from whole foods). "In addition to weight control, higher fiber diets can also help to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease," Dr. Frank Hu, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, tells Harvard Health. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are all high in fiber.

Good Quality Protein

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Good quality protein such as eggs, dairy, meat, seafood, and tofu can help preserve lean body mass and encourage weight loss. “Increasing the amount of protein you eat can help reduce the buildup of harmful fats in your body, especially around your belly (abdomen),” say the experts at the Cleveland Clinic. “Protein is used to build muscle, so it can also help prevent muscle loss as you shed pounds.”

RELATED:5 People Who Lost 30 Pounds Share How

Probiotics, Please

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Studies show that probiotic-packed yogurt can help fat loss. “When we put people on diets that include three servings of yogurt a day, we're able to nearly double the amount of fat that’s lost, compared to people on a low-dairy diet,” says University of Tennessee nutrition professor Michael Zemel, PhD. “We have one more tool to combat the obesity epidemic. People shoot themselves in the foot by jettisoning dairy when they go on diets. What they need to do is maintain or increase the dairy intake for a host of health-related reasons, and here's one more: it's going to help you burn fat.”

Try a Low-Carb Diet

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Johns Hopkins researchers found that those who tried a low-carb diet lost an average of 10 pounds more than those on a low-fat diet (28.9 pounds for the low-carbers and 18.7 pounds for the low-fat people). Both groups took in the same amount of calories. “An extra benefit of the low-carb diet is that it produced a higher quality of weight loss,” according to Kerry Stewart, Ed.D. for Johns Hopkins Health. “With weight loss, fat is reduced, but there is also often a loss of lean tissue (muscle), which is not desirable. On both diets, there was a loss of about 2 to 3 pounds of good lean tissue along with the fat, which means that the fat loss percentage was much higher on the low-carb diet."

RELATED: 5 Effective Ways to Walk to Burn Body Fat

Don’t Forget To Hydrate

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Studies show that drinking water can help encourage fat-burning. “Science suggests that water can help with weight loss in a variety of ways,” according to Johns Hopkins University. “It may suppress your appetite, boost your metabolism, and make exercise easier and more efficient, all of which could contribute to results on the scale.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Want to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat Once and For All? Stop Making These Common Mistakes

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We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

TikTok influencer Andrew Holmes (andrewholmes79) is on a mission to educate people about how to FINALLY lose that pesky belly fat. Have you tried to reduce the belly bulge? Are you doing crunches and situps from dawn til dusk with no change in the stomach area? Are you beyond frustrated that no matter what, the belly fat won’t budge? You might be overcomplicating things. Here’s what Holmes has to say on the matter, plus real, expert-backed advice on how to get the abs of your dreams.

Sit Ups and Crunches All Day

@andrewholmes79

How to lose stubborn belly fat once and for all.

Holmes says to please stop doing endless crunches and situps if the only reason you are doing them is to get rid of belly fat. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. “To burn belly fat, you need 45 to 60 minutes of high-intensity cardiovascular activity (running, playing soccer or basketball, jumping rope, power-walking, etc.) on most days of the week,” medical weight management expert Karen Cooper, DO, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “You also need to reduce your intake of processed foods, fast foods and alcohol.”

Burning Belly Fat Specifically?

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Holmes explains that once you start burning fat all over, eventually the fat on your stomach will burn off too. And it’s not just about hitting the gym, or eating well—try not to spend too much of the day sitting. “Staying physically active throughout the day as well as scheduling time for structured exercise may be even more important than diet,” say the experts at Harvard Health.

Related: Kelsey Wells Shows Off Toned Curves on Beach and Shares Her Nutrition Secrets

Pesky Genetics

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Holmes makes the point that people are shaped differently—so your best friend, who might be doing the same diet and exercise, might lose fat from a different part of their body than you. That’s normal! "We know that women and men tend to store fat differently -- women have the ability to more easily store fat on the hips and legs, while men tend to accumulate fat around the abdomen to a higher extent," Mathias Rask-Andersen, Ph.D., tells Science Daily. "This has been attributed to the effects of sex hormones such as estrogen. But the molecular mechanisms that control this phenomenon are fairly unknown."

Yes, Abs Are Made In the Kitchen

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Holmes makes the crucial point that if you don’t have control of your food, belly fat is going nowhere. One good way of simplifying your diet is by food prepping. “Food prepping, or preparing meals in advance, is a key strategy for maintaining a healthy diet, especially for those with busy lifestyles,” says celebrity trainer Kollins Ezekh. “It ensures that you have healthy meals ready, which can prevent the temptation to opt for less nutritious, convenient options. Food prepping can help you stick to your nutritional goals, save time during the week, and can also be cost-effective as it reduces the likelihood of purchasing last-minute meals out. Additionally, it allows for better portion control, which is crucial for weight management or achieving specific fitness goals.”

Related: I Lost 40 Pounds Eating Rice, and Here Is How You Can Too

Slow and Steady Wins the Abs

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As with all health and fitness goals, slow, steady work is key to a successful outcome. That means there are no shortcuts. “Be patient,” Holmes advises. Focus on good nutrition, stress management, don’t smoke, stay active, and be aware of how many calories you are taking in. Your abs won’t appear overnight but they’re under there, just waiting to make their debut.

💪🔥Body Booster: You WILL burn belly fat when you focus on burning fat all over.

Nutrition & Diet

Slash Your Belly Fat Risk by 80 Percent in Just Six Weeks

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By Alek KorabOct 02, 2024
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If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Belly fat isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s one of the most dangerous types of fat for your overall health. Visceral fat, the kind that sits deep within your abdomen, increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more. But here’s the exciting part: research shows that you can slash your belly fat by up to 80 percent in just six weeks by making targeted changes to your diet and lifestyle. In Zero Belly Diet, the power of certain foods and habits helps you melt away belly fat, reduce inflammation, and even change your genetic tendency to store fat. Here are 11 scientifically proven ways to dramatically reduce belly fat and improve your health in just six weeks.

Here's the text with the requested modifications:

Eat More Protein

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Protein helps build lean muscle, which burns more calories than fat even while at rest. Increasing your intake of lean, plant-based protein can help you shed belly fat by keeping you full and boosting your metabolism.

Drink Green Tea Daily

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Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that boost metabolism and enhance fat burning. Drinking green tea regularly has been shown to specifically target visceral fat, helping reduce belly size in just a few weeks.

Cut Out Sugary Beverages

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Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices spike blood sugar and contribute to fat storage, especially around your midsection. By cutting out these beverages, you reduce your caloric intake and prevent further belly fat gain.

RELATED: I'm a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear

Add More Fiber to Your Diet

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Foods high in fiber, such as oats, beans, and fruits, help regulate digestion and reduce bloating. Fiber also stabilizes blood sugar levels, which can prevent your body from storing excess belly fat.

Focus on Healthy Fats

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Incorporating monounsaturated fats from foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can help reduce belly fat. Healthy fats signal your body to stop storing fat and start using it for energy, particularly around your midsection.

Start Strength Training

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Strength training helps build muscle, which burns more calories throughout the day. The more muscle you build, the more belly fat you can burn, even while resting. Add simple resistance exercises to your routine to see faster results.

Reduce Processed Foods

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Processed foods are high in sugars and unhealthy fats, which contribute to belly fat. By cutting back on processed snacks, fast food, and refined carbs, you help your body burn fat and reduce inflammation that leads to weight gain.

RELATED: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Lost 70 Pounds (And Kept It Off)

Incorporate Red Fruits

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Red fruits like berries and apples are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which help reduce fat storage and improve digestion. They also contain flavonoids, which can help reduce the size of fat cells and trim your waistline.

Prioritize Gut Health

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A healthy gut is key to losing belly fat. Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir promote a balanced microbiome, reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion. A healthy gut helps your body process food more efficiently and avoid bloating.

Limit Alcohol Intake

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Alcohol is loaded with empty calories and can contribute to belly fat. Reducing your intake to just one drink a day can have a significant impact on your waistline by reducing the calories and sugars you consume.

RELATED: Unlock the Secret to Turning Off Your Fat Genes

Stay Hydrated

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Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, reduces bloating, and keeps your metabolism functioning at its best. Staying hydrated can prevent overeating by helping you feel fuller, especially before meals.

By making these small but impactful changes, you can slash your belly fat risk by up to 80 percent in just six weeks, improving your health and energy along the way. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Lose 20 Pounds in 4 Months With These 4 Hacks

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 25, 2025
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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

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

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

Are you struggling to blast your belly fat? One expert claims to know the secret to getting rid of it. Miranda Forrest is a fitness coach for corporate women. “I help corporate women own their fitness journey w/o sacrificing their career, wine nights, or fav foods,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post, she reveals her tactics for getting rid of a flabby midsection as soon as possible. “If I were to wake up tomorrow and gain 20 pounds of belly fat…here’s what I would do to lose it in 4 months as a busy corporate girl,” she writes.

You Don’t Have to Go to Extremes

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You don’t have to go to extremes to blast belly fat. “It can seem super confusing and frustrating trying to lose weight, but it doesn’t have to be. 5 years ago I would have tried low carb, HIIT classes, running, and maybe it would have worked for a bit, but the progress always stopped,” Miranda writes.

These Science-Backed Methods Will Keep Your Body From “Adapting to the Stimulus”

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“My body was adapting to the stimulus I was giving it. Here’s how to avoid that adaptation and how I would lose those 20lbs after learning the science behind losing body fat and toning,” she continues.

Lift Weights

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Lifting weights is the first thing you need to do. “Start resistance training,” she recommends. “None of this light weight lifting, though. Heavy weights with continued reps and weight increases to avoid adaptation.”

Track Macros

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You also need to stay accountable when it comes to your diet. “Start tracking macros,” she says. “Ensure you’re eating the right foods to lose body fat and maintain lean muscle.”

Start a Calorie Deficit

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To lose weight you need to be in a calorie deficit. “Start a calorie deficit - I’d make sure I’m in a calorie deficit of 500+ calories per day to lose around 1lb per week,” she writes.

Do Low Intensity Cardio

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And, do some cardio. “Start low intensity cardio - I’d increase my steps and add in low intensity cardio to help ensure I was in a calorie deficit for the day,” she says.

She Eats 2300 Calories Per Day

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In another post she reveals details about her own routine. “Instead of avoiding carbs, cake and running for hours and hours each week, here’s exactly what I’m doing to maintain 19% body fat and stay lean this winter,” she said. “I eat 2300 calories daily, 150g protein, 255g carbs, 80g fats. I never skip my bagel in the morning and ensure I can have a sweet treat before bed.”

She Walks and Lifts Weights

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She also makes sure to get her steps in. “I aim for 10k daily steps to ensure I’m getting activity in (my desk treadmill is the only way I make this possible),” she writes. “I lift 3 times per week (non of those “strength training” classes bc that’s a waste of time imo) and get 1-2 days of 30-45 min of cardio for heart health.”

She Meditates and Journals

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She also gets her zen on. “I take the first 30 minutes of my day to meditate, journal and stay off my phone (way more important than you’d think for the mental),” she says.

She Gets Rest and Takes Time for Self-Care

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And, she allows her body the chance to regenerate. “I start my bedtime routine around 7:30pm so I can be in bed reading by 8pm and lights out at 9pm,” she says. “I also make time for self care and socialization — we NEED to spend time with the girls in order to be our best selves.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

6 Foods to Eat on Ozempic and 4 to Avoid

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Planning for Long-Term Success
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Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackFeb 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Have you noticed your appetite vanishing since starting Ozempic? You're not alone. While this breakthrough medication is transforming weight loss treatment, many patients are struggling with unexpected nutrition challenges. "It works so well that they forget to eat. We're actually seeing cases of malnutrition and dehydration," Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, a Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and a Physician Nutrition Specialist, and the associate director of the UCLA Medical Weight Management Clinic at UCLA Health, shared with WebMD. Don't let your weight loss journey compromise your health. Read on to discover the essential foods you need—and the ones to avoid—to make Ozempic work safely and effectively for you.

How Ozempic Changes Your Eating Patterns

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesity​These Were Game ChangersShutterstock

"We're still learning about how they work, but simplistically, I think of it in three ways," explains Dr. Surampudi. "One, they work in the way that we initially brought them to light with diabetes medications: They tell the pancreas to release more insulin, depending on what your blood glucose is. Two, they slow digestion down. Three, they also seem to have an effect on the brain, where they're actually quieting the brain down a little bit and helping you not think about food as much." Read on to learn six foods you should eat.

RELATED: 20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

1. High-Quality Proteins

An enticing close-up image of fresh, glistening raw salmon fillets artfully arranged on a bed of iceShutterstock

"Because these medications reduce your appetite and you can't eat as much, and because food stays in your stomach longer so you stay full longer, it's really important to make sure the food that you are eating is very high nutritional quality," explains Geri Lynn Grossan, registered dietitian nutritionist. She suggests eating protein first at meals since it's not something our bodies store.

2. Eggs and Lean Meats

Fresh chicken eggs​7. EggsShutterstock

Dr. Surampudi recommends focusing on the most bioavailable sources of protein: "Eggs, chicken, and fatty fishes are great sources of protein." These options are especially important when your appetite is reduced.

3. Plant-Based Proteins

Edamame,boiled green soybeans with salt​15. EdamameShutterstock

"If you're more plant-based or you prefer to avoid animal products, look at things like tofu, edamame, and tempeh, which are all soy products. You can also get protein out of lentils and some beans," Dr. Surampudi explains.

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

4. Colorful Vegetables

Red, Green and Yellow Bell Peppers12. Bell Peppers: 20 caloriesShutterstock

"Each color represents a different phytonutrient," explains Dr. Surampudi. "If you've got three different-colored bell peppers, you're getting three sets of different phytonutrients. That doesn't mean every plate has to look like a rainbow, but throughout the week make sure you're varying your vegetables."

5. Low-Sugar Fruits

Fresh red ripe raspberries. Raspberries background.47. Raspberries: 45 caloriesShutterstock

"Fruit over the years has gotten very, very sweet," notes Dr. Surampudi. "It has a higher carbohydrate count than once upon a time, so I usually recommend no more than two fruits per day, and people should view it more as a dessert or a snack."

6. Whole Grains and Legumes

Lentils,In,A,Bowl,On,A,Wooden,Table.,Red,Lentils​Beans and Lentils: The Hunger-Fighting Fiber ChampionsShutterstock

Grossan recommends incorporating whole grains, beans, lentils, and legumes as part of a balanced diet. These foods provide sustained energy and additional protein. Read on to discover four foods to avoid.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

1. High-Fat Foods

A slice of hot Italian pizza with stretching cheese. Pizza four cheeses with basil.​9. PizzaShutterstock

"Fats take a longer time to digest, so they already naturally spend a longer time in the stomach," Dr. Surampudi explains. "If you have an external stimulus that's slowing your digestion down, and then you have fat sitting in your stomach even longer, it might make you feel more nauseous."

2. Processed Foods

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Think about what your grandma was eating 50 years ago, suggests Grossan. The rise in processed foods has changed our understanding of real food, and these should be limited while on Ozempic.

3. Deep-Fried Items

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Dr. Surampudi specifically warns about avoiding "very highly processed fatty foods and deep fried foods" as they can increase side effects like nausea and vomiting.

4. Excess Alcohol

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"Alcohol can play a funny role. It can worsen side effects for some people, like nausea and vomiting," Dr. Surampudi cautions. She recommends following standard guidelines: two or fewer drinks per day for men and one or less for women.

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

Staying Hydrated is Essential

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Water becomes even more crucial while on Ozempic. "Not only does it curb hunger, but people sometimes forget that they're thirsty, so they're not drinking enough water," Dr. Surampudi emphasizes.

When Things Don't Feel Right

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If you're experiencing side effects, Dr. Surampudi advises: "Listen to your body. For overindulgence, take a walk. It helps with motility and getting the food to digest a little bit more." She also emphasizes the importance of talking to your doctor about dose adjustments if side effects persist.

The Long-Term View

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"I think this is just the beginning," Dr. Surampudi shares. "I think these medications are going to be an incredible tool in weight management. But it's important to remember it's just that: a tool in the toolbox, and we still need to prioritize diet and exercise."

RELATED:12 Tips to Maintain Weight Loss After Using Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications

Your Next Steps

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Consider working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan. Many insurance plans cover nutritional counseling for obesity, making it an accessible way to optimize your Ozempic journey while ensuring proper nutrition.

A healthy weight loss goal is about two pounds per week. If you're losing more than that, you might not be getting enough calories to support your body's needs. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Nutrition & Diet

Coach Lost 30 Lbs with These Fast Food Tips

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​Avocado Toast and Berries with Honey
Copyright keithozment_fitcoaching/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 18, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Has someone told you that to lose weight, you will have to stop eating at your favorite restaurants and fast food joints? That isn’t the case, says an expert. Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach specializing in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new social media post, he reveals that you don’t have to quit eating fast food or at popular chains to get in shape. “How I lost 30 pounds eating at my favorite restaurants,” he explains. “It’s easy once you do this.” He then reveals a few key tips – and what he orders at five of his go-to spots.

You Shouldn’t Eat at Restaurants Every Day

“So first and foremost, I don’t believe you should be relying on restaurant food daily. Preparing meals at home, focused on single ingredient whole foods will always give you the most efficient results when it comes to health and weight loss goals. However, when you do find yourself at a restaurant, follow these tips!” he writes.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Keep Calories Between 500 to 700 with 45 to 40 Grams of Protein

Tip one? “Regardless of what restaurant I go to, my goal is to keep the calories for that meal between 500-700 and protein at a minimum of 35-40 grams. This is a great rule of thumb to go by considering most meals at restaurants are over 1,200 calories!” he writes.

Check the Online Nutrition Calculator

His second tip is to see if the restaurant has an online nutrition calculator. “These calculators allow me to view the calories and protein amounts for all meals and even allow me to customize my own meal. Restaurants like Moe’s, Chipotle, Chick Fil a, iHop, Have epic online nutrition calculators!” he says.

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

Bring Your Own Chips

His third tip? “I will bring in my own chips,” he reveals. “I’ll usually keep a box of quest protein chips in my truck. Quest chips are 140 calories and have 20 grams of protein per bag. My favorite flavor is the sweet spicy chili or loaded taco.”

Watch Sauces and Condiments

Don’t load your food with sauce. “Be mindful of sauces and condiments! They add up fast!” he says.

Don’t Drink Your Calories

Don’t drink your calories. “I will choose diet soda or ask for club soda and fresh lime. Club soda is super carbonated and when I add the fresh lime, it taste like sprite!” he writes.

RELATED:10 Foods to Avoid If You're Trying to Burn Fat, Says Expert

Subway: Grilled Chicken Wrap

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He then reveals his “top 5 restaurants to stay on track!” and what he orders:

Subway

Grilled chicken wrap. No cheese. All veggies.

Calories: 500

Protein: 42

Carbs: 54

Fat: 11.

Applebees: Bourbon St Chicken and Shrimp

Applebee's casual family dining grill and bar restaurant, Saugus Massachusetts USA, December 11, 2019Shutterstock

Applebees

Bourbon St chicken & shrimp.

(Sub potatoes for steamed broccoli)

Calories: 585

Protein: 53g

Carbs: 10

Fat: 33g.

Waffle House: Eggs, Chicken, Hash Browns

Theodore, Alabama, USA - Feb. 4, 2024: A Waffle House restaurant is pictured in Theodore, Alabama. Waffle House, which operates chains in the United States, is known for always being open.

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Waffle House

3 eggs + side of chicken + side of hash browns.

Calories: 544

Protein: 51g

Carbs: 31g

Fat: 24g.

Panda Express: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Side of Super Greens

Bel Air,Maryland/United States-Feb 13 2020- Panda Express is a fast food restaurant chain which serves American Chinese cuisine. it is the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States.

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Panda Express

Grilled teriyaki chicken + side of super greens

Calories: 430

Protein: 47g

Carbs: 24g

Fats: 16g.

Chilis: Guiltless Menu

York, PA - December 30, 2016: Chili's bar and grill is a casual restaurant that specializes in Mexican cuisine.

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Chilis

“Can’t go wrong with choosing any meal of the Guiltless Grill menu section! Anything off that section of menu will put you under 650 calories and well over 30-40 grams of protein!” he says.

Start Your Day with 40 Grams Protein

Chicken Breast on Food Scale with Mushrooms and SpinachShutterstock

In another post he reveals details about his 40-30-20 program, starting with the 40. “Start your day with 40g of protein. A breakfast smoothie with protein powder, berries, and almond milk or overnight oats with Greek yogurt and protein powder are great options,” he writes. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Walk for 30 Minutes

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Next up, the 30. “Walk for 30 minutes daily. Split it into two 15-minute sessions if needed. Walking boosts metabolism, reduces stress, and aids fat loss,” he says. 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.

Lift Weights for 20 Minutes

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And finally, the 20. “Dedicate 20 minutes to weightlifting 3-4 days a week,” he adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.
And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Fitness & Workouts

He Lost 10% Fat with the StairMaster Routine

Matt Crouch mcfitness365
Copyright mcfitness365/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 18, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose body fat? There are cardio techniques that can help you achieve this fast, according to an expert. Matt Crouch is a fat loss coach and personal trainer who helps clients “lose fat/build muscle w/ custom workout & meal plans,” according to his Instagram bio. In a new post, he unveils a foolproof StairMaster routine for blasting fat. “If your goal is fat loss, this stairmaster routine will guarantee…” he writes. “I dropped to sub 10% body fat by doing this…”

LISS Cardio Helps Maximize Fat Burn

“The goal is to maximize fat burn by using fat as fuel through low-intensity steady-state (LISS) cardio,” he says, revealing details about the workout.

  • Goal: Fat Loss
  • Duration: 30 mins
  • Calories Burned: ~300
  • Training Zone: 2 (explained below).

StairMaster Routine

  • Minute 1-3 → Level 9
  • Minute 3-10 → Level 8
  • Minute 10-20 → Level 7
  • Minute 20-30 → Level 6 (if heart rate goes above 70% of max).

Stay in Zone 2

“Everyone is different, so focus on your heart rate! Stay in Zone 2,” he continues, explaining why Zone 2 training works. First, it “uses fat as the primary fuel source,” he says. Next, it “improves cardiovascular fitness & endurance,” he says. And finally, it “helps preserve muscle while burning fat.”

Combine It with the Following

“Fat loss is GUARANTEED when you combine this routine with,” he continues, revealing three other important things. The first? “A calorie deficit diet,” he says. The second? “A strength training plan,” he writes. And the third? Daily movement.

Consume EAA’s

He also offers a “pro tip” that involves essential amino acids. “Consume EAA’s intra-workout to prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism),” he suggests.

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

High-Protein Diet

In another post, he reveals the “5-Step Process” he follows to stay lean while building muscle, starting with a high-protein diet. “I hit at least 1g of protein per pound of body weight daily to support muscle growth while keeping me full and preventing overeating,” he writes.

Calorie Control

Next up, is calorie control. “I stay in a small deficit or maintenance ensuring my protein target is hit daily, to fuel muscle growth without excessive restrictions,” he writes.

Strength Training 4-5x/Week

Strength training four to five times a week is also essential. “I focus on progressive overload (adding weight, reps, or improving form) to ensure continuous muscle growth,” he writes.

Daily Steps & Cardio

He also gets his steps in and does other cardio. “I keep my NEAT high (10k+ steps daily) and include 1-2 cardio sessions per week to maintain a lean look,” he writes.

80/20 Diet

Finally, he follows the 80/20 diet. “I eat 80% whole, nutrient-dense foods and allow 20% flexibility to stay consistent without unnecessary fat gain,” he writes. “Stay disciplined, and you’ll build muscle without getting soft.” 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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