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I Only Ate Bananas For Three Days, and This Is What Happened

This influencer was shocked at the results.

Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastAug 27, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Gillian_Berry1
Copyright Gillian Berry/YouTube/Shutterstock
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastAug 27, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Nutrition & Diet

Health and wellness YouTube influencerGillian Berry is sharing what happened when she decided to do a fruit cleanse for three days. “Banana island, banana detox, banana diet...call it what you may, this is one cleanse I have always wanted to try after hearing Freelee the banana girl [Leanne Ratcliffe] talk about it years ago,” she says. Berry was aiming for ten days and managed exactly three before waving the white flag, but she came away with some interesting insights about her banana cleanse. Here’s what happened when she ate bananas, and nothing but bananas, for three days.

Aiming For 10 Days

Berry has done many cleanses in the past and always loved the experience. “It just has a way of giving you such mental clarity,” she says. “You feel so spiritual. Your digestion is amazing, and your sleep is amazing. Your mood is lifted, and your energy goes through the roof. I felt I was going through some hard times, and I wanted some extra mental clarity. So, this is why I chose to try out the cleanse at this time. My goal with this cleanse was to do ten days, and then if the ten days went great, I would do 30 days. So many people do 30 days, and they just say it's like the best cleanse ever.”

Why Bananas?

Bunch,Bananas,Sliced,Banana,fruit,foodShutterstock

One of the reasons Berry picked bananas for her mono-cleanse was because of the convenience. “Bananas are just super easy to always get in abundance at the grocery store,” she says. “You can buy it by the case, and they're so cheap, and it's just so easy. I'm super busy with my kids right now, and I thought this would be easy. Just grab a banana and go.”

Day One

Young cauciasian fitness woman wearing sport clothes training outdoors eating healthy banana and showing proud arm muscle.Shutterstock

Berry found day one easier than she expected. “I felt very full and very satisfied,” she says. “And this is one thing I absolutely love. What draws me to these mono-fruit cleanses is that you just feel so you can't overeat. Your body knows when it's time to stop. It doesn't want any more of that one food, and you feel satisfied and satiated in a way that you've never felt.”

Never Felt Better

Healthy,Smiling,Sports,Fitness,Slim,Woman,happy,banana,fruitShutterstock

Berry’s digestive system responded well to the cleanse. “To be honest, the first day of the cleanse, I thought, this is my favorite cleanse I have ever done,” she said. “I have never felt better in my entire life, and it could be because I hadn't done a cleanse in a while. I don't know. Usually, I feel absolutely amazing on my raw diet anyway, but I was like, wow, this is what I needed. I feel so good. I also said that I had three bowel movements. Usually, I have two to four anyway.”

RELATED:I’m 60, and These Are 25 Anti-Aging Habits I Wish I Started Doing Sooner

Mental Clarity

Fresh bananas on wooden backgroundShutterstock

Berry experienced an excellent level of mental clarity by the evening of the first day. “And then I also felt much more calm and a lot happier,” she says. “So that's one thing that I noticed the most lately. I've had a little bit of stress, and I noticed that with just the mono fruit on that day, I felt extremely calm. It was just this next-level calmness, which was incredible. And I noticed I was laughing a lot more, and my stomach and digestion felt amazing.”

Try One Day

Berry felt even that one first day was worth it. “If you're thinking about doing a cleanse and multiple days seem too much, I definitely recommend trying one day on bananas. You might be pleasantly surprised and realize you can do just one day on bananas,” she says. “And by the afternoon, you might start feeling amazing and love it. So don't be afraid to give it a shot.”

How Many Bananas?

Yellow,Bananas,Stacked,grocery,store,fruitShutterstock

Berry started feeling hungry on day two. “On day one, I ate about 17 or 18 bananas, and then on day two, I ate 20 bananas,” she says. “I didn't make as many notes, but I started to become hungry, not for bananas. My body wanted other things, and I was still doing good but not amazing. Definitely, the first day was better, but I still hung in there because I know with cleanses, there can be challenging days and good days, and I thought, I'm still going to hang in here for this.”

Weight Loss On Bananas

Banana,Tree,Bunch,Growing,Ripe,Yellow,Bananas,,PlantationShutterstock

On day three, Berry did not want to eat any more bananas. “I ate about 18 or 20 bananas on day three,” she says. “I didn't do a weight loss before and after, but I could feel I probably lost about four pounds, I would guess, on those three days. Day three was kind of similar to day two. And again, my bowel movements were fine. I know some of my friends were saying, don't bananas back you up and stuff like this, but absolutely not.”

RELATED:Top 10 High Protein Foods to Burn Fat You Should Be Eating Every Day, According to a Kinesiologist

Flat Stomach, Good Sleep

Fit,Athletic,post, workout, jogging, running,fitness,banana,waterShutterstock

Berry slept well on the banana cleanse. “My stomach felt flat, amazing,” she says. “I slept really well, and it was hard for me to fall asleep, too. When I'm cleansing, and I'm eating fruits or green juices without any fats or anything, it's really hard for me to fall asleep at night. I feel absolutely wired, and I feel like I need a lot less sleep just because you're buzzing from the electricity.

No More Bananas!

,Cutting,Banana,Slices.,Sliced,Banana.,Banana,Slices.,Preparing,Fruit,foodShutterstock

Berry finally cracked at the end of day three. “I just felt like I could not eat one more banana,” she says. “I felt like I don't know how people do this. I respect people who can eat bananas for 30 days. I found it super easy with other fruits or if it was juice cleansing, but I literally felt like my stomach was rejecting it and did not want to eat one more banana. I decided to order a salad. It was absolutely amazing.”

No Regrets

bananas on a wooden tableShutterstock

Berry says she would definitely encourage others to try the banana cleanse. “Even though I only made it three days, I would definitely recommend other people try it,” she says. “If you're thinking about doing a cleanse, and especially if a juice cleanse feels like too much work to you, or if other fruits aren't in season, and if you feel called to do it, then definitely try it. It might work for you, and you might be one of these people who totally changed their lives by doing three weeks or a month on it.”

RELATED:20 Ways to Maximize Burning Fat While Walking

Be Prepared

Berry recommends keeping a massive amount of bananas on hand for anyone who wants to try the cleanse. “So when you're doing an amount of fruit cleanse like this, or even a juice cleanse, you want to have a lot more on hand than you think because you'll eat a lot more than you realize and just be prepared,” she says. “If you're not prepared, it's just so much easier to order, take out delivery, whatever, and start falling off the wagon and order something else.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

healthy eating

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Nutrition & Diet

I Only Ate Bananas For Three Days, and This Is What Happened

Gillian_Berry1
Copyright Gillian Berry/YouTube/Shutterstock
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastAug 27, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Health and wellness YouTube influencerGillian Berry is sharing what happened when she decided to do a fruit cleanse for three days. “Banana island, banana detox, banana diet...call it what you may, this is one cleanse I have always wanted to try after hearing Freelee the banana girl [Leanne Ratcliffe] talk about it years ago,” she says. Berry was aiming for ten days and managed exactly three before waving the white flag, but she came away with some interesting insights about her banana cleanse. Here’s what happened when she ate bananas, and nothing but bananas, for three days.

Aiming For 10 Days

Berry has done many cleanses in the past and always loved the experience. “It just has a way of giving you such mental clarity,” she says. “You feel so spiritual. Your digestion is amazing, and your sleep is amazing. Your mood is lifted, and your energy goes through the roof. I felt I was going through some hard times, and I wanted some extra mental clarity. So, this is why I chose to try out the cleanse at this time. My goal with this cleanse was to do ten days, and then if the ten days went great, I would do 30 days. So many people do 30 days, and they just say it's like the best cleanse ever.”

Why Bananas?

Bunch,Bananas,Sliced,Banana,fruit,foodShutterstock

One of the reasons Berry picked bananas for her mono-cleanse was because of the convenience. “Bananas are just super easy to always get in abundance at the grocery store,” she says. “You can buy it by the case, and they're so cheap, and it's just so easy. I'm super busy with my kids right now, and I thought this would be easy. Just grab a banana and go.”

Day One

Young cauciasian fitness woman wearing sport clothes training outdoors eating healthy banana and showing proud arm muscle.Shutterstock

Berry found day one easier than she expected. “I felt very full and very satisfied,” she says. “And this is one thing I absolutely love. What draws me to these mono-fruit cleanses is that you just feel so you can't overeat. Your body knows when it's time to stop. It doesn't want any more of that one food, and you feel satisfied and satiated in a way that you've never felt.”

Never Felt Better

Healthy,Smiling,Sports,Fitness,Slim,Woman,happy,banana,fruitShutterstock

Berry’s digestive system responded well to the cleanse. “To be honest, the first day of the cleanse, I thought, this is my favorite cleanse I have ever done,” she said. “I have never felt better in my entire life, and it could be because I hadn't done a cleanse in a while. I don't know. Usually, I feel absolutely amazing on my raw diet anyway, but I was like, wow, this is what I needed. I feel so good. I also said that I had three bowel movements. Usually, I have two to four anyway.”

RELATED:I’m 60, and These Are 25 Anti-Aging Habits I Wish I Started Doing Sooner

Mental Clarity

Fresh bananas on wooden backgroundShutterstock

Berry experienced an excellent level of mental clarity by the evening of the first day. “And then I also felt much more calm and a lot happier,” she says. “So that's one thing that I noticed the most lately. I've had a little bit of stress, and I noticed that with just the mono fruit on that day, I felt extremely calm. It was just this next-level calmness, which was incredible. And I noticed I was laughing a lot more, and my stomach and digestion felt amazing.”

Try One Day

Berry felt even that one first day was worth it. “If you're thinking about doing a cleanse and multiple days seem too much, I definitely recommend trying one day on bananas. You might be pleasantly surprised and realize you can do just one day on bananas,” she says. “And by the afternoon, you might start feeling amazing and love it. So don't be afraid to give it a shot.”

How Many Bananas?

Yellow,Bananas,Stacked,grocery,store,fruitShutterstock

Berry started feeling hungry on day two. “On day one, I ate about 17 or 18 bananas, and then on day two, I ate 20 bananas,” she says. “I didn't make as many notes, but I started to become hungry, not for bananas. My body wanted other things, and I was still doing good but not amazing. Definitely, the first day was better, but I still hung in there because I know with cleanses, there can be challenging days and good days, and I thought, I'm still going to hang in here for this.”

Weight Loss On Bananas

Banana,Tree,Bunch,Growing,Ripe,Yellow,Bananas,,PlantationShutterstock

On day three, Berry did not want to eat any more bananas. “I ate about 18 or 20 bananas on day three,” she says. “I didn't do a weight loss before and after, but I could feel I probably lost about four pounds, I would guess, on those three days. Day three was kind of similar to day two. And again, my bowel movements were fine. I know some of my friends were saying, don't bananas back you up and stuff like this, but absolutely not.”

RELATED:Top 10 High Protein Foods to Burn Fat You Should Be Eating Every Day, According to a Kinesiologist

Flat Stomach, Good Sleep

Fit,Athletic,post, workout, jogging, running,fitness,banana,waterShutterstock

Berry slept well on the banana cleanse. “My stomach felt flat, amazing,” she says. “I slept really well, and it was hard for me to fall asleep, too. When I'm cleansing, and I'm eating fruits or green juices without any fats or anything, it's really hard for me to fall asleep at night. I feel absolutely wired, and I feel like I need a lot less sleep just because you're buzzing from the electricity.

No More Bananas!

,Cutting,Banana,Slices.,Sliced,Banana.,Banana,Slices.,Preparing,Fruit,foodShutterstock

Berry finally cracked at the end of day three. “I just felt like I could not eat one more banana,” she says. “I felt like I don't know how people do this. I respect people who can eat bananas for 30 days. I found it super easy with other fruits or if it was juice cleansing, but I literally felt like my stomach was rejecting it and did not want to eat one more banana. I decided to order a salad. It was absolutely amazing.”

No Regrets

bananas on a wooden tableShutterstock

Berry says she would definitely encourage others to try the banana cleanse. “Even though I only made it three days, I would definitely recommend other people try it,” she says. “If you're thinking about doing a cleanse, and especially if a juice cleanse feels like too much work to you, or if other fruits aren't in season, and if you feel called to do it, then definitely try it. It might work for you, and you might be one of these people who totally changed their lives by doing three weeks or a month on it.”

RELATED:20 Ways to Maximize Burning Fat While Walking

Be Prepared

Berry recommends keeping a massive amount of bananas on hand for anyone who wants to try the cleanse. “So when you're doing an amount of fruit cleanse like this, or even a juice cleanse, you want to have a lot more on hand than you think because you'll eat a lot more than you realize and just be prepared,” she says. “If you're not prepared, it's just so much easier to order, take out delivery, whatever, and start falling off the wagon and order something else.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Fitness & Workouts

I Lost 45 Pounds and Got Rid of Stomach Fat by Cutting Out These 6 Foods

Katie Dunlop Love Sweat Fitness
Love Sweat Fitness/Facebook
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 11, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

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.

Nutrition & Diet

I Went Sugar, Gluten, and Dairy Free for 60 Days and Here Is What Happened

Brandon_William1
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 16, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Are you considering quitting sugar, dairy, and gluten? Brandon William is a social media influencer with over 1.7 million YouTube subscribers whose “goal is to motivate people to become the best possible versions of themselves,” he writes in his bio. In a recent viral YouTube video he documents his experience of going sugar, gluten, and dairy-free for 60 days, revealing some of the benefits – and negatives – of the experiment.

His Journey Was Motivated by Skin Problems

“No dairy, no gluten, no sugar for 60 days. You might be wondering, why would you do such a thing?” he says at the start of the clip. “I've been struggling with acne and skin problems for the last four years. I've cleared it before using antibiotics, but that was only the bandaid of the problem. I know that the real cause of my skin problems is the food that I eat. I would notice after eating too much sugar, dairy, or gluten that my skin problems would flare up.”

He Decided to Give Up the Good That He Loves Most

“After researching further into it, my hypothesis seemed to be confirmed. But even though I knew the food I ate was the cause, the only issue is that it's the exact food that I love most, and I have never been able to cut it out for good. But now I'm a YouTuber, and my goal is to help motivate all of you to become the best possible versions of yourselves. I can't preach until I conquer this challenge,” he says.

The First Few Days Were “Pretty Tough,” and He Experienced Headaches

“The first few days were pretty tough,” he admits.”I ate super clean but was starting to feel one of the many side effects of this new diet. Headaches. Every time a strong craving hit, I had to fight it off mentally, which would often cause a headache that just wouldn't go away.”

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and Here Are 19 Protein Truths You Need to Hear

Most of the Food Was Bland, So He Ate Out A Lot

“It was especially tough to be only drinking water as I normally would drink a sweet beverage with every meal,” he added. “Considering my cooking skills aren't the best, getting creative and figuring out what to eat every day was a struggle,” he continued. “A lot of the food I ate was bland, making it very unenjoyable and that much harder to stay away from the cravings. This meant that I often had to eat out, and every single time, I had to be a pain and ask the people to make everything I ate gluten and dairy-free. Luckily, there's a large variety of dairy-free and gluten-free options when eating out. So it really helped with my cravings.”

Here Is What He Ate in a Day

“When I wasn't eating out, though, my new diet looked something like this: Eggs with gluten-free bread and avocado for breakfast, some kind of fruit as a snack. Then, chicken or steak with salad for lunch. And lastly, for dinner, a turkey sandwich with gluten-free bread,” he continued.

His Skin Improved

He reveals that one of the first things he noticed was that his skin cleared up. “Around two weeks in, I started to notice improvements in my acne, which was really exciting,” he says.

RELATED: I Shrunk From Size 22 to 8 With These 15 Tips That Actually Work

Other Benefits Included Improved Sleep, Energy, and Overall Self-Discipline

“Some of the other benefits I was noticing from this diet were better sleep, an increase of energy, and, surprisingly, an increase in my self-discipline. And I think the reason for that comes down to this. In those areas of my life, working and exercising do not take nearly as much willpower as sticking to this new diet. So psychologically, because I'm following this diet that takes so much willpower to push through, it's making the other tasks that aren't so hard to do feel much easier. The resistance towards them feels weak, therefore making them feel easier to do,” he says.

One Con? He Couldn’t Work Out As Hard

However, it wasn't all positive. “I was starting to notice an impact on my workout. No gluten and no sugar keep me relatively low on carbs, just naturally. And I definitely feel it in every single workout. Don't feel as strong and can't do as many reps. Not only that but putting on muscle and gaining weight also became difficult. Since I had to avoid a lot of food, it made it tough to get all my calories in, and instead of building muscle, I was starting to lose weight,” he revealed.

His Skin Continued to Improve

Even after experiencing “three full weeks of stress,” his skin continued to improve. “I started out as a person who had a bunch of acne. I was constantly overeating on sweets, eating chips, and drinking sweet beverages with every single meal I ate. Now, 60 days later, my skin has almost completely cleared up, with only faint red remnants of the previous acne healing. Also, the red and itchy eczema that I had on the inside of my arm at the beginning of the challenge is now completely gone,” he attests.

RELATED: I Lost 250 Pounds With 5 Simple Walking Tricks

He Hopes His Journey Will Inspire Others

“Now, the point of this video isn't necessarily to tell you to go ahead and follow this diet. The main point that I want to get across is that through the power of consistency and patience, you can achieve anything,” he says. “It's how I got into good shape, how I built a successful YouTube channel, and now how I've cleared my acne. So, whatever issue or problem you have that you're trying to overcome or whatever goal you want to achieve, start today with consistency. And so long as you stick with it day in and day out, I promise you, you will achieve it.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Nutrition & Diet

6 Ways to Boost Your Fitness with Bananas, Says Nutritionist

Beautiful red-haired woman in sunglasses holds a banana and fools around. Attractive European girl in a dress posing on a yellow background charmingly smiles.
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 05, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

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.

What is the most popular fruit in the United States? According to the International Fresh Produce Association, bananas. A 2022 survey found that 63 percent of Americans buy bananas annually, making them more popular than strawberries, grapes, and even apples. After all, bananas are inexpensive, readily available 365 days a year, and they are nutritious. Here is why you should be throwing bananas in your shopping cart every trip to the grocery store, according to Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, media dietitian and creator of BetterThanDieting.com.

Bananas Are Good for Your Health

Fit,Athletic,post, workout, jogging, running,fitness,banana,waterShutterstock

“Bananas are rich in potassium, and potassium plays an essential role in muscle contraction and heart rhythm,” explains Taub-Dix. Bananas might also prevent muscle cramps, she adds.

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

They Offer a Boost of Energy

Nutrition.,Sports,,Eating,Banana,During,Training,gym,fitness,workoutShutterstock

“You’ll also get carbs from bananas that provide an energy boost,” she says, noting that they make a great post-workout snack. “Add a schmear of almond butter for sustained satisfaction and fullness.”

You Can Eat Them 30 to 60 Minutes Before a Workout

Fresh bananas on wooden backgroundShutterstock

Even if you don’t like to eat meals before you exercise, consider a banana for energy. “You might want to try a banana 30 to 60 minutes before you workout,” says Taub-Dix. “But they’re great any time of day.”

Eating Too Many May Cause Bloating

Yellow,Bananas,Stacked,grocery,store,fruitShutterstock

You might not want to overdo it, however. “You can eat bananas every day, but just be aware that for some people, bananas can be constipating, which can cause you to feel heavy and bloated — not a very welcoming feeling when you’re ready to exercise,” she says.

Pair a Banana with Protein or Healthy Fat

Banana,Yogurt,And,Spoon,breakfastShutterstock

Mariana Dineen, registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health, suggests pairing a banana with a source of protein or healthy fat, as it is an excellent way to create a more balanced nutritional profile. “This combination helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, which can prevent spikes and crashes, and also aids in satiety,” she says.

RELATED:The Healthiest Way to Eat Your Bananas, According to Nutrition Experts

It Helps Slow Down the Absorption of Sugar Into Your Bloodstream

Healthy,Smiling,Sports,Fitness,Slim,Woman,happy,banana,fruitShutterstock

She explains that eating a banana with a handful of nuts or a dollop of yogurt not only adds essential proteins and fats to your meal but also slows down the absorption of sugar from the banana into your bloodstream. “This results in a more gradual rise in blood sugar and energy levels, providing a sustained source of energy rather than a quick burst followed by a drop. This approach is particularly beneficial for maintaining energy levels, managing hunger, and supporting overall metabolic health.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Next time you eat a banana, try adding a little peanut butter or yogurt.

Nutrition & Diet

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Here's What Happened

Keegan Acton
Copyright Keegan Acton/YouTube
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 14, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach

Can you lose water by upping your water intake? According to one YouTuber, the answer is yes. Keegan Acton is a social media influencer who shares tips and hacks with her followers. In one viral video she reveals what happened when she majorly upped her water intake. “I've seen this video floating around YouTube where people drink a gallon of water a day for seven days, and I thought, why not try it out?” she says at the start of the clip. “I lost so much weight in these seven days that it was concerning,” she adds.

She Kept Her Diet and Exercise Routine the Same

She went on Amazon and bought a half gallon water bottle and drank a gallon of water every day for a week. “I also wanted to note that throughout this week I made sure to eat foods that I would normally eat and work out as much as I would normally work out. So I know that all my results are from the water and not from anything else,” she says in the video.

She Tried to Drink the Water Earlier in the Day

She also tries to get her water intake fulfilled by mid-afternoon, so she doesn’t have to “go to the bathroom that much later in the day, especially throughout the night, which I was kind of nervous about.”

She Had to Go to the Bathroom “All the Time”

“I have to go to the bathroom all the time,” she says. “My urine was clear. It was literally as clear as water.”

It May Not Be Sustainable for a Lot of People

Closeup on mineral water bottles in raw and linesShutterstock

“If you're in an office or you run errands or you drive a lot for work or you do something like that, I don't think this would be that sustainable. I guess even if you work from an office, you have a bathroom,” she says.

Her Hunger Decreased

“It is three o'clock. I have not eaten or been hungry at all today. Obviously it's because my stomach is just filled with so much water,” she says. “I needed to make it an intentional thing that I do need to eat even if I'm not hungry because I'm not like getting my nutrients.”

She Lost Almost 5 Pounds in 7 Days

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

“I lost 4.6 pounds. I almost lost five pounds in seven days. That is absolutely crazy,” she says. Did she gain all the weight back the second she stopped drinking so much water? “The answer is yes, kind of,” she admits, noting that a month later she “probably gained back two pounds after I was done and then the two three pounds kind of stayed off.”

RELATED:Eat These 10 High-Protein Foods to Melt Fat and Sculpt Muscle Fast

It Didn’t Improve Her Complexion

She also was curious how it would impact her complexion. “My skin I would say didn't really change that much,” she says.

She Didn’t Get As Many Headaches

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

“There were a few other things that I wasn't looking for that I did notice throughout this week. The first one was that I did not get as many headaches as I normally do,” she reveals.

She Also Felt More Energized

“The second one was that I had a ton of energy. I'm a pretty high energy person,” she adds.

She Was Bloated the First Few Days, and Then Felt “Very Unbloated”

“The last one is bloating. The first few days I was super bloated and then after that I felt very unbloated, so that's a plus,” she says.

How to Drink Water Safely

Senior man, fitness and drinking water in nature for hydration or natural sustainability after workout. Mature male person with mineral drink from exercise, training or cardio in recovery or breakShutterstock

If you're considering increasing your water intake, it’s important to do so safely to avoid potential side effects like bloating or overhydration. Start by gradually increasing your daily intake rather than jumping to a gallon immediately. Spread your water consumption throughout the day to help your body adjust, and avoid drinking too much water in a short period, which can lead to imbalances like hyponatremia. Listen to your body’s signals—if you feel too full or uncomfortable, slow down your intake. And remember, while water is important, maintaining a balanced diet for proper nutrient intake is essential. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Mom Lost 60 Pounds and Shares 6 Bits of “Brutal Honesty”

theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 22, 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 curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.

When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

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

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Nutrition & Diet

4 Protein Mistakes Preventing You From Losing Weight

Cherisse Kozloski cherisse_rykercoaching
Copyright cherisse_rykercoaching/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 21, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you on a high-protein diet for fat loss but can’t seem to lose weight? You could be making a common mistake, according to an expert. Cherisse Kozloski is a nutrition coach and personal trainer who helps her clients lose weight and keep it off. In a new post, she discusses some slip-ups that many seem to be making. Most women eating a high protein diet but not losing fat are making these common mistakes,” she writes. “Are these mistakes stopping your progress?”

Mistake 1: You Aren’t Counting Calories

The first mistake? “Not paying attention to your overall calories,” she reveals. “Eating more protein doesn’t automatically mean fat loss. If you’re not mindful of your portions, you could be consuming more calories than you burn, a surplus is a surplus.”

Solution: Measure or Weigh Your Food

How can you correct this? “Weigh or measure your food at least for a little while so you can get a good idea of what a serving size actually is,” she suggests.

Mistake 2: Choosing Food Labeled “High Protein

The second mistake people make? “Choosing foods labeled as ‘high protein’” she says. “Many foods labeled ‘high protein’ actually aren’t.”

Solution: Calculate Yourself

Her solution? Do your own calculations. “Remember the 10/1 rule for every 100 calories you want to get at least 10 grams of protein to be considered high protein,” she says.

Mistake 3: Skipping Healthy Fats

Mistake three has to do with going too low-fat. “Skipping healthy fats,” she says. “Avoiding fats completely can leave you hungry, mess with your hormones, and make it harder to stick to your diet.”

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

Solution: Eat Healthy Fats

The solution is simple. “Add fats into your diet like avocado, olive oil, and nuts,” she says. “But remember they are calorie dense so be mindful of how much you’re consuming.”

Mistake 4: Eating too Many Processed Foods

The fourth and final mistake? Just because something is high in protein doesn’t mean it’s good for you. “Eating too many processed foods,” is a no-no. “Protein bars and shakes are convenient but often packed with sugar and additives,” she says.

Solution: Eat Whole Food Protein Sources

Instead, stay away from packaged foods and shop the grocery store's perimeter. “Focus on whole-food protein sources like shrimp, boneless chicken thighs, and eggs to nourish your body and support fat loss,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Fitness & Workouts

Coach Lost 20 Pounds by Doing These 5 Things

Dylan Hornof dylanjfit
Copyright dylanjfit/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 21, 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 just getting started on your weight loss journey and are overwhelmed by all the advice you are getting? According to one expert, there is a simple, foolproof approach. Dylan Hornof is a personal trainer and fitness coach who transformed her body and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals that a handful of habits were instrumental in her weight loss. “5 things I’ve done to lose 20lbs and keep it off for years,” she writes in the post.

Drinking Less Alcohol

You might consider putting down the bottle if you are drinking your calories. Dylan reveals that drinking less helped her lose more weight. “I worked through my relationship with alcohol - I had to break the habit of drinking multiple days on the weekend,” she said. There is another non-weight-related benefit. “This helped me lose lbs and lower a lot of inflammation in my body and face)” she says.

Walking More

Dylan also recommends walking. “A walk a day (move your body more) it’s that simple. We are not meant to sit all day. Outside, on a treadmill - get your steps in!” she says. How much should you walk for weight loss, according to science? A 2018 study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Eating Consistently

It can be tempting to starve yourself to lose weight. However, Dylan points out that you need to fuel your body. “Ate MORE food consistently. Hear me out - when you’re eating 1,200 calories and falling off all the time you’re not going see results. Up your calories and find consistency with your food,” she says.

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

Strength Training with Purpose

Dylan points out that you should focus on quality over quantity in your strength training workout. “I train with purpose. My weight lifting is intentional - I push myself and challenge myself with the weights I use,” she says.

Focusing on Whole Foods

And finally, she cleaned up her diet. “I stopped hitting my macros with whatever food I could fit in. I choose to eat 90% whole foods everyday (I do believe in balance and I am a huge foodie - you CAN fit ‘fun’ foods in) but focusing on more clean foods helped me feel less ‘puffy’.” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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