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        What Would Happen to Your Body if You Only Ate Eggs for 30 Days
    Eggs are amazing!
By Ferozan MastAug 23, 2024
Ferozan Mast
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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
✓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.

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By Ferozan MastAug 23, 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
✓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.
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Eggs are delicious, nourishing, and versatile—and Dr. Eric Berg, DC, is a massive fan of these little superfoods. What makes eggs so unique? Aside from being relatively affordable, they are whole foods that are full of crucial nutrients for health, wellness, and fitness. “So what would happen if you just relied on eggs as your only source of protein? You would actually do much better health-wise. And that's what I want to get into in this video,” he says. Here’s what would happen if you switched to getting all your protein from eggs for 30 days.
Quality ProteinEggs are a whole food and packed with nutrients. “The egg is the highest quality source of protein other than breast milk,” Dr. Berg says. “It has virtually every nutrient that you need, and its amino acid profile is complete. The nutrients and amino acids are very bioavailable. The waste product from eggs is so minimal because you're utilizing all this great protein. So eggs are number one, meat is number two, dairy is three, and plant-based protein is low on the list.”
Protein BenefitsShutterstock
Protein impacts much more than muscle building and satiety. “Sometimes people think about proteins as just muscle, but you have all the enzymes in your body,” Dr. Berg says. “The different metabolic pathways are all proteins. A good portion of your skin is protein. A good portion of your bone is protein. Your immune system is proteins. So when we're trying to replenish or repair proteins, we need sufficient proteins in a bioavailable source that our body can really use efficiently.”
Bioavailable ProteinShutterstock
Dr. Berg says eggs are at the top of the list for bioavailable proteins. “One egg will give you seven grams of protein and virtually every single nutrient. It may not give you all the vitamin C, but it will give you the B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K one, and K two, omega-3 fatty acids… So this is packed full of nutrients.”
RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50
CholineShutterstock
Whole eggs are one of the best sources of choline. “Choline, which is a really important nutrient that can help prevent a fatty liver,” says Dr. Berg. “In fact, if you're deficient in choline, you will get a fatty liver. But choline is also necessary for a healthy brain, and choline is a really good antidote to high cholesterol.”
Eggs For Eye HealthShutterstock
Eggs are very good for eye health. “Lutein and zeaxanthin, these are two compounds that greatly support the macula of the eye,” Dr. Berg says. “There's a thing called age-related macular degeneration. And these two compounds can help prevent that condition. Then, we have something called phospholipids. What's that? It's a combination of lipids and phosphorus, which is a great anti-inflammatory. It's very important in building your cell membranes.”
Eat the Whole EggShutterstock
If you want to build muscle, eat the whole yolk, Dr. Berg says. “People have been confused about the egg whites and the yolk. They think that all the protein is in the egg whites, but did you realize that if we compare per hundred grams of the yolk versus the white, the yolk has 16.4 grams of protein per hundred grams, and the white only has 10.8 grams of protein per hundred grams. So, per weight, the yolk has more protein. Not to mention, it has so many other things that are essential for repair and even preventing something called sarcopenia, which is an age-related muscle loss condition.”
RELATED: Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days Over 50 on Simple Animal Protein and Fruit Diet
Cook Your EggsShutterstock
Dr. Berg says to be mindful of raw egg consumption. “The problem with raw eggs—and I'm not against it in certain amounts—but raw eggs have a protease inhibitor. That means that the enzyme that helps break down protein is inhibited. So you may not get the full benefit of that egg white. Not to mention you may develop a biotin deficiency if you have a large amount. And so this compound is kind of nullified when you heat the egg when you cook the egg.”
Take It Over-EasyShutterstock
Dr. Berg loves a runny yolk. “The best form of an egg I would recommend is something like an over-easy egg where the egg yolk is runny, but you're cooking the white part,” he says. “But even if you scramble your egg, or you hard boil your egg, you're still gaining a lot of benefits. So I don't want to get too far in the woods with the cooking methods of an egg, but I will say that at this point, realize that eggs, in general, are super, super healthy, especially if you wanna get a high-quality source of amino acids.”
Mix it UpShutterstock
Try different recipes to avoid getting bored with eggs. “The only drawback I see that it has is nothing related to health,” Dr. Berg says. “It has to do with maybe boredom and making your foods more interesting by adding different protein sources. But if you were to just to consume eggs as your primary protein source, you would not only increase your health, but you would probably increase your digestion as well because eggs seem to be very easily digested for most people unless you have an allergy.”
RELATED: 4 Meals I Ate to Lose 30 Pounds in 12 Weeks
Can I Eat Eggs Every Day?Shutterstock
The official guidelines on eggs have changed over the years. "The urban myth out there is that eggs are bad for your heart. It's not a total myth, but we've known that guidelines for healthy eating took out previous advice to limit dietary cholesterol because it really didn't make a big difference in overall cholesterol. The cholesterol is in the egg yolk," Dr. James O'Keefe, Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid-America Heart Institute, tells ABC News. "As we get older, we need higher amounts of protein to maintain muscle mass. Muscle mass and physical strength are two predictors of healthy aging. It's important to maintain and build muscle mass in middle age and beyond. Eggs are an inexpensive, widely available source of protein.” Always talk to your doctor before starting any new diet regimen! 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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Nutrition & Diet
        What Would Happen to Your Body if You Only Ate Eggs for 30 Days
    

        Shutterstock
    
By Ferozan MastAug 23, 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
✓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.
Eggs are delicious, nourishing, and versatile—and Dr. Eric Berg, DC, is a massive fan of these little superfoods. What makes eggs so unique? Aside from being relatively affordable, they are whole foods that are full of crucial nutrients for health, wellness, and fitness. “So what would happen if you just relied on eggs as your only source of protein? You would actually do much better health-wise. And that's what I want to get into in this video,” he says. Here’s what would happen if you switched to getting all your protein from eggs for 30 days.
Quality ProteinEggs are a whole food and packed with nutrients. “The egg is the highest quality source of protein other than breast milk,” Dr. Berg says. “It has virtually every nutrient that you need, and its amino acid profile is complete. The nutrients and amino acids are very bioavailable. The waste product from eggs is so minimal because you're utilizing all this great protein. So eggs are number one, meat is number two, dairy is three, and plant-based protein is low on the list.”
Protein BenefitsShutterstock
Protein impacts much more than muscle building and satiety. “Sometimes people think about proteins as just muscle, but you have all the enzymes in your body,” Dr. Berg says. “The different metabolic pathways are all proteins. A good portion of your skin is protein. A good portion of your bone is protein. Your immune system is proteins. So when we're trying to replenish or repair proteins, we need sufficient proteins in a bioavailable source that our body can really use efficiently.”
Bioavailable ProteinShutterstock
Dr. Berg says eggs are at the top of the list for bioavailable proteins. “One egg will give you seven grams of protein and virtually every single nutrient. It may not give you all the vitamin C, but it will give you the B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K one, and K two, omega-3 fatty acids… So this is packed full of nutrients.”
RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50
CholineShutterstock
Whole eggs are one of the best sources of choline. “Choline, which is a really important nutrient that can help prevent a fatty liver,” says Dr. Berg. “In fact, if you're deficient in choline, you will get a fatty liver. But choline is also necessary for a healthy brain, and choline is a really good antidote to high cholesterol.”
Eggs For Eye HealthShutterstock
Eggs are very good for eye health. “Lutein and zeaxanthin, these are two compounds that greatly support the macula of the eye,” Dr. Berg says. “There's a thing called age-related macular degeneration. And these two compounds can help prevent that condition. Then, we have something called phospholipids. What's that? It's a combination of lipids and phosphorus, which is a great anti-inflammatory. It's very important in building your cell membranes.”
Eat the Whole EggShutterstock
If you want to build muscle, eat the whole yolk, Dr. Berg says. “People have been confused about the egg whites and the yolk. They think that all the protein is in the egg whites, but did you realize that if we compare per hundred grams of the yolk versus the white, the yolk has 16.4 grams of protein per hundred grams, and the white only has 10.8 grams of protein per hundred grams. So, per weight, the yolk has more protein. Not to mention, it has so many other things that are essential for repair and even preventing something called sarcopenia, which is an age-related muscle loss condition.”
RELATED: Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days Over 50 on Simple Animal Protein and Fruit Diet
Cook Your EggsShutterstock
Dr. Berg says to be mindful of raw egg consumption. “The problem with raw eggs—and I'm not against it in certain amounts—but raw eggs have a protease inhibitor. That means that the enzyme that helps break down protein is inhibited. So you may not get the full benefit of that egg white. Not to mention you may develop a biotin deficiency if you have a large amount. And so this compound is kind of nullified when you heat the egg when you cook the egg.”
Take It Over-EasyShutterstock
Dr. Berg loves a runny yolk. “The best form of an egg I would recommend is something like an over-easy egg where the egg yolk is runny, but you're cooking the white part,” he says. “But even if you scramble your egg, or you hard boil your egg, you're still gaining a lot of benefits. So I don't want to get too far in the woods with the cooking methods of an egg, but I will say that at this point, realize that eggs, in general, are super, super healthy, especially if you wanna get a high-quality source of amino acids.”
Mix it UpShutterstock
Try different recipes to avoid getting bored with eggs. “The only drawback I see that it has is nothing related to health,” Dr. Berg says. “It has to do with maybe boredom and making your foods more interesting by adding different protein sources. But if you were to just to consume eggs as your primary protein source, you would not only increase your health, but you would probably increase your digestion as well because eggs seem to be very easily digested for most people unless you have an allergy.”
RELATED: 4 Meals I Ate to Lose 30 Pounds in 12 Weeks
Can I Eat Eggs Every Day?Shutterstock
The official guidelines on eggs have changed over the years. "The urban myth out there is that eggs are bad for your heart. It's not a total myth, but we've known that guidelines for healthy eating took out previous advice to limit dietary cholesterol because it really didn't make a big difference in overall cholesterol. The cholesterol is in the egg yolk," Dr. James O'Keefe, Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid-America Heart Institute, tells ABC News. "As we get older, we need higher amounts of protein to maintain muscle mass. Muscle mass and physical strength are two predictors of healthy aging. It's important to maintain and build muscle mass in middle age and beyond. Eggs are an inexpensive, widely available source of protein.” Always talk to your doctor before starting any new diet regimen! 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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        What Would Happen to Your Body If You Ate 4 Eggs a Day
    

        Shutterstock
    
By Leah GrothMay 28, 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
✓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.
Eggs are one of the most versatile, accessible foods. However, there is often debate about how many you should eat in a day. Janine Bowring, ND (@j9naturally), is a naturopath doctor and social media influencer who offers health and wellness advice to her nearly 1 million TikTok followers. In a recent post, she discussed the health benefits of eating eggs. “What would happen if you ate four eggs per day?” she says in the clip. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood, also weighs in.
Eggs Are High in Protein That Is Highly AbsorbableShutterstock
“Well, we know that eggs are high in protein and have a high biological value of 94, meaning it's highly absorbed, utilized in the body, in the type of protein that it is,” says Dr. Bowring. “Now, four eggs will give you 24 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat and selenium at 112% of your daily needs.”
Why Protein Is ImportantShutterstock
Why is protein important? 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.
Another benefit of eggs? According to Dr. Bowring, they are “great for your thyroid health,” she says in the clip.
They Also Give You EnergyShutterstock
Something else you get from eggs? They are high in vitamin B2. This is beneficial for your energy levels “at 80 percent of your daily needs,” she says.
They Are High in Vitamin A, Great for Eye HealthShutterstock
Another vitamin that eggs are packed with? Vitamin A, says Dr. Bowring, is “fantastic for eye health, but also helping to lubricate your eyes to maintain that moisture in your eyes at 32 percent of your daily needs for that vitamin A.”
They Are Satiating“And we know because of all that protein and eggs, it's very satiating and helps to keep you feeling full,” says Bowring. “It helps with weight loss.”
They Can Also Help You Build MuscleShutterstock
Because of the protein, eggs are great fuel for your workout. This leads to “gain of muscle as well,” she says.
Eggs Are Budget FriendlyA huge bonus when it comes to eggs? “Eggs are budget-friendly for most people,” she points out.
Advice: Stick to Pasture Raised EggsShutterstock
Not all eggs at the grocery store are created equal. “Always look for a pasture-raised egg, and if you've got your own chickens, a little better,” recommends Bowring.
Body Network’s Expert Weighs In“I completely agree that eggs are very high-quality protein and are packed in vitamins and minerals. However, the saturated fat content and to a smaller extent, the dietary cholesterol content have caused the American Heart Association and other leading health organizations to recommend one egg (yolk) per day on average,” says Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “You can likely go a bit above this, but 4 per day every day would not be recommended for heart health.” Another option? Use a single yolk and the egg whites of the other three.
💪🔥Body Booster: Eating four eggs a day can provide 80 percent of your daily vitamin B2 needs, which is beneficial for your energy levels.
@j9naturallyWhat If You Ate 4 Eggs Per DAY?🥚🍳 Dr. Janine explores the benefits of eating 4 eggs per day, including high protein content, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Learn about the importance of pasture-raised eggs for optimal nutrition. #eggs #nutrition #vitamins #protein #healthyfats
Nutrition & Diet
        Man Ate Bacon and Eggs for 30 Days and His Blood Work Stunned Doctors
    
Copyright Dr. Sten Ekberg/YouTube/Shutterstock
By Christopher RobackNov 07, 2024
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
 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.
Ever wondered what would happen if you ate bacon, eggs, and butter every day? Most of us have been warned about the dangers of saturated fat, but what does the science actually show? Dr. Sten Ekberg, a former Olympic decathlete turned holistic health doctor, decided to find out through a controlled experiment. His unique combination of athletic achievement and medical expertise offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding how different diets affect our health. Read on to discover the surprising results of his 30-day high-fat diet experiment.
Why This Doctor Took a Risk With His Health
See on Instagram
"So I decided for 30 days I was going to do a ketogenic diet. Some people might be able to do more or less, but it's net carbs that I'm referring to, which means you take the total carbs and subtract the fiber because fiber does not contribute to blood glucose or does not trigger insulin," explains Dr. Ekberg. "Then, you also eat a moderate amount of protein. You don't want to overload your body with protein because that creates a lot of nitrogen waste, and then the rest of it will come from fat. So relative to most diets and the mainstream view of things, this is going to be a very high fat diet, but it doesn't mean more fat is better," he adds.
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What Science Says About Healthy Fats
Shutterstock
According to UCLA Health expertsDr. Elizabeth Ko and Dr. Eve Glazier, "A robust body of research has revealed the wide-ranging benefits of including healthy fats in the diet. These include lowering the risk of developing heart disease, improving blood cholesterol levels, helping with blood sugar control and reducing inflammation."
Understanding Different Types of Fats
Shutterstock
UCLA Health explains: "Fats are a type of lipid, which are molecules that do not dissolve in water. When someone talks about healthy fats, they're referring to lipids that, due to the specific types of chemical bonds that hold them together, remain liquid at room temperature."
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He Ate One Meal a Day
Shutterstock
"When you do a low-carb diet, you're going to get even better results if you combine it with intermittent fasting. I ate one meal a day or two meals a day over 30 days; I got anywhere from 16 to 24 hours of fasting, which means for that time period, I didn't eat any food. And when you don't eat food, that allows your insulin to drop and allows your body to burn fat because you're not putting anything new in," Dr. Ekberg says. "But even more important than just losing weight, we want to understand what's happening in the body metabolically, inflammation-wise, and disease-wise. We are moving toward degenerative disease because weight is not really that clear a marker, but with blood work, we can figure this out," he adds.
Sources of Healthy Fats You Can Try
Shutterstock
UCLA Health recommends: "Healthy fats are found in plant-based foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, soybeans, avocados and olives... And don't forget about fatty fish. These are an excellent source of a certain form of omega-3 fatty acid."
What a Healthy Keto Diet Actually Looks Like
Shutterstock
While bacon and eggs were staples, Dr. Ekberg emphasizes variety: "If you go from a junk food diet with lots of sugar and processed starches and seed oils and garbage foods, then switching to bacon butter and eggs and eating nothing else would be a vast improvement. But we don't want to just do better. We want to do optimal."
A Day of Meals on the Experiment
Shutterstock
"I ate a lot of salads... with steak or ground beef or fish or chicken. And the only dressing I had would be extra virgin olive oil and vinegar... I had a good bit of omelets... I would put sausage and bacon. I would serve it on the side with avocado."
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The Truth About Saturated Fat Consumption
Shutterstock
"This may be the biggest hurdle that keeps people from trying a low carb or ketogenic diet," Dr. Ekberg notes. "It's not the saturated fat that's the problem. It is how is the body processing it?"
What the Blood Tests Revealed
Shutterstock
The results challenged conventional wisdom. "My insulin had gone from 4.8 to 5.7, first time out of the optimal range, 30 days of high fat, and I was back where I need to be in the three to four range," reports Dr. Ekberg. His triglycerides and VLDL levels also improved significantly.
How to Know if This Diet is Right for You
Shutterstock
Dr. Ekberg notes that while effective for most, this approach isn't universal: "The vast majority, probably 95% of people are going to have fairly straightforward journey that these physiological mechanisms, these principles are going to work just fine. But then there is always the exception, the other 5%."
RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 3 Surprising Foods She Ate to Lose 15 Pounds (Including Dessert for Dinner)
Practical Tips for Including Healthy Fats
Shutterstock
UCLA Health advises: "You can turn that around by cooking with vegetable oils, limiting saturated fats, avoiding trans fats and eating at least one good source of omega-3 fats each day." They add that even dark chocolate contains beneficial monounsaturated fats, though it should be consumed in moderation.
The Bottom Line on Fat Adaptation
Shutterstock
Dr. Ekberg's final message is encouraging: "How adaptive your body is, that you can do serious damage in 10 days, but your body is very resilient. It will bounce back if you do the right things." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
Nutrition & Diet
        What to Eat in a Day for Fat Loss, Says Fitness Coach Who Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months
    
samuelemmanueldickersonjr/Instagram
By Leah GrothJun 15, 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
✓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.
Samuel Emmanuel Dickerson Jr (@betterforyoursociety) is an online fitness coach who lost 30 pounds in 3 months. In addition to offering an online fitness program with tailored workouts and diet plans focused on weight loss, he also shares a lot of videos on TikTok revealing his diet and fitness secrets. In one viral video, he reveals a simple diet plan that will help you lose weight fast. The Body Network also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on his diet. 
Stick to Just Three Meals a Day@betteryoubettersocietyWhat To Eat Daily For Fat Loss Breakfast: 1 Cup of egg whites with 2-3 regular eggs. Lunch: 6-10oz of chicken breast with 1.5 cups of mixed veggies. Dinner: 6-10oz of chicken breast, 1 cup of cooked rice & 8oz of broccoli. Snack: Fruit (eat it in moderation) Cheat Day Suggestion: Eat a strict breakfast and lunch. Eat whatever you want for dinner just make sure it has protein in it. 🚨- If you would like to hire me as your fitness coach visit my website. Link in bio. 🚨- Fat Loss meal plan, workouts and workout programs available on my website. Click the link and go to my website. #betteryoubettersociety #bybs
In the video, Sam recommends a few larger meals over lots of tiny ones. “I only want you to eat three meals a day,” he says. 
RDN Says: Collingwood is “fine” with a three meal per day eating plan, “but I do think a snack or two can work for most people to prevent them from getting ravenously hungry between meals,” she says. “Snacking can be another good way to get nutrition from fruit, yogurt, nuts, or other nutritious foods.”
Meal One: Eggs with Egg WhitesShutterstock
For the first meal, “one cup of egg whites with three regular eggs,” he says. In the accompanying photo, he shows a plate of scrambled eggs. 
RDN Says: “I love eggs and egg whites, but that is a lot of protein and it is not balanced with any other foods,” Collingwood points out. “Three egg yolks (whole eggs) is a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol on a daily basis.” She recommends following the American Heart Association guidelines of one whole egg (yolk) per day on average. “If you want a three egg omelet one day then have something else for a few days to average about seven whole eggs per week,” she suggests. “Egg whites are pretty much just fat free protein, so those I don’t really limit. However, I do encourage a balance of nutrients at meals.”  She suggests eating less of the eggs, but adding in some veggies to the scramble and a piece or two of whole grain toast for some nutritious carbs and fiber. “Or you could add some potatoes in with the eggs for carbs,” she says. 
Related: The Rosenberg Sisters Show Off Flat Tummies During “Full Body Burn” Workout
Meal Two: Chicken and VeggiesShutterstock
The second meal he recommends is “seven ounces of chicken breast with a cup and a half of mixed vegetables.” He shows his chicken breast with frozen mixed veggies, which appear to be steamed. 
RDN Says: Again, there aren’t any carbs at all and a lot of protein, says Collingwood. “Chicken breast is a wonderfully nutritious, low calorie food, but it isn’t necessary to eat seven ounces in one sitting. I would prefer four to five ounces and maybe add some quinoa for some high quality carbs. Love the mixed veggies!”
Meal Three: Chicken with Rice and BroccoliShutterstock
And for dinner, “eight ounces of chicken breasts, one cup of rice cooked, eight ounces of broccoli,” he says. 
RDN Says: Drop it down to five to six ounces of chicken and you’ve got a nice balanced meal, says Collingwood. “Choose brown rice or a different whole grain like the quinoa, barley, or whole grain pasta to provide some variety instead of white rice all the time,” she adds.
Related: 5-Day Weight Loss Meal Plan for $21
Snack: FruitsShutterstock
In addition to the three meals, his plan does allow for some in-between treats. “For your snack you can eat fruit,” he says. “You can kind of eat as much fruit as you want, just don't overdo it.”
RDN Says: Collingwood agrees that fruit is excellent, “especially if you are getting berries with seeds or other fruits with skin like apple, pear, peach, etc.,” she says. “I am not sure what ‘don’t overdo it’ means, but I hesitate to say as much as you want because some people may take that too far. I recommend two to four servings of fruit per day.”
It Will “Make You Lose Body Fat Pretty Quickly”samuelemmanueldickersonjr/Instagram
“A diet like that will make you lose body fat pretty quickly,” Sam says. “So now you follow that strict diet until you get to your goal. And then once you get to your goal, you can swap out, let's say the dinner for the food your mom makes, or you can swap out your dinner for eating out at a restaurant. Just don't overdo it.”
Related: 12 Powerful Ways to Transform Your Body at Any Age
What the Dietitian Thinksdietdivatara/Instagram
Collingwood’s final thoughts? “If you follow too strict of a diet you will likely lose a good proportion of muscle in the total weight lost,” she says. “If you want to lose mostly fat, slow down the weight loss and make it a sustainable lifestyle instead of a ‘diet’ you go on and off. You can definitely include restaurant food and other favorites as long as you watch total portions.”
💪🔥Body Booster: While you might lose weight fast on a strict diet, it will be harder to keep the weight off than if you lose weight via a less aggressive method that is less of a diet and more of a lifestyle shift. 
Nutrition & Diet
        I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods
    
denisehamdan/TikTok
By Ferozan MastApr 21, 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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TikToker Denise (@denisehamdan) lost 30 pounds by eating a very specific diet—and it looks absolutely delicious. By focusing on sticking to 1700 calories and at least 130 grams of protein  a day, this influencer not only fuels her workouts and builds muscle, but stays satiated. So what are some of the things she eats on a daily basis? Here’s what her typical diet and snacking habits look like.
Protein ShakesShutterstock
Denise drinks protein shakes every day to get her protein macros in, and fuel her workouts. She sometimes brews up her shakes at the gym, but also premixes them at home so there is always one ready to go. She also likes to keep protein bars with her for snacks.
Lots of EggsShutterstock
Denise says she loves to eat breakfast food at any time of day, so brunch is perfect. Her typical meal is scrambled eggs on sourdough with avocado and bacon. “Egg protein has been shown to decrease malnutrition, improve muscle health, increase satiety, and therefore contribute to weight loss,” according to the National Institutes of Health. “It has other additional benefits including protection against infection, decreases in blood pressure, as well as an anti-cancer effect.”
Avocado For Brunch@denisehamdanday 5/30 in my 30 days of healthy meals series!! Today we have a yummy protein chicken bowl ive been so obsessed with lately. I got most of my ingredients from Trader Joes and love to eat this for dinner. lmk what other recipes you guys want to see  ◡̈  p.s for LESS calories only add half of the guac and cut out the mozzarella.  #30daysofhealthymeals #30dayhealthchallenge #recipes #healthyrecipesforlunch #healthyrecipes #healthyeating #chickenrecipe #healthychickenrecipe #chickenbowl #chickenbowlrecipe #highprotein #highproteinrecipes #highproteinbreakfast #highproteinmealprep #highproteindiet #highproteindinner #dinnerinspo #healthyfoodforbeginners #beginnerrecipe #beginnerworkout #howtoeathealthy #weightloss #losebodyfat #fyp #cuttingseason #macros #lowcalorierecipe #lowcaloriehighprotein
Denise relies heavily on delicious avocados for their healthy fat content and overall nutrient profile. She eats them with eggs, in wraps, and in her chicken bowls. When she wants to cut calories, she halves the guacamole amount in her bowls.
Coffee for EnergyShutterstock
Denise relies on coffee to give her a boost—sometimes more than once a day. “Both regular and decaf coffee seem to have a protective effect on your liver,” according to Johns Hopkins Health. Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who don’t drink coffee.”
Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year
Chicken BowlsShutterstock
Denise loves her Chipotle-style chicken bowls on brown rice. “Compared with white rice, brown rice contains much higher amounts of fiber, certain B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, and B9), magnesium, potassium, and iron,” according to Harvard Health. “Research suggests that swapping white rice for brown rice may improve blood sugar levels and help with weight control.”
Healthy Girl SnacksShutterstock
Denise enjoys “healthy girls snacks”, which include tuna on crackers, green smoothies, and strawberry parfait poppers. She also likes protein cake bites and a yogurt bowl with blueberries. Organic tortilla chips and pico is one of her favorite savory snacks.
RELATED: 5 Wardrobe Mistakes Adding Years to Your Appearance
The Bottom Linedenisehamdan/TikTok
Protein plays a huge part in Denise’s daily diet—she takes over 130 grams every day. This is part of her health and fitness mantra: “If you eat less, move more, eat plenty of protein, and strength train, you’ll lose body fat and build muscle.”
💪🔥Body Booster: Incorporate nutrient-rich avocados into your diet for their healthy fats. Enjoy them with eggs, in wraps, or in chicken bowls, and reduce the portion size when cutting calories.
@denisehamdanwhat i eat in a day that helped me lose 30 pounds pt 4!!  heres some high protein low calorie healthy food inspo for yall, lmk if u guys want any recipes  ◡̈  Products➡️ Create Creatine gummies @Create Wellness use code DENISE25 for a discount & greens drink by @Bloom Nutrition  #antiinflammatorydiet #burnbodyfat  #whatieatinaday #highprotein #highproteinmeals #highproteinrecipes #highproteinsnack #highproteinlowcalories #whatieatinadayhealthy #bodyrecomposition #lose30lbs #glowup #weightloss #weightlosscheck #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogress #howtoloseweight #guthealth ##howtolosebellyfat #healthy #gymtok #fittok #bloom #bloating #bloompartner #lifestyle #diet #healthyfoodinspo
Nutrition & Diet
        116-Pound Ozempic Weight Loss: 7 Key Mistakes
    

        She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
    

        Copyright britts_getting_fit_/Instagram
    
By Leah SuzanneMay 08, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Are you standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

            
                Overeating
            
            
        
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A post shared by Brittany Ainsworth | Mounjaro | PCOS | Weight Loss | Exercise (@britts_getting_fit_)
If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

            
                Skipping Meals
            
            
        
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A post shared by Brittany Ainsworth | Mounjaro | PCOS | Weight Loss | Exercise (@britts_getting_fit_)
Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

            
                Not Exercising
            
            
        
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A post shared by Brittany Ainsworth | Mounjaro | PCOS | Weight Loss | Exercise (@britts_getting_fit_)
Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

            
                Not Following Directions
            
            
        
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A post shared by Brittany Ainsworth | Mounjaro | PCOS | Weight Loss | Exercise (@britts_getting_fit_)
Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

            
                Not Eating the Right Food
            
            
        
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A post shared by Brittany Ainsworth | Mounjaro | PCOS | Weight Loss | Exercise (@britts_getting_fit_)
Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

            
                Drinking Alcohol
            
            
        
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You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

            
                Not Being Patient
            
            
        
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A post shared by Brittany Ainsworth | Mounjaro | PCOS | Weight Loss | Exercise (@britts_getting_fit_)
The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.
Nutrition & Diet
        9 Foods That Trigger the Ozempic Effect Naturally, According to a Nutrition Coach
    

        7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
    

        Copyright Dr. Becky Gillaspy/YouTube
    
By Christopher RobackMay 08, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
 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.
In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

            
                Understanding How Ozempic Works
            
            
        Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

            
                Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone
            
            
        ​Metabolic ImprovementsShutterstockThe good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

            
                Start Your Day With Yogurt
            
            
        ​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstockBeginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

            
                Choose Your Yogurt Wisely
            
            
        Eating Too Little at a Time​ShutterstockWhen selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.

RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

            
                Boost Your Breakfast With Berries
            
            
        ​BerriesShutterstockAdding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

            
                Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea
            
            
        ​CoffeeShutterstockGood news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

            
                Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon
            
            
        Choosing Salad Over Steak​ShutterstockA daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

            
                Top Your Salad Strategically
            
            
        ShutterstockThe toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

            
                Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness
            
            
        ​Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole FoodsShutterstockTo maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

            
                Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production
            
            
        ​It's Now Part Of My LifeShutterstockThe timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

            
                The Mediterranean Keto Connection
            
            
        ​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstockMany of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

            
                Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control
            
            
        ​Track MacrosShutterstockDr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
Nutrition & Diet
        She Lost 225 Pounds with Mounjaro and Reveals the Truth About GLP-1 Meds
    

        Copyright carolin_rny/Instagram
    
By Christopher RobackMay 08, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
 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.
Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

            
                Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications
            
            
        "I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month." 
Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

            
                Finding Your Ideal Dosage
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing." 
She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

            
                Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply." 
This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic." 
Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

            
                Managing Potential Side Effects
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore." 
Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

            
                Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that." 
Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

            
                Tracking Your Results Realistically
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress." 
She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

            
                Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer." 
The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

            
                Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery." 
The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

            
                Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant." 
She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

            
                Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day." 
This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me." 
She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

            
                Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it." 
She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

            
                Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier." 
This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

            
                The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic
            
            
        
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A post shared by Carolin Tyler | Weightloss & Lifestyle (@carolin_rny)
"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis." 
For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." 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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