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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

4 Strength Moves to Transform Your Body in 30 Days, Says Expert

These targeted moves will work multiple muscle groups at once.

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.

Luisana Carrero luisana nutritioncoach
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 ready to achieve all of your fitness goals in 2025 but aren’t sure what exercises to do? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In fact, she ended up losing 28 pounds in 4 months. In a new post, she reveals that a few targeted exercises can help transform your figure. “If I could only choose 4 exercises to dramatically change your shape, these are your picks,” she says. “Here they are!”


These Exercises Target Multiple Muscle Groups at Once

What makes these four exercises great to add to your routine? “These are super effective because they target multiple muscle groups at once,” she explains. What makes them so great? They work by “helping you build strength, burn more calories and transform your body composition,” Louisiana says in her post.

RELATED: She Lost 45 Pounds in Her Garage by Doing These 3 Things

Squats

The first exercise she recommends? Squats, “any variation,” she says. “They work your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while improving mobility and overall strength.” Her go-tos are: “Back Squats, Front Squats & Bulgarian Split Squats.”

Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns

Next up are pull-ups or lat pulldowns. “Amazing for building upper body strength, target your back, shoulders, and biceps. They help create a strong V-shape (giving the illusion of a smaller waist,” she says.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Walking Burns More Fat Than Running, “Your Body Actually Prefers It”

Bench Press or Push-Ups

The third option of exercises? Bench press or push-ups. “These are great for working you chest, shoulders, and triceps while also engaging your core,” she says.

Deadlifts or RDLs

She also does deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts (RDLs). “Builds strength in your back, glutes, hamstrings and core. This is one of the best exercises for building strong, toned legs and glutes,” she says.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 100 Pounds Without Dieting by Focusing on These 4 Basic Rules

Do Them 2 to 3 Times a Week

How often should you do these exercises? “Aim to include each of these exercises 2-3 times per week in your workout routine,” she recommends, adding that they can be done with either dumbbells or barbells. “Just remember: Master proper form first. Gradually increase the weight every other week to continue challenging your muscles. For fat loss, pair these with eating in a calorie deficit and watch your body transform.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

More For You

Reggie Macena good_for_life_training
Copyright good_for_life_training/Instagram

Do you want to get in the best shape of your life after 40? Many experts maintain that modifying a few health habits is all it takes. Reggie Macena is a fitness coach who helps “high performers clean up their eating habits and build lean muscle with macronutrient-focused nutrition and coaching programs,” he writes in his social media bio. In a new post, he reveals a few transformative core habits for anyone post-40. “If I was over 40 and trying to get my health back on track, this is what I’d start doing today,” he writes.

This Is What He Did to Get His Health on Track

“I can remember the first time my blood work from the doctor came back… less than perfect. I usually had everything in range but as I got older that changed. I had to start watching what I ate and how I exercised closely. I didn’t have the luxury of just eating whatever I wanted. If I wanted to be ‘healthy’ I had to take it seriously. Here’s what you do when you want to get your health on track,” he writes in the post.

1. Stop Grazing All Day

Habit number one has to do with diet. “Stop the grazing and snacking all day. Your eating needs to be tracked. You need some system for regulating what you eat. The freestyle approach will slowly add inches right to your midsection,” he writes.

2. Cut Back on Alcohol

Next, don’t drink your calories. “Booze will ruin a lot of your hard work. Alcohol seems like a good idea until the next day. Cut back temporarily and see how you feel. That is game changer,” he writes.

3. Drink More Water

Amp up your hydration. “Boost your water intake. Most of us are poorly hydrated. If you keep a water bottle in plain sight you will drink it. Aim for a couple of liters of water a day. It’s easier than you think,” he writes.

4. Weigh Yourself

He also recommends weighing yourself. “Buy a scale. It’s not the only way to track progress but it helps. Weigh in a couple of times a week and see if it’s moving in right direction,” he says.

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

5. Focus on Compound Lifts

Next, he moves on to exercise. “Focus on compound lifts when you’re working out. Bench , Squat, deadlifts. These movements are taxing and burn way more calories per workout. Train 2-3X a week,” he writes.

6. Be Patient

And his last habit? “Accept that you haven’t treated your body the best for a little while. Those 1/2 hearted attempts at getting fit don’t count. You need to really give it some serious effort for months at a time. Be patient and trust the process,” he writes.

Also, Be Accountable

In another post, he makes a few more suggestions, starting with being accountable. “Meaning your word is your word. You need to make sure that when you say you will do something you do it. The more you keep your word the higher your self esteem goes,” he writes.

Check Your Priorities

Next, “check your priorities,” he encourages. “Start working on making health your number 1 priority If you haven’t done that yet. All it takes is one bad health scare to realize that without health you do not have anything. (Don’t wait for the scare).”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Apply the Hard Work

“I told someone yesterday that hard work is important but what’s most important is how you apply the hard work. Training sessions are supposed to be intense most of the time. They also need a carefully crafted plan that is based on progression. Progression in the gym leads to progression on your body. Plan your training sessions,” he says about number three. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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 ready to achieve all of your fitness goals in 2025 but aren’t sure what exercises to do? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In fact, she ended up losing 28 pounds in 4 months. In a new post, she reveals that a few targeted exercises can help transform your figure. “If I could only choose 4 exercises to dramatically change your shape, these are your picks,” she says. “Here they are!”


These Exercises Target Multiple Muscle Groups at Once

What makes these four exercises great to add to your routine? “These are super effective because they target multiple muscle groups at once,” she explains. What makes them so great? They work by “helping you build strength, burn more calories and transform your body composition,” Louisiana says in her post.

RELATED: She Lost 45 Pounds in Her Garage by Doing These 3 Things

Squats

The first exercise she recommends? Squats, “any variation,” she says. “They work your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while improving mobility and overall strength.” Her go-tos are: “Back Squats, Front Squats & Bulgarian Split Squats.”

Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns

Next up are pull-ups or lat pulldowns. “Amazing for building upper body strength, target your back, shoulders, and biceps. They help create a strong V-shape (giving the illusion of a smaller waist,” she says.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Walking Burns More Fat Than Running, “Your Body Actually Prefers It”

Bench Press or Push-Ups

The third option of exercises? Bench press or push-ups. “These are great for working you chest, shoulders, and triceps while also engaging your core,” she says.

Deadlifts or RDLs

She also does deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts (RDLs). “Builds strength in your back, glutes, hamstrings and core. This is one of the best exercises for building strong, toned legs and glutes,” she says.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 100 Pounds Without Dieting by Focusing on These 4 Basic Rules

Do Them 2 to 3 Times a Week

How often should you do these exercises? “Aim to include each of these exercises 2-3 times per week in your workout routine,” she recommends, adding that they can be done with either dumbbells or barbells. “Just remember: Master proper form first. Gradually increase the weight every other week to continue challenging your muscles. For fat loss, pair these with eating in a calorie deficit and watch your body transform.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Kelsey Rose thekelseyrose_
​She Recommends “Habit Stacking”
Copyright thekelseyrose_/Instagram

Do you want to get into the best shape of your life – one healthy habit at a time? Kelsey Rose is a fitness trainer with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. In a new social media post, she offers her guide on how to get healthy in just a week. “How to transform your body in 7 days,” she writes, revealing her “step-by-step guide.” Here is what to do.

She Recommends “Habit Stacking”

Rose recommends habit stacking for a 7-day transformational “The simple habit stacking guide you need to feel your best in only 7 days,” she writes.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

It Can Help Low Energy

“Feeling stuck? Low energy? Overwhelmed with where to start? It’s time to reset!” she continues. “Instead of challenging yourself with extreme changes, let’s stack small, powerful habits that actually LAST. Here’s your 7-day blueprint to feel leaner, stronger, energized and on track to continue these sustainable habits.”

Day 1: Meal Prep

She recommends meal prepping on day 1. “Meal prep for success,” she writes. “Because when healthy food is ready, you make better choices!”

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

Day 2: Walk

On day two, start the morning with a walk. “Walk first thing in the morning,” she suggests. “Boosts metabolism, stabilizes energy, and sets the tone for the day.”

Day 3: Move at Home

On day three, “Move for 30 minutes at home,” she suggests. “No gym? No problem. Consistency > perfection!”

Day 4: Start Taking a Probiotic

On the fourth day she recommends starting a probiotic. “A healthy gut = better digestion, fewer cravings, and clearer skin,” she writes.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Day 5: Hydration + Electrolytes

On the fifth day, prioritize hydration she suggests. But, don’t forget to add electrolytes. “It’s not just about drinking water—it’s about absorbing it,” she says.

Day 6: Two Minutes of Mindfulness

On the sixth day, spend two minute devoted to mindfulness. “Lower cortisol, reduce stress, and balance your body from the inside out,” she suggests.

Day 7: Improve Posture & Mobility

And, on the seventh day, improve posture and mobility. “Because standing tall improves confidence, digestion, and overall strength,” she says.

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

Walk on Incline

In another recent post she reveals two workout tips for losing fat. “Babes!!! If fat loss & toning up are on your mind this season, here’s your simple, effective game plan,” she says, revealing the first workout tip. “Walk at 10% incline, 3mph, for 20-30 min (3x per week). This of course counts towards your daily goal of 10k steps. Don’t undermine walking when you’re trying to see results!!” she writes.

Also, Do Strength and Pilates

Nexy, do strength training and pilates. “Pair it with my strength x Pilates workouts on my platform (trust me, the results speak for themselves!)” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Liz Hilliard
​Bodyweight Squats for Better Balance
Copyright Liz Hilliard
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.

Summer is approaching fast, and many of us are looking for ways to feel stronger and more confident in our bodies. As a fitness expert and founder of Hilliard Studio Method, I've helped thousands of people transform their bodies with effective, sustainable routines. My 8-week guide will help you build strength, increase energy, and feel your best this summer season.

Time to Pump Up Your Walks

Liz_Hilliard19I’m 70 but Look 40 Thanks to These 7 At-Home ExercisesCopyright Liz Hilliard

For the next two weeks we will focus on increasing the intensity of your walks and introduce 5 new exercises. The point of the daily walk is to keep your body moving, focus on yourself and your mental health and help you feel more creative and energized.

  • Increase your walks this week by 5-10 minutes and next week another 5-10 minutes.
  • Walk with a friend so you can chat and walk at a pace that makes you slightly breathless.

Your Daily Exercise Routine Starts Now

Liz Hilliard​Keep Moving Your BodyCopyright Liz Hilliard

Here are the 5 exercises to complete daily with one day of rest each week. Focus on improving your form and increasing the number of repetitions by the end of the next two weeks. Remember to record your reps/timing and try to increase your totals at the end of each week.

1. Squats – Build Your Lower Body Foundation

Liz Hilliard

Copyright Liz Hilliard

Stand with feet slightly wider than your hips. Keep heels heavy and toes light. Lock in your core muscles and stand tall through your spine, keeping shoulders away from ears. Sit your tailbone back and down and hinge your chest forward while swinging your arms forward in front of your chest. Drive through the heels and squeeze through the glutes to raise back to standing, lowering arms by hips. Do not thrust the hips forward when coming to standing.

Work up to 20 consecutive reps. If this is too challenging or you feel unstable, practice sitting down and standing up from a chair without using your hands. When you are ready to add-on, place light weights in your hands.

On the final squat, stay low and press into the balls of the feet to raise the heels and try to balance for 10 seconds at a time. You should feel this in your calves, thighs and core.

2. Reach to Plank - Your Full-Body Energizer

Liz Hilliard​3. Side Plank - Sculpt Your WaistlineCopyright Liz Hilliard

After your last squat, return to standing. Reach arms to the ceiling overhead, squat and place hands on the floor under shoulders. Step one leg back at a time into a plank position. Make sure to keep your neck long, back flat and abdominals pulled in throughout. Step back up one leg at a time, press to standing and reach arms overhead. Think very safe, controlled, and low-impact burpee.

Work up to 10 consecutive reps. Take this as slowly or as quickly as you need without losing your form. The point is to energize the arms at the top and engage in a straight line with a strong plank at the bottom. If this is easy, keep adding one more rep at a time.

3. Side Plank - Sculpt Your Waistline

Liz Hilliard

Copyright Liz Hilliard

From tabletop all fours, there are three positions to start and work up to. Begin by keeping your Left hand under your shoulder and kickstand your Left leg shin to the side so your Left knee is directly under your hip. Pull your Right shoulder and hip back so they are stacked; shoulder over wrist, hip over knee, and top hip stacked over bottom hip. Raise Right outer thigh in the air until it's in line with your hip.

If this feels stable, take your Right foot in front of your body and press it into the floor and extend the body Left leg straight out of the hip on the floor with the blade of your Left foot on the floor so your head and heels are in one long line and you can use your front Right foot to help lift your Left hip higher to engage your obliques.

If this feels stable, float your top Right leg up to the sky for a full side plank. To keep your core fully engaged keep hips stacked.

Time how long you can hold this plank. Repeat on the other side and take slow deep breaths while you continue to pull your center core and waistband in. Try to hold a little bit longer each day.

4. Glute Bridge - Strengthen Your Backside

Liz Hilliard​2. Reach to Plank - Your Full-Body EnergizerCopyright Liz Hilliard

From side plank, flip over and lie on your back, head and shoulders on the mat, knees bent, feet flat. Squeeze your glute muscles and tuck your hip bones up toward your ribs. It is important to tuck tailbone and curl abdominals in to protect your back and activate your core. Press your feet into the floor and slowly raise glutes up into a bridge. Always keep your mid-back on the mat. You want to feel your hamstrings and glute, not your back.

Roll one vertebrae up and down at a time slowly for 10 reps. On the last one, hold at the top, bring Right knee to chest and extend leg straight to the ceiling and repeat the curl bridge up and down 10 more times. Repeat on the Left leg. Take breaks as needed but try to do this all consecutively. If it is too challenging to do one leg at a time, keep both feet down until you are able.

5. Bicycle Curls - Define Your Abs

Liz Hilliard

Copyright Liz Hilliard

After glute bridge, lower the hips to the floor and place your hands behind your head, elbows wide. You will be curling your chest up off the floor, not pulling your neck up, so the hands here are just to help you support your neck and gently tuck your chin to your chest.

Bend your Right knee and bring it up to your chest as you extend your Left long, hovering it off the floor. Curl up your chest up and twist your torso to your Right knee trying to keep your Right shoulder off the mat. Begin to bicycle the legs in and out and twist your torso to the opposite knee.
To modify, keep your head and shoulders on the mat and focus on your abs. Fully extend your legs with energy and pointed toes. Try to rotate side - to - side for 30 seconds, breaking as needed.
If you can easily do this, add on at the end of 30 seconds by extending your legs together in a straight line out to 45 degrees in the air with your head, shoulders and low back on the mat. Hold this for 8-20 seconds. When ready, you can lift your head and shoulders off the mat and hold the outer thighs or release arms to the ceiling for a hollow body hold from 8-20 seconds.
Make sure to record your time and progress daily!

Feed Your Body Right With Fiber

Liz Hilliard​Deadlifts: The Ultimate Functional ExerciseCopyright Liz Hilliard

Foods high in fiber are important because they keep your blood sugar levels even and give you a feeling of satiation. High fiber foods can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and aid in digestion.

High fiber foods include:

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Apples
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Chickpeas
  • Black beans
  • Chia seeds
  • Oatmeal
  • Popcorn
  • Quinoa
  • Berries

And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

About the Author: Liz Hilliard is an author, motivational speaker, podcast co-host, and the founder & CEO of Hilliard Studio Method (HSM).


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.

Feeling stiff after a long day at your desk? Or maybe you've tried countless stretching routines only to feel overwhelmed and discouraged? You're not alone. Most people believe improving flexibility requires hours of complex stretching routines—but mobility expert Liv discovered otherwise.


After helping thousands transform their mobility through her unique blend of strength training and yoga, Liv realized that effective flexibility training doesn't need to be complicated. Her discovery? Just three essential stretches, performed consistently, can create dramatic improvements in as little as two weeks. As the creator of 'The Yoga Rebel Method' and with over 500K YouTube subscribers following her practical approach, Liv has refined these moves to work for any fitness level.

Ready to transform your flexibility with just minutes a day? Here's the simple three-stretch routine that changed everything for Liv and her students.

The Game-Changing Discovery: How Your Fascia Holds the Key

"Quite simply, fascia is a thin layer of connected tissue, which encases everything within the body... it's all connected, like one big spiderweb," Liv explains in her post. This understanding led to her first breakthrough stretch, which targets the entire fascial system through one simple movement.

The First Move: Your Full-Body Reset

"I love this stretch because it tackles so many muscles in one go, which makes it perfect for when you are short on time," Liv says. Start in a seated position with feet wider than hips, lean back onto your hands with fingertips pointing outward, and lift your hips into a reverse tabletop.

RELATED: She Tried The Blue Zone Diet For 7 Days And Discovered A Surprising Truth

Perfect Your Form for Maximum Results

"Think of tucking your tailbone under and engaging your bum muscles as if you're trying to flatten out the front of the hip," Liv instructs. "Press your chest up towards the sky, and this might be where you choose to stay if you've got a bit more flexibility to play with here."

The Second Essential: Your Back-Body Transformer

The second stretch unlocks the posterior chain. "This targets the back of the body and can help reduce the chances of back pain," Liv shares. Using a prop like a stick or strap for guidance, alternate between a low squat and a forward fold.

Making It Work for Your Body

If you're just starting out, Liv offers modifications: "If you need something to make this a little bit more accessible, slightly elevate your heels with something—weight plates or books do a great job of this." Remember, "Don't go thinking you're the only one because it's fully intended. We do not need to straighten our legs in order to stretch the hamstrings."

RELATED: 30 Days of 30g Protein Meals From a Top Dietitian

The Final Piece: Unlocking Your Upper Body

The third stretch completes the system. "This last one is great for improving your shoulder mobility for things like handstands and top shelf snacks, as well as improving your ability to squat low and help improve your posture," Liv notes. From a kneeling position, step one foot out while reaching overhead, focusing on proper form: "Think of rolling the top rib cage on top of the bottom rib cage so your chest stays facing outward."

Why This Simple System Works

"There are many ways that we can stretch a muscle... But simply put, they all do the same job just in a different way," Liv explains. This streamlined approach targets everything from "the feet and ankles, the quads, the hip flexors, the wrists, the biceps, the chest and shoulders, glutes, hamstrings, and back," to "inner thighs, lats and triceps."

RELATED:6 Reasons Women Should Lift Weights Instead of Doing Cardio for Weight Loss

Your Two-Week Transformation Plan

The key to success is consistency. Perform these three stretches either in the morning or before bed, holding each position for 20-30 seconds per side. "Simply doing these three stretches will make a world of difference to your flexibility," Liv promises. After two weeks of daily practice, you'll understand why these are the only stretches you need. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Jade Poyser jade.poyser
Copyright jade.poyser/Instagram

Do you want to snack your way to weight loss? You can, if you make the right choices. Jade Poyser is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost 22 pounds in a year and helps other women achieve the same results. One of her key habits? Eating healthy, nutrient-packed foods. In a new post, she reveals some of her top snacks for weight loss. “They’re high-protein, low-calorie & actually taste so good,” she writes. “These 7 snacks helped me stay full, fuelled & lean while dropping 10kg and I still eat them every week!”

1. Crispy Chickpeas

The first snack she ate? Crispy chickpeas. “100g chickpeas, smoked paprika, garlic, cumin — roast at 200°C for 30–40 mins,” she says. “Crunchy, salty, satisfying!”

= 164 kcal | 8g protein

2. Cottage Cheese Bowl

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeup​5. Greek Yogurt/Cottage CheeseShutterstock

Next up, a cottage cheese bowl. “150g cottage cheese, 50g berries, 5g honey, flaxseeds,” she says. “Sweet & creamy — a go-to!”

= 230 kcal | 26g protein

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggShutterstock

She is also a fan of snacking up on hard-boiled eggs. “2 eggs + salt & paprika,” she says. “Don’t knock it! Easy, classic, on-the-go.”

= 160 kcal | 12g protein

4. Protein Guac

A delicious Bowl of Guacamole next to fresh ingredients on a table with tortilla chips and salsaShutterstock

Don’t sleep on protein-packed guacamole. “50g avo, 80g 0% Greek yogurt, 60g chickpeas, lemon, garlic, chili,” she says. “Dip, spread, devour!” she says.

= 290 kcal | 28g protein

5. Tuna Rice Cakes

Tuna mince with mayonnaise on rice cakes.

Shutterstock

Tuna rice cakes are also packed with protein. “2 rice cakes + 1 tin tuna + 1 tsp light mayo + cucumber,” she says. “Crispy, fresh & protein-packed.”

= 220 kcal | 24g protein

6. Protein Yogurt Bowl

Spoon with thermostat yogurt in a girl's hand​27. Regular YogurtShutterstock

Another delicious snack to make? Protein yogurt bowls. “170g Greek yogurt + cinnamon + vanilla drops + 5g almond butter,” she explains. “Tastes like dessert but it’s fuel!”

= 190 kcal | 20g protein

7. Edamame Snack

Edamame,boiled green soybeans with salt45. Edamame (boiled): 44 caloriesShutterstock

She also suggests edamame. “100g steamed edamame + sea salt & chili,” she says. “Quick, salty, and satisfying!

= 140 kcal | 13g protein

Why You Need Lots of Protein

Set of natural food high in protein on grey background, top view​Trying to Get Protein From Too Many SourcesShutterstock

Why should you amp up protein? 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. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Diet. Nutrition. Healthy Eating, Lifestyle. Close Up Of Happy Smiling Woman Taking Pill With Cod Liver Oil Omega-3 In Morning. Vitamin D, E, A Fish Oil Capsules
Shutterstock
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.

Are you taking GLP-1 medication and want to maximize results while minimizing side effects? You should consider taking supplements. Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN, is a Dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine. We recently asked her for her supplement recommendations for people on weight loss drugs, and she revealed her top five. “While choosing supplements, work with your health care provider on things like proper dose, contraindications, and preferred brands,” she specifies.

Creatine

Sport supplement, creatine, hmb, bcaa, amino acid or vitamin mesure with powder. Sport nutrition concept. bcaa, l-carnitine, creatineShutterstock

Creatine is GLP’s “best friend,” per Kirkpatrick. “That’s because creatine has been associated with enhanced muscle health (not to mention better brain health, cardiovascular health, and even hormonal health). Since one of the primary concerns of GLP-1 is the potential loss of lean muscle mass, optimizing protein intake, resistance training, and appropriate supplementation like creatine can all be ways to help protect muscle, ensuring fat loss rather than muscle loss,” she says. Maintaining muscle may also help offset the risk of weight gain after discontinuation. “I recommend Creatine HCL to my patients, as it tends to offer better bioavailability with fewer side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort.”

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

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Vitamins And Food Supplements. Close Up Of Beautiful Woman Opened Mouth Holding Fish Oil Pill In White Teeth. Smiling Girl Holding Capsule With Omega-3 Between Teeth. Healthy Diet Nutrition ConceptShutterstock

“Keeping your omega-3 levels in an appropriate range is important for mental health, cognition, and heart health. Since GLP-1 medications often lead to reduced food intake, we may risk not having adequate levels. Therefore, I ask my patients to consider a DHA/EPA supplement as well as increased attention to foods high in omega 3s like walnuts, fatty wild fish, and flax seed,” she says.

General Multi-Vitamin

Closeup unrecognizable caucasian woman holding omega-3 fish oil capsules in hands and vitamins​The 1 Vitamin for Nerve HealthShutterstock

“Due to reduced food intake on GLPs, there’s an increased risk of missing out on essential vitamins or minerals,” Kirkpatrick explains. “While a multivitamin is not an insurance policy for a poor diet, it can help to ensure adequate levels of key nutrients like B12, calcium, zinc, etc. that may be lacking.”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Vitamin D

Young Woman is holding Vitamin D Capsule. Sun and blue Sky.5 Signs Your Body May Be Lacking Vitamin D, Say ExpertsShutterstock

“Maintaining higher vitamin D levels is a good idea when you’re both on and off GLPs. Vitamin D plays a role in immune function, helps reduce the likelihood of some chronic diseases and contributes to even better mental health. Since food is often a lousy delivery source of vitamin D, and the UV rays of the sun (an optimal source) can either pose health risks or be insufficient based on geographic location, a supplement is often warranted,” Kirkpatrick maintains.

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

Probiotics and Prebiotics

San Leandro, CA - July 8, 2020: Grocery store shelves with bottles of KeVita Kombucha and sparlking proBiotic drinks plus Bloom, Synergy and Suja organic Kombucha drinks in various flavors.​Probiotic Foods: KombuchaShutterstock

“A lack of fiber while on GLPs could potentially impact the microbiome. Constipation and diarrhea are side effects that some of my patients may encounter, which pose their own gut health risk,” says Kirkpatrick. “A probiotic and/or prebiotic can give the gut a boost it needs to keep gut health in check.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Happy couple having tasty breakfast in cafe
​Don’t Skip Breakfast
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Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, as it can fuel you with all the protein, nutrients, and energy you need for the hours ahead. However, eating the wrong breakfast may do more harm than good. Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, also known as The Diet Diva, is Body Network’s Resident Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. She recently revealed to us the 6 things you should never eat for breakfast, and you might be surprised by what is on her list.

1. Sugary Cereals

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The first item you should skip? Sugary cereals. “They might be convenient and taste great, but they’re often loaded with added sugars and refined carbs, leading to a blood sugar spike and crash shortly after,” Collingwood says.

2. Pastries

Set of bakery pastries on wooden table​Don’t Eat High-Sugar FoodsShutterstock

Another grab-and-go item you should skip? Pastries, including donuts, croissants, and muffins.”These are basically desserts disguised as breakfast,” Collingwood claims. “High in sugar and fat, low in protein and fiber — not ideal for starting your day.”

3. Flavored Yogurt with Add-Ins

Strawberry Yogurt​5. Flavored YogurtsShutterstock

While yogurt is often healthy, if it tastes like dessert, you may want to reconsider. “Sounds healthy, right? But many flavored yogurts are packed with sugar (sometimes more than a candy bar) and artificial flavors. Go for plain Greek yogurt and add your own fruit or nuts,” Collingwood suggests.

4. White Bread Toast with Butter or Jam

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You can eat toast in the morning, but make sure it is healthy. “White bread offers very little nutrition — it’s quickly digested, leaving you hungry again soon. Combine that with sugary jam or just butter, and there’s not much staying power,” says Collingwood.

5. Breakfast Meats

Czech sausages​Best: Chicken SausageShutterstock

Breakfast meats, like bacon and sausage, aren’t the best choices. “Delicious, but processed meats are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives. They can be part of a balanced meal occasionally, but not ideal as a daily breakfast staple,” says Collingwood.

6. Fruit Juice

Close up of teenage woman drinking juice while looking through a window.​5. Fruit JuiceShutterstock

You might have grown up drinking a glass of fruit juice in the morning, but Collingwood doesn’t advise carrying that habit on. “It might seem like a healthy choice, but most juices are high in sugar and lack the fiber of whole fruit. Drinking juice causes a rapid sugar spike — better to eat the actual fruit,” she suggests. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.