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5 Daily Habits a Trainer Swears By to Melt Fat in 30 Days

These diet and exercise tips will make a huge difference.

keith ozment fit coaching
​Egg & Cheese McMuffin
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Are you trying to shape up this spring? Incorporating a handful of healthy habits will help you achieve your goals. Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach specializing in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new Instagram video, he reveals his top fat-burning and weight loss habits. “For the next 30 days focus on these 5 things and watch the body fat melt away,” he writes in the post.


Daily Walks

Daily walks are his top habit to add. “Simply walking more is like adding jet fuel to your metabolism!” he says. “Do this: Take a 20-30 min walk 6-7 days a week, or add 3,000 steps to your current daily average. (Every 10 minutes of walking = ~1,000 steps!) Set a timer while you are at work for every hour to go for a 5 min walk. I call these movement snacks! My favorite: Walk for 3 minutes then jog for 1 minute intervals.”

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

Hydrate

His next habit is hydration. “Water isn’t just for hydration—it impacts weight loss, energy, and gym performance,” he says. “Do this: I want you to purchase a 24 pack of bottled water and grab two bottles on the way out the door each morning. Drink those two bottles before noon every day.”

Track Your Food

Next, start tracking your food. “Simply eating ‘healthier’ isn’t enough. Awareness is key,” he says. “Do this: Use MyFitnessPal to track everything you eat. Most people realize they’re overeating calories and under-eating protein. Awareness = results.”

Plan and Prepare

Planning and preparation is also key. “Failing to plan is planning to fail! Meal prep saves time and keeps you consistent,” he writes. “Do this: Use the meal and recipe discovery section inside My fitness pal to create yourself a meal plan. Use Instacart for grocery delivery or pickup.”

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

Resistance Training

His final habit for fat loss is resistance training. “Building muscle = burning more calories, even at rest. Plus, it gives you the ‘toned’ look you’re after. Without it? You risk becoming ‘skinny fat,’” he writes. Do this: Train at least 3x a week. Try a simple push, pull, legs split. 3 sets of each. 8-12 reps.

  • Push: Push-ups, chest press, shoulder press, triceps
  • Pull: Deadlifts, pull-ups, bicep curls
  • Legs: Squats, leg extensions, calf raises.
Or.. to simplify it even more, do 25 push-ups and 50 body weight squats every day for 30 days.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

keith ozment fit coaching
​Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Keith_Ozment_keithozment_fitcoaching

Are you trying to shape up this spring? Incorporating a handful of healthy habits will help you achieve your goals. Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach specializing in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new Instagram video, he reveals his top fat-burning and weight loss habits. “For the next 30 days focus on these 5 things and watch the body fat melt away,” he writes in the post.


Daily Walks

Daily walks are his top habit to add. “Simply walking more is like adding jet fuel to your metabolism!” he says. “Do this: Take a 20-30 min walk 6-7 days a week, or add 3,000 steps to your current daily average. (Every 10 minutes of walking = ~1,000 steps!) Set a timer while you are at work for every hour to go for a 5 min walk. I call these movement snacks! My favorite: Walk for 3 minutes then jog for 1 minute intervals.”

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

Hydrate

His next habit is hydration. “Water isn’t just for hydration—it impacts weight loss, energy, and gym performance,” he says. “Do this: I want you to purchase a 24 pack of bottled water and grab two bottles on the way out the door each morning. Drink those two bottles before noon every day.”

Track Your Food

Next, start tracking your food. “Simply eating ‘healthier’ isn’t enough. Awareness is key,” he says. “Do this: Use MyFitnessPal to track everything you eat. Most people realize they’re overeating calories and under-eating protein. Awareness = results.”

Plan and Prepare

Planning and preparation is also key. “Failing to plan is planning to fail! Meal prep saves time and keeps you consistent,” he writes. “Do this: Use the meal and recipe discovery section inside My fitness pal to create yourself a meal plan. Use Instacart for grocery delivery or pickup.”

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

Resistance Training

His final habit for fat loss is resistance training. “Building muscle = burning more calories, even at rest. Plus, it gives you the ‘toned’ look you’re after. Without it? You risk becoming ‘skinny fat,’” he writes. Do this: Train at least 3x a week. Try a simple push, pull, legs split. 3 sets of each. 8-12 reps.

  • Push: Push-ups, chest press, shoulder press, triceps
  • Pull: Deadlifts, pull-ups, bicep curls
  • Legs: Squats, leg extensions, calf raises.
Or.. to simplify it even more, do 25 push-ups and 50 body weight squats every day for 30 days.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Jeremy Ethier
How Many Steps Should You Take To Lose Fat (And 4 Sneaky Ways to Hit It)
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You've probably seen those fitness videos promising quick fat loss—only to get hit with brutal workouts that'd make a Navy SEAL break a sweat, plus a diet of plain chicken and tears. Let me introduce you to Jeremy Ethier, a certified Kinesiology specialist (NASM and FMS certified) from Vancouver, who's about to flip everything you know about fat loss on its head. This article will show you his four science-backed strategies that can double your fat loss speed—no extreme workouts required.

You're Eating More Fat Than You Think

"Think of losing fat like managing your money budget," Jeremy explains in his post. "These little balls are your protein and carbs—chicken and potatoes. They're only 4 calories per gram. But these big kahunas? Your fats pack 9 calories per gram."

Just cutting your daily fat sources in half can save you hundreds of calories instantly. Instead of giving up all fats, Jeremy suggests a simple approach: "Cut however much you usually have of cheese, butter, and even healthy fats like avocado in half." This one change alone can save you 250 calories daily, speeding up fat loss by half a pound per week.

Walking Beats Cardio (And It's Way More Fun)

Jeremy EthierCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy discovered this by accident during his summer job as a funeral caterer. "I was getting 12,000 to 15,000 steps daily. After two months, even without changing my diet, I ended up the leanest I'd ever been," he shares. Here's the science: highly active people burn up to 2,000 more calories daily just from everyday movement (called NEAT) compared to sedentary folks.

Jeremy's solution? "I use an under-desk treadmill for 30 minutes twice daily while doing emails. That alone is 6,000 steps." Aim for 7,000-12,000 steps daily—a simple 30-minute walk burns 100-200 calories and can lead to an extra pound lost per month.

The "Accidental Deficit" Hack

Jeremy EthierI'm a Kinesiologist and This is My #1 Diet to Lose Fat for GoodCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy calls this his sneaky secret: "Think about your busiest work days when you barely have time to eat. Why not use those days to your advantage?" He used this strategy with Kevin, their app engineer: "He'd zone out coding all day, barely eating. We just swapped his unhealthy dinners for better options, and he lost 11 pounds in a month."

Try this once or twice weekly: stick to grab-and-go proteins (beef jerky, protein bars) and fruits during busy days, then have a big lean protein dinner with vegetables. "Just don't order takeout—that's the key," Jeremy warns.

Protein Burns Its Own Calories

Jeremy Ethier​Protein Portions Made SimpleCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy reveals a game-changing fact: "Your body burns calories just from digesting food. Protein is special—a solid 20-30% of its calories get burned up immediately for digestion." This means switching from low to high protein can boost your daily calorie burn by 4-5%. That's like doing a 10-minute jog daily without actually jogging.

For a 200-pound person, Jeremy recommends 160 grams of protein daily. "It's not just about calories in—protein affects calories out too," he emphasizes.

Your Food Choices Control Your Calorie Absorption

Jeremy_Ethier4Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy points to a fascinating study: "Two groups ate the exact same calories, but one group ate processed foods while the other ate whole foods. The whole food group actually absorbed 116 fewer calories per day." How? Fiber and resistant starches. "If you're eating like I used to—white rice and processed meat at every meal—start small," Jeremy suggests.

Swap cereal for oats, white rice for potatoes or beans, and chips for popcorn. These simple swaps can cut calories without cutting portions.

You Can Transform Your Body in Small Steps

Jeremy Ethier/Instagram

Jeremy cuts through the noise: "Most people lose just half a pound per week on typical diets. With these four strategies combined, you're looking at an extra 1.2 pounds of fat loss weekly." That's double the results. But you don't need to do everything at once. "Start small. Pick one strategy and you'll already notice a difference," he encourages. The beauty? No extreme measures required.

Walking Can Replace Hours at the Gym

Jeremy Ethier​Sustainable Progress Over SpeedCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy shares his current routine: "When I need a break, I walk around the block. Going to the grocery store? I park farther away. It adds up to over 10,000 steps easily." He tracks this with his app, but any phone's health app works. "A 30-minute walk gives you 3,000 steps. That's your starting point," he says. Combined with his other strategies, this simple habit creates sustainable fat loss without the burnout.

Make Fat Loss Feel Easy

Jeremy EthierA Top Trainer Reveals 4 Fat Loss Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Nowjeremyethier/Instagram

Jeremy's philosophy changes everything: "Cardio isn't very effective for fat loss. People burn calories during workouts, then crash on the couch watching Netflix afterward." His approach focuses on sustainable habits. "The easiest way to prevent calories from being stored as fat? Don't eat them in the first place." With his accidental deficit strategy, you're barely trying but still seeing results.

Your Next Steps to Double Your Fat Loss

Jeremy Ethier​Mindful Eating EnvironmentCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy's final advice: "Don't fall for the extreme fitness videos. These four strategies—cutting fat sources by half, walking more, using busy days to your advantage, and choosing the right foods—can double your fat loss speed." Whether you pick one strategy or combine all four, you're setting yourself up for sustainable success. Track your progress, stay consistent, and watch the results compound over time. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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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.

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t sure what to do? Katie Rees is a social media influencer who has documented her weight loss journey on Instagram. In a recent post, she reveals all the habits her trainer has instructed her to incorporate to lose weight. “No gatekeeping,” she says. “These are what my PT told me to focus on.”

Make Little Changes That Make a Big Difference

Her trainer's first recommendation: “Simple daily changes to burn hundreds more calories, like a standing desk, walking instead of driving, and going up and down the stairs. You can easily integrate extra activity into your day,” she says.

Weighted Vest Movements

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Her trainer's next recommendation is weighted vest movement for 30 minutes a day. “But if it's heavy, take out the weight and build it up. I walk and clean in mine,” she says.

Wake Up Earlier

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Set your alarm and “get up early and get it done,” she advises. “The difference this makes is IMMENSE, your sense of achievement will skyrocket.”

LISS

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Another exercise recommendation? LISS workouts. “Low intensity steady state activity each and every day, she says. LISS is basically the opposite of HIIT, high intensity interval training. It involves maintaining a consistent, moderate intensity level for an extended period, typically 30-60 minutes.

Protein

Animal protein sources- meat, fish, cheese and milk.​Amp Up Your Protein IntakeShutterstock

Her trainer also stresses the importance of amping up protein intake, “to increase satiety and promote muscle,” she writes. “1g per pound of target weight, no caffeine before protein.”

Hydrate with Electrolytes

A,View,Of,A,Hand,Scooping,Electrolyte,Powder,Into,A​Electrolytes Are Absolutely EssentialShutterstock

Her trainer also recommends hydrating, but adding electrolytes. “3L water with electrolytes and other supps through the day,” she writes.

Strength Training

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Next, strength training, or “lifting heavy things 3 times a week,” she says. “Do the same activities but increase the weights over weeks. You will build muscle FAST.”

Stabilizing Blood Sugar

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“Counterbalancing blood sugar” is also important. She does this by “no protein before caffeine, greens before meals, ACV, cloak your carbs.”

Mindset Matters

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Next, “mindset is KEY,” she says. “Certain exercises daily after the initial analysis, it makes your success inevitable.” And, “ how to be unstoppable even when it’s hard, how to keep going, who you need around you, who you don’t need around you. Bit by bit to get to the big picture rather than overwhelm, just concentrate on the next week, not the next 12 months. It will take time.”

No Alcohol

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Also, don’t drink your calories. Her trainer says, “no alcohol, at all.” Not only does drinking add a lot of calories, but you are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating when you are drinking.

Take Supplements

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Her trainer also recommends taking supplements “that will keep your energy high. NAD+ is one of my favourites but magnesium, colostrum, creatine and more,” she says.

Other Health Tips

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Other health tips include understanding your hormones and prioritizing gut health “and how to improve to balance your health and make weight loss easier,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.


Sade Rigby sadieactive
I Transformed My Body From Flabby to Firm and Here Are My 3 Secrets
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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.

Are you trying to lose weight by making many changes to your routine? One top expert says you only need to make three. Sadie Rigby is a social media influencer and personal trainer with over 225,000 followers on Instagram. In a new social media post she unveils the only three steps you need to do to lose weight fast. “Someone asked me if I had 15 lbs to lose, what my plan would be. So here it is!” she writes.

Start Strength Training

“I would stop what I’m doing and start strength training!” she writes. “Don’t be deceived, there is no other special method better optimized for 'toning up' or 'leaning out' than good old-fashioned weight training. It will force your body to maintain/develop your muscle while you shed body fat. There is no better way to get a strong, lean body composition.”

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

Track Calories and Adjust

Next, start being accountable. “I’d track my calories for a few weeks to determine how much I’m eating to maintain my current physique. I would then adjust down by 2-300 daily calories for a couple weeks until progress stops. Then I would adjust down 2-300 daily calories again. You can usually achieve this by simply cutting out a few bad habits or by improving the quality of your diet rather than ‘eating less’,” she weites.

Amp Up Protein Intake

Her third step? “I would eat 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight everyday to fuel muscle recovery. I would also incorporate a few 20-25 minute LISS sessions each week. I like to make this fun by going on walks, hikes or bike rides with my family!” she says.

Fall in Love with the Process

In a previous post she also recommends falling in love with the process. “If you’re only doing it because you want to look good, you won’t be consistent enough or you’ll take an unsustainable approach,” she says. “It becomes a habit when you love the process. Set goals to hit and fall in love with getting your body stronger! You can become addicted to how good it makes you feel with just a little consistency and the right mindset! It feels so good to see what your body can do!”

RELATED: 5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Bonus Tip: Use Progressive Overload

Progressive overload, “gradually increasing the stress on our muscles,” is another tactic she approves of. The first way to do it? “Increase time under tension (add a pulse, slow down the exercise, do tempo work)” she says. The second is by increasing the weight lifted, “or add a band,” she suggests. Finally, the third is to increase volume, “add reps and/or sets,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Christine Roderick corexchristine
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Are you letting your age be an excuse for not getting into shape? One 57-year-old expert who looks half her age has some recommendations to help you burn fat and achieve your best body. Christine Roderick is an “age positive” fitness trainer who helps “women over 40 transform their body, mind & spirits.” In a new social media post, she shows off her flat abs and reveals all her healthy daily habits that help her achieve her fantastic figure. “What I do for maximum fat burning at 57,” she writes. “Use this template for a week, 2 weeks or a month to get results,” she adds, sharing “what a typical day looks like” in her life.

Intermittent Fasting

Her first habit is intermittent fasting. “Fast 12-13 hours,” she recommends. Intermittent fasting prolongs “the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Coffee

Christina drinks a “loaded” coffee latte at 7:00 a.m. She adds @cymbiotika nootropic creamer and one scoop of collagen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. 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.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

For breakfast, Christine consumes 30 to 49 grams of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. She might eat eggs, lean meat, avocado, and whole grain toast or have a protein shake with prebiotic powder. Lunch is her largest meal of the day, “lean protein, bit more complex crabs & veggies ( i.e. salmon, leafy green salad & brown rice )” she writes. At 3 she will have a snack, 20 grams of protein in the form of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus with veggies or seed cracker. Dinner might be lean meat, grilled veggies, and salad. “I tend to skip a lot of carbs at night but if I do do it it’s usually quinoa or a whole grain,” she says. For dessert, she will have “chocolate something!” she says. In total she aims for 120 grams of protein.

Stretching or Yoga

She also does stretch or yoga in the afternoon “to work on mobility & flexibility,” she says. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Walking

Christine gets her steps in. She explains that she is “trying to incorporate the 15-20 minute walk after dinner at a 50% so far lol but really want this in my life,” she writes. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Tea Before Bed

She also avoids eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, “just a habit I made myself get consistent with,” she says. “I drink tea or sugar free cacao if I need something.” Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

Morning supplements: @fatty15, @seed probiotics @joiwomenswellness NAD, glutathione, C & methylated vitamin B 12

Afternoon supplements: @modere_us collagen & Trim ( Cla) @cymbiotika D3K2 @udeawellness the hair pill & omega 3 supplement

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

Lastly, she prioritizes sleep. “In bed by 10 hopefully!!!!” she writes. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

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15 Daily Habits to Lose 5-10 Pounds in 30 Days
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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.

Depending on your starting weight, losing five to 10 pounds in a month is possible to do in a healthy way. Making a few specific lifestyle and dietary changes and sticking to them will positively impact overall health as well as encourage weight loss. “The foundation of successful weight loss remains a healthy, calorie-controlled diet combined with increased physical activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits.” Here are 15 daily habits shown to help lose up to ten pounds in 30 days.

Eliminate Empty Calories

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Alcohol is full of empty calories, so it’s best to cut down or simply stop drinking it altogether. Every calorie counts when you’re trying to lose weight, so make sure you use those calories to fill your body with healthy, nutrient-dense choices. Drinking too much also disrupts sleep.

Are You Actually Hungry?

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Eat when you’re hungry, and only when you’re hungry. “Listening to your hunger works much better than relying on willpower,” Kayla Kopp, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “When you’re tempted to overeat, have a conversation with yourself: Are you feeling hungry, are you bored or are you feeling emotional? Will eating right now get you closer to your goal?”

Work Out First Thing

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.​Progress to Full Push-upsShutterstock

Working out first thing in the morning means you don’t have to make time for it later. It also starts the day off on a good note. No excuses!

Don’t Skip Breakfast

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Studies show people who eat breakfast (provided it’s a healthy one) make better food choices for the rest of the day. "Studies have found that although people who skip breakfast eat slightly fewer calories during the day, they tend to have higher body mass index, or BMI," Christy C. Tangney, PhD, tells Rush University Medical Center.

Take the Stairs

Determined woman running up on seaside mountain stairs​Regular ExerciseShutterstock

Walk as much as possible—park away from the grocery store entrance and take the stairs when possible. Walking will encourage fat burning and mental wellness, and you can do it throughout the day, no equipment needed.

Count Your Calories

Calories Nutrition Food Exercise ConceptShutterstock

This one is boring but crucial—to lose weight, you need to take in less calories than you’re burning off. “For example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week — a rate that experts consider safe — your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories,” says Harvard Health.

Try Intermittent Fasting

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Intermittent fasting can be a powerful weight loss tool for some. “The weight loss effects of time-restricted eating derive primarily from achieving a negative energy balance,” Richard Joseph, MD, tells Harvard Health. “If you maintain your regular diet and then limit the time window during which you eat, it is likely that you will eat a few hundred fewer calories per day.”

No Nighttime Snacking

woman eats sweets at night to sneak in a refrigerator. Fridge​Breaking Free from Food ObsessionShutterstock

Snacking can undermine your healthy eating weight loss plan. “Try to eat most of your daily calories before sitting down to relax for the night,” Kopp tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Many of us have a tendency to overeat without thinking about it while we watch TV after dinner, and we tend to forget just how much we’ve had before calling it a night.”

Be Picky About Carbs

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewTop 5 Clean Carbs for Your BodyShutterstock

You don’t have to eliminate carbs—but be choosy about them. “Not all carbohydrates are created equal,” says Corewell Health. “Eating a slice of white bread won’t give your body the same nutrition as eating a slice of whole grain bread. When you’re looking for options for carbohydrates, look at the ingredients. If the first ingredient is a whole grain (like whole wheat), you’re going in the right direction.”

Eliminate Temptation

Fast food concept. Unhealthy food. Unhealthy food and fast food with donuts, chocolate, burgers and sweets top view​Hopping “On and Off” the WagonShutterstock

Keep junk food out of sight and out of mind. “Don’t keep problem foods around the house and/or at work,” says UC Davis Health. A problem food is a food that you are likely to eat too much of or too often if readily available.”

Get Enough Sleep

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Sleep is important for weight loss. “No one can make mindful food choices when they’re tired. Even missing an hour of sleep can increase your appetite because your body is craving that energy and food is fuel for your body,” psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “You need a clear, focused head to make healthier food choices.”

Lift Weights

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“Resistance training can also be a really effective way of losing weight," Tessa Strain, physical activity epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, tells The Telegraph. “All weight loss comes down to a calories in/calories out equation. resistance training is a really effective way of losing weight because you’re expending energy, which involves burning calories.”

Manage Stress

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Stress can undermine your weight loss efforts. “More commonly, people turn to — or away from — food as a way to help deal with stress,” says Penn Medicine. “Your metabolism can change if you regularly eat large amounts of food or don’t eat enough or at all.”

No Junk Food

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Ultra-processed foods are terrible for weight loss. Not only will they not fill you up, they could make you hungrier. “Processed and fast foods contain enhanced ingredients that hit the dopamine center in your brain and make you want more,” Dr. Albers tells the Cleveland Clinic. “They are designed to be addictive to the brain.”

Drink More Water

Fitness woman drinking water from bottle. Muscular young female taking a break from workout outside.​HydrateShutterstock

Choose water over high-calorie drinks. “Sometimes we respond to thirst signals by eating — when actually what our bodies want is water,” Dr. Albers explains. “It’s easy to confuse our thirst and hunger signals, or to override thirst signals.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Focusing on long-term health and wellness will make weight loss easier.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Can you lose a significant amount of weight just by walking every day? Yes, absolutely! Not only does walking burn fat, help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, but it also does wonders for your mental state as well. “You need to make it part of your routine,” exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “This is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.” TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walking—here’s how she did it.

Don’t Start Big

 
 @alexx.fitt Step by step walk it off #walking #weightloss ♬ original sound - alexx.fitt 
 
 

Alex makes the important point that it’s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You don’t have to kickstart your fitness regimen with two-hour walks. Even just half an hour will make a difference to your mood and your health, and encourage you to do it again the next day.

Walking After Meals

Alex says she started off her walking program by simply taking a 15 minute walk after a big meal. Research shows walking after meals can benefit blood sugar. “Exercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,” Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “And over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.”

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. “Getting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,” says Henry Ford Health. “Walking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.”

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. “The closer we get to the evening, the less efficient our bodies are at using insulin to deal with blood glucose, making it harder to keep blood glucose levels healthy,” Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic University’s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. “Yet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.”

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers.”

Using Technology

Alex was thrilled the first time her watch buzzed when she hit 10k steps. Research shows people who track their fitness tend to be successful. “We’ve seen this rise of digital health tools in the last decade, and they provide a great way for people to access interventions to better their health,” Michele Patel, PhD, tells Stanford Medicine.

10,000 Steps a Day

No matter how long or short her walks, Alex always aims for 10,000 steps every day. “Evidence suggests that accumulating up to 10,000 steps per day is helpful for reducing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer,” John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. “And more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
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.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week