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Nutrition & Diet

6 Easy Ways to Lose 10 Pounds By Summer

These expert tips will help you lose weight and keep it off.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 31, 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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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 31, 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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Nutrition & Diet

Are you looking to lose 10 pounds fast? Gillian Ferguson of The Macro Method is a women’s nutrition coach and social media influencer “Helping you ditch diets & transform your body through macros, movement & mindset,” she maintains on her page. In a new post, she reveals 6 easy ways to lose 10 pounds by summer. “If you’re wanting to lose some weight for summer (& beyond!), here’s what to do,” she writes in the post. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood, also weighs in.

She starts out by prefacing that quick fixes won’t work. “There is no magic pill, overnight fix, 6 day challenge that is going to get you where you want to be. So only keep reading if you’re ready to do the damn thing,” she says.

1. Prioritize Protein

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Her first recommendation is to prioritize protein. “30-35g per meal and at least 10-15g per snack,” she suggests.

“Protein keeps you full, and it burns more calories digesting it than carbs and fat,” explains Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “It is also really important to assist in maintaining muscle mass as you’re trying to lose weight.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

2. Amp Up Fiber Intake

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Second, she recommends amping up fiber intake. “Aim for 25g of fiber daily. I’ve been calling this the 4th macro - it’s that important,” says Ferguson.

“Fiber is literally indigestible plant matter, but your body tries to digest it while in your stomach and intestines, which keeps your body busy and feeling full while it’s doing this,” explains Collingwood about how fiber works. “Fiber also helps you poop and is prebiotic, which means the good bacteria in your gut feed on it, which keeps them healthy and happy.”

3. Walk More

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Next, Ferguson recommends walking more. “Fire up your metabolism & ⬆️ your NEAT by making your step count a non-negotiable! 8,500-10,000 steps daily,” she says.

“Walking even for a few minutes several times a day can boost metabolism instead of sitting at a desk all day long,” agrees Collingwood. “The more steps you take the more calories you burn. Walking is easy on the joints and is very simple to do!”

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

4. Lift Weights

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Next, Ferguson recommends weight lifting. “4 x week strength training sessions - even 30 mins each - to build muscle,” she writes. “The more muscle we have on our bodies, the more calories we burn even at rest. Win-win.”

“As stated, the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn. Muscle keeps your metabolism higher every minute of the day, even while you are sleeping!” agrees Collingwood. “Muscle also supports your joints, helping to prevent injuries and falls and keeping you mobile and out of the hospital.”

5. Sleep

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Next, she suggests getting more sleep. “We need rest and recovery just as much as we need steps & weights. Life is just harder when you’re tired,” Ferguson says.

“Sleep helps to control important hormones that control appetite and fullness as well as reducing stress hormones and repairing the body from exercise to prevent injury,” explains Collingwood. “It also improves energy levels and mood.”

RELATED: 15 Surprising Foods That You Can Eat to Lose Weight

Drink More Water and “Cool It On the Booze”

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Hydration is also key, says Ferguson. This isn’t just drinking more water but also cutting out alcohol. “And while you’re at it, cool it on the booze, sis,” she recommends

Collingwood agrees. “Thirst can sometimes feel like hunger, but staying hydrated also helps with every single body process from digestion to circulation to energy,” she says.

“Alcohol is just empty calories that don’t contribute any nutritional value and can, in fact, be detrimental to health for many reasons, including increased cancer risk,” says Collingwood. “ It also decreases inhibitions, and people tend to eat more calories when they are drinking alcohol.”

💪🔥Body Booster: “There’s no winging it when it comes to fat loss. You need a plan. Things like pre-planning your meals, scheduling your walks + workouts, and figuring out how to get to bed on time … all take some thought + strategy. But as you’re building these habits that seem hard at first, soon they’ll be second nature, and the return is 100x 🧨 because you’re setting yourself up for LIFE,” says Ferguson.

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Nutrition & Diet

10 Foods to You Lose 15 Pounds by Summer

Kassie Magnusen kassie_beth_
Coach Lost 60 Pounds Eating These 11 High Protein Meals
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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✓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.

Do you want to drop weight before summer, but aren’t sure what to eat? One expert is revealing her shopping list for fat loss. Kassie Magnusen is a weight loss and nutrition coach who helps “busy mamas drop fat & get the sculpted body they’ve always wanted,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she unveils her own grocery list. “If I wanted to lose 15 pounds by summer, these 10 foods would be in my order every week,” she writes. “Fat loss starts in the kitchen—and if I wanted to drop 15 pounds by summer, these are the 10 foods I’d be buying every single week:

Eggs & Liquid Egg Whites

The first item she throws in her cart? Eggs and liquid egg whites. “Protein-packed, easy for quick meals, & keeps you full,” she says.

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

Lean Protein

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The second item on her list is lean protein. A few of her go-tos are chicken, turkey, and salmon. “More muscle = higher metabolism, so protein is key,” she syas.

Greek Yogurt

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Greek yogurt is another no-brainer for fat loss. She opts for plain, 0% or Oikos Triple Zero flavored. “Great for digestion, high in protein, and a perfect snack,” she says.

RELATED: I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Lean Ground Beef

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She also stocks up on lean ground beef. “93/7 or Lean Steak Cuts,” she writes. What is good about ground meat? “Iron, protein, and keeps meals satisfying,” she says.

Sweet Potatoes

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Moving on to veggies, the first on her list is a starch. She always buys sweet potatoes over white. “Slow-digesting carb that fuels workouts & keeps cravings low,” she says.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Dark Leafy Greens

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Dark leafy greens – specifically spinach, kale, and arugula – are also mainstays on her grocery list when she wants to slim down. “High in fiber = better digestion & less bloating,” she says.

Berries

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Craving something sweet? Make sure to stock up on berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are her favorites. “Low in sugar, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants,” she says.

Avocados

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Another must-shop at the grocery store? Avocados. “Healthy fats that support hormones & keep you full longer,” she says.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Natural Peanut Butter or Peanut Butter Powder

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Natural peanut butter or peanut butter powder is delicious and will fill you up. “Easy way to get protein + healthy fats without the sugar overload,” she says.

Chocolate Chips

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Another sweet treat she allows herself to indulge in? Chocolate chips. “Small amount added to healthy desserts that you can make with protein powder. Keeps my sweet cravings in check and gives me a treat every single day so I don’t feel deprived,” she says.

Eat These Foods and Stay in Moderate Calorie Deficit

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“Eat these foods while in a moderate calorie deficit with high protein, plus balanced carbs and healthy fats,” she writes. “Fat loss isn’t about cutting foods—it’s about eating the right balance to fuel your body & keep your metabolism working for you.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Nutrition & Diet

10 Wellness Habits to Lose 10 Pounds Before Summer

Paulina Stein, aka Paulina Hefferan paulinastein
Copyright paulinastein/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 14, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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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.

Swimsuit season is almost here: Are you ready? If not, one expert has some suggestions to help you shape up before slipping into your swimsuit. Paulina Stein, aka Paulina Hefferan, is a celebrity trainer and fitness influencer who boasts over 96,300 followers on Instagram. In a new social media post, she unveils her summer prep plan. “If I wanted to drop 10 pounds before summer, here are 10 wellness habits I’d start doing now,” she writes. “Ready to lose 1.5-2 lbs PER WEEK? Try this!”

Take Probiotics

Her first tip? Take probiotics to restore gut health. “Take 3 Reset Pm Gut cleanse nightly! SUPER IMPORTANT to improve stagnant digestion. Also add in daily probiotic in the AM! Also, gut inflammation can slow down weight loss,” she writes.

Eat in a Small Calorie Deficit

Next, she recommends eating in a slight calorie deficit. “Reduce about 200-300 calories per day (I suggest cutting back on fats that are high in calories like nut butters, oils, or starchy carbs like pasta). Cut out carbs and you’ll drop water weight, not fat!” she says.

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

Eat Protein

Amp up your protein intake. “Eat protein at every meal! Eat around 4-6 oz,” she writes. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Walk

Walking will also help shape you up fast. “Walk 20-30 minutes per day! This speeds up digestion. BONUS if you can get in 10k + steps daily!” she writes. A 2018 study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Lift Weights

She also recommends strength training. “Add 3 weight lifting days in weekly (Lower body, upper body, full body)” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Drink Water

Don’t forget to hydrate. “Drink 1 gallon of water daily! SUPER IMPORTANT! Not 1 Stanley or 2. You need 4!” she says. 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.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Sleep

Don’t sleep on sleep. “Try to prioritize 7+ hours of sleep nightly. Lack of sleep can affect hormones and slow down weight loss,” she writes. What are the health benefits of sleep? 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.

Reduce Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories. “Reduce alcohol to 1x per week (stops fat burn!)” she says. Not only are alcoholic drinks high in calories, but when you drink you are more likely to eat unhealthy food and exercise less.

Reduce Salt Intake and Cut Back on Gas-Causing food.

Don’t overlook sodium. “Reduce salt intake (not cut out),” she suggests. Also, cut back on “gas causing food,” she says. “FODMAPS, including seasonings, onions, garlic, broccoli,” she says.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Drink Coffee After Eating

Another surprising suggestion? She says to drink coffee after eating in the morning “to balance cortisol.” 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 ou

Don’t Go Overboard on the Weekends

Her last tip? Don’t go overboard on the weekends, because they matter. “If you are great during the week and go ravenous on weekend,” she says, noting that it’s all about “balance.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Trainer's 5-Step Plan to Lose 10 Pounds Fast

Erica Lynn levelup_erica
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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It’s hard to believe it, but Memorial Day is just two months away. If you are not feeling your fittest, you still have time to shape up, one expert maintains. Erica Lynn is a fitness coach who specializes in helping women over 40 lose weight and get in shape so they can “reclaim confidence,” she says in her Instagram profile. In a new post, she reveals how to lose five pounds per month leading up to summer. “If you want to lose 10 pounds by Memorial Day. Things to start now,” she writes.

Walking

The first thing she recommends is walking. “You actually burn more calories with daily activity than you do with daily exercise! 10k+ steps is just a way to make sure you keep moving throughout the day,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Diet

You also need to tackle your diet. “Figure out how many calories you’re currently eating to maintain your weight and then subtract 300-500 calories. Don’t want to track macros or calories? Then make some sacrifices to reach your goal and cut out liquid calories, sweet treats, and processed/junk food. Already eating clean? Reduce your portion sizes to create a deficit,” she writes.

Protein

Amp up your protein intake. “When you lose weight you lose muscle so to minimize muscle wasting make sure you’re eating approximately 1g per pound of goal body weight. Oh, and fiber isn’t the only thing that helps curb hunger.. protein will help keep you feeling full longer,” she says.

Strength Train

You should also add strength training workouts to your routine. “3-4 times per week of a program that progressively overloads your muscles is ideal. Muscle does NOT actually weigh more than fat (1 lb of muscle = 1 lb of fat) BUT it does BURN 🔥 MORE CALORIES. You have 6 weeks so aim to follow a 6-week progressive strength program,” she says.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Balanced Plate

Her last tip is to balance your plate. “You don’t have to eliminate food groups like carbs. I would recommend pairing a lean source of protein with a complex carb at every meal & snack. Fruits & veggies are low calories so pile them on your plate to reduce hunger & soak up all the micronutrients they offer,” she says. “Keep it simple people!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Lose 15 Pounds by Summer with Trainer’s 6 Secret Tips

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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 14, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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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.

Swimsuit season is just around the corner. Do you have weight to lose before summer officially kicks off? If the answer is yes, one expert is revealing some of his secret weight loss tips. Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach who specializes in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. “If you want to lose 15 pounds by summer, keep it off, and most importantly, enjoy your life, here are 6 tips I use every day,” he writes.

Daily Walks

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!)” he writes. “Set a timer while you are at work for every hour to go for a 5 min walk. I call these movement snacks!” Another idea? Purchase a walking pad for the office or home.

Prioritize Protein

You also need to amp up your protein intake. How much should you consume? “Aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight or goal weight,” he says.

Make Smarter Restaurant Choices

Next, make smarter restaurant choices. “Most restaurants list the calories on the menu. Keep your meals under 700 calories and protein focused. Ask for club soda and fresh lime. It tastes like a sprite but zero calories!” he says.

Prep Overnight Oats

Next, meal prep your breakfast. “Prep a weeks worth of overnight oat bowls for breakfast. Combine - 5oz unsweetened almond milk or 2% fairlife Milk+ 1/2 cup oats + 1 scoop protein powder. Add in berries and or nut butter of choice. This bowl will come in between 400-500 calories and 35+ grams of protein!” he says.

Get More Sleep

Get a little more sleep. “Just adding 30-60 minutes more sleep can boost your metabolism like crazy!” he says. “Make it your goal to put down phone and grab a book to read about 30-60 minutes before you want to be asleep.”

Hydrate

His last tip? Hydrate. “Water isn’t just for hydration—it impacts weight loss, energy, and gym performance,” he writes. “I want you to keep 17oz of water by your bed and as soon as you wake up, go ahead and chug that 17oz. This will set the tone for the day and front load your water intake!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Nutrition & Diet

How to Lose 10 Pounds in the Next 6 Weeks

Karen Trasatti fitnutfitness
​Prioritize Whole Foods
Copyright fitnutfitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 24, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to shape up fast? According to an expert, you need to focus on only five habits. Karen Trasatti is a fat loss coach for women over 40 who looks half her age at 61. In a new viral Instagram post, she gets honest about what it takes to lose weight fast. “To all the midlife women out there…If you want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks and finally feel comfortable in your own skin, you need to commit to these 5 habits,” she writes.

These Habits Will Help You Feel Stronger and Also Boost Energy

“Want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks? If you’re a midlife woman and ready to shed some weight, feel stronger, and boost your energy, these are the 5 habits I would commit to,” she continues in the post.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Strength Train

The first habit she suggests is lifting weights, specifically strength training three times per week. “Muscle is your metabolism’s best friend! Lifting weights helps you burn more calories, even at rest,” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Prioritize Protein

Next, prioritize protein. “Aim for at least 25-30g per meal to support muscle and keep you full longer,” she says. 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.

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

Walk Daily

She also recommends hitting 7,000-10,000 steps daily. “Walking is underrated for fat loss and overall health. Move your body as much as possible!” she writes. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Track Macros (Not Just Calories!)

Her next tip is tracking macros – not just calories. “Balancing protein, carbs, and fats is key for sustainable weight loss,” she writes.

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

Sleep

Finally, get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. “Poor sleep messes with hormones and cravings, making fat loss harder. Prioritize rest!” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? 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, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

The Simple Walking Routine That Helped Me Lose 40 Pounds

Alexandra_alexx.fitt
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 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.

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.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 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.

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

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
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Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

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Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

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“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

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Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

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Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

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