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

These 3 Basics Helped Me Lose 90 Pounds

Here is what one woman did to drop from 230 to 140 pounds.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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carlavisentin_/TikTok/truly/YouTube
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Nutrition & Diet

Carla, 23, from Melbourne, Australia, lost 90 lbs in one year after a health scare made her reassess her relationship with food. She opened up about her weight loss journey in an interview with Truly. “At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140,” she says in the viral video. “I had such a bad relationship with food. I just couldn't control myself. I would be eating way too much. I turned to food as a comfort. Men used to say that I would look prettier if I lost weight.” She also reveals the three basic things she did to lose weight and keep it off.

She Hit Bottom

Carla decided to lose weight after a health scare landed her in the hospital. “I was incredibly insecure, and I went into the weight loss journey for the wrong reasons, and it backfired on me heavily. It turned into an eating disorder, and then I ended up putting on the weight after I was laying in bed, crying all night, saying, ‘I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever.’ And that was my big turning point,” she says in the video.

She Struggled With Her Weight Since She Was 12

Check your body shape with white weight scales, top view.Shutterstock

She was 12 or 13 when she started to realize she was overweight. “Coming into high school, you really start to care about how people see you, I find. And I just became very conscious of it,” she says. “When I was 16 years old, I lost 55 pounds, but I wouldn't say that I did it in the most healthy way. I did suffer from an eating disorder, and I also had a bit of body dysmorphia. So every time I looked in the mirror, I would just see myself as much heavier than I really was when I was just, you know, pretty underweight.”

She Suffered From Disordered Eating

@carlavisentin_

Thats what i call an investment 📈 #weightloss #weightlossjourney #motivation #glowup #fyp

“At one point, I had such a bad relationship with food. The food was very scary. It was very nerve-wracking back then to go out to eat with my friends because I just couldn't control myself. I would be either eating way too much, or I would have these urges to go to the bathroom and purge it,” she says. “I was always afraid of trying to lose weight because I was scared that I would go back into that really bad cycle and that bad mentality. But I was pretty. I would say I am. I was confident and confident enough in myself when I was overweight in 2020, and I just wanted to make sure that I knew that I was beautiful, whether I was overweight or not.”

She Ended up in the Hospital

Asian woman lying sick in hospital.Shutterstock

“I remember I was in hospital due to ulcerative colitis. I was in and out of the hospital three times in a span of a year I can remember. And I remember the last time that I was in the hospital, I was laying in bed crying all night, saying, I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever. And that was my big turning point,” she explains. “And as soon as I got out of that hospital, I started doing my research on weight loss. And I tried to ingrain in my brain that we're gonna do this right this time, and we're going to do this healthy.”

First Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Stopped Ordering Takeout

Courier delivery food service at home. Man courier delivered the order no name bag with food.Shutterstock

One thing she did? “I deleted all my fast food apps for no temptation at all,” she says. Prior to losing weight, she “really didn't care and I would eat whatever I really wanted and I would get a lot of Uber Eats,” she says. Now she only gets it “a handful of times a year,” adding that “it's very special every time that happens.”

Second Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Did Online Workouts

Smiling woman in sportswear is sitting on the floor with bottle of water and is using a laptop at home in the living room.Shutterstock

The next basic thing that helped her lose weight? Online workouts. “I would grab my laptop, go on YouTube, search up some workout videos and follow them in my living room or even outside,” she said.

Third Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Shared Side By Side Photos

“At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140. For me to finally see results after two months, it felt very rewarding,” she says. “And putting those side-by-side photos of my before and after just made me more motivated to keep going,” she says.

The Response Has Been Astounding

Social media and digital online concept, man using smart phone with Social media. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media. Social Distancing ,Working From Home concept.Shutterstock

The response has been astounding. “I've gotten a bunch of different comments from men about my weight previously and even now. There are guys who would've never looked in my direction prior to me losing weight who now suddenly care about me. Guys that would maybe even bully me before they suddenly want to get to know who I am. I feel like showing my weight loss journey on social media shows that, literally, anyone can do it. I'm just a normal girl, normal adolescent girl, and she was just able to do it,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Ways to Lose Weight Over 50 Without Feeling Hungry

She Wants to Become Stronger

Woman exercising with a kettlebell weight, low-section cropShutterstock

“Losing weight working out makes me feel so much stronger. Not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. I'm excited to grow more muscle. So that is going to be, I think, the end goal at the end of the year, just building more muscle and becoming more stronger,” she says.

Know Your Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable

“You literally have all the resources that you need within yourself. Definitely holding yourself accountable, reminding yourself what your goals are daily, regularly, all the time,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Nutrition & Diet

These 3 Basics Helped Me Lose 90 Pounds

carlavisentin_2
carlavisentin_/TikTok/truly/YouTube
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Carla, 23, from Melbourne, Australia, lost 90 lbs in one year after a health scare made her reassess her relationship with food. She opened up about her weight loss journey in an interview with Truly. “At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140,” she says in the viral video. “I had such a bad relationship with food. I just couldn't control myself. I would be eating way too much. I turned to food as a comfort. Men used to say that I would look prettier if I lost weight.” She also reveals the three basic things she did to lose weight and keep it off.

She Hit Bottom

Carla decided to lose weight after a health scare landed her in the hospital. “I was incredibly insecure, and I went into the weight loss journey for the wrong reasons, and it backfired on me heavily. It turned into an eating disorder, and then I ended up putting on the weight after I was laying in bed, crying all night, saying, ‘I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever.’ And that was my big turning point,” she says in the video.

She Struggled With Her Weight Since She Was 12

Check your body shape with white weight scales, top view.Shutterstock

She was 12 or 13 when she started to realize she was overweight. “Coming into high school, you really start to care about how people see you, I find. And I just became very conscious of it,” she says. “When I was 16 years old, I lost 55 pounds, but I wouldn't say that I did it in the most healthy way. I did suffer from an eating disorder, and I also had a bit of body dysmorphia. So every time I looked in the mirror, I would just see myself as much heavier than I really was when I was just, you know, pretty underweight.”

She Suffered From Disordered Eating

@carlavisentin_

Thats what i call an investment 📈 #weightloss #weightlossjourney #motivation #glowup #fyp

“At one point, I had such a bad relationship with food. The food was very scary. It was very nerve-wracking back then to go out to eat with my friends because I just couldn't control myself. I would be either eating way too much, or I would have these urges to go to the bathroom and purge it,” she says. “I was always afraid of trying to lose weight because I was scared that I would go back into that really bad cycle and that bad mentality. But I was pretty. I would say I am. I was confident and confident enough in myself when I was overweight in 2020, and I just wanted to make sure that I knew that I was beautiful, whether I was overweight or not.”

She Ended up in the Hospital

Asian woman lying sick in hospital.Shutterstock

“I remember I was in hospital due to ulcerative colitis. I was in and out of the hospital three times in a span of a year I can remember. And I remember the last time that I was in the hospital, I was laying in bed crying all night, saying, I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever. And that was my big turning point,” she explains. “And as soon as I got out of that hospital, I started doing my research on weight loss. And I tried to ingrain in my brain that we're gonna do this right this time, and we're going to do this healthy.”

First Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Stopped Ordering Takeout

Courier delivery food service at home. Man courier delivered the order no name bag with food.Shutterstock

One thing she did? “I deleted all my fast food apps for no temptation at all,” she says. Prior to losing weight, she “really didn't care and I would eat whatever I really wanted and I would get a lot of Uber Eats,” she says. Now she only gets it “a handful of times a year,” adding that “it's very special every time that happens.”

Second Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Did Online Workouts

Smiling woman in sportswear is sitting on the floor with bottle of water and is using a laptop at home in the living room.Shutterstock

The next basic thing that helped her lose weight? Online workouts. “I would grab my laptop, go on YouTube, search up some workout videos and follow them in my living room or even outside,” she said.

Third Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Shared Side By Side Photos

“At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140. For me to finally see results after two months, it felt very rewarding,” she says. “And putting those side-by-side photos of my before and after just made me more motivated to keep going,” she says.

The Response Has Been Astounding

Social media and digital online concept, man using smart phone with Social media. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media. Social Distancing ,Working From Home concept.Shutterstock

The response has been astounding. “I've gotten a bunch of different comments from men about my weight previously and even now. There are guys who would've never looked in my direction prior to me losing weight who now suddenly care about me. Guys that would maybe even bully me before they suddenly want to get to know who I am. I feel like showing my weight loss journey on social media shows that, literally, anyone can do it. I'm just a normal girl, normal adolescent girl, and she was just able to do it,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Ways to Lose Weight Over 50 Without Feeling Hungry

She Wants to Become Stronger

Woman exercising with a kettlebell weight, low-section cropShutterstock

“Losing weight working out makes me feel so much stronger. Not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. I'm excited to grow more muscle. So that is going to be, I think, the end goal at the end of the year, just building more muscle and becoming more stronger,” she says.

Know Your Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable

“You literally have all the resources that you need within yourself. Definitely holding yourself accountable, reminding yourself what your goals are daily, regularly, all the time,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Coach Reveals 5 Ways She Dropped 100 Pounds

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary
Coach Dropped 100 Pounds After She Stopped Believing These 5 Lies
Copyright balancebyhilary/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 11, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you struggling to lose weight? You might need to make some lifestyle shifts, says one weight loss warrior-slash-expert. Hilary Carver is a fat loss coach who lost 100 pounds naturally and helps her clients do the same. In a new post, she reveals a few key things she learned on her journey that can help you lose weight as well. “I lost 100 pounds naturally. Here’s what I learned,” she writes.

She Started Taking Action

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number FiveCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

“A decade ago, I stood exactly where you are. I felt stuck in my body. Tired. Frustrated. Overwhelmed by the thought of starting again because, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could follow through this time. But something shifted. I realized that if I wanted my life to change, I had to stop waiting for the ‘perfect time’ and start taking imperfect action,” she says.

She Lost 100 Pounds with No Crash Diets or Quick Fixes

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number FourCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

“Over the next few years, I lost 100 pounds naturally. No crash diets. No quick fixes. I followed the exact framework I teach my clients—and it didn’t just transform my body... it changed my life. Here are the MOST important lessons I learned along the way,” she continued.

You Can’t Outwork a Bad Diet

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Overcoming These 5 Lies Helped Her Lose 100 PoundsCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

First, she learned that you can’t outwork a bad diet. “For years, I thought I could exercise my way to results without addressing what I was eating. Spoiler: It didn’t work. When I finally learned how to make meal prep & planning simple, track my food without obsessing, and eat in a way that didn’t feel restrictive—everything changed,” she writes.

Mindset is the Real Work

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number OneCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

Next, she realized that changing her mindset is the hardest part. “I had to face the excuses, the self-sabotage, and the limiting beliefs that kept me stuck. It wasn’t about motivation—it was about choosing to show up for myself, even on the hard days,” she says.

Your Lifestyle Will Make or Break You

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number TwoCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

Lifestyle is also important. “The secret to losing 100 pounds wasn’t in doing more. It was in building small, consistent habits that worked with my life—not against it. These small changes stacked up into a BIG transformation,” she says.

Nobody Is Coming to Save You

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number ThreeCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

She also learned that “nobody is coming to save you.” “This one stings, but it’s the truth: If you want the transformation, you have to take accountability. You have to stop blaming your circumstances and start owning your choices. The moment I stopped making excuses, I started making progress.”

It’s Worth It

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​You Can Become the Person You Want to BeCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

“This journey isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about gaining confidence, energy, and control over your life. It’s about becoming the version of you who feels proud when she looks in the mirror,” she concludes. “I know how overwhelming it feels to start, but I also know what’s waiting for you on the other side of your excuses—and it is SO worth it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Woman Loses 90 Pounds: 5 Unexpected Mistakes

Amy Fritz amy.fritz
Copyright Amy Fritz/Instagram/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 28, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
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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.

We've all been there – feeling uncomfortable in our own skin, wanting to make a change, but not knowing where to start. Amy Fritz knows this feeling all too well. After reaching her heaviest weight by the end of 2022, she felt miserable and ready for change. By making simple adjustments to her lifestyle—moving her body daily and fueling it with nutritious foods 80% of the time—Amy lost over 90 pounds in just 12 months. Now she's sharing the surprising mistakes she had to overcome to find success. Read on to discover what could be holding back your own weight loss journey.

Mistake 1: Focusing on the scale instead of how you feel

Many of us become obsessed with numbers on the scale, but Amy discovered a more powerful motivator. "Feeling healthy is so much more powerful than any number you will ever see on the scale," she explains in her post. Just two weeks into her journey, despite only losing about five pounds, Amy already noticed positive changes.

"The shame of making bad choices that I had been making for so long started to melt away," Amy shares. That feeling of health fueled her to keep going, even when the weight loss was slow. Now, a year into her journey, she craves those healthy habits. "If I have a couple of days where maybe I miss a workout or make some poor choices with my diet, I start to feel gross," Amy admits.

RELATED:I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

Mistake 2: Neglecting mental health while focusing on physical changes

One of Amy's biggest realizations was that sustainable weight loss begins in the mind, not the body. "Until you're mentally ready, until you've really done the work with your mental health, it's not going to be sustainable or easy to try to focus on your physical health," Amy emphasizes.

Working with a therapist helped Amy overcome emotional eating and develop tools for making healthy choices while managing everyday stress. "You have to prioritize your mental health and what's important on the inside. And then that will snowball and reflect the outside," she says.

Mistake 3: Believing you must eliminate favorite foods

Perhaps the most surprising mistake Amy identified was thinking weight loss meant giving up foods she loved. "You do not have to cut out any specific foods or your favorite meals in order to lose weight," Amy states. She discovered that overly restricting certain foods creates a vicious cycle of craving, overeating, guilt, and more restriction.

Instead, Amy found healthier ways to enjoy her favorite meals. "When you have those cravings for foods, all you have to do is find healthier ways to make them," she explains. For example, pizza night became healthier by adding nutritional volume: "Maybe I sprinkle on a bunch of fresh veggies, or what I really love to do is toss some arugula and some olive oil and balsamic and top that on my pizza."

Mistake 4: Tracking calories too rigidly

Amy initially thought successful weight loss meant sticking to a strict daily calorie limit—a common but often unsustainable approach. "You don't have to track your calories by the day," Amy reveals. Instead, she discovered the power of weekly tracking.

"If you want to lose one pound a week, you have to be in at least a deficit of 3500 calories on the week," Amy explains. This flexibility allowed her to enjoy date nights without guilt while still meeting her goals. "I have date night every Friday night. And so you better be sure I use one of my larger calorie days for Friday so I can go out and enjoy myself and not have to worry and feel like I've fallen off the wagon."

RELATED:I'm 50+ and These 7 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

Mistake 5: Putting exercise last on your priority list

Making exercise an "if I have time" activity was a major error Amy had to correct. "You have to prioritize movement and exercise really high when you're on a journey like this. You have to make it almost your number one priority or else it's not going to get done," Amy stresses.

She learned to stop waiting for the perfect moment when everything else was in order. "Leave the kitchen a mess, leave the bedroom a mess, leave the pile of laundry, let something go so that you can go move your body because you matter and you'll feel better," Amy advises. Putting herself first with exercise actually improved her ability to handle other responsibilities.

Why waiting for motivation doesn't work

Many people make the mistake of waiting until they feel motivated to start exercising or eating better. Amy discovered that action comes first, motivation follows. "You'll start to feel good long before you see results on the scale," she points out. The feeling of making healthy choices daily becomes its own reward and generates the motivation to continue.

The perfectionism trap that sabotages progress

Amy admits she used to think everything had to be perfect before she could focus on her health. "So many times last year and before beginning this journey, I would say, man, I can only go to the gym if the whole house is clean," she recalls. This perfectionism kept her from taking action. Learning to let go of perfect and embrace progress was key to her success.

How meal repetition simplifies weight loss

Contrary to popular advice about needing endless variety, Amy found freedom in keeping meals simple. "It is okay if you found a recipe that is highly nutritional, that you love, that your whole family loves, that supports everyone's goals. It is okay to make that two or three times a week," Amy reassures.

Sheet pan dinners and taco nights became staples in her home. "We do taco night at least once a week, sometimes twice a week," she admits. Finding a few healthy meals that work and repeating them eliminated decision fatigue and simplified her journey.

RELATED:I Hit 60 and These Daily Habits Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Why adding nutrition works better than restriction

Rather than focusing on what to eliminate, Amy discovered the power of adding nutrition to her plate. "Add some more nutrition to your plate and really add some volume to your plate so that you can control the portions," she explains. This approach—eating more vegetables and nutrient-dense foods alongside smaller portions of more indulgent items—kept her satisfied without feeling deprived.

The mindset shift that makes habits stick

Eventually, Amy's healthy choices became automatic. "Now that I'm a year in, I still have a long way to go. I can truly say the feeling of eating healthy and moving my body is not only habitual, but it's something I crave," she shares. This transformation from forcing herself to do healthy activities to actually desiring them was the ultimate key to her success.

Amy's journey proves that sustainable weight loss doesn't require extreme measures or suffering. By avoiding these five unexpected mistakes—focusing too much on the scale, neglecting mental health, eliminating favorite foods, tracking calories too rigidly, and putting exercise last—she created lasting change. Her approach balanced enjoyment with progress, proving that weight loss doesn't have to be miserable to be effective. Start today by addressing these common mistakes in your own journey—you've got this! And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 30 Pounds by Changing My Mindset Using These Simple Strategies

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Nadia Murdock
By Nadia MurdockMay 27, 2024
Nadia Murdock
Nadia Murdock is a Certified Fitness Instructor at Garage Gym Reviews.
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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.

When I tell people I lost 30 pounds by changing my mindset, they stare back at me as if to say, it can't be that easy. No, it's not that easy. But it really does work.

I am a Mindset and Movement Coach and a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Professional with a B.A. in Psychology, as well as a certified fitness coach in mat pilates and barre. I like to say that I was my first client—when I gained a considerable amount of weight in college, I remember not recognizing my own reflection both physically and mentally. I tried a TON of yoyo dieting and followed an inconsistent routine.

In my senior year of college, my life changed when I was given a one-year membership to a gym. This was the start of my true passion for movement and mental strength. I learned so much about myself that continued to unfold over the years bringing us to the present day where I have married the two to become a mindset and movement coach.

Throughout my fitness career, I have met so many people that were physically fit but lacked that same health in their mindset and mental health. Everything is all connected and they truly work hand in hand in order to cultivate sustainable well-being. Being able to tap into your body's needs, staying consistent, and recognizing when your mind and body needs me more is the act of being your own health advocate and activating the power of being the author of your own story.

And every story needs a good beginning.

I remember the exact day I decided to lose weight. I was in New York City with a friend and there was this huge staircase in the subway station on 5th Avenue and 53rd Street. The escalator was not working so my friend and I had to climb the stairs. I remember how difficult it was, and saying to myself I can do this. Eventually, when I got to the top I also remember saying to myself I will climb these stairs one day without a problem. Fast forward about 2 years. I remember the feeling of accomplishment when I did just that with a yoga mat and backpack on my back.

There are two things that have gotten me through the hardest times in my life: Being able to tap into my internal strength while seeing my physical strength develop is profound. It didn’t stop there—these realizations spilled into other areas of my life creating a full transformation. Read on to learn how I lost weight and how you can, too.

1. How I Lost the Weight

Nadia_Murdock2nadiamurdock/Instagram

After years of yo-yo dieting and deprivation, I struggled to lose the weight I gained freshman year of college. I was given a one-year gym membership by my brother, my senior year in college. I was also introduced to Weight Watchers by my best friend's sister who recently had a baby and was using Weight Watchers to get back into shape. The combination of the two changed my life. I tried every class imaginable until I found a workout routine that worked for me. Through this I was also able to connect with like minded individuals that helped to support me in my weight-loss journey. When it came to nutrition, my curiosity was sparked! I learned the importance of hydration, having a colorful and balanced plate and eating foods that served me and my new active lifestyle. Over time this became a part of me, it became a lifestyle.

Related: 7 Best and Most Delicious Fast Food Meals Under 400 Calories for Weight Loss

2. My Advice for People Who Struggle With Maintaining a Positive Mindset While Working Toward Health and Fitness Goals

Silhouette of happy success positive teamwork hold hands up as business successful, business victory & celebrate achievement. Accomplish people merger & acquisitions concept.Shutterstock

The biggest thing in my coaching that I advise all my clients to do is write down their accomplishments! Often people are focusing on what they haven’t done vs. what you have. Having a working document or journal for you to reflect on regularly will help keep you motivated and remind you of what you are capable of.

3. Common Weight Loss Mistakes to Avoid

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They don’t do things they enjoy! They tend to hop on trends and do what other people are doing which causes them to quit. Another thing that gets in the way is the desire for a quick fix! Sustainable change takes time and consistency. Most importantly they aren’t tapping into their WHY! This is what is going to get you out of bed when you don’t feel like doing it. If you can vividly paint a picture of why you are setting yourself up for success.

Related: Best Exercises For Ozempic, Wegovy and Other GLP-1 Medicine

4. Conquer Your Fears

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I recall when I started taking classes I would always go to the back of the class in fear of doing the moves wrong. I also wore baggy clothes for fear of being judged. As my physical body got stronger so did my mental strength and mindset. I started to care less about what people thought and moved from the back of the class to the front. I was less concerned about what people thought and more concerned about showing up for myself.

💪🔥Body Booster: Write down your accomplishments! Having a journal will help keep you motivated and remind you of what you are capable of.

Nadia Murdock is a Certified Fitness Instructor at Garage Gym Reviews.

Nutrition & Diet

I'm 45 and Lost 60 Pounds

Martin Balcaitis
Copyright Martin Balcaitis
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackFeb 24, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio

If you've ever felt frustrated with dieting, you're not alone. After 15 years of trying different weight loss approaches, Martin Balcaitis, 45, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lindora in Orange County, California, finally discovered the game-changing mistake that had been holding him back all along. His transformation story proves that sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest results.

The Wake-Up Call

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

"I feel like I've always been trying to lose weight!" Martin tells Body Network. "But now that I'm in my mid-40s, I know that it isn't so much about the number on the scale, but my overall health for longevity – that was my real motivator this time around."

The Crucial Discovery

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.​Understanding True Protein ContentShutterstock

Standing at 5'9" and weighing 222 pounds, Martin thought he had tried everything. Then came the revelation that changed everything: "I thought I was eating a correct portion for myself, but eyeballing wasn't my friend," he admits. "A food scale was crucial to my success."

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

The Transformation

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

The results speak for themselves. In just six months, Martin dropped from 222 pounds to 165 pounds, achieving a remarkable transformation in his body composition. "My overall body fat percentage went from 36% to 15% in 6 months," he shares proudly.

A New Approach to Food

Man eats, eating​What To Do InsteadShutterstock

Unlike previous attempts at weight loss, Martin's new strategy didn't involve cutting out foods entirely. "I haven't eliminated anything – which is great!" he explains. "I simply know how to manage portions and adjust my eating that day if I know I'm going to have something decadent or high-carb during the day."

A Day of Measured Eating

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Martin's daily menu is both satisfying and strategic. "Breakfast is typically one egg, some egg whites and cottage cheese blended in what I call my 'protein eggs' with spinach and some meat," he says. "Lunch will be a salad with a yogurt-based dressing and dinner is roasted vegetables and lean protein – also three Lindora snacks too!"

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

The Workout Strategy

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Time management proved to be another crucial lesson. "Time can always get the best of us so I make sure to workout in the morning," Martin explains. "I make too many excuses to not go to the gym after work." His dedication has paid off: "I can actually see some abs poking through now!"

Dealing with Setbacks

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Martin maintains a realistic approach to challenges. "Sometimes the motivation just isn't there and you have to tell yourself that it's a marathon, not a sprint," he reflects. "Don't beat yourself up if you skip a workout or can't go the distance you wanted to."

The Power of Accountability

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Making the journey public became a powerful tool. "Be vocal about it. I told people I was trying to lose weight to help hold me accountable," he advises. His commitment extended to his wardrobe: "I donated clothes once they were too big for me – I didn't want to buy big clothes again, so I had to keep going!"

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

A Science-Based Approach

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Martin emphasizes the importance of data in his success. "Knowledge is power, so I would encourage everyone to get a body composition analysis done so they have a true understanding of what their numbers are to make a plan of attack," he recommends.

The Path to Success

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For those inspired by his journey, Martin offers encouraging advice: "Just start! You don't have to wait for a certain day, you don't have to have a big goal in mind – just take little steps and once you see some progress it will motivate you to keep going."

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Maintaining Momentum

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His approach to staying motivated remains practical and empowering. "If I am feeling badly about my body – it is 100% in my control to fix it," he states. "Having a plan and solutions is the answer and putting that plan into action is key." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 50 Pounds in Her 50s with These 6 “Silly” Weight Loss Hacks

Amy Lynn amylynn.fit
Copyright amylynn.fit/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 17, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight fast? According to one expert, some unexpected habits can help you accelerate fat loss. Amy Lynn is a fat loss coach who has lost over 50 pounds in menopause and helps other women do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals some outside-the-box habits that enabled her to lose weight in her fifties. “These ‘silly’ little hacks might sound random... but they work. Like, actually move-the-scale work. Here’s why each one helps with fat loss — especially if you’re over 40 and your hormones are giving drama,” she writes.

Add Sea Salt to Your Water

Her first hack is to add sea salt to your water. According to Lynn, it “helps with hydration, adrenal support & electrolyte balance. “If you’re chronically tired and craving salty snacks, this is for you.”

Go to Failure in Your Final Set

During your workouts, use your last set as an opportunity to go to failure. “Going to failure in your final set helps build muscle (hello metabolism support) and signals your body to burn fat, not muscle,” she says.

Eat a Raw Carrot Every Day

Eat a “raw carrot a day,” she said. The veggie “helps detox excess estrogen (which is often a hidden reason for stubborn belly fat & mood swings).”

Take a Walk in Nature

She also recommends taking walks in nature. “Lowers cortisol, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps with cravings. Bonus points if you leave your phone at home,” she writes.

Take a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals

Next, take a shot of apple cider vinegar before meals. According to Lynne, it “supports blood sugar control and digestion. Less crashing, less snacking,” she says.

Do Deep Breathing Exercises

Her last “silly” hack is deep breathing, “literally turns off your stress response and lowers cortisol. And since cortisol is the belly fat storing hormone this is a great hack!” she writes.

Bottom Line: Habit Stack

Her Bottom line? Habit stacking these six things will result in big results. “None of these are magic. But stacked together? They’re sneaky powerful.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Fat-Burning Snacks to Eat After 60

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Copyright fitnutfitness/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 17, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight after 60 but unsure what to eat? Fueling your body with protein and healthy fat filled snacks is what one expert recommends. Karen Trasatti is a fat loss coach for women over 40 who looks half her age at 61. “5 Go-To Snacks That Keep Me Fit and Lean at 61,” she captioned the video. “Finding snacks that fuel my body, satisfy cravings, and support my fitness goals is key to staying fit and lean at 61. Here are five of my favorite snacks that I eat on repeat,” she says.

Hard-Boiled Eggs + Veggies

Her first snack? Hard-boiled eggs with veggies. “A classic combo! Hard-boiled eggs are a perfect protein source, and I pair them with crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber for fiber and volume,” she writes.

Nut Butter + Apple Slices

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Snack two is apple slices with nut butter. “For a sweet, satisfying snack, I slice up an apple and pair it with almond or cashew butter. It’s loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and just the right amount of natural sugar for an energy boost,” she writes.

Roasted Chickpeas

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She also loves roasted chickpeas. “Crunchy and full of plant-based protein, roasted chickpeas are my go-to when I want something savory. I season them with paprika, garlic, or chili powder before roasting,” she says.

Avocado + Rice Cakes

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Another unique combo? Avocado and rice cakes. “A gluten-free rice cake topped with creamy avocado, a sprinkle of sea salt, and maybe a dash of chili flakes hits the spot every time. It’s satisfying and packed with healthy fats to keep me full,” she says.

Homemade Protein Bars

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She also loves homemade protein bars. “I make my own protein bars with a mix of gluten-free oats, almond butter, protein powder, and a little maple syrup. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go snack,” she writes.

Bottom Line

The bottom line as to why these foods work? “These snacks are simple, nutrient-dense, and keep me energized for my workouts, work, and everything in between,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Foods You Think Are High Protein…But Aren't

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Copyright keithozment.fitcoaching/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 17, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you eating healthy and amping up your protein intake but still can’t lose weight? One expert points out that you might think you are eating high-protein foods when you actually aren’t. 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 post he goes over “protein math” and reveals 5 foods you think are high protein but actually aren’t.

“First… let’s clarify what the baseline is for something to be considered high protein. Let’s learn protein math! High protein means there are around 10g of protein for every 100 calories. For example: If the food you are eating has 19-20g of protein and around 200 calories, that’s a winner!” he says. Here are 5 foods that often get labeled as high protein, but actually aren’t.

Peanut Butter

“Peanut butter is my weakness but l’m sorry to say that it is a fat bomb that happens to have a little bit of protein,” Ozment reveals. “A serving of pb is about 190 calories with only 7g of protein. Truly measure out a serving of peanut butter. It’s very depressing.”

Eggs

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Most people think eggs are a good source of protein, but they aren’t. “On the surface, eggs are essentially high protein. The problem is when people ONLY eat 2 eggs for breakfast. 2 large eggs are only 12g of protein. You need about 20g more to make a solid breakfast,” he says. “Add liquid egg whites or have some turkey sausage along with those 2 eggs to get the total protein up to a minimum of 30 grams.”

Nuts

A variety of nuts in wooden bowls.​NutsShutterstock

Nuts “of any kind,” aren’t a good source of protein. “Just like the peanut butter, basically any kind of nut will be a fat serving that happens to have some protein. Nuts are great. Amazing vitamins and minerals, some fiber, healthy fats...just watch the portion sizes and DONT use them as your protein source,” Ozment explains.

Regular Yogurt

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Regular yogurt is not going to cut it for protein. “I’m not talking non fat Greek yogurt...l mean regular, plain old yogurt,” Ozemet says. “A serving of Dannon strawberry yogurt is 160 calories with 5g of protein. Compare that to strawberry Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt at 90 calories with 15g of protein. No comparison!”

Protein bars

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“Protein bars can be super convenient to get in some protein but most don’t have the best protein to calorie ratio,” says Ozment. “Be sure it passes the protein math that I mentioned at the beginning of this post!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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