Skip to content
Fitness & Workouts
✓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.

At 57, She Has Flat Abs and Here Are the 6 Habits She Swears By

Trainer reveals all her flat-abbed secrets.

Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 09, 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.

Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 09, 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.

Fitness & Workouts

Are you in your 50s and dreaming of having a six-pack? Flat abs may seem like an unrealistic fantasy, but according to one expert who has them, it isn’t. 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 reveals the simple habits that have helped her achieve flat abs. “I’m 57, working out less than in years past & still maintain low body fat & an occasional six pack year round. How?” She goes on to reveal the six habits behind her flat abs.

She Focuses on Sustainable Habits

The first thing she does? “No quick fixes, just sustainable habits,” she says. “I don’t chase trends or crash diets. Decades of experience have taught me that consistency wins every time. I eat… a lot ( note I do incorporate one cleanse or reset a year with food).”

She Eats Enough Protein

Next, “Protein is key,” she maintains. “I prioritize protein in every meal to support muscle maintenance and recovery. Aiming for at least 100g+ daily helps me stay strong and lean. I do eat carbs I’m not a carnivore.”

Strength Training

“Strength training is non-negotiable,” says Roderick. “Lifting weights 3-4 week is essential for preserving muscle, boosting metabolism, and keeping bones strong. Then I add in 2 days of Pilates or yoga & 3. usually 1/2 hour cardio sessions.”

She Follows the 80/20 Rules

She also takes the 80/20 approach to food. “I nourish my body with whole, nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time, but I also enjoy the foods I love in moderation—no guilt, just balance. My favs cheese burgers & French fries!!” she says.

She Exercises

She never skips exercise. “Movement matters,” she says. “I aim for 10k+ steps daily, not just for fat loss but for overall health, mobility, and longevity.”

She Gets Enough Sleep

Sleep is a priority for Roderick. “7+ hours of quality sleep is non-negotiable. Poor sleep leads to cravings, weight gain, and lower energy, so I protect my rest,” she says.

She Is Consistent

“No magic, just consistency,” she concludes. “At 57, I don’t rely on fads or quick fixes. I’ve built my body and health through years of smart training, mindful nutrition, and unwavering consistency.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

fitnessabs

More For You

Fitness & Workouts

At 57, She Has Flat Abs and Here Are the 6 Habits She Swears By

Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 09, 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 in your 50s and dreaming of having a six-pack? Flat abs may seem like an unrealistic fantasy, but according to one expert who has them, it isn’t. 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 reveals the simple habits that have helped her achieve flat abs. “I’m 57, working out less than in years past & still maintain low body fat & an occasional six pack year round. How?” She goes on to reveal the six habits behind her flat abs.

She Focuses on Sustainable Habits

The first thing she does? “No quick fixes, just sustainable habits,” she says. “I don’t chase trends or crash diets. Decades of experience have taught me that consistency wins every time. I eat… a lot ( note I do incorporate one cleanse or reset a year with food).”

She Eats Enough Protein

Next, “Protein is key,” she maintains. “I prioritize protein in every meal to support muscle maintenance and recovery. Aiming for at least 100g+ daily helps me stay strong and lean. I do eat carbs I’m not a carnivore.”

Strength Training

“Strength training is non-negotiable,” says Roderick. “Lifting weights 3-4 week is essential for preserving muscle, boosting metabolism, and keeping bones strong. Then I add in 2 days of Pilates or yoga & 3. usually 1/2 hour cardio sessions.”

She Follows the 80/20 Rules

She also takes the 80/20 approach to food. “I nourish my body with whole, nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time, but I also enjoy the foods I love in moderation—no guilt, just balance. My favs cheese burgers & French fries!!” she says.

She Exercises

She never skips exercise. “Movement matters,” she says. “I aim for 10k+ steps daily, not just for fat loss but for overall health, mobility, and longevity.”

She Gets Enough Sleep

Sleep is a priority for Roderick. “7+ hours of quality sleep is non-negotiable. Poor sleep leads to cravings, weight gain, and lower energy, so I protect my rest,” she says.

She Is Consistent

“No magic, just consistency,” she concludes. “At 57, I don’t rely on fads or quick fixes. I’ve built my body and health through years of smart training, mindful nutrition, and unwavering consistency.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Nutrition & Diet

She Has a Flat Tummy in Her 50s: 4 Habits

lois hughey coaching
Copyright lois.hughey.coaching/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 07, 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:

Do you want to transform your belly from flab to flat in your 50s? This is totally doable, says one expert. Lois Hughey is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost 15 pounds and kept it off. Now, she makes it her mission to help women over 50 “simplify nutrition and fitness” and regularly offers tips for sustainable fat loss in menopause on her social media feeds. In a new post, she reveals a few simple habits for flattening your tummy. “Women who have flat tummies in their 50s are doing these things,” she writes. “Make sure you steal the strategy.”

So Many Women Struggle with Belly Weight in Their 50s

“There are enough challenges being a woman over 50…Looking and feeling your best shouldn’t be one of them,” she writes. “So many women tell me that they struggle with bloating, abdominal weight gain, and the inability to even lose 5 pounds of fat and keep it off.”

These 4 Strategies Work, She Claims

“It’s FRUSTRATING…😫I know because I’ve been there! If you want to lose fat, you must be in a caloric deficit. If you are, then you can steal these 4 strategies to make fat loss easier,” she says.

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

Eat a “Balanced Plate of Food” 90% of the Time

First, eat a balanced plate of food at 90% of your meals. “This looks like 1/2 your plate is produce (the more color the better), 1/4 is protein, 1/4 is carbs—yes! Even your snacks! Build most of your meals to look like this at home, and you will see your body begin to change,” she says.

Strength Train

Next, exercise. “Strength train and take rest days,” she suggests. “Building muscle is your secret weapon to aging well and looking amazing. You don’t need hours in the gym (or even a gym at all). But hopping from video to video won’t help your body burn fat, and neither will 5lb weights. You are stronger than you think! Have a structured plan that you stick with for 4-8 weeks at a time so that you can track your strength. Do this 30-45 minutes 2-3 times a week. If you aren’t doing anything right now, this is enough to get you started. Be sure to take rest days, too. In the case of building muscle, more is not better.”

Manage Stress

You also need to manage your stress. “This season of life comes with plenty of stress. Job changes, retirement, aging parents, college kids, empty nest…. You need to stop your go, go, go lifestyle and learn to take time for yourself. Not just once in a while, but every single day. It’s up to you to do this work, even if it feels unnatural at first,” she says.

Prepare Your Environment for Success

Finally, prepare your environment for success. “None of these things are going to work if you hope and pray they will happen. You need a plan so that you can succeed. This means making sure you have protein and produce in your house. Scheduling your workout & destress time. Making sure that everything you need for the day is ready to go,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Her Best Body at 51: 3 Must-Have Habits

Alicia Erickson - The Midlife Maven aliciae
I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 “Basics”
Copyright aliciae/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 05, 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 looking for some inspiration to get in shape? Alicia Erikson, aka The Midlife Maven, is a social media influencer and fitness expert who designs programs specifically for people who want to shape up after 50. In a recent post, the 51-year-old unveils the dramatic transformation that occurred between the ages of 48 and 51. “Evolution of a mind and body transformation,” she writes, revealing the three key habits that helped her achieve it.

Her Old Habits Weren’t Working as She Entered Perimenopause

“As an active woman my entire life, I was coming into perimenopause and it was doing me DIRTY!!! What had worked before was NOT working anymore and I knew it was time to switch it up. And I KNEW this was going to become my lifestyle. This was a long game! What you want to achieve will take longer than you expect. So get ready to be patient and learn!” she writes.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

This Trifecta Helped Her Lose Weight

One thing was fundamental in her transformation: Changing her thought process. “Your mindset is everything! You want to change but if you have deeply rooted limiting beliefs, you will burn out fast,” she says. She reveals that a “trifecta” approach was instrumental in her journey.

Lifting Weights

Lifting weights is the first part of the trifecta. “Start with 3 days a week and slowly increase IF you want to. I recommend 3-5 days per week and you should be able to have a great lift in one hour if you are laser focused!” she says. “Follow a progressive overload lifting program. This is not hopping around from random workout to random workout. This is not circuit training or bootcamp with small dumbbells. You need a PLAN and to PROGRESS that plan over time!”

Walking

The second piece of the puzzle is walking. “From a generation of women thinking we need to be passed out in a pool of sweat on the floor - I get it. WALKING is one of the MOST effective fat burners!! Start where you’re at (even if it’s 4k steps per day) and slowly work on increasing your steps each week. I’m currently at 10-12k per day. If you need to break it up into chunks during your day that’s great!” she writes.

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

Counting Macros

The last part of the trifecta? Macros. “Understanding that you need appropriate amounts of Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats to sculpt a physique. A slight deficit to lose fat and a slight surplus to put on muscle. You can also eat in maintenance if you want to maintain your bodyweight and build muscle while burning fat,” she writes.

Make Yourself a Priority

“Make working on yourself a priority. We need to stop overanalyzing and start IMPLEMENTING! Most people are NOt doing the simple things day after day and this is why they don’t have results. Consistency and repetition in the kitchen and gym are KEY!” she concludes. “SUPER simple. Not easy. SIMPLE!” And if you enjoyed this article, don’t miss How White Lotus Star Michelle Monaghan Looks Flawless and Flat-Abbed at 49.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost Over 75 Lbs with These 6 Easy Habits

Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 30, 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:

Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to reach your goals? Cassie B of Cassie B Fitness is a coach and influencer who shares her health and fitness journey with thousands of social media followers. In a new post, she reveals her most unpopular advice about how to follow in her footsteps. “I lost over 75 pounds in less than a year. Here’s my unpopular weight loss advice to help you lose weight in 2025,” she writes. “Don’t shoot the messenger. Here’s my unpopular advice that may make some people mad, but following this advice helped me lose over 75lbs and is sure to help you lose weight in 2025.”

Stop Cutting Out Food

Her first tip is to “stop cutting out food,” she writes. “No single food makes you lose weight and no single food makes you gain weight. All food can and should be enjoyed. It all comes down to calories.”

Don’t Do or Eat Anything You Hate

Next, “stop eating foods you hate or doing exercise you dread,” she says. “There’s no reason to!! Eat the things you love while staying in a deficit and move your body in a way that you find enjoyable (walking is the best IMO).”

Stop Trying to Speed It Up

Her third suggestion? Stop trying to speed it up. “Weight loss is slow; but the time will pass anyway! Speeding it up causes you to do unsustainable things, which will cause you to fail!! Slow and steady,” she says.

Stop Looking for Quick Fixes

Fourth, “stop looking for a quick or easy fix,” she says. “There is no magical pill, diet, cleanse, etc.. the right way is the easy way. Calorie deficit.”

Stop Taking Short Cuts

Next, stop taking shortcuts. “Eating in a calorie deficit Monday through Thursday then taking the weekends off won’t get you anywhere!!! You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be consistent,” she writes.

Stop Looking for Excuses

Finally, “stop looking for excuses or a perfect time to start,” she says. “No one can do it for you. You have to be the one to put in the effort, time, and consistency. You just have to START.”

She Also Offers Running Tips

In another post, she offers some of her priceless running tips. “Get proper running shoes! Go to a store and have them record your run so you can get proper shoes!” she writes.

Start Slow

Next, she says to pace yourself. “Start slow!! I ran my first mile at a 4.0mph pace. The slower you start, the longer you can go,” she says.

Focus on Time, Not Distance

Next, focus on time, not distance. “Focus on being able to run 1 minute without walking, then 2, then 5, so on. Once you’re ready, slowly build your speed,” she says.

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

Use the Treadmill

“Don’t be afraid of the treadmill!” she continues. “I LOVE the treadmill for so many reasons. Running on a treadmill doesn’t make you any less of a runner.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Use Training Plans

Another tip is to use training plans as a guide. “They can help you structure how often / far / types of runs you should do to achieve your goals!” she says.

Sign Up for a 5K

She also recommends signing up for a 5k. “This motivates you like no other and helps keep you excited for running!” she points out.

Let Go of Pace

Her last tip? “Let go of pace. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. A mile is a mile whether it takes you 18 minutes or 8. You’re a runner either way,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Fitness & Workouts

I Dropped 50 Pounds and Lost My “Pooch” by Doing This One, Simple Exercise

Gina_CowboyLeisure1
Copyright cowboyleisure/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 07, 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:
✓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 desperate to blast your belly fat? It may not be as hard as you think. Gina is a weight loss warrior who lost 50 pounds and got in the best shape of her life in the healthiest way possible. In a new social media post, she reveals one standing ab move that helped her achieve her enviable abs and lose belly fat after having seven kids. “You could run for 10 minutes on a treadmill and not even burn off a stick of string cheese, or you could do these instead to build muscle and burn fat,” she writes across the video, going on to reveal the one exercise that helped her lose 50 pounds and flatten her pooch.

Gina Knows the Belly “Hang” Well After 7 Kids

Close-Up Of Pregnant Woman Holding Her Belly, Sitting On Yoga Mat. Cropped image, panorama.Shutterstock

“As a c-section mother and mother of 7- I know the hang. After losing 50 pounds, I know it takes much more than some random crunches. I have found that standing core exercises help so much to tighten and strengthen that area,” she says in the post.

She Has a Hack for the “Fatty Upper Pubic Area”

Flat,Belly,Expecting,Baby,pregnant,diet,healthShutterstock

She goes on to reveal an acronym, FUPA. “FUPA stands for ‘fatty upper pubic area’ and refers to the accumulation of fat around the mons pubis, or pubic bone,” she says. And it’s not just women who experience it — so do men!

RELATED: Lindsay Lohan Flaunts Washboard Abs: Here’s Her “Little Secret” to Looking Great at 38

She Tightened Hers with This Move

Portrait of fit young woman with kettlebell weights in the park. Fitness woman training with weights in park.Shutterstock

“Although we can’t target fat loss in a specific area of the body, we can definitely work on certain exercises that help us tighten and strengthen muscles in that area. This is one example of what I have done with my journey, and after 7 kids and c-sections, I have found that this area has become increasingly tighter since incorporating overhead weights with movement such as you see,” she says.

It Works for Men Too

Athlete,Exercise, Kettleball,Kettlebell,gymShutterstock

And “for the men,” she maintains that the same exercise works. “My husband started doing these with me to strengthen his core with higher weight and reps! Let me know if you try it!”

FUPA Pooch Exercise for Women

,Working,Out,Gym,Weights,dumbbellsShutterstock

In the video, she demonstrates the pooch-busting move. “Try to do this for 60 seconds with 10-15 pounds. Rest for 60 seconds and do it again until you hit three reps.”

RELATED: Woman Lost 25 Pounds on Mounjaro Without Exercise and Shares 8 Key Tips

Men Lower Ab Strengthening

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

She also offers a version for men. Try to do this for 60 seconds with 20-25 pounds. Rest for 30 seconds and continue until you do 5 reps.

She Also Walks with a Weighted Vest

Buffalo, Minnesota, USA - May 20, 2017 Murph Challenge 2017, Happy athletic girl coming back from 1 mile run and flexing her bicepsShutterstock

Another hack that helped her lose weight fast? Wearing a weighted vest and walking. Her routine? She wrote in another post that “daily/nightly walks” and a “minimum” of 3 miles a day “with it on at least 5 times a week” is what she did. “You can achieve this with sidewalk walking, road walking, or walking on a treadmill/walking pad. I have since tapered back on my weighted vest walking- and walk weighted only once a week because the goal isn’t weight loss but now muscle definition. Weighted walks are super beneficial. I bought the 40-pound with shoulder pads, removed all but ten pounds, and worked my way up. The one I walk with now is a 60 lbs vest,”

And Makes Sure to Eat Enough Food

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesShutterstock

She also explains that many people believe that undereating will help them lose weight. But that’s not true. “You are (probably) not eating enough, and it has your metabolism way out of wack and your body holding onto fat way more than you’d like,” she writes. “I was at my absolute heaviest when I was eating the absolutely least amount of food after giving birth for the 7th time in 12 years,” she says. Now, she fuels her body with healthy foods so that she can exercise more.

RELATED: 8 Core Stability Moves a Mobility Expert Uses to Prevent Back Pain

Her Approach Works

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbellsShutterstock

“The skinny twig supermodel body that most girls wanted as young children has turned into an entire era of women becoming stronger, leaner, healthier and living a more fit and achievable lifestyle by filling their bodies with nutritious foods because they are not afraid to fuel their tank. Women who know that they will not get bulky by lifting weights,” she continues. “Last summer, I weighed almost 180 pounds until I got up and did something about it, and now I am empowering others to get up and do the same. I got you! You won’t find BS or kale here.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

20 Foods That Strip Belly Flab

Melissa Pfeister
20 Foods That Strip Belly Fat
Copyright Melissa Pfeister
Melissa Pfeister
By Melissa PfeisterMay 10, 2025
Melissa Pfeister
Melissa Pfeister is the founder of the health and wellness brand Stripped with Melissa and the host of the podcast Side Piece.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Growing up in Ohio, my life revolved around sports. I was so serious about being “the female Michael Jordan” that I convinced my parents to build a half-basketball court in our backyard and turn our basement into a full-blown workout facility. Playing sports and working out year-round ultimately got me into learning about food and healthy ways of eating. That then turned into wanting to help others do the same, which is why I became a Stanford Medicine-certified nutritionist and started my business, Stripped with Melissa. This turned into working with Body Network's sister site, Eat This, Not That! on their Medical Expert Board. Helping people with their nutrition and on their weight loss journey is my greatest love and passion! Read on to discover the key foods that help reduce belly fat and learn proven tactics to kickstart your weight loss journey and stay on track.

Good Ol’ H2O

Portrait of adult women stand hold glass of water and look out the window​1. Hydrate the Right WayShutterstock

Yes, water! Water is SO awesome for your entire body, especially when trying to burn belly fat or any fat. Not only does water fill you up without filling you out, but it keeps your body hydrated. A hydrated body allows for fat molecules to break down, helping you to burn off energy!

Avocado

Sliced,Avocado,On,A,Cutting,Board​AvocadoShutterstock

Not only is avocado one of my absolute favorite foods ever, but it’s also full of omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce visceral fat. Visceral fat is also known as “toxic fat” stored for winter or any season deep within your body, especially within your belly. The more we can chop away at the visceral fat, the slimmer and healthier your belly and body become!

Kale & Spinach

kale salad leaves close up with water drops background​Leafy GreensShutterstock

Numbers 3 & 4 go to the rockstars kale and spinach. Not only can you eat them raw or cook them up in so many ways, but dark leafy greens are low-calorie, little to no fat, and perfect for getting that belly lean and mean!

Eggs in the package​EggsShutterstock

Numbers 5 & 6 go to my other loves, eggs and fish! Protein-packed foods like these two all-stars increase your body’s metabolic function, which gets your body working, resulting in less abdominal fat! Whole eggs are great, but just using the whites is very eggcellent with lower calories than eating the egg yolk as well.

Hot Sauce

Los Angeles, California, United States - 06-09-2020:A view of a counter with a row of popular hot sauce bottles, featuring Frank's RedHot, Huy Fong Foods sriracha, Tapatio, El Pato, and Cholula. spice, spicy, sauce, pepper, peppers​Spice Up Your Food with Healthy CondimentsShutterstock

Number 7 might be my all-time favorite ever… hot sauce! The hot part of your favorite spicy food comes from a compound called capsaicin. This has been shown to boost your metabolism, helping your body to burn more calories and fat. Hot sauce or salsa are also beneficial when used as a healthy, low-calorie ingredient or condiment instead of high-fat butter or margarine. When in doubt, hot sauce it out!

Beans

Bowl,Of,Cooked,Beans,In,Tomato,Sauce, baked, beansShutterstock

Beans beans, they’re good for your heart, the more you eat them the more you… lose that weight! Yes, it’s true, beans ARE the magical fruit! Low-fat and loaded with fiber, beans help to keep your body filling up without filling you out!

Cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks on a wooden background. Cinnamon spice in a spoon and bowl. Ceylon cinnamon.Shutterstock

Cinnamon is SO fine that’s why it’s #9! Oh, how I LOVE cinnamon. Whether adding to your morning coffee or bowl of oatmeal, there are many benefits to using cinnamon. As with hot sauce or salsa, it has zero to no calories and is an amazing substitute for sugar. While sipping that cinnamon in your coffee, digestion is improved which lends to your metabolism kicking into gear and burning extra calories and fat!

Nuts

Assortment,Of,Nuts,In,Bowls.,Cashews,,Hazelnuts,,Walnuts,,Pistachios,,Pecans,​Nuts and SeedsShutterstock

Number 10 is NUTS! No, really, nuts like almonds are full of those amazing omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals which help to keep you feeling fuller longer. They also contain amygdalin, a compound shown to help reduce belly and body fat overall. So enjoy. It’s time to be nutty!

Yogurt

Spoon,With,Tasty,Yogurt,Above,Bowl,On,Table,,Closeup.,Space​Regular YogurtShutterstock

Nowadays, so many of us have an uneasy gut. Gut issues are a pain, literally, and absolutely no fun. The great news, there’s a way to help and eating yogurt is one of them! Yogurt is an amazing source of probiotics helping to support the bacteria good for gut health. These probiotics assist you not only in feeling better in your gut but helping you lose that stubborn belly fat!

Chicken & Turkey

Homemade Grilled Chipotle Chicken Breast with Cilantro and LIme​Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime ChickenShutterstock

#12 & lucky 13…Get your meat! Well, chicken and turkey! I cannot say enough about foods high in protein. But please do me a favor and sub out that red meat for the low-fat, and most importantly, healthy fat turkey and chicken!

Salmon and Tuna

,Salmon,Fish,Fillets, protein, food, dinner​Amp Up Your Protein IntakeShutterstock

Is that tasty chicken of the sea… salmon and tuna! Remember with those almonds and avocados, salmon is full of heart and belly healthy omega-3s which help to boost your metabolism and reduce that underneath visceral belly fat! Both are also high in protein helping you to feel fuller for a longer time.

Apples

Ripe red apples on table close upShutterstock

An apple a day keeps the belly fat away! Apples are one of the highest-fiber fruits packing a huge healthy punch to that belly fat. Fiber slows digestion in your gut, helping you feel fuller longer. Although apple contain natural sugar, the high fiber actually slows down blood sugar absorbed as well!

Oats

A Scoop of Rolled Oats​Prebiotic Foods: OatsShutterstock

Oats baby! Grab those oats, add some cinnamon, and make a heart healthy, belly fat fighting meal! Oats are high in soluble fiber which, like with the fiber in those apples, slows digestion by the absorption of water AND blood sugar. Oats are oatastic so enjoy your cinnamon flavored oatmeal for breakfast!

Broccoli

broccoli in hands. a wooden background. healthy eating concept.Shutterstock

Broccoli is so good for your body! Broccoli contains vitamin K which is amazing for fat metabolism. Broccoli also contains a compound called carotenoids that helps to get the fat burning going and help you lose that belly fat!

Protein Shake

Various Protein sport shake and powder. Fitness food and drink.Shutterstock

Shake shake, shake it off! And by shake, I mean grab a protein shake. Some of us don’t get enough protein in the day, so having a protein shake is a quick and easy way to fuel up on that goodness your body needs. Along with all the amazing protein packed foods above, the protein in these shakes make you feel fuller longer while helping your muscles burn fat and get the recharge they need to keep burning, building and getting stronger!

Green Tea

trendy 40 years old woman in black body lingerie and red bathrobe in the modern house in sunny day drinking cup of green tea.​5. Green TeaShutterstock

Want a drink?! Well look no further! Number 20 is one of my favorite go-to’s Green Tea! Whether you’re a hot tea or an iced tea lover, green tea contains not only caffeine, but a type of antioxidant called catechin. Catechin combined with the caffeine can speed up your metabolism, increasing the amount of energy used and helping to break down that stubborn excess belly fat. So, grab a glass or cup, add some cinnamon and say bye-bye to that weight!

Belly Flab Strip Tip: Sugar and Fat Calories Leave Its Mark on Your Body

Donuts,With,Icing,On,Pastel,Pink,Background.,Sweet,Donuts.Shutterstock

You know that old saying “You are what you eat”? Well, I’m a very firm believer in it! Eating donuts every day doesn’t mean you are going to turn into one however, all the calories, sugar and fat in those donuts will leave its mark on your body. A funny story about that little saying too…when first becoming a mom, I was big on making sure my baby had enough vegetables. When taking my boy to his one-year check-up, the doctor asked if I often fed him orange-colored vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. I proudly responded, “Yes!” She then asked me to look at the bottom of his feet and pointed out the light color of orange they were. While she was very proud as his pediatrician, she said he’s literally turning orange, so maybe don’t have to feed him so many!

Belly Flab Strip Tip: Take It One Day at a Time

overweight woman on scale at homeStep Five: Stay ConsistentShutterstock

Please know when you’re about to begin your weight loss journey, take it one day at a time and take small steps! Losing weight and getting healthy is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about crazy fad diets that are impossible to sustain long term. Just as you would starting back to riding a bike or working out, slow and steady wins the race! Staying positive and taking everything, no matter how small you might think it may be, as a win is huge. We are always so busy with work, kids and taking care of everyone else, it’s important to take care of yourself. The healthier and happier you are, both physically and mentally, the better you are for everyone else!

Oh, how I love all the deliciously amazing foods that are great for your entire body, especially for your belly! There are so many to choose from, but these are some of my favorites!

Belly Flab Strip Tip: Start Small

Melissa Pfeister

Copyright Melissa Pfeister

I’m a firm believer that small changes make a BIG difference. It’s not about a complete 180 of your eating. Take one meal and start to make changes. Get comfortable with the new routine. Strive for being confident. As much as you are wanting a change physically, we must change your mental game and outlook as well. Don’t forget to be proud of yourself. The more fun you have with it, the more success you will have in the long run. All these foods are amazing for your body and to burn belly fat, for best results though get moving and keep that exercise going. The more you move, the more your body is working and helping you on your successful belly-fat fighting, weight loss journey!

About the author: Melissa Pfeister, founder of the program Stripped with Melissa, is a Stanford Med Certified Nutritionist.

Fitness & Workouts

I Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months by Walking

Carlo Costanzo vCloudInfo
I Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months by Walking
Copyright vCloudInfo/YouTube
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 10, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a fancy gym membership or a personal trainer if you want to get into shape and lose weight. According to one weight loss warrior, all you really need is a pair of good walking shoes. Carlo, a home assistant expert and social media influencer, lost a whopping 50 pounds in 8 months with the help of daily walks. In a viral video, he explains exactly how he did it. “I lost around 50 pounds basically walking an hour every day. I decided to make a video showing the progress so I could look back at it and keep myself both motivated and accountable,” he writes in the caption.

He Wants to Help Inspire Others with His Story

Carlo explains that he took a break from social media, “a step back and I started focusing on my health. I was about 250 pounds at the beginning of this year. And I've always enjoyed watching these transformation videos of people who, you know, they've done things, they've done some weight loss. I find it very inspiring. So I've had some success with my journey. So I thought I'd make this video just to add my voice to the mix out there,” he says.

He Tipped the Scales at 250

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

He explains that he started his weight loss journey in January, 2020, tipping the scales at 250 pounds. “This was by far the highest I've been. I've always struggled with weight loss. I've definitely lost some weight here and there. It's always been like, sort of attached to something else. So the kids had sports, and maybe during their practices, I would walk and I would begin to lose some weight. I'd find some success, but when the season ended and the practices stopped, I would stop and the weight would come back.

He Set a Goal to Walk 3 Miles Every Day

Person walking to Freedom Concept​Here’s How Many Calories You Can Burn WalkingShutterstock

“This time around, I decided to do walking again. So I definitely wanted my journey to be something that I could do for the long haul. Something that I could sustain, just keep moving the whole time. So I tried to walk every single day, three miles. It was basically the goal I had,” he says.

He Was Inspired by Someone Who Did a 5K Daily

Underwater,Reflection,Silhouette,Of,A,Girl,Walking,On,The,Seashore​Your Sustainable Path ForwardShutterstock

He says that he was “inspired” by someone he saw on Twitter “who was doing a 5K every day for a hundred days,” he says. “I said, you know what, I'm gonna try to do this. I'm gonna try to walk, not really run, but just walk 5K every day for a hundred days and see where it gets me.”

It Took Him an Hour to Walk 3 Miles or 7,000 Steps

Smart watch woman using smartwatch touching button and touchscreen on active sports activity or morning jogging during beach sunrise or sunset. Closeup of hands and wrist with smart watch screen.Shutterstock

He explains that some days he walks at a slower pace, especially when he doesn’t feel like walking. “I don't wanna do this, but I'm gonna get it done. So even if you just walk at a slow pace, it's better than not doing it at all.” He ends up walking three miles in an hour, or 7,000 steps.

It Wasn’t “Too Taxing” On His Body

tourist couple walking on cobblestone street vacation in europe on holiday break​Don’t Increase Walking Too FastShutterstock

“It was something that wasn't too taxing on my body. I did it every single day, getting to about 115 straight days.” He says the weight loss started, and “progressively came down every day.”

He Started Working Out with a Trainer

Gym customer is getting advice and suggestion from her personal trainer for exercising plan program and getting her evaluation chart from sample blood test for her workout progress conceptShutterstock

He also started working out with a personal trainer and strength coach. “I wanted to walk, but I also wanted to do some strength and try to up my metabolism, up the muscle growth, in addition to cardio, just to lose weight,” he says. He learned how to do body weight exercises, like pushups, sit-ups, “just normal calisthenic things.” However, “the anchor to everything was the walking.”

He Walks No Matter What

Man walking on sunlit trail in autumn forest enjoying peaceful walk in nature​Walk for 30 MinutesShutterstock

He reiterates that even when he gets home late, he makes sure to walk. “I'm gonna put that time in. I'm gonna trust that process, and I'm gonna just keep working at this.”

He Also Logged His Food

Person using Apple i-phone to press and access the MyFitnessPal app / application​1. Track Your Food IntakeShutterstock

Walking also helped him with his eating. “If you walk every day, then maybe you snack a little less. I was logging all my food.” He says that the daily habit helped him “stay on that right path.”

He Lost 55 Pounds in 7 Months

Male athlete measuring Body Composition with Scale​Fine-Tuning Your Medication ProtocolShutterstock

Over 7 months he went from 250 down to 195, losing “a good 55 pounds with maybe one to two days a week of strength training, and then seven days a week of walking, just walking every single day.”

After 8 Months, His Weight Stabilized at 205

A happy man is relaxing on green grass with squint eyes and raised up to sky arms at sunny summer day at park background. Concept of wellbeing and healthy lifestyle

Now his weight has stabilized at 205. “It's a good 50 pound loss for me, which is great. My energy is super high. My cardiovascular is a lot better. I can run more. I've started jump roping. That's a new thing that I've added to my workout routine.”

He Hopes His Story Will Help Others

“I just wanted to share this story with others. I'm just a normal dude. I'm 47, so creeping up on 50, just trying to get back in shape, trying to change the chemistry of my body, the composition of my body to lead a healthier lifestyle, which I think is good for everyone.”

Nutrition & Diet

Mom Lost 35 Pounds in 5 Months with 5 Habits

Katie Tufte cortisolsavvymama cortisol.savvy.mama
Copyright cortisol.savvy.mama/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 10, 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 dealing with high cortisol and struggling to lose weight? Katie Tufte is a mom and influencer whose mission is “helping moms conquer weight loss, energy, and support cortisol + GLP-1 naturally.” In a new social media post, she reveals the simple changes she made to lose weight fast. “5 habits that helped me go from 175 to 140 pounds in 5 months,” she writes.

She Discovered She Had High Cortisol

“When I discovered I was dealing with high cortisol, I felt stuck—like nothing was working for me. But I made a few key changes to my daily routine that helped me lower cortisol naturally and finally start losing weight,” she writes.

Less Intense Workouts

Swapping out high-intensity workouts for lower-intensity alternatives was a game-changer. “I started walking…a lot! And strength training 3-4 times a week!” she reveals.

She Hydrated

She also prioritized hydration. However, she didn’t drink plain water; instead drinking water infused with minerals. “Staying hydrated with electrolytes,” 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.

She Went to Bed Earlier

By setting an earlier bedtime, getting more sleep also enabled her to lose weight faster. “Prioritizing sleep is crucial for stress relief and hormone balance,” 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.

She Changed Her Diet

She also made some dietary changes. “I started eating balanced meals, focusing on increasing protein to stabilize my blood sugar,” 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.

Cortisol Supporting Supplement

She maintains that taking a cortisol-supporting supplement was very helpful. “This was the game-changer that helped manage my stress levels effectively,” she says.

You Can Break the Cycle

“Within 5 months, I lost 30 pounds that I’d been struggling with for years, and my energy levels came back! And about a year later, I added in gut health and lost another 5! By supporting your cortisol levels and gut health, you can finally break free from the cycle of stress and weight gain,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Copyright 2025 Galvanized Media. All Rights Reserved. Body Network is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family.