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I’ve Tried Nearly Every Diet and This is the #1 Best for Weight Loss For Me

I practice intermittent fasting and a mostly Paleo diet, tailored to fit my schedule. Read on.

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
Mark_Dean_Edwards2
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab

Paleo. Vegan. High carb. Low carb. Atkins. Carnivore. Intermittent fasting. I could keep going with this list. Just looking at a list of “popular” dietary protocols out there is enough to make your head spin. What works for weight loss? Which diet is best? The answer just might surprise you.


1. A Little Background About Me and My Weight Loss

Mark_Dean_Edwards2minimalist_mark/Instagram

First off, let me introduce myself so that you’ve got some context for what I’m about to tell you. I’m Mark Edwards, a PNL1 certified nutrition coach and CrossFit L2 trainer. I coach people on losing weight, gaining weight, maintaining weight, and getting fit. The road I took to where I am now was a little unusual - winding and indirect, with lots of detours. A lot of people in my line of work are former professional athletes or science nerds, sometimes both. I am neither. But like many of you, I’ve had my battles in the past with weight gain and weight loss.

I think it’s likely a bit of a rarity that nutrition and fitness professionals like myself have had weight issues in their past. So in a very real sense, I have experience to offer that may be useful. This is partly due to my age. I’m a 59-year-old nutrition coach and CrossFitter, so besides my nutrition and weight loss experiences, I’ve had years of my own sports injuries, knee arthritis and surgeries, hip arthritis and surgery/resurfacing, and shoulder surgery. Next up for me will be elbow surgery. Nothing in life ever seems to go as planned. And no, I am not being held together with duct tape. Yet.

Related: I Lost 20 Pounds With These 5 Hacks

2. When it Comes to Diet Content on Social Media, It's Crazy Town Out There

apple,iPhone,apps,cell,mobile,telephone,social,media,facebook,instagram,twitter, youtube,Shutterstock

If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media perusing posts on weight loss, nutrition, fitness, and health, chances are you’ve been left dazed and confused. I’m sure you’ve seen variations of these “diets”:

  • Eat only vegetables
  • Eat no vegetables, only meat and organs
  • Consume no fruit
  • Eat only fruit
  • Eat no carbs
  • Eat high carbs
  • Eat lots of fats
  • Eat no fats
  • Eat only raw vegetables
  • Dairy is poison
  • Vegetables are trying to kill you

I could go on, but you get the idea. Is it any wonder that a lot of people are left in a state of total paralysis when it comes to nutrition and weight loss? As a nutrition coach, I understand your confusion. My personal journey through various diets over the past 25 or 30 years (ultimately leading to becoming a nutrition and fitness coach) was replete with odd detours, forks in the road, smooth going, and occasionally veering straight into the ditch. At this point, I’ve found an eating style that works best for me. I’ll tell you how I got here so that just maybe I can save you a lot of headaches and false starts on your own journey.

3. The Journey Begins

Male,Weight,Scales,,Weight,,Diet,Shutterstock

Way way back in my early 30s, I packed on the first significant weight gain of my life. In the span of about 10 to 12 months, I went from 160 lbs to 205 lbs. Unfortunately, the excess weight wasn’t muscle. I’m average height (a shade under 6 feet) and have a narrow frame. So that extra 45 lbs was pretty significant. The instigator of this weight gain was my first trip to Italy. Maybe you can relate. Oh boy, Italy. Wine with lunch every day. And everybody was doing it! How great to be Italian! What a life. In one local joint in Lucca, I watched a crew of four paint-splattered workmen have a 2 ½ hour lunch. And each of them polished off a full bottle of wine before heading back to work. Unfortunately, I continued the lunchtime practice of big lunches with several glasses of wine when I came back to my adopted home, Tokyo. No mystery why I put on 45 lbs.

I was a regular gym goer and trained 2-3 times a week with weights and several times per week, I’d go to a mixed martial arts class here in Tokyo, so in my mind, there was no problem. “I’ll just work it off in the gym!” That’s a common refrain I hear as a nutrition coach. “Can’t I just exercise more to lose this weight?” Well, no, you can’t. At that time, I was unfamiliar with the now well-known phrase, “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” So just as you’d expect, that weight didn’t come off.

Related: 12 Steps to Sculpt the Ultimate Chest

4. First, I Tried the Zone Diet

Fat,Man,Belly,Obese,Overweight,dad, bod, tummy, obeseShutterstock

Then came my first taste of the Zone diet, a diet developed and promulgated by Dr. Barry Sears and CrossFit. At first, it seemed complicated, but lo and behold, with some effort, the excess body fat melted away. Problem was, the degree of measuring required to follow the Zone Diet was onerous. But the Zone did have a lot going for it, and one of its prime advantages was built-in carb restriction. That was a big plus because as I’m sure you know, over-consuming carbs is not only easy, but enjoyable, fun, and just about every other positive-feeling adjective that comes to mind. The Zone didn’t forbid carbs. Not by any means. But every macro (protein, carbs, and. fat) was strictly measured at each meal according to body weight, so by following the guidelines, it was impossible to over-consume carbs. There’s no doubt that The Zone diet works. But for me, the constant measuring made it too much of a hassle to sustain. So I did what a lot of people do when a weight loss program isn’t meeting misplaced expectations or is just too much of a pain to follow: I tried something more extreme.

5. Then I Tried the Metabolic Diet (aka the Anabolic Diet)

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.Shutterstock

In a nutshell, the Metabolic/Anabolic Diet is a low-carb, high-protein, moderate to high-fat diet. You eat meat. Lots of meat. The brainchild of former powerlifter Dr. Mauro DiPasquale, the Metabolic Diet works very well at cutting body fat and decreasing food cravings. Its high protein content ensures that people who train hard will gain muscle mass while those who train less hard or not much won’t LOSE muscle mass while still losing weight. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE meat. And I lost body fat and gained muscle, so it worked for me pretty well - that is until I got tired of the high degree of carb restriction. I couldn’t keep doing it indefinitely. So onward I went.

Related: I'm a Fitness Expert and This is My Simple Beginner's Diet Plan That Actually Works

6. Next Was the Paleo Diet - Caveman Style

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meatShutterstock

The Paleo Diet was first promoted by Dr. Loren Cordain Ph.D. and further popularized in the CrossFit community by Robb Wolf. “Paleo” tries to mimic what many believe is the human ancestral, prehistoric diet: meat, vegetables, some nuts, greens, and various natural fats, both saturated and monounsaturated. In a very real sense, Paleo is a “balanced” diet. I got into “eating Paleo” when I started CrossFit back in 2015. Although I wasn’t following it as strictly as some (“strict” paleo excludes or restricts dairy, cereal grains, legumes, refined sugar, refined vegetable oils, and more), it worked pretty well for me to lose body fat and maintain a healthy body fat percentage. I also felt that following the Paleo diet by excluding refined sugar and alcohol helped mitigate some of the inflammatory pain that I had at the time from arthritis in my hip. When I began Paleo, I was desperate to try just about any dietary regimen that promised to reduce pain from inflammation, so for me, there was really nothing to lose. Paleo focuses on healthy, fresh, unprocessed ingredients, so it’s relatively easy and accessible. “Why not do it,” I thought. Beer and wine? Sayonara. But it was no big deal to me to refrain from drinking. The pain in my hip was talking to me 24/7 and I’d do anything to reduce it. Did Paleo help reduce my arthritis pain? I can’t say for sure. That’s hard to measure. But I did get very lean - the leanest I’d ever been without the near-total carb restrictions inherent in the Metabolic Diet.

7. I Also Tried Fasting - Going the Full Monty

Intermittent,Fasting,Plate,diet,meal,clock,foodShutterstock

You’d think that the Paleo Diet would have been the end of the road for me. But being experimental with my own nutrition was part of my character, so I tried full-blown fasting for a couple of brief periods. On the third day of a 7-day fast, I found myself browsing online meat vendors, drooling over photos of fresh T-bones and Striploins. Yikes. I don’t recommend fasting without sufficient preparation, and I’ll never recommend it to my own clients. There are better, healthier, safer ways to manage weight, but as an experiment to see what it feels like to be very hungry for extended periods, fasting will do the trick.

8. Into the Ditch and Out Again

Fruit,Market,Fresh,Fruits,Vegetables,market,farmers,farm,Shutterstock

In addition to the different diets that I’ve tried and discussed here, there are a couple that I didn’t mention because I’d tried them long before I had to deal with weight loss. They were simply “health experiments.” I was a macrobiotic vegetarian in college, back when the word “vegan” didn’t exist. Believe me when I say that macrobiotic vegetarianism was a tough grind, much more restrictive than a vegan diet. But to paraphrase Samuel Jackson in Pulp Fiction, my girlfriend was a vegetarian, so that pretty much made me a vegetarian too. I also did a diet called “Fit for Life” shortly after college. Its key proponents are Harvey and Marilyn Diamond. I couldn’t sustain the odd “food combining” dogma, so that didn’t last either.

9. This is the #1 Diet for Weight Loss for Me

Mark_Dean_Edwards3minimalist_mark/Instagram

So where have I ended up? Because of my job as a nutrition coach, I keep odd hours. That fits perfectly with a flexible approach. What does that mean in practice? I do periods of Intermittent Fasting several times a week. Now, Intermittent Fasting is NOT a diet per se. It’s an eating pattern that restricts when and how often you can eat. Basically, several days a week I’ll eat all of my meals within an 8-hour window and fast for 16 hours (the “16/8” protocol). The meals I eat are what I would call “Paleo-ish.”

That is, my wife and I eat mostly unprocessed, whole foods: fresh vegetables, meat, some fish, sweet potatoes, rarely bread or pasta, olive oil, avocado oil, and some grass-fed butter, etc. We eat dessert once or twice a week. Tea, coffee, and an occasional glass of wine. But we don’t drink regularly. That’s key. We try to avoid snacking. That’s also a big factor. And we avoid buying “packaged” prepared meals.

We prep our weekly meals as much as possible on weekends to make sure that we know what’s ready to eat or cook when we walk in the door at the end of the work day. I don’t have any difficulty at all with our present eating habits and nutrition. I’ve hit the sweet spot: A flexible approach that resembles Paleo with some tweaks that keep me from craving things not allowed by strict Paleo.

Related: I’m a Celebrity Trainer and These 8 At-Home Exercises That Will Get You Fit Without a Gym

10. So What’s the Key Takeaway?

Happy,Fitness,People,couple,Beach,,Sunset,Muscles,ocean,sea,sun,celebrateShutterstock

At the end of the road, the nutritional and dietary successes I’ve had share a common theme: whatever diet you choose has to be sustainable. That’s where you’ll find success in your quest for weight loss and weight maintenance. You have to be able to keep doing it for the rest of your life, or you’re just going to do the yo-yo of weight loss and weight gain. Gradual, steady change is the way forward. This is the approach that I both follow and use with my clients. We gradually move towards healthier food choices that don’t immediately turn their lives upside down. My advice? Avoid the extremes, make small, consistent changes and keep at it every day. That excess weight will come off and stay off.

Mark Dean Edwards is a nutrition coach and CrossFit trainer, based in Tokyo, Japan.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
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.

Paleo. Vegan. High carb. Low carb. Atkins. Carnivore. Intermittent fasting. I could keep going with this list. Just looking at a list of “popular” dietary protocols out there is enough to make your head spin. What works for weight loss? Which diet is best? The answer just might surprise you.


1. A Little Background About Me and My Weight Loss

Mark_Dean_Edwards2minimalist_mark/Instagram

First off, let me introduce myself so that you’ve got some context for what I’m about to tell you. I’m Mark Edwards, a PNL1 certified nutrition coach and CrossFit L2 trainer. I coach people on losing weight, gaining weight, maintaining weight, and getting fit. The road I took to where I am now was a little unusual - winding and indirect, with lots of detours. A lot of people in my line of work are former professional athletes or science nerds, sometimes both. I am neither. But like many of you, I’ve had my battles in the past with weight gain and weight loss.

I think it’s likely a bit of a rarity that nutrition and fitness professionals like myself have had weight issues in their past. So in a very real sense, I have experience to offer that may be useful. This is partly due to my age. I’m a 59-year-old nutrition coach and CrossFitter, so besides my nutrition and weight loss experiences, I’ve had years of my own sports injuries, knee arthritis and surgeries, hip arthritis and surgery/resurfacing, and shoulder surgery. Next up for me will be elbow surgery. Nothing in life ever seems to go as planned. And no, I am not being held together with duct tape. Yet.

Related: I Lost 20 Pounds With These 5 Hacks

2. When it Comes to Diet Content on Social Media, It's Crazy Town Out There

apple,iPhone,apps,cell,mobile,telephone,social,media,facebook,instagram,twitter, youtube,Shutterstock

If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media perusing posts on weight loss, nutrition, fitness, and health, chances are you’ve been left dazed and confused. I’m sure you’ve seen variations of these “diets”:

  • Eat only vegetables
  • Eat no vegetables, only meat and organs
  • Consume no fruit
  • Eat only fruit
  • Eat no carbs
  • Eat high carbs
  • Eat lots of fats
  • Eat no fats
  • Eat only raw vegetables
  • Dairy is poison
  • Vegetables are trying to kill you

I could go on, but you get the idea. Is it any wonder that a lot of people are left in a state of total paralysis when it comes to nutrition and weight loss? As a nutrition coach, I understand your confusion. My personal journey through various diets over the past 25 or 30 years (ultimately leading to becoming a nutrition and fitness coach) was replete with odd detours, forks in the road, smooth going, and occasionally veering straight into the ditch. At this point, I’ve found an eating style that works best for me. I’ll tell you how I got here so that just maybe I can save you a lot of headaches and false starts on your own journey.

3. The Journey Begins

Male,Weight,Scales,,Weight,,Diet,Shutterstock

Way way back in my early 30s, I packed on the first significant weight gain of my life. In the span of about 10 to 12 months, I went from 160 lbs to 205 lbs. Unfortunately, the excess weight wasn’t muscle. I’m average height (a shade under 6 feet) and have a narrow frame. So that extra 45 lbs was pretty significant. The instigator of this weight gain was my first trip to Italy. Maybe you can relate. Oh boy, Italy. Wine with lunch every day. And everybody was doing it! How great to be Italian! What a life. In one local joint in Lucca, I watched a crew of four paint-splattered workmen have a 2 ½ hour lunch. And each of them polished off a full bottle of wine before heading back to work. Unfortunately, I continued the lunchtime practice of big lunches with several glasses of wine when I came back to my adopted home, Tokyo. No mystery why I put on 45 lbs.

I was a regular gym goer and trained 2-3 times a week with weights and several times per week, I’d go to a mixed martial arts class here in Tokyo, so in my mind, there was no problem. “I’ll just work it off in the gym!” That’s a common refrain I hear as a nutrition coach. “Can’t I just exercise more to lose this weight?” Well, no, you can’t. At that time, I was unfamiliar with the now well-known phrase, “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” So just as you’d expect, that weight didn’t come off.

Related: 12 Steps to Sculpt the Ultimate Chest

4. First, I Tried the Zone Diet

Fat,Man,Belly,Obese,Overweight,dad, bod, tummy, obeseShutterstock

Then came my first taste of the Zone diet, a diet developed and promulgated by Dr. Barry Sears and CrossFit. At first, it seemed complicated, but lo and behold, with some effort, the excess body fat melted away. Problem was, the degree of measuring required to follow the Zone Diet was onerous. But the Zone did have a lot going for it, and one of its prime advantages was built-in carb restriction. That was a big plus because as I’m sure you know, over-consuming carbs is not only easy, but enjoyable, fun, and just about every other positive-feeling adjective that comes to mind. The Zone didn’t forbid carbs. Not by any means. But every macro (protein, carbs, and. fat) was strictly measured at each meal according to body weight, so by following the guidelines, it was impossible to over-consume carbs. There’s no doubt that The Zone diet works. But for me, the constant measuring made it too much of a hassle to sustain. So I did what a lot of people do when a weight loss program isn’t meeting misplaced expectations or is just too much of a pain to follow: I tried something more extreme.

5. Then I Tried the Metabolic Diet (aka the Anabolic Diet)

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.Shutterstock

In a nutshell, the Metabolic/Anabolic Diet is a low-carb, high-protein, moderate to high-fat diet. You eat meat. Lots of meat. The brainchild of former powerlifter Dr. Mauro DiPasquale, the Metabolic Diet works very well at cutting body fat and decreasing food cravings. Its high protein content ensures that people who train hard will gain muscle mass while those who train less hard or not much won’t LOSE muscle mass while still losing weight. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE meat. And I lost body fat and gained muscle, so it worked for me pretty well - that is until I got tired of the high degree of carb restriction. I couldn’t keep doing it indefinitely. So onward I went.

Related: I'm a Fitness Expert and This is My Simple Beginner's Diet Plan That Actually Works

6. Next Was the Paleo Diet - Caveman Style

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meatShutterstock

The Paleo Diet was first promoted by Dr. Loren Cordain Ph.D. and further popularized in the CrossFit community by Robb Wolf. “Paleo” tries to mimic what many believe is the human ancestral, prehistoric diet: meat, vegetables, some nuts, greens, and various natural fats, both saturated and monounsaturated. In a very real sense, Paleo is a “balanced” diet. I got into “eating Paleo” when I started CrossFit back in 2015. Although I wasn’t following it as strictly as some (“strict” paleo excludes or restricts dairy, cereal grains, legumes, refined sugar, refined vegetable oils, and more), it worked pretty well for me to lose body fat and maintain a healthy body fat percentage. I also felt that following the Paleo diet by excluding refined sugar and alcohol helped mitigate some of the inflammatory pain that I had at the time from arthritis in my hip. When I began Paleo, I was desperate to try just about any dietary regimen that promised to reduce pain from inflammation, so for me, there was really nothing to lose. Paleo focuses on healthy, fresh, unprocessed ingredients, so it’s relatively easy and accessible. “Why not do it,” I thought. Beer and wine? Sayonara. But it was no big deal to me to refrain from drinking. The pain in my hip was talking to me 24/7 and I’d do anything to reduce it. Did Paleo help reduce my arthritis pain? I can’t say for sure. That’s hard to measure. But I did get very lean - the leanest I’d ever been without the near-total carb restrictions inherent in the Metabolic Diet.

7. I Also Tried Fasting - Going the Full Monty

Intermittent,Fasting,Plate,diet,meal,clock,foodShutterstock

You’d think that the Paleo Diet would have been the end of the road for me. But being experimental with my own nutrition was part of my character, so I tried full-blown fasting for a couple of brief periods. On the third day of a 7-day fast, I found myself browsing online meat vendors, drooling over photos of fresh T-bones and Striploins. Yikes. I don’t recommend fasting without sufficient preparation, and I’ll never recommend it to my own clients. There are better, healthier, safer ways to manage weight, but as an experiment to see what it feels like to be very hungry for extended periods, fasting will do the trick.

8. Into the Ditch and Out Again

Fruit,Market,Fresh,Fruits,Vegetables,market,farmers,farm,Shutterstock

In addition to the different diets that I’ve tried and discussed here, there are a couple that I didn’t mention because I’d tried them long before I had to deal with weight loss. They were simply “health experiments.” I was a macrobiotic vegetarian in college, back when the word “vegan” didn’t exist. Believe me when I say that macrobiotic vegetarianism was a tough grind, much more restrictive than a vegan diet. But to paraphrase Samuel Jackson in Pulp Fiction, my girlfriend was a vegetarian, so that pretty much made me a vegetarian too. I also did a diet called “Fit for Life” shortly after college. Its key proponents are Harvey and Marilyn Diamond. I couldn’t sustain the odd “food combining” dogma, so that didn’t last either.

9. This is the #1 Diet for Weight Loss for Me

Mark_Dean_Edwards3minimalist_mark/Instagram

So where have I ended up? Because of my job as a nutrition coach, I keep odd hours. That fits perfectly with a flexible approach. What does that mean in practice? I do periods of Intermittent Fasting several times a week. Now, Intermittent Fasting is NOT a diet per se. It’s an eating pattern that restricts when and how often you can eat. Basically, several days a week I’ll eat all of my meals within an 8-hour window and fast for 16 hours (the “16/8” protocol). The meals I eat are what I would call “Paleo-ish.”

That is, my wife and I eat mostly unprocessed, whole foods: fresh vegetables, meat, some fish, sweet potatoes, rarely bread or pasta, olive oil, avocado oil, and some grass-fed butter, etc. We eat dessert once or twice a week. Tea, coffee, and an occasional glass of wine. But we don’t drink regularly. That’s key. We try to avoid snacking. That’s also a big factor. And we avoid buying “packaged” prepared meals.

We prep our weekly meals as much as possible on weekends to make sure that we know what’s ready to eat or cook when we walk in the door at the end of the work day. I don’t have any difficulty at all with our present eating habits and nutrition. I’ve hit the sweet spot: A flexible approach that resembles Paleo with some tweaks that keep me from craving things not allowed by strict Paleo.

Related: I’m a Celebrity Trainer and These 8 At-Home Exercises That Will Get You Fit Without a Gym

10. So What’s the Key Takeaway?

Happy,Fitness,People,couple,Beach,,Sunset,Muscles,ocean,sea,sun,celebrateShutterstock

At the end of the road, the nutritional and dietary successes I’ve had share a common theme: whatever diet you choose has to be sustainable. That’s where you’ll find success in your quest for weight loss and weight maintenance. You have to be able to keep doing it for the rest of your life, or you’re just going to do the yo-yo of weight loss and weight gain. Gradual, steady change is the way forward. This is the approach that I both follow and use with my clients. We gradually move towards healthier food choices that don’t immediately turn their lives upside down. My advice? Avoid the extremes, make small, consistent changes and keep at it every day. That excess weight will come off and stay off.

Mark Dean Edwards is a nutrition coach and CrossFit trainer, based in Tokyo, Japan.

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.

Losing weight and achieving your weight loss goals may seem daunting. However, dropping a few dress sizes can be as simple as making a few changes to your routine. Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, Founder and Program Director of the Bounce N' Burn Rebounding program, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, boasts over 126,000 followers on the video sharing site, where she shares tips and secrets about her weight loss. In a recent video, she revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months simply by incorporating four easy changes into her lifestyle.


"If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which, by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again," she starts explaining in the viral TikTok video. She did it "by making four effortless changes in my life," she told us here at Body Network. "I did things one step at a time so that I wouldn't get too overwhelmed." Here's exactly what she did.

I Started with Nutrition, Not Exercise

"I lost almost 30 pounds so far. So here is part two of the things I would do again and wouldn't do if I were to start all over knowing what I know now. Building on my point in my last video, I would not work out five days a week. Right off the bat, I would kick things off focusing on nutrition because nutrition is like 90% of it," Sydney says in the video.

I Learned About Calorie Deficit

Calories counting , diet , food control and weight loss concept. Calorie counter application on smartphone screen at dining table with salad, fruit juice, bread and fresh vegetable. healthy eatingShutterstock

"The only way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit, so I know that all of us are thinking that we have to eat fewer calories than what our Apple Watch is telling us we're burning, right? Well, the Apple Watch is only telling us our active calories burn, and we actually burn a lot of calories at rest," Sydney says.

I Calculated My BMR

"This means that the first thing I would suggest doing if you're starting a weight loss journey is looking up a BMR calculator online, putting in your height, weight, your statistics, and seeing how many calories that you burn at rest. So if you were to just sit in bed all day watching Netflix, with no exercise, nothing, how many calories are you burning by just living, breathing, and existing that information?" she says. You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

I Made Small, Sustainable Changes

"Making small, sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes will make a big contribution over time," Sydney says in another video.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

I Found Exercise I Enjoyed

"The only way to lose weight for you is to find a movement that you enjoy no matter what it is, because the only way to lose weight is when you're consistent in doing something. So when you find something you love, you're going to be consistent, and that's when you're going to find the results that you've been looking for," she says.

I Focused on Sustainable Habits

"If you're not enjoying the process, then how are you supposed to keep the weight off at the end of it? Think about that. If you want something to be sustainable, you have to enjoy it. You can't do all these crazy diets that you're just going to give up once you reach your goal. You need to find healthy habits that are sustainable long-term, and make healthy lifestyle changes so that you can be the best version of who you are," Sydney says.

Here's What I Eat in a Day: My Breakfast

hard,Boiled,Eggs,protein,breakfastShutterstock

"I'm starting the day off with two hard boiled eggs cut in half, then some Turkey bacon and a little baby bell. I'm all about just not complicating it. This was super easy. I prepped the eggs in advance and threw some Turkey bacon in the air fryer. Iced coffee isn't ready to roll," she adds.

My Lunch

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

"It's time for lunch. Today I'm having ice cream that I prepped and I have to let defrost for a little bit, but what I did was I put a Fairlife vanilla protein shake with six grams of fat-free jello, and I'm going to use Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a topping," Sydney says.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Fit as a Pear Body Type

My Dinner

Hummus with olive oil, paprika, lemon and pita breadShutterstock

"Alright, it's dinner time. I'm at 8,300 steps, and I'm on my fourth liter of water. I'm going to have the same dinner as yesterday because reminder, I don't like to overcomplicate things for this. I'm just going to be mindful about the Taki and the hummus and measure the amount of chicken so I can see about my protein. But everything else is pretty much vegetables, and I'll punch in my pita," she says.

My Tips for Better Sleep

"A fun tip that I like to share is that if you're having trouble sleeping, have your heaviest carb meal for lunch instead of for dinner because heavier carbs interrupt your sleep if you have them too close to bedtime," Sydney says.

I Keep Track of My Steps and Water Intake

Trail runner athlete using her smart watch app to monitor fitness progress or heart rate during run cardio workout. Woman training outdoors on mountain rocks. Closeup of tech gear.Shutterstock

"Okay, I'm having 112 grams of chicken. Alright, now we start building it. So I'm starting with the pita. This is what I mentioned. I'm not too worried about, I'm going to punch in a tablespoon of hummus, but I'm actually having probably a little bit less than that and Taki good. Now we got our all the leftover veggies from yesterday, so we got some cucumbers, good onions and tomatoes, finishing it off with some feta cheese," she says.

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

Here Is What She Would Do Next Time

Sydney shares more insights on her weight loss journey: "If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again," Sydney says.

I Drink Plenty of Water

Young athletic woman drinking water in gym.Shutterstock

"That's what your body needs. One and a half of these at the minimum, okay? If you're exercising, drink two at the minimum," Sydney says, referring to her water bottle.

I Focus on Protein

Roasted or seared chicken breast sliced on a cutting board with herbs and spicesShutterstock

"No counting, no weighing, no measuring. I'm learning that right now. You don't even need to do that. But something that's helped me so, so much in the past four months is just making every single meal protein oriented, just focus on protein," Sydney adds.

I Increase My Steps

"Try to get a little bit better," Sydney says, encouraging viewers to increase their daily step count.

RELATED:3 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bananas Every Day to Burn Fat

I Keep It Simple

"You don't got to overcomplicate the whole thing. You don't need to feel like you're on this insane diet. You don't need to cut out your favorite foods. Eat everything in moderation. Let me help you because I've finally figured it out. Let's do it," Sydney says at the end of the video. 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.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

Nour T (@nourrtann) is a social media influencer who shares videos about everything from skincare tips to diet and fitness hacks. In fact, she regularly shares about how she lost a whopping 40 pounds in just 5 months. In one of her viral videos Nour reveals that one diet hack in particular has been instrumental in her weight loss journey. The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian weighs in.


There Is “One Sustainable” Way to Lose Weight

@nourrtann

the best weight loss hack, have you heard of it before? #volumeeatinghack #volumeating #volumeeatinghacks #weightlosshacks #sustainableweightlosstips #sustainableweightlosstip #realisticweightlossmeals

“I'm telling you guys, there is only one thing, one sustainable, realistic thing that actually works when it comes to losing weight and getting to your goals. I worked in a gym for five years, so I tried everything you can think of,” says Nour. “I'm also someone who lost 40 pounds in less than five months, and I've seen people who have tried anything you could think of.”

Calorie Reduction Helps You Lose Weight

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“One thing I will say: Keto, paleo, Atkins, high protein, low fat, low carb, whatever it is, they all work. They all work because you're probably eating less,” she continues. “And also, please remember that eating healthy and eating to lose weight are completely different things.” Collingwood agrees. “Yes, diets just trick you into eating fewer calories. When you reduce calories to burn more than you are taking in, you will lose weight!”

Related: Kim Kardashian's Trainer Flaunts Washboard Abs in Mirror Selfie. Here's Everything She Eats in a Day.

But the Technique of “Volume Eating” Is the Most Sustainable

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“In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” Nour continues. Collingwood agrees that no one likes to eat like a mouse, and “if your eyes can see a larger amount of food, it tells the brain that you are getting a decent portion and that it should feel full.”

You Eat Large Amounts of Low-Calorie Foods

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“You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low-calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. “Low-calorie foods tend to have higher water content (fruits and veggies) and also fiber to keep you full longer. You can eat more volume and fill up without contributing a lot of calories,” explains Collingwood.

Related: The #1 Right Way to Lose Lower Stomach Fat

You Eat Half a Portion of Rice or Noodles and the Other Half, a Veggie

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Another example? “Instead of having a whole serving of pasta, you would split it in half and then have zoodles,” she adds, explaining that you would mix in your cauliflower rice with your rice or zucchini noodles with your noodles. “You're eating the same exact amount as you would've, but the calories you're cut in half and you're allowing yourself to eat much more vegetables, which are good for you,” she says. “Using cauliflower rice and zucchini noodles in place of all or some of the starchy counterparts can definitely reduce calories and boost nutritional value,” agrees Collingwood.

Or, Make Half the Eggs and Add Lots of Veggies

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“Another example is, let's say you're having eggs for breakfast, you would just add a bunch of chopped vegetables into the scramble mix. Now you're eating so much more, but you added no calories to your meal,” she says. “Adding veggies to your eggs will definitely boost the nutritional content, fiber content and volume by a lot. Your eyes will see a big plate of food but the calories won’t be too high,” Collingwood adds.

Related: 15 Foods That Fight Fat

She Says It Will Help You “Get to Your Goals” Faster

Nour_T_nourrtann2nourrtann/Instagram

“I'm telling you, start volume eating. If you practice volume eating, you will get to your goals without all the added stress, and it's a way that you should want to and can eat for the rest of your life. Yes, all these other things might work and they might work fast, but I've been there and they're not realistic. You'll gain the weight back and you'll just do it all over again. It's unhealthy, it's unrealistic, and it's dumb,” Nour concludes. “Portion size is the problem for many people but they don’t want to eat small portions because they think they won’t be full or will feel deprived. When you can eat a full plate of food, you feel better. When that full plate is mostly veggies, you can feel good about that and still lose weight!” says Collingwood.

💪🔥Body Booster: Volume eating is a great tactic: You get to eat some of your favorite foods paired with some healthier alternatives, allowing you to lose weight while staying satiated.

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 struggling to lose weight? Make this year your weight loss success story by avoiding some diet and fitness strategies that may be backfiring. Tameika Gentles is a fitness coach and weight loss warrior who dropped a whopping 100 pounds sustainably. In a new post, she reveals a few of the things she avoided doing that enabled her to lose a lot of weight. “5 controversial things I DO NOT recommend if you’re trying to lose 50 pounds or more (and I’ve lost 100 lbs…),” she writes across the Instagram video.


She’s Lost 100 Pounds and Kept It Off After Failing Over and Over Again

“I’ve been there—tried it all and failed HARD. But after losing 100 lbs and keeping it off, here’s what I’ve learned,” she continues in the post. “And what I’m sharing isn’t about what’s good or bad—it’s about what’s NOT necessary for long-term success.”

You “Don’t Need to Do” These 5 Things to Lose Weight

“No shame to those who choose these methods—do what works for YOU! This message is for the people who feel like they have to follow these trends to succeed. I’m here to tell you: you don’t. If you’re kicking off your weight loss journey in 2025, here are five things you don’t need to do,” she says.

RELATED: Nutritionist Lost 80 Pounds With These 5 Daily Habits

1. Fasting

Fasting is the first thing you don’t need to do in order to lose weight. “Fasting can work for some, but it’s not a must for results. Skipping meals often leads to overeating later, slows your metabolism, and can mess with your hormones. Sustainable weight loss is about finding balance, not extremes,” she writes.

2. Low Carb Diet

The second thing you don’t need to do? Go on low-carb diets. “Cutting carbs might lead to quick results, but is it realistic for life? Carbs fuel your body and mind—they’re not the enemy. You don’t need to cut out entire food groups to see progress,” she says.

3. Excessive Exercise

The third thing you don’t need to do? Excessive exercise. “More isn’t always better. It’s about consistency. 30 minutes of daily movement for a year beats an intense 3-week overhaul that leads to burnout and months of inactivity,” she writes.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 110 Pounds by Walking More and These 4 Simple Changes

4. Detoxes

Number four? Detoxes. “Save your money. Your liver and kidneys are built-in detox powerhouses. Most detoxes are unnecessary (and some are even harmful). Focus on real, nourishing food instead,” she says.

5. Weight Loss Pills/Supplements

Weight loss pills and supplements are also not needed. “They’re often unregulated, unsustainable, and don’t address the behaviors that lead to lasting change. I lost 100 lbs without them, and my clients succeed without them, too. You don’t need them,” she says.

RELATED: Top Nutrition MD Reveals 5 Signs You're Eating Too Much Protein

Instead, Focus on Balance, Consistency, and What Works for You

“The key to sustainable weight loss isn’t doing what’s trendy—it’s finding what works for YOU. Starting your 2025 journey? Remember, you don’t need to follow extreme trends to see real, lasting progress. Focus on balance, consistency, and what fits your life,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Ilana_Muhlstein2
Ilana Muhlstein
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

As a registered dietitian who lost a hundred pounds and kept it off, I know the struggle of weight loss all too well. It started at a young age, with summers spent at weight loss camps and school years marked by yo-yo dieting. This cycle continued for years, leading me to a point where I was 215 pounds at just five feet two inches tall.


The constant battle with weight took a toll not only on my body but also on my self-esteem. But it was this very struggle that ignited my passion for nutrition and set me on a path to discover a sustainable way to lose weight. Now, as a Registered Dietitian with a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, my ideas have worked for literally thousands of people, through my work as a nutritionist and best-selling author of You Can Drop It!, the book based on my successful 2B Mindset program.

Now, I’ve encapsulated those principles into my new cookbook, Love The Food That Loves You Back, featuring 100 recipes that serve up big portions and super nutritious food. Here's a sneak peek about how the foods can work for you—and a mouth-watering dessert-for-breakfast recipe at the end.

1. You Don’t Have to Give Up Great Taste to Lose Weight

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Love The Food That Loves You Back is filled with recipes that are not just healthy but delicious and satisfying. They reflect my journey and philosophy: you don't have to give up great taste to lose weight. In fact, I believe in eating high-volume, low-calorie foods that allow you to enjoy hearty portions without the guilt. These are the recipes that helped me transition from a lifestyle of takeout and fast food to one where I could still enjoy eating and see progress on the scale. In the cookbook, you'll find an array of recipes that cater to all meals of the day, for all members of your family. These recipes are the embodiment of my weight loss journey and my professional knowledge as a dietitian. They are designed to help you lose weight without feeling like you're on a diet.

Related: 12 Best Foods For Women to Build Muscle

2. How to Eat Food and Lose Weight

love_the_food_that_loves_you_back_book_coverPhoto: Gabriel Mendoza Weiss / Design: Elina Diaz

Losing 100 pounds was just the start of my journey. The real success has been in maintaining that weight loss and helping others do the same. Through my cookbook and the 2B Mindset program, I want to share the joy of eating well and living healthily. I believe that everyone deserves to love the food they eat and to love the way they feel. Here are the cornerstones of Love The Food That Loves You Back in a nutshell:

1. Embrace Healthy Foods and Transform Your Relationship with Food: You can shift from using food as a coping mechanism for emotional distress to celebrating it through healthy, delicious recipes.

2. Eat Smart, Not Less: I advocate for choosing nutrient-rich foods over merely reducing food quantity.

3. Prioritize Vegetables and Proteins: I emphasize the importance of incorporating more vegetables and proteins, often overlooked in the typical American diet.

4. Break Food Myths: Let's debunk the myth that tasty food is unhealthy and show how nutritious food can also be delicious.

5. Recognize the Holistic Impact of Food: Let's acknowledge the profound influence of food on overall health, including gene expression, microbiome, and brain chemistry.

6. Encourage Creative and Mindful Cooking: I hope to inspire creativity in the kitchen and promote mindful consumption with tools and methods for balanced serving sizes. I believe in offering a range of serving size suggestions to cater to different body types and needs.

7. Encourage a Responsive Eating Approach: Unlike other restrictive "diet" cookbooks, I recommend eating more if still hungry, focusing on vegetables and proteins, and introduce the “More? Sure!” Model for smart filling up.

As you can see, the goal of Love The Food That Loves You Back is to help you enjoy your favorite foods and flavors while improving your eating habits and mindset. It’s about learning to crave nutritious foods, not just tolerate them. I want to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen with recipes that taste like comfort food and make you feel amazing. Remember, this is not a weight loss book, but a journey to love the foods that genuinely love your body back.

3. These Meals Were the Cornerstone of My Weight Loss Journey

Ilana_Muhlstein1Ilana Muhlstein

I'm thrilled to share with you the very meals that have been a cornerstone of my weight loss journey. The cookbook kicks off with breakfast – it's not just the first meal of the day; it's a celebration of a fresh start. I've packed in recipes like Chocolate Cream Rolls, Protein Oats, and a game-changing Tempeh BLT. Or try Seasonal Breakfast Boats, featuring the exotic tastes of papaya and sweet potato. Make them a morning ritual that'll have you feeling full, reducing those 11 am cravings.

But wait, there's more! You'll discover a world where veggies become your new best friends. I'm talking about dishes like Thai Peanut Hearts of Palm Spaghetti and Eggplant Sesame Noodles – meals that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about plant-based eating. And for my fellow crunch enthusiasts, the Roasted Wonders section is a treasure trove. You’ll make Eggplant Parm Fries and Air Fried Mini Bell Peppers. This isn't just about eating well; it's about loving every bite along your journey to health and happiness.

Related: 14 Ways to Get Back in Shape

4. Here’s One of My Favorite Recipes From the Book

CHOCOLATE_CREAM_ROLLSCorinne Quesnel / Love The Food That Loves You Back

CHOCOLATE CREAM ROLLS

Who wouldn't want "cake" for breakfast???

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 bananas

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2 percent) or dairy-free “Greek style” yogurt

1 tbsp. cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp. honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit (or use stevia drops to taste)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet or rectangle cooking dish with parchment paper and spray with oil.
  2. Blend bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract in a blender. Pour batter on to the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. In the meantime, whip the yogurt with the cocoa powder, salt, and sweetener of choice in a bowl and set aside.
  4. Allow the sheet pan banana “cake” to cool. When cooled, spread the yogurt topping evenly over the sheet pan. Slice lengthwise down the center and roll. Serve along with berries and enjoy.

Note: Stores well covered in the refrigerator, so you can prep the recipe in advance and enjoy the second serving on the next day.

Love The Food That Loves You Backis available now on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Ilana Muhlstein, creator of the 2B Mindset and author of You Can Drop It!, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Registered Dietitian License, and a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her expertise lies in nutrition and weight management, particularly in pediatric obesity, metabolic syndrome, healthy eating, and lifestyle choices. She also specializes in nutrition education and counseling.

Autumn Bates autumnelle_nutrition
Copyright autumnelle_nutrition/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Ever find yourself suddenly raiding the pantry for cookies or chips without really knowing why? You're not alone. Those intense cravings for sugary, processed foods often strike when our blood sugar takes a sudden dip, triggering what feels like an urgent need for a quick sugar fix.

Autumn Bates, a certified clinical nutritionist with a master's in nutrition and human performance who shares tips with her 600,000 YouTube subscribers, sees this pattern frequently with her clients. According to Autumn, these cravings create a vicious cycle - you eat sugary foods to fix low blood sugar, which then causes more cravings later.

The good news? There's a simple solution: high-protein snacks that stabilize your blood sugar and support fat metabolism. Here are 8 delicious options that will keep those unhealthy binges at bay and help you feel satisfied longer.

1. Bone Broth Soup

Bone,Broth,Chicken,diet,food5. Broth (chicken or vegetable): 15 caloriesShutterstock

For a warming snack option that supports both metabolism and gut health, Autumn suggests bone broth, which is rich in collagen that helps boost satiety. "Bone broth is really rich in collagen and collagen helps to boost our satiety," notes Autumn. This protein-rich liquid provides essential amino acids while being easy on digestion, making it perfect for between meals when cravings strike.

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

2. Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Wraps

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For plant-based eaters looking to maximize protein quality, Autumn recommends tempeh over tofu. "Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and if you are plant-based I do recommend using tempeh over tofu because the fermentation helps to break down the anti-nutrients," she explains. Create a quick wrap using lettuce leaves filled with tempeh bacon, avocado, red onion, and tomato for a satisfying combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.

3. Beef Jerky with Nuts

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Need something shelf-stable that supports metabolism throughout the day? Autumn recommends beef jerky paired with pistachios and almonds. "Beef jerky is so packed with protein—one ounce has 11 grams of protein which is pretty mind-blowing—and it is so shelf stable so you can just keep it in your bag if you are in a pinch," she says. The combination of protein and healthy fats provides steady energy without blood sugar spikes.

4. Watermelon with Grilled Halloumi

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This unexpected pairing makes for a metabolism-boosting snack that comes together in just minutes. "Halloumi is a grillable cheese so it's a great vegetarian alternative to meat," Autumn shares. "My mouth is literally watering thinking about it right now." Simply grill halloumi for about a minute per side, then cube and serve with watermelon pieces. For an extra flavor boost, add fresh mint. The protein from the cheese balances the natural sugars in the watermelon.

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

5. Mini Caprese Salad

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"This is so simple and refreshing but it also feels really fancy," says Autumn about this metabolism-friendly snack. Combine small mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The protein from the mozzarella makes this elegant option surprisingly filling, while the fresh ingredients provide nutrients that support your body's natural fat-burning processes.

6. Quick Protein Smoothie

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When you need something fast that will keep hunger at bay for hours, Autumn's go-to is a simple protein smoothie. Her favorite combines whole milk, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, and cacao nibs for a drink that tastes like "a banana-y chocolate chip milkshake" while delivering metabolism-boosting protein and fiber. "Cacao nibs are actually also very high in fiber too," she adds, making this a complete package for fat-burning support.

7. Sardines

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Don't overlook this powerhouse option for fat loss. "You either love them or hate them," Autumn admits about sardines, "but either way it's something that you can keep in your pantry and just always have on you for a really fast and easy source of protein plus an incredible source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats." These tiny fish provide complete protein along with fats that actually help your body burn stored fat more efficiently.

8. Chickpea and Kidney Bean Salad

Homemade Three Bean Salad in a Bowl, side view.

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This plant-based protein option combines metabolism-boosting ingredients in one delicious package. "It's one of those sleeper recipes that everybody forgets about until you make it and then you're like, wow, why don't I make this every single day?" Autumn shares. The combination of chickpeas, kidney beans, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and avocado with apple cider vinegar creates a fiber-rich, protein-packed option that keeps you feeling full while supporting your body's fat-burning systems.

Looking for even more ways to boost your protein intake and support your metabolism? Here are additional protein-rich snacks that Autumn recommends for stopping unhealthy binges.

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

Skyr with Protein Powder and Berries

Icelandic Provisions Skyr Low Fat Plain Yogurt, Manassas, VA, USA, September 28, 2023

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Looking for something with more protein than Greek yogurt? Try skyr, suggests Autumn. This Icelandic yogurt packs an impressive protein punch. To make it tastier without adding sugar, mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and top with fresh berries. You'll get that sweet hit you're craving along with the protein needed to keep blood sugar stable.

Cucumber and Carrots with Tzatziki

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For a savory protein-rich option, Autumn recommends sliced vegetables with tzatziki dip. You can make a simple version with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, and a pinch of salt. The protein from the Greek yogurt helps curb cravings while the fresh vegetables provide satisfying crunch and nutrients.

Roasted Spiced Chickpeas

Traditional Indian cuisine. Roasted spicy chickpeas with lime and rosemary on rustic wooden background. Copyspace, top view.​Roasted ChickpeasShutterstock

When you need a crunchy, savory snack, Autumn suggests roasted chickpeas. While not the highest in protein compared to animal sources, they're one of the better plant-based options. Roast them with olive oil and seasonings like paprika, cayenne, and salt for a satisfying crunch that delivers both protein and fiber.

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake​Protein Mug CakeShutterstock

Craving something sweet? Autumn recommends a protein mug cake that satisfies your sweet tooth while making you feel full. Her pumpkin spice version packs 26 grams of protein per serving, which helps prevent the cycle of wanting more and more treats. It gives you the feeling of having dessert without the blood sugar crash afterward.

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

Ricotta with Lemon Zest and Flax Crackers

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This simple snack combines creamy protein with crunchy, fiber-rich crackers. Autumn notes that while ricotta isn't as high in protein as cottage cheese, it makes a nice occasional change. Brighten it up with lemon zest and black pepper, then serve with flax crackers for a low-glycemic option that helps keep blood sugar steady.

Egg Bites

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"These have gotten so popular that you can find them pretty much at any grocery store," Autumn points out. Convenient and portable, egg bites deliver impressive protein - Starbucks' version contains 19 grams per serving. They're perfect for busy days when you need something grab-and-go that won't send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster.

Peaches and Cottage Cheese

Fresh cottage cheese with fruit for breakfast. Studio Photo

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When peaches are in season, Autumn loves pairing them with protein-rich cottage cheese. The sweetness of ripe peaches complements the savory cottage cheese perfectly, creating a balanced snack that provides protein along with vitamins and minerals. This combination helps satisfy cravings while keeping you full longer.

Brie Cheese with Apples

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"This is one of my all-time favorites," says Autumn about this classic pairing. Simply spread brie on thinly sliced apple, or for a special treat, bake the brie until melty and use apple slices for dipping. The protein and fat from the cheese combined with the fiber in apples creates a satisfying snack that helps manage blood sugar.

RELATED:Coach Lost 90 Pounds by Getting Brutally Honest with Herself About These 10 Things

Salami with Manchego Cheese

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For a zero-prep protein option, Autumn suggests combining salami with manchego cheese. This pairing provides both protein and high-quality fats that boost satiety and help keep cravings at bay. The savory, rich flavors make this simple snack feel indulgent without any added sugars.

Chia Pudding with Protein Powder

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Plain chia pudding lacks complete protein, which is why Autumn recommends adding protein powder to make it more filling. For faster prep, she suggests warming your milk or plant milk before adding the chia seeds, which helps them plump up quicker. "The warmed up milk helps the chia seeds to puff up a lot faster," she explains. This makes a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Jalapeño Cheddar Pork Rinds

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Pork rinds have made a comeback, and Autumn calls the jalapeño cheddar variety her "all-time favorite." Despite their bad reputation, pork rinds are rich in the amino acid glycine, which is important for skin health. They provide protein with zero carbs, making them a good option when you're trying to avoid sugar cravings.

Tuna Salad with Cucumber

A tasty snack with cucumber and tuna. Party appetizer. Small sandwiches with cucumber and tuna paste.

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Keep canned tuna in your pantry for quick protein in a pinch, suggests Autumn. Mix with avocado oil mayo for a healthier fat profile, then serve with cucumber slices for crunch. This simple combination provides complete protein that helps keep blood sugar stable between meals, preventing the dips that lead to sugar cravings.

RELATED:I Lost 100 Pounds in 18 Months With Walking and 3 Simple Food Changes

Hummus and Carrots

Hummus with carrot sticks.  Top view over white timber.

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For an easy option you can find almost anywhere, Autumn recommends hummus with carrots. While chickpea-based hummus isn't the highest protein source, it's one of the better plant-based options and pairs well with portable, no-prep vegetables. This makes it ideal for road trips or busy days when options are limited.

Cheesy Cauliflower Flatbread

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Autumn loves cauliflower-based flatbreads like those from Outer Aisle that contain about 10 grams of complete protein per serving. Top with melted mozzarella for additional protein, or add tomato sauce for a quick pizza experience that satisfies cravings while keeping blood sugar stable.

Avocado and Hard-Boiled Egg Salad

Diet avocado salad with boiled eggs and green onions with yogurt dressing closeup in a bowl on the table. horizontal

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Combining cubed avocado with hard-boiled eggs creates a protein-rich snack with healthy fats. Autumn suggests customizing with add-ins like red onion, paprika, Dijon mustard, or a bit of mayo, but notes it's delicious even in its simplest form. This combination provides lasting energy and helps prevent hunger-driven cravings.

Cottage Cheese with Black Pepper

Natural cottage cheese. Natural dairy products.​2. Cottage Cheese (14g protein per 1/2 cup)Shutterstock

Sometimes the simplest options are the best. Autumn shares that her mom's all-time favorite lunch is simply cottage cheese with freshly ground black pepper. This savory take on cottage cheese delivers complete protein without added sugars, making it perfect for stabilizing blood sugar and preventing cravings.

Bell Pepper with Ricotta and Pumpkin Seeds

Woman food blogger preparing stuffed colorful bell peppers with ricotta cheese for Halloween party. Peppers carved like Jack-o-lantern scary face. Halloween food idea.

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For a snack with varied textures, Autumn suggests dipping bell pepper slices in ricotta cheese topped with toasted pumpkin seeds. This combination provides protein along with magnesium from the pumpkin seeds, creating a satisfying crunch-and-creaminess that helps keep hunger and cravings at bay.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Salmon Wrap

Rolls with salmon and greens in pita bread

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For a substantial protein hit, Autumn recommends using cauliflower-based wraps filled with canned salmon, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce. This quick assembly delivers omega-3 fats along with protein, creating a satisfying mini-meal that can help break the cycle of sugar cravings by keeping you full longer.

Wasabi Deviled Eggs

snack, stuffed eggs with avocado, homemade, no people,

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Add a spicy twist to traditional deviled eggs with wasabi, suggests Autumn. This protein-packed snack delivers complete protein with healthy fats, helping to keep you satisfied between meals. The spicy kick adds interest to this classic protein option, making it more satisfying as a snack.

Kefir with Berries

Kefir grains in wooden spoon in front of cups of Kefir Yogurt Parfaits. Kefir is one of the top health foods available providing powerful probiotics.

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Fermented milk product kefir provides about 8 grams of protein per cup, Autumn explains, plus beneficial probiotics. Choose unsweetened varieties and pair with low-sugar berries like raspberries for a blood-sugar-friendly option that supports gut health while helping to prevent sugar cravings.

Protein Waffles

Protein oats waffles

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Autumn recommends batch-making protein waffles and freezing them for quick access. "I love pre-making a ton of protein waffles and then you can just keep them in the freezer and pop one in the toaster whenever you want one," she says. This approach makes healthy choices convenient when cravings strike.

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

String Cheese with Marinara

Healthy Organic String Cheese For a Snack

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For a simple snack that feels like a treat, Autumn shares her teenage discovery: dipping string cheese in marinara sauce. Use leftover pizza or pasta sauce for a quick protein option that satisfies savory cravings while providing enough protein to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

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

Greek Yogurt with Cacao and Blueberries

Plate of Greek Yogurt with Cocoa, Dates, and Blueberries. Healthy Breakfast Concept.

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For a chocolate fix without the sugar crash, Autumn suggests stirring cacao powder into Greek yogurt and topping with blueberries. The cacao adds chocolate flavor plus fiber, while the Greek yogurt provides protein. This makes a satisfying breakfast or snack that helps prevent the blood sugar dips that lead to cravings.

Cottage Cheese with Raspberry Compote

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For an elegant-looking but simple high-protein option, Autumn recommends heating frozen raspberries on the stovetop until soft, then pouring over cottage cheese. "It looks so fancy but it's so simple and delicious," she says. The protein from the cottage cheese helps balance the natural sugars in the fruit for better blood sugar stability.


According to Autumn, the key to stopping unhealthy binges and supporting fat loss isn't willpower – it's managing your blood sugar with adequate protein. Keep these options on hand for when cravings strike, and you'll find it easier to break the cycle of sugar cravings for good. 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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I Dropped 50 Pounds and Lost My “Pooch” by Doing This One, Simple Exercise
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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight without stepping into a gym? Gina Frattini is a weight loss warrior who dropped 60 pounds in 15 months without Ozempic or other weight loss drugs. In a new social media post, she reveals the simple lifestyle changes responsible for losing weight – no gym membership required. “5 habits that took me from a size 12 to a size 2 naturally and in 15 months,” she writes, revealing her “non-negotiable five.”

Protein

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Her first habit was eating enough protein. “Minimum 30g protein 3x a day is always my goal!” she says. “Ensure you are putting real protein before processed proteins. You can’t expect to lose weight and tone up when you’re eating less than a good chunk of protein daily or if you aren’t eating at all. Stop skipping meals! If you’re serious about weight loss and muscle building – this is non-negotiable.”

RELATED:I Lost 100 Pounds in 18 Months With Walking and 3 Simple Food Changes

Wake Up Earlier

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Next, wake up earlier. “Before work, before kids, before other responsibilities. 5-530am is the quietest time to get in a weighted walk for me or a run on the treadmill. Make a habit of getting up early. Make it a habit to move your body during that time. I love walking weighted!” she says.

Lift Weights

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Next, lift weights. “Lift as heavy as you can while challenging yourself, every time! Listen, you will not get bulky. You will get toned. You need to lift 3x a week. Start light, start building consistency and do full body,” she says, “but keep at it and increase weights gradually!”

Hydrate

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Make sure to drink enough water. “Ensure you are properly hydrated. I drink half my body weight in ounces of water! Example 120 lbs, I stick with 60 ounces of water daily! I love having electrolytes and colostrum in my cup daily! I can immediately tell when I haven’t hit my water intake for the day,” she continues.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Get Enough Sleep

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The final habit? Get enough sleep, “8-10 hours a night,” she says. “Yup, skip the Netflix and go to bed earlier so you can wake up earlier and hit the 2nd one. Proper sleep is crucial for recovery, fat burn, muscle gain and proper health. You have to get enough sleep!”

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

Stick to the Plan

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“Nothing happens overnight except sleep, so stick with the plan not your mood. Good things take time and great things take longer. Try these 5 things the next 6-12 weeks and you’ll feel like a completely different person. Not only will you start to notice your mood and mind shift, but you’ll see your body changing too,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

LOS ANGELES, USA. February 10, 2025: Aimee Lou Wood at the season 3 premiere for HBO's The White Lotus.
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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.

The White Lotus has turned Aimee Lou Wood into a household name overnight. The British beauty, 31, plays Chelsea, a younger woman in love with an older man (Walton Goggins) with an eccentric, body-baring style sense. How does the actress maintain her impressive physique? Body Network details all of Aimee Lou Wood’s health and wellness secrets.

She Battled an Eating Disorder

Wood openly discusses the eating disorder she battled when she was younger. "I was so detached from my body when I was in the eating disorders, it was like I was outside it, scrutinizing it. I am very gradually getting over that,” she told The Observer.

RELATED:How White Lotus Star Michelle Monaghan Looks Flawless and Flat-Abbed at 49

She Went to Therapy

London, United Kingdom - October 09, 2022: Aimee Lou Wood attends the UK Premiere of "Living" during the 66th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England.

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Wood credits therapy with not only helping her through her eating disorder but being bullied. "I'd thought it was the comments that were making me have those relapses. But now I realize it wasn't the comments — it was because I was laughing them off. I wasn't telling people to stop talking to me like that. I was saying it later, through the sideways expression of the eating disorder. I wanted to be liked. I wanted them to think I was a legend!" she told The Observer.

She Takes Digital Detoxes

London, United Kingdom - February 19, 2023: Aimee Lou Wood attends the BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England.

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Wood told Marie Claire UK that she takes digital detoxes for her mental health. “I have just deactivated my Instagram and I feel so smug. I’ve done it for five days now, and I feel like a different person. But I think I would do scarily well on a digital detox - if I could never reply to anything ever again, I would. But that’s risky for me - I have to have some kind of contact and connection to the real world,” she had said.

RELATED: How Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44

Her Mindfulness Tip

London United Kingdom - December 04, 2022: Aimee Lou Wood attends the 25th British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate in London, England.

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I'm terrible at mindfulness, and I need to get better at it. My friend has actually just taught me that thing where you breathe in and block one nostril, and that one helps! She said I should do that for five minutes before I ever make a scary decision because I need to stop making decisions when I’m in fight or flight. I’ll just be like ‘yes’ or I’ll detonate something, and she’s been telling me to pause. I need to ‘pause action until serenity enters’, and do a bit of breathing.

She Hydrates with Coconut Water

London, United Kingdom - April 02, 2023: Aimee Lou Wood attend The Olivier Awards 2023 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

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During filming, Wood enjoyed the food in Thailand. “Thai food in general is pretty amazing - it’s so hearty and flavoursome. But my addiction out there was Thai coconuts - they get fresh coconuts out of the trees, cut off the tops and put in a straw, and I couldn’t get enough of them. It was full on, and at one point I was like, am I making myself ill? I don’t think I’m supposed to have this much coconut water! People kept telling me, ‘Aimee Lou, you’re having a lot of coconut!’ as if it was some really risky thing, but it was becoming a problem. I couldn’t go five minutes without a coconut!” she said.

RELATED: White Lotus Star Leslie Bibb Reveals Her Diet and Fitness Secrets at 50

She Admits “It Feels So Lovely” That People Are Embracing Her Teeth

LOS ANGELES, USA. February 10, 2025: Aimee Lou Wood at the season 3 premiere for HBO's The White Lotus.

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Early in her career, Wood was bullied for her teeth, but it has come full circle. During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, she revealed that people have thanked her for normalizing her unique smile. “I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having,” Wood said. “Because the Americans can’t believe—but they’re all being lovely.” She admits that she previously worried about not getting roles because she didn’t have “perfect Hollywood teeth,” and still gets comments from haters who “dissect” her smile. “But at the end go, ‘But we don’t think she should change a thing,’” she added.“Oh my God, it feels so lovely,” Wood said. “A real full-circle moment after being bullied for my teeth forever. Now people are clapping in an audience because I’ve got these gnashers.” And if you enjoyed this article, don’t miss How White Lotus Star Michelle Monaghan Looks Flawless and Flat-Abbed at 49.