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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.

Dad Drops 125 Pounds in Just 13 Months By Eating These Foods Every Day

One weight loss warrior reveals how he lost an entire human by eating steak.

patrick_the_Carnivore_Couple18

Do you want to lose weight and eat steak every day? Patrick, one half of the brains behind the Carnivore Couple YouTube channel, lost 125 pounds in 13 months, “eating nothing but meat,” he writes in the caption of a recent viral video. “Here is everything I ate over the course of two days. You can take your health and life back. Start your health journey today! Take it one day at a time. Consistency is key. Consistency over perfection.” He also shares the other simple habits that enabled him to lose so much weight in such a short period of time.


He Drinks Coffee and Water

He starts the video by discussing his go-to drinks. “Mostly black coffee and water,” he says in his post. “I also enjoy Hint waters. It's like natural flavored water. That's it. If I get a sweet craving, I'll drink Hint water, which usually helps with that. Mostly just water and black coffee.”

He Didn’t Exercise at First

“Another question I get all the time is, did you exercise when you lost your 120 pounds, 125 pounds? And the answer to that is, at the beginning, I worked out for about a month or two, and I lost motivation really quickly. So, I stopped working out and started lifting weights again about two and a half months ago. Putting on muscles is actually pretty easy when you're eating a ton of protein. I do work out, currently. I didn't work out before, so most of my weight was lost from not even working out at all,” he says.

He Eats Only Animal Products

He attributes most of his weight loss to his diet, “which is the carnivore diet, which is a strict elimination diet consisting of only animal products such as beef, butter, bacon, eggs, dairy, pork, chicken and seafood,” he says. “Basically, I ate only meat.”

He Eats His First Snack at 4 PM

He starts discussing his diet, revealing that it is “four o'clock in the afternoon” and he is “hungry because he hasn’t eaten anything all day. “I'm going to go ahead and eat a couple of these little Archer mini beef sticks. It's just grass-fed beef with no sugar or carbs or anything. They're really clean. I like these and Chomps a lot. I usually get these and Chomps both at Costco.

One Meal He Likes? Steak and Eggs

For dinner, he cooks “some delicious steak and eggs,” he says. “I like to season my steak with Redmond's real salt. I also really like to put on some Heath Riles beef rub. There's zero sugar in this rub, and it's really delicious.” He then makes eggs. “I like to melt some grass-fed butter in my pan on medium heat. Then I'm going to crack my five eggs right into that frying pan. And then I'm going to go ahead and mix those bad boys up. Scramble them up real nice.” He then tops them with cheddar cheese and hot sauce.

Another Go-To Meal Is Steak and Shrimp

Another day, he makes a New York strip “just like last night, but with about a pound of shrimp,” he says. “First, I take my grass-fed butter, melt it in a frying pan on medium-high heat, and get it nice and melted. Then I pour my pound of shrimp in there. Now I like to season it with Redmond's Real salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and this really good Kinder's buttery garlic seasoning,” he says, adding that he tops it with Frank’s Red Hot.

He Follows the OMAD Fasting Method During the Week

He also explains that he has been doing the OMAD variety of intermittent fasting for two months, which stands for one meal a day, “Monday through Friday,” she says. “Weekends, I kind of mix it up and do two meals a day.

He Didn’t Count Calories at First, But Now He Does

He also explains that “at the beginning of my journey, I did not count any calories. I was over 300 pounds, you know, just eating meat and fat alone, filling up on that. I definitely had a calorie deficit then. Currently, I am counting calories because I'm getting leaner and leaner.”

RELATED:Woman Lost 50 Pounds on the 5050 Diet and Never Felt Hungry

He Made Two Mindset Shifts

According to Patrick, making two mindset shifts was crucial for his success. “Before I started this journey, I thought that I would never be able to lose the weight and get to my goals and be healthy and happy and be around for my children and my family. But in the beginning, there was this mindset shift I had to make, and I had to start viewing food as fuel and not so much as a comfort thing or an emotional thing. I needed to stop finding my happiness through food and learn how to find it in other ways,” he says.

“Another mindset shift thing I had to do was I had to realize that my children and my health and being around for my children is more important to me than that candy bar or that piece of bread or those carbs, those sugars or that ice cream or that pizza. I really keep that in the front of my mind the entire time and realize I love my family. I want to be around for them, and that pizza's not worth it. That ice cream is not worth it, but that steak, that butter on it, those eggs, that fatty red meat, that's worth it, that's where true nutrition comes from.”

Consistency Is Key

“As time went on, I stopped having those cravings for that bad food. If you're out there and you're struggling and you have a lot of weight to lose, like I did, I know in the beginning, it can seem like an impossible or even a daunting task. But the thing is, you have to take it one day at a time. Every difficult thing in life is achieved by taking it one day at a time, and it's just getting started, taking it one day at a time, and being very consistent. Consistency is key. That's how you see success is consistency,” he concludes. 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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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 and eat steak every day? Patrick, one half of the brains behind the Carnivore Couple YouTube channel, lost 125 pounds in 13 months, “eating nothing but meat,” he writes in the caption of a recent viral video. “Here is everything I ate over the course of two days. You can take your health and life back. Start your health journey today! Take it one day at a time. Consistency is key. Consistency over perfection.” He also shares the other simple habits that enabled him to lose so much weight in such a short period of time.


He Drinks Coffee and Water

He starts the video by discussing his go-to drinks. “Mostly black coffee and water,” he says in his post. “I also enjoy Hint waters. It's like natural flavored water. That's it. If I get a sweet craving, I'll drink Hint water, which usually helps with that. Mostly just water and black coffee.”

He Didn’t Exercise at First

“Another question I get all the time is, did you exercise when you lost your 120 pounds, 125 pounds? And the answer to that is, at the beginning, I worked out for about a month or two, and I lost motivation really quickly. So, I stopped working out and started lifting weights again about two and a half months ago. Putting on muscles is actually pretty easy when you're eating a ton of protein. I do work out, currently. I didn't work out before, so most of my weight was lost from not even working out at all,” he says.

He Eats Only Animal Products

He attributes most of his weight loss to his diet, “which is the carnivore diet, which is a strict elimination diet consisting of only animal products such as beef, butter, bacon, eggs, dairy, pork, chicken and seafood,” he says. “Basically, I ate only meat.”

He Eats His First Snack at 4 PM

He starts discussing his diet, revealing that it is “four o'clock in the afternoon” and he is “hungry because he hasn’t eaten anything all day. “I'm going to go ahead and eat a couple of these little Archer mini beef sticks. It's just grass-fed beef with no sugar or carbs or anything. They're really clean. I like these and Chomps a lot. I usually get these and Chomps both at Costco.

One Meal He Likes? Steak and Eggs

For dinner, he cooks “some delicious steak and eggs,” he says. “I like to season my steak with Redmond's real salt. I also really like to put on some Heath Riles beef rub. There's zero sugar in this rub, and it's really delicious.” He then makes eggs. “I like to melt some grass-fed butter in my pan on medium heat. Then I'm going to crack my five eggs right into that frying pan. And then I'm going to go ahead and mix those bad boys up. Scramble them up real nice.” He then tops them with cheddar cheese and hot sauce.

Another Go-To Meal Is Steak and Shrimp

Another day, he makes a New York strip “just like last night, but with about a pound of shrimp,” he says. “First, I take my grass-fed butter, melt it in a frying pan on medium-high heat, and get it nice and melted. Then I pour my pound of shrimp in there. Now I like to season it with Redmond's Real salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and this really good Kinder's buttery garlic seasoning,” he says, adding that he tops it with Frank’s Red Hot.

He Follows the OMAD Fasting Method During the Week

He also explains that he has been doing the OMAD variety of intermittent fasting for two months, which stands for one meal a day, “Monday through Friday,” she says. “Weekends, I kind of mix it up and do two meals a day.

He Didn’t Count Calories at First, But Now He Does

He also explains that “at the beginning of my journey, I did not count any calories. I was over 300 pounds, you know, just eating meat and fat alone, filling up on that. I definitely had a calorie deficit then. Currently, I am counting calories because I'm getting leaner and leaner.”

RELATED:Woman Lost 50 Pounds on the 5050 Diet and Never Felt Hungry

He Made Two Mindset Shifts

According to Patrick, making two mindset shifts was crucial for his success. “Before I started this journey, I thought that I would never be able to lose the weight and get to my goals and be healthy and happy and be around for my children and my family. But in the beginning, there was this mindset shift I had to make, and I had to start viewing food as fuel and not so much as a comfort thing or an emotional thing. I needed to stop finding my happiness through food and learn how to find it in other ways,” he says.

“Another mindset shift thing I had to do was I had to realize that my children and my health and being around for my children is more important to me than that candy bar or that piece of bread or those carbs, those sugars or that ice cream or that pizza. I really keep that in the front of my mind the entire time and realize I love my family. I want to be around for them, and that pizza's not worth it. That ice cream is not worth it, but that steak, that butter on it, those eggs, that fatty red meat, that's worth it, that's where true nutrition comes from.”

Consistency Is Key

“As time went on, I stopped having those cravings for that bad food. If you're out there and you're struggling and you have a lot of weight to lose, like I did, I know in the beginning, it can seem like an impossible or even a daunting task. But the thing is, you have to take it one day at a time. Every difficult thing in life is achieved by taking it one day at a time, and it's just getting started, taking it one day at a time, and being very consistent. Consistency is key. That's how you see success is consistency,” he concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Do you want to lose weight fast and keep it off? Dropping 10 pounds in the next few months is easier than you think. All it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes – and learning from other weight loss warriors who came before you is always a great idea. Here are 20 ways 12 people who lost over 10 pounds in 4 months achieved their weight loss goals.


Gen Cohen Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months by Maintaining a Caloric Deficit

In a recent Instagram post, Gen Cohen, CNC, shared how she lost 10lbs in the first two months of her health journey. “What I would do is eat in a modest caloric deficit, which if you're a woman watching this video means you'll probably be eating an average of 1500 to 2000 calories per day in order to lose weight,” she says.

She Also Used an App

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

Apps also helped Cohen achieve her weight loss goals. “I would download an app like MyFitnessPal and preplan my meals the day before to make sure I was able to hit my calories and my protein goal while still enjoying my social life,” she continued.

And, She Drank A LOT of Water

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water. Smiling caucasian female model holding transparent glass in her hand. Closeup. Focus on the armShutterstock

Another helpful habit in her weight loss was investing in a big water bottle. “I would drink 16 ounces of water before getting out of bed in the morning, which helps regulate your cortisol and stress levels throughout the day,” she says. “And I would also drink 16 ounces of water before each meal. This will help you feel full quicker while you're still learning proper portion control.”

Blake Sanburg Lost 23 Pounds in 2 Months by Hitting the Gym

@thenutritionnarc

10 weight loss tips

Blake Sanburg (@thenutritionnarc) is a diet and fitness influencer with over 415,900 TikTok followers who lost 23 pounds in two months. His number one tip to lose weight? “Start going to the gym,” Blake suggests. “Do weightlifting and cardio. This will help not only burn calories, but it'll also increase your muscle mass, which will make you seem less fat.”

He Also Avoided “Liquid Calories”

Barman prepares exotic cocktails at the night clubShutterstock

“Number two, avoid liquid calories such as sugary drinks, alcohol, soda, and stuff like that instead of diet soda,” Blake continued. “These are scientifically proven to be the easiest calories to cut out.”

He Amped Up His Protein Intake

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

Blake also amped up his protein intake. “The general rule of thumb is one gram of protein per pound of body weight. So if your goal weight is 150 pounds, try to eat 150 grams of protein.”

RELATED:Wegovy vs Ozempic: Pros and Cons for Weight Loss Treatment

He Took Progress Pictures

Portrait of proud bodybuilder boasting his arm muscles taking selfie in gym mirror flexing biceps after working outShutterstock

And, for accountability purposes, “take progress pictures,” he said. “It is very tough to see changes when you're looking at yourself every single day. So go back and look at the first day.”

Cam Jones Lost 10 Pounds in 50 Days by Rigorously Tracking His Eating Habits

Cam Jones, one half of the brother influencer duo who make up Goal Guys, a YouTube account providing “different goals in fitness and productivity,” revealed in a viral video how he lost 10 pounds in 50 days.

“I genuinely do not understand how I've put on so much weight. I eat pretty healthy. I exercise two to three times a week, so what am I doing wrong?” he says in the video, setting a goal of losing 10 pounds of body fat in 50 days. Cam starts with a goal of “paying careful attention” to nutrition.

“The first thing I'm aiming for a daily calorie goal of just 1900 calories, and as crazy as it is to say I actually think my current diet is pretty healthy, so I'm also going to track every food I eat for the next 50 days to figure out where I've been going wrong,” he says

He Also Cut Snacks

Unsweetened,Baking,Block,Chocolate,,Cocoa,Powder,And,Cocoa,Beans,Shutterstock

Cam points out that the little snacks you eat in the day add up. Just three squares of dark chocolate, half a bag of popcorn in one glass of wine total 660 calories. “I was severely underestimating how many calories were in those snacks because I was having those four times a week,” he says, pointing out “that's an extra 2,400 calories per week. That's more than I'm going to eat today. So no wonder I was putting on weight even though I was exercising.”

Melissa Lattari Lost 15 Pounds in a Month by Reducing Sodium Intake

@melissa.lattari

Replying to @A how to lose 10lbs of water #fyp #wateretention #howtofixbloating #weightloss #weightlosshack #viral

Melissa Lattari (@melissa.lattari) dropped 15 pounds in a month, explaining in a viral video how she did it. “Losing 10 to 15 pounds of water weight is easier than you think it is,” she says in the clip. Melissa maintains that dropping the weight is simple. “The easiest way to lose water weight, okay, listen up, is by switching up your diet,” she maintains. “Water retention happens when we're consuming too much sodium in our diet,” she continues. “Therefore, if you're eating a lot of overly processed foods such as pizza, frozen foods, prepackaged foods or going out and eating at a restaurant where they usually cook most foods with vegetable oils, your body is going to obtain more water.”

Sydney St-Aubin Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months by Increasing Her Steps Every Day

@sydneystaubin

19 lbs down since january and still going 👏🏻 here’s what i’ve been doing and what i plan to continue to do to reach my goal by hopefully september 🤍 #weightloss #caloricdeficit #athomeworkouts #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogram

Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months. One of her main recommendations? Not only should you “get your steps in,” but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for?

A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

Jenna Evelyn Lost 20 Pounds in Three Months by Meal Prepping

@jennaevelynnn

How I lost 15-20 pounds after my freshman year of college. 10k steps a day, low-cal, high protein meals, and strength training + pilates! #weightloss #freshman15 #howilostweight #weightransformation #healthylifestyle #mealprep #pilates

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one viral TikTok video, she reveals that meal prepping and using high-quality ingredients were crucial to her weight loss. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high-protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning.

Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Isis Kellier Lost 15 Pounds in 6 Weeks by Intermittent Fasting

Isis Kellier revealed in one TikTok video that she dropped an average of 2.5 pounds a week and 15 pounds in 6 weeks by intermittent fasting, or “OMAD,” she reveals, which stands for “one meal a day. “The Lightly intermittent fasting app helps to keep everything on track,” she added.

In another video, she details what she eats in a day, starting at 2:00 pm with two glasses of green juice followed by a bowl of fruit. For her main meal of the day, “dinner,” she eats at 4:00 pm and enjoys spicy vodka pasta with a grilled chicken breast on top. At 5:30 pm, she drinks two Premiere Protein shakes.

Nour T Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months by Eating Less

@nourrtann

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

Nour T (@nourrtann/) lost a whopping 40 pounds in just five months with one simple habit. In one of her viral videos, she reveals that no matter what diet you want to go on, simply eating less will result in weight loss. “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.”

She Also Started Volume Eating

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

“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. “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. 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.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds Doing the 75 Hard Method

Briana Farnsworth Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months by Interval Training on a Treadmill

@brianafarnsworthx

Replying to @$ I like to implement other workouts everyone now and then but I swear by walks!! #walkingroutine #hotgirlwalks #slimlegs #slimarms #weightloss #modelworkout #modelroutine #modelarms

Briana Farnsworth (@brianafarnsworthx) lost a whopping 30 pounds in three months just by walking. “People literally don't believe me when I tell them that I changed my body from this to this just by walking alone,” she says in the clip. Her key to losing weight with walking is doing interval training on an incline. “So my treadmill has this option here, it's called Fat Burner, and I love this one. It alternates between the incline of 1.5 to 4.5, and then I usually keep my speed between 3 and 4,” she explains, adding that if you don’t have that option, you can manually change the incline and speed accordingly.

Blake Also Amped Up His Fiber Intake

Healthy natural ingredients containing dietary fiber. Healthy high fiber diet eating concept with antioxidants and vitaminsShutterstock

Blake (@thenutritionnarc) offers another weight loss tip that helped him get in shape, “eat more fiber,” he says. This is probably one of the most underrated macronutrients. It's not a macronutrient, but it is one of the most underrated things you can eat. It will not only keep you full, it'll improve your gut microbiome health, and it'll also keep you regular,” he explains.

Keisha Lost 40 Pounds in One Month by Filling Up on Healthy Fats

@kickweightwithkeisha

#grocerylist #kickweightwithkeisha @Kick Weight With Keisha

Keisha (@kickweightwithkeisha) is a diet and fitness influencer who lost 40 pounds in just one month. She claims that amping up her intake of healthy fats was instrumental in her weight loss. “Fats are going to consist of things like avocados, olive oil, avocado oil, butter, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and cheese,” she says.

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

And, by Cutting Out Added Sugar

Coffee blended with ghee butter and MCT coconut oil, paleo, keto, ketogenic drink breakfast.Shutterstock

“Now, the only thing that I drank, water, tea, and coffee,” she continued. However she avoided buying calorie-heavy sweeteners. “Okay, if you're going to do sugar for your tea and your coffee, you want to do a natural sugar substitute, which are things like Stevia, monk, fruit, Truvia,” she says.

Amber Clemens Lost 160 Pounds by Eating Fast Food

@amber_c_fitness

Something I still struggle with after losing 160 pounds ❤️ #weightloss #weightlossstruggle #growingupfat #beforeandafter #fatphobia #thinprivilege

Amber Clemens (@amber_c_fitness) is a weight loss warrior and influencer on TikTok who lost a whopping 160 pounds while still eating fast food. In a viral video, she describes her before meal at Wendy’s: A Four for Four meal with a Junior cheeseburger, four piece chicken nugget, a small fry, “and I would actually order an additional six piece nugget because I wanted 10 and I would get a large root beer and that one meal would be 1,450 calories,” she says, noting “that's not including any dipping sauces that I would get to dip this stuff in, but I couldn't find the nutrition information for that.”

Now, she chooses from two lower calorie alternatives, the apple pecan salad “because it's so filling,” she says. “You get a high volume of food for about 550 calories.” Her other option is a six piece nugget and a small fry paired with a medium light lemonade. “And you can get that meal for 545 calories,” she says. “It's not about cutting things out, it's about finding things that you like equally as much, making swaps in moderation,” she points out. Read about more of her swaps here.

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.

Do you want to lose 10 pounds a month simply by making a few simple changes to your diet? Xiaoma is “a polyglot who has studied dozens of languages,” according to his YouTube profile, who lost 40 pounds in 4 months when he decided to “seriously start losing weight.” Xiaoma explains that he went from 187 to 150. “I've lost a good 40 pounds,” he says. Here is what he did.


Exercise Isn’t the Key to Losing Weight

“For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think about losing weight is exercise. But I had already learned that exercise was not a stepping stone to losing weight. In fact, for me, it was the opposite. Like, the more I exercised, the more weight I gained because the hungrier I got, the more I allowed myself to eat,” he explains.

It Is “A Hundred Percent Diet,” He Says

Bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

“My big realization was that it was a hundred percent diet,” he says. Before, he would eat “multiple pieces of toast or bagels or lots of butter and cheese and multiple eggs fried in butter” for breakfast. And, for dinner, “whatever he wanted. “It usually ended up being like big bowls, cheesy pasta, or like the most delicious pizza I could get my hands on, just like really rich fatty foods, which I somehow convinced myself was okay because saturated fat is all keto and good for you these days.”

First, He Amped Up His Veggie Intake

Raw vegetables background. Healthy organic food concept.Shutterstock

“The first thing that I did was I had a call with my nutritionist,” he continues. She advised him to eat more vegetables. “It didn't really make sense to me at first because I was like, what do vegetables have to do with losing weight? Like, I just, I didn't really get it, but I was like, okay, so I'll humor you. I'll eat some more vegetables.”

RELATED:What's Better: High-Protein or Low-Carb Diet for Weight Loss?

He Ate Veggies Before Other Food

Salmon,Served,With,Mix,Salad,Veggies,VegetablesShutterstock

He started with making sure half of every meal was veggies, “and that would be the first thing that I ate,” he says. “I realized pretty quickly that it actually is a great way to lose weight because what you're doing is filling your body with nutritious fiber and crowding out room for all the other rich fatty foods. You're kind of filling yourself up in advance.”

He Realized That He Used to Eat Too Much “Rich and Fatty” Food

cheese burger with fries on a wooden plate at a restaurantShutterstock

He came to a realization. “I realized what the root of my problem was, that I would just let myself eat as much rich and fatty food as possible, and I would be absolutely stuffed with every meal,” he says.

RELATED:I Reduced My Size from 16 to 6 in 9 Months with One Simple Lunch Change

He Changed the Type of Carbs He Ate

close-up red kidney bean in wood spoon and gunny bag on wood tabShutterstock

The other major change he made was the type of carbs he ate. “Most of my carbs, rather than coming from grains, came from whole recognizable beans or legumes. I eliminated all processed carbs from my diet. So, no more bread. I completely stopped eating bread. No more cookies, no cakes, nothing like that. No soda, obviously. No, no candy, no processed foods of any kind. That wasn't a huge problem for me before. But bread was a big problem. And so what I replaced it with was just essentially these slow carbs, like chickpeas. I had a lot of chickpeas and lentils.”

He Stuck to Whole Foods

Gourmet portion of thick juicy fresh salmon grilling on a griddle seasoned with lemon zest, herbs and spices in a low angle view with copyspace and rising steamShutterstock

“The core principle for what I was to eat just became whole foods, like as minimally processed as possible—calorically dense foods. I try to eliminate to the maximum extent possible, less fatty meat and more whole grain carbs like oatmeal,” he says.

He Also Ate “Unappetizing” Meals

Man eatsShutterstock

He admits that some of his meals are a “little bit unappetizing,” which is “actually the point,” he says. “I wanted to eat food that was as kind of unappetizing but nevertheless still healthy as possible.” Why? “I felt like it was a pretty easy way to lose weight if the food became much less appetizing because I always really enjoyed eating.”

RELATED:10 Quick and Simple Steps to Losing 10 Pounds of Fat, According to a Metabolism Expert

He Started Weighing Himself Daily

White scale on a wooden table top view, fitness and weight loss conceptShutterstock

“That became, that became a core part of my ethos. I started weighing myself every single day. I mean, I started losing weight immediately, but you know, like the first week I lost like several pounds. Here I am, having lost 40 pounds four months later. And honestly, it feels really good.”

Follow Xiaoma on Social Media

For more on Xiaoma, you can follow him on social media. He is on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Do you want to lose weight fast? Fasting may be able to help with that. However, before you get started, understand there are several methods you can try. Brendan Jones, a YouTuber, and one-half of Goal Guys, a channel devoted to fitness and productivity, tries out various diet and exercise methods and reports back on his findings. In a recent viral video, he explains alternate fasting, revealing exactly how it helped him lose 10 pounds of body fat and 14 pounds overall in 30 days.


He Starts By Getting a Full Body Scan

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He started by explaining that he got a full body DEXA scan “to measure my lean body mass percentage of body fat and a number of other things I probably won't understand,” he says. “The reason I got this scan is because I'd like to measure how much body fat I can lose through a science-based fasting regimen.”

Here Is What Alternate Day Fasting Means

“I was doing some research, and I came across two really interesting studies on something I'd never heard of before called alternate-day fasting. And it's exactly what it sounds like,” he continues. “You can eat as much as you like within a 12-hour window on day one and then abstain from eating the remaining 36 hours until you complete day two. Repeat these steps over and over until your fast is complete.”

Studies Found It Was More Effective for Fat Loss Compared to Calorie Restricted Diets

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“In both studies, subjects who did alternate day fasting saw greater fat loss compared to control groups who did traditional calorie-restricted diets, and subjects who were already in decent health also saw improvements in their overall cardiac health. Neither study found any negative side effects, but do call for additional studies. And, of course, you should consult a doctor before taking on any fast that lasts longer than 24 hours,” he continued.

He Created a 30-Day Plan

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“My goal this month is to give alternate day fasting a try for 30 days and then get a follow-up scan to see if it had any positive effects on my fat loss. And contrast that with any perhaps negative consequences in reduction of muscle mass or any other changes to my overall health. That is, of course, assuming I make it in the next 30 days,” he says.

First, He Puts Away Food in His Kitchen

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Before he gets started, he sets himself up for success. “I start by putting away any food that's displayed inside my kitchen. So there are no visual cues to remind me to eat as a safety precaution,” he says.

He Also Looks Out for Malnourishment Signs

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He also looks out for health signs. “I'm gonna be watching for trouble signs like fatigue, dizziness, or headaches, which could indicate malnourishment,” he says.

He Weighs Himself Every 7 Days

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He also recommends regular weigh-ins. “I'll be monitoring my weight every seven days to make sure I'm not dropping pounds at an alarming pace,” he says.

He Keeps Himself “Occupied” to Make It Through Day One

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“My next step is to make it through day one without breaking. So I've written out an ambitious to-do list to keep myself occupied, hopefully leaving less time to think about how hungry I'm getting,” he says.

Eating Enough Protein Is Key

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His eating hours are 7 to 7. “It's really important I'm getting the most out of each meal. So I'm starting today with a breakfast of scrambled eggs and tofu for a high source of protein, and I'm going to be serving that on multigrain toast with a side of brown bean,” he says.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

He Meal Preps

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After breakfast, he meal preps a quinoa salad with broccoli and sweet potato, “so I have a healthy source of carbs, protein, and vitamins for my second and fourth meals today,” he says. “On days that I can eat, I want to push myself as hard as I can with these workouts because I expect on fasting days I won't have the energy to do nearly as much.”

He Starts Exercising on Day 3

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He also starts exercising. “When day three arrives, I'm able to get a short run and work out first thing in the morning while my body still feels full from the previous day's eating.”

He Lost 5 Pounds in One Week

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One week in, and “so far things are going pretty well,” he says. “I have lost five pounds, which I know is mostly water weight at this point,” he adds. “I usually get my worst hunger cravings between six to 8:00 PM, but by that point, I'm on the home stretch, and I know food is coming in the morning, so I usually have that knowledge just to persevere, drink some water, drink some tea, and keep going.”

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

He Says That He Has a “Significant Boost in Mental Energy” on Fasting Days

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“Another thing I've noticed on fasting days is a significant boost in mental energy,” he says. “Even though I'm less physically active on days I'm not eating, I find I'm able to stay alert and concentrate well into the evening despite cutting my coffee, drinking down by more than half. And I don't want to guess the reasons why so many studies have found positive benefits from fasting that go beyond just fat loss.”

He Believes Obesity Is Due to “Frequency, “ Portion Sizes, Added Sugars and Fats

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“When you look at the frequency of our meals, along with the portion sizes and added sugars and fats we've come to expect as part of our diet, it's no surprise so many people in North America struggle with weight. At least that's what I'm telling myself because, according to my DEXA scan, I'm obese. According to the American Council on Exercise, anything above 25% body fat for men is considered obese. My score came in at 27%, and I got the scan during a time when I was ranked 30 to 40 kilometers a week, and I stayed consistent with the gym,” he continued.

He Attributes His Fat Due to “Overindulgence in Unhappy Snacking”

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He added that he holds the majority of fat in his hips and waist, “a little bit around the shoulders and arms and a little bit on the inside of my legs,” he says. “All of this, I think, is caused by a lack of portion control in my diet and an overindulgence in unhappy snacking.”

He Recommends Interval Training

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Exercise helps maximize fat loss. He recommends interval training. “You have moments where you're doing quick bouts of work, and then you have a rest period, which just gives your body some time to recover, and then you go back in again. And that helps with your energy level, and it's not going to tire you out as much on the days that you're fasting,” he says.

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

Here Are the Exercises He Does

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“When I finally get back to the gym, I want to pay specific attention to my abs, lower back, and obliques,” he says. This is to “build muscle in the areas that are high in fat.” However, “I'm still maintaining the exercises I do for the rest of my body as well,” he says. He also does cardio.

He Loses 14 Pounds in 30 Days

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“When it's time for my second body scan. I've lost 14 pounds in 30 days, but the question I still want to answer is, how much of that weight loss was fat? Nine and a half pounds. I lost nine and a half pounds of fat with this routine and cut my percentage of body fat down by 4% in four weeks with the majority of those losses coming from waist and trunk region,” he says.

He Says It Was Easier Than Restricting Calories

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“Perhaps the only disappointment from these results was the almost three pounds of lean mass I also lost, which is pretty consistent with what I would've expected from a calorie-restricted diet,” he says. “So it doesn't look like alternate-day fasting is a magic bullet for preserving muscle mass at the same time you're trying to burn fat. But in my opinion, anyway, trying to stay consistent with a fasting regimen was much easier than staying consistent with a calorie-restricted or crash diet that involved constantly monitoring your portions and making sure you stay below a daily target.”

It Gave Him the Freedom to Enjoy Cheat Meals

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“I found this routine not only decreased my appetite over time, but it also still allowed me the freedom to enjoy a pizza or popcorn on occasion without compromising my progress,” he says. “The one exception to this dietary freedom, though, is with the first meal you eat at the end of a fast period for that meal, it's really important that you're eating some complex carbs that take time for your body to break down and convert into glucose. Things like whole grains, black beans, sweet potato, or quinoa are all great. If you start your day with white bread and a lot of fruit, those foods will quickly break down into sugar and prevent your body from burning fat. So that first meal is really important.”

RELATED:I Got in the Best Shape of My Life at 50 With Just 5 Simple Habits

He Is Going to Incorporate Fasting Into His Routine

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“Based on just my own experience, I found fasting to be a really valuable tool that I honestly wish I'd started using a lot earlier in life. But going forward, I am going to look into a less extreme fasting regimen, probably something closer to intermittent fasting or even just modifying my fast days so they include some form of eating something like rice cakes and a protein shake or a black bean burrito with sweet potato and broccoli,” he says. “Either way, after getting my DEXA scan, I know I have more work to do, and I'm gonna continue utilizing fasting to help as I go forward.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Do you want to lose 30 pounds in two weeks? While it might seem impossible, one YouTuber claims it isn’t. Steve Cha of Rockstar Eater, a YouTube channel focusing on his love of food, shared a recent video about how rapidly he lost weight to the tune of a pound every two days. He claims it all boils down to following three simple steps.


He Gained 10 to 12 Pounds After Starting His YouTube Channel

Steve from Rockstar Eater explains that he gained “about 10 to 12 pounds” after starting his YouTube channel from “eating a lot of food” and that “it did take some toll” on his body. He topped the scales at 170, admitting that his blood pressure and cholesterol both went up.

He Gave Himself 30 Days to Lose 15 Pounds

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“So I decided that I'm going to take some steps in order to try to take care of my health for the next few weeks. So in this video, I'm gonna be documenting my journey on losing basically 10 to 15 pounds,” he says, giving himself a time frame of 30 days.

His Plan Starts with Exercise

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Steve’s plan was to start with exercise. “What I'm gonna do is basically every day do a lot of walking, cardio, jogging in order to sweat, burn some calories,” he says.

It Also Involves Changing His Diet

“And I'm also gonna, of course, alter my diet. That's the most important thing because it's no use for me to go out and do all of this exercising but then come home and snack on all this junk food,” he says. “Of course, I'm not gonna go the drastic route of starving myself, you know, like what some people do. That's actually not healthy at all.”

Protein with Salads or Veggies

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What will he be eating for the next few weeks while he’s trying to lose weight? “Definitely low-fat foods,” he says. He might make a big salad and some salmon but only have a third of it, then “probably the other third for dinner. And then for dinner, I can change it up by eating, for example, fish, some cucumber and some baby broccoli, which is really good. I highly recommend this.” He will also eat an apple.

No Fried Food

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“So something like this is what I would be eating every day with just some variations, but definitely staying away from all the fried stuff, all the beef, you know, high cholesterol stuff, definitely no ice cream,” he adds.

10,000 Steps Per Day

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Steve’s goal is to try to hit about 10,000 steps a day. “On a busy day, I'd probably be walking for about one hour, kind of like a walk-jog. But then, if I have one of those days where it's not that busy, who knows, I might even go for half a day, like three to four hours of walking. But remember, drink plenty of water when you're out here, especially during the summertime,” he says.

Week One He Lost 3 Pounds

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“So it's been about a week now, and it looks like I've been able to lose about three pounds in the course of six to seven days. So far off to a good start,” Steve says. “I mean, I'm already feeling it. My body feels a little lighter, and I can get into my pants without feeling so very tight.”

Week Two He Lost Two-and-Half-Pounds

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This week I was able to drop about two to two and a half pounds, and I do feel better. Everything feels good all around,” Steve says. If “you're losing weight over time, it gets more difficult and difficult to drop the same amount of weight every single week.”

He Did Cheat

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Steve admits that he “did have some cheat days here and there, but for the most part, still sticking to vegetables, fruits, and cereal, oats, you know, all that healthy stuff, and I don't overeat. That's the key. And you gotta also do a lot of exercise.”

30 Day Mark: 15 Pounds

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“Moment of truth after 30 days of hard work. Let's see what the final result is.

As many of you guys probably know, that was not an easy task to all of a sudden go onto such a strict diet exercising plan. So yes, it looks like I lost about 14 to 15 pounds in the span of 30 days, which is not easy to do, but it is doable though.”

Step 1: Diet

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He then details each step he followed. “Number one, I changed my diet plan,” he reiterates, “eating stuff with less sugar, less sodium, less carbs in it, sticking mainly to fruits and vegetables and oats and wheat. I mean, once in a while, I had my cheat day here and there to eat something heavier, but that's pretty much what I've been sticking to.”

Step 2: Hydrating

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The second step? Hydration. “ I've been drinking a lot of water, like a lot of water,” he continues. “No more of the sodas and the fruit juices, mostly water during a lot of these days.”

Step 3: Exercising

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His final step? Exercise, including “a lot of cardio, jogging, some stretches here and there,” he says.

It’s Not Easy, But Gets Easier

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Steve encourages others to stick to a diet. “It's not easy, I'll tell you that, especially in the first few days. It's gonna be very difficult, but then you kind of get used to it over time,” he says.

His Blood Pressure Decreased

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“But overall, I'm definitely feeling it. It's flatter all around my stomach area and my chest and I feel better health-wise. And I was even able to go to the local grocery store to measure my blood pressure. It actually went down by 15, I think I was at 1 35 before in terms of blood pressure. And then I think it went down to about like one 20 or one 17, which is really good.”

So Did His Body Fat

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His “body fat level has gone down a little bit as well, and I'm assuming that's also cholesterol,” he notes. “So overall, I'm feeling very healthy. So if you guys want to lose some weight and you want to lose it fast, maybe within 30 days, just letting you know that it is possible.”

The NIH Recommends Losing 1 to 2 Pounds Per Week

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Is Steve’s weight loss realistic? According to the National Institutes of Health, no. “Weight loss should be about 1 to 2 pounds per week for a period of 6 months,” they say. That would be a maximum loss of 8 pounds in 30 days.

RELATED: 15 Lazy-Girl Ways to Exercise at Home

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In

tara_collingwood7Tara Collingwood

Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, agrees that starving yourself thin is not a good idea. She notes that rapid weight loss usually leads to weight regain. “Starving and fasting can produce fast weight loss, but it also stresses the body and causes the metabolism to shut down, which in turn can cause rebound weight gain,” she says.

However, sustainable weight loss is possible with the right mindset and approach. "Anything hard takes some discipline, and losing weight is one of the hardest lifestyle habits to modify," says Collingwood. "I coach my clients to think about their motivations for eating to make the changes in their lifestyle that will require them to lose the weight they say they want to lose. With discomfort comes growth and results." she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

💪🔥Body Booster: It's important to have a solid motivation for making tough choices. "When you have a strong reason for making the hard choices, it becomes easier to keep yourself on track," says Collingwood.

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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you on Ozempic but can’t seem to lose weight? It might be slowing down your metabolism, says an expert. Aliza Olive, MD, is a macronutrient expert and Cleveland Clinic doctor who dropped 20 pounds in 3 months on semaglutide. She is also the co-founder of MedFree Maintenance, helping others lose weight and achieve their body goals. In a new video, she discusses a very important thing to look out for. “Ozempic gals, red flags that your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism. 7 things you need to look out for. 3 is the worst,” she writes, revealing “GLP-1 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make!!”

If Your Metabolism Goes Down You Might Plateau

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“If your metabolism goes down, it’s going to cause stubborn plateaus and make it even harder to keep the weight off when you decrease or stop Semaglutide or tirzepazide,” she writes in her post. Wish you could stop GLP1 meds like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro but keep the results? Tapering off Semaglutide or Tirzepatide soon and fear becoming just another weight regain statistic?”

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

If You Don’t Eat Enough It Can Cause Muscle Loss

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“If you don’t eat ENOUGH while On Ozempic, it can cause muscle loss, decreased calorie burn at rest, and decreased metabolism. Here are 7 Red Flags 🚩 that Your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism!” she adds.

7 Signs Ozempic Is Slowing Your Metabolism

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Here are the following red flags, per Aliza:

  1. If you are losing hair.
  2. If your energy low
  3. If you’re not hungry at all in the mornings.
  4. If you are more moody than normal
  5. If your sex drive is decreased
  6. If your sleep is off.
  7. If You feel like you are weak and losing strength.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Your Body Is Slowing Down

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“These are signals that tell you that your body isn’t thriving. When our metabolism slows down, we experience that with a decrease in movement. (You might not even notice it… thinks like less fidgeting, less talking with your hands, etc) Your body is actually slowing down on purpose so you use less calories each day,” she explains.

Here’s What to Do About It

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What should you do about it? “Make sure you are eating enough and not completely skipping meals while on Ozempic. It’s going to be hard to get enough protein if you aren’t having enough meals,” she says.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Here’s How Much You Should Eat

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“How much should you eat? That’s pretty individual. VERY Generally, I recommend using a TDEE calculator to calculate your maintenance calories. Then subtract about 500 calories. So if your maintenance is 1800 calories each day, aim for about 1300 calories,” she says.

Bottom Line: Don’t Undereat!

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“Going lower is not better! Feeling zero hunger, cravings, or food noise is NOT the goal. 🤯Yes, I said it!! The goal, especially if you plan to wean off medication is to dull these so you can build habits and emotional outlets to be able to maintain!” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Robert Cywes M.D. Ph.D. #CarbAddictionDoc
Copyright Dr. Robert Cywes/YouTube
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.

Struggling to get the most out of your Ozempic prescription? Dr. Robert Cywes, known as the #CarbAddictionDoc to his 300,000 YouTube subscribers, specializes in treating obesity through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just medication. As a leading expert in weight management, he underlines that success requires the right strategy. Here are his essential tips to maximize your results.

Understand Your Medication's Role

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"Ozempic is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic solution," Dr. Cywes says in his post. "Think of it as a helper that makes it easier to implement the right habits." He explains that understanding how the medication works helps set realistic expectations and improves long-term success rates.

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

Focus on High-Quality Protein at Every Meal

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"Protein intake is crucial for preserving muscle mass during weight loss," explains Dr. Cywes. He recommends consuming at least 30 grams of protein at each main meal. "Without adequate protein, you risk losing muscle instead of fat. This is especially important when your appetite is reduced by Ozempic."

Track Everything You Eat and Drink

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Dr. Cywes emphasizes, "Keeping a detailed food diary is non-negotiable. Even with reduced appetite from Ozempic, you need to understand your eating patterns to succeed." He suggests using a digital tracking app and recording meals immediately to ensure accuracy. "The most successful patients are those who track consistently, not just on their 'good' days."

Stay Ahead of Side Effects

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"Proper hydration and proactive side effect management can make or break your success," Dr. Cywes states. He advises drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily. "Most side effects can be managed effectively if caught early. Don't wait until they become severe to address them."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Develop a Consistent Movement Routine

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"Physical activity becomes easier as the weight comes off," notes Dr. Cywes. "Start with daily walking and gradually increase your activity level. The goal isn't to exhaust yourself but to build sustainable habits." He recommends beginning with 10-minute walks and slowly increasing duration and intensity.

Address Emotional Eating Patterns

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"While Ozempic helps control physical hunger, emotional eating requires different tools," Dr. Cywes explains. "Many patients discover that their eating habits are more tied to emotions than hunger." He recommends working with mental health professionals to develop healthy coping strategies and identifying specific emotional triggers.

Build Your Support Network

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Dr. Cywes observes that "patients with strong support systems consistently achieve better outcomes." He suggests joining both online and in-person support groups: "Having people who understand your journey makes a significant difference. Your support network can provide accountability, encouragement, and practical tips."

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Monitor Multiple Progress Markers

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"Success isn't just about the number on the scale," says Dr. Cywes. "Focus on non-scale victories too." He recommends tracking multiple indicators: "Take monthly progress photos, measure body circumferences, monitor energy levels, and note improvements in daily activities. These measurements often show progress even when the scale doesn't move."

Create a Sustainable Meal Structure

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"Ozempic reduces hunger, but you still need a structured approach to eating," Dr. Cywes advises. "Plan your meals in advance and establish regular eating times. This structure helps prevent both undereating and impulsive food choices."

Prepare Strategies for Plateaus

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"Weight loss plateaus are normal and temporary," Dr. Cywes reassures. "The key is to have specific strategies ready before they happen." He suggests keeping a list of proven plateau-breaking techniques: "Adjust portion sizes, increase protein intake, vary your exercise routine, or review your food diary for hidden calories. The goal is to make small, sustainable changes rather than drastic ones."

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Plan for Long-Term Success

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"The most successful patients think beyond just the weight loss phase," Dr. Cywes emphasizes. "They develop habits and strategies that will serve them well after reaching their goal weight." He recommends creating a maintenance plan early in your journey: "Consider how you'll adjust your habits as your needs change, and always keep communication open with your healthcare team." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr Jared Beckstrand Tone and Tighten
I'm a PT and These 8 Moves Are Perfect For Inflexible People
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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.

That nagging lower back pain has become your unwanted companion, making even simple tasks feel challenging. Whether it's from sitting too long at your desk or overdoing it at the gym, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news? Relief might be just nine minutes away.

Dr. Jared Beckstrand, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of the popular fitness platform Tone and Tighten, has developed a simple yet effective routine to help alleviate back pain. With his expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation and athletic performance, Dr. Beckstrand has helped thousands find relief through these targeted exercises. Follow along with this nine-minute routine that you can do right at home.

Lumbar Rotation: Get Started with Gentle Twists

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Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. "Let both your knees fall to one side while keeping your shoulders firmly on the ground," says Dr. Beckstrand. Hold this position for 20 seconds on each side, repeating three times. As your muscles relax, you'll notice increased flexibility with each rotation.

Stretch: Target Deep Hip Muscles

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Next, address the piriformis muscle, which Dr. Beckstrand notes is tight in "nine out of 10 patients with low back pain." Cross one leg over the other and pull your bottom knee toward your chest. Hold for 20 seconds on each side, performing three sets. Remember, as Dr. Beckstrand emphasizes, "A gentler stretch held longer is more effective than an aggressive stretch held briefly."

Hamstring Stretch: Release Tension from Your Legs

Single athletic woman with blond hair in blue outfit on back stretching hamstring muscles for leg in mid air​Simple Hamstring Stretch For Tight LegsShutterstock

Your hamstrings connect to your pelvis, affecting your lower back's foundation. Lie on your back, grab behind one knee, and gradually straighten that leg toward the ceiling. "You should feel the stretch from behind your knee to your buttocks," Dr. Beckstrand explains. Hold for 20 seconds each side, repeating three times.

Pelvic Tilts: Restore Natural Movement

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Moving into strengthening exercises, perform pelvic tilts while lying on your back. Dr. Beckstrand instructs to "rotate your hips backward to press your lower back into the mat, then forward to create an arch." Maintain each position for three seconds, continuing for one minute. Note: Skip this exercise if you have severe disc problems or stenosis.

Glute Bridges: Strengthen Supporting Muscles

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"Your back muscles work in connection with your glutes," Dr. Beckstrand shares. Lying on your back with knees bent, squeeze your glutes to lift your hips toward the ceiling. Hold for three seconds before lowering. Focus on using your glutes rather than your hamstrings for maximum benefit.

Bird Dogs: Final Core Stabilization

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Complete the routine with bird dogs. On hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg simultaneously. "This exercise creates excellent stabilization in your lower back," explains Dr. Beckstrand. Hold each position for two seconds before alternating sides.

Making It Part of Your Routine

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For optimal results, Dr. Beckstrand recommends performing the stretches (exercises 1-3) two to three times daily, while the strengthening movements (exercises 4-6) can be done once or twice per day. "It doesn't have to be long," he emphasizes, "it just has to be consistent."

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Tips for Success

Seated spinal twist. Fit woman practicing yoga outdoor stretching lower back for spine health sitting on fitness mat on sandy beach with cliff landscape view. Training class on fresh air in summer

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Always work within your comfort zone and never force a stretch to the point of pain. If you experience increased discomfort with any exercise, skip it and consult a healthcare professional. Remember, these exercises are meant to provide relief, not create additional strain.

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When to Expect Results

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While individual results vary, many people report feeling improvement after just one session. However, consistent practice over several weeks typically yields the best long-term results. As Dr. Beckstrand notes, "The lower back wants to feel better - presenting it with the opportunity through the right exercises really goes a long way in helping to alleviate pain and tension."

Give this routine a try today, and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable back. Remember to move mindfully and listen to your body throughout the exercises. With consistency and proper form, you're on your way to better back health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.