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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.

Coach Lost “Postpartum Pooch” by Eating These 5 High Protein Meals

Eat your way to a flat tummy with these protein-packed meals.

Corie_Roache_corie_fit92_3

Are you struggling to lose your belly pooch after baby? One expert claims to have a few protein-packed meals to help you eat your way to a flatter tummy. Corie Roache is a weight loss coach and fitness founder whose mission is “helping moms over 30 burn the mama pooch and reset their metabolism post-baby,” she writes on her Instagram bio. “5 high protein mom friendly bowls I ate on repeat to help me lose the postpartum pooch,” she writes, revealing the easy-to-make meals.


Buffalo Chicken Ranch Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast (130 cal, 26g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice (102 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli (30 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1 tbsp light ranch dressing (30 cal)
  • 1 tbsp buffalo sauce (10 cal)

Macros: ~302 cal, 30g protein

RELATED: Fitness Instructor Lost 10 Pounds After Correcting 3 Habits

Greek Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast (130 cal, 26g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (111 cal, 4g protein)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber and tomatoes (25 cal)
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki sauce (40 cal)
  • 1 tbsp crumbled feta (25 cal, 2g protein)

Macros: ~331 cal, 32g protein

Turkey Taco Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz lean ground turkey (93% lean) (160 cal, 28g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cauliflower rice (25 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/4 cup black beans (60 cal, 4g protein)
  • 1 tbsp shredded cheddar (25 cal, 1g protein)
  • 2 tbsp salsa (10 cal)

Macros: ~280 cal, 31g protein

Steak & Veggie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz grilled flank steak (230 cal, 36g protein)
  • 1 cup zucchini noodles (20 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/4 avocado (80 cal, 1g protein)
  • 1 tbsp chimichurri (25 cal)

Macros: ~355 cal, 40g protein

RELATED: Trainer Reveals the 60-20-20 Rowing Secret That Builds Full-Body Muscle

Salmon Poke Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz cooked salmon (200 cal, 25g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice (100 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/4 cup edamame (50 cal, 5g protein)
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (10 cal)
  • 1/2 cup mixed greens (10 cal)

Macros: ~370 cal, 32g protein

Tips to Simplify

She also offers some tips on how to simplify meal prep. The first? “Prep proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, and salmon in advance,” she says. “Use frozen, steamable veggies or pre-chopped salad kits to save time. Always have versatile condiments (like buffalo sauce, tzatziki, or salsa) for quick flavor boosts.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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Corie_Roache_corie_fit92_3
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 your belly pooch after baby? One expert claims to have a few protein-packed meals to help you eat your way to a flatter tummy. Corie Roache is a weight loss coach and fitness founder whose mission is “helping moms over 30 burn the mama pooch and reset their metabolism post-baby,” she writes on her Instagram bio. “5 high protein mom friendly bowls I ate on repeat to help me lose the postpartum pooch,” she writes, revealing the easy-to-make meals.


Buffalo Chicken Ranch Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast (130 cal, 26g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice (102 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli (30 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1 tbsp light ranch dressing (30 cal)
  • 1 tbsp buffalo sauce (10 cal)

Macros: ~302 cal, 30g protein

RELATED: Fitness Instructor Lost 10 Pounds After Correcting 3 Habits

Greek Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast (130 cal, 26g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (111 cal, 4g protein)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber and tomatoes (25 cal)
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki sauce (40 cal)
  • 1 tbsp crumbled feta (25 cal, 2g protein)

Macros: ~331 cal, 32g protein

Turkey Taco Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz lean ground turkey (93% lean) (160 cal, 28g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cauliflower rice (25 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/4 cup black beans (60 cal, 4g protein)
  • 1 tbsp shredded cheddar (25 cal, 1g protein)
  • 2 tbsp salsa (10 cal)

Macros: ~280 cal, 31g protein

Steak & Veggie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz grilled flank steak (230 cal, 36g protein)
  • 1 cup zucchini noodles (20 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/4 avocado (80 cal, 1g protein)
  • 1 tbsp chimichurri (25 cal)

Macros: ~355 cal, 40g protein

RELATED: Trainer Reveals the 60-20-20 Rowing Secret That Builds Full-Body Muscle

Salmon Poke Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz cooked salmon (200 cal, 25g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice (100 cal, 2g protein)
  • 1/4 cup edamame (50 cal, 5g protein)
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (10 cal)
  • 1/2 cup mixed greens (10 cal)

Macros: ~370 cal, 32g protein

Tips to Simplify

She also offers some tips on how to simplify meal prep. The first? “Prep proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, and salmon in advance,” she says. “Use frozen, steamable veggies or pre-chopped salad kits to save time. Always have versatile condiments (like buffalo sauce, tzatziki, or salsa) for quick flavor boosts.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Kellie_Bader1

Are you on Ozempic and aren’t sure what to eat? Kellie Bader, PharmD, along with Aliza Olive, MD, is one-half of Med Free Maintenance, GLP-1 nutrition experts. In a new social media post, she discusses eating on Ozempic, revealing 5 under-500 under-500-calorie meals that she eats when she wants to drop weight fast. “When I need 30+ grams of protein and less than 500 calories per meal, here are five easy meals I make,” she writes across the Instagram video.


Eat More Protein to Burn Fat

She starts by addressing the importance of protein for weight loss. “You’ve probably heard: Eat more protein to lose more fat and keep lean muscle and to keep the weight off by decreasing hunger, cravings, and food noise,” she says in the post.

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

It Can Be Difficult to Coming Up with Protein-Packed Meals

Close up of young businessman eating rib steak on wooden tray at restaurant.

However, this is easier said than done, she acknowledges. “Does it seem like protein meals are time-consuming and take a lot of prep work? Do you just need a few meals so that you can hit your protein goals without a lot of effort? Are you tired of chicken breast and broccoli as your go-to protein meal?”

These 5 Meals Are Easy to Make and Packed with Protein

Set of natural food high in protein on grey background, top view

“I got you! When I first started paying attention to protein. I found it completely overwhelming. I was searching recipes constantly, and it felt like a part-time job!” she continued. She goes on to reveal five easy ideas “for those days where you just need something simple!” she writes.

An Easy Egg Meal

Organic,Egg,Texture,And,Background.,Raw,Chicken,Eggs.,Pile,Of

Her first protein-packed meal is an easy breakfast. She pairs Just Crack an Egg protein scramble with 1 egg and 2 servings of egg beaters egg whites. The grand total is 30g protein, 370 calories.

A Chicken Salad in a Bag

Young woman eating a healthy salad after workout.Shutterstock/NDAB Creativity

The next meal is a throw together salad. She takes Real Good chicken tenders (5.5 oz) and places them upon ½ a Chopped salad kit. The total? 36g protein and 445 calories.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Protein Yogurt Parfait

Blueberry and raspberry parfaits in mason jars, scene on a rustic wood backgroundShutterstock

Kellie is one of the many weight loss experts and a fan of protein-packed Oikos Pro Greek yogurt. She recommends topping a cup with raspberries and ¼ cup protein granola for a nutritious snack or meal with 31g protein and 320 calories.

Steak and Potatoes

A grilled rib-eye beef steak seasoned with rosemary and accompanied by red wine, all set against a black background. The steak, perched on a fork,is garnished with rosemary and sprinkled with sea SaltShutterstock

Feeling like an easy steak dinner? One of her go-to's is a KC strip steak with baked potato, butter, and asparagus. It comes to a grand total of 30g of protein and 460 calories.

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

Turkey Roll Up and Chips

A view looking into a package of processed turkey deli meat slices.

Her last meal involves lunch meat. She uses 4 ounces of deli turkey and rolls it into a tortilla with laughing cow wedge and veggies. She also eats a side of Quest chips. The grand total comes to 43g of protein and 405 calories. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dusty_Young7
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to achieve any success? You might need to incorporate some new strategies into your life. Dusty Young is a weight loss warrior and coach who personally lost 100 pounds and helped others do the same. The “recovering fat kid” regularly shares tips, tricks, and insights into losing weight in a natural and sustainable way. In a new post, he unveils the 9 fat loss strategies that helped him lose 100 pounds. “These changed everything!” he wrote in his Instagram post. “First things first – If you don’t eat less calories than you burn, you’re not losing weight. Period. These are the things that helped me do just that!”


He Ate Bigger Meals

According to Dusty, less snacking was one of the key components of his weight loss. Instead, he focused on eating bigger meals. “I tried eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, but it just left me constantly hungry & always thinking about food. Bigger meals don’t,” he says in his post.

He Ate More Protein

Amping up his protein intake was also an important habit he incorporates. “Eat high protein,” he writes. “It helps preserve & build muscle, but also keeps you fuller longer. Aim for around 1 gram per pound of your ideal body weight.”

He Put Thought Into His Meals

Don’t eat thoughtlessly, he continues. “Put thought into my meals,” he writes. “You don’t have to plan and prep everything, but it’s a lot easier to hit your goals if you don’t have to make decisions on the fly.”

He also started strength training and building muscle. “Lift weights 2-4x a week,” he encourages. “Muscle is your best friend for boosting metabolism and longterm weight-loss & management.”

RELATED: 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks

He Prioritizes Sleep

Getting enough sleep is also key. “Set a consistent bedtime,” he writes. “Getting 7-9 quality hours of sleep increases energy & keeps cravings at bay. Make it easy by setting a non negotiable bed time.”

And, he also started walking. “Get at least 7,000-10,000 steps a day – You don’t NEED to do a bunch of cardio - just stay active and move throughout the day. Every step adds up!” he writes.

He Doesn’t Drink His Calories

Next, he stopped drinking his calories. “Limit liquid calories,” he writes. “Sodas, juices, & fancy coffee drinks are sneaky calorie bombs that don’t fill you up. Stick to water, seltzer, tea, simple coffees, & zero sugar drinks the majority of the time.”

RELATED: 13 Tips That Took This Coach From 30% to 10% Body Fat

He Eats Mostly Nutrient Dense Foods

He also eats mostly nutrient dense foods. “Focus on whole-foods. They give you the biggest bang for your buck. They’re high in nutrients and fiber, which means you’ll feel full, energized, and on track with your goals,” he says.

RELATED: Ariana Grande Looks Leggy in Leotard: 10 Things to Know About Her “Wicked” Vegan Diet

He Avoids Extreme Restrictions

Also, avoiding extreme restrictions was a big deal. “Losing the weight became a lot easier when I didn’t cut out my favorite foods like ice cream (that just led to binges). I just had to learn how to eat them in moderation,” he says.

“You don’t have to do ALL of these to see success, but the more you can focus on, the better off you’ll be. If this list seems overwhelming, start with the easiest one for you. Be consistent with it, and slowly add more over time,” he concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 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.

Maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge, especially when juggling a busy lifestyle. For many, finding nutritious, satisfying meals that support weight loss goals is a constant struggle. Liezl Jayne Strydom, a YouTube influencer with 1.2 million followers, faced this challenge head-on and successfully lost over 40 pounds by transforming her eating habits. Now, she's sharing her weight loss journey and the meal plan that helped her achieve her goals.


The Importance of Protein in Weight Loss

By now, we all know that protein is crucial for a healthy body. But why? "Protein is one of the most important things you need to be eating enough of every single day if you have a goal of weight loss in mind," says Certified clinical nutritionist Autumn Bates.

Liezl echoes this sentiment, adding, "During this time the thing that I really struggled with was finding lower calorie meals that were still balanced with all the food groups and that didn't leave me feeling hungry."

Calculating Your Protein Needs

Bates recommends a simple formula for determining your daily protein intake: "Multiply your weight in pounds by .73 to find out how much protein to take in every day." For example, a 150-pound person would need about 109.5 grams of protein daily for weight loss. Liezl adds, "If you ate all of this [in her meal plan], you'd be getting more than a hundred grams of protein for the day."

Start Your Day with a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Liezl kicks off her day with a simple yet nutritious breakfast. "I'm starting with two eggs, but you can also use a vegan egg replacer," she explains. Her spinach fried eggs on toast take just five minutes to prepare. Bates supports this choice, saying, "I usually like to eat three eggs and pair it with a little bit of cheese to help boost the protein content a little bit."

Boost Your Morning with a Protein-Rich Coffee

To complement her breakfast, Liezl prepares an easy iced coffee. "It's got seven grams of protein in it, it's only 80 calories, and it's dairy-free," she notes. The recipe includes soy milk for its high protein content and creaminess.

Enjoy a Quick and Nutritious Lunch

For lunch, Liezl opts for a Mexican-inspired black bean salad with tortilla chips. "This is the kind of thing that I would've eaten for lunch a lot when I was trying to lose weight," she recalls. The salad includes cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, and cilantro, dressed with lime juice and olive oil.

Practice Portion Control

Liezl emphasizes the importance of portion control, even with healthy foods: "You can use about 140 calories worth of tortilla chips, which I find is usually the serving size on most bags of tortilla chips."

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with a Protein Smoothie

To curb post-lunch cravings, Liezl recommends her three-ingredient mango protein smoothie. "This is a great pre or post-workout snack if you want that, or just a little sweet tooth satisfier," she says. The smoothie combines frozen mango, protein powder, and almond milk, providing 25 grams of protein.

RELATED: I Lost 6 Pounds in 6 Weeks and Shaved Inches Off My Waist by Adding 600 Calories Daily

Prep a Flavorful Dinner for Multiple Meals

Liezl's dinner is a honey chicken dish with rice and green beans, which she meal preps for several days.

"My favorite thing about this meal is that it's amazing meal prep. So what I usually do when I'm making dinner is just make enough for a few servings," she explains.

Bates supports this approach, recommending chicken as a lean protein source: "About three ounces of cooked chicken breast will have around 27 to 28 grams of protein."

Explore Other Protein-Rich Dinner Options

While Liezl focuses on chicken, Bates suggests other protein-rich alternatives. "Three ounces of cooked salmon has about 22 grams of protein," she notes. For red meat lovers, Bates adds, "Three ounces of cooked beef has around 22 grams of protein, and it's so easy to use."

RELATED: 7 Things You Should Do to Boost Fat Burning

End Your Day with a Light, Protein-Rich Snack

For a late-night snack, Liezl suggests a simple veggie and hummus plate. "This is a high protein, high fiber snack before bed and it's very simple," she says. The snack includes cucumber, snap peas, and a quarter cup of hummus. Bates offers another option: "I love cottage cheese. Just about one cup will have between 24 to 28 grams of protein."

Customize Your Meal Plan

Liezl's meal plan is flexible, ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 calories per day. "To customize this meal plan for 1,200 calories, you can have the breakfast, the lunch, and the dinner, which are all roughly 400 calories. And then just leave out the snacks," she advises. For higher calorie needs, she suggests adding in various snacks and smoothies. Liezl emphasizes, "We're all different. We all need a different amount of calories to lose weight in a healthy way, so I will show you how to do that."

Track Your Progress

Liezl emphasizes the importance of tracking: "All these recipes are going to be on my blog for all these meals and these snacks with all the calories, so you can get that there." This aligns with Bates' recommendation to closely monitor protein intake for optimal weight loss results.

As Liezl says, "Meal prepping doesn't always have to be this big whole thing. You can just do it while you're making dinner anyway. It just makes sense."

RELATED: The “Most Anti-Aging Exercise” That Fitness Experts Swear By

The "3 Meals and 3 Snacks" Formula for Success

Liezl's 42-pound weight loss journey was built around a straightforward meal plan:

3 Main Meals:

  1. Breakfast: Spinach fried eggs with toast
  2. Lunch: Mexican-inspired black bean salad with tortilla chips
  3. Dinner: Honey chicken with rice and green beans

3 Snacks:

  1. Protein-rich iced coffee
  2. Mango protein smoothie
  3. Veggie and hummus plate

This "3 Meals and 3 Snacks" approach formed the foundation of her successful weight loss, demonstrating that a balanced, protein-rich diet can lead to significant results without sacrificing variety or satisfaction. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/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.

Are you curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.

When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

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

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” 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.

Cherisse Kozloski cherisse_rykercoaching
Copyright cherisse_rykercoaching/Instagram

Are you on a high-protein diet for fat loss but can’t seem to lose weight? You could be making a common mistake, according to an expert. Cherisse Kozloski is a nutrition coach and personal trainer who helps her clients lose weight and keep it off. In a new post, she discusses some slip-ups that many seem to be making. Most women eating a high protein diet but not losing fat are making these common mistakes,” she writes. “Are these mistakes stopping your progress?”

Mistake 1: You Aren’t Counting Calories

The first mistake? “Not paying attention to your overall calories,” she reveals. “Eating more protein doesn’t automatically mean fat loss. If you’re not mindful of your portions, you could be consuming more calories than you burn, a surplus is a surplus.”

Solution: Measure or Weigh Your Food

How can you correct this? “Weigh or measure your food at least for a little while so you can get a good idea of what a serving size actually is,” she suggests.

Mistake 2: Choosing Food Labeled “High Protein

The second mistake people make? “Choosing foods labeled as ‘high protein’” she says. “Many foods labeled ‘high protein’ actually aren’t.”

Solution: Calculate Yourself

Her solution? Do your own calculations. “Remember the 10/1 rule for every 100 calories you want to get at least 10 grams of protein to be considered high protein,” she says.

Mistake 3: Skipping Healthy Fats

Mistake three has to do with going too low-fat. “Skipping healthy fats,” she says. “Avoiding fats completely can leave you hungry, mess with your hormones, and make it harder to stick to your diet.”

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

Solution: Eat Healthy Fats

The solution is simple. “Add fats into your diet like avocado, olive oil, and nuts,” she says. “But remember they are calorie dense so be mindful of how much you’re consuming.”

Mistake 4: Eating too Many Processed Foods

The fourth and final mistake? Just because something is high in protein doesn’t mean it’s good for you. “Eating too many processed foods,” is a no-no. “Protein bars and shakes are convenient but often packed with sugar and additives,” she says.

Solution: Eat Whole Food Protein Sources

Instead, stay away from packaged foods and shop the grocery store's perimeter. “Focus on whole-food protein sources like shrimp, boneless chicken thighs, and eggs to nourish your body and support fat loss,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Dylan Hornof dylanjfit
Copyright dylanjfit/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.

Are you just getting started on your weight loss journey and are overwhelmed by all the advice you are getting? According to one expert, there is a simple, foolproof approach. Dylan Hornof is a personal trainer and fitness coach who transformed her body and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals that a handful of habits were instrumental in her weight loss. “5 things I’ve done to lose 20lbs and keep it off for years,” she writes in the post.

Drinking Less Alcohol

You might consider putting down the bottle if you are drinking your calories. Dylan reveals that drinking less helped her lose more weight. “I worked through my relationship with alcohol - I had to break the habit of drinking multiple days on the weekend,” she said. There is another non-weight-related benefit. “This helped me lose lbs and lower a lot of inflammation in my body and face)” she says.

Walking More

Dylan also recommends walking. “A walk a day (move your body more) it’s that simple. We are not meant to sit all day. Outside, on a treadmill - get your steps in!” she says. How much should you walk for weight loss, according to science? A 2018 study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Eating Consistently

It can be tempting to starve yourself to lose weight. However, Dylan points out that you need to fuel your body. “Ate MORE food consistently. Hear me out - when you’re eating 1,200 calories and falling off all the time you’re not going see results. Up your calories and find consistency with your food,” she says.

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

Strength Training with Purpose

Dylan points out that you should focus on quality over quantity in your strength training workout. “I train with purpose. My weight lifting is intentional - I push myself and challenge myself with the weights I use,” she says.

Focusing on Whole Foods

And finally, she cleaned up her diet. “I stopped hitting my macros with whatever food I could fit in. I choose to eat 90% whole foods everyday (I do believe in balance and I am a huge foodie - you CAN fit ‘fun’ foods in) but focusing on more clean foods helped me feel less ‘puffy’.” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.