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Coach Reveals 3 Tricks That Helped Her Lose 50 Pounds on GLP-1s

See how mixing weight drugs and good habits melts fat.

Coach Reveals 3 Tricks That Helped Her Lose 50 Pounds on GLP-1s

The struggle with weight loss can feel overwhelming, even when you're doing everything "right." For Juls, a former competitive gymnast, certified personal trainer, and gymnastics coach, this struggle was all too familiar. Despite her athletic background, she found sustainable weight loss elusive until she combined GLP-1 medications with three specific strategies. At 53, she's not only lost over 50 pounds but has successfully maintained her weight loss for over a year. Here's her complete journey and the three game-changing tricks that worked together to transform her health.


The Breaking Point

"I wasn't happy with the way I looked, the way I felt, and my blood work was not good," Juls recalls about her state in spring 2022. Despite running 3-5 miles five to six days a week and eating healthy, she only lost 5-6 pounds in four months. At 5'1" with a 34-inch waist circumference, she discovered her measurements indicated insulin resistance and potential pre-diabetes.

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

The GLP-1 Journey Begins

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In September 2022, Juls started Ozempic. "The scale started to drop, and I didn't change anything," she shares. Unlike many users, she experienced minimal side effects. "Really I've had none other than fatigue," she notes. When progress plateaued, she switched to Wegovy at maximum dosage. After another four-month stall, her doctor recommended Mounjaro/Zepbound (tirzepatide), which successfully restarted her progress.

Trick 1: The Foundation of Strength Training

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"When you're on this peptide, you must strength train," Juls emphasizes. "If you don't protect your lean muscle by eating enough protein and doing some strength training, you will lose muscle mass. And that is a disaster." She recommends starting with just two 15-20 minute sessions weekly, noting that this foundation supports the effectiveness of the other strategies by maintaining metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity.

Trick 2: Strategic Food Tracking for Success

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While GLP-1s helped control appetite, Juls discovered that tracking food intake was crucial for optimization. "I was ambivalent about tracking at first because I thought it would be kind of annoying and time consuming," she admits. However, this practice became essential for making informed adjustments when progress slowed. "It really was actually easy, and I'm still doing it to this day because it's just a habit at this point. I actually enjoy it and it takes minutes out of the day."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Trick 3: The Whole Foods Approach

The third trick proved crucial for minimizing side effects and maximizing results. "I knew not to eat junk food or super high-fat foods," Juls shares. "I've always eaten really healthy and lots of whole foods... that's definitely going to just stress your gut less." This approach, combined with gradually eliminating sugar and alcohol starting in October 2022, enhanced the effectiveness of both her strength training and tracking efforts.

How These Strategies Work Together

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The combination of these three strategies created a synergistic effect. The strength training preserved muscle mass and boosted metabolism, while food tracking ensured proper nutrition to support workouts. The whole foods approach minimized side effects, making it easier to stay consistent with both training and tracking. "These peptides help create insulin sensitivity," Juls explains. "They make it easier for your muscles to take up glucose instead of it being stored as fat."

The Mental Transformation

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Beyond physical changes, Juls experienced a profound mental shift. "You don't even realize you have food noise until you don't have it anymore," she shares, describing the constant mental chatter about food that disappeared. "Finally now at the age of 53, I feel normal. I feel good. I feel in control." This mental clarity has helped her maintain consistency with all three strategies.

A Year of Successful Maintenance

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Now maintaining her weight loss for over a year, Juls continues her weekly injections while focusing on building muscle and strength. Her maintenance success stems from consistently applying all three strategies: strength training, tracking, and whole foods focus. "This is an ongoing journey that never ends," she reflects. "The key is making sure all the habits and lifestyle changes are something that are going to be long-term."

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

Advice for Others Starting Their Journey

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For those considering GLP-1s, Juls emphasizes the importance of combining medication with proper strategies: "Don't be afraid of these. If you are a candidate and you've tried everything, go on them. I've never been lazy. I have an incredible amount of discipline. It just doesn't always work for everyone, especially when your metabolic state is already compromised. This helps to make it better." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

More For You

The struggle with weight loss can feel overwhelming, even when you're doing everything "right." For Juls, a former competitive gymnast, certified personal trainer, and gymnastics coach, this struggle was all too familiar. Despite her athletic background, she found sustainable weight loss elusive until she combined GLP-1 medications with three specific strategies. At 53, she's not only lost over 50 pounds but has successfully maintained her weight loss for over a year. Here's her complete journey and the three game-changing tricks that worked together to transform her health.

The Breaking Point

"I wasn't happy with the way I looked, the way I felt, and my blood work was not good," Juls recalls about her state in spring 2022. Despite running 3-5 miles five to six days a week and eating healthy, she only lost 5-6 pounds in four months. At 5'1" with a 34-inch waist circumference, she discovered her measurements indicated insulin resistance and potential pre-diabetes.

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

The GLP-1 Journey Begins

Shutterstock

In September 2022, Juls started Ozempic. "The scale started to drop, and I didn't change anything," she shares. Unlike many users, she experienced minimal side effects. "Really I've had none other than fatigue," she notes. When progress plateaued, she switched to Wegovy at maximum dosage. After another four-month stall, her doctor recommended Mounjaro/Zepbound (tirzepatide), which successfully restarted her progress.

Trick 1: The Foundation of Strength Training

Shutterstock

"When you're on this peptide, you must strength train," Juls emphasizes. "If you don't protect your lean muscle by eating enough protein and doing some strength training, you will lose muscle mass. And that is a disaster." She recommends starting with just two 15-20 minute sessions weekly, noting that this foundation supports the effectiveness of the other strategies by maintaining metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity.

Trick 2: Strategic Food Tracking for Success

Shutterstock

While GLP-1s helped control appetite, Juls discovered that tracking food intake was crucial for optimization. "I was ambivalent about tracking at first because I thought it would be kind of annoying and time consuming," she admits. However, this practice became essential for making informed adjustments when progress slowed. "It really was actually easy, and I'm still doing it to this day because it's just a habit at this point. I actually enjoy it and it takes minutes out of the day."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Trick 3: The Whole Foods Approach

The third trick proved crucial for minimizing side effects and maximizing results. "I knew not to eat junk food or super high-fat foods," Juls shares. "I've always eaten really healthy and lots of whole foods... that's definitely going to just stress your gut less." This approach, combined with gradually eliminating sugar and alcohol starting in October 2022, enhanced the effectiveness of both her strength training and tracking efforts.

How These Strategies Work Together

Shutterstock

The combination of these three strategies created a synergistic effect. The strength training preserved muscle mass and boosted metabolism, while food tracking ensured proper nutrition to support workouts. The whole foods approach minimized side effects, making it easier to stay consistent with both training and tracking. "These peptides help create insulin sensitivity," Juls explains. "They make it easier for your muscles to take up glucose instead of it being stored as fat."

The Mental Transformation

Shutterstock

Beyond physical changes, Juls experienced a profound mental shift. "You don't even realize you have food noise until you don't have it anymore," she shares, describing the constant mental chatter about food that disappeared. "Finally now at the age of 53, I feel normal. I feel good. I feel in control." This mental clarity has helped her maintain consistency with all three strategies.

A Year of Successful Maintenance

Shutterstock

Now maintaining her weight loss for over a year, Juls continues her weekly injections while focusing on building muscle and strength. Her maintenance success stems from consistently applying all three strategies: strength training, tracking, and whole foods focus. "This is an ongoing journey that never ends," she reflects. "The key is making sure all the habits and lifestyle changes are something that are going to be long-term."

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

Advice for Others Starting Their Journey

Shutterstock

For those considering GLP-1s, Juls emphasizes the importance of combining medication with proper strategies: "Don't be afraid of these. If you are a candidate and you've tried everything, go on them. I've never been lazy. I have an incredible amount of discipline. It just doesn't always work for everyone, especially when your metabolic state is already compromised. This helps to make it better." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Jasmine Martin jasminesglp1life
Copyright jasminesglp1life/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.

Do you want to maximize your results on Ozempic? One weight loss warrior on a Mounjaro/Tirzepatide/Zepbound journey has some tips on how to do that. Jasmine Martin has lost over 80 pounds on a weight loss drug, but not just from injections. In a new post, she reveals the other habits that have been helpful on her journey. “5 things I did to lose over 80 lbs on GLP-1 (and NO, it’s not just about taking a shot!),” she writes. “Here’s what REALLY worked for me.”

A Clean, Low-Sugar Diet

Woman,Eating,Grilled,Shrimp,With,Chopsticks.,Asian,Cuisine.,Wide,OpenShutterstock

The first that worked for her? “Sticking to a clean, low-sugar diet,” she writes. “I also really was able to cut out snacking and cut down on portions with the help of a GLP-1.”

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Moving Daily

Brunette woman in a yellow sweater climbing up the stairs.Shutterstock/Pavel_Kostenko

“Prioritizing movement every day,” is another one of her to-to habits, “even if it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator,” she says. “At one point I was walking to the third floor at work every time I had to pee, just for the exercise!”

Staying Consistent with Protein and Vitamins

vitamins in store​Replenish Stress-Depleted VitaminsShutterstock

Another thing that helped her? “Staying consistent with my vitamin and protein intake,” she writes. “Prioritize protein! It’ll keep you full longer and help with muscle retention.”

Hydration

Drink,Water,Pouring,In,To,Glass,hydrate,h2o​HydrateShutterstock

Hydration is another key habit, which involves “drinking more water than I ever thought possible,” she says. “I fill up a Stanley size cup about 3-5 times a day!”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Trusting the Process

Winning, success and life goals concept. Young woman with arms in the air giving thumbs up.​Maintain Long-Term SuccessShutterstock

Her final habit? Sticking to the plan. “Staying patient and trusting the process even when I was discouraged,” she says, adding that “it’s all about mindset!”

There Were Also a Lot of Things She Didn’t Expect to Happen

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesity​Beyond Weight Loss: Understanding GLP-1 BenefitsShutterstock

In another post, she reveals a few things she “didn’t expect” when she went on a GLP-1 for weight loss. “If I could go back to the beginning of my GLP-1 journey, I’d tell myself to keep things slow, be patient, and embrace the process. It’s not about rushing to see results; it’s about building sustainable habits for the future.”

She Didn’t Expect to Be So Motivated

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels​If You Lose Weight Soley Because of Ozempic, You Are Likely Losing MuscleShutterstock

The first thing she didn’t expect was the motivation she was given by going on a GLP-1. “That weightloss success would bring the most motivation I’ve ever had to keep pushing limits with my fitness,” she explains.

That It Would Be Easier to Stick to a Healthy Diet

Qawra, Malta - 21.08.2024 - Semaglutide, Ozempic. Drug for diabetes and weight loss. Close up on injector pen in hands. High quality photo​GLP-1s Signal to the Brain You Are FullShutterstock

Another thing she didn’t expect? “How much easier sticking to a balanced diet would be,” she writes. “I didn’t even realize what normal was, before I experienced ‘normal’ on a GLP-1.”

The Confidence She Got

Healthy young woman weighing herself on scale​And, How Many Pounds Per Week You Can DropShutterstock

Another thing she didn’t expect was how confident losing weight would make her. “The confidence I’d have to help others on the same journey,” she says.

That It Would Fix Other Health Issues

Obese Woman with fat belly in dieting concept. Overweight woman touching his fat belly and want to lose weight. Fat woman her waist with a centimeter.Shutterstock

She was also surprised that due to going on a GLP-1 and losing weight, other health problems were fixed. “That it would fix a multitude of health issues, outside of obesity - inflammation, IBS, minimize joint pain, improve my mental health,” she says.

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

It’s a Journey, Not a Destination

Young woman touching her belly looking in mirror at homeMistake 1: Stopping Too QuicklyShutterstock

The final revelation she had? “It’s a journey, not a destination. No one tells you how much you’ll change in ways that go far beyond just losing weight,” she writes. “You may end up reaching your goal weight, but you’ll never reach a final destination, because your personal health & fitness is always evolving. Once you realize you’re capable of being healthy again, you’ll move the goal post multiple times - and that’s the best part of the entire journey.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Do you want to lose 20 pounds by Memorial Day weekend? According to an expert, it’s doable. Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals her plan to lose weight fast. “If I wanted to lose 20 pounds in the next 8 weeks as a woman over 40, this is exactly what I would do,” she writes.

She Stuggled with Her Weight for Years, Until She Took the Following Steps

“I struggled with my weight for YEARS, failing at diet after diet, before I finally figured out what works, especially for women over 40 like me. My own journey to lose weight and get healthy started in June 2021. Within 8 weeks, I had shed more than 20 pounds, and by Christmas I had reached my weight loss goal. And I’ve kept it off ever since. And if you want this to be your story too, here are the exact steps I would take,” she writes.

Cut Out Sugar and Processed Foods

The first thing she did was cut out sugar and all processed foods. “This is the most crucial step for reversing insulin resistance in order to balance your hormones,” she writes.

Amp Up Healthy Fat Intake

To lose weight, you need to eat more healthy fat. “It’s also key to rebalancing your hormones and kickstarting your metabolism,” she writes.

Eat More Protein

She also loaded up on protein. “Shoot for at least 25-35 grams of protein at every meal,” she writes.

Hydrate

Hydration – with electrolytes – is also part of her plan. “This will keep you feeling good as your body makes big changes,” she says.

Avoid Alcohol

She also recommends avoiding alcohol. “Only for the first six weeks!” she says. Alcohol is not only high in calories, but studies have found that people are more likely to eat unhealthy food and skip workouts when drinking.

Track Your Macros

The last thing she suggest is tracking your macros. “Don’t worry about calories but DO worry about getting the right balance of macronutrients,” she says.

She Also Reveals Her Go-To High-Protein Meals for Weight Loss

In another post she reveals some of her go-to high-protein meals to aid in weight loss. “Losing weight doesn’t mean boring meals or spending hours in the kitchen. If I were focused on dropping 10 pounds in 6 weeks, these 5 quick, high-protein meals (all under 15 minutes!) would be my go-to,” she writes.

Steak & Veggie Stir-Fry

Grilled top sirloin or cup rump beef meat steak on marble board. Black background. Top viewShutterstock

Macros: 350 cal | 40g protein | 15g carbs | 12g fat

Recipe:

• Sauté 6 oz sirloin steak (sliced thin) in 1 tsp olive oil.

• Add 1 cup bell peppers & broccoli + 1 tbsp coconut aminos.

• Serve over 1/2 cup cauliflower rice.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Macros: 320 cal | 42g protein | 8g carbs | 12g fat

Recipe:

• Mix 6 oz shredded rotisserie chicken with 2 tbsp buffalo sauce.

• Serve in Romaine or butter lettuce wraps with diced celery.

• Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt ranch for extra flavor.

Turkey & Egg Scramble

Raw Turkey breast fillets minced meat on black plate ready to cook​Lean Turkey Taco Lettuce WrapsShutterstock

Macros: 380 cal | 45g protein | 10g carbs | 18g fat

Recipe:

• Sauté 4 oz lean ground turkey with 1/2 tsp garlic powder & paprika.

• Add 2 eggs + 1/4 cup egg whites and scramble together.

• Serve with 1/2 cup sautéed spinach.

Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl

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Macros: 370 cal | 38g protein | 30g carbs | 10g fat

Recipe:

• Sauté 6 oz shrimp with 1 tsp olive oil, garlic, & paprika.

• Add 1/2 cup cooked quinoa & 1/2 cup zucchini.

• Finish with squeeze of lemon & red pepper flakes.

Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad

Young woman eating a healthy salad after workout.20 Ways to Lose Body Fat Really Fast From Top Nutritionist

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Macros: 400 cal | 42g protein | 10g carbs | 22g fat

Recipe:

• Toss 6 oz grilled chicken with 2 cups mixed greens.

• Add 2 slices turkey bacon, 1/4 avocado, & 1 tbsp balsamic.

Riva Siggins rivafitness
Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
Copyright rivafitness/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 trying to lose weight? Keep it simple, says an expert. Riva Siggins is an online coach who “loves food and movement.” She regularly shares tips on the best ways to burn fat and build muscle with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a recent post she shares “5 simple tips” to burn fat and lose weight. “These tips may sound simple, but often, fat loss is overly complicated. Nail the basics, and you’ll get results,” she says.

Make Protein Your “Best Friend”

Her first tip is to )make protein your best friend. “Not only will it help you retain more muscle as you lose body fat which will contribute to a leaner physique but it is also the most filling macronutrient so will be sticking to a deficit easier,” she said. “Utilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Get Enough Sleep

Next, “stop underestimating how important sleep is,” she writes. “Lack of sleep can increase hunger as your hormones ghrelin and leptin which send signals to your brain telling you when you’re hungry/satiated don’t work as efficiently when you’re sleep deprived and this can result in your feeling hungrier, food focus being higher and more cravings which can make sticking to a deficit a LOT harder.”

Do Cardio Plus Weight Training

Next, she recommends prioritizing weight training while utilizing cardio “as a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she says. “Weight training will help you maintain more muscle so as you drop body fat you won’t just get smaller and flatter, you’ll maintain shape and have a lean, strong looking physique. Cardio can be utilized to help increase your output but if you just do cardio you’ll lose a lot of muscle which you don’t want.”

Eat Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, prioritize whole foods. “200 calories of potatoes is going to give you a lot more volume compared to 200 calories or chocolate, include the foods you enjoy in moderation of course as this’ll help you stick to it but if you’re sensible with your food selection you’re going to feel like you’re eating a lot and by prioritizing food sources such as complex carbs, lean protein and fruit/veg you will be left feeling fuller for longer too,” she says.

Take Things One Day at a Time

Tip five is to take things one day at a time. “If you go over your calories or have a day where you fall off track so what? Just pick yourself up a go day, it isn’t about perfection every day it’s about consistency over time,” she writes.

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

Dial in Your Nutrition

In another post, she offers more tips. One thing she did was dial into her nutrition more than ever. “Around 90% of my calories come from whole foods and I feel so energised, I’m able to push harder in my sessions because I’m fuelling correctly, I’m not having energy dips throughout and I’m recovering well,” she says.

She Started Drinking Less Alcohol

She also started drinking less alcohol. “For the last few years I’ve not been a big drinker but even more so recently, I don’t know when I’ll drink again because I can have such a good time socially without it so I’ll only drink alcohol if I feel it will enhance the experience and there’s very few times I feel like that nowadays,” she writes.

EMOMs and AMRAPs

She also changed her training approach. While “the foundation of my training stays the same eg my strength work as progressive overload is key but I have different conditioning finishers each week from EMOMs and AMRAPs to threshold sessions and timed rounds, this is to test my aerobic and anaerobic capacity in different ways,” she says.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Prioritizing Herself

“I am prioritizing me more than ever before,” she continues. “I’m not afraid to say no to plans if I need time to rest, I’m not worried about people thinking I’m boring or saying yes to things to be a people pleaser. I’ve found a perfect balance with training hard, recharging and doing things that make me feel good in my spare time so I’m not burnt out or constantly feeling tired.”

Water

She also says that water has “become an absolute non-negotiable” in her plan. “4l of water a day,” she says. “I need to perform and recover my best.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Karli Sine
I Lost 55 Pounds in 5 Months by Fixing These Ozempic Mistakes
Copyright karli.sine/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.

Has your weight loss progress paused while on Ozempic? There are things you can do to jumpstart it again. Karli Sine is a social media influencer who lost 55+ lbs on Semaglutide and is now “microdosing Tirzepatide,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals some secret tricks to getting back on weight loss track. “Stuck in a GLP-1 plateau? 10 tips for you to get out of it,” she writes.

Track Your Meals

The first thing you should start doing is tracking your meals. “Reassess portion sizes and calorie intake. Small adjustments can kickstart progress. Sugar WILL stall you,” she writes.

Increase Water Intake

Ensure you are drinking enough water; if not, adjust accordingly. “Aim for at least 64 oz daily. Hydration is key for weight loss and overall health. Cellular hydration keeps your GLP-1 working! Dehydrated cells will not perform their functions properly!” she writes.

Switch Injection Sites

The next thing you can do is switch injection sites. “Rotating between the abdomen, thigh, or arm can improve absorption and effectiveness, even side effects!” she says.

Incorporate Walking

Are you incorporating walking into your routine? “A light walk after dinner can boost metabolism and digestion. Bonus: this can help constipation also!” she says.

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

Focus on Protein & Fiber

In terms of diet, amp up your protein and fiber intake. “High-protein and high-fiber meals keep you full and fuel fat loss,” she writes.

Prioritize Sleep

Make sure you are getting enough rest. “Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep to help your body recover and keep your metabolism on track,” she says.

Adjust Meal Timing

Try adjusting meal timing. “Try intermittent fasting or spacing out smaller meals to optimize hunger and energy levels,” she writes.

Reduce Stress

Reduce the stress in your life. “Chronic stress can hinder weight loss. Practice deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to keep cortisol in check,” she says.

Start Strength Training

Start strength training if you aren’t already lifting weights. “Building muscle increases your metabolism, helping you burn calories even when resting! This needs to be a non-negotiable, or you will lose more muscle than needed,” she says.

Dose Up

Finally, dose up. “Talk to your provider about increasing your GLP-1 dose if you’ve hit a stall—If you’re not dosing up every 4-6 weeks, this could be a big factor of stalling,” she suggests. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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 but aren’t sure which habits are hurting or helping you? One expert has some suggestions. Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In a new social media post, she opens up about her journey. “4 mistakes I had to stop making before I could finally lose 28 pounds in 4 months,” she writes. “I used to think something was wrong with me, blaming my hormones and lack of willpower…Until I realized I was making these mistakes.”

Mistake: Eating Clean But Not Paying Attention to Calories

Her first mistake? “Eating clean without paying attention to the amount of calories I was consuming,” she says. “I thought eating clean meant I’d automatically lose weight 😅, but I didn’t realize that even healthy foods can lead to weight gain if you’re eating too much.”

Fix: She Used a Macro Calculator

How did she correct this mistake? “Instead, I started measuring my portions to ensure I was actually in a calorie deficit,” she writes. She recommends using a macro calculator.

Mistake: Rewarding Herself with Cheat Meals

Another mistake she made? Rewarding herselff with “cheat meals,” she says. “I’d be ‘good’ all week, then go overboard on cheat meals, turning one meal into an entire weekend of indulgence.

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

Fix: Eating Mostly Healthy But Including Food She Loves

What does she do instead? “I incorporated a healthy balance of the foods I love into my daily diet (10-20% of my total calories). This made dieting less stressful and helped me stay consistent long enough,” she reveals.

Mistake: Neglecting Daily Movement

Another mistake she made? “Neglecting daily movement,” she writes. “I used to sit all day and assumed my 1-hour workouts were enough, but they weren’t.”

Fix: Daily Walks

Her fix was adding steps to her day. “Walking became a non-negotiable for me. I committed to hitting 10,000 steps every day, I do this by going on walks or using my walking pad,” she says.

Mistake: Surrounding Herself with People Who Didn’t Support Her Goals

Her final mistake? “Surrounding myself with people who didn’t support my goals,” she writes. “‘Friends’ would make fun of my choices, and I let it get to me.”

Fix: Setting Boundaries

How did she fix this? “I started setting boundaries and distanced myself from negativity. Prioritizing my own health and happiness became my focus,” she writes.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

These Small Changes Made a Big Difference

The bottom line? “These small but impactful changes completely transformed my life and I’m sure they’ll help you too,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Ruth Soukup
​Eat More Protein
Copyright ruthsoukup/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.

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure what foods to eat and which to avoid? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. “I lost 49 pounds at age 43 without dieting or Ozempic,” she writes. In two posts, she reveals 7 foods she eats “pretty much every day” and 7 she avoids. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS before I finally stopped dieting once and for all, and just focused on balancing my hormones instead. In the process, I lost 49 pounds and have kept it off, without ever counting calories,” she says.

What She Eats: Animal Protein

Animal protein is the first item on her list. “This usually includes bone broth and farm fresh eggs in the morning, chicken at lunch, and either beef, chicken, pork, or fish at dinnertime,” she says.

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

Healthy Fat

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeup​5. Greek Yogurt/Cottage CheeseShutterstock

She also makes sure to eat healthy fat. “This mostly comes from avocado oil, EVOO, and butter, but also full fat dairy—heavy cream, cream cheese, cheese, sour cream, greek yogurt, and cottage cheese,” she says.

Vegetables

Asparagus. Fresh Asparagus. Pickled Green Asparagus. Bunches of green asparagus in basket, top view- Image13. Asparagus: 20 caloriesShutterstock

She eats lots of veggies, too. “Lots of broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, and Brussels Sprouts. I don’t eat a ton of salad, unless it’s a good Caesar with homemade dressing, which I make every few weeks,” she says.

Fresh Berries

Freshly picked blueberries in wooden bowl. Juicy and fresh blueberries with green leaves on rustic table. Bilberry on wooden Background. Blueberry antioxidant. Concept for healthy eating and nutritionShutterstock

Fruits are also on her shopping list, especially fresh berries. “Mostly strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries,” she writes.

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

Fermented Foods

Milk,Kefir,Grains,Spoon, probiotics, health, gut, food, diet​Probiotic Foods: Kefir Greek YogurtShutterstock

“I try to eat at least a little bit of fermented food every day for the probiotics,” she says. “My favorite is kimchi, but I’ll also do fresh sauerkraut or kefir, and I make my own fermented ketchup (scroll down in my feed for the recipe.)”

Starches

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Starches are also part of her diet. “I don’t tend to eat a ton of starchy food, but I do love real sourdough bread, and I also sometimes make potatoes or jasmine rice to go with dinner, depending on what we’re having,” she says.

Seasonings

Garlic Cloves and Bulb in vintage wooden bowl.​Prebiotic Foods: GarlicShutterstock

She also invests money in seasoning. “Generally lots of salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, fresh herbs and hot sauce,” she writes. One of her favorites? The Green Dragon sauce from Trader Joes.

She Doesn’t Eat: Vegetable Oil

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In another post, she reveals what she eliminated from her diet. “Vegetable oil or any other highly processed seed oils, as well as Crisco and margarine,” she writes. “These are all so toxic and highly inflammatory! I also tend to avoid any processed foods that contain these oils. Instead, I cook with butter, avocado oil, and olive oil.”

Sugar

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She also stays away from sugar. “If I do need to use a sweetener for a recipe, I typically stick to monkfruit or allulose or a blend of those two,” she says.

RELATED:10 Foods to Avoid If You're Trying to Burn Fat, Says Expert

High Fructose Corn Syrup

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High fructose corn syrup is another no-no. “Another highly toxic and inflammatory ingredient I try to avoid that is sadly way too common in so many processed foods,” she writes

Packaged Side Dishes

American creamy macaroni and cheese pasta mac & Cheese

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Ruth also recommends avoiding packaged side dishes, “such as mac and cheese, stuffing, rice pilaf blends, scalloped potatoes, hamburger helper, etc.” These are highly processed foods.

Breakfast Cereal

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Ruth strongly suggests staying away from breakfast cereal. Most of it is highly processed and contains lots of additives and sugar. If you want to eat cereal, opt for a higher-fiber, lower-sugar option.

Brownie and Cake Mix

Protein Brownie Batter

Brownies and cake mixes are also on her list of things to avoid. If you do enjoy baking, try cooking from scratch using healthier flours and sweeteners, which will result in a less processed and more nutritious product.

Fruit Juice

Close up of teenage woman drinking juice while looking through a window.​5. Fruit JuiceShutterstock

According to Ruth, fruit juice may sound nutritious, but you should stay away. ”Except for Clamato, which we use for Bloody Marys on the weekend! The rest of it is just pure sugar,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Randy Kotey flattummycoach
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Are you trying to lose weight and tackling nutrition, but nothing works? You might be making a common mistake. Randy Kotey, aka “The Flat Tummy Coach,” is a weight loss and fitness coach who helps his clients “lose weight and reduce bloat,” per his social media bio. In a new social media post, he gets honest about what it takes to get in shape, especially with nutrition. “Here are five common mistakes women often make when trying to lose belly fat,” he says.

Skipping Meals

You might think that skipping a meal helps you eat less throughout the day and will lead to weight loss. However, according to Kotey, this isn’t the case. In fact, it can make you put on weight instead. “Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can slow down metabolism and lead to overeating later in the day, making it harder to lose belly fat,” he writes.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Relying on Low-Fat or Diet Foods

You are wrong if you are walking around the grocery store believing that low-fat and diet foods are the right option for weight loss. “Many low-fat or diet-labeled foods are high in sugar or artificial ingredients, which can contribute to belly fat. It’s better to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods,” he says.

Not Eating Enough Protein

One major mistake women make is not eating enough protein, per Kotey. “Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and boosting metabolism. Not getting enough can make it harder to lose belly fat and maintain weight loss,” he writes. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Overeating Healthy Fats

Healthy fats can help your body burn fat. But eating too much of them will have the opposite effect. “While healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil are good for you, they are also calorie-dense. Overeating them can lead to an excess calorie intake, hindering belly fat loss,” Kotey explains.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Drinking High-Calorie Beverages

Don’t drink your calories, even if they offer some health benefits. “Consuming sugary drinks, including fruit juices, smoothies, and certain ‘health’ drinks, can add a lot of hidden calories. These beverages can spike blood sugar levels, leading to increased belly fat. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.