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Coach Reveals Exactly How Long You Should Work Out to Lose Weight

She also reveals how many meals you should eat a day and when

McKenna Olsen mckennahenrie
Woman Added 800 Calories Daily and Lost 10 Pounds Without Exercise in 90 Days
Copyright mckennahenrie/Instagram

Are you unsure about how long you should be working out to lose weight? One expert has the answer. McKenna Olsen is an influencer and health coach who recently lost 10 pounds. In a new social media post, she answers the burning question: “How long should you be working out for best results?⁣” she asks, continuing to reveal the answer.


It Depends, She Says

How long should you work out? “I know you won’t like this answer but.... it DEPENDS and quality over quantity ultimately is what matters,” she says.

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

Ask Yourself the Following Questions

She suggests questions to ask before determining time or frequency:⁣

  • “⁣Where are you starting from?⁣
  • What is realistic for your life?⁣
  • What is your lifestyle like?⁣

What are your specific goals? (Do you want to lose body fat? Compete? Obviously frequency will differ in those scenarios.)⁣”

Fcus on Quality Over Quantity

Overall, you should focus on quality over quantity. “Obviously lotttts to consider here, but one thing I’ll say is it’s easy to get caught up in HOW MUCH you should be working out when really, QUALITY is what matters MOST,” she says.

Focus on Efficiency

“How long you workout doesn’t matter as you can make a 45 min workout just as efficient as 2 hours, if you focus and have intention going into it. ⁣You can go to the gym for 2 hours a day or do 2 a day everyday, but not have intention when you go. ⁣You can go to the gym 3-4 days a week, with intention, focusing on progressing, and being more focused than the person who goes 2 hours a day and still makes great progress,” she says.

Strength Train 3 Days a Week

“If your goal is to gain muscle and lose fat, aiming for strength training at least 3 days a week is going to be the best route to get you there. ⁣Of course, working out with a plan and intention instead of going through the motions, matters, too. Quality over quantity always,” she concludes.

Is Meal Frequency Important

In another post, she answers another question: “Does meal frequency matter for fat loss?” she writes. According to McKenna, meal frequency isn’t important. “Simply put: There is no magic frequency or timing of meals,” she says in her post. “The old belief that 6 meals a day, 2 hours apart, was best for metabolism and losing fat is dead. ⁣Your body simply knows caloric intake.”

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

Eating at Least 3 Meals a Day Will Help You Feel Your Best

However, there are a few things that come into play. “I will say that for sustained energy and better digestion, eating at least three main meals is going to likely make you feel your best and allow you to get in all the nutrients your body actually needs,” she says.

Protein Should Also Be Dispersed

Protein also plays a huge role. “Also, science shows dispersing protein intake does make a difference in recovery AND muscle growth/repair,” she says.

Only Eating One Meal a Day Isn’t Good for Fat Loss, She Says

OMAD (one meal a day) isn’t good for fat loss, she claims. “It’s going to be really tough to get in the protein, carbs, fat, and fiber your body needs by eating 1x a day, and you likely are going to feel run down, tired, low energy, and potentially lack proper digestion. Not only that, but you will notice a difference in regulated blood sugar and hormonal fluctuations, directly affecting everything I listed above,” she explains.

It Is Also Not Good for Hormones

It can also have a hormonal impact. “As women especially, fueling yourself ENOUGH for hormonal health is so important. Again, it’s hard to get the calories you need in ONE feeding,” she says.

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

Frequency Is “Personal Dependent”

“At the end of the day, frequency is personal dependent,” she maintains, suggesting a few questions to ask yourself when figuring out proper meal frequency/timing for your life:⁣

  • How many meals is realistic for my schedule? (Do you have more time to eat or less?)⁣
  • Do I notice I feel better energy-wise, eating smaller, more frequent meals or larger, less frequent meals?⁣
  • Do I notice a difference in satisfaction with bigger or smaller meals?⁣

She Sticks to 3 Meals and 2 Snacks

“I used to eat six meals a day, but now I am more of a three with two snacks type-a-gal,” she says. “It’s realistic for me, and I feel so much more satisfied with bigger meals vs. a small meal every 2 hours.”⁣

More For You

McKenna Olsen mckennahenrie
Woman Added 800 Calories Daily and Lost 10 Pounds Without Exercise in 90 Days
Copyright mckennahenrie/Instagram

Are you unsure about how long you should be working out to lose weight? One expert has the answer. McKenna Olsen is an influencer and health coach who recently lost 10 pounds. In a new social media post, she answers the burning question: “How long should you be working out for best results?⁣” she asks, continuing to reveal the answer.

It Depends, She Says

How long should you work out? “I know you won’t like this answer but.... it DEPENDS and quality over quantity ultimately is what matters,” she says.

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

Ask Yourself the Following Questions

She suggests questions to ask before determining time or frequency:⁣

  • “⁣Where are you starting from?⁣
  • What is realistic for your life?⁣
  • What is your lifestyle like?⁣

What are your specific goals? (Do you want to lose body fat? Compete? Obviously frequency will differ in those scenarios.)⁣”

Fcus on Quality Over Quantity

Overall, you should focus on quality over quantity. “Obviously lotttts to consider here, but one thing I’ll say is it’s easy to get caught up in HOW MUCH you should be working out when really, QUALITY is what matters MOST,” she says.

Focus on Efficiency

“How long you workout doesn’t matter as you can make a 45 min workout just as efficient as 2 hours, if you focus and have intention going into it. ⁣You can go to the gym for 2 hours a day or do 2 a day everyday, but not have intention when you go. ⁣You can go to the gym 3-4 days a week, with intention, focusing on progressing, and being more focused than the person who goes 2 hours a day and still makes great progress,” she says.

Strength Train 3 Days a Week

“If your goal is to gain muscle and lose fat, aiming for strength training at least 3 days a week is going to be the best route to get you there. ⁣Of course, working out with a plan and intention instead of going through the motions, matters, too. Quality over quantity always,” she concludes.

Is Meal Frequency Important

In another post, she answers another question: “Does meal frequency matter for fat loss?” she writes. According to McKenna, meal frequency isn’t important. “Simply put: There is no magic frequency or timing of meals,” she says in her post. “The old belief that 6 meals a day, 2 hours apart, was best for metabolism and losing fat is dead. ⁣Your body simply knows caloric intake.”

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

Eating at Least 3 Meals a Day Will Help You Feel Your Best

However, there are a few things that come into play. “I will say that for sustained energy and better digestion, eating at least three main meals is going to likely make you feel your best and allow you to get in all the nutrients your body actually needs,” she says.

Protein Should Also Be Dispersed

Protein also plays a huge role. “Also, science shows dispersing protein intake does make a difference in recovery AND muscle growth/repair,” she says.

Only Eating One Meal a Day Isn’t Good for Fat Loss, She Says

OMAD (one meal a day) isn’t good for fat loss, she claims. “It’s going to be really tough to get in the protein, carbs, fat, and fiber your body needs by eating 1x a day, and you likely are going to feel run down, tired, low energy, and potentially lack proper digestion. Not only that, but you will notice a difference in regulated blood sugar and hormonal fluctuations, directly affecting everything I listed above,” she explains.

It Is Also Not Good for Hormones

It can also have a hormonal impact. “As women especially, fueling yourself ENOUGH for hormonal health is so important. Again, it’s hard to get the calories you need in ONE feeding,” she says.

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

Frequency Is “Personal Dependent”

“At the end of the day, frequency is personal dependent,” she maintains, suggesting a few questions to ask yourself when figuring out proper meal frequency/timing for your life:⁣

  • How many meals is realistic for my schedule? (Do you have more time to eat or less?)⁣
  • Do I notice I feel better energy-wise, eating smaller, more frequent meals or larger, less frequent meals?⁣
  • Do I notice a difference in satisfaction with bigger or smaller meals?⁣

She Sticks to 3 Meals and 2 Snacks

“I used to eat six meals a day, but now I am more of a three with two snacks type-a-gal,” she says. “It’s realistic for me, and I feel so much more satisfied with bigger meals vs. a small meal every 2 hours.”⁣

Chris Freytag ChrisFreytag
Copyright chrisfreytag/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.

Not every workout you see on social media is all it’s hyped up to be. However, there are some you should try. Chris Freytag is a fitness and lifestyle coach and the founder of Get Healthy U, a comprehensive fitness hub. In a new social media post, she reveals a fitness trend that lives up to its hype. “The Viral Workout Trend That Actually WORKS,” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about it.

The 4-2-1 Method

She goes on to reveal the concept of the 4-2-1 method:

  • 4 days of strength training workouts
  • 2 days of cardio
  • 1 day of mobility/ activity recovery.

It Is Effective for Weight Loss and Building Muscle

“This 4-2-1 training method that took off on Tik-Tok has 4 strength training days, 2 days of cardio, and 1 day of mobility or active recovery each week,” she writes. “This 4-2-1 workout plan can be an effective way to lose weight, maintain muscle mass, and improve your overall fitness.”

She Also Endorses This Walking Hack

In another post, she reveals a walking hack to improve your health. “Here’s a game-changer: Walking for 10 minutes after each meal can be more effective than walking for a full hour at another time of day,” she says. “I am a follower of the @gluecosegoddess (Jessie Inchauspé), who says walking after a meal is a crucial practice to help manage blood sugar levels by preventing large spikes and promoting better glucose absorption into your muscle!”

Walk After Every Meal

“If you can just get up and take some steps: 10 minutes after breakfast, lunch and, dinner,” she continues. “That’s only 30 minutes total—but research shows you’ll see more health benefits than from one continuous 60-minute walk!”

There Are Lots of Benefits of Walking After Meals

She explains that fat loss isn’t the only benefit of walking after you eat. “Besides getting in some steps, post-meal walks help stabilize blood sugar levels, boost digestion, and increase energy and metabolism.

Break Walking Into Smaller Chunks to Make It More “Doable”

“So break it down into smaller chunks and walk around the block; hop on your walking pad; march around your house; just move after every meal,” she concludes. She adds that many people will find that this method makes it more “doable.”

Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
Instagram.com/@rivafitness
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? There’s a good chance you are overcomplicated it, according to one 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 new post, she breaks down how to keep weight loss simple. “These tips may sound simple but often fat loss is over complicated. Nail the basics and you’ll get results,” she writes.

Eat Lots of Protein

Her first tip has to do with diet. “Make protein your best friend,” she writes. “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.” To get enough protein she adds a scoop of protein powder to her oats so she starts the day with 20 grams. “Utilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish,” she says.

Prioritize Sleep

Next, get enough rest. “Stop underestimating how important sleep is. 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,” she writes.

Lift Weights and Do Cardio

Next, prioritize weight training while utilizing cardio “as a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she explains. “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.”

Consume Whole Foods

Next, 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 It One Day at a Time

Her last tip to simplify weight loss? “One day at a time,” she suggests. “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.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Hana Carrier carrierfitness
Copyright carrierfitness/Instagram

Do you want to shape up by spring? It might be time to incorporate some new, healthy habits into your routine. Hana Carrier is a fitness coach who helps women get into their best shape ever. In a new social media post, she reveals her strategy for losing weight fast. “Here is what I would do to lose 10 pounds before spring break as a transformation specialist for single moms,” she writes.

Get in a Calorie Deficit

“Get in reasonable caloric deficit,” she says. “Everyones deficit is different but if you go too low- you won’t be able to last for too long. Aim for 500-700 less than you maintenance calories,” she says.

Track Every Bite

The next thing you need to do is keep track of the food you are eating. “Track every bite- You would be surprised how many extra calories those bites and licks add up too,” she says.

Add Protein to Every Meal

Third, add protein to every meal. “Aim for 25-50 grams per meal. Protein will help you feel full longer and it will also help you balance those sugar crashes,” she says.

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

Add Veggies Too

She also recommends adding veggies, 2 to 3 times daily. “Veggies are a great way to feel full without racking up the calories,” she says. “Plus they are great for your health.”

Strength Training 3 to 4 Times a Week

“Strength training 3 to 4 times a week, is another key habit. “This won’t help you lose much weight quicky but it will help you build more muscle mass so you can burn more calories daily over time. Plus who does not want to look toned and strong. These workouts don’t need to be an hour long. 30-45 min is enough,” she says.

Walk 8,000 Steps Per Day

Also, get your steps in. “8K steps daily (add weighted vet to your walks when possible)- start moving more. Get a step tracker and aim for 8 K steps daily if possible,” she suggests.

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

Eat 3 to 4 Times a Day

Make sure to eat enough. She recommends three to four times a day. “You don’t need 6 meals per day. Focus on 3-4 filling meals,” she says.

Meal Prep Twice a Week

Mealing prepping will also help you achieve your goals. She recommends doing it twice a week. “Fail to prep- prep to fail. It is soo much easier when you have the right foods ready,” she says.

Stop Drinking Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories. “Stop drinking alcohol,” she suggests. “Drinking alcohol stops you from losing fat- your body takes time to metabolize the alcohol(24-48 hours) and while your body is metabolizing the alcohol, fat burning stops.”

Hydration

Her last recommends is to hydrate. “Drink 2-3 L of water. It will help you speed up your metabolism but also feel full,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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

Homemade chicken rotisserie with thyme, lemon closeup on a slate board on the table. Horizontal top view from aboveShutterstock

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

Pan fried butter garlic shrimp on plate​Garlic Butter Shrimp & Sweet PotatoesShutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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.

Dr. Emily MD activemindedphysician
​Eliminate Alcohol
Copyright activemindedphysician/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 ever wonder what medical professionals do to stay in shape? Dr. Emily, MD, is a Board-certified Family Physician and social media influencer who shares advice with her followers about how to lose weight healthfully and sustainably. In a new social media post, she reveals how she stays fit and healthy. “Steal my 8 tips for a sustainable exercise routine,” she writes, revealing her top exercise hacks.

She Identifies One Rest Day Per Week

Her first hack? Choose a rest day ahead of time. “Identify the day of your week that tends to be your busiest and make that your designated rest day (mine is Monday),” she says.

Then, Choose a Short Workout Day

“The next busiest day of your week, commit to just a 10-20 minute workout. That way you won’t feel a huge burden to complete a long workout when you’re already feeling depleted - and the inevitable guilt when you then can’t follow through with unrealistic expectations,” she suggests.

Divide Workouts Into Shorter Chunks

“Divide your workouts into shorter chunks,” she continues. “Start with a 10-minute morning walk, then take another 10-minute walk at lunch and finish with a 10-minute walk in the evening. Half an hour done- you probably are already spending some of this time scrolling on your phone!”

Schedule Your Workouts

Schedule your workouts like anything else, she says. “Pencil your workouts into your calendar as if they’re as important as a work meeting - because they ARE,” she writes.

Do Workouts You Enjoy

Find workouts you love. “Find movement that you GENUINELY enjoy. If it sparks joy, you’re far more likely to stick to it,” she says.

Try an Exercise Class

Next, she recommends checking out an exercise class. “There really is something out there for everyone, I promise. I personally love F45 and Zumba but I have plenty of friends that love Orange Theory, Cross Fit, kickboxing classes and endless others. If it looks fun and in your budget, check it out! This can give you a built-in hour of exercise every week that you don’t have to think about or plan - you just show up,” she says. “When thinking of expenses, imagine what it will cost you if you didn’t invest in your health.”

Find a Workout Buddy

She also recommends workout buddies. “Exercise with a friend. Find a buddy and be each other’s accountability. Make it fun and social! Try to change the narrative of ‘let’s go get a drink’ to ‘let’s go for a walk.’”

Exercise at Home

Her last tip? Work out at home. “Having an option for exercise when you don’t have to worry about weather or driving somewhere can really wipe out those excuses. If you have space for a machine like a treadmill or bike, etc, that’s great but really all you need is an area the size of a yoga mat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Lia Rose liasoprano
Copyright liasoprano/Instagram/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

The SkinnyTok weight loss method is going viral—do you know what it is? Lia Rose is a weight loss influencer who dropped 70 pounds and regularly shares tips and tricks on how she did it. In a new video, she discussed the latest viral trend. “The SkinnyTok Method is not a joke—she’s a lifestyle now!” she writes. “Been watching SkinnyTok like it’s a full-time job—and I swear it’s changed my life.” Here is what you need to know about it.

She Lost 8 Pounds in 2 Weeks

Lia says that she is “locked in” and has lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks using the principles of the program. “I’ve never lost weight this fast—ever. No more cravings. No more food noise. I feel back in control of myself again. What’s different?” she continues.

It’s a Shift in Lifestyle

“If you’ve been overwhelmed, tired of yo-yo dieting, or stuck in a binge cycle—this might be your sign. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. And I’m finally seeing results,” she continues. “It's nothing but a mindset shift. It's not a diet plan, it's not a workout plan. It's simply a set of skinny girl rules to live by,” she adds in the video, outlining each rule.

Eat Less, Move More

Number one? Eat less, move more. “I know you weren't going to like that. It's not a magic pill, it's not a shot, it's not anything. You need to move your body, and you need to eat less. Skinny girls love to eat, too, but they know what to eat and how to eat to keep them skinny, lean, and healthy. That doesn't mean they don't indulge in a burger and fries once in a while, but every meal is an event. We don't live our life around eating.”

Don’t Reward with Food

“Number two is something I had to learn the hard way because this is something I've done for so long throughout my weight loss journey. Don't reward with food. I am so guilty of this. I would lose two pounds, I would eat and celebrate, and then I'd be up a pound, and I'd be playing this dance back and forth for weeks and months on end. So there's nothing wrong with treats once in a while, but you aren’t a dog. Find something else to treat yourself with. Go on a walk, go get your nails done, go buy a new journal, do something else,” she says.

10,000 Steps Per Day

Number three, 10,000 steps a day. “Non-negotiable,” she orders. “If you have two legs that work and you have core muscles that can engage, you should be walking 10 K steps a day. I don't want to hear your excuses. Everybody's busy, everybody has a job, we can all do it.”

Act Like the Best Version of Yourself

“Number five and my final words of wisdom: You need to act like the best version of yourself in order to become. And what I mean by that is you need to walk the way a skinny girl walks. You need to act the way as skinny girl acts. You need to eat the way a skinny girl eats,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Melissa McCord fitmission.nutrition
Copyright fitmission.nutrition/Instagram/Shutterstock
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 need some lunch and dinner ideas to help fuel your weight loss? Melissa McCord is a weight loss and macro nutrition coach who helps women over 35 get their best bodies ever with sustainable health habits. In a recent post, she reveals a few of her go-to meals for weight loss. “These bowls are packed with at least 30g of protein, complex carbs & healthy fats to keep you full, satisfied & in a calorie deficit for fat loss!” she says. “6 high-protein bowls I eat on repeat when I want to drop fat…under 400 calories.

Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power Bowl

Greek yogurt granola and berry mix.​3. Front-Load Your ProteinShutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup mixed berries
  • 12g crushed pecans.

Approx: 350 cals | 40g protein.

Breakfast Bowls: Egg & Avocado Scramble Bowl

Spinach Scramble: Fluffy scrambled eggs with vibrant spinach, perfectly cooked to showcase the light, nutritious, and fresh qualities of this simple yet satisfying dish.Shutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 4 egg whites + 1 whole egg
  • 1/2 cup sautéed spinach
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 small avocado
  • 1 tbsp low-fat cheddar cheese.

Approx: 400 cals | 35g protein.

Lunch Bowls: Greek Chicken Bowl

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

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz grilled chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (diced)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
  • 2 tbsp reduced-fat feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt Tzatziki dressing
  • Season: Salt, pepper, oregano.

Approx: 400 cals | 35 protein

Lunch Bowls: Buffalo Chicken & Ranch Bowl

Shredded rotisserie chicken on a green cutting board and carving knife isolated on a white background with room for text or copy space​Buffalo Chicken WrapShutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz shredded chicken
  • 1-2 tbsp buffalo wing sauce
  • 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt ranch.

Approx: 400cals | 38 protein

Dinner Bowls: Teriyaki Beef & Veggie Bowl

Skillet of ground beef stir fry with vegetables broccoli pepper and onion on an electric stove on high speed Cordoba Argentina

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Ingredients:

  • 5 oz lean ground beef (93/7)
  • 1/2 cup brown rice
  • 1/2 cup cooked broccoli
  • 1/cup shredded cooked carrots
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, chopped.

Approx: 400 cals | 35 protein.

Dinner Bowls: Salmon Sweet Potato Bowl

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition diet​Teriyaki Salmon & RiceShutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz grilled/baked
  • 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
  • 1 tsp olive oil for cooking
  • Optional: drizzle of honey mustard, BBQ, or balsamic vinaigrette to taste.

Approx: 400cals | 30g protein.

Adjust Portions Based on Your Needs

Healthy diet plan for weight loss, daily ready meal menu. Close up Woman weighing lunch box cooked in advance,ready to eat on kitchen scale. Balanced portion with healthy dish. Pre-cooking concept

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“You can adjust portions based on your needs! More oz of meat in your bowl will be even more protein!” she concludes at the end of the post. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.