Skip to content
Smartnews Feed
βœ“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.

Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss

These tips make weight loss simple

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 05, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
Instagram.com/@rivafitness
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 05, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
Nutrition & Diet

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 β€œloves 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. β€œThese 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. β€œMake protein your best friend,” she writes. β€œNot 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. β€œUtilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish,” she says.

Prioritize Sleep

Next, get enough rest. β€œStop 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 β€œas a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she explains. β€œWeight 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. β€œ200 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? β€œOne day at a time,” she suggests. β€œIf 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.

sustainable-weight-loss

More For You

Smartnews Feed

Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss

Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
Instagram.com/@rivafitness
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 05, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
βœ“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 β€œloves 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. β€œThese 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. β€œMake protein your best friend,” she writes. β€œNot 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. β€œUtilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish,” she says.

Prioritize Sleep

Next, get enough rest. β€œStop 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 β€œas a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she explains. β€œWeight 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. β€œ200 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? β€œOne day at a time,” she suggests. β€œIf 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.

Nutrition & Diet

Coach Who Lost 15 Pounds Reveals 3 Simple Fat Loss Truths

lois hughey coaching
Copyright lois.hughey.coaching/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 17, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
βœ“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 overcomplicating weight loss, stunting your results? Lois Hughey is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost 15 pounds and kept it off. Now, she makes it her mission to help women over 50 β€œsimplify nutrition and fitness” and regularly offers tips for sustainable fat loss in menopause on her social media feeds. In a new post, she reveals that fat burning and muscle building don’t have to be complicated. β€œI wish more women over 50 understood that losing fat and building muscle is as simple as these 3 things,” she says. β€œThere is a lot of noise around what to do and what not to do in mid-life, but these 3 simple things will make a huge difference,” she adds.

Spend Less Time Doing Cardio, and More Time Building Muscle

Her first truth is you need to spend less time doing cardio and more time building muscle. β€œYou don’t have to stop doing cardio, but it’s not helping you build muscle… and neither is yoga or pilates. You have to lift some heavy things. Even if it scares you. The body you want has muscle on it,” she writes.

Building Muscle Will Help You Burn Fat While You Are Doing Nothing

β€œPerimenopause is a season of rapid muscle loss if you aren’t doing something to maintain and build it. Women with muscle live longer and reduce their risk of heart disease,” she continues. β€œI’ll say it again and again… muscle is metabolically active. If you want to burn fat lying on the couch, start building some muscle.”

Stop Under Eating

Next, stop under eating. β€œYou can’t keep eating less and less. Your body is smart and will eventually just learn how to use less energy, which is going to make fat loss really hard. Eat enough food for YOUR body. This is going to be specific to YOU, so be careful about anyone who tells you that all women need to eat more than 2,000 calories,” she says.

Under Eating Will Not Serve Your Fat Loss Goals

β€œMost women in their 50s who have been dieting their whole lives are going to struggle with 2000 calories unless they are very active. But your maintenance calories are almost certainly higher than you think they are. Under eating is not serving your fat loss goals,” she continues.

Don’t Be Afraid of Carbs

Her third tip? Don’t be afraid of carbs.”Not all carbs are created equal, so be smart about the ones you choose. Whole food carbs have the benefit of fiber, which you definitely need, so look for whole grains, fruit, and both starchy and non-starchy veggies. If your goal is to calm cortisol, have more energy, and get your metabolism working the way you want it to, you need some carbs!” she writes. β€œObviously not a comprehensive list, and a (strategic) calorie deficit is needed for fat loss.”

Extend Your Time Line

β€œThe bonus piece is always to extend your time line,” she adds at the end of the post. β€œIf you have been chronically dieting or moving your calories all over the place for decades, you need to be willing to give yourself at least a year of consistent action before you even consider a calorie deficit.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

Fitness & Workouts

Lose 6 Pounds and 6 Inches in 6 Weeks

Jon Williams | Fat Loss Expert
Copyright jonwilliamscoaching/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 07, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
βœ“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 fast and keep it off? Jon Williams is a fat loss expert who helps men and women lose 20-plus pounds of body fat. In a new post, he reveals how to lose weight safely and sustainably in just over a month. β€œIf you wanted to lose 6 pounds and 6 inches in the next 6 weeks, this is exactly what I would tell you to do,” he writes, offering a β€œstep-by-step” approach.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

The first step is to set clear goals, according to Jon. β€œDefine your goals by being clear about your weight loss and inches reduction objectives. Track your progress using a journal or an app to monitor your weight, measurements, and food intake,” he says.

Step 2: Nutrition

The next step is tackling nutrition. β€œAim to consume fewer calories than you burn. A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day can help you lose about 1-2 pounds per week,” he suggests. β€œFocus on whole foods by filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, beans, and legumes. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, aiming for at least 8 cups a day, and limit sugary drinks.”

Step 3: Exercise

Step three is exercise. β€œAim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Incorporate strength training exercises at least 2-3 times a week to build muscle, which can help increase metabolism. Include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts to maximize fat burning in a shorter time,” he says.

Step 4: Lifestyle Changes

Step four is making lifestyle changes, starting with getting rest. β€œAim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as lack of sleep can hinder weight loss. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as resting and going to bed early,” he says.

Step 5: Stay Accountable

The fifth step is to stay accountable. β€œShare your goals with friends or join a weight loss group for motivation. Weigh yourself weekly and take measurements to monitor your progress through regular check-ins,” he encourages.

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

Step 6: Adjust as Needed

The sixth step? Adjust as needed. β€œEvaluate your progress regularly. If you’re not seeing results after a couple of weeks, consider adjusting your caloric intake or increasing your exercise intensity,” he suggests.

Step 7: Celebrate Milestones

And finally, the last step is to celebrate milestones. β€œCelebrate small achievements along the way with non-food rewards, like new workout gear or a spa day,” he encourages. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Coach Lost 10x More Weight With These 5 Tips

Trainer Reveals 5 Changes That Make Weight Loss Progress 10x Faster
Copyright themomwithabs/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 13, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
βœ“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.

Does your weight loss and transformation seem to be taking longer than it should? You could be making a few mistakes, according to one expert. Persis Kapadia is a fitness trainer and online coach who trains women to be β€œthe best version of themselves.” In a new social media post, she reveals several things she wished she had done to accelerate her fat loss process. β€œMy progress would have been 10 times faster if I did this,” she writes across the Instagram video.

You Cannot Outrain a Bad Diet

Number one, "You CANNOT out-train a bad diet," she says in her post. "Nutrition is 80% of success for changing your body composition. You can workout 5 days a week, but if your diet isn't adjusted, it's almost like a waste of time. Exercise alone can't 'change' your body."

RELATED: Fitness Coach Reveals Strength Training Secret That Burns Fat at 40

Do Cardio After Weights – Not Before

Another thing she recommends? "Do Cardio AFTER weights for fat loss," she says. "Weight training is essential for building and preserving muscle mass. Doing cardio after weight training ensures that you prioritize weightlifting which helps prevent excessive muscle breakdown during cardio. This is particularly important if your primary goal is muscle gain or body recomposition."

Prioritize Form

Next, prioritize "Form over ego," she says. "Take your time & focus on your form. This will reduce the risk of injury by ensuring proper muscle engagement. Also, focusing on form allows for targeted muscle activation, leading to more effective workouts and better overall results."

Do Fewer Heavy Reps Over High Reps of Light

When in doubt, lift heavier. "Fewer heavy reps over high reps of light," she writes. "This will focus on building strength and muscle size. Heavy weights challenge your muscles more intensely, leading to greater muscle growth and strength gains. If you can do 10-12 reps in an exercise, it's time to go up in weight and do less reps," she says.

RELATED: Cortisol Expert Lost 35 Pounds After Fixing These 5 Daily Mistakes

Limit the Number of Exercises

It can be tempting to do lots of different exercises, but don't, she says. "Limit the number of exercises," she writes. "4-5 exercises are enough. This way, you can focus more intensely on each movement and maximize the effectiveness of your workout. Prioritizing quality over quantity in your workouts will lead to better progress and performance in the long run." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Surprising Things About Losing Weight

Dr. Emily MD activemindedphysician
Copyright activemindedphysician/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 29, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
βœ“Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you struggling to lose weight? 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 post, she reveals the most surprising things she tells her clients about weight loss. β€œI’m a primary care doctor and these are 5 things I tell my patients trying to lose weight that might surprise you,” she writes. β€œI promise the list doesn’t include β€˜eat less, move more.’”

Make Sure You Are Losing Weight for the Right Reason

First, she recommends understanding why you are losing weight. β€œMake sure you’re losing weight for your HEALTH,” she writes. Your β€˜why’ matters- for both starting and maintaining a weight loss journey. I don’t cater to the voices telling people to lose weight to look a certain way.”

Lift Weights

Next, you need to be lifting weights. β€œStrength train at least 2-3 times a week,” she writes. β€œPeople drastically underestimate the importance of resistance training. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism, meaning the more calories you burn just by living.”

Science Supports This

According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

Manage Your Stress

It’s also essential to manage your stress. β€œHigh stress levels increase our cortisol, which leads to us holding on to fat, especially around our midsection. Go to therapy, have joyful hobbies, meditate, practice yoga, have meaningful social connections (I’ve had patients only start to see significant progress in their weight loss when they quit a job they hate),” she writes.

How Meditation Works

Other benefits of getting your zen on? β€œWhen you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress,” says the Mayo Clinic. Benefits include:

  • Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
  • Building skills to manage your stress
  • Increasing self-awareness
  • Focusing on the present
  • Reducing negative emotions
  • Increasing imagination and creativity
  • Increasing patience and tolerance
  • Lowering resting heart rate
  • Lowering resting blood pressure
  • Improving sleep quality.

Eliminate Alcohol

Next, stop drinking your calories. β€œEliminate alcohol,” she says. β€œAside from being a literal carcinogen, alcohol is just empty calories that can increase our risk for unhealthy fat gain around our midsection. It also disrupts our sleep, which is really important for that stress management.”

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

Focus Adding to Your Diet, Not Taking Away

The last piece of advice? β€œFocus on adding MORE in your diet, not less,” she says. β€œVery restrictive diets are recipes for disaster (no pun intended) when it comes to sustainable weight loss. Instead of calorie counting or eliminating entire food groups, focus on MORE protein, MORE fiber and MORE fruits/veggies.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Fitness & Workouts

10 Non-Negotiables for Fat Loss Over 40

Julie Clouse
​Patience and Discipline
Copyright julieclouse_/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
βœ“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 and blast fat over 40? Julie Clouse is a social media influencer and fitness and macros expert who tries to β€œinspire others to be the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post she unveils her healthy habits for losing weight post-40. β€œTop 10 non-negotiables for fat loss after 40,” she writes. β€œIt won’t always be easy, but it can be simple. Habits build momentum. 90% of people who love exercising & eating healthy didn’t start that way. But by staying consistent, they felt better, looked better, and fell in love with the process,” she writes.

Create a Calorie Deficit

The first thing to do is make sure you aren’t consuming more than you are burning. β€œCreate a calorie deficit (at least 250 cals)” she writes.

Amp Up Protein Intake

Next, amp up your protein intake. β€œEat 25-30g of protein at every meal,” she says. 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.

Track Food

Next, make sure you are keeping track of everything you eat. β€œTrack your food for overall calories and protein,” she says.

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

Lift Weights

Strength training is another core habit. β€œLift weights 3-4 times per week,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Walk Up to 10,000 Steps Per Day

Next, get your steps in. β€œGet 8-10k steps per dayβ€”add a weighted vest for an extra burn!” she suggests. 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.

Eat Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, it’s not just about the numbers but the quality of food you eat. β€œChoose 90% Whole Foods,” she says.

Hydate

Make sure to stay hydrated. β€œDrink half your body weight (lbs) in ounces of waterβ€”I always add electrolytes too,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Don’t Cut Out Entire Food Groups

You don’t need to be super restrictive. β€œSTOP cutting out entire food groups. Instead of saying no sugar, allow yourself a small treat that fits your goals. No food is off-limits,” she says.

Limit Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories. β€œLimit alcoholβ€”this one is HUGE!” she maintains. Not only is alcohol high in calories but the more you drink, they more likely you are to make poor food choices and neglect exercise.

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

Don’t Give Up

Finally, be patient. β€œSTOP throwing in the towel after one bad day. Just get back on track the next day,” she reminds. β€œThis is a lifestyle, NOT a diet. A few β€˜bad’ days won’t ruin your progress. Ditch the dieting mentality and six-week plansβ€”that was my BIGGEST mistake for years. Stay consistent, make it sustainable, and fit in the foods you love. It CAN work. You CAN be fit long after 40!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Top 7 Fast Food Order Hacks for Weight Loss

Kaly Valdes kaly.weightloss.dietitian
Copyright kaly.weightloss.dietitian/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:

Do you want to continue eating at your favorite fast food joints while losing weight? Kaly Valdes, RD, is a weight loss expert and nutritionist who offers a β€œrelatable approach to nutrition.” In a new post, she unveils her go-to Taco Bell order for weight loss. β€œWhy is no one talking about this Taco Bell order that’s only 525 calories and 30 grams of protein,” she writes in the video. β€œNGL this might be the best thing I’ve had at Taco Bell,” she adds. What is the order? Here is everything you need to know, plus six of her other go-to orders.

Here’s How to Get Enough Protein at Taco Bell

Karly maintains that her order is great for weight loss, as it is packed with protein. β€œIt was SOOOO goood yall!! And I can’t believe how protein packed it is! It’s hard to get enough protein at Taco Bell but they win with this one,” she writes in the post.

Slow Roasted Chicken Cheesy Dipping Burrito

Taco,Bell,Restaurant,fast, food, junk, Mexican,​Taco BellShutterstock

Here is the order: β€œSlow roasted chicken cheesy dipping burrito BUT swap the dipping sauce for low calorie sour cream and add your fav hot sauce! You can skip the sour cream altogether and save 35 cals!” she writes. β€œBut make sure you get the low cal sour cream tho because the other dipping sauces are over 100 cals!”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Her Followers Agree

β€œThese are sooooooo good. I am a calorie counter and this is the way I will take my calories!” agrees one follower. β€œI'm not a Taco Bell fan. You've just converted me bc I want to try that. What a tasty looking protein win!” says another. β€œI freaking love these. I think I’ve had them for lunch every day last week,” a third says.

You Can Also Eat at Subway and Lose Weight

Subway,Restaurant,sandwich,fast,food​SubwayShutterstock

She helped another client develop a Subway order to keep her full and help her lose weight. β€œSubway was the easiest and fastest option during her lunch break and honestly it’s the first time I tried the sweet onion teriyaki and I gotta say I’ve been missing out! So I know you’re gonna love this too,” she writes in another post.

Here Is the Order

Pattaya City, Thailand - November 28 2020 SUBWAY restaurant shop healthy fast food sandwich in Terminal 21 shopping mall in Pattaya Chonburi Thailand.

Shutterstock

Here is what to order:

  • Rotisserie chicken protein bowl
  • All the veggies it comes with - no olives add banana peppers
  • Add provolone cheese (they put 2 slices)
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Sweet onion teriyaki.

β€œHalf bag of Miss Vickie’s jalapeΓ±o chips crushed up on top! The blend of sweetness with the jalapenos.. chefs kiss,” she writes.

Here Is What She Orders at Popeye’s

Here is her Popeye’s order for weight loss:

  • 5 blackened chicken strips
  • Side of mashed potatoes.

She Also Swears by This Chick-Fil-A Hack

In another post, she reveals a β€œChick-Fil-A hack you’ve been searching for,” she writes. β€œThis isn’t my usual order BUT I was craving the Mac and cheese and wanting something more comforting in this colder weather without going overboard! And this was the PERFECT combo.. it’s SUPER satisfying and I was able to honor my cravings and fit into a decent calorie + protein range!” She orders a 5 count grilled nuggets with small Mac + cheese and small fruit cup. β€œBuffalo sauce is optional but definitely worth it! If you want a boost of protein do the 8ct grilled nuggets for an extra 9g of protein! I always say pair a protein and produce with your meals and this was the perfect combo cause it gives a kick of sweetness after the savory filling meal!” she says.

She Even Eats at McDonald’s

Craving McDonald’s fries? β€œThis client is a busy mom and her kids love McDonald’s so we had to find a way to fit it in without constantly saying no to a fun once in a while meal with her kids. She wanted to have options everywhere and that’s exactly what we did! Of course it wasn’t all the time but she got some CONTROL and FREEDOM back knowing she CAN order from here without feeling like she screwed it all up,” she writes, revealing the order:

  • Diet Coke
  • Small fry - 230 cals + 3g protein
  • McDouble - 390 cals + 22g protein

And, She Loves This In-N-Out Hack

Next up, an β€œIn-N-Out hack you’ve been searching for,” she writes. β€œOrder the double double protein style (no bun) 450 cals + 30gof protein! And of course you’re gonna want to add the sauce so I just did half a packet which is 40 cals! You could skip the sauce altogether but the entire pack is 80cals!”

Finally, Try Her Starbucks Hack

NEW YORK CITY - MAY 2015: Starbucks store. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world.Shutterstock

You can β€œstay full for hours with this Starbucks hack,” she continues. β€œI love getting all my lean body flavors from @nutritiondepotclearlake AND did you know it has 40g of protein/5g of fiber per bottle, AND added vitamins?! Plussss it goes great with an iced coffee πŸ˜‰ I just use half the bottle and save the other half for my coffee the next day! And of course you gotta have some food with carbs protein and fat to stay full longer! So my order is and always will be egg white spinach wrap with sriracha packet 😘 Altogether you’re getting 40g of protein and 5g of fiber.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

She Lost 35 Lbs: 5 High Cortisol Signs

Amanda Borchardt conquering_cortisol_control
Copyright conquering_cortisol_control/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:

Are you struggling the lose weight? It could be due to high cortisol levels, only you don’t even realize your hormones are out of whack. Amanda Borchardt is a cortisol expert and coach who lost 35 pounds when she finally β€œcracked the code” to cortisol and adopted certain habits that helped her keep her hormones under control. β€œ5 signs that my body was trying to tell me my cortisol was high that I wished I wouldn’t have ignored,” she writes.

There Are Signs

β€œThere were signs,” she says in the post. β€œI didn’t know anything about High Cortisol when I was suffering with the symptoms. If I would have known these common signs I could have started treating myself earlier! So let me help you! Maybe you won’t have to suffer for so long! Here are 5 symptoms I wish would have known were high cortisol that I was dealing with everyday when my cortisol was high.”

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

1. Extreme Exhaustion

Extreme exhaustion is the first sign. β€œI would wake exhausted and go through my day waiting for bed. No amount of sleep helped. This was a sign of High cortisol. Don’t ignore all day exhaustion,” she writes.

2. Reoccurring Sickness

The next sign is reoccurring sickness. β€œEvery time I started working out a week in I would get sick and then it would repeat over and over. I couldn’t seem to stay healthy. Cortisol suppresses the immune system and causes inflammation which can cause health problems. Reoccurring sickness is a sign of possible High cortisol,” she writes.

3. Weight Gain

The first sign is weight gain. β€œI was gaining weight by breathing air 🀣 I thought it was strange but thought it was my diet. I adjusted my diet but continued to gain weight rapidly. Cortisol not only ups sugar cravings it makes your body store fat and disrupts metabolism,” she says.

4. Weight Loss Resistance

Sign four is weight loss resistance. β€œRegardless of the strict macro diet I was on and the 5X a week working out the scale kept climbing! What I used to do before to lose weight it was no longer working and it left me exhausted and confused. If you adjusted your diet and exercise and the scale is still fine, don’t ignore that!” she says.

5. Anxiousness

And the fifth sign, anxiousness, β€œbut out of no where,” she says. β€œI had never struggled with anxiety or that feeling in the past. I started feeling anxious to go places and see people. This was not normal for me. I would not pinpoint why either! Don’t ignore spiraling thoughts and anxious feelings that you have not struggled with in the past. This is a sign that your nervous system is out of balance from high cortisol.”

Habits to Correct Cortisol: Lighten Up Your Workouts

In another post she reveals some habits to correctly your cortisol. β€œDitch hard workouts and start walking and doing light strength training until your cortisol is balanced. I intensity interval workouts with spike your cortisol, making you sicker and leaving your body holding onto fat,” she writes.

Get More Sleep

Also, prioritize sleep. β€œGetting 8 hours of rest! Getting enough sleep is a huge part of balancing your cortisol! Staying up late will prolong your cortisol staying high. Start changing your sleep habits!” she writes.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Take a Look at Your Diet

The next cortisol topic she tackles is diet. β€œDo you know sugar will keep your body inflamed and your cortisol high, and when your cortisol is high, you will crave sugar? Get off the hamster wheel and start upping your protein and reducing your sugar. You will feel better in no time,” she writes.

Hydration

Hydration is also key, she says. β€œDrinking enough water but adding electrolytes or minerals! Water alone doesn’t hydrate your body in the way it needs. Drink up!!!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Copyright 2025 Galvanized Media. All Rights Reserved. Body Network is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family.