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Nutrition & Diet

15 Surprising Fat-Blasting Tricks for Men Over 50

This expert knows precisely what to do.

Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastAug 04, 2024
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Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastAug 04, 2024
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Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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Nutrition & Diet

Gary Walker from Live Anabolic is an expert in the field of fitness and weight loss, and has great advice for men over 50 who want to get rid of stubborn fat that won’t shift. Some of his advice is diet-related, and some are workout-related, but Walker has solid, practical advice to get men over 50 healthy and in the best shape of their lives. Here’s what he has to say about fat-blasting tricks and tips that actually work.

Cut Out Sugar

Female hands holding sugar cubes, closeupShutterstock

Walker suggests removing sugar from your diet, calling it “totally worthless” nutrition-wise. “More than 50 percent of added sugar comes from sweetened beverages we consume – soda, energy/sports drinks, juices, and sweetened tea or coffees, to name a few,” Linda Folken, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CDN, tells Mather Hospital. “Just by switching out sweetened beverages for their non-calorie counterparts, you may be able to cut your added sugar intake by more than half.”

Carb Cycling

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewShutterstock

Walker recommends carb cycling to boost metabolism, where you eat just 50 grams of carbs on days you don’t work out. This means you have to track everything you eat so you know what carbs are in your food. On a moderate carb day, he recommends half a gram of carbs for each pound of body weight. On a high-carb day, which should be a workout day, you get 2 grams of carbs for each pound of body weight. “What we’re doing is we’re tricking our body,” he says.

Improve Your Nutrition

Hands holding salmon and buckwheat dish with green beans, broad beans, and tomato slices. Nutritious dish with vegetables and fish from above. Healthy balanced dietShutterstock

Walker makes the point that you can’t just wing it with your diet to lose that final stubborn 10 pounds. “The bottom line is, to lose that last 10 pounds, what got you to this point won’t get you to where you want to be,” he says. “You need to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. Pay close attention to extra calories you can cut. It could be something as simple as salad dressing or how much peanut butter you spread onto a sandwich. Try to be as precise as possible, knowing how many calories you’re consuming, and then cut where you can.”

Replace Some Carbs With Protein

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

Walker makes the point that protein can help boost your metabolism, so try replacing some carbs with quality protein. “Not all of your carbs. But some of them. Protein is harder for your body to digest, plus it stimulates muscle protein synthesis, both of which will increase your resting metabolic rate and help you to burn more calories.”

Increase Your Exercise

Confident old pensioner is spending time in gymShutterstock

Making even small changes to your exercise routine can yield results, Walker says. “Even if you’re adding just one more exercise per workout… or one more day of working out per week… burning those extra calories will help you to hit your goal over time.”

High Intensity Cardio

Fitness club in luxury hotelShutterstock

Walker recommends high-intensity cardio sessions. “HIIT and other high-intensity exercise programs help you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time,” according to UC Davis Health. “Research has also shown that you keep burning calories for hours after your workout is finished. These workouts typically cause you to burn more fat and build muscle. Studies have also shown that high-intensity workouts may help lower blood pressure and heart rate.”

Resistance Training

Training,Cycling,Machines,cardio,bike,gym,fitness,exercise,workoutShutterstock

Walker suggests adding resistance training to your workout regimen. “Your body fat percentage will increase over time if you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose over time,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Strength training can help you preserve and enhance your muscle mass at any age.”

Walking Every Day

Mature Couple On Autumn Walk With LabradorShutterstock

Walker recommends walking every day to help blast fat. “Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place,” says Harvard Health. “Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.”

Improve your Sleep

Senior man smiling while asleep in the morning, pleased pensioner lying in bedShutterstock

Walker emphasizes how crucial sleep is for weight loss. “When you don’t get good sleep, your body holds onto fat,” he says. “It’s your body’s survival mechanism. So if you aren’t sleeping well, you can try things like creating a consistent sleep schedule, keeping your room cool, and turning off screens at least a couple hours before bed.”

RELATED: 7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50

Eat At a Calorie Deficit

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

Walker recommends eating at a calorie deficit to encourage fat burning. “That means you eat less calories than you burn… and that’s when your body starts to burn fat, including belly fat,” he says. “There are a lot of ways to do this. Simple is best, in my opinion. Simply keep track of what you eat in a food journal and pay attention to the scale. Measure your progress. You want most of that weight loss to be from fat, not muscle. So you’ll want to consume a lot of protein - because protein helps you maintain muscle.”

Adjust the Deficit

Calorie,Counting,On,A,Paper,With,Calculator.,Diet,And,WeightShutterstock

Walker says to adjust your calories after a month. “As you lose more weight, your metabolism will begin to decrease, so you lose less fat per day,” he says. “This isn’t a bad thing. It’s just how the body works. This just means the caloric deficit you used to get past stage 1 to stage 2 likely won’t get you from stage 2 to stage 3. This is when you’ll want to not just record what you eat and what you weigh.”

Count Calories Once a Week

Nutritional label with focus on calories.Shutterstock

As you get closer to your fat-burning goals, Walker suggests tracking calories once a week and cleaning up your diet. “But you’ll also start measuring the ratios of protein, carb, and fat for your meals,” he says. “You’ll eat more high volume foods… which is less sweets and junk, and more foods that aren’t processed, are lower calorie, but keep you fuller for longer. At this point, you’ll want to cut out empty calories, which means cutting out alcohol and candy and things like that.”

Sprinting Exercises

Fitness woman runner running on seaside bridgeShutterstock

Walker recommends sprinting exercises to blast belly fat. “Sprinting is great for our hormones and increases our testosterone,” he says. “That means that your body is going to use fat for energy. The great thing about sprinting is that your body doesn’t stop burning calories and fat once you stop running.”

Mountain Climbers

Muscular Athletic Fit Man in T-shirt and Shorts Energetically Starts Doing Mountain Climber Exercises at Home in His Spacious and Bright Apartment with Modern Interior.Shutterstock

Walker also recommends doing mountain climbers to burn fat. “Mountain climbers are great cardio, but they also engage your core and really work your midsection,” he says. “Mountain climbers also trigger that afterburn effect, which is huge for how to lose belly fat. These are great get rid-of-belly fat exercises, so make sure to do this in your weekly workouts. Doing high-intensity interval training is fantastic for building muscle, burning fat, and improving your cardiovascular system.”

Bicycle Cross Crunches

A fit man lays on a yoga mat outside at an outdoor gym and performs bicycle crunches to strengthen his core. He is dressed in fitness attire for a workout.Shutterstock

Walker says this is his favorite ab and core workout. “This exercise really does work all the muscles in our core, which is helpful and one of the best get rid of belly fat exercises,” he says. “This exercise is also great because it doesn’t put a lot of stress on your neck or back. It is a great all around exercise that burns a lot of calories, and it is way better than planks because planks is a static exercise.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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Nutrition & Diet

Coach Reveals Top Tips to Lose Weight Over 50

Michaela Bentley Fitness
Trainer, 58, Lost 15 Pounds and Blasted Belly Fat with These 4 Habits
Copyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 25, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you over 50 and struggling to lose weight? You might need to face some “hard truths” and make some changes to your routine, according to an expert. Michaela Bentley is a CPT & Nutrition coach. At the age of 58, she looks half her age! She maintains that she has a better grasp of diet and exercise than she did in her forties. In a recent post, she reveals the truth about losing weight after menopause. “At 59 here are my top tips to losing weight after 50,” she says, admitting they are “probably not what you think.”

There Are No Quick Fixes

“There are no quick fixes,” she writes. “The truth is I don’t have a magic wand and neither does any other fitness trainer. The results are up to you. So many people quit way too soon due to unrealistic expectations. It’s not your fault. The fitness industry is full of lies and half truths in order to get you to pull out your wallet. Real change takes time sometimes months and even years, depending on where you’re starting from. Get a program from a qualified source, be patient and stick with it.”

It’s Going to Be Hard

“It’s going to be hard,” she continues. “Big changes in life are hard won. Nothing worth doing is easy and losing weight is no different especially over 50. If you’re doing it right, it’s going to be hard, especially in the beginning while your body gets used to the feeling of getting out of your comfort zone. If you’re following a program that incorporates progressive overload, it’s probably never going to be easy, but I assure you if you stick with it, you will learn to love that feeling of being challenged.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

You Will Have to Make Lifestyle Changes

“It’s probably going to require a few lifestyle changes and you may not like them all,” she says. “I’ve had many clients say to me. I’m going to do the fitness part, but I don’t wanna change my lifestyle. I like having a drink in the evening and I don’t want to track my food. That’s great, but that’s not gonna get you results. If you really want big changes, you have to make big changes and that’s probably gonna mean changing some of your habits that are out of alignment with your goals and replace those with new healthy habits.”

Consistency Over Perfection

“Consistency is more important than perfection,” is her final tip. “You don’t have to be perfect, (god knows, I am not) but you do have to be consistent. Slow and steady wins the race. You can’t show up one day and then skip a bunch of days because you’re not feeling it. You need to show up every day in some form or another. If you do that, I promise you those results will come in time.”

She Also Started Strength Training

In another recent post, she revealed how she lost 15 pounds and got into the best shape later in life going “full ninja on belly fat.” The first thing that worked to blast belly fat was, unsurprisingly, strength training. “Lifting weights CONSISTENTLY with a plan that incorporates progressive overload. All this means is that you are added load and difficulty over time in order to avoid plateaus,” she writes.

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

She Also Started Moving “A Lot More”

She also started moving more, “a lot more,” she admits. “As a society we’ve become sedentary. Most of us spend a good majority of the day sitting at a desk. If we want to shake things up, metabolically we have to move more. Try adding intentional steps to your routine. Aim for at least 8000k-10000 a day.”

Food Journaling and Tracking

“Start a food journal and preferably track your food through tracking app,” she continued about habit number four. “Most of us have no clue exactly what we’re eating and in what quantities. I can’t tell you how many women tell me they eat under 1500 cal a day and then when we look at their food journal, they’re actually eating almost double that.”

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

Seeing a Doctor

“If you’re struggling with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, see your doctor,” she says. “I had a truckload of symptoms that I had no idea were related to my declining hormones. Getting my hormones back into balance not only helped with the symptoms I was having but it helped me improve my sleep and general mood which in turn, helped me reduce stress and lose the weight.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Game-Changing Weight Loss Facts for Women

Michaela Bentley Fitness
Trainer, 58, Lost 15 Pounds and Blasted Belly Fat with These 4 Habits
Copyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 11, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you struggling to lose weight over 50? Michaela Bentley is a CPT & Nutrition coach. At the age of 58, she looks half her age, which is one of the reasons she has amassed over 257,000 Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she reveals information that will help you lose weight. “5 surprising weight loss facts from a 59-year-old trainer who has been there,” she writes.

Losing Weight Is Harder Over 50

“If you’re a woman over 50 you already know that trying to lose weight in your 40s and 50s is no joke. Here are 5 surprising facts about weight loss over 40,” she continues in the post.

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

You Need to Strength Train

The first thing to know is that you need to strength train. “You may have heard that weight lifting is the key to losing weight over 40, 50 and beyond. The more muscle mass you have the more fat you burn at rest. We start to lose muscle over 30 and lose more with each passing decade. The best decision you can make for your health and your future is to add strength training 3 days a week,” she writes.

Don’t Go Overboard with Cutting Calories

Next, don’t go overboard with cutting calories. “Ultra low calorie diets are unsustainable. Instead opt for a moderate calorie deficit of no more than 500 calories below maintenance and use a tracking app to keep track,” she writes.

Don’s Overtrain

While you need to exercise, don’t overdo it, she says. “Overtraining with too much cardio and no resistance training can sabotage your efforts. This DOESN’T mean don’t do cardio. You need to do some form of cardio for heart health but don’t just do ONLY cardio,” she writes.

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

Move More, Not Just in the Gym

“You need to move more in general,” she writes. “Many of us become much more sedentary as we age. Aim to get at least 7,000-10,000 steps per day. As much movement as possible. The best form of movement is movement that you enjoy doing.”

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

Amp Up Protein and Fiber Intake

Her last fact: Eat more protein and fiber. “Protein and fiber aid weight loss by helping you feel more satisfied and less likely to binge in less healthy choices, and they provide important amino acids and fiber to both help build muscle and create a happy gut. Aim for up to 1 gram protein per pound of your (ideal) weight,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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Over-50 Trainer Reveals 5 Game-Changing Weight Loss Facts for Women

Michaela Bentley Fitness
Trainer, 58, Lost 15 Pounds and Blasted Belly Fat with These 4 Habits
Copyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 10, 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 to lose weight over 50? Michaela Bentley is a CPT & Nutrition coach. At the age of 58, she looks half her age, which is one of the reasons she has amassed over 257,000 Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she reveals information that will help you lose weight. “5 surprising weight loss facts from a 59 year old trainer who has been there,” she writes.

Losing Weight Is Harder Over 50

Michaela Bentley Fitness​She Tried “Literally Everything” to Lose 15 Pounds at 50Copyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram

“If you’re a woman over 50 you already know that trying to lose weight in your 40s and 50s is no joke. Here are 5 surprising facts about weight loss over 40,” she continues in the post.

You Need to Strength Train

Michaela Bentley Fitness​Once She Became a Personal Trainer She Figured Out What WorkedCopyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram

The first thing to know is that you need to strength train. “You may have heard that weight lifting is the key to losing weight over 40, 50 and beyond. The more muscle mass you have the more fat you burn at rest. We start to lose muscle over 30 and lose more with each passing decade. The best decision you can make for your health and your future is to add strength training 3 days a week,” she writes.

Don’t Go Overboard with Cutting Calories

Michaela Bentley FitnessCopyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram

Next, don’t go overboard with cutting calories. “Ultra low calorie diets are unsustainable. Instead opt for a moderate calorie deficit of no more than 500 calories below maintenance and use a tracking app to keep track,” she writes.

Don’s Overtrain

Michaela Bentley FitnessCopyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram

While you need to exercise, don’t overdo it, she says. “Overtraining with too much cardio and no resistance training can sabotage your efforts. This DOESN’T mean don’t do cardio. You need to do some form of cardio for heart health but don’t just do ONLY cardio,” she writes.

Move More, Not Just in the Gym

Michaela Bentley Fitness​Food Journaling and TrackingCopyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram

“You need to move more in general,” she writes. “Many of us become much more sedentary as we age. Aim to get at least 7000-10,000 steps per day. As much movement as possible. The best form of movement is movement that you enjoy doing.”

Amp Up Protein and Fiber Intake

Michaela Bentley Fitness​Moving MoreCopyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram

Her last fact: Eat more protein and fiber. “Protein and fiber aid weight loss by helping you feel more satisfied and less likely to binge in less healthy choices, and they provide important amino acids and fiber to both help build muscle and create a happy gut. Aim for up to 1 gram protein per pound of your (ideal) weight,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Fitness & Workouts

Walking Over 50? This Simple 30-Minute Routine Targets Stubborn Fat

Pahla Bowers Pahla B
I Lost Weight After 50 With These Simple Changes
Copyright Pahla B/YouTube/Shutterstock
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 16, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

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

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

Middle age brings many changes to our bodies, especially during menopause, when weight seems to stick no matter what we try. Fitness coachPahla Bowers has developed a simple yet effective walking workout specifically designed for women over 50 that combines low-impact movements to target stubborn fat without stressing your joints. This 30-minute routine alternates between walking intervals and targeted exercises that can be done right in your living room, making it perfect for busy days when you need an effective workout without complicated equipment.

The 5-0 Method Makes Weight Loss Simple

"Every single day we do five things that make you say, oh, I had no idea it could be so simple to lose weight at our age," explains Pahla as she introduces her 5-0 method in her post. This approach focuses on five daily habits: eating the right number of calories (not necessarily fewer), drinking enough water (half your body weight in pounds in fluid ounces), maintaining consistent sleep patterns, exercising moderately, and managing your mindset. This combination creates a sustainable path to fat loss that works especially well for menopausal bodies.

One Minute Walking, 30 Seconds Exercise

The workout follows a simple but effective pattern: one minute of walking alternated with 30-second cardio exercises. "Today's workout was really for me to be able to just really enjoy moving my body and not having to think too hard," Pahla shares. You can walk anywhere—around your living room, up and down hallways, or even take the routine outside. What makes this approach so effective is the continuous movement that keeps your heart rate in a fat-burning zone without overtaxing your system.

Your Mindset Is Your Secret Weight Loss Weapon

Perhaps surprisingly, Pahla ranks mindset as the most important factor for weight loss success. "If you truly do not believe you can lose weight, think that you are not losing weight... mindset's number one," she emphasizes during the workout. The routine incorporates a powerful mantra—"I am always on track"—to help shift your perspective about your progress. This positive approach reduces stress hormones that can sabotage weight loss efforts, particularly during menopause when hormonal balance is already disrupted.

Balance Training Burns Fat And Protects Your Future

Throughout the 30-minute routine, many exercises like "speed skaters" strengthen your outer thighs while improving balance. "That is the thing that can keep you from falling over when we're doing lateral moves like this, strengthening your inner and outer thighs," Pahla points out. This focus on balance isn't just about current fitness—it's targeting the areas where fat often accumulates after 50 while simultaneously protecting against falls. "Most older adults actually fall from some kind of a lateral motion," she explains, making these side-to-side movements crucial for long-term independence.

Low-Impact Doesn't Mean Low Results

Just because this workout avoids jumping doesn't mean it's not effective for fat loss. "Just because we are not jumping doesn't mean your heart rate doesn't have some variability here," Pahla reminds participants during the "swimming frogs" exercise. The workout strategically incorporates arm movements that elevate your heart rate while keeping the routine gentle on aging joints. This approach allows you to burn stubborn fat without adding stress to your knees, hips, or back—a common concern for women over 50.

What Really Drives Fat Loss After 50

During the walking intervals, Pahla reveals an important truth about exercise and fat loss. "Exercise is fantastic for your health. It's beautiful for your health. Very, very, very good for you. Does not drive weight loss," she explains. While movement is essential for overall wellness, particularly heart health, nutrition and mindset play bigger roles in shedding pounds. Understanding this helps you approach exercise with the right expectations and reduce frustration when the scale doesn't immediately respond to your efforts.

Water And Sleep: The Unsung Heroes Of Fat Loss

According to Pahla, water and sleep play crucial roles in your body's ability to burn fat. "They don't necessarily speed up weight loss when I'm doing them right, but they definitely slow them down if I'm not hitting my targets," she shares. The 5-0 method recommends drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily and maintaining consistent sleep patterns. These simple habits support your hormone regulation and metabolism, creating an environment where your body can more efficiently release stored fat.

Make This Workout Work For Your Body

Throughout the 30-minute routine, Pahla emphasizes personalizing the workout to your fitness level. "You, my friends, can always make the workout work for you," she encourages while demonstrating modifications. This might mean slowing down certain movements or reducing range of motion as needed. She warns against pushing too hard just because it feels good in the moment, noting that soreness, fatigue, or plateaued weight loss might indicate your workout isn't truly working for your unique body.

Every Movement Is Moving You Forward

The workout includes fun exercises with names like "clackers," "ding-dongs," and "chicken wing high knees" that make the 30 minutes fly by. "Your track might not look anything like you thought it was going to or like you wish it would, but it is your beautiful, unique, personal track," Pahla reflects during the final exercises. This perspective helps release the pressure of comparing your progress to others. By acknowledging that your journey is uniquely yours—with all its detours and unexpected turns—you can approach fat loss with greater patience.

Cool Down With Forward Thinking

As the workout winds down with gentle stretches, Pahla reinforces the forward-looking mindset that supports long-term success. "You are always on track for a glorious time ahead of you. Independence, being your healthy weight, feeling amazing," she says. Even during the cool-down, the simple arm circles and side steps continue the balance training, reinforcing that every movement contributes to your fat-burning goals. This 30-minute routine isn't just about today's calories—it's building habits that support lasting weight loss.

Start Your Fat Loss Journey Today

This 30-minute walking workout is part of a larger series designed specifically for women over 50, but you can begin with just this single routine. Performing moderate exercise like this consistently delivers better results than occasional intense sessions that leave you too sore to continue. Start where you are, move at a pace that feels sustainable, and remember that being "on track" means showing up for yourself daily. As Pahla says at the end of the workout, "Not only are you always on track, but you always do such a great job." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

15 Surprising Fat-Blasting Tricks for Men Over 50

Gary_Walker_Live_Anabolic8
Live Anabolic/YouTube
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastAug 04, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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Gary Walker from Live Anabolic is an expert in the field of fitness and weight loss, and has great advice for men over 50 who want to get rid of stubborn fat that won’t shift. Some of his advice is diet-related, and some are workout-related, but Walker has solid, practical advice to get men over 50 healthy and in the best shape of their lives. Here’s what he has to say about fat-blasting tricks and tips that actually work.

Cut Out Sugar

Female hands holding sugar cubes, closeupShutterstock

Walker suggests removing sugar from your diet, calling it “totally worthless” nutrition-wise. “More than 50 percent of added sugar comes from sweetened beverages we consume – soda, energy/sports drinks, juices, and sweetened tea or coffees, to name a few,” Linda Folken, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CDN, tells Mather Hospital. “Just by switching out sweetened beverages for their non-calorie counterparts, you may be able to cut your added sugar intake by more than half.”

Carb Cycling

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewShutterstock

Walker recommends carb cycling to boost metabolism, where you eat just 50 grams of carbs on days you don’t work out. This means you have to track everything you eat so you know what carbs are in your food. On a moderate carb day, he recommends half a gram of carbs for each pound of body weight. On a high-carb day, which should be a workout day, you get 2 grams of carbs for each pound of body weight. “What we’re doing is we’re tricking our body,” he says.

Improve Your Nutrition

Hands holding salmon and buckwheat dish with green beans, broad beans, and tomato slices. Nutritious dish with vegetables and fish from above. Healthy balanced dietShutterstock

Walker makes the point that you can’t just wing it with your diet to lose that final stubborn 10 pounds. “The bottom line is, to lose that last 10 pounds, what got you to this point won’t get you to where you want to be,” he says. “You need to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. Pay close attention to extra calories you can cut. It could be something as simple as salad dressing or how much peanut butter you spread onto a sandwich. Try to be as precise as possible, knowing how many calories you’re consuming, and then cut where you can.”

Replace Some Carbs With Protein

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

Walker makes the point that protein can help boost your metabolism, so try replacing some carbs with quality protein. “Not all of your carbs. But some of them. Protein is harder for your body to digest, plus it stimulates muscle protein synthesis, both of which will increase your resting metabolic rate and help you to burn more calories.”

Increase Your Exercise

Confident old pensioner is spending time in gymShutterstock

Making even small changes to your exercise routine can yield results, Walker says. “Even if you’re adding just one more exercise per workout… or one more day of working out per week… burning those extra calories will help you to hit your goal over time.”

High Intensity Cardio

Fitness club in luxury hotelShutterstock

Walker recommends high-intensity cardio sessions. “HIIT and other high-intensity exercise programs help you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time,” according to UC Davis Health. “Research has also shown that you keep burning calories for hours after your workout is finished. These workouts typically cause you to burn more fat and build muscle. Studies have also shown that high-intensity workouts may help lower blood pressure and heart rate.”

Resistance Training

Training,Cycling,Machines,cardio,bike,gym,fitness,exercise,workoutShutterstock

Walker suggests adding resistance training to your workout regimen. “Your body fat percentage will increase over time if you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose over time,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Strength training can help you preserve and enhance your muscle mass at any age.”

Walking Every Day

Mature Couple On Autumn Walk With LabradorShutterstock

Walker recommends walking every day to help blast fat. “Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place,” says Harvard Health. “Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.”

Improve your Sleep

Senior man smiling while asleep in the morning, pleased pensioner lying in bedShutterstock

Walker emphasizes how crucial sleep is for weight loss. “When you don’t get good sleep, your body holds onto fat,” he says. “It’s your body’s survival mechanism. So if you aren’t sleeping well, you can try things like creating a consistent sleep schedule, keeping your room cool, and turning off screens at least a couple hours before bed.”

RELATED: 7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50

Eat At a Calorie Deficit

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

Walker recommends eating at a calorie deficit to encourage fat burning. “That means you eat less calories than you burn… and that’s when your body starts to burn fat, including belly fat,” he says. “There are a lot of ways to do this. Simple is best, in my opinion. Simply keep track of what you eat in a food journal and pay attention to the scale. Measure your progress. You want most of that weight loss to be from fat, not muscle. So you’ll want to consume a lot of protein - because protein helps you maintain muscle.”

Adjust the Deficit

Calorie,Counting,On,A,Paper,With,Calculator.,Diet,And,WeightShutterstock

Walker says to adjust your calories after a month. “As you lose more weight, your metabolism will begin to decrease, so you lose less fat per day,” he says. “This isn’t a bad thing. It’s just how the body works. This just means the caloric deficit you used to get past stage 1 to stage 2 likely won’t get you from stage 2 to stage 3. This is when you’ll want to not just record what you eat and what you weigh.”

Count Calories Once a Week

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As you get closer to your fat-burning goals, Walker suggests tracking calories once a week and cleaning up your diet. “But you’ll also start measuring the ratios of protein, carb, and fat for your meals,” he says. “You’ll eat more high volume foods… which is less sweets and junk, and more foods that aren’t processed, are lower calorie, but keep you fuller for longer. At this point, you’ll want to cut out empty calories, which means cutting out alcohol and candy and things like that.”

Sprinting Exercises

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Walker recommends sprinting exercises to blast belly fat. “Sprinting is great for our hormones and increases our testosterone,” he says. “That means that your body is going to use fat for energy. The great thing about sprinting is that your body doesn’t stop burning calories and fat once you stop running.”

Mountain Climbers

Muscular Athletic Fit Man in T-shirt and Shorts Energetically Starts Doing Mountain Climber Exercises at Home in His Spacious and Bright Apartment with Modern Interior.Shutterstock

Walker also recommends doing mountain climbers to burn fat. “Mountain climbers are great cardio, but they also engage your core and really work your midsection,” he says. “Mountain climbers also trigger that afterburn effect, which is huge for how to lose belly fat. These are great get rid-of-belly fat exercises, so make sure to do this in your weekly workouts. Doing high-intensity interval training is fantastic for building muscle, burning fat, and improving your cardiovascular system.”

Bicycle Cross Crunches

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Walker says this is his favorite ab and core workout. “This exercise really does work all the muscles in our core, which is helpful and one of the best get rid of belly fat exercises,” he says. “This exercise is also great because it doesn’t put a lot of stress on your neck or back. It is a great all around exercise that burns a lot of calories, and it is way better than planks because planks is a static exercise.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

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Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

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“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar​Don’t Drink as Much AlcoholShutterstock

Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels​The Drugs Mimic the GLP-1 Hormone Naturally Produced by the BodyShutterstock

Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

Fitness & Workouts

Sophie van Oostenbrugge Shares Her Routine

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
Copyright gainsbybrains/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 11, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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 get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.

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