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10 Secret Fat-Burning Tricks That Melt Pounds Away Even After 40

Unlock your body's fat-burning potential with these 10 simple habits.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Louise_Corrans
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Do you want to lose weight quickly and keep it off? It may come down to incorporating a few healthy habits into your lifestyle. Louise Corrans is a wellness influencer who regularly shares tips on how to stay in shape past age 40. In a recent viral video, she reveals easy ways to lose weight fast. “In today's video, we will cover ten fat loss principles that I swear by and that you need to follow if you want to lose fat at any age and at any stage. Yes, even over 40,” she says.


Maintain a Caloric Deficit

Principle number one: “You need to be in a calorie deficit to lose fat to lose weight,” says Corrans. “You have to be in a calorie deficit because that will allow your body to turn to its own fat stores for the energy that it needs that day. That is why a calorie deficit always works. It's not about whether you are having special foods or only certain magical foods for fat loss. There are no magical foods for fat loss. It is energy in, energy out,” she explains.

Prioritize Protein

Number two, protein first. “No, this principle is the most important when it comes to maintaining your muscle mass,” she says. “Protein first means that you just want to meet your protein needs for the day so that during your fat loss phase, you are not risking losing your muscle.” She adds that the older you get, protein becomes more important in order to prevent sarcopenia, “which means we are losing muscle mass, we are anabolic resistant, which means it's harder for us to grow muscle and protein with all those amino acids.” She recommends “around one gram of protein per pound of body weight, your ideal body weight, not your overweight body weight.”

Amp Up Fiber Intake

High Fiber Foods. Healthy balanced dieting concept. Top viewShutterstock

Number three is fiber. “Fiber is so important for gut health. It feeds our good gut bacteria. If you are getting enough fiber, you don't need prebiotics, and your gut health should be good. It helps with motility. It helps you to feel fuller for longer. It helps slow the digestion of your food down. It helps with blood glucose. Fiber has also been shown to be one of the things that prevents all causes of mortality,” she says. “So make sure you are getting in enough fresh vegetables with most of your meals throughout the day.”

Minimize Fats

“Number four is to keep your fats to a low or moderate amount. The reason is not that fats are bad; there's nothing wrong with fats, but if you are eating a high-fat diet, of course, you've got no room in your calorie budget for much else,” she says, explaining that fats are “so calorie dense” with nine calories per every gram of fat, while a gram of protein or carbs only has 4. “For me personally, it makes sense to fill up on the proteins and the carbs. The carbs give our muscles energy, especially if you're doing some form of resistance training or exercise. Protein, as I've spoken about in number two, is vital for us, especially as we age.”

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Group of people drinking beer at brewery pub restaurant - Happy friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Closeup image of brew glasses - Food and beverage lifestyle conceptShutterstock

“Fat loss principle number five is very little to no alcohol. I cannot stress this enough. When I stopped drinking alcohol, the weight did come off, but obviously, I had to be in a caloric deficit anyway. But I found that drinking alcohol, even if it's just a few drinks on the weekends with friends, was sabotaging my weight loss goals because I made bad food choices,” she claims. This is because you end up eating unhealthy food and “not remembering what you ate. You are eating the wrong foods,” she says. It ends up negatively impacting your sleep and “depletes your electrolytes, it dehydrates you, it makes you feel like crap,” she says. “Then obviously, the older we get, the more it takes two to three days to recover, and your body is just prioritizing the elimination of that toxin. And yes, alcohol is a toxin. So, this is not a judgment. It's not telling you that you are bad if you have a few glasses of wine, but just remember that it could be sabotaging your weight loss goal.”

Incorporate Resistance Training

Principle number six is resistance training. “I would pick resistance training over cardio any day for fat loss because you're stimulating your muscles, you're telling your body you want to hold onto or even grow a bit of muscle tissue. And muscle does burn more calories at rest than your fat cells,” she says. “So muscle is very metabolically active. Your body is going to use calories to grow muscle tissue. It's going to burn more calories at rest. When you have more muscle tissue, you're going to look sexier, you're going to be stronger, you're going to feel like you are capable, and you wanna do more and move more throughout the day.”

RELATED:Top 10 Breakfast Foods to Burn Fat You Should Eat Every Day, According to a Top Bodybuilder

Track Your Food

Close up woman using meal tracker app on phone while eating salad at picnic table in the park on a break. Healthy balanced diet lunch box. Healthy diet plan for weight loss. Selective focusShutterstock

Number seven? “Track, track, track your food. And when I say track your food, weigh your food so that you can track it accurately,” she instructs. “I myself have been very resistant to doing this for many, many years. I would track a bit, then I would stop, and I would get fatigued, and I wouldn't be weighing my food. I would be just eyeballing it and guessing,” she says. “The only way to be accurate when you track your food is to weigh and measure it. So you are tracking 100 grams of that amount, whether it's cooked or raw. Make sure your track is saying cooked or raw, and then you know that what is coming into your mouth is that, and then you can sort of see your progress, your measurements, your weight, and then you can assess if that amount of calories that I'm actually eating having an effect on my weight loss? Or do I need to adjust? So the data and the knowledge, it is power.”

Stick to Whole Foods

She also recommends opting for “whole foods in their most natural form as far as possible.” While you can shy away from them on occasion, “for health and for general weight loss and just to feel good food choices do matter. So fresh whole foods are always going to be your better option,” she says. “For example, sweet potato, and potato with the skin on lots of vegetables, lots of low starch vegetables, starchy vegetables for your carbs, lean meats, fish, nuts and seeds,” she says. “In general, you want to choose foods that you would find in the most natural form for your overall health, and it will help you with your weight loss goals.”

RELATED:3 Appetite Suppressants That Are Better Than Ozempic, According to Expert

Cook Your Own Meals at Home

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“Number nine, you must cook your own meals at home because then you know exactly what has gone into the food that you're putting into your mouth,” she says. She uses the example of eating sushi. Even though you think it’s just white rice, it likely has sugar or oil added to it. “There is so much hidden in restaurant food that not to say you can never go out and have restaurant food, but if you do that too often, you could very likely be sabotaging your weight loss goals. So make your food at home, have your food prepared, have lots of healthy food on the go and on the ready so that you make good food choices and you will see your fat loss goals realized and achieved,” she says.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Principle number 10 is to approach weight loss with a “happy with a positive attitude,” she says. “You cannot go into a fat loss phase or go on a weight loss journey with this negative mindset of, ‘I can't have this. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm now going to be miserable. This is terrible. Poor me, I can't eat this food. I can't have that.’ Please, please, please go into it with a positive attitude because then you are much more likely to achieve your goal. You're much more likely to have fun along the way. You are much more likely to actually learn the skills that you need to learn in order to tackle this weight loss goal. And remember, this is a beautiful and fun journey that's going to result in better health outcomes. You're going to achieve your dream body, which is so exciting,” she continues. “Just imagine how good it's going to feel to shop for clothes that you've been longing to fit into and to shop for.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

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 letting your age be an excuse for not getting into shape? One 57-year-old expert who looks half her age has some recommendations to help you burn fat and achieve your best body. Christine Roderick is an “age positive” fitness trainer who helps “women over 40 transform their body, mind & spirits.” In a new social media post, she shows off her flat abs and reveals all her healthy daily habits that help her achieve her fantastic figure. “What I do for maximum fat burning at 57,” she writes. “Use this template for a week, 2 weeks or a month to get results,” she adds, sharing “what a typical day looks like” in her life.

Intermittent Fasting

Her first habit is intermittent fasting. “Fast 12-13 hours,” she recommends. Intermittent fasting prolongs “the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. 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.

Coffee

Christina drinks a “loaded” coffee latte at 7:00 a.m. She adds @cymbiotika nootropic creamer and one scoop of collagen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. 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.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

For breakfast, Christine consumes 30 to 49 grams of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. She might eat eggs, lean meat, avocado, and whole grain toast or have a protein shake with prebiotic powder. Lunch is her largest meal of the day, “lean protein, bit more complex crabs & veggies ( i.e. salmon, leafy green salad & brown rice )” she writes. At 3 she will have a snack, 20 grams of protein in the form of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus with veggies or seed cracker. Dinner might be lean meat, grilled veggies, and salad. “I tend to skip a lot of carbs at night but if I do do it it’s usually quinoa or a whole grain,” she says. For dessert, she will have “chocolate something!” she says. In total she aims for 120 grams of protein.

Stretching or Yoga

She also does stretch or yoga in the afternoon “to work on mobility & flexibility,” she says. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Walking

Christine gets her steps in. She explains that she is “trying to incorporate the 15-20 minute walk after dinner at a 50% so far lol but really want this in my life,” she writes. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Tea Before Bed

She also avoids eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, “just a habit I made myself get consistent with,” she says. “I drink tea or sugar free cacao if I need something.” Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

Morning supplements: @fatty15, @seed probiotics @joiwomenswellness NAD, glutathione, C & methylated vitamin B 12

Afternoon supplements: @modere_us collagen & Trim ( Cla) @cymbiotika D3K2 @udeawellness the hair pill & omega 3 supplement

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

Lastly, she prioritizes sleep. “In bed by 10 hopefully!!!!” she writes. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Abram Anderson
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 burn fat without counting calories or spending hours at the gym? Abram Anderson is a weight loss coach who regularly shares tips on how to burn fat fast. In a few new video post, he reveals simple hacks for burning fat that take very little effort. “Do you want to lose weight faster than what you're currently doing? But you do not want to count calories, you do not want to take supplements, and you don't want to have to use willpower?” he says, going on to reveal them.


Focus on Speeding Up Your Metabolism

To burn fat fast, you need to rev up your fat-burning system. “One of the tips that I give,” he says in the post, “is to try to speed up your metabolism. There's a few different ways to speed up your metabolism extremely easily.”

RELATED: 5 High-Protein Breakfasts Hollywood Trainer Magnus Lygdback Swears By

Do 30 Seconds of an Activity Right Before You Eat

The first suggestion he has? “You can do 30 seconds of an activity right before you eat. You'll be able to increase your insulin sensitivity right before you eat. You'll be able to eat the same number of calories and store less as fat that way, plus you have a higher metabolism,” he says.

Or, Add Spices to Your Food

“Or you can try to eat spicier food,” he says. “If you were just to add spices to your food, you can literally eat the same number of calories once again and actually burn more of them without having them stored as body fat,” he claims.

Two Tablespoons of Fermented Food Per Meal Helps Melt Body Fat

In another video, he reveals something you should add to every meal to melt body fat. “According to scientific research, two tablespoons of a fermented food with meals” is all you need “if you want to improve your microbiome and melt body fat drastically,” he says.

RELATED: Weight Loss Coach Lost 40 Pounds and Kept It Off for 14 Years With These 5 Changes

Kimchi Is the Best One to Eat

Korean,Traditional,Kimchi,On,A,Dark,Background.

“It's not just any fermented food. According to our data, it seems that kimchi seems to far outweigh the benefits for weight loss and microbiome health compared to anything else,” he continues. “So the yogurt just doesn't cut it. But if you could have kimchi in your diet, it can do absolute wonders.”

Disruption of Blood Sugar Leads to Overeating

“If you want to learn how to stop overeating so you can melt body fat easier, this is the advice that we give to our clients inside of our health and life coaching program. And it's helped them melt 20, 50, a hundred plus pounds of body fat without counting calories,” he continues. “This advice might work for you, too. By far, the biggest thing that is leading to overeating is a disruption in your blood sugar levels.”

Here Is the Secret to Prevent Binge Eating

Healthy,Food.,Selection,Of,Good,Carbohydrate,Sources,,High,Fiber,Rich

“What happens is you eat something that's high in carbohydrates and easy to digest, and you get a blood sugar spike. When you have a blood sugar spike, even if you're staying in normal ranges, your body will release insulin, which will cause a blood sugar spike down. That spike down causes you to feel uncontrollably hungry, where you feel like you can eat everything in sight,” he says. “The solution to this is to add in complex carbohydrates, water, and a food from nature inside of that meal, and that's how you prevent binge eating.”

And, Walking Is the Most Effective Workout for Losing Body Fat

“Walking has proven to be the most effective exercise for losing body fat, at least for my clients,” adding that “it doesn't actually require a whole lot of effort in order to see phenomenal results with it.” However, when you walk matters. “If you choose when you do your walk, you can actually maximize your results. So if you were to actually walk first thing in the morning or walk immediately after a workout for whatever reason, that seems to increase the amount of body fat you lose. And my theory is twofold,” he says.

Walking in the Morning Can Help Curb Cortisol Levels When They Are the Highest

“One, when you walk in the morning, you get sunshine, and your cortisol levels are the highest. You can actually curb that and better metabolize stress hormones because cortisol has been shown to be both anabolic to fat and catabolic muscle. So you can curb that if you walk in the morning,” he says.

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Walking Post Workout Can Utilize the Afterburn Effect

Young,Woman,Wearing,Sportswear,Is,Walking,On,A,Treadmill,At

The other best time to walk? “Two, if you were to walk after a workout, you actually utilize something called the afterburn effect,” he says. This is “where you burn additional calories even after your workout, and it's like extending it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose weight quickly and keep it off? It may come down to incorporating a few healthy habits into your lifestyle. Louise Corrans is a wellness influencer who regularly shares tips on how to stay in shape past age 40. In a recent viral video, she reveals easy ways to lose weight fast. “In today's video, we will cover ten fat loss principles that I swear by and that you need to follow if you want to lose fat at any age and at any stage. Yes, even over 40,” she says.


Maintain a Caloric Deficit

Principle number one: “You need to be in a calorie deficit to lose fat to lose weight,” says Corrans. “You have to be in a calorie deficit because that will allow your body to turn to its own fat stores for the energy that it needs that day. That is why a calorie deficit always works. It's not about whether you are having special foods or only certain magical foods for fat loss. There are no magical foods for fat loss. It is energy in, energy out,” she explains.

Prioritize Protein

Number two, protein first. “No, this principle is the most important when it comes to maintaining your muscle mass,” she says. “Protein first means that you just want to meet your protein needs for the day so that during your fat loss phase, you are not risking losing your muscle.” She adds that the older you get, protein becomes more important in order to prevent sarcopenia, “which means we are losing muscle mass, we are anabolic resistant, which means it's harder for us to grow muscle and protein with all those amino acids.” She recommends “around one gram of protein per pound of body weight, your ideal body weight, not your overweight body weight.”

Amp Up Fiber Intake

High Fiber Foods. Healthy balanced dieting concept. Top viewShutterstock

Number three is fiber. “Fiber is so important for gut health. It feeds our good gut bacteria. If you are getting enough fiber, you don't need prebiotics, and your gut health should be good. It helps with motility. It helps you to feel fuller for longer. It helps slow the digestion of your food down. It helps with blood glucose. Fiber has also been shown to be one of the things that prevents all causes of mortality,” she says. “So make sure you are getting in enough fresh vegetables with most of your meals throughout the day.”

Minimize Fats

“Number four is to keep your fats to a low or moderate amount. The reason is not that fats are bad; there's nothing wrong with fats, but if you are eating a high-fat diet, of course, you've got no room in your calorie budget for much else,” she says, explaining that fats are “so calorie dense” with nine calories per every gram of fat, while a gram of protein or carbs only has 4. “For me personally, it makes sense to fill up on the proteins and the carbs. The carbs give our muscles energy, especially if you're doing some form of resistance training or exercise. Protein, as I've spoken about in number two, is vital for us, especially as we age.”

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Group of people drinking beer at brewery pub restaurant - Happy friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Closeup image of brew glasses - Food and beverage lifestyle conceptShutterstock

“Fat loss principle number five is very little to no alcohol. I cannot stress this enough. When I stopped drinking alcohol, the weight did come off, but obviously, I had to be in a caloric deficit anyway. But I found that drinking alcohol, even if it's just a few drinks on the weekends with friends, was sabotaging my weight loss goals because I made bad food choices,” she claims. This is because you end up eating unhealthy food and “not remembering what you ate. You are eating the wrong foods,” she says. It ends up negatively impacting your sleep and “depletes your electrolytes, it dehydrates you, it makes you feel like crap,” she says. “Then obviously, the older we get, the more it takes two to three days to recover, and your body is just prioritizing the elimination of that toxin. And yes, alcohol is a toxin. So, this is not a judgment. It's not telling you that you are bad if you have a few glasses of wine, but just remember that it could be sabotaging your weight loss goal.”

Incorporate Resistance Training

Principle number six is resistance training. “I would pick resistance training over cardio any day for fat loss because you're stimulating your muscles, you're telling your body you want to hold onto or even grow a bit of muscle tissue. And muscle does burn more calories at rest than your fat cells,” she says. “So muscle is very metabolically active. Your body is going to use calories to grow muscle tissue. It's going to burn more calories at rest. When you have more muscle tissue, you're going to look sexier, you're going to be stronger, you're going to feel like you are capable, and you wanna do more and move more throughout the day.”

RELATED:Top 10 Breakfast Foods to Burn Fat You Should Eat Every Day, According to a Top Bodybuilder

Track Your Food

Close up woman using meal tracker app on phone while eating salad at picnic table in the park on a break. Healthy balanced diet lunch box. Healthy diet plan for weight loss. Selective focusShutterstock

Number seven? “Track, track, track your food. And when I say track your food, weigh your food so that you can track it accurately,” she instructs. “I myself have been very resistant to doing this for many, many years. I would track a bit, then I would stop, and I would get fatigued, and I wouldn't be weighing my food. I would be just eyeballing it and guessing,” she says. “The only way to be accurate when you track your food is to weigh and measure it. So you are tracking 100 grams of that amount, whether it's cooked or raw. Make sure your track is saying cooked or raw, and then you know that what is coming into your mouth is that, and then you can sort of see your progress, your measurements, your weight, and then you can assess if that amount of calories that I'm actually eating having an effect on my weight loss? Or do I need to adjust? So the data and the knowledge, it is power.”

Stick to Whole Foods

She also recommends opting for “whole foods in their most natural form as far as possible.” While you can shy away from them on occasion, “for health and for general weight loss and just to feel good food choices do matter. So fresh whole foods are always going to be your better option,” she says. “For example, sweet potato, and potato with the skin on lots of vegetables, lots of low starch vegetables, starchy vegetables for your carbs, lean meats, fish, nuts and seeds,” she says. “In general, you want to choose foods that you would find in the most natural form for your overall health, and it will help you with your weight loss goals.”

RELATED:3 Appetite Suppressants That Are Better Than Ozempic, According to Expert

Cook Your Own Meals at Home

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“Number nine, you must cook your own meals at home because then you know exactly what has gone into the food that you're putting into your mouth,” she says. She uses the example of eating sushi. Even though you think it’s just white rice, it likely has sugar or oil added to it. “There is so much hidden in restaurant food that not to say you can never go out and have restaurant food, but if you do that too often, you could very likely be sabotaging your weight loss goals. So make your food at home, have your food prepared, have lots of healthy food on the go and on the ready so that you make good food choices and you will see your fat loss goals realized and achieved,” she says.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Principle number 10 is to approach weight loss with a “happy with a positive attitude,” she says. “You cannot go into a fat loss phase or go on a weight loss journey with this negative mindset of, ‘I can't have this. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm now going to be miserable. This is terrible. Poor me, I can't eat this food. I can't have that.’ Please, please, please go into it with a positive attitude because then you are much more likely to achieve your goal. You're much more likely to have fun along the way. You are much more likely to actually learn the skills that you need to learn in order to tackle this weight loss goal. And remember, this is a beautiful and fun journey that's going to result in better health outcomes. You're going to achieve your dream body, which is so exciting,” she continues. “Just imagine how good it's going to feel to shop for clothes that you've been longing to fit into and to shop for.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Portrait of cheerful senior lady wear trendy clothes arm touch cheeks enjoy quality product nice effect isolated on blue color background
Shutterstock

Many women approaching or experiencing menopause face the challenge of sudden weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Understanding why this happens is key to tackling the issue. Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP, a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist, Certified Menopause Practitioner, and Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, shares in her popular video that as estrogen levels fluctuate, fat distribution shifts from the hips and thighs to the abdomen. This hormonal change makes it harder to maintain a flat belly. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage menopausal belly fat. From focusing on protein and fiber intake to incorporating aerobic exercise and intermittent fasting, Dr. Haver’s expert tips offer a sustainable way to improve health and body composition during this life stage.


Here’s What Is Happening to You

fit sporty woman sitting crossed legged in the sun holding a glass bottle of water, heatwave concept.Shutterstock

Before we jump into solutions, it's important to understand why weight gain occurs during menopause. Dr. Haver explains in her video, "As estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and drop in perimenopause, we experience a rise of active testosterone and other androgens, and the fat distribution begins to shift from the hips and thighs to the abdomen."

Dr. Kathleen Jordan, MD, adds, "Many of the hormone changes you experience as part of menopause are actually significant contributors to weight struggles. Hormone replacement therapy, if it's the right course of treatment for you, has the potential to set you up for success by improving symptoms that make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it."

Measure Your Health Beyond the Scale

Young woman touching her belly looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

Dr. Haver emphasizes the importance of looking beyond just your weight: "Your waist-hip ratio and abdominal circumference are much more accurate indicators of health than your weight or BMI." To calculate your waist-hip ratio, measure the smallest part of your waist and the widest part of your hips, then divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. For women, a ratio of less than 0.85 is considered healthy. You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

Tip 1: Eat More Proteins

Animal protein sources- meat, fish, cheese and milk.Shutterstock

"Women, we are not getting enough protein in our diets routinely in the standard American diet," Dr. Haver states in her video. She recommends consuming 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of lean body mass daily. This typically translates to about 70-75 grams of protein for the average woman. Dr. Haver advises, "It is important for leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that control your hunger and your satiety, that you receive protein throughout the day."

RELATED:I Lost 180 Pounds in 14 Months and These Are My 5 Non-Negotiables That Changed My Life

Tip 2: Focus on Fiber

Vegan health food concept for high fibre diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes, herbs. Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins. Immune system boosting. Flat lay.Shutterstock

Dr. Haver in her video stresses the importance of fiber: "Fiber, fiber, fiber. Americans are not getting half of the fiber that they need." She explains that soluble fiber, in particular, is crucial as it acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in our gut. "Studies show that people who consume more soluble fiber have a lower chance of belly fat," she adds.

Tip 3: Add Probiotics

a set of fermented food great for gut health - top view of glass bowls against grunge wood: cucumber pickles, coconut milk yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, red beets, apple cider vinegarShutterstock

"Studies have shown that probiotic supplementation actually can reduce belly fat," Dr. Haver reveals in her video. She cites a study where "women who took the probiotic supplement lost 50% more weight than women who took a placebo." While fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso are excellent sources of probiotics, Dr. Haver suggests considering a supplement if you don't consume these regularly.

RELATED:10 Anti-Aging Foods for Younger-Looking Skin You Should Eat Every Day

Tip 4: Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting, health care asian young woman dietary, having stomach ache, temptation hungry of breakfast food in morning on table at home, looking at watch on her wrist but not yet time to eatShutterstock

Dr. Haver in her video is a proponent of intermittent fasting, particularly a 16:8 schedule (16 hours of fasting followed by an 8-hour eating window). However, she cautions, "Intermittent fasting is not a technique that you use to wake up overnight, and you do. No, I teach our students to ease into it over five to six weeks."

Tip 5: Do Aerobic Exercise (Regularly)

Positive mature woman doing aerobics exercises with group of people in dance centerShutterstock

"Regular aerobic activity in that max fat-burning zone" is crucial, according to Dr. Haver in her video. She recommends finding your target heart rate zone by using the formula: 220 minus your age, then aiming for 60-70% of that number. For example, Dr. Haver's fat-burning zone is between 102-120 beats per minute.

Dr. Jordan adds, "Aerobic exercise and strength training are important throughout life, especially during menopause, thanks to their cardiovascular benefits. From brisk walking to running to cycling, any activity that gets your heart rate up counts."

RELATED:7 Realistic Tricks to Lose Arm Fat That Fitness Coach Swears By

Yes, You Can Beat Menopausal Belly Fat

Both Dr. Haver and Dr. Jordan emphasize that beating menopausal belly fat requires a comprehensive approach. Dr. Jordan says, “To lose weight and keep it off, you need to focus on different aspects of your health. Diet and exercise are important, but so are hormones, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.”

Dr. Haver, in her video, adds, “When I talk to my patients, especially those going through menopause, I remind them that this isn’t about quick weight loss. It’s about staying strong and healthy as you age. It’s about being able to take care of yourself and feeling good in your own skin.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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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 over 50 and can’t seem to get started on your weight loss plan? Dr. Becky Gillaspy works full-time, helping people reach their health and weight loss goals through her website and two YouTube channels: Dr Becky Fitness and 2 Fit Docs. In a new viral video, she offers some simple advice on how to jump-start weight and fat loss in your 50s. “If you are over the age of 50, the chances are good that you have followed diet or exercise routines designed to help you lose weight. Some of those efforts may have been successful, so it would make sense to repeat what worked in the past. However, what if you can't find the motivation to get started or what worked in the past is not working now?” she asks. “In this video, I'll share four things you can do today to get your eating, moving, and thinking on track so you can jumpstart your weight loss.”


Your Muscle Mass Is Declining and Hormonal Changes Are Taking Place

“When we get into our fifties, there are natural changes that impact how our bodies handle weight loss. For instance, it is normal for muscle mass to decline with age, decreasing the number of calories we burn through our basal metabolism. There are also hormonal changes that take place. Our cells naturally become less sensitive to insulin as we age, making it easier to gain weight, and menopause can influence how fat is distributed in a woman's body,” she explains in her post.

Making Small Changes Can Jump Start Weight Loss

“While these factors don't stop our ability to lose weight, they can slow progress and feel frustrating, making it hard to muster up the motivation to get started. The good news is that small changes in the way you move, eat, and think can quickly shift your perspective and get you headed in the right direction,” she says.

1. Add Short Bursts of Intensity to Your Walks

She starts with exercise. “Walking at a steady pace has many benefits, and when we set out to improve physically, it is a comfortable place to start. However, if you are looking at walking as a way to jumpstart your weight loss, you'll get the most significant benefit by adding short bursts of intensity,” she says. “For example, have a stopwatch with you. The next time you go for a 15-minute walk, start at a comfortable pace for two minutes, then walk fast or jog for the third minute, and then repeat that at lower to higher intensity until 15 minutes have passed. While the short bursts of higher activity will slightly increase the calories that your body burns, the true benefit that you'll get is how it makes you feel. You'll be surprised at how the boost in your heart rate and breathing rate boost your motivation and mood,” she says.

RELATED:Nutrition Coach Reveals 8 "Healthy" Foods That Are Secretly Making You Gain Weight

You Can Also Do This with Bike Riding, Swimming, or Strength Training

Not a walker? “This same concept can be applied to other exercises as well, including bike riding, swimming, or using exercise equipment at the gym. But regardless of the activity, by changing up your speed and intensity, you will be left with a sense that you want to do more, and that is what jump-starting progress is all about,” she says.

2. Reduce Your Carb Intake

Because cells become less sensitive to insulin as we age, “resistance causes insulin levels in the blood to increase, which can slow or block fat loss to work around this issue,” she says. “You want to eat in a way that naturally keeps insulin levels low. That is accomplished by reducing your carbohydrate intake, especially refined carbs because those are the foods that spike insulin.” For example, you can swap out high-carb breakfast foods like cereal or muffins for an omelet, which is a low-carb option. “At lunch, you can trade in a sandwich for a salad. At dinner, you can skip the pasta and have meat, chicken, or fish, all of which are low in carbs,” she recommends.

RELATED:Coach Finally Got Fit at 49 by Fixing These 10 Weight Loss Mistakes

3. Try Intermittent Fasting

“You can get an even bigger jumpstart to your weight loss by shifting your eating from an all-day grazer pattern to a time-restricted eating pattern,” she recommends. “While we may not think of ourselves in this way, studies have shown that many of us are all-day grazers consuming unhealthy foods with very few breaks from sunup to sundown, and the continual blood sugar and insulin spikes that result from this way of eating, encourage weight gain by practicing time-restricted eating, which is a form of intermittent fasting. We give our bodies a break, allowing insulin levels to lower between meals.”

Consume Most of Your Calories Earlier in the Day

While restricting the number of hours in a day that you consume calories is an effective weight loss accelerator for any age, she recommends those over 50 “looking for an additional edge” to practice early time-restricted eating. “With this method, you consume all of your calories early in the day and then fast until bedtime. For example, you can start eating at 8:00 AM and finish eating at 4:00 PM. Studies have found that allowing more time between your last meal and bedtime improves insulin sensitivity, which is something that we are looking to improve as we age. It will also ensure that you are getting to bed with a lower insulin level, improving fat loss as you sleep. Now, so far, we've gone over unique challenges that we face when we aim to lose weight after 50,” she says.

4. Shift Your Thinking

There is also a “mental component” to losing weight in your 50s. “When you first move from an unstructured eating pattern to one that is lower in refined carbs and restricted to set hours of the day, it's common to experience cravings. The good news is that with time, the healthy habits that we've discussed in this video will steady your blood sugar, reducing cravings naturally. However, this leveling out of blood sugar will not happen overnight until it does. You need to accept that things will not always go smoothly. That acceptance is easier said than done. It is frustrating when you want to reach a goal, but you feel like your body is fighting against you. It feels this way because your body likes routines and will strive to function on whatever we give it,” she says. “It's always doing the best it can with the resources it has available. When you consciously change the way you move and feed your body, your body will initially resist the change, even if it is a shift to better health, and your body will come around. But until that happens, you can expect some moments of imperfection.”

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

If Things Don’t Go As Planned, “Forgive and Forget”

“If you have an unplanned splurge, the best approach is to forgive and forget. You know, it's tempting to say, ‘I blew it today. I'll start fresh tomorrow.’ But that type of thinking will keep you stuck. Goals are not achieved through a series of perfect steps. In fact, failure is often the best teacher. So, if a craving gets the best of you, get right back on track with your next meal, not the next day. By doing so, you make less work for yourself in the future and help your body establish the new healthy routine that you want,” she says.

Get Started!

“Much of jump-starting weight loss after 50 has to do with getting ourselves to the start line. By adding short bursts of intensity to an enjoyable activity like walking, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that boosts your motivation to do more. You can then start working with your body by tweaking your eating, reducing your overall carb intake, and shifting your eating to earlier in the day to improve insulin sensitivity. Taking the breaks off of fat loss to stay in the game,” she says. “Remind yourself that perfection is the goal but rarely the reality. When you have a misstep, forgive and forget by getting right back on track with your next meal.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Laura Denys laura.fitwoman
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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, doing everything you think you should be, but the number on the scale won’t budge? According to an expert, it’s possible that you are doing the wrong things and don’t even know it. Laura Denys is a fitness and nutrition coach with over 1.3 million Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she discusses her weight loss journey and admits that she couldn’t lose weight until she changed her approach to diet and fitness. Here are the 5 things she stopped doing to lose 44 pounds.


Stop Following Diets

The cabbage soup diet, keto, cleanses or other trendy diets may seem like a quick fix for weight loss. However, if you are seriously restricting yourself and going on crash diets to lose weight, you could be getting in your own way, according to Laura. “Stop following diets,” she says. “Go to get out of that ‘all or nothing’ mindset.”

Stop Skipping Meals

It can be tempting to miss a meal to cut calories from your day, but Laura doesn’t recommend it because oftentimes, it will lead to you eating more later in the day. “Stop skipping meals, used to think going all day without eating was gonna help me get results but it only caused me to binge eat at midnight,” she says.

Stop Overdoing It with Exercise

Also, don’t go too hard with exercise. “Stop exhausting yourself and learn to rest. I used to do hours on the stair master now I only walk/run for my cardio,” she says.

Stop Restricting Yourself

And, you don’t have to go to extremes with your diet. “Stop restricting yourself and had to learn portion control,” she says. You can even enjoy sweet treats. “I learned to enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

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

Stop Setting Weight Loss Goals

And her final tip might come as a surprise. “Stop having goals,” she says. “Think that you could lose 2-5lbs a week consistently and would put so much pressure on myself. But as a female your weight changes daily so some weeks l’d lose 2lbs and than gain a lb the next week.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Julie Clouse
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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 over 40 and struggling to lose weight? Julie Clouse is a social media influencer and fitness and macros expert who tries to “inspire others to be the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post she reveals a few of the habits all the fittest women she knows share. “Not to be dramatic but…There is no secret. The fittest women I know in their 40s have these 6 things in common. They ALL DO THIS!!!” she writes.

Strength Training

The first habit they share? “They prioritize strength training,” she says. “Fittest women in their 40s consistently lift heavy weights, focusing on progressive overload to build muscle and maintain strength.”

Healthy Diet

The next thing they have in common is a healthy diet. “They eat for their goals,” she explains. “They track their macros, prioritize protein (about 1g per pound of body weight), and fuel their bodies with balanced nutrition instead of following fad diets.”

Daily Activity

Another thing they do? “They stay active daily,” she says. “They prioritize NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) by walking, staying active, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, aiming for at least 8-10k steps a day.”

Stress Management

They also understand the importance of mental health and self-care. “They manage stress and recovery,” she writes. “They take rest days, prioritize sleep, and understand that recovery is just as important as workouts. Many practice mindfulness or stress management techniques.”

Patience and Discipline

The fifth habit they share? “They embrace patience and discipline,” she says. “They know results take time and stay disciplined even when progress feels slow.”

Consistency

And what is the most significant piece that ties this all together? “They are CONSISTENT,” she says. “No matter how busy life gets, they show up for themselves day after day. They don’t rely on motivation; they rely on habits they’ve built over time.”

Bonus Tips: Just Start

She also offers some bonus tips. “Just start,” she suggests. “Instead of getting overwhelmed about 6 things you feel like you need to change. Pick 1 start there.”

Don’t Focus on Perfection

“You do NOT have to be perfect. If you’ve been here long enough, I share how to incorporate a sustainable life style with your busy lives and families,” she adds.

Stay the Trail

Next, just keep going. “Yes, it will be hard at first. Yes, there will be days you’re wondering if you’re making progress. Stay the trail. This is for the long term. This is for longevity with your kids and spouses. This is for YOU!” she says.

Take One Hour for Yourself

She also stresses the importance of taking care of yourself and not feeling guilty for it. “Self care is not selfish. You deserve 1 hour to yourself,” she says.

Focus on Losing One Pound a Week

Finally, aim for one pound a week and celebrate it. “Losing 1lb a week is a BIG DEAL!! Imagine if you gained a lb a week. Give yourself grace. The slow way is the fast way for the long term,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Brittney Blanco
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Do you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to lose weight? According to an expert, you can still indulge in dessert while burning fat. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new Instagram post, she reveals some delicious go-to desserts to help you lose weight. “6 High-Protein Desserts That Taste Like Cheat Meals 😍 (But Aren’t!)” she titled it. She adds in the video that they have “hardly any calories.”

They Are Low-Calorie, High Protein, with “Amazing” Macros

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According to Blanco, just because a food is sweet doesn’t mean it is bad for you. “Craving something sweet but want to stay on track? 🍪💪 Here are 6 guilt-free, high-protein desserts with almost zero calories (okay, super low-cal 😉) and amazing macros,” she writes. “🎯 High protein, low calorie, and completely satisfying! Which one are you making first?”

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake

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Her first dessert? Protein Mug Cake. It has 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 5g of fat per serving. “Mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and almond milk. Microwave for 1 min—instant dessert magic!” she says.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.

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Her second go-to dessert is a Greek Yogurt Parfait with 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Layer nonfat Greek yogurt, stevia, and sugar-free syrup with berries. So simple, so good,” she says.

Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

If you love ice cream, try Blanco’s Protein Ice Cream, which is simple to make and has just 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and zero fat. “Blend protein powder, almond milk, ice, and xanthan gum. Freeze for 1 hour = creamy heaven,” she writes.

Chocolate Protein Pudding

top view of chocolate protein pudding. Eating a healthy sweet dessert

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Chocolate Protein Pudding is her fourth dessert with 90 calories, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and one gram of fat. “Mix casein protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond milk. Chill, top with sugar-free whipped cream,” she says.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

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Peanut butter fans will love Brittney’s Peanut Butter Protein Balls. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and six fat grams. “Mix protein powder, powdered peanut butter, almond milk, and stevia into balls. Perfect grab-and-go snack!” she says.

Protein Brownie Batter

Are you constantly licking out the brownie batter bowl? Try Brittney’s Protein Brownie Batter with 80 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Mix whey protein, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of water for a fudgy treat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.