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Alexia Clark in Sports Bra Shares Body Weight Exercise Alternatives

Here is everything you need to know about the exercises – and her other diet and fitness habits.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 03, 2024
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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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
alexia_clark8
alexia_clark/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 03, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fitness & Workouts

Alexia Clark is showing off some pretty impressive exercise moves. In a new social media post, the fitness trainer and influencer, who boasts over 2.4 million Instagram followers, flaunts her amazing figure and advanced athletic ability demonstrating some pretty advanced moves. “What do you think of these three body weight exercises?!” she asks her followers. “You’re on a whole other level of amazingness,” one of them commented. “Yeah this is super crazy,” added another. She also offered alternatives for beginners and intermediate levels. Here is everything you need to know about the workout.

First Exercise: Push Up Kick Up

alexia_clark6alexia_clark/Instagram

First she does a “push up kick up,” a complicated move. “This one was a lot harder than I thought it would be!” she writes about it. “In my personal opinion a great intermediate alternative for this would be using a TRX. Perform a push up and try to focus on having most of your weight in your hands. Try to keep your feet light. A great beginner alternative would be a hands elevated push up with a knee tuck at the top.”

RELATED:Emily Skye Shows Off Her Sculpted Curves and Reveals Her "Insecurities"

Push Up Pistol Squat

alexia_clark7alexia_clark/Instagram

The second exercise: Push up pistol squat. “A great intermediate alternative would be to use blocks or parallel bars for your hands perform a push up and the hop forward for a pistol squat or standard squat,” she writes. “A great beginner alternative would be a hands elevated burpee.”

Break Dancer

alexia_clark5alexia_clark/Instagram

The last exercise? Break dancer, “one of my all time faves,” she reveals. “An intermediate alternative would be to start in a crawl position and kick through at a slower pace. Try one side first to feel the movement. For my beginners mountain climbers are great! Even hands elevated focusing on directing your knee to the opposite elbow.”

She Eats Clean

Alexia_Clark1alexia_clark/Instagram

Alexia doesn’t follow any diet plans. “I just try to make sure I eat clean. I don't buy snack foods or junk food. I know that if I have those things around, I'm going to eat all of it, at once,” she told

Meal Prep on Fleek. How does she define "eating clean"? “I eat vegetables at every meal, no red meat (doesn't agree w/stomach), and try not to eat anything processed,” she said.

RELATED: I Lost 80 Pounds By Walking Every Day for 3 Months and Here Is How You Can Achieve the Same Results

Hiking

Hiking in the mountains. Female legs with sports shoes and backpack running on a trail mountain, close upShutterstock

If she’s not at the gym, you will find Alexia burning calories outdoors. She told Meal Prep on Fleek that “hiking with my dogs,” is her other favorite workout. Her least? “Not a huge fan of spinning,” she said.

💪🔥Body Booster: Before trying any new exercise – especially one that looks a little complicated – you might want to talk to a fitness expert. Attempting an exercise your body isn’t ready for, especially if you are just getting started out, could result in injury.

workout routineswalking

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Fitness & Workouts

Alexia Clark in Sports Bra Shares Body Weight Exercise Alternatives

alexia_clark8
alexia_clark/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 03, 2024
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:
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.

Alexia Clark is showing off some pretty impressive exercise moves. In a new social media post, the fitness trainer and influencer, who boasts over 2.4 million Instagram followers, flaunts her amazing figure and advanced athletic ability demonstrating some pretty advanced moves. “What do you think of these three body weight exercises?!” she asks her followers. “You’re on a whole other level of amazingness,” one of them commented. “Yeah this is super crazy,” added another. She also offered alternatives for beginners and intermediate levels. Here is everything you need to know about the workout.

First Exercise: Push Up Kick Up

alexia_clark6alexia_clark/Instagram

First she does a “push up kick up,” a complicated move. “This one was a lot harder than I thought it would be!” she writes about it. “In my personal opinion a great intermediate alternative for this would be using a TRX. Perform a push up and try to focus on having most of your weight in your hands. Try to keep your feet light. A great beginner alternative would be a hands elevated push up with a knee tuck at the top.”

RELATED:Emily Skye Shows Off Her Sculpted Curves and Reveals Her "Insecurities"

Push Up Pistol Squat

alexia_clark7alexia_clark/Instagram

The second exercise: Push up pistol squat. “A great intermediate alternative would be to use blocks or parallel bars for your hands perform a push up and the hop forward for a pistol squat or standard squat,” she writes. “A great beginner alternative would be a hands elevated burpee.”

Break Dancer

alexia_clark5alexia_clark/Instagram

The last exercise? Break dancer, “one of my all time faves,” she reveals. “An intermediate alternative would be to start in a crawl position and kick through at a slower pace. Try one side first to feel the movement. For my beginners mountain climbers are great! Even hands elevated focusing on directing your knee to the opposite elbow.”

She Eats Clean

Alexia_Clark1alexia_clark/Instagram

Alexia doesn’t follow any diet plans. “I just try to make sure I eat clean. I don't buy snack foods or junk food. I know that if I have those things around, I'm going to eat all of it, at once,” she told

Meal Prep on Fleek. How does she define "eating clean"? “I eat vegetables at every meal, no red meat (doesn't agree w/stomach), and try not to eat anything processed,” she said.

RELATED: I Lost 80 Pounds By Walking Every Day for 3 Months and Here Is How You Can Achieve the Same Results

Hiking

Hiking in the mountains. Female legs with sports shoes and backpack running on a trail mountain, close upShutterstock

If she’s not at the gym, you will find Alexia burning calories outdoors. She told Meal Prep on Fleek that “hiking with my dogs,” is her other favorite workout. Her least? “Not a huge fan of spinning,” she said.

💪🔥Body Booster: Before trying any new exercise – especially one that looks a little complicated – you might want to talk to a fitness expert. Attempting an exercise your body isn’t ready for, especially if you are just getting started out, could result in injury.

Fitness & Workouts

Alex Rice in Cropped Workout Top Reveals Upper Body Workout

Alex_rice2
alexricee/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 28, 2024
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:
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.

Alex Rice is on fire in her latest workout video. In a new social media post the certified personal trainer and fitness influencer, who boasts over 1.1 million Instagram followers, shows off her enviable figure – including her rock hard abs – in a sports bra and leggings while executing an upper body workout. “You go girl! Hit those spicy spots. Keep rocking it! 🔥” commented Alexia Clark. “Those chest press dumbbells are as big as you are!! 😍” added Olivia Ostrom. Here is everything you need to know about her routine and all of her other health and fitness habits.

She Warms Up

“Let’s warm up for leg day 🔥 your body will thank you!!” she captioned a post. “Most people know they should warm up, but don’t always know where to begin! I got youuu 🫡 you don’t have to do this exact routine, but I’m hoping it will give you some ideas for your warm up. She explained that her “warm up is usually circuit style” and that she does 2 to 3 rounds “about 10 reps each side.”

Related: I’m a Dietitian and I Lost 100 Pounds With These Delicious Foods

She Eats Overnight Oats

Alex recently shared her recipe for peanut butter and jelly overnight oats.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Old fashioned Oats
  • 1/2 Milk of choice (I start with a 1/2 cup and add more if/when needed)
  • 1 scoop @youcanbeam vanilla soft serve protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon PB
  • 1 tablespoon your choice of jelly
  • Topping: chopped strawberries

Directions:

  • Add milk, chia seeds, honey and stir to combine
  • Stir in your protein powder and oats
  • Add your PB& J and swirl it in (don’t mix it in completely- the goal is to have swirls of pb&j throughout)
  • Store in fridge in an air right container overnight or at least 3 hours
  • Add your toppings when you’re ready to eat 🍓

She Isn’t Afraid of “Putting on too Much Muscle”

Alex is not afraid of “putting on too much muscle” by lifting weights. “Workout however you want to, I stand by that!!! But to answer your question, no I’m not worried about putting on too much muscle, thank you! Plus, I wish putting on muscle was that easy,” she says in a post.

She Started Her Journey with “Cardio and Abs”

Alex recommends starting small before working your way up to heavy weights. “I feel my strongest when I’m lowering my barbell to the ground or holding 45lb plates in each hand 😅but I did start at the gym doing cardio and abs. Eventually made my way to lifting and never looked back!!” she captioned a post.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

She Doesn’t Rush Through Her Workouts

Alex recommends taking your time when working out. “Take your workouts to the next level 😮‍💨 It’s easy to rush through a workout, but keep things controlled! Don’t let yourself go on autopilot when you’re lifting. Focus on that mind to muscle connection!” she wrote in a post, adding that you should not give up and instead, “push for that extra 1 or 2 reps,” and “do the exercises that are hard for you. It’s ok to fail, but how will you progress if you don’t keep trying!” she says.

Related: #1 Trick to Feel Full, Energized and Satisfied While Eating Food You Love, According to Nutritionist

Here Is Her Upper Body Workout

In her recent post, Alex shares an upper body workout. “We’re focusing on boulder shoulders, chest, and triceps! You can do this one at the gym or at home, let’s gooooo,” she writes in the caption.

FULL WORKOUT:

  • 1a. Push Ups 4 sets | 10-12 reps *last set to failure*
  • 2a. DB Seated Shoulder Press 3 sets | 6-8 reps
  • 3a. Alt. Chest Press 3 sets | 8-10 (each) reps
  • 4a. OH single arm Tricep Extensions 3 sets | 10-12 reps

FINISHER:

  • 5a. Plate Twists 3 sets | 30 sec
  • 5b. ISO Hold Shoulder Press 3 sets | 30 sec

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t race through your workouts. Going slow and focusing on form can be just as effective – if not more – than going at a faster pace.

Fitness & Workouts

Whitney Simmons Poses in Sports Bra and Shares Her Barbell Squat Routine

Whitney_Simmons
whitneyysimmons/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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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.

Whitney Simmons is looking pretty fit in pink at the gym. In a new social media post, the personal trainer and fitness influencer flaunts her fantastic figure in a pink sports bra and sweats while showing off her strength by doing barbell squats. “I hate to admit it, but… I did have fun,” she says in the caption, revealing in the video that she hasn’t done the exercise in years. Here is how she approaches the glute-busting move – and a few other of the top diet and fitness habits responsible for her amazing body.

Barbell Squats

“I can’t remember the last time I did a barbell squat,” she says in the clip, starting without any weight at all and then adding 25-pound weights to each side of the bar. She then proceeded to do another set, squatting lower than before. For the third set, she added an extra five pounds per side

Here Is Her Go-to Glute Workout

Whitney_Simmonswhitneyysimmons/Instagram

In another Instagram video, Whitney shared her go-to glute workout:

1️⃣ 4x8 barbell RDL

2️⃣ 3x10 KAS glute bridge

3️⃣ 3x8 Bulgarian split squat

4️⃣ 3x10 glute dom back extension

Weight Training

Whitney_Simmons2whitneyysimmons/Instagram

Weight training is Whitney’s “go-to” form of fitness. “I feel so strong and powerful [when I do it!],” she told Life & Style. Before finding weights and transforming her body she did mostly cardio to stay as “skinny and small as possible.” But once she “discovered” weight training, “that’s when my entire transformation began, not only for my mental health but obviously my physical as well. My life has changed so much. I just want to be strong! Like nothing makes me feel more empowered than taking an hour to myself every day in the gym, chucking weights around, and taking that time for myself. You leave the gym on this rush, you just feel so good after a session like that!” she said.

RELATED: Jen Selter Reveals Her Sculpted Abs and Shares Chocolate Banana Smoothie Secret

Session Planning

Whitney_Simmons7whitneyysimmons/Instagram

Just like some people meal plan, Whitney plans her weightlifting sessions ahead of time. “Always go into the gym with a plan,” she suggested. “There are so many free workouts online. I provide a new workout every single day, and there are so many women pushing so many amazing workouts online. Go into the gym with a plan, and start with something that’s dumbbell only.”

90% Healthy Diet

Whitney_Simmons4whitneyysimmons/Instagram

Whitney eats healthy most of the time. “I’m all about living a healthy lifestyle, so I believe if you eat 90% healthy in the day, it’s okay to have a chocolate chip cookie at the end of the day,” she told the publication. “You’ve got to have that balance. Otherwise, you’re just going to go crazy. Mental health is what started my entire fitness journey, and if I ate just protein shakes all day every day, I would lose my mind. It’s all about balance. It’s okay to treat yourself — you have to!” says Whitney.

💪🔥Body Booster: When trying a new exercise, first attempt with no weights, then gradually add weights or resistance to make it harder. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Fitness & Workouts

Grace Albin Shows Just Shared This Ultimate Glute Workout

Grace_Albin_fitstylegrace6
Grace Albin/YouTube
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 30, 2024
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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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Grace Albin is sharing the workout responsible for her glutes. In a new workout video the fitness pro shows off her amazing body in a mint green workout look while demonstrating a simple but effective routine consisting of various glute bridges. The Body Network has the details on Grace’s glute workout and all the other lifestyle habits responsible for her toned physique.

Glute Bridge Workout

“Do each one 10 reps, squeeeze at the top. How many rounds did you complete? (Remember, one round is better than none!) #glutebridges,” she captioned the video, going onto demonstrate 10 glute bridge variations, including the OG, a single leg bridge, twist unders, tippy toes, heels, hold at the top, pulse at the top, froggers, legs extended, and knees crossed.

Related: I Lost 100 Pounds by Fasting and You Can Too

Pilates + Strength Training

Grace’s workout method is “a fusion of Pilates technique with traditional fitness,” she explains to Naluda. “So we use dumbbells and resistance bands and do squats and curls. But always with the underlying philosophy of posture strength, elegant movement, and muscle lengthening.”

Try Different Exercises Until You Find One You Love

What is Grace’s number one fitness tip? “Try a lot of different formats and you’ll find the one you love enough to stay motivated and keep going,” she told Naluda. “It might be something social and structured (and free) — like a running community training for a 10k that has each weekly jog planned out to the exact mile and meets at the same time every week. Or something flexible like joining a fancy studio that offers different modalities and allows you to toggle between yoga and boot camp. Keep experimenting and you’ll hit upon the fitness routine that matches your vibe and gets you coming back.”

Her Favorite Healthy and Cheat Foods

Edamame,boiled green soybeans with saltShutterstock

Edamame is Grace’s go-to healthy food. “There are several bags of frozen edamame in my freezer at all times. It’s incredibly high in both protein and fiber. It’s quick and easy to fry or bake with a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also change the taste of it with any type of marinade or seasoning mix, so it never gets old,” she told Naluda. And her favorite cheat meal? “Deep-fried anything,” she said.

Related: 7 Rules to Losing a Lot of Weight Quickly

Walking

Fit woman walking in park during autumn timeShutterstock

Albin’s favorite form of cardio? Walking. The Mayo Clinic explains that regular brisk walking is a great exercise for helping you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat, prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve muscle endurance, increase energy levels, improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep, improve your balance and coordination, strengthen immune system, and reduce stress and tension.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try different fitness activities until you find one that you enjoy and keeps you motivated.

Fitness & Workouts

Charlotte Lamb in Two-Piece Workout Gear Reveals Her Secret for Building Lean Muscle

Charlotte Lamb lottiealicelamb
Copyright lottiealicelamb/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 28, 2024
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:
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.

Charlotte Lamb is showing off her six-pack – in her two-piece workout gear. In a new social media post, the fitness trainer and influencer flaunts her flat abs in an exercise set while revealing the number one secret to building lean muscle. “POV: I want to build my abs, be strong & fast,” she writes across the Instagram video. What is her secret and some of her other best advice for burning fat and building muscle? Here is everything you need to know about her approach to diet and exercise.

Focus on Performance, She Says

“When you stop focusing on aesthetic goals and shift your focus towards performance goals, your aesthetic goals will follow,” she writes in the Instagram video, going on to reveal the “absolute facts” of building muscles.

Her Top Tip for Building Muscle? Eat in a Calorie Surplus

“Remember you are NEVER going to build muscle to get stronger and powerful if you are continuously eating in a calorie deficit,” she says, revealing her number one tip. “So many people underestimate the amount of food they need to build their physiques and perform at their absolute best. Low calories, no carbs = no results. Maintenance or slight surplus, carbs, fats & protein = results.”

CrossFit

“I am very into strength and general fitness. CrossFit style training is a favorite of mine as it hits all areas,” she told Sundried. CrossFit is a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that focuses on improving strength, endurance, and body composition. However, it can result in injury if not done properly. The involvement of well-educated coaches decreases the injury rate.

Gluten-Free Diet

When it comes to diet, Charlotte follows a nutrition plan due toher coeliac disease. “I was diagnosed with coeliac 5 years ago which has played a huge part in my health and ensuring I get the correct nutrients daily. I have an amazing dietitian who has helped me along my coeliac journey and gives me great tips for following a gluten-free diet. My favourite food is gluten free oats and almond butter,” she says.

Her Advice for Fitness

Charlotte offers three pieces of advice. “Believe in yourself, anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” she says. “Push your body to try new things, you may find you're stronger in some areas than others. This is where you can set challenges and goals to improve and accomplish new things,” she adds. “Trying is better than not trying at all. Have fun, you're doing this for you, make it your own!”

RELATED:Perfect Your Posture in 100 Seconds With This Simple “Titanic” Exercise

Her All-Time Favorite Workout

If she could only do one workout for the rest of her life, it would be ENOM. She recommends doing 6 rounds of this set and resting.

  • 8 Squat clean thrusters
  • 8 Chin-ups
  • 16 Lunges
  • 8 Push-ups with renegade row
  • 16 Box jumps
  • 16 KB swings

Eating Up to 3,000 Calories Per Day

Charlotte eats “to fuel and maintain energy as a gym girl,” she revealed in a post. “I don’t cut or bulk as it states in my bio; I eat for performance goals, train like an athlete, with enjoyment, and allow food freedom. My diet sits between 2,800 - 3,000 calories per day, depending on energy levels. This is what works for me and my body.”

Swimming

On “active rest days,” Charlotte enjoys swimming. “I spent years competing at national standard as a swimmer, and I finally decided to get back in the water once a week and include it as an active rest day. Feels so good to be back within my roots,” she writes in an Instagram post. “Swimming is great for cardiovascular health and joints, lowers blood pressure, is great for rehabbing injuries, and leaves those positive endorphins flowing. If you do choose to have an active rest day, all I would say is to ensure you are eating enough to restore energy levels and replenish glycogen stores.”

RELATED:I'm a Fat Loss Coach and This Is the Cardio Trick I Used to Lose 20 Pounds in 3 Months Without Running

Her Advice for Women

She recently shared female-specific advice:

  1. "Girls workout anyway you want & never be afraid to try something new.
  2. Creatine won’t make you bloat, it builds lean muscle mass & improves strength! Take it!
  3. Fats are so important for hormonal health so make sure you’re not restricting them and never remove a food group!
  4. Friendships come and go due to passions & dreams changing, some will stand by you and some won’t, but that’s ok, I have built solid friendships in my 30s so this is your reminder to never be afraid to make new friends who share the same dream and passion as you.
  5. WELL muscles are s*xy 💋🚀."

Exercise for Your Kids

Charlotte’s ultimate motivation to sweat? “I workout for many reasons but this one sits right near the top. One day your children will teach exactly what you taught them. Show them the importance of a strong body and strong mind, guide them with love and share the passion towards achieving it,” she wrote in a post. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

The Simple Habit Helped Nurse Lose 140 Pounds

Jessica Olson findinmyweigh
Wake Up Earlier​
Copyright findinmyweigh/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 30, 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.

Are you trying to lose weight but need a little motivation? One weight loss warrior claims to have a game-changing tip. Jessica Olson is a nurse and social media influencer who dropped a whopping 140 pounds. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one habit that was instrumental in her weight loss success. “#1 success tip helped me lose 140 pounds,” she writes in the post.

Wake Up Earlier

What is her number one tip? “It’s simple…WAKE UP EARLIER,” she writes. “I’m sure a ton of people would disagree with me but if I had to pick ONE thing that I feel like has helped ME on MY journey - this would be it.”

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

She Had Bariatric Surgery But Didn’t Gain the Weight Back

“Sure I had bariatric surgery… and some could say that was the one thing that helped. But so many people put their weight back on after having surgery because they don’t change their habits. I created the habit of waking up earlier,” she continues.

This Habit Helps Her Stick to These Other Habits

She maintains that “one simple thing” has helped her lose 140 lbs but also keep it off by:

  1. Hitting her water goals
  2. Taking her vitamins
  3. Getting in a workout.

“All before most people are getting out of bed in the morning,” she says.

There Are Other Benefits

There are other benefits to being an early riser, per Jessica. “But it’s also helped me in other areas. I’m spending more time with God, my house is cleaner, I feel more organized, so I’m in a much better mood,” she says. “All because…I WAKE UP EARLIER.”

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Also Has a Tip for Those Who Struggle to Sleep

In another post, she offers suggestions to anyone who struggles with falling asleep and shutting their brains off. “After many years of nightshift nursing I have royally messed up my sleep schedule. Some nights I'll lay in bed (mind you I've crawled into bed around 8) and can't fall asleep until after 1-2a,” she says.

She Drinks Mushroom Hot Cocoa at Night

“I have prescribed medication to help with times like that but I really don't like taking it. I decided to try out @ryzesuperfoods mushroom hot cocoa to see if I could tell a difference - and it's been a huge game changer!! For one you can't taste the mushroom part at all, y'all know I have a sweet tooth and this taste just like straight up hot cocoa but the best part is I feel super sleepy within 10-15 minutes of drinking it!” she continued.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Find What Works for You

“All this to say - find what works for you. Maybe it's changing up your nightly routine. Trying some meditation, stretching, a hot bath, bible reading, journaling -or- incorporating some hot cocoa into your nightly routine... Figure out what helps and stick to it,” she concludes. “Transitioning from a night owl to a morning bird has been a huge part of my journey to better health.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Foods That Can "Wreck" Your Cortisol Levels

Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD mvmntbydrsteph
​When Other Hormonal Imbalances Are In Check
Copyright mvmntbydrsteph/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 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.

You probably know that hormonal disruptions can lead to weight gain and lower energy. But you might not realize that some of your favorite foods are causing this. Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD, specializes in helping women over 30 lose weight and gain energy. In a new social media post, she reveals the foods that will mess up your hormones. “As a medical doctor, here are 5 foods I avoid daily that will wreck your cortisol,” she writes.

“We all know cortisol is our primary stress hormone, but did you know your diet could be making things worse by messing with other hormones too?” she asks, adding that cortisol is intimately connected with insulin and thyroid hormones. “So, some foods that disrupt one can impact them all—and the consequences on your body and metabolism can be significant. Here are 5 foods I avoid because they wreak havoc on cortisol (and other hormones!)”

Refined Sugars

First, avoid refined sugars. “These spike blood sugar, trigger insulin resistance, and raise cortisol. It’s a triple whammy for your metabolism,” she says.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Processed Foods

Unhealthy.,Food,Bad,Processed,junk,fries,donut,candy, carbohydrates​Junk Foods: The Triple ThreatShutterstock

Processed foods are next on her list. “High in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, these can throw off your insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalances that elevate cortisol levels,” she says.

Caffeine

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You might want to think twice before having that second cup of coffee or energy drink. “While it gives you a temporary boost, excessive caffeine consumption can increase cortisol, leaving you more stressed and less likely to burn fat,” says Dr. Dunlop.

Alcohol

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Alcohol is another no-no. “Alcohol disrupts liver function, impacting your body’s ability to detoxify, leading to an increase in cortisol and other hormone imbalances,” she writes.

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Artificial Sweeteners

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Artificial sweeteners may seem like a better idea than sugar, but according to Dr. Dunlop they can also do a lot of damage. “These can mess with your gut microbiome, which has a profound effect on your stress response and cortisol levels,” she writes.

Take a Deeper Look at Your Hormonal Imbalance

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“If you’re struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or emotional burnout, it might be time to look deeper at the root causes of your hormonal imbalance. These are the things that MUST be addressed in any successful weight loss plan, or you risk spinning your wheels and not seeing lasting results,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Nutrition & Diet

Jenny McCarthy Ditches Vegan for Meat

Jenny McCarthy at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Arrivals, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 05-19-13
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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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.

Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her.

Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009

Jenny McCarthy arriving at the Women in Film Annual Crystal & Lucy Awards at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City , CA on June 12, 2009.

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McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."

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She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”

Jenny McCarthy at the 2012 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, USA on November 18, 2012.

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"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”

LOS ANGELES - SEP 22: Jenny McCarthy at the Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

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She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Works Out Two Hours a Day

LOS ANGELES - FEB 06: Actress Jenny McCarthy arrives for the FOX Winter TCA 2019 on February 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

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In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

She Walks on an Incline

LOS ANGELES - NOV 23: Jenny McCarthy at the 2014 American Music Awards - Arrivals at the Nokia Theater on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA

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As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”

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She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga

Jenny McCarthy at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Yes Man'. Mann VIllage Theater, Westwood, CA. 12-17-08

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In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” 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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