Skip to content
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.

Fitness Coach Lost 44 Pounds When She Stopped Doing These 5 Things

These tips will help you lose weight and keep it off.

Laura Denys laura.fitwoman
Copyright laura.fitwoman/Instagram

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.

More For You

Laura Denys laura.fitwoman
Copyright laura.fitwoman/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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.

Stella Q Rivers stellaqrivers
copyright stellaqrivers/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight but not achieving the desired results? Stella Q Rivers is a weight loss coach who is “helping driven women drop 10-30+ lbs, master food, & finally feel in control,” she writes in her Instagram bio. She lost 40 pounds and has managed to keep it off for a decade. “I went from 165lbs to 115lbs & kept it off for 10 years. My biggest REGRET? Making these 5 mistakes,” she writes in an Instagram post.

Mistake 1: Kept on Trying to Diet

Her first mistake? “I Kept on trying to diet,” she reveals. “The more I dieted, the bigger the tire around my waist got & the scale crept up that I avoided getting on it. The #1 predictor of weight GAIN is dieting.”

Mistake 2: Believed the “Fat and Funny Friend” Story

Her second mistake? “Believed my ‘I’m the fat & funny friend’ story,” she reveals. “You are who you say you are. If you’re playing the role of the fat friend, you are her. What role do you play in your family (the ‘ugly duckling’) & friend circles and HOW much weight are you keeping on your body right now because of it?” she writes.

Mistake 3: Believed “Progressionals” Over Her Body

Her third mistake? She believed “professionals” over her body. “Between dieticians, nutritionists, coaches, hypnotherapists, Jenny Craig consultants, you name it. I did it & trusted them,” she explains. “When you trust OTHER people more than yourself, you will fight your weight because you won’t *trust* yourself. Yes, get informed BUT take what you need & leave the rest.”

Mistake 4: Gave Into Every Craving in the “Name of Not Binging”

Some people will tell you to lean into cravings so you don’t overindulge. But she disagrees. Giving into every craving in the “name of not binging” was her fourth mistake. “Because of dieting, I became a binge eater. Through healing that phase of my life I was told ‘honor your craving or else you’ll binge.’ Again, listening to professionals, FEARING food & my body and gaining more weight. It didn’t feel good. When you give into every craving, you will have a weight problem & food will have the power over you.”

Mistake 5: Worked Out Too Much

Her fifth and final mistake was working out too much. “Running 7+miles a day for a thigh gap, doing HIIT workouts 6 days a week= working out like an a**hole. This contributed to the binging & feeling out of control with food, skyrocketed weight gain & avoiding the scale,” she says. “I love running & love a good HIIT session every now & then but I love listening to my body more. Result? 40+lbs down. Your relationship to yourself is the pathway to your weight loss.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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.

Online fitness coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about her weight loss. In her many viral videos, she reveals the simple but effective changes she made to her lifestyle that enabled her to drop the weight fast. In a new Instagram video, she gets specific about the “3 things” she “stopped doing to lose 40 pounds.”


She Stepped Away From the Scale

The first thing Alex did was stop weighing herself, she writes. “Why? The scale was messing with my head, so I threw it off my balcony.”

She Stopped Counting Calories

Alexandra_alexx.fitt11alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Lots of health experts recommend counting calories, but that didn’t work for Alex. “I stopped counting calories and stuck to a schedule. I ate breakfast at 8 a.m., a snack at 11, lunch at 1, a snack at 3, and dinner at 6. And yeah, your schedule may be different, but if you have 5 minutes to check TikTok or like this post, you have 5 minutes to grab an apple or pick up a protein bar and throw it in your purse,” she writes.

Related: I'm a Dietitian, and These Are 7 Foods You Should Never Eat

She Stopped Doing Workouts She Hated

Alexandra_alexx.fitt12alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Her third lifestyle change? “I stopped doing the workouts I hated,” she claims. I remember I’d always do 40 minutes on the Stairmaster (it didn’t help me lose weight, only raise my cortisol levels), and on the days I was lazy, I’d skip the gym altogether just because I didn’t want to do cardio. Now, my only cardio is walking.”

Her advice? “Start implementing a routine that makes you happy and works for you, not anyone else,” she concludes the post.

Here’s How She Used Walking for Weight Loss

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

As for exercise, in some of her other videos, Alex elaborated on how walking helped with her weight loss. Not only would she walk for 20-30 minutes in the morning, but she would take a short 10-15 minute walk after lunch.

Related: 5 Habits from Fitness Trainer Krissy Cela that Could Change Your Life

Try to Walk 30 to 60 Minutes a Day, Says Another Expert

Active woman using smartwatchShutterstock

“You can do 30-60 minutes all at one time, or you can do a few 10-15 minute bouts of exercise throughout the day. Whatever works for you,” says The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Either way, you are raising your metabolism and teaching your body to burn calories.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Just because experts recommend habits, like counting calories, weighing yourself, or doing specific workouts, doesn’t mean they will work for you. If they don’t, make changes accordingly.

Andrea Michelle andimichellefit
Copyright andimichellefit/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t sure what to do? It may be as simple as implementing a few healthy habits into your routine, says one expert. Andrea Michelle is an online coach and certified personal trainer who helps “women love their bodies and get strong AF,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals what she did to lose 95 pounds. “I went from 240 lbs to 145 lbs naturally, & if I was someone who wanted to do the same in 2025, here’s what I’d do,” she captioned the post. “Steps to kickstart your weight loss journey.”

Step One: Eat in a Calorie Deficit

The first thing to do, is eat in a calorie deficit. “Calculate your TDEE (there are lots of online calculators) and ensure you are consistently eating below your maintenance requirements. This can be as little as 100- 200 calories below maintenance, as long as you are consistent you will lose fat,” she writes.

Step Two: Don’t Eliminate Foood Groups You Like

Next, don’t eliminate any food groups or foods you enjoy. “Work these foods into your meal plan, prioritize variety and plan for treats. All foods fit! If you enjoy the foods you are eating it will be much easier to stick to your deficit,” she suggests.

Step Three: Prioritize Protein

The third step is prioritizing protein. “Protein is so important while losing weight for a number of reasons. Firstly it increases satiety, keeping you fuller for longer. Secondly it boosts metabolism, it takes more energy for your body to break down protein than it does carbs or fat. Thirdly it preserves and builds muscle mass. During weight loss eating adequate protein helps your body preserve lean muscle mass, this means more of the weight you lose is fat,” she writes.

What Science Says About Protein

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.

Step Four: Have a Step Goal

Next, have a step goal. “I did no formal cardio while losing weight. Instead, I focused on increasing my NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) and had a goal of hitting at least 10 thousand steps per day. If this is a big jump for you start by increasing your steps slowly over time. Pick a step goal that is challenging but realistic,” she writes.

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

How Many Steps?

How many steps should you walk? According to a 2018 study in Obesity, walking 10,000 steps a day is linked to weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Step Five: Lift Weights

“Focus on strength training regularly with progressive overload,” is step five. “Strength training is so important while losing weight because we don’t want to burn our muscle, we want to burn fat! If you strength train while in a calorie deficit you will lose less muscle than someone who isn’t exercising or only doing cardio,” she writes.

Science Supports Strength Training for Weight Loss

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

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

Step Six: Be Patient

And the last step? Be patient. “Remember progress takes time. Short term fixes = short term results. Be patient with yourself and celebrate all the small wins along the way!” she writes.

See Her Before-and-After

In another recent post, Andi shared her amazing before-and-after photos. “Transformation photos will show you what I lost, but they don’t show you everything I’ve gained in the process- strength, confidence, determination, self love, discipline,” she wrote. “Photo on the left is from Oct. 2023. Photo on the right is from Sept. 2024.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Ruth_Soukup8
Copyright ruthsoukup/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you struggling to lose weight despite dieting? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who personally lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals a few mistakes she made and then the one thing she did to fix them. “I lost 49 pounds in my 40s when I stopped dieting and started paying attention to this one thing,” she writes in the Instagram video.


She Was Eating Plant-Based, Counting Calories, and Running 3 to 5 Miles Per Day, But Struggled to Lose Weight

“I struggled with my weight for ten long years and failed at more diets than I can count. Even though I thought I was doing all the right things,” she writes in the post. What was she doing? “Eating plant-based,” counting her calories, and “running 3-5 miles every day.”

At 43, She Decided to Do Something Different

She wasn’t getting the results she wanted. “I couldn’t understand why nothing seemed to work or why it felt like my metabolism was just broken. At some point, I started to lose hope. Maybe you can relate. But one day, when I was 43 years old, I finally got so fed up that I decided to do something totally different,” Ruth writes.

She Did Research to Understand “The Science of Weight Loss”

“Instead of dieting, I did real research to understand the science of weight loss, especially for women over 40. I wanted to know why we gain weight as we get older and it’s so hard to lose it. I was shocked to discover that weight loss has almost nothing to do with calories and everything to do with HORMONES. That’s it. That’s the secret. The one thing,” she reveals.

She Lost 49 Pounds and Has Kept It Off

“I totally changed my focus from counting calories to simply balancing my hormones, to eating the foods that would nourish my body, and creating better habits for a sustainable lifestyle. Ultimately, making that shift is what helped me lose 49 pounds and keep it off, and I’ve now helped thousands of other women over 40 do the same,” she says.

She Stopped Calorie Counting

In another post she discusses other healthy habits that helped her lose weight fast. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS, failing at diet after diet, always believing that the problem was ME and my own lack of willpower before I was finally able to lose 49 pounds and actually keep it off. So what was my secret? It was pretty simple, actually. I just focused on my hormones. That meant I committed to stop dieting! No more counting calories—instead focused on nourishing my body,” she writes.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 3 Surprising Foods She Ate to Lose 15 Pounds (Including Dessert for Dinner)

She Quit Sugar and Processed Food

She also majorly cleaned up her diet. She eliminated a few things. “I detoxed from sugar and stopped eating toxic processed food. It’s the first step in balancing your hormones,” she writes.

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

She also refocused her diet. “I started eating a lot more healthy fat and nutrient-dense protein,” she writes. 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.

RELATED: Man Ate Bacon and Eggs for 30 Days and His Blood Work Stunned Doctors

She Switched From Cardio to Strength Training

She also switched up her approach to exercise. “I focused on strength training & building lean muscle mass instead of burning calories through high-intensity cardio,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

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

She Focused on a Healthy Lifestyle

Lastly, she looked at the big picture. “I didn’t give myself a timeline. I just focused on changing my lifestyle,” she writes. “But I still lost more than 40 pounds in six months, have kept it off for more than 3 years, and now I’ve helped thousands of women do the same.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Sean Hashmi MD SELFPrinciple
Copyright SELFPrinciple/YouTube/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

If you're one of the millions taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, you might be wondering what happens when it's time to stop. The answer is more complex than most people realize. According to obesity medicine specialistSean Hashmi, MD, MS, FASN, recent CDC data shows concerning trends. "The obesity rates haven't really gone up overall, but in women, unfortunately, the rates have increased," he notes. Even more concerning, "severe obesity rates increased from 8% in 2013-2014 to about 10% already." Understanding how to stop these medications safely has never been more critical.

Why Stopping Matters

"Weight loss is actually harder than quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs," Dr. Hashmi explains in his post. This difficulty is reflected in the statistics. Among people with only a high school education, around 45% fall into the obese criteria, compared to 32% for those with a college education or higher. "Nobody is spared from the obesity epidemic," he emphasizes.

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

How These Drugs Work

Ozempic Insulin injection pen for diabetics and weight loss. Denmark - May 1, 2024​How to Make Evening Walks a HabitShutterstock

Before understanding the mistakes, it's important to know how these medications function. "Weight loss drugs work by blocking your appetite signal in the brain," Dr. Hashmi explains. "They can also delay food passing through your stomach. But your body does not change its physiology to say, 'well, you know what? I'm all fixed now.'"

Mistake 1: Stopping Too Quickly

Young woman touching her belly looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

"You don't want to abruptly stop the drug," Dr. Hashmi warns, "because if you stop it right away while on the main dose, you're going to put that weight back on really, really quickly." The research is clear on this point. The Step 1 trial found that patients who discontinued Wegovy regained 11.6% of their initial 14.9% weight loss within just one year.

What Research Shows

Mounjaro - Tirzepatide with injection pen is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to lose weight and control blood sugar. Copenhagen, Denmark - November 8, 2023.Shutterstock

Multiple studies confirm this pattern. In the Step 4 trial, "people who stayed on the drug for another 48 weeks continued to lose weight, an additional 7.9% on average," explains Dr. Hashmi. "But those who stopped ended up regaining 6.9% of what they'd lost." The Surmount 4 study showed similar results with newer medications like tirzepatide, where patients regained 14% of their initial 21% weight loss after stopping.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

The Right Way to Stop

Pen,Injection,Semaglutide,Ozempic, diabetes, medicine, medication, diet, weight, lossShutterstock

Instead of stopping suddenly, Dr. Hashmi recommends a gradual approach: "We try to go slowly, sometimes even at the same pace as we were titrating up. Every four weeks, we're dropping the dose down." For some patients, he adds, "as we slow down the dosage of the injections, we will add some of the older oral drugs where we have a lot more safety data."

Mistake 2: Not Having a Lifestyle Plan

smiling, smile,happy,,Eating,Salad,,food, lunch,diet,forkShutterstock

"If you don't have the lifestyle component, none of this is going to work," Dr. Hashmi emphasizes. Many patients focus solely on the medication without developing sustainable eating habits. "In our clinical practice, what I end up seeing is patients, if they don't follow the intense lifestyle that we put them on, they can learn to overcome the effects of Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, tirzepatide very easily."

The Problem With Cheat Meals

Top view Close up Stainless steel ice cream scoop is scooping chocolate flavor ice cream meat.Shutterstock

Dr. Hashmi warns about the danger of occasional indulgences: "Simply by having, quote-unquote, cheat meals. Every time you give yourself that high-sugar food, that instant gratification, the first few times you're like, 'ah, you know, I feel nauseous.' But over time, it gets easier and easier to do it."

Building Better Habits

Grilled,Chicken,Breast,And,Avocado,Salad,With,Spinach,,Tomatoes,AndShutterstock

The solution lies in whole food choices. "When I have my salad with avocado for lunch, the total calories are so low compared to what I used to eat before, which was in the thousands and I didn't even know it," Dr. Hashmi shares. He particularly warns against liquid calories: "Nature had millions of years to perfect food, just the right amount of fiber, nutrients, and water. When we blend food, all that sugar gets absorbed very quickly."

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Mistake 3: Relying on Quick Fixes

Equal,Artificial,Sweetener,By,Merisant, sugar, sweetShutterstock

Many patients turn to artificial sweeteners when stopping GLP-1 medications. "When you turn to alternative sugars like Splenda, Stevia, or monk fruit, you're dealing with sweetness levels that are 200 to 600 times that of sugar," Dr. Hashmi warns. "You're not helping your cravings for sugar. In fact, the data shows you're going to get insulin resistance and damage your gut microbiome."

The Truth About Sugar Alternatives

Close up of woman hand throwing saccharin pills on coffee cup on a desk at home

Shutterstock

The impact of artificial sweeteners goes beyond just cravings. "In rat studies, what the data shows is if you give them alternative sweeteners, they will end up eating more of their chow because it stimulates your appetite," Dr. Hashmi explains. "That zero-calorie stuff that you think is no calories, but you get to have your sweetness—there is no free lunch."

Creating a Sustainable Routine

close up of woman finger with menu choosing dishes at restaurantShutterstock

"Make your eating as planned and boring as possible," Dr. Hashmi advises. "I know it sounds crazy, but the more you have to make decisions, the more likely you are to fail." He practices what he preaches: "I literally go to the same place for lunch. I order the same thing every day. I've been doing it for more than 10 years."

The Importance of Medical Support

Overweight woman discussing test results with doctor in hospital

Shutterstock

"You have to make sure that you're ready and you want to find a doctor who will work with you," says Dr. Hashmi. "Find a provider who is your partner and not somebody who's blaming you or is angry or is making it so that everything is your fault. You're going to have good days, you're going to have bad days."

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Understanding Health Disparities

Taco,Bell,Restaurant,fast, food, junk, Mexican,Shutterstock

Dr. Hashmi acknowledges the role of socioeconomic factors: "A lot of people who come from very poor backgrounds, like I did, have to work all sorts of crazy jobs. Look, my story is I ate Taco Bell like crazy... because when you got 50 cents or you got a dollar in your pocket, this is what you end up doing."

Planning for Long-Term Success

Ozempic shutterstock_1404723482Shutterstock

"This is a lifelong commitment," Dr. Hashmi concludes. "If you're going to go off these medications, don't go cold turkey. Slowly go off of them and have a plan. What are you going to do about cravings? The more you've planned, the easier it is to succeed." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Alan Mandell motivationaldoc
Copyright motivationaldoc/YouTube
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.

Ever grabbed a bag of chips, only to finish the whole thing without thinking? You're not alone. Hidden sodium lurks in many of our favorite foods, and the effects can be more serious than just a salty aftertaste. Dr. Alan Mandell, a popular health expert with over 9 million YouTube subscribers, breaks down the surprising signs that you might be consuming too much sodium. Read on to discover if you're experiencing any of these warning signals – and learn what you can do about it.

Increased Thirst

"Excessive salt intake will cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst," Dr. Mandell explains in his post. If you find yourself constantly reaching for water, your sodium intake might be to blame. While elevated blood sugar can also trigger thirst, high sodium levels make your brain signal your body to drink more.

Nighttime Bathroom Trips

Door handle open to toilet can see toiletShutterstock

According to Dr. Mandell, even if you try to limit water before bed, high sodium levels force your kidneys to work overtime trying to excrete the excess salt, leading to increased nighttime urination.

Bloating and Swelling

Unhappy young woman standing in front of a mirror and holding hands on her bloating stomach.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell warns that excessive sodium causes water retention, leading to visible swelling in your stomach. This retention isn't limited to your midsection – you might notice puffiness in your hands, feet, and face as well.

High Blood Pressure

Sphygmomanometer,,Stethoscope,Checking,Blood,Pressure,hospital, doctor,health,heart,pulseShutterstock

"Most of us already know that if we're eating too much sodium, it can raise our blood pressure," Dr. Mandell notes. This elevation isn't just a number – it can affect multiple organs, including your eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain.

Frequent Headaches

Sick dizzy young woman suffering headache while working on her laptop at home. Covid-19 woman on quarentine doing tele work and suffering symptoms.Shutterstock

Those persistent headaches might have a surprising culprit. Dr. Mandell strongly recommends reducing sodium intake if you're experiencing frequent headaches or migraines, as high salt levels can trigger these painful episodes.

Unusual Fatigue

Young woman rubs her eyes after using glasses. Eye pain or fatigue concept.Shutterstock

Feeling unusually tired? Dr. Mandell explains that excessive salt can disrupt your body's electrolyte balance, leading to persistent fatigue and low energy levels throughout the day.

Muscle Cramps

Runner leg injury painful leg. Man massaging sore calf muscles during running training outdoor from pain.Shutterstock

According to Dr. Mandell, too much sodium throws off your electrolyte balance, which can lead to increased muscle spasms and contractions, resulting in painful cramps.

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

Difficulty Concentrating

sad woman near window thinking

Shutterstock

High sodium levels can affect your cognitive function, Dr. Mandell points out. If you're having trouble focusing or concentrating, your salt intake might be contributing to the problem.

Rapid Heart Rate

Close-up photo of a brunette woman who is sitting on a couch with her eyes closed and her left hand touching her heart area.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell cautions that excessive sodium can elevate your heart rate and potentially strain your cardiovascular system, creating unnecessary stress on your heart.

Shortness of Breath

Stressed woman having breath problems walking in a park.Shutterstock

"Consuming too much salt can contribute to fluid retention in the lungs," Dr. Mandell warns. This fluid buildup can lead to breathing difficulties and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

Dry Mouth

Angry Man Grinding Teeth, Close UpShutterstock

If you're experiencing persistent dry mouth, Dr. Mandell notes that excessive salt intake could be making the condition worse. This dryness can extend to throat discomfort as well.

Skin Problems

Asian young woman looking face skin in the mirror have a red rash on her face from cosmetic allergyShutterstock

Your skin might be telling you something about your sodium intake. Dr. Mandell explains that high sodium levels can worsen conditions like psoriasis and eczema, leading to more frequent flare-ups.

Digestive Issues

gut,tummy,health,Woman,Holds,Intestines,In,Her,Palms.,Gastrointestinal,Tract.,Intestinal,TractShutterstock

Dr. Mandell points out that excessive salt can lead to various digestive problems, including acid reflux, constipation, and bloating. These issues can cause significant discomfort and affect your daily life.

Kidney Problems

Young woman feeling pain in spine back after sedentary computer work sitting in bad posture on sofa at home, tired girl rubbing backache tensed muscles suffers from lower lumbar kidney ache, backpainShutterstock

"Salt places additional strain on the kidneys," Dr. Mandell cautions. Over time, this added stress can potentially lead to kidney problems and increase your risk of developing kidney stones.

Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

A doctor with a stethoscope, in a medical uniform in a clinic, a traumatologist analyzes a leg fracture. X-ray of the knee. Ultrasound. Injury of the leg in the knee joint. OsteoporosisShutterstock

According to Dr. Mandell, high sodium intake can increase calcium excretion from your body, potentially affecting bone health and raising the risk of osteoporosis over time.

Unexplained Weight Gain

Obese Woman with fat upset bored of dieting Weight loss fail  Fat diet and scale sad asian woman on weight scale at home weight control.Shutterstock

Even if you're watching your calories and exercising regularly, Dr. Mandell explains that excess sodium can cause your body to retain significant amounts of water weight, making it harder to see results from your diet efforts.

Sugar Cravings

Various,Colorful,Candies,,Lollipops,,And,Macaroons.,Flat,Lay,Over,StoneShutterstock

Dr. Mandell notes that high sodium levels often lead to increased cravings for sugary drinks as your body tries to quench its thirst, creating a cycle of unhealthy consumption.

Sleep Problems

Sleepless mature woman suffering from insomnia close up, lying in bed, older female covering eyes with hands, trying to sleep, nightmares or depression, feeling headache or migraineShutterstock

Having trouble sleeping? Dr. Mandell reveals that excessive sodium can cause distension in your belly and throat, potentially increasing snoring and disrupting healthy sleep patterns.

Joint Pain

Female runner knee injury and pain.Beat Joint Pain in 2 Weeks With This Anti-Inflammatory DietShutterstock

According to Dr. Mandell, high salt intake can lead to inflammation and swelling around joint capsules, resulting in increased joint pain and discomfort.

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

Increased Cancer Risk

March Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, Woman holding dark Blue Ribbon for supporting people living and illness. Healthcare, hope and World cancer day conceptShutterstock

Perhaps most concerningly, Dr. Mandell shares that some studies suggest high-salt diets may be linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, excessive salt intake could potentially damage the stomach lining.

As Dr. Mandell underlines, it's not just about the salt shaker – many processed and packaged foods contain hidden sodium that can add up quickly. By being mindful of these warning signs and checking food labels, you can take control of your sodium intake and protect your health. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Cori Lefkowith Redefining Strength
Copyright Redefining Strength/YouTube
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you struggling to meet your protein goals? If you've ever caught yourself sprinkling protein powder on chocolate or forcing down bland chicken breasts, you're not alone. Enter Cori Lefkowith, founder of Redefining Strength. With her practical approach to nutrition, she's helped thousands transform their relationship with protein. Read on to discover how small, sustainable changes can revolutionize your protein intake without sacrificing taste or sanity.

Stop Searching for New Solutions When Simple Ones Exist

"Too often, we try to find new ways to add in protein, instead of just tweaking what we're already naturally doing," Cori says in her post. The solution? Simply increase your current protein portions by an ounce. If you typically eat three ounces of chicken at lunch, bump it to four. These small adjustments to your existing meals can make a significant impact without overwhelming changes.

Divide and Conquer Your Protein Sources

When managing macros becomes challenging, Cori suggests a clever strategy: combine different protein sources. "Love steak but finding it's killing your macros? Try a surf and turf dish," she advises. By pairing a higher-fat protein with a leaner option, you can enjoy your favorites while meeting your goals. This approach prevents the monotony of eating large portions of a single protein source.

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

Make Your Meals Work Smarter, Not Harder

Stop force-feeding yourself protein, Cori emphasizes. Instead, incorporate protein strategically into different dishes. "Soups, smoothies, oatmeal parfaits, casseroles, and omelets make this task easier," she explains. Try using bone broth as a soup base, blend Greek yogurt with protein powder in smoothies, or add cottage cheese to casseroles for an extra protein boost without feeling overwhelmed.

Embrace Non-Traditional Protein Sources

"We often only focus on complete protein sources," Cori notes, "but there are amino acids in many foods we eat that can really add up." Simple swaps like choosing buckwheat noodles over regular pasta or adding nutritional yeast (what Cori calls "protein sprinkles") to your dishes can significantly increase your protein intake while improving nutritional variety.

Make Protein Delicious, Not Boring

"It's almost like we get this attitude of, well, it's a diet, it's not supposed to be enjoyable," Cori observes. This mindset prevents lasting habits. Instead, experiment with seasonings, spices, and smart sauce choices. Try using soy sauce, tamari, or Greek yogurt-based dressings to add flavor without excessive calories. These additions can transform your protein-rich meals from bland to crave-worthy.

Smart Snacking Strategies

Rather than forcing protein into unsuitable combinations, Cori recommends thoughtful pairing. "Consider it on the side to your usual snack or treat," she suggests. Pair jerky with crackers or add natural deli meat to your apple and peanut butter plate. These combinations make protein integration feel natural and enjoyable.

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

The Power of Protein-Rich Combinations

Creating protein-rich combinations doesn't have to be complicated. "By diversifying your ingredients, it can make for tasty meals that don't make you feel like you're force-feeding yourself protein," Cori explains. Try combining eggs with ground turkey in omelets, or mixing different protein sources in your smoothies for variety and satisfaction.

Hidden Protein Opportunities

Look for unexpected ways to boost protein content. As Cori suggests, swap traditional pasta for edamame or lentil variations, use nutritional yeast as a seasoning, or incorporate cottage cheese into your usual dishes. These small changes can add significant protein without dramatic alterations to your favorite meals.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Sustainable Success Strategies

"Building lasting habit changes means developing a good relationship with our food," Cori emphasizes. Focus on creating meals you genuinely enjoy rather than forcing yourself to eat bland, uninspiring dishes. This approach ensures long-term success in meeting your protein goals while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

Your Action Plan[

Remember Cori's core message: "Increasing your protein doesn't have to mean destroying dishes and snacks you love." Start with small portion increases, experiment with combinations, embrace variety, and focus on making your protein-rich meals delicious. These sustainable changes will help you hit your macro goals while actually enjoying your food. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.