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 Expert Reveals 4 Addictive Habits That Made Her “Unrecognizable”

One fitness expert reveals changes that helped transform her body.

teagan_risewithteagan1

Do you want to glow up all over and become the healthiest version of yourself? It might be as simple as incorporating a few healthy habits into your routine. Teagan is a fitness trainer and creator of the RFL Method. In a new social media post, she shares a few habits that will help transform your body and life. “Become addicted to these four habits and get ready to be unrecognizable,” she writes in the Instagram post.


Habit 1: Nutrition

Her first habit has to do with nutrition.“Track calories to understand your intake,” she says in the post. “Eat in a 500-calorie deficit for sustainable weight loss. Plan meals to ensure balanced nutrition. Prioritize protein and fiber.”

Habit 2: Strength Training

Focused woman performing barbell curls at gym, bathed in natural light. Gym workout routine.Shutterstock

Her second habit is strength training. She recommends at least 3 strength training sessions per week for muscle growth. She also recommends training in progressive overload. “Increase weight/reps over time,” she says.

Habit 3: Daily Movement

Young woman walks alone on a road outdoorShutterstock

Next up, daily movement. “Walk 7,500+ steps/day to boost metabolism,” she writes. “Gradually increase daily steps to build endurance. Incorporate activities that bring you joy: jogging, cycling, swimming.”

RELATED:11 Things You Need to Do Every Day to Stop be Hungry, According to Jillian Michaels

Habit 4: Mindful Wellness

Young woman doing yoga on the lake

Finally, she recommends mindful wellness in the form of daily stress management.

  • Deep breathing exercises, Mindfulness meditation
  • Yoga or Pilates for flexibility and relaxation
  • Spend time in nature: walks, hikes, or outdoor activities

Shift Your Approach

In another post, she offers more tips on how to “kick start your fat loss journey today,” starting with shifting your approach. “Ditch the all-or-nothing mentality and focus on progress, not perfection,” she says.

80/20 Approach to Nutrition

Intermittent fasting with clock, health asian young woman, girl weight loss, eating green fresh vegetable salad on dish, plate with eat healthy of breakfast food in morning, lunch on a table at home.Shutterstock

She also stresses the importance of nutrition. Her stance? Eat healthy most of the time. “Adopt the 80/20 approach: nourish your body 80% of the time and enjoy treats guilt-free 20% of the time,” she writes.

Healthy Lifestyle

Portrait of happy young housewife with greek salad.Shutterstock

Crash diets might help you lose weight fast, but they aren’t generally a great tactic for long-term success. Instead, focus on a healthy lifestyle. “Stop falling for quick fixes and focus on building sustainable, long-term habits,” she writes.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Self-Care Concept. Young Attractive Woman Looking At Mirror In Bathroom, Pretty Female Touching Face And Smiling To Reflection, Enjoying Her Beautiful Smooth Skin, Selective Focus, CloseupShutterstock

It can be tempting to compare yourself to others. However, you should only compete with yourself, she says. “Shift your focus from comparing yourself to others to celebrating your own successes, no matter how small.”

RELATED:A Nutrition Coach Shares 5 Fat Loss Rules That Actually Work for Everyone

Don’t Give Up

Sunny beautiful picture of young cheerful girl holding hands up in air and looking at sunrise or sunset. Stand alone among field of sunflowers. Enjoy moment

Don’t give up! “Stop making excuses and take ownership of your journey. Show up consistently, even when it’s challenging,” she writes. “Implement these mindset shifts to break free from restrictive dieting, build healthy habits, and find balance in your life!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

More For You

teagan_risewithteagan1
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 glow up all over and become the healthiest version of yourself? It might be as simple as incorporating a few healthy habits into your routine. Teagan is a fitness trainer and creator of the RFL Method. In a new social media post, she shares a few habits that will help transform your body and life. “Become addicted to these four habits and get ready to be unrecognizable,” she writes in the Instagram post.


Habit 1: Nutrition

Her first habit has to do with nutrition.“Track calories to understand your intake,” she says in the post. “Eat in a 500-calorie deficit for sustainable weight loss. Plan meals to ensure balanced nutrition. Prioritize protein and fiber.”

Habit 2: Strength Training

Focused woman performing barbell curls at gym, bathed in natural light. Gym workout routine.Shutterstock

Her second habit is strength training. She recommends at least 3 strength training sessions per week for muscle growth. She also recommends training in progressive overload. “Increase weight/reps over time,” she says.

Habit 3: Daily Movement

Young woman walks alone on a road outdoorShutterstock

Next up, daily movement. “Walk 7,500+ steps/day to boost metabolism,” she writes. “Gradually increase daily steps to build endurance. Incorporate activities that bring you joy: jogging, cycling, swimming.”

RELATED:11 Things You Need to Do Every Day to Stop be Hungry, According to Jillian Michaels

Habit 4: Mindful Wellness

Young woman doing yoga on the lake

Finally, she recommends mindful wellness in the form of daily stress management.

  • Deep breathing exercises, Mindfulness meditation
  • Yoga or Pilates for flexibility and relaxation
  • Spend time in nature: walks, hikes, or outdoor activities

Shift Your Approach

In another post, she offers more tips on how to “kick start your fat loss journey today,” starting with shifting your approach. “Ditch the all-or-nothing mentality and focus on progress, not perfection,” she says.

80/20 Approach to Nutrition

Intermittent fasting with clock, health asian young woman, girl weight loss, eating green fresh vegetable salad on dish, plate with eat healthy of breakfast food in morning, lunch on a table at home.Shutterstock

She also stresses the importance of nutrition. Her stance? Eat healthy most of the time. “Adopt the 80/20 approach: nourish your body 80% of the time and enjoy treats guilt-free 20% of the time,” she writes.

Healthy Lifestyle

Portrait of happy young housewife with greek salad.Shutterstock

Crash diets might help you lose weight fast, but they aren’t generally a great tactic for long-term success. Instead, focus on a healthy lifestyle. “Stop falling for quick fixes and focus on building sustainable, long-term habits,” she writes.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Self-Care Concept. Young Attractive Woman Looking At Mirror In Bathroom, Pretty Female Touching Face And Smiling To Reflection, Enjoying Her Beautiful Smooth Skin, Selective Focus, CloseupShutterstock

It can be tempting to compare yourself to others. However, you should only compete with yourself, she says. “Shift your focus from comparing yourself to others to celebrating your own successes, no matter how small.”

RELATED:A Nutrition Coach Shares 5 Fat Loss Rules That Actually Work for Everyone

Don’t Give Up

Sunny beautiful picture of young cheerful girl holding hands up in air and looking at sunrise or sunset. Stand alone among field of sunflowers. Enjoy moment

Don’t give up! “Stop making excuses and take ownership of your journey. Show up consistently, even when it’s challenging,” she writes. “Implement these mindset shifts to break free from restrictive dieting, build healthy habits, and find balance in your life!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Dierdre_Rae9
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.

Dierdre Rae is showing off her before-and-after transformation – in a crop top. In a new social media post, the London-based certified health and wellness coach discusses her health journey, revealing how she overcame an eating disorder to become the healthiest version of herself. In the before photo from 2019, she did “hours of exercise every day, massively undereating for days and then binging, the body is constantly swollen and bloated.” Now, in 2024, she has a more balanced approach to diet and exercise and is healthier than ever. Here is how she did it.


She Achieved “Food Freedom” After a 10-Year-Long Eating Disorder Battle

“Food freedom is never something I thought I’d be able to have (for reference, I’m around the same weight in both photos). It was a 10-year battle, but here we are over 5 years later - intuitive eating, never calorie counting, doing the exercise I enjoy, resting without guilt, and not constantly thinking and worrying about food/body image,” she writes in her post. “If you’re struggling, I have a free binge guide in my bio 🫶🏻 (just some tips from me that helped heal binge eating habits for myself, some of my friends, and clients 💗), but here are a few things that helped me start to recover.”

She Read This Book

First, she suggests ordering a book. Buying the book ‘brain over binge’ by Kathryn Hansen (in her Amazon storefront or on audible, was a game-changer. “There’s a book and a recovery guide, make sure you get the book,” she says.

RELATED: I'm a Personal Trainer: 14 Pilates Moves That Helped My 50+ Clients Lose Weight

She Balanced Her Breakfast

Next, she tackled her diet, starting with breakfast. “Eating a balanced breakfast (protein, fats, AND carbs) the morning after a binge/overeating to balance out blood sugars,” she says.

She Quit Dieting

After years of yo-yo dieting and seriously restricting food, Dierdre gave up crash diets for good. “I completely stopped dieting and trying to lose weight (had to sit with that anxiety),” she writes.

RELATED: I'm a Nutritionist and Here are 5 Reasons Why I Prescribe 30-Minute Walks for Weight Loss

She Reversed Negative Thoughts

She also changed her thought process. “I started standing up for myself by not letting unchecked intrusive thoughts come into my brain. I reversed any negative thought about my body and food into something I’d believe,” she writes.

She Shifted From “Intense Cardio” to Weight Lifting and Walking

She also shifted her approach to exercise. “I stopped all intense cardio while recovering. I only weight lifted and walked. (intense cardio can mimic binge symptoms and make you ravenous),” she explains.

She Incorporated “Fear Foods” Into Her Diet

And lastly, she “ate and incorporated my fear foods EVERY day,” she reveals. “It helped to take away the feeling that if I ate something ‘bad,’ the whole day wasn’t ruined; therefore, I was less likely to binge (I had cake after lunch every day for an entire summer). IT’S NORMAL to overeat it in the beginning, but it’s about practicing taking those foods off of the pedestal we’ve placed them on.”

RELATED: I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 4 Fall Comfort Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight

Stretching Is Also Important

She discusses how important and “underrated” stretching is in another post. “Getting workouts in is incredible, but mobilizing your body has just as many benefits. I know that stretching is easy to skip out on, especially after you’ve finished a workout. Still, even a few minutes of stretching can have massive benefits,” she writes, listing benefits such as muscle recovery, injury prevention, increased range of motion in joints, enhanced muscle performance, can help improve posture, promotes blood circulation, can relieve stress, enhances athletic performance, and reduces muscle stiffness and soreness. 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
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Kiki (@kikivirk) is a weight loss influencer who has amassed a social media following for sharing all the tips and tricks that enabled her to lose a whopping 60 pounds and keep it off. In one of her viral videos – viewed over 8 million times, Kiki reveals the biggest weight loss mistake she made on her journey – and also what ultimately led to her weight loss success.


She Says Doing High Intensity Workouts Were a “Huge Mistake”

@kikivirk

The plan that helped me shed 60lbs 💪🏽 #weightloss #pcos #pcosweightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsforwomen #pcosworkout

“I was so motivated to lose weight and I wanted to see results fast, but I didn't do my research and I jumped straight in, literally into a high intensity, 90 day workout plan. Huge mistake,” Kiki says in the video.

After 45 Days She Hadn’t Lost Weight

kikivirk2kikivirk/TikTok

After a month-and-a-half, she didn't feel like she'd lost any weight. “I was overdoing it. The long, painful HIIT workouts were actually doing my body no good. They were causing it too much stress and loads of other problems,” she says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

She Had “Weight Plateaus” and “Felt So Hungry and Fatigued”

young sports woman working out, running and feeling tired on treadmill in gymShutterstock

In another video, she specified that she was doing “high intensity cardio” five times a week in hopes it “would burn fat fast and give me my dream body,” she explained. “But instead, I had weight plateaus and felt so hungry and fatigued.

Her Fat Began to “Melt Off” When She Started Strength Training

,Dumbbells,,,Rack,hym,weights, fitness, exerciseShutterstock

“Literally, as soon as I started strength training and less cardio, the fat began to melt off, and the lean muscle mass I gained gave me the tone look I'd always wanted,” she continued.

Her Program: LISS, Walking, Strength and Resistance Training, and a Short HIIT Workout

Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on waterfront in late summer or fallShutterstock

Her program starts with doing 45 to 60 minutes of LISS cardio four times a week. She also walks 7 to 12,000 steps every day, does strength and resistance training three times a week, and a 15-minute HIIT workout once a week.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

An Expert Weighs In

Kendra_Gamblehitfitnesstraining/Instagram

“What she says is definitely spot on,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. “Intense cardio and intense HIIT more than twice a week will do the body more harm than good and is not the way to lose fat and get that toned look.” Instead, she agrees that “increasing your everyday steps is more of the most important and beginner things you can do to start losing fat along with getting your diet right.” Unfortunately, “fat loss is not an immediate thing and will take time and dedication but she explains it all perfectly.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are a beginner trying to lose weight, starting by increasing your steps and modifying your diet instead of going overboard with higher intensity workouts.

Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Dr Hazel Wallace BSc MSc MBBCh (@thefoodmedic) is a doctor, nutritionist, and social media influencer who has amassed over 682,000 Instagram followers. She regularly shares the tips and tricks that have helped her take control of her health.


In one viral video, she discusses hormonal health and confessed that she made several mistakes in the past. “Let’s talk about the morning routine I did for years that, looking back, was pretty terrible for my hormone health,” she says in the Instagram video.

She Sacrificed Sleep

First, she neglected rest. “Without fail, I'd wake up early to work out before my ward rounds, even if it meant sacrificing sleep,” she says. Why is sleep important? 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.

She Failed to Nourish Her Body

Brewing coffeeShutterstock

She also failed to nourish her body. “And more often than not, quite a lot of it, I would feel myself only on black coffee because back then fasted training was all the rave,” she continues.

Related: 3 Tips That Helped Me Lose Body Fat

She Stressed Her Body with High Intensity Workouts

Two woman lifting kettle bell in cross fit gymShutterstock

“And if my body wasn't stressed enough as it was, the workout was always high intensity, a bootcamp or CrossFit session, I'd gotten into the cycle of believing that the workout didn't really count unless it left me on the floor afterwards, or I burned X amount of calories while I know better,” she maintains.

These Habits Damaged Her Health

Dr_Hazel_Wallace_thefoodmedic2thefoodmedic/Instagram

“Now, the reality is a lot of these habits are so normalized in the name of wellness and help. Ironically, for me, that led to the opposite. Irregular periods, constant fatigue, irritability, and often falling ill,” she reveals.

She Now Prioritizes Sleep, Eats Nourishing Food, and Engages in Restorative Exercise

Young female sleeping peacefully in her bedroom at night. Relaxing at nighttime. Copy spaceShutterstock

“True health to me now is prioritizing sleep, nourishing food, healthy hormones, and training that I enjoy and that serves my body rather than pushing it to its limits,” she says, “So before picking up a healthy habit you saw online somewhere, ask yourself this, what is true health to me? And does this actually align to that?”

Find “What Your Body Feels Best With”

Dr_Hazel_Wallace_thefoodmedic4thefoodmedic/Instagram

In the caption, she rehashed the “habits that I now know deteriorated my hormonal health.”

  • Consistently sacrificing sleep for more time training
  • Training fasted and often not having my first meal until lunchtime.
  • Doing the above and then choosing a high-intensity workout

“I’m not saying these alone are inherently bad for you - it’s about finding what your body feels best with. I still do high intensity exercise but not every day and never fasted. I sometimes get up early to train but I also sometimes lay in when I need to,” she says.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Find “What Your Body Feels Best With”

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

“This is extremely common for many people,” says The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Putting so much pressure on themselves to be ‘perfect’ with their exercise and diet routines that they actually become unbalanced, injured, sick, and unhappy.”

She notes that recovery is just as important as pushing ourselves. “Sleep, stretching, foam rolling, meditation, nutritious foods, massage….all great ways to incorporate recovery that our bodies need, especially as we age!” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Instead of seriously restricting yourself, rigorously working out, and sacrificing sleep, try nurturing your body with restorative exercise, healthy food, and rest.

Heather_Eisenberg_heathereisenbergfitness5
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 your unhealthy habits keeping you from achieving your weight loss goals? Heather Eisenberg is a nutrition coach and personal trainer who helps women over 40 “lose weight with nutrition & fitness,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post, she discusses some of the bad habits she had to give up in order to lose 10 pounds in 2 months at 46. “We all have habits that we want to break…Losing weight in your 40s can feel like a struggle, but small changes can make a big difference!” she writes. “Here are 5 habits I let go of that kickstarted my journey.”


Mindless Snacking

The first habit she had to ditch was mindless snacking. “I used to grab snacks throughout the day without even thinking about it—whether I was bored, stressed, or just because the food was there. Now I make sure to have balanced meals that keep me satisfied longer, and when I need a snack, I choose something with protein and fiber, like Greek yogurt or an apple with almond butter,” she writes in her post.

Skipping Meals

The next habit she parted ways with was skipping meals. “I used to skip meals, especially breakfast, thinking I was saving calories. But in reality, it would just lead to overeating later in the day,” she says. “Now, I make time for regular meals—especially breakfast, which sets the tone for my day. A quick smoothie or some eggs and veggies in the morning helps me feel energized and prevents those late-afternoon cravings.”

Processed Foods

The third habit? Relying on processed foods.
”Frozen dinners or packaged snacks were a go-to because they were easy. But I realized they were packed with hidden sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats,” she says. “I swapped them out for whole foods—lean proteins, veggies, and healthy carbs. Meal prepping on Sundays was a game changer. It is much easier to avoid the temptation of quick, unhealthy options during the week, and I actually feel more energized after eating real food.”

Late Night Eating

Late-night eating
was something else she had to ditch. “Eating late at night had become a bad habit. I started closing the kitchen after dinner, giving myself at least 2-3 hours before bed without food. This not only helped me avoid unnecessary calories but also improved my sleep,” she writes.

Overthinking Workouts

The fifth habit she had to let go of was overthinking workouts. “I used to think that if I didn’t have an hour to hit the gym or couldn’t do a perfect workout, it wasn’t worth it. Now, I prioritize movement in any form—whether it’s a 20-minute walk, or a quick bodyweight workout,” she writes.

Breaking Up with Bad Habits Isn’t Easy, But the Results Are “Worth It”

While quitting unhealthy habits and replacing them with ones that will help you achieve your goals isn’t easy, it pays off in the end, she maintains. “Breaking up with these habits took time, but the results were worth it!”

RELATED:9 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg for Weight Loss, Says Nutrition Coach

She Also Stopped Cutting Out Entire Food Groups

In another post, she reveals a few more habits she ditched in order to lose weight. The first? Cutting out entire food groups.
”Eliminating carbs or fats may seem like the answer, but it’s not sustainable. Your body needs a mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats to thrive. Cutting out entire food groups can mess with your energy levels, hormones, and mindset. Balance is the key — there’s room for everything when you approach food mindfully,” she writes.

And, She Stopped Giving Up Foods That She Loves

Another thing she stopped doing? Giving up foods that she loves. “Let’s be honest — life without ice cream or pizza sounds miserable! I’ve learned that allowing myself to enjoy these foods in moderation keeps me sane and on track. Depriving yourself often leads to bingeing or feeling like you’ve failed. Including foods you love makes healthy eating a lifestyle, not a punishment,” she writes.

She Stopped Relying Solely on Cardio

Once she stopped relying solely on cardio, it also changed the game.
”I used to think cardio was the best way to lose weight, but resistance training changed everything. Lifting weights builds muscle, boosts your metabolism, and helps you feel stronger and more confident. Cardio has benefits, but strength training reshapes your body in a way cardio alone can’t,” she writes.

RELATED:Mom Loses 35 Pounds in 6 Months Using 5 Natural Methods to Lower Cortisol

And, She Stopped Letting the Scale Dictate Progress

And, lastly, she stopped letting the scale dictate progress.
”The scale is just one number, and it doesn’t tell the whole story. Your energy, strength, how your clothes fit, and how you feel are all signs of progress. If you let the scale control your mood, you’ll miss out on the real wins. Focus on the bigger picture — it’s way more rewarding,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

lauren simpson
Copyright laurensimpson/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.

Do you want to lose almost one pound weekly for 8 weeks? It’s doable, without having to make significant changes, according to one fitness pro. Lauren Simpson is a fitness trainer and influencer with over 1.8 million Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she reveals exactly how she is achieving her goal of losing 7 pounds in the next 8 weeks. “Here’s exactly what I’ll be doing,” she writes.

Get Into a Calorie Deficit

The first topic to tackle is nutrition. She plans on consuming 1,650 calories and 132g protein per day. “I definitely embraced the foods over the festive season, so I'm looking forward to tidying my diet up now. 80% whole foods/ 20% soul foods. Tracking my intake so I keep accountable & have more data to then be able to make changes,” she writes. “I’m excited to be entering my first structured calorie deficit phase since having a baby!”

Strength Train

Next, she will be doing strength training workouts. “Aiming for 3-5 days a week weights training. Mum life means being able to adjust & be okay that things aren’t going to be 100% to plan. May introduce cardio later…will see how my body responds,” she says.

Walk

And you will also find her walking. Her daily step goal is 6,000. However, many experts recommend 10,000 for weight loss. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

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

She Lifts Heavy Weights

In an interview with Simply Shredded, Lauren revealed she is “passionate” about the gym. “That’s when I decided to dedicate more time to getting stronger and developing my overall physique and I made the switch from being a ‘cardio bunny’ to lifting heavy weights! During that time, I would go on social media to look at girls who competed in Fitness competitions,” she said.

She Does Minimal Cardio

“A workout routine focusing primarily on weight training with minimal to no cardio works best for me. My style of training is a cross between powerlifting and bodybuilding. I am an ectomorph body type and I find it quite hard to maintain muscle mass. Lifting heavy has really helped to stimulate my overall muscle growth, particularly with my lower body,” she added to the publication

She Counts Macros

Lauren elaborated on her diet to Simply Shredded. “I follow a blended approach between macros and clean eating,” says Lauren. “I know my exact macros and I have a clean meal plan to hit these macros. When planning my meals, I also keep things like nutrient timing in mind too especially around my workouts.”

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Here is what Lauren eats in a day

  • Meal 1: 5 ounces Egg Whites, 3 ounces Oats and 1 tablespoon Honey
  • Meal 2: 1 scoop Protein and 1 cup Blueberries
  • Meal 3: 3 ½ ounces Barramundi and 9 ounces Sweet Potato
  • Meal 4: 2 ½ ounces Chicken Breast, 5 ounces Mixed Vegetables and 1 ½ ounces Walnuts
  • Meal 5: 3 ½ ounces Turkey Mince, 3 ½ ounces Pumpkin, ¼ cup Baby Spinach Leaves and 2 ounces Avocado
  • Meal 6: 1 scoop Protein and ¼ cup Almonds.

She Keeps No Sweets in the House

“Sushi and sweet potato fries are my current obsession! I often crave sweet things, so to handle those cravings, I simply do not keep any sweets in the house! (Laughs) I remove all temptations and I save the sweets for when I go out on a ‘cheat night,’” says Lauren. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Young caucasian blonde woman holding board with raw meat celebrating crazy and amazed for success with open eyes screaming excited. Protein , beef, meat
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.

Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue, brittle nails, or slow-healing wounds? Your body might be waving red flags about protein deficiency. Dr. Jin W. Sung, a prominent health expert with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers, reveals seven critical signs that could indicate you're not getting enough protein. Understanding these signals could be the key to unlocking better health, stronger immunity, and improved overall wellness. Read on to discover if your body is trying to tell you something important.

The Hidden Language of Protein Deficiency: 7 Warning Signs

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

"Most people don't realize how many different ways their body signals protein deficiency," says Dr. Sung. These seven key signs can help you identify if you're getting enough protein in your diet. Pay attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination.

Sign #1: Struggling to Build or Maintain Muscle

Strong sporty fit woman in yellow tank top flexing bicep muscle over gray studio background.Shutterstock

"Muscle loss or inability to gain muscle despite working out is a major red flag," warns Dr. Sung. If you're hitting the gym regularly but not seeing results, or noticing muscle weakness despite regular activity, your protein intake might be insufficient. For optimal muscle health, Dr. Sung recommends 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, with athletes needing up to 2 grams per kilogram.

Sign #2: Brittle Hair and Weak Nails

Millennial girl with hair loss problem looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

Notice your hair breaking easily or nails becoming increasingly brittle? Dr. Sung explains that these changes often signal protein deficiency, as hair and nails are primarily made of protein. Regular monitoring of your protein intake is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy hair and nails.

Sign #3: Slow-Healing Wounds

Closeup of male arms holding his painful wrist caused by prolonged work on the computer, laptop. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, neurological disease concept. Numbness of the handShutterstock

"When you get a cut and it doesn't heal well or in the expected time frame, that's a clear sign," Dr. Sung notes. Protein plays a crucial role in tissue repair and wound healing. If small cuts or bruises take longer than usual to heal, your body might need more protein to support its repair processes.

Sign #4: Weakened Immune System

Senior beautiful woman sitting sick on sofa at home. He coughs, covers his mouth with his hand, holds his chest. Feels pain, suffers from asthma, allergies, flu, cold.Shutterstock

"These people will be more prone to infection or become currently sick," Dr. Sung explains about protein-deficient individuals. If you're catching every cold that comes around or infections seem to linger, your immune system might be struggling due to inadequate protein intake.

Sign #5: Sleep Issues and Mood Changes

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia. Asian girl with funny face sick or sad depressed sleeping at home.Shutterstock

Experiencing anxiety, depression, or insomnia? According to Dr. Sung, these could be unexpected signs of protein deficiency. Studies show that protein is essential for producing neurotransmitters that regulate mood and sleep patterns.

Sign #6: Bone Health Concerns

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

"People don't realize it's not just calcium and minerals in the bone. There's protein amino acids too," Dr. Sung emphasizes. If you're concerned about bone density or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, increasing your protein intake might be crucial for maintaining bone health.

Sign #7: Constant Hunger and Cravings

Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At KitchenShutterstock

While not directly quoted by Dr. Sung, research shows that inadequate protein intake can lead to increased hunger and cravings. Dr. Sung's recommended protein intake of 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight can help maintain satiety and reduce unnecessary snacking.

Understanding Your Protein Needs

Chicken Breast on Food Scale with Mushrooms and Spinach​Prepare Strategies for PlateausShutterstock

Dr. Sung breaks down the numbers clearly: "A 150-pound person needs at least 81.6 to 95.2 grams of protein per day for optimal health." For those with health challenges, he recommends increasing intake to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, while athletes might need up to 2 grams per kilogram.

How to Check for Protein Deficiency

Blood,Drawn,From,A,Patient,With,Serum,doctor,hospitalShutterstock

"Simple tests like CBC with CHE can show you if you have protein deficiencies," explains Dr. Sung. Key markers include BUN (should be 10-16), globulin (2.4-2.8), and hemoglobin levels. If you're experiencing any of the seven signs, consider asking your healthcare provider about these tests.

Solutions for Better Protein Absorption

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

Dr. Sung emphasizes that it's not just about eating more protein – it's about proper absorption too. "If you have hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid issues, you definitely want to increase hydrochloric acid along with some digestive enzymes to break down your protein appropriately," he advises. Consider protein-rich diets like ketogenic, paleo, or carefully planned vegetarian diets, depending on your specific needs and restrictions. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

keith ozment fit coaching
Copyright keithozment_fitcoaching/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure what to eat for breakfast? Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach specializing in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new social media post, he unveils a handful of breakfast ideas to jumpstart your weight loss. “5 high protein breakfast ideas to eat when you want to shed fat & build muscle,” he writes on Instagram. “🔥MELT BODY FAT🔥These are some of my favorite breakfast options I use to shed body fat and build muscle!” he continues. “When it comes to losing weight and building muscle, it’s crucial you are in an efficient calorie deficit and consuming adequate protein.”

Greek Yogurt Cereal Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 300-400g nonfat Greek yogurt (FAGE brand)
  • 1/4 cup berries
  • 1 cup Premier or Ghost protein cereal.

Macros:

  • Calories: ~400
  • Protein: ~50g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~5g.

Egg & Cheese McMuffin

Ingredients:

  • 1 Thomas English muffin
  • 1 whole egg + 2 egg whites
  • 1 slice fat-free cheese
  • Optional: 1-3 slices of Canadian bacon

Macros:

  • Calories: ~350-400
  • Protein: ~35-40g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~10g.

Avocado Toast and Berries with Honey

Ingredients:

  • 1 slice high-protein bread @dohjoybread
  • 1/4 avocado
  • 3 large egg whites + 1 whole egg.
  • 1/4 cup mixed berries
  • 1 tsp honey

Macros:

  • Calories: ~400
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbs: ~27g
  • Fat: ~14g.

Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop of whey protein

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 frozen banana

• 1 tbsp peanut butter

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond or Fairlife milk

Macros:

• Calories: ~400

• Protein: ~40g

• Carbs: ~22g

• Fat: ~12g.

Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 scoop whey protein
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Macros:

  • • Calories: ~450
  • • Protein: ~39g
  • • Carbs: ~33g
  • • Fat: ~10g.

He Recommends the 40-30-20 Method, First Starting Your Day with 40 Grams Protein

In another post, he touts the benefits of the 40-30-20 Method. “Start your day with 40g of protein. A breakfast smoothie with protein powder, berries, and almond milk or overnight oats with Greek yogurt and protein powder are great options,” he 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.

Next, Walk for 30 Minutes

“Walk for 30 minutes daily. Split it into two 15-minute sessions if needed. Walking boosts metabolism, reduces stress, and aids fat loss,” he says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Finally, Lift Weights for 20 Minutes

“Dedicate 20 minutes to weightlifting 3-4 days a week,” he adds. 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.

RELATED:I'm 50+ and These 7 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

Here Is the Workout Split He Recommends

He goes on to reveal a simple 4-day split:

Day 1: Upper Body Push

  1. • Push-Ups or Chest Press (3x12)
  2. • Dumbbell Shoulder Press (3x10-12)
  3. • Tricep Dips or Overhead Extensions (3x12)

Day 2: Lower Body

  1. • Goblet Squats (3x12)
  2. • Romanian Deadlifts (3x10-12)
  3. • Glute Bridges or Step-Ups (3x12/leg)

Day 3: Upper Body Pull

  1. • Bent-Over Rows (3x12)
  2. • Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldown (3x10-12)
  3. • Bicep Curls (3x12)

Day 4: Full Body + Core

  1. • Deadlifts (3x12)
  2. • Dumbbell Clean and Press (3x10)
  3. • Plank Holds (3x30-60 sec).

And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.