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3 Easy Steps That Will Help Anyone Lose Weight and Look Great

They are easily actionable.

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab

What are my proven tips for achieving a dream body? As a Precision Nutrition certified coach and CrossFit L1 certified trainer, this is a question that I often see asked in online forums, and it engenders responses that run the whole gamut—from eating a vegan diet to going full carnivore. I’ll give you my top 3 tips that, if followed, will not only help anyone to lose weight but will also create a body that looks fit, strong, and healthy. The best part is, they are easily actionable with some guidance and a little motivation.


1. Reduce Calorie Intake

Calorie,Counting,Calculator.,Diet,.Shutterstock

First, we have to look at reducing calorie intake. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but bear with me here. Everyone knows this, but it’s a proven fact that the vast majority of people who are trying to lose weight cannot maintain a caloric deficit followed by maintenance. So how are we going to do that? It’s not as simple as just telling people to “eat less.” We need to make sure that the food we’re eating keeps us feeling satisfied for a longer period of time so that we can reduce or eliminate snacking, which is one of the primary drivers of weight gain. To address this, start each day with a protein-dense meal. It doesn’t have to be a big, complicated breakfast. It could be something as simple as a couple of eggs, boiled or scrambled. “But I’m a breakfast skipper” I hear you say. Then make a simple protein shake in the morning. Take your time drinking it. It can even be taken with you on your commute. Twenty five to thirty grams of protein in the morning will keep you feeling satiated so that mid-morning snacking is reduced or eliminated. And your body needs more protein if you want to sculpt that dream body. Protein is the magic bullet for losing weight and sparing muscle.

Related: #1 Dumbest Thing You Can Do to Lost Weight, According to Nutrition Expert (He Did It Too)

2. Don't Eat Four Hours Before Going to Sleep

Sleeping,sleep,snooze,bed,asleep,night,dreamShutterstock

Next tip. We then address post-6pm eating. By getting adequate protein early on in the day, we’re set up to have our next 1 or 2 meals (lunch or dinner, or both) without feeling ravenous and without the between-meal snacks that I mentioned as being one of the obstacles to weight loss. So try to finish your last meal of the day at least 4 hours before you go to sleep for the night. This ensures that you have restful sleep (which in itself has been proven by numerous studies to increase weight loss success) without the sleep disturbances that come with going to bed right after eating.

Related: Woman Wows After Losing 30 Pounds in 3 Months By Eating Lunchables

3. Move Some Weight

Woman,Walking,In,The,Park,,Outdoors.,exerciseShutterstock

Last tip: Move some weight. I know, I know, we’ve all heard that you can go for an evening stroll or run 5k a day to lose weight. But sculpting a strong, healthy physique? Muscle mass has to be at least preserved, or better yet, increased. No, moving some weights in the gym is not going to give you a body like Arnold, ladies. That’s like saying going to the library 3 times a week is going to turn you into Albert Einstein. But putting in 3 one-hour sessions moving some weights, with a little HIIT (high-intensity interval training) thrown into the mix is going to burn fat, build muscle, and give you a body that the typical runner can be envious of. If you enjoyed this article don't miss I’ve Tried Nearly Every Diet and This is the #1 Best for Weight Loss For Me.

💪🔥Body Booster: Start each day with a protein-dense meal. It could be something as simple as a couple of eggs, boiled or scrambled

Mark Edwards is a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach, CrossFit Mobility Trainer & L2 at Minimalist Nutrition + Fitness

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FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
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.

What are my proven tips for achieving a dream body? As a Precision Nutrition certified coach and CrossFit L1 certified trainer, this is a question that I often see asked in online forums, and it engenders responses that run the whole gamut—from eating a vegan diet to going full carnivore. I’ll give you my top 3 tips that, if followed, will not only help anyone to lose weight but will also create a body that looks fit, strong, and healthy. The best part is, they are easily actionable with some guidance and a little motivation.


1. Reduce Calorie Intake

Calorie,Counting,Calculator.,Diet,.Shutterstock

First, we have to look at reducing calorie intake. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but bear with me here. Everyone knows this, but it’s a proven fact that the vast majority of people who are trying to lose weight cannot maintain a caloric deficit followed by maintenance. So how are we going to do that? It’s not as simple as just telling people to “eat less.” We need to make sure that the food we’re eating keeps us feeling satisfied for a longer period of time so that we can reduce or eliminate snacking, which is one of the primary drivers of weight gain. To address this, start each day with a protein-dense meal. It doesn’t have to be a big, complicated breakfast. It could be something as simple as a couple of eggs, boiled or scrambled. “But I’m a breakfast skipper” I hear you say. Then make a simple protein shake in the morning. Take your time drinking it. It can even be taken with you on your commute. Twenty five to thirty grams of protein in the morning will keep you feeling satiated so that mid-morning snacking is reduced or eliminated. And your body needs more protein if you want to sculpt that dream body. Protein is the magic bullet for losing weight and sparing muscle.

Related: #1 Dumbest Thing You Can Do to Lost Weight, According to Nutrition Expert (He Did It Too)

2. Don't Eat Four Hours Before Going to Sleep

Sleeping,sleep,snooze,bed,asleep,night,dreamShutterstock

Next tip. We then address post-6pm eating. By getting adequate protein early on in the day, we’re set up to have our next 1 or 2 meals (lunch or dinner, or both) without feeling ravenous and without the between-meal snacks that I mentioned as being one of the obstacles to weight loss. So try to finish your last meal of the day at least 4 hours before you go to sleep for the night. This ensures that you have restful sleep (which in itself has been proven by numerous studies to increase weight loss success) without the sleep disturbances that come with going to bed right after eating.

Related: Woman Wows After Losing 30 Pounds in 3 Months By Eating Lunchables

3. Move Some Weight

Woman,Walking,In,The,Park,,Outdoors.,exerciseShutterstock

Last tip: Move some weight. I know, I know, we’ve all heard that you can go for an evening stroll or run 5k a day to lose weight. But sculpting a strong, healthy physique? Muscle mass has to be at least preserved, or better yet, increased. No, moving some weights in the gym is not going to give you a body like Arnold, ladies. That’s like saying going to the library 3 times a week is going to turn you into Albert Einstein. But putting in 3 one-hour sessions moving some weights, with a little HIIT (high-intensity interval training) thrown into the mix is going to burn fat, build muscle, and give you a body that the typical runner can be envious of. If you enjoyed this article don't miss I’ve Tried Nearly Every Diet and This is the #1 Best for Weight Loss For Me.

💪🔥Body Booster: Start each day with a protein-dense meal. It could be something as simple as a couple of eggs, boiled or scrambled

Mark Edwards is a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach, CrossFit Mobility Trainer & L2 at Minimalist Nutrition + Fitness

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 weight but aren’t sure where to start? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a weight loss coach and TikTok influencer with a massive following on social media. In her viral videos, she shares tips on how to get your dream body “without ditching your favorite foods” or going to extremes with exercise. In a recent viral video, she reveals, “The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds is to love what you see when you look in the mirror without cutting off your favorite food or worrying about regaining the weight,” she says in the clip.


It Will Work No Matter Your Age or Health Condition

@project.s.lifestyle

The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds 💪🏾⚡️ Learn more about coaching in my b!o 📲 #weightlosscoach #fatlosscoach

“This will work for you whether in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 50s,” she promises about her 4-step plan. “Whether you're struggling with PCOS, menopause, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, or no health conditions at all. This has worked for hundreds of my clients of all age ranges, and I guarantee it'll work for you too,” she says.

Step One: Calculate How Much to Eat

Calorie,Counting,Calculator.,Diet,.Shutterstock

“The first thing we need to do is calculate exactly how much we need to be eating to lose these 50 pounds. You're gonna set your calorie needs in 30-pound increments, and you'll be eating a short amount of food to lose your first 30 pounds, readjusting your calories to lose the rest of the weight,” she says.

This Will Ensure You Don’t Hit a Plateau or Starve Yourself

Man put down on a wooden board ready to eat grilled steak meat, male roasted steak meat on the gas grill on barbecue grill outdoor in the backyard, summer family picnic, food on the nature.Shutterstock

Why is this so important for weight loss? “This ensures you don't hit a plateau, and you're not eating too few calories from the beginning,” she explains.

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

Recalculate Once You Get to Your Goal Weight

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

“Your first full weight's gonna be 30 pounds from where you are today. So, say you're currently 200 pounds. Your first full weight would be 170 pounds. Base your calorie in each base on 170 and adjust again once you reach 170 so you wanna take your 30-pound goal weight. In this case, 170 times 12 and that's gonna give you your calorie deficit goal. 170 times 12 is 2,040 calories. Do that calculation for yourself, and that'll be the number of calories you need to eat until you reach your first goal weight. Once you get there, you will recalculate based on your final goal weight.”

Step Two: Make Sure You Are Eating Enough Protein

Grilled chicken breast with spice rub and lemon on a cutting board, sliced and wholeShutterstock

“Now that we got that math out of the way, let's go to number two, which is making sure you're eating enough protein within your calorie deficit,” says Soraya. “The best way to calculate your protein need is if you weigh more than 225 pounds, you wanna take your current weight times 0.6, and that's your daily protein goal. If you weigh 225 pounds or less, take your current weight times to point eight, and that's your daily protein goal.”

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

If You Are Plant-Based, Use This Equation

Fruit,Market,Fresh,Fruits,Vegetables,market,farmers,farm,Shutterstock

“If you're plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian, take your current weight times to point four, and that's your daily protein goal. The reason being it's a lot harder to get in protein when you are plant-based cause you don't eat meat and other things for higher in protein,” she says.

Step Three: Light, Low Impact Movement

people biking in spinning class at modern gym, exercising on stationary bike. group of caucasian people athletes training on exercise bikeShutterstock

Moving on to exercise – but not the high-intensity type. “Number three, you wanna make sure getting in enough light, low impact movement will help you burn more calories and enhance your metabolism,” Soraya says.

Set Step Goals

my goals - setting goals concept - blank flowchart sketched on a cocktail napkin with a cup of coffeeShutterstock

“I recommend walking 7,000 or more steps per day or aiming for an hour per day. They equal about the same thing,” she says. “If you're pretty sedentary right now, take a smart walk or use an app on your phone to figure out how many steps you're getting a day now and increase that by 1,000 every week,” she recommends. “For example, so you find that you're only getting 2,000 steps a day on average now, next week aim for 3,000 and 4,000 and work your way up to get about 7,000.”

Step 4: Implement Strength Training

Body and mind workout in loft fitness studio. Closeup on fitness woman workout with dumbbell in urban loft gymShutterstock

The final step, four, “you want to implement strength training, because this is what's gonna help you melt that fat,” Soraya says, noting that it gives you “that lean tone look versus that skinny fat look,” and that it’s simple. “I recommend three days a week strength training, 45 minutes to an hour, one-day upper body, one day lower body, and one-day full body, and only focus on four strength training exercises per session so it's not too overwhelming, and you don't get burnt out.”

RELATED: You Lose 5% of Your Muscles Every Decade After 30 Unless You Do These 4 Things

Losing 50 Pounds Is Easier Than You Think

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Soraya maintains that these simple steps are incredibly effective. “If you focus on these four things, losing 50 pounds is gonna be easier than it's ever been, and you'll actually be able to keep the weight off,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Frustrated with love handles that just won't budge? If you've tried everything from endless side crunches to restrictive diets with no success, you're not alone. "It would be amazing if we could do a particular exercise that targeted love handle fat only, but there is no known way currently to spot reduce fat," says Jenna Collins, a certified personal trainer who's helped thousands transform their bodies. With over 400,000 YouTube subscribers and 25 years of fitness expertise, Collins has developed a science-backed approach that delivers real results. Here's her proven system that actually works for eliminating those stubborn love handles.


Why Love Handles Are So Stubborn

"Love handles don't appear overnight," Jenna explains in her post. "They develop over the years through excess calorie consumption and various factors like stress, medication, and genetics." She notes that women, especially after menopause, are more prone to storing fat in this area due to decreased estrogen levels.

"They don't appear because you went on vacation for a week and ate too much food," Jenna emphasizes. "This happens over a long period of time. Often, in the years, we've become so used to our bad habits that the problem can go undetected or, more likely, ignored."

RELATED:She Could Have Lost Weight Faster If She Had Known These 5 Fat Loss Tricks

Step 1: The Nutrition Strategy That Makes the Difference

The foundation of losing love handles starts with smart eating. "You need to be in a calorie deficit to lose fat," Jenna emphasizes. "This means consuming fewer calories than you burn daily." She recommends reducing your daily caloric intake by no more than 500 calories to lose fat at a sustainable pace.

"Definitely don't jump in and reduce your calories to the bare minimum in the hopes of speeding up fat loss," Jenna warns. "This will always result in gaining the weight back very fast. The truth is you're looking at many months and possibly even years, depending on how much fat you need to lose."

The Protein Rule That Protects Your Muscles While Burning Fat

Protein intake is crucial to maintaining muscle while losing fat. "If you're not getting adequate protein in your diet, you can start to lose muscle, especially while in a calorie deficit," Jenna explains. She recommends consuming 0.7-1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.

Step 2: The Exercise Approach That Really Works

Surprisingly, the most effective exercise isn't what most people expect. "If I had to choose one exercise for all people and all fitness levels, walking is your best exercise to lose fat," Jenna reveals. She notes that "walking for 45 minutes at a steady pace can burn as many calories as a 15-minute HIIT workout."

For optimal results, combine walking with strength training. "Resistance training will help you to tone and build muscle, and the more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will burn at rest. Yes, that's right. At rest, doing nothing."

Start Here: Your Simple 3-Day Workout Plan for Results

For beginners, Jenna recommends "a full body workout three times per week. Two could be shorter HIIT workouts with or without equipment, and one could be lower intensity weights." As you progress, you can advance to more specialized routines.

RELATED:10 Warning Signs Your Calories Are Dangerously Low

Step 3: The Missing Link - Sustainable Consistency

"If you can't put the first two steps into practice consistently and make it a lifestyle change rather than seeing it as a challenge, then those steps are pointless," Jenna states firmly. "You don't need to jump in with both feet and make drastic changes overnight. For some, this might work, but for most people, this won't work."

Work With Your Body Type, Not Against It

She highlights working with your unique body type: "We really just need to accept that we all have different body shapes. You can't go comparing your body shape to someone else's. Work with your own body and don't try to shape it the way somebody else is built."

Breaking Through Plateaus

When progress stalls, Jenna shares her proven solution: the refeed day. "After some time being in a calorie deficit, your body will reduce the amount of calories it burns. This is your body's way of going into survival mode," she explains. By strategically increasing carbohydrates for one day, "you're signaling to your body that you are getting enough calories, and there's no need to lower your metabolism."

RELATED:She Tried the 75 Soft Challenge and "Actually Craves Healthy Food Now"

Your Blueprint for Success

"Combine the science and a lifestyle change that works for you, meaning something that is sustainable and enjoyable for you long-term," Jenna concludes. The key to success lies in the combination of proper nutrition, strategic exercise, and unwavering consistency. While the journey requires patience, following these science-backed steps will lead to real, lasting results. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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 10 pounds by the holidays? Jenn Markwardt is a fitness and nutrition coach and founder of Flourish Nutrition, whose goal is “helping you lose 20lbs in a stress-free way. In a recent social media post, she reveals how to drop weight fast by making a few simple tweaks to your routine. “Maybe it’s your energy, maybe it’s an extra 10-20lbs that came out of nowhere, especially around your middle, or maybe it’s exhaustion and brain fog you can’t get rid of,” she writes in the Instagram post. “Here are the three️ things I (and my clients) would avoid if I wanted to drop fat and get my energy back.”


Stop Eating Healthy and Start Eating with Intention

New York - January 9, 2020: MyFitnessPal application on a smartphone. MyFitnessPal is a mobileShutterstock

Her first tip? Stop eating “healthy” and start eating with intention. “Track your food for a week (not forever, and you’ll be amazed at what you learn. It’s not about eating as little as possible; it’s about understanding how to build your pants in a way that leaves you full and satiated and helps your body lose fat without restriction and hunger,” she writes in her post.

Get More Focused with Exercise

Sport watch run woman checking smartwatch tracker. Trail running runner girl looking at heart rate monitor smart watch in forest wearing jacket sportswear. Female athlete jogger training in woods.Shutterstock

Next, “stop doing random workouts and only relying on cardio,” she says. “Muscle is the key to lighting up your metabolism and helping you actually keep your results! You should be training intentionally in a progressive overload style (building in weights or reps each week) to optimize your results!”

Don’t Do It Alone

Side view of two attractive sports women on running track. Girls on treadmillShutterstock

And her third tip is to “stop trying to go it alone,” she says. “Listen, things change as we age, but you are not broken. It’s not impossible to see results, but you have to do things differently than you did in the past, and it’s a heck of a lot easier when you have the support and accountability of coaches and other women just like you.”

RELATED: I'm a 75-Year-Old and Here Are My 15 Secrets to Staying in the Best Shape of My Life

She Also Recommends These 5 Healthy Habits for Weight Loss

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

In another post, she reveals that one of her clients dropped a whopping 30 pounds over a period of six months, “and this was someone who has done literally every diet under the sun,” she says in the clip. “Here are the five habits we focused on to optimize her metabolism hormones and get her energy back so fat loss felt easy,” she adds in the post.

Walk 8,000 to 10,000 Steps Per Day

Man using daily activity tracking app on mobile phone showing 10 000 steps daily goal achievementShutterstock

The first habit is to get your steps in. She recommends “daily movement of 8-10k steps.” Why should you aim for 10,000 steps per day? A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking that amount 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.

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Close up of young businessman eating rib steak on wooden tray at restaurant.Shutterstock

Next, amp up your protein intake. “30g of protein at each meal for satiation and preserving and building muscle,” 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.

Also, Increase Fiber Intake

Health food concept for a high fiber diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes and herbs. Foods high in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates and vitamins on mShutterstock

Also, she recommends amping up your fiber intake. “25g of fiber daily” is her suggestion. Why? “Fiber is key for balancing blood sugar and keeping you full, so you avoid mindless snacking,” she says.

RELATED: This Guru Doctor Reveals 8 Hormone Mistakes Making You Gain Weight After 40

Strength Train

A fitness enthusiast training at the gym, lifting weights and performing exercises with dumbbells to build up her strength and maintain her health and beauty, fitness GYM dark backgroundShutterstock

In addition to getting your steps in, she recommends doing strength training to build muscle. Specifically, she suggests three 30-minute strength workouts a week “using our Flourish Fitness progressive overload program,” 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

Stress Management

Calm young Hispanic woman holding hands in namaste meditating doing yoga breathing exercises with eyes closed feeling peace of mind, mental balance standing in green nature tropical park.Shutterstock

Lastly, she stresses the importance of mental health. She explains that “stress management and finding and creating the time to prioritize” yourself is fundamental in getting in physical shape.

A Lot of Factors Impact Weight Loss

Young Caucasian suntanned beautiful elegant woman eating, biting Italian thick tomato pizza with burata cheese Yummy unhealthy food. Liking fingersShutterstock

“And here’s why this works: your metabolism isn’t just ONE thing. There are a lot of factors, and your daily habits have the biggest impact on your metabolic health and hormones. You don’t have to do these things perfectly, but consistency (even on the weekends) matters for forever results,” she writes at the end of the post. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
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.

Losing weight and achieving your weight loss goals may seem daunting. However, dropping a few dress sizes can be as simple as making a few changes to your routine. Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, Founder and Program Director of the Bounce N' Burn Rebounding program, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, boasts over 126,000 followers on the video sharing site, where she shares tips and secrets about her weight loss. In a recent video, she revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months, simply by incorporating four easy changes into her lifestyle. “If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again,” she starts explaining in the viral TikTok video. She did it "by making four effortless changes in my life," she told us here at Body Network. "I did things one step at a time so that I wouldn't get too overwhelmed." Here's exactly what she did.


1. Drink Three Liters of Water Per Day

Glass,Tap,Water,Faucet,Kitchen,drinkShutterstock

Her first suggestion is to drink three liters of water every day. “That's what your body needs. One and a half of these at the minimum, okay? If you're exercising, drink two at the minimum,” she says, pointing to her water bottle. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. What health benefits can you reap by hydration? According to the Mayo Clinic water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues. "There are so many benefits to drinking the amount of water that your body needs and making this small adjustment to be more intentional with your water, can tremendously support your weight-loss journey," St-Aubin tells Body Network.

Related: I'm a Personal Trainer With a Flat Belly and Here's How to Get Yours

2. Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Ham,Egg,Omelette,Eggs,Fresh,Herbs,Salad,breakfastShutterstock

While there is no “need to track your food,” Sydney strongly suggests amping up your protein intake. “No counting, no weighing, no measuring. I'm learning that right now. You don't even need to do that. But something that's helped me so, so much in the past four months is just making every single meal protein oriented, just focus on protein,” she says. For breakfast, she suggests an omelet with “eggs for my protein with some added meat in there", and lunch, “some tuna concoction or salad with chicken,” and for dinner, salmon. “When you're prioritizing protein, you're seriously not going to be as hungry. You're going to be saying goodbye to all the snacks. You're not going to feel hungry late at night. Your body can then burn fat while you're sleeping. Trust me, it's so important.” When we reached out to her, she reiterated this fact: "I started to make every meal protein-oriented. I you make protein the focus in each of your meals, you'll stay full for longer periods of time and there won't be a need for as many snacks throughout the day. When I felt snackish, I started grabbing things that were higher in protein rather than carbs, so that they would actually tide me over until the next meal."

3. Stay in a Caloric Deficit

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

While “you don't even need to count or weigh if you don't want to,” you should “choose wisely about what you're putting on your plate and what your portions look like,” she says. “At the end of the day, we're staying in a caloric deficit.”

4. Get Your Steps In

Young adult woman walking up the stairs with sun sport background.Shutterstock/siam.pukkato

Not only should you “get your steps in,” says Sydney, but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for? 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. "I started parking further away from the places I needed to go. This way, I was getting in more steps and therefore burning more calories without putting too much pressure on myself to do any specific type of exercise," she told us.

Related: 6 Body Changes Caused by Drinking Soda, According to a Diet Expert

5. Final Suggestion: Don’t Overcomplicate Weight Loss

Woman,,Balance,Weight,Scale,health,scalesShutterstock

“You don't got to overcomplicate the whole thing. You don't need to feel like you're on this insane diet. You don't need to cut out your favorite foods. Eat everything in moderation. Let me help you because I've finally figured it out. Let's do it,” Sydney says at the end of the video. Or as she told us: "I started to incorporate exercise by creating a set schedule and routine for myself. I knew that in order to see results, I needed to be consistent but in order to be consistent, I needed to enjoy the movement. I don't believe in having to lift weights, run marathons or go to the gym in order to lose weight. I believe that any movement is a good one because the results come from consistency. I love mini trampoline fitness workouts, using a Rebounder, because they're fun and they can be done from the comfort of my own home. I love them so much that I teach my own classes online and have built an incredible community of ladies from all over the world. Don't over-complicate the weight-loss process. Do what you can every single day and the results will follow."

@sydneystaubin

19 lbs down since january and still going 👏🏻 here’s what i’ve been doing and what i plan to continue to do to reach my goal by hopefully september 🤍 #weightloss #caloricdeficit #athomeworkouts #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogram

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, amp up your protein intake. Proteins like lean meats, eggs, and legumes, fill you up while fueling your workouts, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy food.

Autumn Bates
I'm a Nutrition Pro: This 28-Day Walking Routine Burns More Fat Than Cardio
Copyright autumnelle_nutrition/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.

We've all been there – faithfully hitting our daily walks but not seeing the fat loss results we expected. According to Autumn Bates, a certified clinical nutritionist with a master's in nutrition and human performance, walking is one of the most powerful tools for fat burning – when done correctly. With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers turning to her for evidence-based wellness advice, Autumn frequently identifies common walking mistakes that prevent her clients from achieving their fat loss goals. Read on to discover how small adjustments to your walking routine could reignite your fat-burning potential and help you start seeing results again.

Mistake 1: Not Walking Enough

The first mistake is straightforward – you simply aren't walking enough, says Autumn. While step counters and Fitbits can expose you to EMF, they're useful tools for establishing your baseline activity level.

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

Know Your Baseline

"Very minimum I recommend getting in 10,000 steps a day," Autumn advises. If you're currently only walking 1,000-2,000 steps daily, don't try to jump immediately to 10,000. Instead, Autumn suggests incrementally increasing your steps – perhaps starting with a 2,000-step goal and adding 500-2,000 more steps each week.

Challenge Yourself Weekly

For those already hitting 8,000-10,000 steps, Autumn encourages pushing toward 15,000 steps. "With walking, the more the better," she explains, noting that most people tend to walk less than they should rather than more. Unlike running, which can elevate cortisol levels when overdone, you generally can't walk too much.

Mistake 2: Not Spreading Your Steps Throughout the Day

Even if you're achieving your step goal, Autumn points out that getting all your walking done in a single session while remaining sedentary the rest of the day is counterproductive.

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The Sitting-Inflammation Connection

"The longer you sit, the more inflammation you're going to have," Autumn warns. "And as we know, inflammation is really tied with weight gain or at least inability to lose weight."

Mini Walking Breaks

The solution is simple: break up your walking into smaller sessions scattered throughout the day. Autumn recommends five or ten-minute walks as breaks during your workday. This approach helps combat the inflammatory effects of prolonged sitting that can sabotage your fat-burning efforts.

Mistake 3: Only Walking on a Treadmill

While treadmill walking is better than no walking at all, Autumn emphasizes that outdoor walking offers unique benefits you can't get indoors.

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The Power of Negative Ions

"If you are capable and if the weather allows for it to go walk outside, especially if you live by a park or some type of outside natural environment, then this will actually expose you to something called negative ions," Autumn explains.

Cortisol Reduction

These negative ions have been shown to reduce serum cortisol levels – the stress hormone associated with weight gain, particularly around the belly. Autumn notes that studies show you need at least 15 minutes of outdoor exposure to receive these benefits.

Making Walking Work For You

By incorporating these adjustments into your walking routine, you'll be better positioned to break through plateaus and continue making progress toward your fat-burning goals. As Autumn frequently reminds her clients, walking isn't just about getting steps in – it's about how you integrate this powerful tool into your lifestyle for maximum fat-burning benefits.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Start Where You Are

Remember that any improvement to your current walking routine is progress. Autumn recommends focusing on consistency first, then gradually implementing these changes for sustainable fat loss results.

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​Prioritize Whole Foods
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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.

Do you want to shape up fast? According to an expert, you need to focus on only five habits. Karen Trasatti is a fat loss coach for women over 40 who looks half her age at 61. In a new viral Instagram post, she gets honest about what it takes to lose weight fast. “To all the midlife women out there…If you want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks and finally feel comfortable in your own skin, you need to commit to these 5 habits,” she writes.

These Habits Will Help You Feel Stronger and Also Boost Energy

“Want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks? If you’re a midlife woman and ready to shed some weight, feel stronger, and boost your energy, these are the 5 habits I would commit to,” she continues in the post.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Strength Train

The first habit she suggests is lifting weights, specifically strength training three times per week. “Muscle is your metabolism’s best friend! Lifting weights helps you burn more calories, even at rest,” she says. 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

Prioritize Protein

Next, prioritize protein. “Aim for at least 25-30g per meal to support muscle and keep you full longer,” she says. 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:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Walk Daily

She also recommends hitting 7,000-10,000 steps daily. “Walking is underrated for fat loss and overall health. Move your body as much as possible!” she writes. 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.

Track Macros (Not Just Calories!)

Her next tip is tracking macros – not just calories. “Balancing protein, carbs, and fats is key for sustainable weight loss,” she writes.

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

Sleep

Finally, get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. “Poor sleep messes with hormones and cravings, making fat loss harder. Prioritize rest!” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Expert-Recommended

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Are you trying to lose weight and keep it off? Losing 50 pounds is a big goal, but with the proper habits, it’s achievable. Regarding nutrition, remember to take it slow and not do any fad diets or eliminate entire food groups. As for exercise, moving your body is key, not just focusing only on diet. As a weight loss coach, I recommend these seven habits to my clients when they want to lose a lot of weight and keep it off.

1. Track Your Food Intake

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Use a food journal or an app (like MyFitnessPal or LoseIt) to log everything you eat. People who keep track are the most successful in losing and keeping weight off. Keeping a record of what you eat is accountability but also when you see the calories it is awareness of how quickly they add up throughout the day. Focus on calorie intake and make sure you are also spreading those calories throughout the day.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

2. Prioritize Protein and Fiber

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Protein helps with muscle retention and keeps you full longer. Fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) improve digestion, reduce cravings, and also keep you feeling full.

3. Stay Hydrated

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Drink at least 80-100 ounces of calorie-free fluids throughout the day. Water is best, but you can also drink decaf tea or add flavor to your water to help drink enough.

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

4. Strength Train & Move More

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Incorporate strength training two to four times per week to build muscle and boost metabolism. When you lose weight you will lose some muscle. Doing strength training will help to maintain that muscle mass. Walk 10,000+ steps a day as a general rule. Get your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes a day most days of the week.

5. Watch Portions & Eat Mindfully

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Use smaller plates. Eat slowly to recognize fullness cues. Avoid eating in front of screens or in the car to be more mindful.

6. Get Quality Sleep (7-9 Hours Nightly)

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Poor sleep increases hunger hormones and cravings for unhealthy foods. Set a bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed.

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7. Stay Consistent & Adjust as Needed

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When you lose weight, it does not come off every single day; sometimes, you might even gain a pound or two. Stay patient and know the weight will come off if the habits are there. Focus on long-term sustainability rather than quick fixes.

Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, also known as The Diet Diva, is Body Network’s Resident Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies.