Skip to content

Fitness Trainer Reveals 6 Daily Habits That Actually Burn Fat

Stevie Ann Griffin reveals the diet and exercise tactics that helped her lose fat.

Stevie_Ann_Griffin10

Do you want to jump-start your fat loss but aren’t sure what to do? Stevie Ann Griffin is a fitness trainer and digital creator who shares tips and tricks on how to get into shape. In a recent post, she tackles the topic of dropping body fat, revealing a bunch of “effective strategies for reducing body fat percentages” that can easily be applied to your own approach to health. “Here’s what has worked for me,” she writes in the post.


Do More Cardio

Stevie suggests that the first thing you should do is focus on cardio. “While cardio alone won’t transform your body composition, it can aid in shedding excess fat. You don’t have to run; walking is actually one of the most effective forms of cardio. Low-Intensity Steady State (LISS) cardio can be particularly beneficial for fat loss,” she says.

Try Strength Training

Next, she recommends strength training. “Increasing your muscle mass boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories. Plus, strength training shapes your desired physique,” she says.

RELATED:This Doctor Reveals 5 Alternative Medications When You Can't Get Ozempic

Add in HIIT

She is also a fan of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for fat loss. “There are many opinions on HIIT, but ultimately, it’s about what suits your body. For me, HIIT has been crucial for fat loss. Short bursts of intense activity followed by brief recovery periods keep your heart rate up, enhancing fat burning and calorie expenditure in a shorter time compared to other workouts,” Stevie writes.

Eat More Protein

Amp up your protein intake, she continues. “Incorporating more protein into my diet was a game changer. It reduces appetite and promotes fat burning, keeping you fuller for longer. Aim for about one gram of protein per pound of body weight daily,” she says.

Get Your Steps In

She also recommends getting your daily steps in. “Your gym sessions matter, but daily movement is equally important. If you have a desk job, take short breaks to walk around. Aim for 10,000 steps a day to boost your activity level,” she writes.

RELATED:Woman Lost 7 Pounds in 3 Weeks Eating This Protein Dessert Every Night

Sleep

Finally, make sure to get enough sleep. “This is crucial. I used to prioritize work over sleep, which left me exhausted and led to elevated cortisol levels, making it harder to lose fat. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support your goals,” she says.

Nutrition Is Also Key

“Keep in mind that everyone’s journey is unique to them. What works for me may not work for you,” she writes. “Ultimately, while training is essential, nutrition plays a crucial role—accounting for about 85% of your success. Be sure to prioritize protein and whole foods in your diet.”

Here’s Her Workout Structure

“Here’s how I structure my week: I typically do 3-4 strength training sessions and 1-2 HIIT workouts. Currently, I’m focused on running due to my training goals. But if you aren’t running, I would recommend including 3 LISS cardio sessions each week to support your goals,” she writes.

RELATED: Nutrition Expert Reveals 5 “Absolute Worst” Protein Foods Making You Fat

Here Is What She Eats in a Day: Coffee and Breakfast

What does she eat in a day? “I start my morning off with @seed and always a glass a water before I have my coffee. Then on to my coffee ☕️ best part of my day. For breakfast, I had Oikos yogurt, a scoop of @1upnutrition whey protein (sundae ice cream cone is my favorite), one banana, honey, and cinnamon,” she revealed in another post.

Lunch and Dinner

“For lunch, I had zucchini, squash, carrots, a cup of rice, and grilled chicken (so good). My go-to snack is a quest cookies and crème protein bar,” she continues. “For dinner, I have spaghetti squash with meat sauce (very much in the fall mood). I finished off the night with a @middaysquares. Before I went to bed, I had my cherry mint mojito magnesium from @1upnutrition. It’s so freaking good. And that’s a day of eats for me!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

More For You

Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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

Intermittent Fasting

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

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Coffee

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

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

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

Stretching or Yoga

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

Walking

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

Tea Before Bed

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

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

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

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

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

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

Do you want to jump-start your fat loss but aren’t sure what to do? Stevie Ann Griffin is a fitness trainer and digital creator who shares tips and tricks on how to get into shape. In a recent post, she tackles the topic of dropping body fat, revealing a bunch of “effective strategies for reducing body fat percentages” that can easily be applied to your own approach to health. “Here’s what has worked for me,” she writes in the post.


Do More Cardio

Stevie suggests that the first thing you should do is focus on cardio. “While cardio alone won’t transform your body composition, it can aid in shedding excess fat. You don’t have to run; walking is actually one of the most effective forms of cardio. Low-Intensity Steady State (LISS) cardio can be particularly beneficial for fat loss,” she says.

Try Strength Training

Next, she recommends strength training. “Increasing your muscle mass boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories. Plus, strength training shapes your desired physique,” she says.

RELATED:This Doctor Reveals 5 Alternative Medications When You Can't Get Ozempic

Add in HIIT

She is also a fan of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for fat loss. “There are many opinions on HIIT, but ultimately, it’s about what suits your body. For me, HIIT has been crucial for fat loss. Short bursts of intense activity followed by brief recovery periods keep your heart rate up, enhancing fat burning and calorie expenditure in a shorter time compared to other workouts,” Stevie writes.

Eat More Protein

Amp up your protein intake, she continues. “Incorporating more protein into my diet was a game changer. It reduces appetite and promotes fat burning, keeping you fuller for longer. Aim for about one gram of protein per pound of body weight daily,” she says.

Get Your Steps In

She also recommends getting your daily steps in. “Your gym sessions matter, but daily movement is equally important. If you have a desk job, take short breaks to walk around. Aim for 10,000 steps a day to boost your activity level,” she writes.

RELATED:Woman Lost 7 Pounds in 3 Weeks Eating This Protein Dessert Every Night

Sleep

Finally, make sure to get enough sleep. “This is crucial. I used to prioritize work over sleep, which left me exhausted and led to elevated cortisol levels, making it harder to lose fat. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support your goals,” she says.

Nutrition Is Also Key

“Keep in mind that everyone’s journey is unique to them. What works for me may not work for you,” she writes. “Ultimately, while training is essential, nutrition plays a crucial role—accounting for about 85% of your success. Be sure to prioritize protein and whole foods in your diet.”

Here’s Her Workout Structure

“Here’s how I structure my week: I typically do 3-4 strength training sessions and 1-2 HIIT workouts. Currently, I’m focused on running due to my training goals. But if you aren’t running, I would recommend including 3 LISS cardio sessions each week to support your goals,” she writes.

RELATED: Nutrition Expert Reveals 5 “Absolute Worst” Protein Foods Making You Fat

Here Is What She Eats in a Day: Coffee and Breakfast

What does she eat in a day? “I start my morning off with @seed and always a glass a water before I have my coffee. Then on to my coffee ☕️ best part of my day. For breakfast, I had Oikos yogurt, a scoop of @1upnutrition whey protein (sundae ice cream cone is my favorite), one banana, honey, and cinnamon,” she revealed in another post.

Lunch and Dinner

“For lunch, I had zucchini, squash, carrots, a cup of rice, and grilled chicken (so good). My go-to snack is a quest cookies and crème protein bar,” she continues. “For dinner, I have spaghetti squash with meat sauce (very much in the fall mood). I finished off the night with a @middaysquares. Before I went to bed, I had my cherry mint mojito magnesium from @1upnutrition. It’s so freaking good. And that’s a day of eats for me!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Riva Siggins rivafitness
Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
Copyright rivafitness/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? Keep it simple, says an expert. Riva Siggins is an online coach who “loves food and movement.” She regularly shares tips on the best ways to burn fat and build muscle with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a recent post she shares “5 simple tips” to burn fat and lose weight. “These tips may sound simple, but often, fat loss is overly complicated. Nail the basics, and you’ll get results,” she says.

Make Protein Your “Best Friend”

Her first tip is to )make protein your best friend. “Not only will it help you retain more muscle as you lose body fat which will contribute to a leaner physique but it is also the most filling macronutrient so will be sticking to a deficit easier,” she said. “Utilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Get Enough Sleep

Next, “stop underestimating how important sleep is,” she writes. “Lack of sleep can increase hunger as your hormones ghrelin and leptin which send signals to your brain telling you when you’re hungry/satiated don’t work as efficiently when you’re sleep deprived and this can result in your feeling hungrier, food focus being higher and more cravings which can make sticking to a deficit a LOT harder.”

Do Cardio Plus Weight Training

Next, she recommends prioritizing weight training while utilizing cardio “as a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she says. “Weight training will help you maintain more muscle so as you drop body fat you won’t just get smaller and flatter, you’ll maintain shape and have a lean, strong looking physique. Cardio can be utilized to help increase your output but if you just do cardio you’ll lose a lot of muscle which you don’t want.”

Eat Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, prioritize whole foods. “200 calories of potatoes is going to give you a lot more volume compared to 200 calories or chocolate, include the foods you enjoy in moderation of course as this’ll help you stick to it but if you’re sensible with your food selection you’re going to feel like you’re eating a lot and by prioritizing food sources such as complex carbs, lean protein and fruit/veg you will be left feeling fuller for longer too,” she says.

Take Things One Day at a Time

Tip five is to take things one day at a time. “If you go over your calories or have a day where you fall off track so what? Just pick yourself up a go day, it isn’t about perfection every day it’s about consistency over time,” she writes.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Dial in Your Nutrition

In another post, she offers more tips. One thing she did was dial into her nutrition more than ever. “Around 90% of my calories come from whole foods and I feel so energised, I’m able to push harder in my sessions because I’m fuelling correctly, I’m not having energy dips throughout and I’m recovering well,” she says.

She Started Drinking Less Alcohol

She also started drinking less alcohol. “For the last few years I’ve not been a big drinker but even more so recently, I don’t know when I’ll drink again because I can have such a good time socially without it so I’ll only drink alcohol if I feel it will enhance the experience and there’s very few times I feel like that nowadays,” she writes.

EMOMs and AMRAPs

She also changed her training approach. While “the foundation of my training stays the same eg my strength work as progressive overload is key but I have different conditioning finishers each week from EMOMs and AMRAPs to threshold sessions and timed rounds, this is to test my aerobic and anaerobic capacity in different ways,” she says.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Prioritizing Herself

“I am prioritizing me more than ever before,” she continues. “I’m not afraid to say no to plans if I need time to rest, I’m not worried about people thinking I’m boring or saying yes to things to be a people pleaser. I’ve found a perfect balance with training hard, recharging and doing things that make me feel good in my spare time so I’m not burnt out or constantly feeling tired.”

Water

She also says that water has “become an absolute non-negotiable” in her plan. “4l of water a day,” she says. “I need to perform and recover my best.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Mike Mutzel metabolic_mike
Copyright metabolic_mike/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.

Have you been hitting the gym regularly but still struggling to lose weight? You're not alone. Many people face this frustrating situation, and according to recent research, the solution might be simpler than you think.

Mike Mutzel, MS, a functional medicine consultant and nutrition expert, shares research on why walking 8,000 steps daily could be the missing link in your fat loss journey. With over 700,000 YouTube subscribers and extensive experience in clinical nutrition, Mike's evidence-based approach has helped thousands achieve their health goals. As the author of "Belly Fat Effect" and a graduate of the Institute for Functional Medicine, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application.

If you want to finally understand why your workouts might not be delivering results and learn how to fix it, this article reveals the science behind the simple act of walking and its profound impact on your body's ability to burn fat.

Why Being Inactive Makes Fat Loss Nearly Impossible

"Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide," Mike explains in his post, highlighting how sedentary behavior creates something called exercise resistance. This means that when you're inactive throughout the day, your body becomes less efficient at burning fat, even during workouts. The research, led by Edward Coyle at UT Austin, demonstrates that low daily activity can significantly impair your body's ability to metabolize fat.

RELATED: Doctor Reveals How Much Walking You Need to Hit 10% Body Fat

The Science Behind Exercise Resistance

According to Mike, "In people who have low physical activity, who walk less than 8,000 steps per day, a one-hour exercise session has no effect of increasing fat oxidation." This revolutionary finding explains why many people who exercise regularly but remain sedentary throughout the day struggle to lose weight. The body needs consistent movement throughout the day to maintain its fat-burning capabilities.

How Walking 8,000 Steps Transforms Your Metabolism

The research shows remarkable differences between active and inactive individuals. "We see a 19% increase in resting fat oxidation after exercise in people who maintain high step counts," Mike notes. This means your body becomes significantly better at burning fat, not just during exercise but throughout the entire day, when you consistently reach your step goals.

The Impact on Post-Meal Fat Burning

Mike emphasizes that walking more than 8,000 steps daily helps your body handle meals better. "You see a reduction in triglycerides of 27% in the high step count group compared to the low step count group," he explains. This improvement in metabolic health means your body processes food more efficiently and stores less fat after meals.

Making Exercise More Effective

When you maintain higher daily step counts, exercise becomes more beneficial. "People that are very sedentary, they go to the gym and they're just exhausted," Mike observes. However, regular walking throughout the day reduces exercise fatigue and improves performance. The research shows an 11% reduction in lactate buildup in the high step count group, making workouts feel easier and more effective.

The Sweet Spot for Longevity

Recent research cited by Mike reveals that "the sweet spot in terms of the number of daily steps we all should be striving to achieve per day happens to be around 8,600 steps." This amount not only optimizes fat burning but also reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular issues.

RELATED:She Lost Weight in Her 40s with This Game-Changing Walking Hack

Protecting Your Brain Health

Mike points out that the benefits extend beyond fat loss: "People who sit longer than 10 hours per day have increased incidence of dementia." Regular walking throughout the day ensures better blood flow to the brain and improved cognitive function, making it essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Simple Ways to Increase Your Daily Steps

Making 8,000 steps achievable doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes. Mike suggests taking "exercise snacks" every 90 minutes: "Take your dogs on a walk, if you work from home, take the stairs instead of the escalator." These small changes add up to significant benefits throughout the day.

The Perfect Balance: Structured Exercise and Daily Movement

"You still need to go to the gym, do structured physical exercise," Mike advises, but combining this with consistent daily movement maximizes results. Whether you prefer yoga, hiking, or resistance training, your chosen exercise becomes more effective when paired with regular walking throughout the day.

Your Action Plan for Success

To optimize your fat-burning potential, aim for at least 8,000 steps daily while maintaining your regular exercise routine. Mike recommends breaking up long periods of sitting with short walks and taking stairs whenever possible. These simple habits, when combined with proper nutrition and regular exercise, create the perfect environment for sustainable fat loss and improved overall health. 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.

Chanel Delisser is flaunting her six-pack. In a new social media post the influencer and fitness guru shows off her famous figure in a number of ab-baring outfits. “Transformation begins outside of your comfort zone,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “PurrrFection 🔥🥊🎯🎤” commented one of her followers. “That girl 🔥❤️” commented another. How does Chanel keep her body chiseled? Body Network has all the details on how she burns fat and stays fit.


1. Do These 6 Things to Shed Fat

According to Chanel, if you do a few things for 30 days you can shed fat fast.

  • NO alcohol
  • NO fast food/ processed foods
  • NO sweets/ sugars
  • NO soda or juice
  • Increase water intake
  • Do any form of cardio at least 3x/week

2. This Is Her 20-Minute Stairmaster Routine

In another post, Chanel revealed a “20 Minute Stairmaster routine” that helps burn fat.

  1. Steady pace… 12 minutes (level 6 - 7)
  2. As fast as you can… 2 minutes (level 10 - 12)
  3. Skip a step… 2 minutes (level 3 - 4)
  4. Side steps … 2 minutes each side (level 6 - 7)

Related: 5 Foods to Ditch for Fat Loss, Says Weight Loss Coach

3. Discipline and Consistency

According to Chanel, getting in shape boils down to a few simple habits. “Discipline leads to habits. Habits lead to consistency. Consistency leads to growth!”

4. Here Is What Chanel Eats in a Day

Chanel recently detailed her diet in an Instagram video. For breakfast she eats oatmeal with granola, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and unsweetened coconut flakes. Then she has a GNC meal replacement shake. Lunch is a chicken salad, followed by a fruit bowl for a mid-afternoon snack. For dinner she has shrimp, brown rice, and broccolini.

Related: The Biggest Weight Loss Mistake I Made, and What I Did Instead to Lose 60 Pounds

5. More Healthy Habits

In another post, she offered a few simple suggestions on how to stay on track – even during the holidays. 
”Schedule your workouts into your daily routine so that you’re less likely to skip it,” she suggested. “Stick to your workout routine and increase hydration by drinking more water,” she added. “Prioritize at least 30 minutes of movement daily (i.e. walking, running, weight lifting, etc.),” and finally she said to “prioritize sleep.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Doing a little bit of work ahead of time – by scheduling workouts, planning your diet, and setting hydration goals – will help you stay accountable and create healthy habits that are easy to incorporate into your life. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Whitney Black whitney.the.dietitian
Copyright whitney.the.dietitian/Instagram/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 are taking a GLP-1 weight loss drug like Ozempic or Mounjaro, it can be challenging to figure out what you should and shouldn’t be eating to maximize weight loss and minimize side effects – especially when dining out. However, an expert says it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whitney Black, MS, RD, is a GLP-1 Dietitian on Mounjaro herself. In a few new social media posts, she reveals her top 10 “tips for eating at restaurants while taking GLP-1 meds like Mounjaro,” she writes. “You don’t have to give up eating at restaurants! You can still enjoy your time out and meet goals while on GLP-1 meds like Mounjaro or Wegovy! But there are things you can do to maintain goals and minimize side effects! Try these tips the next time you are out to eat!”

Order From the Kids Menu

close up of woman finger with menu choosing dishes at restaurant​Creating a Sustainable RoutineShutterstock

Her first tip? “Order from the kid's menu or lunch menu if you can!” she suggests. “Especially if there is a similar item. This is a great way to get smaller servings and save $.”

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Stay Away From the Bread or Chips

Healthy Gluten Free Rice Chips in a PileShutterstock

Don’t be tempted by a free teaser food. “Limit the bread baskets and chips that come before your meal! Listen, I love the Texas Roadhouse Rolls as much as anyone, but you can easily fill up on those if you aren’t careful! Enjoy a small amount, but be aware of earlier satiety with GLP-1 meds!” she says.

Order Condiments on the Side

Set of sauces - ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard soy sauce, bbq sauce, pesto, chimichurri, mustard grains and pomegranate sauce on dark stone background.Shutterstock

Get your condiments on the side. “Ask for heavy sauces or dressings on the side if able! This can help you control how much is used. A lot of times, heavy sauces or dressings can be higher in fat, which may not be tolerated well with GLP-1 meds,” she writes.

Make Healthier Selections

Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet on grill pan with rosemary close up. Grilled meat steak on rustic black background.Shuttestock

Try to make healthier menu suggestions. “Opt for grilled, steamed, or baked items if able! Again, trying to limit the amount of fatty foods can help reduce GI side effects! If you wanted to get fried food, try to eat in small amounts to see how well it’s tolerated first,” she says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Center Your Meal Around Protein and Fiber

Avocado,Toast,With,A,Perfect,Poached,Egg,On,Top,WithShutterstock

“Center the meal around protein and fiber!” she adds. “You can still enjoy your meal and get in protein and fiber! Start by eating the protein source first, and grabbing a side salad, or adding avocado or veggies for fiber!”

Split Up Your Meal

Salmon steak fillet with grainy mustard and spinach. Lunch in a restaurant, a woman eats delicious and healthy food. Restaurant menu, a series of photos of different dishes​Mistake 1: Saving Up Calories for Dinner.Shutterstock

In another post, she reveals 5 more tips for eating at a restaurant on a weight loss drug. One of her suggestions? Cut portions in half. “Split a meal or box up half before you start eating,” she suggests.

Choose a High Protein Appetizer

Delicious shrimp cocktail with tomato sauce, closeupShutterstock

You don’t have to order off the main menu. Sometimes an app is the healthiest option, she says. “Choose high-protein appetizers instead of big entrées (shrimp cocktail, meat skewers, small charcuterie plates),” she writes.

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

Order Extra Veggies

Brussels,Sprouts,Roasted,vegetable44. Brussels sprouts: 43 caloriesShutterstock

When you get a choice of sides, make healthier selections and sub if possible. “Ask for extra veggies instead of starchy sides,” she says.

Eat Slow

A picture of delightful man enjoying his meal. He is chewing a piece of sandwich and keeping eyes closed. Isolated on striped and blue background.Shutterstock

Remember, it’s not a race to finish your meal. “Eat slow & check in with your hunger cues,” she suggests. This helps “with portion control,” she says.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Choose Meals That Reheat Well

Young woman putting plate with food into microwave oven in kitchen

Shutterstock

When choosing off the menu, try to focus on items that you can eat the next day. “Pick a meal that reheats well for leftovers,” she says. That way, “you get multiple meals out of one order!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Jess Dukes mrsdukesfitspo
Copyright mrsdukesfitspo/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? According to an expert, you should enforce a straightforward food rule. Jess Dukes is a weight loss coach specializing in helping “busy moms lose weight for the last time,” she writes in her social media bio. In a new post, she reveals a rule she set for herself that was a significant game-changer on her weight loss journey. “I lost 80 pounds, here is the only food rule I followed,” she writes.

Her Food Rule Is: There Are No Off Limit Foods

The answer? “There are no off limit foods,” she writes. “For years, I labeled foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ And if it was ‘bad,’ I wanted it even more. I’d tell myself, ‘No, you can’t have that.’ But that only made the craving stronger. Eventually, I’d cave, overeat, and drown in guilt. Sound familiar?”

No One Food Can Ruin Your Progress

Here’s what I learned the hard way: No single food can ruin your progress—unless you let it. Once I stopped labeling foods, everything changed. I started eating the foods I love in a way that actually feels good. Yes, that includes pizza nights with my family and dessert whenever I truly want it.

When You Allow Yourself to Eat What You Want, You Will Stop Craving It

“At first, I was scared. I thought, ‘If I allow myself treats, I’ll never stop.’ But guess what? The opposite happened. When I gave myself permission to eat what I wanted, I realized I didn’t crave treats as much as I thought. Sometimes, I’d take a bite and think, ‘I don’t even want this right now.’ Turns out, it wasn’t the food I’d been craving—it was the freedom to stop feeling so restricted,” she says.

No Off-Limit Foods

She explains how she approaches food now, starting with no off-limit foods. “The more you restrict something, the more you want it. Instead, enjoy what you love mindfully and without guilt,” she says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Plan Treats Intentionally

Next, she is intentional about treat planning. “When you know you can have that brownie on Friday, there’s no need to binge on it today. And ask yourself—are you eating it because you truly want it, or because you’re stressed?” she writes.

Change the Language You Use Around Food

Changing the language you use around food is also key. “Stop calling foods ‘cheats’ or ‘bad.’ Food is just food. Some fuel your body, some fuel your soul—both have their place,” she says.

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

Focus on How Foods Make You Feel

Focus on how foods make you feel. “Pay attention to how you feel after you eat. Choose foods that leave you feeling energized and satisfied—not sluggish or stuffed,” she says.

You Can Achieve Food Freedom Too

“By letting go of restrictions and tuning into what my body really needs, I built a healthier relationship with food—one that lets me enjoy life and hit my goals. If you’re stuck in the cycle of restriction, know this: You can break free,” she concludes. 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.

Do you find yourself constantly battling hunger pangs while trying to lose weight? You're not alone. While Ozempic may be the latest trending weight loss medication, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects. Health expert JJ Virgin, a triple-board certified nutrition specialist and four-time best-selling author, offers powerful natural alternatives that can help control cravings and shed weight more effortlessly. "Mother nature has given us powerful alternatives that can help control cravings and shed weight more effortlessly," says JJ. From protein-rich foods to simple lifestyle changes, these natural appetite suppressants could be the key to achieving your weight loss goals without prescription medications. We've organized these nine powerful options as a countdown, starting with nine and building up to JJ's top recommendation so you can discover which ones might work best for you.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

9. Berberine: The Metabolic Master Switch

While often compared to GLP-1 medications, berberine works differently. "Berberine doesn't directly impact GLP-1," JJ clarifies. "Instead, it improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK—the metabolic master switch."

For those looking to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, JJ recommends taking one to two berberine capsules before meals. This natural compound can help manage hunger by addressing one of its root causes: blood sugar dysregulation.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar: The Ancient Appetite Suppressor

Apple cider vinegar has stood the test of time as a weight management aid. "I currently work with someone who needs to lose 200 pounds, and I have them taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every day," JJ shares. A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Functional Foods in 2018 showed that 15-30ml of apple cider vinegar daily, combined with caloric restriction, effectively reduced body weight, BMI, and appetite.

JJ recommends taking one to two tablespoons daily, especially before your largest meal or before consuming carbohydrate-rich foods. "It helps lower the blood sugar response to meals and may improve insulin sensitivity," she explains.

7. Exercise: The Anti-Hunger Activity

Exercise does more than burn calories—it directly impacts appetite hormones. "Exercise enhances the secretion of GLP-1 and helps regulate leptin and ghrelin, leading to reduced feelings of hunger," says JJ. It also provides an endorphin release that can help manage stress-related eating.

JJ references a 2022 paper in Nature that identified an "anti-hunger molecule" produced during intense exercise. "This combination of lactate and phenylalanine is responsible for about 25% of the anti-obesity effects of exercise," she explains. JJ recommends high-intensity interval training like the Norwegian 4x4 method, along with 8,000-12,000 steps daily and post-meal movement to manage blood sugar.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

6. Calacurb: The Short-Acting GLP-1 Alternative

"The New Zealand government spent ten years and $30 million developing Calacurb, which acts like GLP-1 but is short-acting," says JJ. This bitter hops extract can significantly reduce hunger for a couple of hours, making it perfect for managing cravings between meals.

A 2019 randomized control trial published in Nutrients found that taking bitter hops extract during a 24-hour water-only fast significantly reduced hunger. "It stimulates GLP-1 secretion, helps with feelings of fullness, and improves blood sugar control," JJ explains. She takes two Calacurb capsules before each meal for optimal results.

5. Akkermansia: The GLP-1 Promoting Probiotic

"Akkermansia muciniphila is a probiotic strain that can promote the secretion of GLP-1," JJ explains. This is significant because many people with insulin resistance, fatty liver, or poor metabolic health have impaired GLP-1 secretion. By supporting natural GLP-1 production, Akkermansia helps regulate appetite and metabolic function.

Beyond appetite control, JJ notes that "Akkermansia improves gut barrier function, helping with leaky gut, lowering inflammation, and enhancing metabolic function while reducing fat storage." A 2019 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study published in Nature Medicine showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and body weight with Akkermansia supplementation.

4. Allulose: The Rare Sugar with Appetite-Suppressing Powers

Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that doesn't raise blood sugar. "It actually has the opposite effect," JJ reveals. "Taking 10-15 grams of allulose before eating can lower the blood sugar response to your meal." A 2022 study in the Nutrients Journal found that allulose suppresses hunger-associated feeding and inhibits hunger-promoting neurons.

JJ incorporates allulose into her daily routine through flavored syrups in morning coffee or smoothies. "I also enjoy Swelthy Snacks, which combine fiber, allulose, and dark chocolate—a perfect treat that helps control appetite," she shares.

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

3. Water: Simple Yet Effective

"One of the easiest appetite suppressants is right at your fingertips: water," JJ states. Drinking water before meals helps you eat less and feel more full. Contrary to previous beliefs, JJ now recommends drinking water during meals as well. "Research shows water actually helps break down food, allows for better nutrient absorption, and slows digestion," she explains.

JJ suggests that many hunger signals are actually thirst in disguise. "We have an overactive hunger mechanism and an underactive thirst mechanism," she says. Try drinking a glass or two of water when you feel hungry, and you might find your cravings disappear.

2. Fiber: The Perfect Partner for Protein

Fiber works synergistically with protein to control appetite. According to JJ, "A 2022 review article published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition showed how dietary fiber helps control appetite through multiple mechanisms." Fiber increases satiety, slows digestion, and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

JJ recommends aiming for at least 30 grams of fiber daily, far more than the 5-14 grams the average American consumes. "I love berries for fiber—I try to eat two cups every day. Legumes and avocados are also excellent sources," she shares. If you're currently low on fiber, increase your intake gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

1. Protein: Nature's Ultimate Appetite Controller

Protein stands as the foundation of natural appetite control. "When people consume at least 35 grams of protein, they feel less hungry and fuller for longer periods," JJ explains. A 2020 systematic review in Physiology & Behavior found that protein consumption reduces hunger, lowers ghrelin (the hunger hormone), and increases appetite-suppressing hormones like CCK and GLP-1.

Beyond satiety, protein offers metabolic benefits. "About 20-30% of protein calories are utilized during metabolism and muscle synthesis, compared to negligible amounts for fat and only 5-10% for carbohydrates," says JJ. This thermic effect means your body works harder to process protein, burning more calories in the process.

Implementing Your Natural Appetite Control Strategy

When adopting these natural appetite suppressants, JJ recommends a methodical approach. "Add one strategy at a time so you can connect the dots between what you're doing and how you're feeling," she advises. This allows you to identify which methods work best for your unique body and lifestyle.

Remember that weight loss isn't just about controlling appetite. "You don't lose weight to get healthy—you get healthy to lose weight," JJ emphasizes. By combining these natural appetite suppressants with proper nutrition and regular exercise, you can achieve sustainable weight loss without expensive medications or unwanted side effects. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.