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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.

She Broke Free From a 15-Year Food Obsession Using These 8 Daily Habits

Break free from food fixation with these proven strategies.

Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackOct 30, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
Caroline_Winkler5
Copyright Caroline Winkler/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackOct 30, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
Fitness & Workouts

Most of us have experienced it: that constant mental chatter about food, the endless calculations about what to eat or not eat, and the emotional drain that comes with it. For YouTube influencerCaroline Winkler, this struggle was all too real. After battling eating disorders and spending 15 years searching for answers, she finally found her way to food freedom. Whether you're dealing with disordered eating or simply want to stop overthinking every meal, Caroline's honest insights might be exactly what you need.

Understanding Food Obsession

"That food fixation, whether it's starving yourself or binging or purging or just having a casually disordered relationship to eating, it can be really isolating," Caroline shares in her post. According to WebMD, this fixation can develop into orthorexia, an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating, where individuals "spend hours thinking about food and planning meals."

The Journey Takes Time

"The first requirement is a lot of time," Caroline emphasizes. After being hospitalized at 16 with an eating disorder, she learned that quick fixes don't exist. "When I had disrupted my intuitive relationship to eating, it was difficult to restore it. I have dropped 35 pounds from the weight you see me at now. My heart rate was 40 beats per minute. I was very, very ill."

Breaking Down Food Restrictions

One of Caroline's breakthrough moments came with food freedom. "I let myself access the whole spectrum of foods that I'm not allergic to," she shares. "As soon as you make something off limits, as soon as you're labeling something like bad or untouchable, guess what you're obsessing over? It's a shortcut to obsession." WebMD notes that avoiding certain foods or "avoiding eating food prepared by others" can be warning signs of disordered eating.

Managing Your Energy, Not Just Calories

"The amount of willpower you have is finite," Caroline explains. "When my willpower is low, it is taking every ounce of energy and restraint and mental focus to eat normally." She plans her meals according to willpower levels, noting that "the lower my willpower is, the more I'm obsessing about the goal."

Finding True Satisfaction

"Making sure I'm satisfied after every meal was a huge turning point," Caroline reveals. "If you're feeling hungry and not satiated all the time, then you're thinking about food all the time, and then you're obsessing over food." WebMD supports this approach, warning that severely limiting food variety can lead to malnutrition.

Recognizing Emotional Triggers

"For me, and I think for most people, it's pretty emotional—family stress, holidays, things getting out of my control," Caroline shares. This aligns with WebMD's identification of psychological risk factors, including perfectionist tendencies and anxiety.

RELATED:This Grandmother Lost 200 Pounds in 23 Months by Walking Just 2 Blocks a Day

Creating a New Balance

"I used to think of balanced eating as being like every single day is perfectly balanced, which life doesn't happen that way," Caroline admits. "Balance includes getting a lot of nutrients. It includes feeling satiated, includes indulging, and it also includes not indulging every single little whim."

Rebuilding Body Trust

"Learning to trust your hunger signals was the hardest thing to restore," Caroline reflects. "These days, when I wake up starving, I trust that it's for a reason, and I trust that when I eat a bigger breakfast, my body needs it." WebMD recommends mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques as ways to rebuild this trust.

The Role of Social Media

"One of the best things I ever did for myself was to purge my Instagram feed," Caroline shares. "We covet what we see every day." This connects to WebMD's recognition of social/cultural influences on disordered eating patterns.

RELATED:This 35-Year-Old Finally Built Muscle After Stopping These 7 Training Mistakes

The Path to Recovery

Caroline's journey shows that recovery is possible: "It's a huge point of pride for me that I am at the state of functionality and balance even that I'm at right now. The greatest tragedy was this immense amount of mental energy that I was putting towards thinking about food, avoiding food, getting food, resisting food." WebMD says that treatment should focus on developing a healthier relationship with food while maintaining good nutrition without anxiety and rigid rules.

The journey to stop obsessing over food isn't linear, but with proper support and strategies, it's achievable. As Caroline concludes, "I'm going to say it's the most impressed with me for it. I think it's the hardest thing I've done." Her story, backed by medical understanding, reminds us that with time, patience, and self-trust, we can all develop a healthier relationship with food. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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Nutrition & Diet

She Broke Up with These 5 Bad Habits at 46 and Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months

Heather_Eisenberg_heathereisenbergfitness5
Copyright heathereisenbergfitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 19, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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✓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.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Things This Health Coach Quit Doing to Beat Binge Eating and Transform Her Body

Dierdre_Rae9
Copyright dierdrerae_/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 13, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

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.

Fitness & Workouts

She Broke Free From a 15-Year Food Obsession Using These 8 Daily Habits

Caroline_Winkler5
Copyright Caroline Winkler/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackOct 30, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Most of us have experienced it: that constant mental chatter about food, the endless calculations about what to eat or not eat, and the emotional drain that comes with it. For YouTube influencerCaroline Winkler, this struggle was all too real. After battling eating disorders and spending 15 years searching for answers, she finally found her way to food freedom. Whether you're dealing with disordered eating or simply want to stop overthinking every meal, Caroline's honest insights might be exactly what you need.

Understanding Food Obsession

"That food fixation, whether it's starving yourself or binging or purging or just having a casually disordered relationship to eating, it can be really isolating," Caroline shares in her post. According to WebMD, this fixation can develop into orthorexia, an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating, where individuals "spend hours thinking about food and planning meals."

The Journey Takes Time

"The first requirement is a lot of time," Caroline emphasizes. After being hospitalized at 16 with an eating disorder, she learned that quick fixes don't exist. "When I had disrupted my intuitive relationship to eating, it was difficult to restore it. I have dropped 35 pounds from the weight you see me at now. My heart rate was 40 beats per minute. I was very, very ill."

Breaking Down Food Restrictions

One of Caroline's breakthrough moments came with food freedom. "I let myself access the whole spectrum of foods that I'm not allergic to," she shares. "As soon as you make something off limits, as soon as you're labeling something like bad or untouchable, guess what you're obsessing over? It's a shortcut to obsession." WebMD notes that avoiding certain foods or "avoiding eating food prepared by others" can be warning signs of disordered eating.

Managing Your Energy, Not Just Calories

"The amount of willpower you have is finite," Caroline explains. "When my willpower is low, it is taking every ounce of energy and restraint and mental focus to eat normally." She plans her meals according to willpower levels, noting that "the lower my willpower is, the more I'm obsessing about the goal."

Finding True Satisfaction

"Making sure I'm satisfied after every meal was a huge turning point," Caroline reveals. "If you're feeling hungry and not satiated all the time, then you're thinking about food all the time, and then you're obsessing over food." WebMD supports this approach, warning that severely limiting food variety can lead to malnutrition.

Recognizing Emotional Triggers

"For me, and I think for most people, it's pretty emotional—family stress, holidays, things getting out of my control," Caroline shares. This aligns with WebMD's identification of psychological risk factors, including perfectionist tendencies and anxiety.

RELATED:This Grandmother Lost 200 Pounds in 23 Months by Walking Just 2 Blocks a Day

Creating a New Balance

"I used to think of balanced eating as being like every single day is perfectly balanced, which life doesn't happen that way," Caroline admits. "Balance includes getting a lot of nutrients. It includes feeling satiated, includes indulging, and it also includes not indulging every single little whim."

Rebuilding Body Trust

"Learning to trust your hunger signals was the hardest thing to restore," Caroline reflects. "These days, when I wake up starving, I trust that it's for a reason, and I trust that when I eat a bigger breakfast, my body needs it." WebMD recommends mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques as ways to rebuild this trust.

The Role of Social Media

"One of the best things I ever did for myself was to purge my Instagram feed," Caroline shares. "We covet what we see every day." This connects to WebMD's recognition of social/cultural influences on disordered eating patterns.

RELATED:This 35-Year-Old Finally Built Muscle After Stopping These 7 Training Mistakes

The Path to Recovery

Caroline's journey shows that recovery is possible: "It's a huge point of pride for me that I am at the state of functionality and balance even that I'm at right now. The greatest tragedy was this immense amount of mental energy that I was putting towards thinking about food, avoiding food, getting food, resisting food." WebMD says that treatment should focus on developing a healthier relationship with food while maintaining good nutrition without anxiety and rigid rules.

The journey to stop obsessing over food isn't linear, but with proper support and strategies, it's achievable. As Caroline concludes, "I'm going to say it's the most impressed with me for it. I think it's the hardest thing I've done." Her story, backed by medical understanding, reminds us that with time, patience, and self-trust, we can all develop a healthier relationship with food. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Nutrition & Diet

8 Things That Helped Me Break My Sugar Addiction and Lose 30 Pounds

Vivian_Ngo_vivianngo1
viviannngo/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 14, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Are you struggling to lose weight? Vivian Ngo (@vivianngo) is a fat loss coach and the creator of Team Evolve, a fat loss mastery program utilizing the tools that helped her get into the best shape of her life. In her viral TikTok and YouTube videos she reveals her secrets to breaking her sugar addiction and unhealthy binge-eating habits so that she could lose 30 pounds and get into the best shape of her life.

She Struggled with Yo-Yo Dieting for 10 Years

“I thought that I would be stuck in the Yo-yo dieting, binge eating, restricting my calories, and then overeating, losing the weight just to gain it all back. I genuinely thought that I was going to be stuck in that cycle for the rest of my life because I was in it for over 10 years,” Ngo says in a YouTube clip.

She Says “Nothing Worked”

Check your body shape with white weight scales, top view.Shutterstock

“I felt like I tried everything, everything, and nothing worked. Nothing kept the weight off. And I can tell you right now that I'm sitting here today down 30 pounds, kept it off for years, and I have never felt better in my skin,” she claims.

However, Now She Has Tools to Overcome It

@viviannngo_

By far one of the HARDEST habits I’ve ever had to break. ↴ I was terrified of getting fat that I couldn’t NOT overcompensate my binges. It wasn’t until I was dead set on OVERCOMING binge eating once and for all, That I knew I had to stop the restricting portion in order to stop the bingeing portion, because they fed into one another. But once you teach your mind & body that it won’t be punished for overeating or bingeing, And you start leaning into kindness & compassion for yourself… SHOCKINGLY: the binges stop, too. But it’s scary at first, because you’re so terrified to gain weight that the thoughts of wanting to restrict are SO strong. Learning how to sit with those thoughts, but NOT listen to them is a vital part of recovery. You CAN do it, my friend. ✨ If you’re READY to overcome yo-yo dieting and MASTER your emotions and lifestyle habits so you can *master* your fat loss, once and for all, feel free to visit my website and apply for 1-on-1 coaching with me: www.teamevolve.co/ #healthyeatingtips #healthyeatinghabits #fatlosshabits #fatlosstipsandtricks #weightlosstipsandtricks #weightlossforwomen

What were the tools that helped her? In another TikTok clip, she claims that “eliminating this habit” helped her “overcome ten years of binge eating.”

1. She Stopped “Overcompensating” Post Binge

She explains that she would binge and then try to remedy the situation. “Overcompensating a binge by undereating/doing a bunch of cardio the next day” was the first habit she had to break.

She Had to Overcome Her Binge Eating Instead

Woman eating snacks in night next to the opened fridge.Shutterstock

“I was terrified of getting fat that I couldn’t NOT overcompensate my binges. It wasn’t until I was dead set on OVERCOMING binge eating once and for all” that she discovered the second tool.

2. She Had to Stop Restricting Portions

Healthy diet plan for weight loss, daily ready meal menu. Close up Woman weighing lunch box cooked in advance,ready to eat on kitchen scale. Balanced portion with healthy dish. Pre-cooking conceptShutterstock

“I knew I had to stop the restricting portion in order to stop the binging portion because they fed into one another,” she said. “But once you teach your mind & body that it won’t be punished for overeating or binging.”

She Maintains She Used to Exercise Just as Much

@viviannngo_

Being consistent with working out is *not* enough to get you the results that you want: let’s talk about it! ↴ If you’re like me or the women I work with, your goal is to get toned meaning: you want to lose body fat, and look fit + strong without looking bulky. So you’ve heard that you should start lifting weights if you want to get toned, so you do - but even though you’re being consistent in the gym, you’re really not seeing much change in your body like you want to. Sounds about right? Here’s why: ↴ Lifting weights will help you build strength + muscle which is *amazing* - but to really see a difference in your physique, You will need to lose body fat that is laying on top of your hard-earned muscle in order to really see a difference in your body. To lose body fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit, And the BEST way to ensure you’re in a calorie deficit isn’t just be eating healthy *most* of the time, It’s by being accountable to what you’re putting in your body 24/7 by weighing out your food and tracking it every day: Monday through Sunday! And if you’re already quite active and being consistent in the gym, It’s THAT much more important that you need to be diligent with your tracking + diet day-to-day! 🌸 If you’re interested in working with me 1-on-1, check out my coaching on my website at: www.teamevolve.co/ ✨ #fatlosstransformations #fatlossbeforeandafter #weightlossbeforeandafter #weightlosstransformations #armfatloss #tonedarms

In another TikTok video, she reveals another important tool. She shows a before-and-after photo, claiming that she did the “exact same workouts, lifting weights, and doing incline walking on the treadmill” five days a week in both photos.

RELATED:20 Abdominal Fat-Blasting Tips for a Flatter Stomach in 60 Days

3. She Had to Stop Binging on Sugar and Drinking

Female hands holding sugar cubes, closeupShutterstock

“So why do I look so different in this photo? I was eating pretty healthy, but I would have cravings at night, and I would often binge on sugar at night. On the weekends, I like to go out to eat. I would drink, and I would kind of go off my healthy eating plan. But during the week, I was eating pretty healthy. So I thought,” she says.

4. And, She Had to Start Tracking Calories

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

“In this photo, I was tracking my calories. I was weighing all of my food and logging all of my food in my FitnessPal Monday through Sunday, every single day, every single meal, I was accountable to everything I was putting my body. That was the biggest difference between these two photos here. I was eating pretty healthy some days off here, and I knew exactly what was going into my body every day,” she revealed.

5. She Also Stopped Making Food “Good and Bad”

@viviannngo_

How I overcame binge eating / yo-yo dieting after being stuck for 10 years. ❤️ If you’re ready to commit to your healing journey and overcome yo-yo dieting once and for all, visit my website to work with me: www.teamevolve.co/ ✨ #fatlosshabits #weightlosstipsandtricks #emotionaleatingcoach #overeating #overeatinghelp

In another TikTok she adds that she had to look at food differently to lose weight. “I had to stop making foods good and bad because that is why I was binge eating. I would only let myself eat high protein, veggies, no carbs. That's it,” she said.

She Used to Use Eating “Bad” Food as an Excuse to Binge

Chocolate chip cookies with flaky salt on a cooling rack, homemade freshly baked cookiesShutterstock

“And anytime I would have a food that I would consider, not high protein, not vegetables, not low carb, anything unhealthy, fast food, going out to eat a piece of candy, bite of a cookie, anything, I would use that as an excuse to binge because I would say, oh, I've already fallen off for today, so I might as well have everything that I've restricted myself from and start again tomorrow, and I will promise myself I'll be good tomorrow. I promised myself I'll be good Monday,” she continued.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

6. So, She Started to “Slowly Incorporate” Sugar and Fast Food

Ayutthaya,Thailand - March 7, 2018 :View in Porto Go Bangpa-in, McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chainShutterstock

“And the reason why I was so stuck in my weight loss journey is because I couldn't stop binging. The reason I was binging is that I couldn't stop restricting myself, and it wasn't until I started to slowly incorporate sugar, going out to eat burgers, french fries, McDonald's, and Taco Bell, all these things that I previously thought were horrible, so bad, so unhealthy would make me fat, it wasn't until I started to make my peace with these foods, allow myself to have them incorporate them into my nutrition plan that I finally stopped binging after ten long years, and I actually was able to look and feel my best while eating all these, what I used to think were bad foods.”

7. She Also Started Planning

Young woman putting goods on counter in supermarketShutterstock

In another TikTok revealing “habits that helped me lose OVER 30 lbs of body fat,” Ngo adds that planning is key. “Planning in advance is CRUCIAL. Deciding what I want to eat last minute almost NEVER leads me to make choices that are actually filling + satisfying,” she writes.

She Plans the Night Before

Close-up Of Pen With Meal Plan FormShutterstock

She reveals that she plans what and when she is going to eat the night before. She also “has a game plan for what to do when I want to eat out of boredom.”

RELATED: 15 Proven Strategies to Drop 2 Pounds a Week with Minimal Effort

8. She Also Takes Progress Photos

A woman at the gym takes a picture to send to friends or put on social networks and takes the picture while smiling. Concept of: network, friendship, gym, fitnessShutterstock

Another one of her tricks to stay on track? She doesn’t rely on the scale. “Use progress photos instead,” she recommends.

Nutrition & Diet

This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever

Alexandra_alexx.fitt15
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 25, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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 preventing you from losing weight? According to one expert, you should take a look at yours. Fitness and nutrition coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about losing 40 pounds. In a recent video, she reveals a few bad habits that she ditched to achieve weight loss success finally. “5 things I stopped doing to lose 40lbs,” she writes in the post.

She Stopped Following Trends

Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it will help you lose weight. “I stopped following trends,” Alex revealed. “These days, whether it’s running, Pilates Princess is all a trend. You can do it all. The secret is finding what works for you and sticking to it,” she says in her post.

She Stopped Snacking on “Everything in Sight”

Snacking isn’t always bad. However, it can be. “I stopped snacking on everything in sight. I used to be the person who would have a bite of everything. Little did I know it adds up quickly,” Alex writes.

She Stopped Being Lazy

Sedentary behavior won’t help you lose weight, says Alex. “I stopped being lazy. I simply began walking everywhere, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc,” she reveals.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

She Stopped Setting Strict Goals

Are your diet and fitness goals too rigid? “I stopped having strict goals. I used to think I could lose 2 lbs a week consistently. But realistically, your weight will fluctuate, and setting weight goals puts way too much pressure on me,” she writes.

She Stopped Restricting Herself

Crash diets and avoiding food you actually like aren’t the key to losing weight, according to the influencer. “I stopped restricting myself and learned how to have portion control. Enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

She “Ate the Same Meals Every Single Day”

So, what did she eat to lose weight? “For 1-2 months, I ate the same meals every single day. Why? Because I was confused, I didn’t know what to eat or where to start, so I ate the same thing every day,” Alexandra confessed in another post.

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Here Is Her Weight Loss Breakfast

On her weight loss journey, Alex had two breakfast options. One “would always be oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and brandy butter,” she reveals. The second? Eggs with turkey bacon, veggies, and a bagel.

Here Is Her Weight Loss Lunch

You don’t have to stick to salads to lose weight, according to Alex. “I’d usually eat some type of wrap/ sandwich. I’d add mayo, turkey, ham, salami, cheese, and a bunch of veggies,” she writes.

Here Are Her Weight Loss Snacks

Alexandra had a few go-to snacks while losing weight. “I’d have a protein bar, protein shake, fruit, yogurt bowls, bagels with cream cheese, snack plates, and anything I was craving that day. I just made sure it was a decent portion,” she says.

RELATED: 9 Ways You're Making Your Belly Fat Worse

Here Is Her Weight Loss Dinner

For dinner, while losing weight, she “would switch things up” and gravitated toward bowls. She would “add a bunch of lettuce, rice and either ground turkey, chicken, ground beef, any kind of protein and I’d add toppings like tortilla chips, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, salsa, cheese ugh they’re so good and so filling,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 70 Lbs: 5 Things She Wishes She Knew

Nikki Madoch Nikki Gets Fit
I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps
Copyright nikkigets_fit/Instagram
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 01, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating. We often focus on the wrong things and set ourselves up for disappointment. Nikki Madoch (@NikkiGetsFit) knows this all too well. As a self-described "nutrition athlete" with ASM CPT and CNC certifications, Nikki has shared her experience losing an impressive 70 pounds on the Weight Watchers program. Her insights might just be the perspective shift you need to make your own journey more successful and sustainable.

The Right Motivation Makes All the Difference

Most people start losing weight to look better, but that's rarely enough to stick with it long-term. "For so long, I just wanted to look better, have a flat stomach, and look like other people. That was all it was," Nikki admits in her post. She found out that feeling better physically became what truly kept her going, not how she looked, which completely changed her approach and results.

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

Health Benefits Show Up Quickly

The physical improvements from healthier eating can pop up much faster than you might think. "After just one week, I could not believe how much better I felt," Nikki says. She noticed huge differences in her energy and overall well-being after cutting out fast food and focusing on portion control and foods that actually nourished her body.

Feeling Good Trumps Looking Good

Lasting weight loss comes from caring more about how your body feels than how it looks. "What keeps me going is how good I feel when I take care of myself, eat healthy, nourish myself, drink enough water, get enough sleep, and exercise," Nikki points out. While looking better in clothes feels nice, it's the improved quality of life that really drives her to keep making healthy choices.

Body Image Issues Can Actually Increase

Surprisingly, losing weight doesn't magically fix body image issues and might even create new ones. "I didn't know that I would have more body dysmorphia as I lost weight," Nikki confesses. She caught herself becoming more critical and self-conscious about specific body parts during her journey than she had been at her heaviest weight.

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

The Mental Game Gets Tougher

Weight loss demands as much mental strength as physical discipline, especially as you make progress. "It was a whole new mental game that I had to work through," Nikki says about dealing with increased body scrutiny. Learning to shift her focus back to health and strength rather than picking apart her physical imperfections became crucial for her continued success.

Don't Be Afraid to Use All Your Resources

If you're following a structured program, take full advantage of all the flexibility it offers. "I was too scared to use my weeklies," Nikki talks about her initial approach to Weight Watchers points. She later discovered that using all her allotted weekly points actually helped her lose more weight rather than slowing her down.

Strategic Indulgence Works Best

How you use extra calories or points matters more than whether you use them. "What worked best for me was using my weeklies on different snacks that I like—protein bars, nuts, peanut butter spread," Nikki shares. She found that spreading out enjoyable foods throughout the week worked better than saving everything for one big cheat meal.

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

Variety Prevents Burnout

Eating the same healthy foods over and over leads to boredom and eventually giving up. "It is very easy to get burned out of things, and it's very important to switch things up," Nikki warns. She learned to keep introducing new recipes, ingredients, and meal ideas to keep her plan interesting and something she could stick with.

Try One New Thing Weekly

Small changes make a big difference in keeping meals from getting boring. "Just trying to add a new recipe each week, just a simple recipe, so that I'm trying something new," Nikki suggests. This approach keeps meals exciting without becoming overwhelming or taking too much time.

The Scale Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Weight is just one measurement and often a misleading one, especially when building muscle. "Weight and the number on the scale is not everything," Nikki insists. She weighs 190 pounds at 6 feet tall and feels healthier now than when she weighed less but had less muscle.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Progress Photos Tell a Better Story

Visual proof of body changes can be more motivating than scale numbers. "I'm actually really happy that I did start taking progress pictures from the start," Nikki mentions. These photos helped her see that she looked smaller at a higher weight due to muscle gain, proving that the scale wasn't telling her the full story of her success.

Embrace Multiple Ways to Measure Success

Relying only on weight can lead to frustration, especially during plateaus. "Having different ways to not focus so much on the scale to see your progress is so important," Nikki talks about. She figured out how to judge her progress through how clothes fit, strength gains, and overall wellbeing rather than obsessing over a specific number.

Final Word

Nikki's journey shows that lasting weight loss comes from focusing on health, enjoyment, and sustainable habits rather than just appearance or numbers on a scale. By shifting your perspective on motivation, measurements, and what truly matters, you can create a healthier relationship with food and your body that lasts far beyond reaching your goal weight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Lose 20 Pounds in 90 Days With Expert Methods

Mateo Ruperti lifting_with_mateo
Copyright lifting_with_mateo/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 01, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you frustrated with all the one-size-fits-all fat loss methods that don’t seem to work for you? One expert claims there are a handful of easy and effective methods you can choose from to lose weight. Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who uses his LWM Blueprint to help “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days.” In a new post, he reveals five methods that you can use to drop weight fast. “How to lose body fat in 3 months,” he writes.

Method 1

His first method involves a lot of coffee and water. “Drink a lot of water, so your tummy will be filled with water and you won’t have urges to eat,” he says. Drink black coffee: Caffeine will give you energy and will manipulate your brain into thinking you are not hungry. Use this when having cravings.”

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

Method 2

The second method involves exercise and a calorie deficit. “Be in a slight calorie deficit of 200-300 calories. Use high dense food to make you feel like you are full without eating so many calories,” he says. Also, do cardio. “Walk about 10,000 to 15,000 steps everyday. Walking is the best form of cardio to burn calories.” 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.

Method 3

The third method is following the 30-30-30 Rule. “Do 30 minutes of cardio after 30 minutes of waking up and then eat 30 grams of protein. This is one the fastest ways to burn fat!” he claims.

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

Method 4

His final method? “Eat foods that are rich in protein,” he says, revealing the following recommendations:

  • Egg whites
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Broccoli.

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

Bonus Tips

He also offers some bonus tips

  • Stop drinking ALCOHOL
  • No soda, Starbucks etc.
  • Count your calories precisely for at least 6 days a week.
  • Sleep 7-8 hours a day for better rest and recovery.

And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

8 Best Costco Foods for Losing Weight Shoppers Just Discovered

HAMILTON, CANADA - JUNE 29, 2017 Costco Wholesale storefront in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Costco operates a chain of membership warehouses, carrying merchandise at lower prices.
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 01, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Costco is known for selling some of the most delicious but calorie-heavy items, including pizza dripping with cheese and toppings, substantial hot dogs, and larger-than-life muffins. However, it is also an excellent resource for anyone on a diet or trying to lose weight. Health experts, trainers, and influencers share their go-to weight loss finds at the warehouse daily. Here are the 8 best Costco foods for losing weight that shoppers just discovered.

Wild Caught Salmon

,Salmon,Fish,Fillets, protein, food, dinner​Amp Up Your Protein IntakeShutterstock

Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, recommends stocking up on wild-caught salmon, either frozen or fresh, at Costco. “Wild-caught salmon is rich in Omega-3s for heart and brain health,” she told our sister site, Eat This, Not That!. “These healthy fats are essential as we age, helping to reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Costco offers a variety of wild-caught salmon options that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared for easy, nutritious meals.”

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

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shake

container,Fairlife, milk,grocery, store.food,shopping,supermarket​Fairlife: The High-Protein Milk Game-ChangerShutterstock

I, and lots of influencers and fitness pros, are obsessed with Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shakes. TikToker Ali Olson, who has lost 105 pounds, recently shared a post showing the protein-packed milk in a video detailing her daily diet. Collingwood is also a big fan of Fairlife milk products. “It is delicious and also has a higher protein content than ‘regular’ milk due to how they process the milk,” she says. “It is good for post-workout, on your cereal, in a smoothie, or just a glass with dinner.”

Organic Meat

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meat​Grass-Fed Beef: The Satisfaction SolutionShutterstock

Costco is an excellent resource for organic meat. “Would I rather eat grass-fed, organic meat all the time? Sure, but I’m not a gazillionaire. That’s why I tend to stock up on beef (usually steaks and chuck roast) as well as chicken (organic if I can find it) while I’m there,” writesRuth Soukup, a midlife health and mindset coach, in an Instagram post.

Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken

Holly Hillyer lost 45 pounds and swears that Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken is a must-buy. “Throw this over a bed of cauliflower rice for a quick meal,” she suggests about the paleo-friendly and ultra-clean meals that are easy to prepare and found in the refrigerator section of the warehouse.

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

Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars are a dessert that offers some health benefits. My daughter prefers Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars over traditional ice cream bars – and they cost a fraction of the price compared to Whole Foods or Target. Each bar is just 90 calories and offers 5 grams of protein.

Poppi Prebiotic Soda

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - 6 SEPT 2024: Three cans of Poppi Prebiotic Soda on a bed of ice.

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There’s a reason Pepsi purchased Poppi Prebiotic Soda for nearly 2 billion dollars. The soda isn’t just delicious, the apple cider vinegar and gut-boosting beverage offers health benefits, including improved digestion. I always pick up a box of these on a trip to the warehouse.

Mush Overnight Oats

Los Angeles, California, United States - 08-16-2023: A view of a hand holding a package of Mush Oats, on display at a local grocery store.

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Don’t have time to make overnight oats from scratch? Keep a box of Mush Overnight Oats in your fridge. The individually packaged and portioned overnight oats are great for a quick but nutritious breakfast.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Tru Grill Grilled Chicken Strips

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plate​Greek Chicken BowlShutterstock

Keep pre-cooked, lean proteins on hand for easy and nutritious dinners that will fill you up. Hillyer also recommends Tru Grill precooked Grilled Chicken Strips. “Heat and top a salad for an easy protein with dinner. My kids also love these just dipped in ketchup,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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