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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.

Mum Shares 11 Food Swaps That Helped Her Go From Size 22 to Size 8

Simple food swaps that can help you lose weight without feeling deprived.

Louise Rodhouse
Louise Rodhouse/YouTube

Standing in front of the fridge, trying to figure out what to eat while staying on track with your weight loss goals? It's a daily battle that many of us face, often feeling like we have to give up everything we love to see results. Louise Rodhouse, a 29-year-old mum-of-two from Slough, United Kingdom, knows this frustration all too well. After losing an incredible 120 pounds in just 14 months—going from a size 22 to a size 8—she's living proof that sustainable weight loss is possible. "The best way to lose weight is to eat the most amount of food for the smallest amount of calories and not feel like you are deprived," Louise explains.


Ready to discover how simple changes to your daily meals could transform your weight loss journey? Let's dive into Louise's proven food swaps that helped her shed the pounds while still enjoying her meals.

Understanding Calorie Deficit: The Foundation of Weight Loss

"When we want to lose weight, we need to be in a calorie deficit," Louise explains in her post. "This just means that our body is burning more calories than we are consuming." She emphasizes that it's not about eliminating foods entirely: "Sometimes we feel like we have to cut out all of the foods we like in order to lose weight, and that's not the case. We just have to be smart about it."

Breakfast Revolution: Start Your Day Right

Rolled oats (oatmeal flakes) in a glass jar with hand holding a wooden spoon. Top table view. Organic healthy cereal food for breakfast. Selective focus.Shutterstock

Morning choices set the tone for your entire day. "Popular cereal, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, for a hundred grams has 357 calories," Louise shares. Her solution? "Switch to oatmeal, which is only 68 calories per hundred grams. I've never had a bowl of cornflakes and been full up, but oatmeal keeps you satisfied."

RELATED: 5 Easy-to-Follow Rules for Cutting Sugar Without Feeling Deprived

Smart Protein Choices: More Satisfaction, Fewer Calories

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plateShutterstock

Louise discovered that protein choices make a huge difference. "For chicken legs and thighs, I swapped to chicken breast. A hundred grams of cooked chicken legs is around 218 calories, whereas a hundred grams of chicken breast is 138 calories," she explains. "You're literally still eating chicken, but you are saving so many calories just swapping the type."

Beverage Game-Changers: Don't Drink Your Calories

Sugar,Free,Soft,drink,soda,coke,cola,dietShutterstock

"A can of Coke is 139 calories," Louise points out. "Imagine wasting 139 calories on a can of Coke when you could have Pepsi Max for just two calories." For juice lovers, she offers another solution: "A cup of orange juice is 111 calories, but sugar-free squash is only five calories. Not everyone wants to drink water, so this is a sustainable change."

Snack Smart: Volume Eating Secrets

Olive oil popped popcorn in a porcelain bowl horizontal shotShutterstock

"You know them big bags of Doritos you want to sit with at nighttime and watch a movie? For a hundred grams, it's 500 calories," Louise reveals. Her solution? "I swap that for popcorn that I pop in my air popper. For 375 calories, you get three to four times as much food."

RELATED: Woman Lost 42 Pounds With 5 High-Protein Meals Anyone Can Make

Sauce and Seasoning Strategies

Close-up of mayonnaise on a spoon on a bright table.Shutterstock

"A tablespoon of mayo is 90 calories," Louise shares. "I switched to lighter than light mayo, which is just 11 calories per tablespoon." She also transformed her syrup habits: "A hundred grams of maple syrup is 260 calories, but skinny syrups are just four calories. You're literally cutting off 256 calories just by making that swap."

Cooking Methods Matter

pouring olive oil in a spoon on table.Shutterstock

"A tablespoon of oil is legit 120 calories," Louise emphasizes. "Adding oil to your food will boost up your calories massively." Her solution? "I use Fry Light, a one-calorie spray. You're literally saving so many calories by just making that swap."

Sweet Treats Reimagined

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

"A pot of Ben & Jerry's is 1,350 calories," Louise reveals. "But Halo Top ice cream is only 320 calories per pot. You're literally saving over a thousand calories." For biscuit lovers, she offers another tip: "A chocolate digestive is 84 calories, but rich tea fingers are only 23 calories each. You can have four rich tea fingers for about the same calories as one digestive."

Dairy Alternatives That Work

Almond milk in glass bottle and jug on beige background. Close up. Healthy vegan eating. Lack of cholesterol.Shutterstock

"Full-fat milk for a hundred milliliters is 68 calories," Louise notes. Her progression to better choices was strategic: "You can swap that for skimmed milk at 35 calories, or do what I did and switch to unsweetened almond milk for just 13 calories per hundred milliliters."

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Quick Fixes for Everyday Foods

Close-up of woman hand throwing saccharin pills on coffee cup in the kitchen at home.Shutterstock

Louise found smart alternatives for daily staples. "A teaspoon of sugar is 16 calories, but sweetener is just two calories," she shares. "For jam lovers, a tablespoon of regular jam is 56 calories, but skinny food co-jam is just seven calories per tablespoon."

Making It Sustainable

Tortilla,Wraps,With,Meat,And,VegetablesShutterstock

"Instead of having takeaways, make the food yourself in a lower-calorie way," Louise advises. "A pizza will be loads of calories, but you can make a wrap pizza with a lower calorie wrap and save so much more calories." She emphasizes the importance of finding alternatives you enjoy: "You need to be able to enjoy your diet and that's what this is about."

The key to Louise's success wasn't just about making these swaps—it was about finding alternatives she genuinely enjoyed. "These are foods that I personally enjoy for a lot less calories," she explains. "I really find it has helped and worked, and I enjoy my diet the way I eat, yet it's helped me keep the weight off." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

Louise Rodhouse
Louise Rodhouse/YouTube
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Standing in front of the fridge, trying to figure out what to eat while staying on track with your weight loss goals? It's a daily battle that many of us face, often feeling like we have to give up everything we love to see results. Louise Rodhouse, a 29-year-old mum-of-two from Slough, United Kingdom, knows this frustration all too well. After losing an incredible 120 pounds in just 14 months—going from a size 22 to a size 8—she's living proof that sustainable weight loss is possible. "The best way to lose weight is to eat the most amount of food for the smallest amount of calories and not feel like you are deprived," Louise explains.


Ready to discover how simple changes to your daily meals could transform your weight loss journey? Let's dive into Louise's proven food swaps that helped her shed the pounds while still enjoying her meals.

Understanding Calorie Deficit: The Foundation of Weight Loss

"When we want to lose weight, we need to be in a calorie deficit," Louise explains in her post. "This just means that our body is burning more calories than we are consuming." She emphasizes that it's not about eliminating foods entirely: "Sometimes we feel like we have to cut out all of the foods we like in order to lose weight, and that's not the case. We just have to be smart about it."

Breakfast Revolution: Start Your Day Right

Rolled oats (oatmeal flakes) in a glass jar with hand holding a wooden spoon. Top table view. Organic healthy cereal food for breakfast. Selective focus.Shutterstock

Morning choices set the tone for your entire day. "Popular cereal, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, for a hundred grams has 357 calories," Louise shares. Her solution? "Switch to oatmeal, which is only 68 calories per hundred grams. I've never had a bowl of cornflakes and been full up, but oatmeal keeps you satisfied."

RELATED: 5 Easy-to-Follow Rules for Cutting Sugar Without Feeling Deprived

Smart Protein Choices: More Satisfaction, Fewer Calories

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plateShutterstock

Louise discovered that protein choices make a huge difference. "For chicken legs and thighs, I swapped to chicken breast. A hundred grams of cooked chicken legs is around 218 calories, whereas a hundred grams of chicken breast is 138 calories," she explains. "You're literally still eating chicken, but you are saving so many calories just swapping the type."

Beverage Game-Changers: Don't Drink Your Calories

Sugar,Free,Soft,drink,soda,coke,cola,dietShutterstock

"A can of Coke is 139 calories," Louise points out. "Imagine wasting 139 calories on a can of Coke when you could have Pepsi Max for just two calories." For juice lovers, she offers another solution: "A cup of orange juice is 111 calories, but sugar-free squash is only five calories. Not everyone wants to drink water, so this is a sustainable change."

Snack Smart: Volume Eating Secrets

Olive oil popped popcorn in a porcelain bowl horizontal shotShutterstock

"You know them big bags of Doritos you want to sit with at nighttime and watch a movie? For a hundred grams, it's 500 calories," Louise reveals. Her solution? "I swap that for popcorn that I pop in my air popper. For 375 calories, you get three to four times as much food."

RELATED: Woman Lost 42 Pounds With 5 High-Protein Meals Anyone Can Make

Sauce and Seasoning Strategies

Close-up of mayonnaise on a spoon on a bright table.Shutterstock

"A tablespoon of mayo is 90 calories," Louise shares. "I switched to lighter than light mayo, which is just 11 calories per tablespoon." She also transformed her syrup habits: "A hundred grams of maple syrup is 260 calories, but skinny syrups are just four calories. You're literally cutting off 256 calories just by making that swap."

Cooking Methods Matter

pouring olive oil in a spoon on table.Shutterstock

"A tablespoon of oil is legit 120 calories," Louise emphasizes. "Adding oil to your food will boost up your calories massively." Her solution? "I use Fry Light, a one-calorie spray. You're literally saving so many calories by just making that swap."

Sweet Treats Reimagined

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

"A pot of Ben & Jerry's is 1,350 calories," Louise reveals. "But Halo Top ice cream is only 320 calories per pot. You're literally saving over a thousand calories." For biscuit lovers, she offers another tip: "A chocolate digestive is 84 calories, but rich tea fingers are only 23 calories each. You can have four rich tea fingers for about the same calories as one digestive."

Dairy Alternatives That Work

Almond milk in glass bottle and jug on beige background. Close up. Healthy vegan eating. Lack of cholesterol.Shutterstock

"Full-fat milk for a hundred milliliters is 68 calories," Louise notes. Her progression to better choices was strategic: "You can swap that for skimmed milk at 35 calories, or do what I did and switch to unsweetened almond milk for just 13 calories per hundred milliliters."

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Quick Fixes for Everyday Foods

Close-up of woman hand throwing saccharin pills on coffee cup in the kitchen at home.Shutterstock

Louise found smart alternatives for daily staples. "A teaspoon of sugar is 16 calories, but sweetener is just two calories," she shares. "For jam lovers, a tablespoon of regular jam is 56 calories, but skinny food co-jam is just seven calories per tablespoon."

Making It Sustainable

Tortilla,Wraps,With,Meat,And,VegetablesShutterstock

"Instead of having takeaways, make the food yourself in a lower-calorie way," Louise advises. "A pizza will be loads of calories, but you can make a wrap pizza with a lower calorie wrap and save so much more calories." She emphasizes the importance of finding alternatives you enjoy: "You need to be able to enjoy your diet and that's what this is about."

The key to Louise's success wasn't just about making these swaps—it was about finding alternatives she genuinely enjoyed. "These are foods that I personally enjoy for a lot less calories," she explains. "I really find it has helped and worked, and I enjoy my diet the way I eat, yet it's helped me keep the weight off." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Lyndsey_Getty1
Lyndsey Getty
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
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.

Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, sometimes all it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes. Lyndsey Getty, founder of Thought Method, was in her twenties when she decided that she wanted to get in shape. Within a year, she dropped six dress sizes, going from a 12 to a 6, and has managed to keep the weight off ever since. She recently opened up about her weight loss journey in an interview with Body Network.


Lyndsey Could Barely Fit in a Size 12

Pink women's t-shirts hang on wooden hangers with indexes of the XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL sizes on a light background.Shutterstock

Getty explains that she was motivated to embark on her weight loss journey after seeing a photo of herself and her friends during a night out. “I barely recognized myself,” she told us.

She Had Been Buying Larger and Larger Sized Jeans

Woman struggling to squeeze into tight jeans while lying on bed at home, closeupShutterstock

“That was just the tip of the iceberg, though. I had been buying larger and larger jeans for a while and had to unbutton my pants when I sat down to sit comfortably. I had a lack of energy and just felt heavy and bloated a lot. Something needed to change.”

Lyndsey Dropped Down to a 6 and Has Been the Same Size for a Decade

point of view - closeup feet for asian woman measure weight on scaleShutterstock

She doesn’t remember her exact weight at the time but struggled to fit into a size 12. “5’9, now I am a size 6 in the same type of pants and aim to stay between 145 to 150 pounds,” she says. She has managed to keep the weight off for a decade.

She Started to Exercise

Group,,Sporty,Women,,Men,Training,,Exercise,Bikes, class, instructor,trainerShutterstock

Lyndsey started exercising, focusing on building muscle. “I am part of the camp that believes that there is no ‘toning,’ there is building muscle and a woman building muscle will not make her bulky,” she says.

Lyndsey Focused on Building Muscle

Fitness woman doing clamshell exercise for glutes with resistance band on gray backgroundShutterstock

“I focused on an overall body workout and would do upper and lower body days. I love the shape of my glutes and my back looks amazing, men have asked me for my routine.”

She Boxes, Jump ropes, and Does Lots of Strength Training Exercises

Fitness woman jumping rope in cityShutterstock

Her go-to workouts include boxing and jump roping. “You burn the most calories in the shortest amount of time with jump roping so it makes logical sense and boxing is great for several reasons. It is exciting to see yourself getting better at something,

Lyndsey Feels More Empowered

Winning, success and life goals concept. Young woman with arms in the air giving thumbs up.Shutterstock

I feel more empowered, worked through a lot of emotions and felt like I came back to myself and my body. It was very cathartic. I also do bench press, glute bridges, deadlifts and then single leg exercises like sidekicks and clamshells,” she says.

She Follows the 80/20 Diet

Neapolitan,Pizza,With,Spices,,Tomatoes,And,Cheese,Mozzarella,On,DarkShutterstock

In terms of diet, she follows the 80/20 diet. "So I will eat simple whole food around 80 percent of the time and then have pizza, burgers, fries, etc., and sweets the other 20 percent,” Lyndsey says. Some weeks, it's 70-30. If I start to gain weight, I correct.”

Here Is What Lyndsey Eats for Breakfast

A Scoop of Rolled OatsShutterstock

Lyndsey starts her day with a filling breakfast, steel-cut oats with cinnamon and blueberries, greek yogurt with raspberries, or eggs with cottage cheese and avocado.

Rainbow Salads for Lunch

Delicious vegetable salad on a white plate, vegetables are in the colors of the rainbow.Shutterstock

“For lunch I love rainbow salads. You take 5 veggies of different colors and layer them in a bell jar with some dressing in the bottom. I make 5 at a time, store them in the fridge and when it is time to eat I take one out, shake it and grab a fork,” she says.

She Has a Sweet Tooth

Banana and chocolate smoothie in the glass jarShutterstock

“I have a sweet tooth so I also love banana, oat milk and cocoa powder smoothies for a snack. For dinner I will do some type of protein with lentils and broccoli for a few days and then take-out the rest.”

Lyndsey Eliminated Fast Food and Processed Meats

KIEV, UKRAINE - MAY 2019: Domino's Pizza Box detail. Domino's, is an American pizza restaurant chain founded in 1960, in 2018 the chain became the largest pizza seller worldwide in terms of sales.Shutterstock

She also stopped eating a few things. “I eliminated fast food and barely eat any processed meats,” she says. “They are low nutritional value and have a lot of connections to cancer, so if I want a sandwich, I will make a turkey and slice it,” Lyndsey says.

She Loves Her Body Unconditionally

Woman, stomach and hand with heart in outdoor for exercise, diet, fitness and closeup. Female tummy, gut health and self love for wellness and training in the summer for healthy workout outside.Shutterstock

Her biggest achievement when it comes to her body? “That when I look at my body, instead of picking it apart, I love it unconditionally, and I appreciate all it does for me. My body is fascinating. All of the systems that work intricately together are utterly remarkable,” she says.

People Compliment Her

Cheerful diverse young girls sitting together in sports studio before starts training giving high five feel happy and healthy, close up focus on hands. Respect and trust, celebration and amity conceptShutterstock

“I’ll always be annoyed by my belly bulge, but I have learned to accept it. I started by telling myself that I love myself when I look in the mirror and working to accept my body as it is. People responded positively to me with this new confidence, and it felt really good to come back to myself, so that validation kept this perspective alive.”

Working Out Will Not Make You Bulky, She Maintains

fitness, sport, training, people and lifestyle concept - group of women with barbells flexing muscles in gymShutterstock

One fitness or nutrition myth she once believed but wants to debunk? “That working out will make me bulky or manly, and therefore, men will not be attracted to me,” she says. Even when she could deadlift 265 pounds, “men definitely did not lose interest, and I am annoyed I was encouraged to focus on external validation in the first place,” she says.

She Was Just More Compact

Back view of strong sporty girl showing muscles at the beach during sunset.Shutterstock

“When I was at my most muscular, I was just more compact and, honestly, kind of annoyed because I worked so hard for these muscles, and you could barely see them unless I flexed,” Lyndsey says.

If Her Pants Fit, She Is Happy

top view sport wear concept with Gym Outfit, running shoes, smartphone, Sport Sweatband and sport run accessories on black wooden background.Shutterstock

These days, she doesn’t use a scale to reach her body goals. “If my pants fit,” is her goal. “Size 6 is the size I like to be at because I noticed when I am a size 6 I am eating mainly healthy and nutritious foods while also indulging enough that I am not restricting myself,” she says. 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
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.

Do you want to lose more than 40 pounds? While it might seem intimidating to embark on a major weight loss journey, there are lots of weight loss warriors who have shared their success stories to keep you inspired and motivated. Many of them have revealed the easy and doable lifestyle changes they made that enabled them to slim down and keep the weight off. Here are 20 tips from nine men and women who have lost up to 165 pounds to help you achieve your weight loss goals.


Indya Ago Lost 120 Pounds by Learning How to Have a “Balanced” Approach to Food

@indyaagos

Something I tell my clients when they first start coaching with me is that in order for these results to be sustainable we have to create balance. when I first started my weight loss journey, I used to restrict myself so much, I would demonize so many different kinds of foods that diet culture had brainwashed me, and into believing were the reason why I wasn’t able to reach the results I was looking for. Which just led me to cycles of binging, and creating a very unhealthy relationship between nutrition and my body. Through proper education on macronutrients, I was able to heal this relationship. And this is how I help my clients and maintain their goals as well. Education is power. WIEIAD DEETS: 💚 breakfast: protein, pancakes, egg, white scramble, turkey bacon 💚 snack: fruit, salad, and protein smoothie 💚 lunch: birria tacos + veg 💚 dinner: seafood boil Babe, if you’re ready to finally create a lifestyle transformation that’s sustainable while still eating all of the foods that you enjoy, I would love to work with you. I’m now accepting new clients, the link is in my bio. Let’s get to work! #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #weightlossjourney #weightlossgoals #weightlosscoach #weightlosshelp #weightlosschallenge #fatlosstips #fatlossjourney #nutritiontips #mindsetcoach #caloriedeficit #summerbody #nutritioncoach #fitnesscoach #mindset #mindsetcoach #mentalhealth #weightlosstransformation #fatlosstips #fatlosstransformation #whatieatinaday #highprotein

Indya Agos (@indyaagos) is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost a whopping 120 pounds via natural methods. “Something I tell my clients when they first start coaching with me is that in order for these results to be sustainable we have to create balance,” she says. “When I first started my weight loss journey, I used to restrict myself so much,” she continues. “I would demonize so many different kinds of foods that diet culture had brainwashed me, and into believing were the reason why I wasn’t able to reach the results I was looking for.”

She Also Educated Herself on Macronutrients

Indya previously suffered from “cycles of binging, and creating a very unhealthy relationship between nutrition and my body,” she maintains. “Through proper education on macronutrients, I was able to heal this relationship. And this is how I help my clients and maintain their goals as well. Education is power.”

RELATED:15 Reasons Why You May Not Losing Weight While on Ozempic

She “Started Slow” and Learned “Self-Trust”

@indyaagos

If you wanna lose 80 pounds next year, I’m gonna tell you exactly how to do it! No gatekeeping the secret to success here. The number one thing that you need to get clear on, is the amount of time it’s going to take you to achieve your goal, the amount of effort required for you to get there, and, of course, why it’s so important to you. Setting a realistic expectation for yourself, while also simultaneously connecting with your why is the first step to create the foundation. You need to be successful through 2024. When you understand that this journey is going to take time, it’s going to require sacrifice, it’s going to require you stepping so far out of your comfort zone, that you may be paralyzed by fear at times. But being okay with the discomfort. Surrendering to knowing that in those moments of uncertainty, in those moments of insecurity, and discomfort, are facilitating growth. Connecting with knowing that, allowing yourself to grow, is what is going to help you reach your goals. And not only reach your goals, sustain those achievements. Baby, 2024 can be your year, and the first thing that you need to do, is get your mindset right. Know why you’re on this journey, know what you need to do to get from point A to point B, and set yourself up for success. Start building the mindset, habits, and routines into your daily life now in order to be successful 2024. and if you’re ready to take the next step, you’re ready to invest in yourself. I’m now accepting applications for January. The link is in my bio let’s get to work!🤘🏽 #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #weightlossjourney #weightlossgoals #weightlosscoach #weightlosshelp #weightlosschallenge #fatlosstips #fatlossjourney #nutritiontips #mindsetcoach #newyearsresolution #newyearnewme #nutritioncoach #fitnesscoach

In another video, Indya reveals another tactic that helped her lose so much weight. “You got to start slow,” she says. “If you approach this from an all or nothing mentality, you are only setting yourself up for failure. A big part of this journey is regaining self-trust. You are so used to letting yourself down. The way that you build trust with yourself again is by following through with the promises that you've made to yourself.”

And Took a Deep Dive Into Her Failed Attempts at Weight Loss

Another thing she did is “going to require you to dig deep,” she says. “We need to figure out what your main excuses or your repeated point of failure chances are. You've been stuck in the same exact cycle, repeating the same narratives as to why you haven't been able to be successful in the past. If your story is that you never have any time, then we need to figure out why you're not prioritizing making time. People make time for what's important to them. If the story is that you are overwhelmed and you have no idea where to start, then it is time to reach out for help so that you have a plan of action as well as guidance.”

Raven Norwood Lost 165 Pounds By Cutting Processed Foods From Her Diet

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven1rowwithraven/Instagram

Raven Norwood, 28, of Huntington Beach, California, started her weight loss journey at 212 pounds and has managed to drop down to 155 pounds, losing 165 pounds in two years. In an interview with Body Network, she explains that she used to eat food containing several dyes, fast food, and packaged food with GMOs, too much MSG, and preservatives. While she didn’t eliminate “any specific food groups because balance is the key to longevity,” she did cut the above from her diet and started cooking her own meals “as much as possible.” Creating healthy relationships with all food groups is so important when it comes to keeping the weight off, she stresses. “Balance is key, so, if I want a cookie here and there, I eat the cookie… no biggie!”

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

She Also Amped Up Her Water Intake

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven2raven.grl/Instagram

Raven adds that “lots of water” keeps her hydrated and feeling full. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

She Fell in Love with a Boutique Fitness Method

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven4raven.grl/Instagram

Raven also encourages finding a fitness form that you love. She discovered rowing at her local Row House. “I love how boutique and specialized gyms are getting more recognition! When I first found Row House, I had never seen a gym dedicated to rowing,” she says. “And on top of that you get floorwork exercises, group fitness and the wonderful community that comes along with it! I think a lot of people would benefit from boutique gyms.”

She Took Progress Pictures

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven6raven.grl/Instagram

Progress photos were also an important part of Raven’s weight loss journey. “Sometimes your mind will play tricks on you, and make you feel like you haven’t done as much as you have,” she says. If she feels discouraged, she will look at her “Day 1” photo and it will provide instant motivation. “Take photos because your mind will play tricks on you, but those photos won’t,” she says.

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

Dils Less Lost 50 Pounds by Not Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach

Dils Lee (@dilshealth) lost 50 pounds by making a few simple lifestyle habit changes, which not only aided in weight loss, but were a game-changer in her overall health, especially with her inflammation and hormonal imbalance. One of the first changes that she made? “I stopped drinking coffee on an empty stomach and started making my breakfast look like this,” she said. “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to bloating, nausea, and anxiety, and it can also raise your cortisol levels, which can negatively impact ovulation weight and hormonal imbalances.”

She Also Switched From HIIT to Low Intensity Workouts

You don’t have to do HIIT workouts to lose weight. The second change that she made “was stopping all high intensity training while I was losing weight,” she said. “I found that I harbored a lot of inflammation in my face, arms, body, stomach, and legs everywhere.” Instead, she opted for lower intensity training. “Basically, by switching to lower intensity workouts, I've found that my waist has drastically come in. My stomach is much more flat, and I'm actually building a lot of tone and muscle in my arms and legs,” she says.

And, She Prioritized Sleep

“The fourth change that I made is that I introduced a healthy sleep routine,” Dils reveals. “My routine includes using supplements like magnesium and then not using my phone an hour before bed. Prioritizing sleep will help your body recover after physical activity. It'll also help with hormone regulation, metabolic regulation, stress and emotional wellbeing.” What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Joseph Graham Jr. Lost 75 Pounds By Jump Roping and Doing Pushups

@theguywiththepinkshoes

🎟️ before and after - 50 lbs (weight loss transformation)🔥 show people where you started🌸✌🏾 #WeightLossJourney #WeightLoss #Fittok #jumprope #jumpropechallenge #transformationchallenge #HealthyLiving #FitnessGoals #BeforeAndAfter #BodyPositivity #WellnessWednesday #GlowUp #FitnessMotivation #LifestyleChange #DietTransformation #MindBodySoul #SelfLoveJourney #EmpowerYourself #FitnessInspiration #ChangeIsGood #WeightLossStory #ProgressNotPerfection #InspireOthers #WellnessTransformation #MotivatedMindset #FitnessJourney #PositiveChanges #NewYou #HealthyHabits #fyp #foryourpage #beforeandafterweightloss #ilikewhenitrains

No gym, no problem. Joseph Graham Jr. (@theguywiththepinkshoes) is a fitness influencer and “crossrope athlete” who lost a whopping 75 pounds and toned up his dad bod by jumping rope and doing push ups at home. He does “harder” push ups, he says. “It's not enough to just do as many as you can and do them fast. Once you feel comfortable doing pushups, once you feel like you've kind of got it down, you have to start making it harder for yourself,” he explains. “The resistance is what builds the strength, right?

Alexandra Lost 40 Pounds by Eating the Same Meals Every Day

Online fitness coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) personally lost 40 pounds by eating the same meals daily. “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 everyday,” Alexandra confesses in the caption of her video.

She Also Walks 10,000 Steps a Day

In another video she reveals that walking 10,000 steps a day was also key. “I weigh around 150lbs so walking 10k steps burns an extra 300-400 calories a day without spending hours on the stair master,” says Alexandra. “Walking can be done anywhere you don’t have to get fancy gym clothes you can literally walk in your pjs,” she adds. And, it helps regulate hunger. “Walking is not an extremely difficult exercise and it can help regulate your appetite hormones and reduce feelings of hunger,” she says.

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

David Tuckfield Lost 60 Pounds EMS Workouts

David_Tuckfield7David Tuckfield

David Tuckfield, 61, dropped 60 pounds and reduced his body fat by 23 percent in 16 months by incorporating electro muscle stimulation (EMS) workouts into his routine, which he discovered at BODY20. “I was very skeptical when I first tried the EMS workouts. I was shocked after my demo workout how much I felt a difference,” he told Body Network. “For me, the amazing thing about the EMS workouts to me is that I can actually feel or sense my muscles. That was something that I had never experienced. At first I could feel them only during the workouts, but now when I exert myself I can discern which muscles are engaged. I don’t have huge or impressive muscles, but that I am more in-tune with the muscles I have. It is a good feeling to feel your muscles engage when you do an activity.” Another “great thing” about the workout “is that you really get a full workout (or better) in 20 minutes,” he says.

He Also Set Long-Term Goals

David_Tuckfield5David Tuckfield

He also started looking at weight loss as a long-term goal. “Don’t think short term. Think of it as a very long journey,” he suggests. “You will plateau, and you should just be comfortable with that. If you don’t stress out about the plateaus, you will eventually work through them.” Daily weigh-ins also helped him. “If you’ve gained weight, ask yourself what you did yesterday that would have made you gain weight. Usually the answer is obvious,” he says.

Joy Maria Lost 70 Pounds with Hot Girl Walks

@therealjoyymaria

Replying to @177777734 this is exactly how I did & you can too 🫶🏽🥂 #postpartumweightloss #weightlosstransformation #fatlossjourney #weightlossgoals #greenscreen

Joy Maria (@therealjoyymaria/video) is a weight loss influencer and mother who lost 70 pounds in less than 11 months with the help of, wait for it, “Hot girl walks,” she reveals in a video. “Walking is a thousand percent, the most underrated way to lose weight,” she adds, “and one of my favorite things to do is walk.” She started walking to her errands, walking to and from workouts, and whenever else she could get steps in.

She Also Followed a Meal Plan

@therealjoyymaria

Dont sleep on walking 🫶🏽 #hotgirlwalk #walking #weightloss #weightlosstransformation #weightlosscheck #postpartumweightloss

“If somebody is telling you that you can lose weight without being in a calorie deficit run because they're lying,” she adds, calling it “the most important step” to losing weight. “I know you guys have heard the saying, you cannot outrun a bad diet, and it's so true. Google, TDEE calculator. From there, put in your information. I'm gonna tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat. I ate about 1600 to 1800 calories daily, just depending on my activity level for the day. If I did two workouts that day, I would eat closer to 1800. If I had a more sedentary day, I would eat closer to 1500 to 1600.” She also followed a meal plan. “I have a seven day meal plan available at the top of my profile. It just makes it really easy when you're going to a grocery shop, when you're first starting out, when things are structured, it's gonna make it a lot easier to follow and just to stay consistent, not skipping breakfast, especially if we're exercising.”

Gen Cohen Lost 50 Pounds by Doing the 12-3-30

Gen Cohen, CNC, lost 50 pounds by doing a few different workouts, including the 12-3-30.

She said that “rather than subscribing to some crazy fitness routine, I'd commit to lifting weights three maximum four times per week and prioritize getting a 60 minute walk in per day,” in a video. “You can go to the gym and do 12-3-30. You can take your dog for a walk. You can get a walking pad and put it under your desk. I don't care how, just 60 minutes of walking.”

Joan Henning Lost 130 Pounds with Keto

Joan_HenningJoan Henning

In 2019, Joan Henning started her 130-pound weight loss journey with the keto diet.“ I was able to start keto,” she says. She stayed on the low carb diet for “months.” While on keto, “I probably lost about 10 pounds because keto, it comes off quickly,” she said.

💪🔥Body Booster: Start your weight loss journey slowly and avoid an all-or-nothing mentality to prevent setting yourself up for failure. Focus on regaining self-trust by consistently following through with the promises you make to yourself.

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 struggling to lose weight but aren’t sure where to start? One expert has some game-changing advice on how to do it. Cara Peterkin is a fitness professional and YouTuber who weighs 250 pounds. “Now I'm 140 pounds, and I'm gonna tell you exactly how I lost the weight,” she says, revealing that the process took two and a half years, “and I've maintained my weight for the past year.”


Childhood Eating Habits Shaped Her Relationship with Food

Cara reveals that she grew up with unhealthy eating habits. “Quick backstory: my parents were all about ease, easily getting food to us, which meant minimal cooking. We go to Chick-fil-A, we'll go to McDonald's, we'll go to the Mexican restaurant, quick box mac and cheese, whatever was easy. That's what they did. And that set the tone for my relationship with food for the rest of my life,” she says in her post.

She Gained a Lot of Weight During Her First Two Pregnancies But Lost It

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Cara first struggled with her weight when she got pregnant at 15 and went from 150 to 192 pounds. “Typically pregnant women should only gain about 20 to 25 pounds, according to Google, but I gained 42 pounds,” she says. However, she lost it pretty easily because she was young, following a calorie deficit and exercising. When she went to college, the “food inconsistency” and “unhealthy patterns really started to return,” she says. “I definitely gained the college 30, so I went from 150 to 180. Her senior year of college she got pregnant again and went from 180 to 225 pounds.

“That was tough. I definitely looked at myself differently, and I had to adjust. I tried to adjust to the weight and just said, ‘Hey Karen, you may be that girl over 200 pounds, and you need to accept it.’ But I was so uncomfortable. I tried different weight loss methods, and I started with Weight Watchers, which got me down to about 200 pounds.”

She Ended Up 250 Pounds After Her Last Pregnancy and Couldn’t Lose It

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She then “had to kick it in high gear “ and tried to clean her diet and eliminate processed foods. “With diet, exercise, plenty of strength training, and walking, I was able to get to about 160 pounds, which was amazing. Of course, life happened. What does that mean? I went through a depression, I went through different things in my life, and I ended up gaining weight a little bit, a little bit, a little bit, a little bit until it was a lot of it and ended up at about 190 pounds average. And it was tough. I would do different yo-yo diets, try different methods, get down to 180, but always would creep back up to that 190.” During her last pregnancy, she started at 190 pounds and went up to 250 pounds. “I could not even fathom being at that number, but I was there. I will tell you that it was probably the hardest thing for me to accept, but I just made it work.” Then COVID happened, and she remained at 250, battling postpartum depression.

She Hit Her Breaking Point

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Cara’s “breaking point” and “aha” moment happened when she had an interview and couldn’t fit into her size 16 pants. “I immediately ran to the store to buy that bigger size. But once I saw the size 18 and that number, it hit me like, Kara, what's going on? You've never been this size. What are you gonna do differently? I did not let myself buy those size 18 pants, and that was my breaking point. I knew I had to make a change because I couldn't buy that bigger size.”

She Lost Her First 35 Pounds with Weight Watchers and OrangeTheory

Lafayette - Circa April 2017: Weight Watchers Meeting Location. Oprah Winfrey is a Weight Watchers Spokesperson and Stockholder IVShutterstock

In March of 2021, she tried Weight Watchers again, pairing it with OrangeTheory, losing 35 pounds and getting down to 215. “I still had a long way to go,” she said, revealing that according to her BMI, her healthy weight range is 140 to 160. You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

Then, She Eliminated Processed Foods

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In 2022, she really changed the game. “That's where the real change began. I eliminated all processed foods and only shopped the outside skirts of the grocery store. So protein, dairy, fruits and veggies. That was my main diet,” she said.

She Also Tracked and Measured Her Food

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

“I tracked everything I ate with my Fitness Pal. I measured everything I ate. I prioritized getting that water in, and I minimized fast food or eating out because of the amount of sodium that they put in the food. Once I implemented that change, my weight just started to fall off,” she continues.

The First Month Was Hard, But It Got Easier

Handmade chocolateShutterstock

“Now, I will say it wasn't easy. I'm not going to lie to you. It is the hardest thing I ever had to do, and it took me about a full month of getting through the diet change for me to really accept it. After that, I stopped craving chocolate or candy or ice cream, and I was able to just go with the flow on average. I was losing about a pound and a half to two pounds a week, and it just started to fall off,” she says.

RELATED:She Lost 9 Pounds in 4 Weeks With This Simple 1,600 Calorie Meal Plan

She Also Started Walking 30 Minutes a Day

Group of unrecognized people exercise active walking on riverside boardwalk at sunset. Summer outdoor commuting fitness concept.Shutterstock

“Another thing that I did that helped me lose the weight was walking 30 minutes a day. That was huge,” she admits. “I thought I had to go kill myself in another OrangeTheory class or maybe at a boot camp. But walking truly helped me, along with some YouTube videos, like different weights that I could use or different strength training videos that really helped, too. But I didn't have to pay for a gym membership. I just got outside and walked and changed my diet, and the weight started to fall off. “

She Has Maintained the Weight Loss

Smiling Black Female Jogger Checking Running Time On Smartwatch After Outdoor Training, Happy Young African American Woman Drinking Water And Checking Fitness Tracker Data On Watch, Copy SpaceShutterstock

She has managed to keep it off by maintaining the same eating habits, “still walking 30 minutes a day, along with definitely having my treat meals and trying to balance them out, and so far it's kept the weight off beautifully,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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.

RELATED: Health Expert Shares Her 5 Favorite Healthy Food Swaps

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.

Chris Freytag ChrisFreytag
Copyright chrisfreytag/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.

Not every workout you see on social media is all it’s hyped up to be. However, there are some you should try. Chris Freytag is a fitness and lifestyle coach and the founder of Get Healthy U, a comprehensive fitness hub. In a new social media post, she reveals a fitness trend that lives up to its hype. “The Viral Workout Trend That Actually WORKS,” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about it.

The 4-2-1 Method

She goes on to reveal the concept of the 4-2-1 method:

  • 4 days of strength training workouts
  • 2 days of cardio
  • 1 day of mobility/ activity recovery.

It Is Effective for Weight Loss and Building Muscle

“This 4-2-1 training method that took off on Tik-Tok has 4 strength training days, 2 days of cardio, and 1 day of mobility or active recovery each week,” she writes. “This 4-2-1 workout plan can be an effective way to lose weight, maintain muscle mass, and improve your overall fitness.”

She Also Endorses This Walking Hack

In another post, she reveals a walking hack to improve your health. “Here’s a game-changer: Walking for 10 minutes after each meal can be more effective than walking for a full hour at another time of day,” she says. “I am a follower of the @gluecosegoddess (Jessie Inchauspé), who says walking after a meal is a crucial practice to help manage blood sugar levels by preventing large spikes and promoting better glucose absorption into your muscle!”

Walk After Every Meal

“If you can just get up and take some steps: 10 minutes after breakfast, lunch and, dinner,” she continues. “That’s only 30 minutes total—but research shows you’ll see more health benefits than from one continuous 60-minute walk!”

There Are Lots of Benefits of Walking After Meals

She explains that fat loss isn’t the only benefit of walking after you eat. “Besides getting in some steps, post-meal walks help stabilize blood sugar levels, boost digestion, and increase energy and metabolism.

Break Walking Into Smaller Chunks to Make It More “Doable”

“So break it down into smaller chunks and walk around the block; hop on your walking pad; march around your house; just move after every meal,” she concludes. She adds that many people will find that this method makes it more “doable.”

Ruth Soukup
​Eat More Protein
Copyright ruthsoukup/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure what foods to eat and which to avoid? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. “I lost 49 pounds at age 43 without dieting or Ozempic,” she writes. In two posts, she reveals 7 foods she eats “pretty much every day” and 7 she avoids. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS before I finally stopped dieting once and for all, and just focused on balancing my hormones instead. In the process, I lost 49 pounds and have kept it off, without ever counting calories,” she says.

What She Eats: Animal Protein

chicken nest with eggs. A woman's hand takes the eggs from the nest. The hen laid the eggs. farmer collects eggs​EggsShutterstock

Animal protein is the first item on her list. “This usually includes bone broth and farm fresh eggs in the morning, chicken at lunch, and either beef, chicken, pork, or fish at dinnertime,” she says.

Healthy Fat

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeup​5. Greek Yogurt/Cottage CheeseShutterstock

She also makes sure to eat healthy fat. “This mostly comes from avocado oil, EVOO, and butter, but also full fat dairy—heavy cream, cream cheese, cheese, sour cream, greek yogurt, and cottage cheese,” she says.

Vegetables

Asparagus. Fresh Asparagus. Pickled Green Asparagus. Bunches of green asparagus in basket, top view- Image13. Asparagus: 20 caloriesShutterstock

She eats lots of veggies, too. “Lots of broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, and Brussels Sprouts. I don’t eat a ton of salad, unless it’s a good Caesar with homemade dressing, which I make every few weeks,” she says.

Fresh Berries

Freshly picked blueberries in wooden bowl. Juicy and fresh blueberries with green leaves on rustic table. Bilberry on wooden Background. Blueberry antioxidant. Concept for healthy eating and nutritionShutterstock

Fruits are also on her shopping list, especially fresh berries. “Mostly strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries,” she writes.

Fermented Foods

Milk,Kefir,Grains,Spoon, probiotics, health, gut, food, diet​Probiotic Foods: Kefir Greek YogurtShutterstock

“I try to eat at least a little bit of fermented food every day for the probiotics,” she says. “My favorite is kimchi, but I’ll also do fresh sauerkraut or kefir, and I make my own fermented ketchup (scroll down in my feed for the recipe.)”

Starches

Multi,Grain,Sourdough,Bread,With,Flax,Seeds,Cut,On,AShutterstock

Starches are also part of her diet. “I don’t tend to eat a ton of starchy food, but I do love real sourdough bread, and I also sometimes make potatoes or jasmine rice to go with dinner, depending on what we’re having,” she says.

Seasonings

Garlic Cloves and Bulb in vintage wooden bowl.​Prebiotic Foods: GarlicShutterstock

She also invests money in seasoning. “Generally lots of salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, fresh herbs and hot sauce,” she writes. One of her favorites? The Green Dragon sauce from Trader Joes.

She Doesn’t Eat: Vegetable Oil

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In another post, she reveals what she eliminated from her diet. “Vegetable oil or any other highly processed seed oils, as well as Crisco and margarine,” she writes. “These are all so toxic and highly inflammatory! I also tend to avoid any processed foods that contain these oils. Instead, I cook with butter, avocado oil, and olive oil.”

Sugar

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She also stays away from sugar. “If I do need to use a sweetener for a recipe, I typically stick to monkfruit or allulose or a blend of those two,” she says.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

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High fructose corn syrup is another no-no. “Another highly toxic and inflammatory ingredient I try to avoid that is sadly way too common in so many processed foods,” she writes

Packaged Side Dishes

American creamy macaroni and cheese pasta mac & Cheese

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Ruth also recommends avoiding packaged side dishes, “such as mac and cheese, stuffing, rice pilaf blends, scalloped potatoes, hamburger helper, etc.” These are highly processed foods.

Breakfast Cereal

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Ruth strongly suggests staying away from breakfast cereal. Most of it is highly processed and contains lots of additives and sugar. If you want to eat cereal, opt for a higher-fiber, lower-sugar option.

Brownie and Cake Mix

Protein Brownie Batter

Brownies and cake mixes are also on her list of things to avoid. If you do enjoy baking, try cooking from scratch using healthier flours and sweeteners, which will result in a less processed and more nutritious product.

Fruit Juice

Close up of teenage woman drinking juice while looking through a window.​5. Fruit JuiceShutterstock

According to Ruth, fruit juice may sound nutritious, but you should stay away. ”Except for Clamato, which we use for Bloody Marys on the weekend! The rest of it is just pure sugar,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Gillian Ferguson the_macro_method
Coach Lost 50 Pounds with the Help of These 5 Sunday Habits
Copyright the_macro_method/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight while staying full? You may need to amp up your fiber intake. Gillian Ferguson is a social media influencer who lost 55+ lbs on Semaglutide and is now “microdosing Tirzepatide,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals some creative ways she increases fiber in her diet. “10 easy ways to sneak fiber into your diet,” she writes in the post.

Why Fiber Is Important

“Want to lose weight + improve your health? Let’s talk about FIBER,” Sine writes, going onto list the benefits of a high-fiber diet:

  • Lowers total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (aka “bad” cholesterol).
  • Improves blood sugar control.
  • Keeps you regular.
  • Supports gut health.
  • Supports weight loss + management.
  • Protects against colorectal cancer.

Add Avocado

The first way she adds fiber into her diet is by eating avocado. “One medium-sized avocado has about 10 grams of fiber,” she says. “I know you know how to add avo 👌 so I’ll stop there.”

Sprinkle on Some Seeds

Next, sprinkle on some seeds. “Try incorporating a tablespoon or two of small seeds, like chia, flax, or hemp, into your day. An ounce of chia seeds, for example, provides 10g of fiber,” she writes. “You can blend into your smoothie or sprinkle on a salad.”

Level Up Your Smoothie

You can also “level up” your smoothie. “It’s so easy to fit a big dose of fiber into a smoothie without even trying! After picking your protein, add fruit and veggies (like spinach, kale, or frozen cauliflower rice) and some fiber rich fats like flax seeds, hemp seeds, nut butters, or avocado,” she writes.

Learn to Love Veggies

Learn to love veggies. “Non-starchy vegetables, like leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower, provide both fiber and volume for little calories. My favorite way to eat veggies right now is in the air fryer,” she says.

Swap Out Your Pastas

Next, switch up your pastas. “It’s in your best interest to choose whole grain and legume-based (chickpea or lentil) pastas most of the time!” she writes. “One serving of Barilla Whole Grain Penne has 7 grams fiber per serving.”

Amy Up Your Oats

“Oats are a nutritional powerhouse rich in beta-glucan—a soluble fiber that functions as a prebiotic fiber that is effective at lowering total and LDL cholesterol,” says Sine, recommending oatmeal and overnight oats.

Berries

She also says to eat berries. “Just one cup of raspberries contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber! I eat every day in my yogurt!”

Switch Up Your Snacks

Switch up your snacks. “Snack time is a good time to up your fiber intake since fiber can help you feel full,” she says. “Popcorn, fruit w nut butter, sliced veggies w hummus or guac, edamame.”

Choose Plant Proteins

Plant proteins are also high in fiber. “Think: beans, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa (and other ‘ancient’/whole grains),” she says.

Pick a Better Brea

You don’t have to omit bread. Just a “pick a better bread,” says Sine. “If you eat bread or a wrap choose one with fiber!!! The wrap I eat my lunch on has 17g fiber!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.