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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.

Here’s How Instacart Just Made it Easier for You to Lose Weight

Shop smarter and eat healthier.

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.

Here’s How Instacart Just Made it Easier for You to Lose Weight
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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 trying to lose weight? Learning hacks to make healthy eating easier can be the ultimate game-changer. This week, Instacart launched Smart Shop, which uses cutting-edge generative AI to help make your grocery shopping experience more intuitive in making better and healthier choices. Here’s how to use the app to help you lose weight or achieve any other dietary and health goals.


The Smart Shop Experience Allows You to Modify Dietary Preferences

Happy young fitness woman listening music through headphones and using mobile phone in kitchen. iPhone, mobile, kitchen​She Counts MacrosShutterstock

You can modify and customize shopping preferences as part of the Smart Shop experience. There are 14 unique dietary preferences to choose from – including gluten-free, high protein, high fiber, lactose-free, low calorie, low carb, low sodium, low sugar, low fat, organic, pescatarian, preservative-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

RELATED:5 Walking Techniques That Burn More Fat Than Running

As You Shop, Smart Shop Evolves and Adjusts Digital Aisles

aring eyeglasses with eyesight problems trying to read phone text at home

Shutterstock

As you shop, Smart Shop evolves to understand your shopping in real time, and will adjust digital aisles to prioritize the most relevant products. Based on inferred preferences, it might also generate questions for you, like, "Show more low-carb options?"

It Makes Shopping for Healthy Food Easier

Attractive young Indian girl with apron in kitchen using mobile phone or smartphone with table full of fruits and vegetables and computer

Shutterstock

The company launched the technology to coincide with National Nutrition Month. "At Instacart, we want to turn the ordinary task of grocery shopping into a delightful, personalized shopping experience that takes the mental load out of finding the exact items that meet your preferences," Daniel Danker, Chief Product Officer at Instacart, said in a press release.

You Can Achieve Your Health Goals with Less Effort

Top view Asian man and woman healthy eating salad after exercise at fitness gym. Two athlete eating salad for health together. Selective focus on salad bowl on hand.​ Why B1 Is Critical For Nerve HealthShutterstock

"By combining our new Smart Shop technology, Health Tags and Inspiration Pages, we're not just improving online grocery shopping – we're reimagining it, making it seamless to go from intention to action. By customizing your shopping journey to match your personal health goals or fit your dietary restrictions, we can unlock possibilities that weren't even on the table before."

RELATED:The Only 4 Exercises You Need for Total-Body Fitness

Your Shopping Experience Will Be Personalized

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"Instacart is making it easier for people to shop for nutritious foods that support their health goals and lifestyle. With Smart Shop technology and Health Tags, we're giving consumers the power to personalize their experience, with tools to filter and discover the best options for their unique preferences," said Sarah Mastrorocco, Vice President and General Manager of Instacart Health.

It’s Part of a Collaboration with the American Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association magazine with insulin pen and Glucometer

Shutterstock

"Our collaboration with the American Diabetes Association takes this a step further by turning expert nutrition advice into easy, shoppable solutions through our Inspiration Pages. Whether you're managing a chronic condition like diabetes or simply looking to make more informed food choices, we're here to help make grocery shopping simpler and more personalized." And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

More For You

Here’s How Instacart Just Made it Easier for You to Lose Weight
Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight? Learning hacks to make healthy eating easier can be the ultimate game-changer. This week, Instacart launched Smart Shop, which uses cutting-edge generative AI to help make your grocery shopping experience more intuitive in making better and healthier choices. Here’s how to use the app to help you lose weight or achieve any other dietary and health goals.


The Smart Shop Experience Allows You to Modify Dietary Preferences

Happy young fitness woman listening music through headphones and using mobile phone in kitchen. iPhone, mobile, kitchen​She Counts MacrosShutterstock

You can modify and customize shopping preferences as part of the Smart Shop experience. There are 14 unique dietary preferences to choose from – including gluten-free, high protein, high fiber, lactose-free, low calorie, low carb, low sodium, low sugar, low fat, organic, pescatarian, preservative-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

RELATED:5 Walking Techniques That Burn More Fat Than Running

As You Shop, Smart Shop Evolves and Adjusts Digital Aisles

aring eyeglasses with eyesight problems trying to read phone text at home

Shutterstock

As you shop, Smart Shop evolves to understand your shopping in real time, and will adjust digital aisles to prioritize the most relevant products. Based on inferred preferences, it might also generate questions for you, like, "Show more low-carb options?"

It Makes Shopping for Healthy Food Easier

Attractive young Indian girl with apron in kitchen using mobile phone or smartphone with table full of fruits and vegetables and computer

Shutterstock

The company launched the technology to coincide with National Nutrition Month. "At Instacart, we want to turn the ordinary task of grocery shopping into a delightful, personalized shopping experience that takes the mental load out of finding the exact items that meet your preferences," Daniel Danker, Chief Product Officer at Instacart, said in a press release.

You Can Achieve Your Health Goals with Less Effort

Top view Asian man and woman healthy eating salad after exercise at fitness gym. Two athlete eating salad for health together. Selective focus on salad bowl on hand.​ Why B1 Is Critical For Nerve HealthShutterstock

"By combining our new Smart Shop technology, Health Tags and Inspiration Pages, we're not just improving online grocery shopping – we're reimagining it, making it seamless to go from intention to action. By customizing your shopping journey to match your personal health goals or fit your dietary restrictions, we can unlock possibilities that weren't even on the table before."

RELATED:The Only 4 Exercises You Need for Total-Body Fitness

Your Shopping Experience Will Be Personalized

Young woman using smartphone leaning at kitchen table with coffee mug and organizer in a modern home. Smiling woman reading phone message. Brunette happy girl typing a text message

Shutterstock

"Instacart is making it easier for people to shop for nutritious foods that support their health goals and lifestyle. With Smart Shop technology and Health Tags, we're giving consumers the power to personalize their experience, with tools to filter and discover the best options for their unique preferences," said Sarah Mastrorocco, Vice President and General Manager of Instacart Health.

It’s Part of a Collaboration with the American Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association magazine with insulin pen and Glucometer

Shutterstock

"Our collaboration with the American Diabetes Association takes this a step further by turning expert nutrition advice into easy, shoppable solutions through our Inspiration Pages. Whether you're managing a chronic condition like diabetes or simply looking to make more informed food choices, we're here to help make grocery shopping simpler and more personalized." And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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 weight but can’t make it into the gym for whatever reason? There are still ways to drop pounds without exercise. Brittany Vasseur (@vasseurbeauty) is a beauty and lifestyle influencer who shares “the best tips, tricks & products to improve your life.” In one viral vide, she reveals how she lost 30 pounds without working out. “It is, in fact, possible to lose weight in a healthy way without working out,” she says at the start of the clip, offering several tips on how to do it.


The Best Way to Lose Weight Is a Combo of Diet and Exercise, She Says

Brittany_Vasseur_vasseurbeauty5Brittany Vasseur/YouTube

“Now granted, as a major disclaimer, the best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise. I highly recommend that you do work out if you can,” Brittany says. However, there are many reasons you might not be able to. “Maybe you just don't have the time. Maybe you have a physical injury or limitation, or maybe you just absolutely hate working out, and that's okay,” she says.

Losing Weight Should Be About Feeling Good and Healthier

overweight woman on scale at homeShutterstock

Brittany goes on to explain that she wanted to lose weight, “not because of a number on a scale, but more so just to feel good and to be healthier,” she says. “And all of this is about being healthier, not about a number on a scale. I really do wanna emphasize that.”

Get Your Diet In Order, Starting with Cutting Foods Out

sugar cubes on black backround. Sugar is unhealthy nutrition and leads to obesity, diabetes, dental careShutterstock

“First and foremost, you need to get your diet in order, and that means cutting out certain foods that are high in calories but low in nutritional value,” Brittany says, noting that the “biggest one” is refined sugar, followed by dairy and then processed foods. “If you can just cut those three food groups out of your diet, then that alone will make a big difference. It is easier said than done, but I will say one added bonus: when I cut out refined sugar and dairy from my diet, an added benefit is that my sugar cleared up, and that is a pretty common thing that happens.” She adds that sugar beverages should also be avoided as well. “You want to avoid soda, sugary drinks, and alcohol, however much possible. And yes, that does also include diet soda, any sugary drinks like that, just don't drink them or limit them as much as you can,” she says.

Focus Your Diet Around Lean Protein, Complex Carbs, Healthy Fats, and Veggies

Salmon,Served,With,Mix,Salad,Veggies,VegetablesShutterstock

“The types of foods that you want to be eating are lean protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and also vegetables,” Brittany says. “So on any given plate, even for my snacks, I always like to make sure that there is a protein and a complex carb wherever possible because doing that is not only healthy for you, it helps maintain your blood sugar so you don't have mood swings and energy swings throughout the day.”

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

Make Things Easy on Yourself and Eat Consistently

Brittany_Vasseur_vasseurbeauty2Brittany Vasseur/YouTube

“The next tip is to make things easy for yourself,” Brittany says. “If you make these easy, you will set yourself up for success.” For example, she eats the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, alternating her menu weekly, “so I don't get bored of it and eat the same thing for months at a time,” she says. “The biggest benefit of this is you plan it in advance, and then you don't have to think about what you're eating, and every single meal doesn't become a struggle of what am I going to eat, what do I have to prepare?”

Invest in Meal Kits

Courier delivery food service at home. Man courier delivered the order no name bag with food.Shutterstock

As for dinner, “I do switch things up, and what I personally do is I use meal kits,” Brittany says. “There's a lot of different services out there. You know, Blue Apron, HelloFresh, there's Purple Carrot if you're vegan. The one that I use is called Gobble because those are meal kits you can make in under 15 minutes, and I don't have a lot of time these days.” She notes that some meal kids are healthier than others, so you should pay attention while ordering. You might also consider omitting sauce or using less than recommended.

Meal Prep

Meal,Prep,Asian,Style,Teriyaki,Sauce,Chicken,Meat,Balls,With,Broccoli,AndShutterstock

“The next way to make things easy for yourself is one of the biggest takeaways from this entire video, and that is meal prepping,” Brittany says. “When I started meal prepping, everything changed. For me, it just makes eating healthier so much easier. You don't have to think about it. I think there's a misconception that meal prepping is this long and involved process that takes all day, but it really isn't. For me, my meal prep takes the same amount of time as it would take for me to prepare one meal. I'm just making a larger quantity of food at one time.” She uses little containers to store her food.

RELATED: I Lost 40 Pounds on a Vegan Diet and Here's How

Remove Junk Food From the Home

Young girl on dieting for good health concept. Close up female using hand reject junk food by pushing out her favorite sweet donuts and fried chicken and choose green apple and salad for good health.Shutterstock

“The next thing I recommend you do, or maybe you have a friend or family member do for you, is to remove all of the junky, tempting foods out of the house,” Brittany says. “If you're having a weak moment, you know you will find that box of cookies and you'll eat most of the cookies. So if they're out of the house, you don't have that opportunity.”

Allow Yourself One Treat a Day

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

“That being said, something that I do, which makes this entire thing sustainable for me, is that I allow myself one treat a day,” Brittany says. “This is something that I look forward to, and I give myself as a reward for being good for the entire day. My personal treats that I give myself are coconut bites. I will have 10 of these in the evening.” Another one of her go-to's? Justin's organic dark chocolate peanut butter cups. “I will have two of those,” she says.

Portion Out Snacks

Healthy snack concept, top view.Shutterstock

Brittany recommends pre-portioning all snacks or treats. This way, you are less likely to overeat. “Take out the amount that you're allocating yourself as your treat and put the bag or the box that it comes in away and just have the portion that you want to eat so you're not tempting yourself to eat more than you want,” she says.

RELATED: 10 Ways to Lose Your Arm Flab in 4 Weeks

Track Your Calories

Nutrition facts on whey protein products. nutrition labels and ingredients as well as the contents of the productShutterstock

The overarching theme of weight loss “is calories in, calories out, and in order to know that, you have to track your calories,” says Brittany. She uses the MyFitnessPal app, which “makes it really easy to track exactly the amount of calories that you are taking in,” she says, reminding that you “have to be honest with yourself and you have to accurately track every single thing that you consume. Otherwise, none of this will work, and the entire system falls apart.”

1Calculate Your Maintenance Calories

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

Next, you need to “figure out the exact amount of calories you would need to consume every day to maintain your current weight,” she says, suggesting a calorie calculator website. “You go on these; you put in your height, your sex, and your current weight, and will also ask about your activity level. And what I recommend you do is be sedentary. Even if you are moderately active, just put sedentary because that will give you a nice buffer and help make the system work better.” That will give you a baseline for what you would need to consume to maintain your current weight.

RELATED: 15 Tips on How to Use Fiber for Weight Loss

Then Subtract 200

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“What you wanna do from there is shoot to have 200 fewer calories than whatever number that is,” she says. “So if it says you need 1700 calories a day to maintain your current weight, you want to have 1500 calories a day.” This will put you “in a slight caloric deficit and set you up to lose weight at a nice steady rate of about half a pound to one pound a week,” she says. You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

Adjust As Needed

female hands with pen writing on notebookShutterstock

“This is going to help make it sustainable and it's going to help make it healthy. So once you get started on your tracking and looking at your calories and seeing what your weight loss is, you wanna make the necessary adjustments so that you're on the right track of losing about half a pound to one pound a week,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: To improve your diet, cut out refined sugar, reduce dairy, and avoid processed foods. 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 you looking for some meal prep tips? Mo Nasraddin is a weight loss warrior, the founder of Weight Loss Paradise, and a social media influencer who shares tips and tricks on how to lose weight and keep it off. In a recent YouTube video, he shares helpful tips on meal prep and how you can use it to lose weight. “I've lost 140 pounds, and so have hundreds of our clients as well, and they've all done it through food, and you can too,” he says. “If you think you're too busy for weight loss, let me show you how to meal prep like a pro and stay on track with your weight loss goals and make it easy and convenient for our stressful American daily lives.”


Make It Easy on Yourself

“The most important thing to understand in any person's weight loss journey is you need to make it easy on yourself. To achieve weight loss, you need to remove the hurdles throughout your day that make it difficult actually to sustain the weight loss that you're going for. And I know you can do it. It just takes some effort and some patience,” he says at the start of the clip.

Remove Access to Processed Foods

Mo Nasraddin.2Mo Nasraddin/YouTube

“The most important thing is what food you're consuming every day,” he points out. “If you can remove those barriers of having access to crappy processed food and you can put those barriers up to make it easier for you not to access that stuff, the best solution is to be consistent for the long run. And if you make it this easy, you will not have issues.”

RELATED: Nutritionists Share 10 Tips for Staying Slim Over Thanksgiving

Remove Bread Products From the House

Mo Nasraddin.3Mo Nasraddin/YouTube

“You can make things low carb by just not having bread products all around your house,” he says. “If I have bread in the house, I want to consume it. That's a natural human function. It is delicious. That is just how it works. I want the dopamine, and you would too. So don't be disappointed in yourself, just understand it's human nature and it's harder to fight, so don't fight it. Remove the processed and the high carbohydrate items from your house.”

Make Lettuce Wraps Instead

Mo Nasraddin.4Mo Nasraddin/YouTube

The next tip? “You can use lettuce wraps,” he says. He notes that you can use them as a replacement for tortillas for tacos and buns for burgers. “Those are such simple, quick meals that you can make at home without having to go back and forth and struggle and cook for hours. That's the best solution for you to be able to lose weight consistently.”

Find Weight Loss Recipes

Unrecognizable woman is looking for recipes in cookbook.Shutterstock

He also recommends having recipes on hand for weight-loss meals. “To be able to have quick and easy meals, there are hundreds of recipes,” he said, sharing the link to his free recipe book that he uses to help his clients lose 30 pounds fast. “We know it's doable, and we know anybody can do it.”

He also recommends cooking up meals that meet a variety of criteria. “I've got a lot of options listed there that are very, very quick to make, easy, simple, and will last a while,” he says.

Use an Air Fryer

Mo Nasraddin.5Mo Nasraddin/YouTube

He also recommends cooking in an air fryer, which enables you to cook fast with little oil. “If you have an air fryer, you can make so many quick snacks and items that are so delicious that can all be made within five to 10 to even 20 minutes,” he says.

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

Make Casseroles

Broccoli,Chicken,Casserole,In,A,Baking,Dish,On,A,ConcreteShutterstock

He also recommends cooking healthy casseroles. “One of my favorite things to do is to cook in a pan,” he says. “We make a big pan of our casserole, we'll put that in the fridge, and then anytime I want it, I turn the oven on, I put it in, it takes 10 to 20 minutes for the oven to preheat and then 20 minutes for it to cook,” he says. “Now I'm consuming a low-carb, healthy, delicious meal full of vegetables and the right macros for my weight loss to continue.”

Don’t Eat Fast Food

Mo Nasraddin.9Mo Nasraddin/YouTube

“What you don't want to do instead is focus on fast food,” he concludes. If you consume it, “then you're going to spike your insulin and create more hunger, which puts you in a bad cycle. So the most important thing is to get rid of the processed items and get items that are quick and easy to make,” he says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Hailey Gorski (@thetipsykale_dietician) is an LA-based dietician and social media influencer whose goal is to help women take a “holistic” approach to diet and weight loss. In one of her many viral videos, she reveals a few easy ways to get back into shape for summer, using one of her client’s quick transformations as an example. According to Hailey, she made a “real change” to her lifestyle, “which is habits and a better relationship with food,” she said. “So here's how she really made this transformation in just one month.”


Try Lower Calorie Cocktails

@thetipsykale_dietitian

Holistic Girl Summer is the new Hot Girl Summer 😌💅🏻 #dietitian #weightloss #weightlosstips #nutritioncoach

According to Hailey, her client didn’t have to “cut out alcohol and miss out on her best friend's bachelor party.” Instead, “she enjoyed one to two finer cocktails and switched to a lower calorie, lower sugar option,” she said. While still tracking her nutrition progress, she felt confident. She didn't feel like she deprived herself, and she didn't feel guilty.”

Educate Yourself on Nutrition

Hailey_Gorski_thetipsykale_dietician2thetipsykale_dietitian/Instagram

“Did she obsessively track calories on MyFitnessPal? Nope. She tracked when she could so she could establish awareness around what she's eating to learn more about calorie density and different foods but also understand her snacking was intentional and unintentional,” Hailey continues.

Related: I Added These Simple Things to My Walking and Pilates Routine And Now I See a Difference

Take Progress Photos

Hailey_Gorski_thetipsykale_dietician1thetipsykale_dietitian/TikTok

You don’t need to weigh yourself daily. Instead of “using the number on the scale as her only metric of success,” Hailey’s client “also used progress photos,” she says.

Eat in a “Moderate Calorie Deficit”

Counting calories, different food with written quantity of calories, diet concept.Shutterstock

Finally, her clients didn’t starve themselves. “She focused on a moderate calorie deficit, not subtracting from her diet, but adding in foods like protein and high fiber, carbs and fruit,” she says.

Choose Weight Loss Programs “Tailored to You”

Hailey_Gorski_thetipsykale_dietician4thetipsykale_dietitian/Instagram

“The weight loss industry has created a stigma around weight loss,” Hailey concludes. “As a dietician, there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight, as long as you have a healthy intention, are seeking programs that are tailored to you, and that will improve your relationship with your food and your body.”

Related: #1 Hack to Make Maintaining Your Weight Loss Easy, According to Nutritionist

These Are “Sustainable Choices,” an Expert Agrees

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, is totally on board with her suggestions. “These are all excellent changes and are all sustainable choices,” she tells Body Network. “It proves that you don’t need to do drastic diets or intense workouts to still make a difference and get results.”

💪🔥Body Booster: The most important thing to focus on when losing weight is staying in a caloric deficit. Use an online calculator to determine how much you can eat with your activity level and still lose weight. 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.

You don’t need a fancy gym, personal trainer, or several hours a day to get into the best shape of your life. According to one expert, losing weight requires just a pair of sneakers. Online fitness trainer and coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about how she lost 50 pounds by making a few simple tweaks to her life. In a recent Instagram video, she reveals the simple exercise that is responsible for her transformation: Walking. “10k steps a day is life-changing here’s how,” she writes in the caption.


You Can Burn a Lot of Extra Calories

alexxandra_fitt2alexx.fitt/TikTok

“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.

It Can Be Done Anywhere, Wearing Anything

alexxandra_fitt3alexx.fitt/TikTok

You also don’t need to spend a lot on clothing or equipment. “Walking can be done anywhere you don’t have to get fancy gym clothes you can literally walk in your pjs,” she adds.

RELATED: 5 Foods to Melt Your Belly Fat Away=

It Helps Regulate Appetite

Female hands tying shoelace on running shoes before practice. Woman athlete preparing for jogging outdoors. Runner getting ready for training. Sport active lifestyle concept. Close-upShutterstock

Walking is also good for appetite regulation, according to Alexandra. “Walking is not an extremely difficult exercise and it can help regulate your appetite hormones and reduce feelings of hunger,” she says.

It Uses “Fat as Fuel”

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

Walking also uses “fat as fuel,” she says. “Since walking is low impact your body will tap into your fat storage instead of ‘eating up’ your muscles.”

Walking Plus Healthy Eating Habits Helped Her Lose Weights

Alexandra_alexx.fitt11alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

“When I lost 40lbs, the ONLY exercise I did was walk,” says Alexandra. “Gyms were shut down, so it’s all I could do. Along with cleaning up my eating habits walking is the main exercise that helped me lose weight fast!”

RELATED: 19 Arm-Toning Workouts for Women Looking to Achieve Sculpted Shoulders and Biceps

Brisk Walking Boasts Many Other Health Benefits

Abstract image of people in motion with blurred backgroundShutterstock

According to JAMA Internal Medicine, walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day offers lots of healthy benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

And, Walking 10K Steps a Day Has Been Linked to Weight Loss

Active woman using smartwatchShutterstock

Also, a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found that walking 10,000 steps a day is great for weight loss and weight management.

💪🔥Body Booster: Set a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day for a week. At the end of the week assess how your body looks and feels.

 Brittany Ainsworth britts_getting_fit_
She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
Copyright britts_getting_fit_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

Overeating

If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

Skipping Meals

Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

Not Exercising

Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

Not Following Directions

Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

Not Eating the Right Food

Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

Drinking Alcohol

You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

Not Being Patient

The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Becky Gillaspy
7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
Copyright Dr. Becky Gillaspy/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.

In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

Understanding How Ozempic Works

Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.


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

Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone

Eating and drinking image of a young woman eating mixed nuts​Metabolic ImprovementsShutterstock

The good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

Start Your Day With Yogurt

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berry​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstock

Beginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

Choose Your Yogurt Wisely

Greek,Yogurt,I,Bowl,Spoons,food,dairy,dietEating Too Little at a Time​Shutterstock

When selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.


RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Boost Your Breakfast With Berries

Fresh Berries at the Farmers Market​BerriesShutterstock

Adding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea

Woman drinking coffee in the sun, outdoor in sunlight light, enjoying her morning coffee.​CoffeeShutterstock

Good news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesChoosing Salad Over Steak​Shutterstock

A daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

Top Your Salad Strategically

Healthy Salad - spinach baby leaves and boiled eggs cut in a half on wooden table.Shutterstock

The toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.​Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole FoodsShutterstock

To maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production

Smart watch on the woman's hand​It's Now Part Of My LifeShutterstock

The timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

The Mediterranean Keto Connection

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health status​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstock

Many of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control

Young,Woman,Eating,Salad,Organic,Vegetables,happy,eating,food​Track MacrosShutterstock

Dr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Carolin Tyler RNY carolin_rny
Copyright carolin_rny/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.

Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications

"I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month."

Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

Finding Your Ideal Dosage

"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing."

She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles

"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply."

This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic."

Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

Managing Potential Side Effects

"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore."

Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications

When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that."

Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

Tracking Your Results Realistically

"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress."

She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition

"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer."

The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery."

The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1

Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant."

She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition

"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day."

This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me."

She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it."

She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers

Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier."

This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic

"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis."

For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.