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This Nutritionist Shares a 3-Ingredient “Lazy Girl Pasta” That Helped Her Lose Weight

Dani Patton reveals a delicious pasta recipe that boasts a whopping 48 grams of protein.

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.

Dani_Marenburg_Danni_Patton_mindinmymacros
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.

Who says you can’t eat pasta several times a week and still burn fat and lose weight? Dani Patton, AKA the Macro Coach, is a nutritionist who regularly shares helpful weight loss tips with her large following after personally losing a lot of weight and transforming her body. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one of the meals that helped her burn fat and lose weight without feeling hungry: A 3 ingredient high protein “lazy girl” pasta. “I’m back with my lazy gal recipes! This is my GO-TO pasta. I eat 1-2 times a week regardless of whether my goal is fat loss or body recomp because it’s so easy, beyond tasty, and has amazing macros, friends!” she says, revealing the recipe.


Ingredients

  • 5oz 99% lean ground Turkey (for higher fat content, sub 93% or 85%)
  • 2oz chickpea pasta (LOADED with protein!!!)
  • 80g marinara pasta sauce
  • Chop up some broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms and toss them in, too, for your veggies
  • Optional basil on top to make it fancy.

Directions

“Cook pasta as directed. Quickly sauté some ground Turkey with salt, pepper & garlic powder. Toss in any veggies to sauté, too, if you’re using them. Once the turkey is nearly cooked through, add in the pasta sauce and let simmer while you strain the pasta. Add pasta to the ground turkey sauce, mix together, and enjoy!” she writes in her post.

Macros

According to Dani, one bowl of pasta is just 400 calories. It also has 40 carbs, 7 grams of fat, and a whopping 48 grams of protein. She also notes that “you can 2x/3x/4x this recipe for more.”

Meal Planning Will Help You Amp Up Your Protein Intake

In another post, she reveals how to amp up your protein intake, starting with meal planning. “Pre-plan your day in a food tracking app and build your meals around the protein source,” she writes, adding that this is the “easiest way to understand how to add protein to your meals.”

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

Stick to Protein Pastas

Another tip that pertains to her recent pasta recipe is as follows: “Buy chickpea/lentil/black bean type pasta for added protein in your spaghetti with meatballs,” she writes, noting that you will get an extra 12 to 20g of protein,” per meal.

Add Protein to Your Breakfast

Also, infuse your morning meal with extra protein. “Add in protein powder to Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding,” she suggests, noting that it will reap you an extra 18 to 20 grams of protein.”

RELATED: She “Effortlessly” Lost 66 Pounds and Stopped Binge Eating by Doing These 3 Things

Add Lean Ground Meat to Meals

Another tip that plays into her recent pasta recipe? “Sneak in lean ground meats to pasta, bowls, and stir fries,” she says. This can add an extra 25 to 40 grams of protein.

Take Advantage of Bone Broth

She is also a fan of bone broth. “Drink a cup of warm bone broth,” she continues. She maintains that just one cup adds an extra 10 to 20 grams of protein. If you don’t like to drink it, cook with it. “Make your rice with bone broth instead of rice,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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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.

Who says you can’t eat pasta several times a week and still burn fat and lose weight? Dani Patton, AKA the Macro Coach, is a nutritionist who regularly shares helpful weight loss tips with her large following after personally losing a lot of weight and transforming her body. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one of the meals that helped her burn fat and lose weight without feeling hungry: A 3 ingredient high protein “lazy girl” pasta. “I’m back with my lazy gal recipes! This is my GO-TO pasta. I eat 1-2 times a week regardless of whether my goal is fat loss or body recomp because it’s so easy, beyond tasty, and has amazing macros, friends!” she says, revealing the recipe.


Ingredients

  • 5oz 99% lean ground Turkey (for higher fat content, sub 93% or 85%)
  • 2oz chickpea pasta (LOADED with protein!!!)
  • 80g marinara pasta sauce
  • Chop up some broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms and toss them in, too, for your veggies
  • Optional basil on top to make it fancy.

Directions

“Cook pasta as directed. Quickly sauté some ground Turkey with salt, pepper & garlic powder. Toss in any veggies to sauté, too, if you’re using them. Once the turkey is nearly cooked through, add in the pasta sauce and let simmer while you strain the pasta. Add pasta to the ground turkey sauce, mix together, and enjoy!” she writes in her post.

Macros

According to Dani, one bowl of pasta is just 400 calories. It also has 40 carbs, 7 grams of fat, and a whopping 48 grams of protein. She also notes that “you can 2x/3x/4x this recipe for more.”

Meal Planning Will Help You Amp Up Your Protein Intake

In another post, she reveals how to amp up your protein intake, starting with meal planning. “Pre-plan your day in a food tracking app and build your meals around the protein source,” she writes, adding that this is the “easiest way to understand how to add protein to your meals.”

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

Stick to Protein Pastas

Another tip that pertains to her recent pasta recipe is as follows: “Buy chickpea/lentil/black bean type pasta for added protein in your spaghetti with meatballs,” she writes, noting that you will get an extra 12 to 20g of protein,” per meal.

Add Protein to Your Breakfast

Also, infuse your morning meal with extra protein. “Add in protein powder to Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding,” she suggests, noting that it will reap you an extra 18 to 20 grams of protein.”

RELATED: She “Effortlessly” Lost 66 Pounds and Stopped Binge Eating by Doing These 3 Things

Add Lean Ground Meat to Meals

Another tip that plays into her recent pasta recipe? “Sneak in lean ground meats to pasta, bowls, and stir fries,” she says. This can add an extra 25 to 40 grams of protein.

Take Advantage of Bone Broth

She is also a fan of bone broth. “Drink a cup of warm bone broth,” she continues. She maintains that just one cup adds an extra 10 to 20 grams of protein. If you don’t like to drink it, cook with it. “Make your rice with bone broth instead of rice,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Natalie Stringfield nataliestringfield
How I Lost 40 Pounds by Walking and Without Starving Myself: Here’s the Truth
Copyright Natalie Stringfield/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.

Tired of complicated diet plans that take hours to prepare? You're not alone. For many of us, the biggest obstacle to weight loss isn't willpower—it's finding the time to prepare healthy meals. That's where Natalie Stringfield's approach stands out. This busy woman managed to lose 47 pounds over seven months with a meal prep routine that takes just 30 minutes per week. Read on to discover her simple system that could transform your weight loss journey without taking over your life.

Finding Simplicity in Weight Loss

"I am a lazy girl at heart," Natalie admits, "and in order for me to stay consistent for the past seven months on my weight loss journey, I needed to make sure that meal prepping was simple and easy because if it ain't easy, I ain't doing it." Like many of us, Natalie needed a system that worked with her lifestyle, not against it.

"This takes me in total maybe about 30 minutes to prep all of my meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner," Natalie explains, highlighting the efficiency of her approach. Her method has helped her lose 47 pounds while spending minimal time in the kitchen.

"All of the meals are delicious. They are high in protein and fiber and will keep you full all day long," she promises. If you're looking for a sustainable way to stay on track without sacrificing hours in the kitchen, these recipes might be exactly what you need.

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

Breakfast: Strawberry Shortcake Protein Overnight Oats

Starting the day right sets the tone for healthy choices, and Natalie's protein-packed oats make mornings effortless. "This tastes definitely like dessert," Natalie shares, highlighting how the meal is not only delicious but also "super high in protein and a great source of fiber so you're going to stay full for a long time."

Ingredients:

  • Regular old-fashioned oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
  • Strawberry shortcake protein powder (Natalie uses 1UP Nutrition's Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Protein)
  • Milk of choice.

Why It Works:

"What I love about this meal is not only does it take minutes to make and set up and prep, but it is absolutely delicious," Natalie explains. The protein powder she uses provides 25 grams of protein at just 160 calories per scoop. "It literally tastes like a strawberry shortcake," she adds, emphasizing that healthy eating doesn't have to be bland.

This breakfast requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum satisfaction and nutrition—perfect for starting your day on the right track without early morning cooking.

Lunch: Quick Garden Salad with Protein

For lunch, Natalie keeps it straightforward with a garden salad topped with protein. "Lunch is super simple," Natalie explains, using pre-washed salad greens, pre-grilled chicken, and pre-boiled eggs to minimize preparation time.

Ingredients:

  • Triple-washed garden salad (iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrot)
  • Pre-grilled Italian herb chicken
  • Pre-boiled eggs
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Feta cheese (70 calories for 28 grams)
  • Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing (80 calories for two tablespoons).

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

Time-Saving Tricks:

"The other thing that I do once a week is I do grab these pre-grilled Italian herb chicken. These are so good," Natalie reveals. "You actually don't need to add any seasoning to them. They're completely seasoned, they're super juicy, and they're freshly made."

For those considering making chicken from scratch, Natalie shares her practical perspective: "Now, you can most certainly get you some raw chicken, season it up, go ahead and put it in the oven, and do all of that stuff, but I ain't doing all of that. I don't have the time."

Smart Storage Solutions:

Natalie uses a special salad container with compartments to keep ingredients fresh. "What I love about it is that it has this compartment that you can use to separate your protein, any of your croutons, or any other sides that you want to add to your salad that prevents your salad from getting soggy and just yucky," she explains.

The container also includes a small cup for dressing. "These compartments are all removable, so you can take this part out and you can sit it on your scale and weigh all of your ingredients," Natalie adds, highlighting how this supports accurate portion control.

"You're literally just taking the chicken, chopping it up, taking your eggs, chopping it up, putting the salad in the bowl, closing up the container, and you are done, baby," Natalie says, emphasizing the efficiency of her approach. "Lunch is done for the entire week. Tell me, you tell me an easier meal prep video on YouTube. I'll wait."

Snack: Greek Yogurt Parfait

When afternoon hunger strikes, Natalie reaches for her yogurt parfait. "I just really, really love this snack. It never gets old to me," Natalie shares about this simple yet satisfying option.

Ingredients:

  • Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt (15g protein, 90 calories)
  • Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries)
  • Kind Cinnamon Oat Granola with Flaxseed.

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

Why She Loves It:

"I really like this one because it has 15 grams of protein. It's already pre-packaged and it's 90 calories, you really can't beat that," Natalie explains about her yogurt choice. For the granola, she's equally thoughtful: "For my granola, because I'm trying to prioritize fiber, I use the Kind Cinnamon Oat Granola with Flaxseed. It gives you the perfect amount of sweetness, a nice amount of crunch for some texture."

Natalie offers personalization tips as well: "You can swap out the berries for raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, whatever you like," she suggests. "You can also drizzle a little bit of honey on top of it if you have extra calories to play with, and it just really, like, sets the tone."

Smart Storage:

For convenience, Natalie uses special parfait containers with separate compartments. "I love these because not only is it a nice, large capacity, so that way you can really customize how much you want to take," she explains, noting how this allows her to adjust portions as her fitness needs change.

The separator for the granola is crucial: "It also has the separator at the top where I can put my granola to make sure that it doesn't get soggy, because who wants soggy granola? Not I. Not I," she emphasizes. "I've had soggy granola. It is not a good look, okay?"

Dinner: Simple Salmon and Veggies

Dinner is the only meal where Natalie does actual cooking, but even that is streamlined. "If you watched my What I Eat in a Day, this is the same exact dinner. It's going to be salmon, some rice, and some fire-roasted vegetables," she explains.

Ingredients:

  • Pre-portioned salmon fillets
  • Seeds of Change organic quinoa and brown rice with garlic (microwavable)
  • Frozen pre-cut fire-roasted vegetables (broccoli, squash, bell pepper, and red onions).

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

Efficient Cooking Method:

"The thing about this is it's the only meal that you're actually cooking, so to speak, for the day, so this really shouldn't take long," Natalie points out. Her approach is straightforward: "I'm going to pop four pieces of salmon into the air fryer. The air is going to take about 20 minutes max, because I don't overcook my salmon. I might put it in there for about 15 to 16 minutes."

For the vegetables, she keeps it simple: "My veggies are going to saute up in about five minutes or so, and this we're not even going to cook," referring to the microwavable rice. "We're actually just going to separate it and weigh it out in between all of my lunch bowls."

Time-Saving Tips:

Natalie offers practical advice on the order of operations: "As a tip, I would go ahead and prep your salmon and your veggies first when you start your meal prep. Pop those into the oven and start sauteing, because the rest of this is going to take like 10 minutes max."

She's also transparent about using convenient options: "For my veggies, I actually use this brand right here. I get this from Costco. This is the Pura Vida Fire Roasted Primavera Mistura," she shares. "It's already cut up for me, and I don't have to spend 15 to 20 minutes cutting up all of my vegetables. I just don't have the time for that."

Her final advice is simple: "So a quick tip is for you to find fresh, frozen vegetables that all you have to do is drop it in the pan, saute them up, and that's it." Summing up the ease of her dinner prep, Natalie says, "It don't get no easier than that, y'all. It don't get no easier than that. I'm telling you, I got y'all."

Why This Simple Approach Works

The complete meal plan totals approximately 1,530 calories daily, which works for Natalie's active lifestyle. "I try to stay under 1,600. I do try to get as close to 1,600 as possible because I'm extremely active at the moment," Natalie notes, explaining how her daily walks and Pilates help maintain her calorie deficit.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Customizing to Your Needs:

"If you are wanting to be aggressive and you want to drop below the 1,500, if you want to be in about the 1,200 calorie range, you can always omit the snack, which is the yogurt parfait bowl," Natalie suggests for those looking to create a deeper deficit.

She highlights flexibility: "Everybody is different. If you're shorter than me, then maybe having the snack is not an option, or you can always alter the amount of chicken, the amount of grains that you're having." The key point she drives home is personalization: "This is not something that you have to do exactly how I do it."

Consistency is Key

What makes this approach so effective is its simplicity and sustainability. "You guys, we've done our meal prep for the entire week, and we didn't even break a sweat," Natalie points out, highlighting the low-effort nature of her system.

By spending just 30 minutes prepping meals for the entire week, Natalie removes decision fatigue and temptation. "Now I know that I'm going to make the right decisions every single day, and I'm going to stay on track because I have my breakfast, my lunch, my dinner, and snack, and it's going to keep me full for the entire day," she explains.

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

Make This Simple

Her philosophy on long-term success is clear: "You guys, we are in this for the long haul. We're not stopping, starting, stopping, starting. We're trying to make this as simple and as easy as possible so that way we can stay consistent and we can reach the goals that we want to reach."

Natalie's approach proves that weight loss doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. "I'm not going to have any cravings. I'm not going to want any more than what I already ate for the day, and that's going to keep me consistent, and that's going to get me to my goals," she concludes, showing that with some smart shortcuts and pre-planned meals, you can achieve impressive results while staying true to your "lazy" nature.

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 on a plant-based diet? One weight loss warrior claims to have the secret recipe. Stasia is a wellness enthusiast who shares her plant-based tactics for losing weight. In a recent viral YouTube video, she reveals the three ingredients that were her secret weapon for dropping pounds without starving herself. “I recently lost 60 pounds following a whole food plant-based diet,” she says in the video. “I have struggled for many, many years to lose weight, even following a plant-based diet. So it wasn't until recently that I made a few changes, and I finally got it together, and I'm 60 pounds down at this point,” she says. She continues to explain that she is going to reveal “the easiest, most simple weight loss dinner that I personally recommend eating,” she says.


She Eats This Meal on Repeat

“I do know firsthand what it's like to struggle with weight as I have my entire life. And I also know what it's like to feel completely overwhelmed with all the different food choices out there. It's exhausting and completely frustrating when you're honestly trying your hardest,” she says in her post. “I'm going to be showing you the most simple weight loss dinner that you can easily prepare. You can eat it on repeat, and I'm going to tell you exactly why you should be eating these foods.”

It Is the “Easiest” Meal

“I really enjoy eating delicious food. I'm a huge advocate that we should really enjoy the food that we're eating, not just choking something down in the name of weight loss. But with that being said, sometimes there are those days that I'm just not really in the mood to cook, or maybe I'm just too hungry to be, you know, spending too much time preparing something. And when that is the case, this is basically my easiest meal that I default to all the time,” she continues.

You Only Need Three Ingredients, Starting with a Sweet or White Potato

“To make this super easy weight loss dinner, you will only need three core ingredients. The first one is that you're going to need a potato. Now, this can be a regular potato, or it can be a sweet potato–totally up to you. Personally, I love sweet potatoes, but I also love a good old regular potato as well. So honestly, it really doesn't matter,” she says.

Next, You Need ½ Cup Beans

“The second thing you're going to need is any type of beans. So, for me, I personally love making my beans from scratch because they are literally as soft as butter, so, so, so much better than the canned beans. I really just can't even do canned beans anymore now that I've been making them on my own. So I make them in an Instant Pot, and oh my gosh, they turn out perfect every single time,” she says.

The Third Ingredient Is a Non-Starchy Veggie

The third thing that you're going to need is some type of non-starchy veggie. “Again, it can be whichever one you want. So you could do zucchini noodles, which I love. You can do broccoli; I love that as well. Cauliflower, eggplant, any type of non-starchy veggie that you'd like, whatever floats your boat, you just need some type of non-starchy vegetable,” she says.

The Potato Will Keep You Satiated

Why do you need these three things to make the easy, perfect dinner? “The potato is actually known to be the most satiating food in the world. So that means that there is no other food that's going to leave you feeling as satisfied getting up from the dinner table. So potatoes just have that X factor. You're just going to get up from the table feeling like you know you just ate some really good food.”

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

Beans Will Keep You Full

Why beans? “Beans have actually been a huge part of my weight loss journey. I actually prefer beans even over potatoes when it comes to keeping me full. So I found that potatoes were the most satisfying in terms of having that comfort food and just feeling like, ‘Hmm, that was really delicious, and I feel really good as soon as I'm done eating.’ But that beans actually carried me a lot longer than even potatoes. So in terms of keeping me full, I would say that beans come before even potatoes.”

Veggies Are Low-calorie

Lastly, why the non-starchy vegetable? “Non-starchy veggies are only about 100 calories per pound. A pound of vegetables is quite a bit of food. So, 100 calories for a pound is incredible. So we use our non-starchy vegetables to fill us up,” she says, noting that they will be “the cherry on top to the meal and make sure that it just tops us off with foods that are super low in calories, but that is going to make us feel like we're nice and full,” she says. “Not to mention, of course, all the nutrition that comes along with eating our vegetables.”

RELATED:She Dropped 17 Pounds After Changing Her Morning Coffee Recipe

Whip This Meal Up When You Are Busy

“Hands down, if you ever find yourself in a situation again where you really just don't know what to eat, then just remember those three things to follow, and then you can easily whip yourself up a plate in no time. So potato, beans and a non-starchy veggie are the three things you can build the most epic simple weight loss dinner,” she says.

Final Note: Don’t Overcomplicate Diet

“It doesn't always have to be super complicated. Simple works wonders as well. So, next time you're feeling a little bit lost, just stick to those three things, and you're going to be golden,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

You can eat delicious food and still lose weight, according to an expert. You can even eat dessert for dinner! Morgan Self is a fitness and lifestyle coach who helps people achieve their weight loss goals and “live” their “life in a body” they “love.” In a new social media post, she discusses what she eats in a day when she wants to lose weight. “I’ve lost 15lbs in the last couple of months, and this is an example of what a day of eating looks like for me,” she says. She goes on to share her exact food log” from the day.


You Don’t Have to Cut Out Foods You Love to Lose Weight

“Losing fat sucks if you cut out all the foods you love, so I don’t. Understanding how your body and nutrition works will help you realize that you truly can have your cake and eat it too,” she adds in the post. “Losing fat doesn’t mean that you have to cut out foods you enjoy. It just means you need to be more intentional about how much of ANY food you are putting into your body.”

RELATED: Nutrition Coach Found 5 Foods That Work Better Than Ozempic for Losing Weight

Breakfast: Spinach & Cheese Microwave Scramble

She starts with her go-to breakfast, a scramble she makes in the microwave with spinach and cheese. The ingredients are:

  • 1 egg
  • 185g eggwhites
  • Handful baby spinach
  • 28g reduced-fat shredded cheese

Lunch: Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta

For lunch, she has a creamy chicken taco pasta made with regular pasta. Here are the ingredients:

  • 4oz air fried chicken tenders
  • 1 serving of angel hair pasta
  • 1/2c cottage cheese blended until smooth w/ 2T taco seasoning
  • 28g reduced-fat shredded cheese

Snack: Peanut Butter Drops

For a protein-packed snack, she eats peanut butter – only she freezes it to make peanut butter drops. She uses 32g peanut butter “frozen into little pieces,” she explains. “Omg! Why have I never thought about peanut butter drops!” one of her followers commented.

Dinner: Cotton Candy Protein Icecream Creami

For dinner, she eats dessert! She takes one scoop of Cotton Candy protein (@cleansimpleeats brand) and adds 10 oz vanilla Carbmaster milk and ten white fudge-covered pretzels. “I can definitely get on board with a cream for dinner,” one of her followers commented.

RELATED: Scientist Found Walking Burns Double the Fat of Running When You Follow These 3 Rules

This Totals 140 Grams of Protein

“This has me eating 140g of protein a day, so I’m not hungry,” she says. “I’m satisfying any cravings I have by just… eating them within my macro targets.” Why should you focus on eating enough protein? According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Keep Food Simple

In another post, she reveals a few things that are keeping you from achieving weight loss success. The first, “That is really a waste of your brain space when trying to lose weight,” she says, starting with healthy recipes. “I used to spend So much time trying to find ‘healthy’ recipes, going to the store for the weird ingredients it called for, making the recipe, and then figuring out how to track it in my macros. Waste. Now I just use simple foods that take me <15min to put together and are easy to track and be consistent with, even when I’m busy,” she writes.

Focus on How Much You Eat, Not What

She also notes that oftentimes, it’s not what you are eating but how much of it. “There are also no certain foods that will help you lose fat and tone up. When I stopped focusing on which foods and started focusing on how much, that’s when I got lean,” she explains.

RELATED: Trainer Swears by This 20-Minute Standing Workout to Torch Arm Fat

Stop Trying to Be Perfect

She also stresses the importance of progress over perfection. “I used to be either all in or all out. That made me continuously lose my results and start over. I had to make a drastic mindset shift. I couldn’t keep thinking of my fitness as a “program” I needed to stick to, but a lifestyle that I’d need to change and develop new habits. Now free meals are in the plan, and I enjoy cookouts and going out to eat, and never feel like I’m starting over,” she explains. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Do you want to lose 50 pounds in three months without having to spend hours at the gym? Nicole Collet is a social media influencer who lost a whopping 130 pounds — and 50 pounds in just three months. On her YouTube channel she shares “easy weight loss tips, small changes & quick, easy meals” that helped her “drop the guilt around food, enjoy the journey & lose the weight for good!” In one of them she reveals the three “Lazy Girl” steps that enabled her and her husband to slim down fast.


This Is Her “Lazy Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss”

“When I was 275 pounds, I wanted to lose weight, but I was really struggling. I didn't really have any self-discipline. I had a really hard time making and sticking to a plan and I knew I needed to find a way to get results without doing a lot of work to get them. So I wanna share my Lazy Girl's Guide to Weight Loss,” she says in the clip.

It Consists of “Three Easy Steps”

“It's three easy steps and it made sticking to what I was doing effortless so that I was able to lose 50 pounds of fat in three months,” she says. She explains that she and her husband, Kyle, lost the same amount of weight and have kept it off for over nine years, in an “efficient” manner. “We've learned you work smarter, not harder. Meaning we like to maximize the results and minimize the amount of effort that you have to put in to get the results.”

1. Focus on Diet — Not Exercise

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

“Number one, don't waste too much time on exercise. Diet is the key. I can't tell you how many years and how much time I wasted on thinking that exercise was gonna help me lose weight. The thing is you can out-train a bad diet,” Nicole says.

Make Sure You Are in a Caloric Deficit

Smart eating and diet planning concept. Man eating vegetable salad and counting calories on mobile application, top viewShutterstock

“Getting your diet in check is like 95% of what's gonna get you the weight loss results. You have to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight. That's the only rule, meaning you need to consume less calories than you burn. You have to get your diet in check first and then the exercise becomes the cherry on the cake,” she says.

Focus on Portion Size

She explains that she and her husband “didn't change anything that we were eating. Instead we started portioning it out. So for example, we were eating a bag of chips, a family-sized bag of chips every single night for a snack each. Instead of giving up the chips or like changing, we just shared the bag and split it into a bowl,” she says. “So we were automatically eating less calories. We were going in a calorie deficit without changing what we were eating, just eating a bit less. And this is obviously a decent sized portion. So that really helped.”

Read the Label and Use the Suggested Serving Size

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“We both had emotional eating, really bad. Any sort of number counting, number tracking, calorie counting. We couldn't do it. It triggered our emotional eating. So the easiest way to start portioning food was literally on the backs of packages. There's a serving size,” she says. “So we literally started using the backs of packages.

If You Aren’t Losing Weight at the End of the Week, Adjust the Serving Size

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Then they would weigh themselves at the end of the week. “If we lost weight, we knew those serving sizes were good. If we didn't lose weight or we gained weight, we knew to pull back just a little bit because we didn't wanna take away too much because that just caused us to fail in the past.”

Also, Switch From Regular Versions to the Low Cal Alternative

“The other thing that's like a super lazy way to do something, to get in a calorie deficit without even thinking, we literally just switched from what we were eating the regular version to the low cal version. So for example, like I tell the story all the time, I was drinking seven regular cans of Dr. Pepper every single day. That's almost a thousand calories in liquid. But I wasn't ready to give it up and I wasn't ready to eliminate some of the cans. So I literally just switched from regular pop to diet pop. I saved myself almost a thousand calories a day. I still was drinking seven cans of pop but it was diet. So I still got the pop, but I was in a calorie deficit because I was consuming less calories without feeling like I was giving anything up.”

2. Stock Up on No-Cook Food Options

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“Number two, the second step is to always have no-cook food options on hand, like at all times,” she continues. “Always have things in the house that require no cooking at all. Maybe a microwave, but that's it because you're gonna have days where you don't wanna do the meal prep, you don't have time, you are really hungry and you forgot to prep your meal and you need food now or you're gonna go off track. So it's really important to have those things.”

Don’t Waste Time Meal Prepping

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“Kyle and I tried the hours of complicated long meal preps and it really by, you know, after a few months of doing it we were like this is not sustainable. We won't, we don't wanna do this for the rest of our lives,” Nicole continues. “You kind of wanna remove all the excuses that yes you're gonna have to stop your weight loss journey.”

Here Are Some No-Cook Options she Likes

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One no cook option she likes is lean turkey pepperonis from Costco. “They don't taste like turkey at all. She also likes ham slices, cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, egg whites, high protein oatmeal, protein ice cream, rotisserie chicken from Costco, Uncle Ben's Bistro Express rice, and low calorie soup.

3. Prioritize Low Calorie, Protein, and Fiber

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“Number three, the third easy step is to prioritize low calorie, protein, and fiber,” she says. “Just by adding protein and fiber into every single meal, they both help you feel fuller, longer. Fiber is slow digesting so it helps you feel fuller, longer. Protein lowers your hunger hormone ghrelin and again helps you feel fuller longer. So by putting that at every meal, you're automatically gonna get fuller, quicker and for longer.”

Make Protein the Base of Your Meal

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“You're gonna be less likely to overeat by making your base some sort of protein. Also, you don't have to put a lot of effort because if you automatically make a meal plan, you put protein in fiber at every meal and you make those your bases like lean protein, rotisserie chicken,” she says.

Drink Protein Milk

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Another easy way to get protein is via protein milk, like Fair Life, “which is 80 calories a cup,” she says. It also has 14 grams of protein “and I believe regular milk if you do like the 2%, it's 130 calories a cup and only like nine grams of protein.”

Add It to Your Cereal

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If you are a cereal eater, “just have a smaller bowl and you don't change the amount of milk, just change the kind, add the protein and the lower calorie milk,” she suggests. “You're gonna feel fuller eating your cereal. You're also gonna be eating less calories because it's a bit of a smaller bowl, a lower calorie milk. You'll be in a calorie deficit eating what you like, not doing any work. You're still eating cereal and milk just a little bit less and a little lower calorie.”

You Can Still Eat Carbs

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She also maintains that you can eat carbs and lose weight if you stay in a deficit. “You can eat anything you want: cereal, pizza, we ate all of that the whole time we were losing weight. It's about how much, not what kind of food you're eating.”

Eat More Fiber to Feel Full

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As for fiber she recommends whole grain toast. “Two slices is 170 calories and six grams of protein. So if you choose the whole grain carbs, you get protein in that too,” she says. “And the fiber in it also helps you feel full.”

Bottom Line: Get Rid of Excuses

The bottom line? “We're trying to get rid of excuses because when you try to change, your brain is gonna give you every excuse in the book to not change and not get the results. But by doing this Lazy Girl's Guide to Weight Loss doing these three easy steps, it's gonna feel effortless,” says Nicole.

This Works Better Than “Taking Food Groups Away,” She Says

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“You're gonna be questioning, am I actually dieting? Like I get to eat what I like. I'm just eating a lower calorie version and I'm losing weight. Like I'm not giving anything up. I'm not feeling deprived. And eating all food groups,” she continues. “We were shocked. We ate a portion of low calorie ice cream and two low cal cookies pretty much every night when we were losing weight in the beginning and we couldn't believe we were getting results eating all the food groups because we'd spent years taking food groups away.”

You Can “Eat What You Like”

“You can eat regular food, you can eat what you like, you don't have to take anything away. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to lose weight and you don't have to spend hours and hours of your time to lose the weight. Make it simple. Follow these three steps. Choose food that you love. Choose food in your budget.”

Aliza Olive, MD 2025 glp1enhanced
Copyright glp1enhanced/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 on Ozempic or another GLP-1 and want to lose weight faster? “WARNING: Scrolling past the 7 W’s is a GLP-1 Mistake!” Aliza Olive, MD, a weight loss expert who co-founded GLP1Enhanced to help people on their weight loss journeys, writes in a new social media post. “You know that feeling when you’re doing all the things… but the scale’s moving slower than a sloth on NyQuil? Ever feel like you’re missing the secret sauce? Like, what’s the ONE thing keeping the scale from budging? So, you start searching for the one missing piece—maybe a secret supplement or that one viral hack… Except, real results don’t come from magic. The real results, that will last a lifetime, come from mastering The 7 W’s,” she claims. Here they are:

Weights

Weights, aka strength training, is a great way to lose weight faster on Ozempic. “Lift at least 2x per week. Muscle = faster metabolism = easier fat loss,” says Dr. Olive. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

Whole Foods

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Designing your diet around whole foods is also helpful. “Protein, fiber, and nutrients first (especially on GLP-1s)… but still room for the foods you love. Balance wins every time,” she writes.

Water

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Water and hydration are also essential. “Helps keep things… moving and keeps fake hunger at bay,” Dr. Olive explains. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Walking

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Dr. Olive also recommends walking 8- 10k steps daily. It helps with “digestion support + calorie burn without exhausting yourself,” she says. A 2018 study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Wake Up

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She also recommends waking up at a reasonable time. “Stop snoozing. The longer you lay there, the more excuses creep in. Just get up,” she says.

Wins

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She also recommends focusing on wins. “Start your day with one small win (like water before coffee) and ride that momentum,” she says.

Weekends

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And, finally, don’t neglect yourself on weekends. “Not every weekend is special. If they all were, none of them would be. Find ways to enjoy yourself without feeling like Monday is a reset,” she says.

Bottom Line

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The bottom line? Consistency and good habits will take you fat. “No gimmicks. No magic pills. Just small, powerful shifts that actually work,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr Jennifer McCann The GYN MD
Copyright The GYN MD/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.

Weight management medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed treatment options for many struggling with obesity, but they come with significant costs and potential pitfalls. Dr. Jennifer McCann, a board-certified OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine specialist, warns that simply taking these medications without proper guidance can lead to disappointing results. "As a provider, I'm frustrated because there are a lot of providers prescribing this medicine without any counseling about lifestyle changes with diet and exercise," says Dr. McCann. Understanding the right approach to these medications could save you thousands of dollars and prevent the frustrating weight regain cycle that many experience.

Muscle loss undermines your success

The weight you lose on GLP medications might come back with a vengeance if you're not careful about how you lose it. "If you're just starving yourself, you're gonna be losing your lean body mass and you're gonna gain the weight back and maybe even more," Dr. McCann cautions in her post. The reason is simple but often overlooked – muscle burns calories continuously throughout the day, and when you lose muscle instead of fat, your metabolism slows down. This metabolic downshift makes maintaining weight loss nearly impossible for many patients, according to Dr. McCann.

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

Protein intake becomes critical

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When appetite suppression kicks in, many patients struggle with getting adequate nutrition. Dr. McCann emphasizes that protein should be your top priority. "If you don't feel like eating on these medications, then you need to make sure you at least take in two things during the day," she advises. Those two non-negotiables are protein and water. Your muscles need protein to maintain their mass during weight loss, and without adequate intake, your body will break down muscle tissue for energy – exactly what you don't want during weight management.

Quality matters for protein sources

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Not all protein sources provide the same benefits during GLP-1 treatment. "I have always, for over a decade, recommended this Cornerstone meal replacement," says Dr. McCann. She explains that high-quality protein supplements with added vitamins and minerals can help ensure you're getting essential nutrients even when your appetite is significantly reduced. Two protein-rich meal replacements daily can provide the foundation your body needs while the medication works to control hunger and blood sugar levels.

Exercise preserves muscle function

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The second pillar of successful weight management on GLP medications is regular physical activity. "Resistance training is great. It helps build your muscle," Dr. McCann notes. You don't need to become a gym enthusiast overnight – even modest amounts of exercise make a difference. Dr. McCann suggests starting with just 15-20 minutes of activity and gradually increasing duration and intensity. This approach helps preserve muscle mass while the medication helps control appetite.

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

Compound medications are disappearing

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If you've been using compounded versions of GLP medications, significant changes are coming. "The compounded GLPs are gone," Dr. McCann states. She explains that tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) has been removed from the FDA shortage list, meaning compounding pharmacies can no longer legally produce it. Semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) compounds will soon follow the same path, leaving many patients wondering about their options.

Manufacturer price drops offer relief

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Despite the end of compounded options, there's encouraging news for patients. "Don't panic. The companies have actually lowered their cash price, and this is great news for patients," Dr. McCann reassures. Brand-name manufacturers have introduced more affordable options in response to market demands and increased production capacity. These price reductions make the FDA-approved versions more accessible to patients who were previously relying on compounded alternatives.

Tirzepatide becomes more affordable

Mounjaro tirzepatide GLP-1 GIP receptor agonist, injection injectable type 2 diabetes, off label weight loss, PBS restrictions Australia, drug medication shortage​What Exactly Is Tirzepatide?Shutterstock

For patients preferring tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro), Eli Lilly has created a more budget-friendly option. "Instead of having it in the auto-injectors, they are sending it in vials, just like the compounded pharmacies did," Dr. McCann explains in another post. This shift in delivery method allows for significant cost savings. According to Dr. McCann, patients can now get the 10mg dose for approximately $500 per month compared to $1,200-$1,500 for the auto-injector version when paying cash.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

How to access discounted medications

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Getting the discounted version requires specific steps. "Any prescriber should be able to send this from their EHR. They just have to look for the Eli Lilly pharmacy in their e-prescribe," says Dr. McCann. She notes that the 5mg, 7.5mg, and 10mg doses are all available at the $500 cash price. There's also an option for patients with insurance that doesn't cover the medication, priced around $650. These vials require self-injection rather than using the auto-injector device.

Special handling requirements

Ozempic Insulin injection pen or insulin cartridge pen for diabetics. Medical equipment for diabetes parients. Copenhagen, Denmark - December 15, 2023.

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These medications require proper storage to maintain effectiveness. "You do have a shipping cost in there. It does have to be shipped on ice because it needs to be refrigerated," Dr. McCann points out. This refrigeration requirement is standard for all GLP-1 medications, whether in vial or auto-injector form. The shipping costs add a small premium to the base price but still represent significant savings compared to previous options.

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

The bottom line on GLP success

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Success with GLP medications requires a comprehensive approach. "Protein, exercise, keep your muscle so you at least have a chance of keeping the weight off," summarizes Dr. McCann. While the medications provide powerful appetite control and metabolic benefits, they work best as part of a complete strategy. By focusing on preserving muscle mass through adequate protein intake and regular exercise, patients maximize their chances of maintaining weight loss long-term, even as medication options and pricing continue to evolve. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Kait Malthaner healthcoachkait
Copyright healthcoachkait/Instagram/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Finding truly carb-free foods can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Kait Malthaner, a certified health and nutrition coach specialising in blood sugar control and insulin resistance (aka Health Coach Kait), cuts through the confusion as a certified health and nutrition coach specializing in blood sugar control and insulin resistance. Kait is offering genuine guidance without the misleading information that plagues many nutrition resources. Discover her list of zero-carb and low-carb foods that will transform your keto or low-carb lifestyle today.

Beef

As Kait explains in her video, "All types of meat contain zero carbohydrates." Beef tops the list as an excellent protein source with absolutely no carbs. According to Mayo Clinic, beef provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, crucial for energy production and immune function. Kait warns to "watch out for anything that has been pre-marinated or comes with any sauce. These are usually filled with sugar and will not be zero carb." Choose grass-fed options when possible for higher omega-3 content and better fatty acid profiles.

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

Chicken

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Chicken makes Kait's list of meats that "contain zero carbohydrates." This versatile protein source is not only carb-free but also lower in saturated fat than red meat. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that chicken provides essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. From roasting to grilling to air-frying, chicken adapts to countless preparation methods while keeping your carb count at zero, making it a staple for any low-carb meal plan.

Pork

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Pork is another meat that Kait confirms "contain(s) zero carbohydrates." This versatile protein provides thiamine (vitamin B1) at levels higher than most other foods, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pork tenderloin is particularly lean, while fattier cuts like bacon can add flavor to low-carb meals. However, Kait cautions, "with bacon, more often than not, there is added sugar as a preservative. Now if there is less than one gram, that's not really worth fussing over, but some brands will have more added, so make sure to check your labels."

Turkey

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Turkey joins Kait's lineup of meats that "contain zero carbohydrates." Beyond being carb-free, turkey is notably high in protein while being lower in fat than many other meats. The Cleveland Clinic highlights turkey as an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that supports thyroid function and acts as an antioxidant in the body. Both white and dark meat contain zero carbs, though dark meat offers more iron and zinc, making turkey a nutritionally valuable addition to your zero-carb food arsenal.

Lamb

Organic Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic and Lime​12. LambShutterstock

Kait includes lamb on her list of meats that "contain zero carbohydrates." This flavorful red meat not only provides protein but also delivers a significant amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have anti-inflammatory properties according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. Lamb also contains taurine, an amino acid that supports cardiovascular health and neurological function. For optimal nutritional value, select grass-fed lamb when possible, as it typically contains higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Bison

Traditional fried dry aged bison beef rump steak served as close-up in a rustic old wooden board​2. BisonShutterstock

Bison makes Kait's list as one of the meats that "contain zero carbohydrates." This leaner alternative to beef provides protein with less fat and fewer calories. According to the USDA, bison meat contains higher levels of certain nutrients compared to conventional beef, including more iron and some B vitamins. This game meat offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor while keeping your carb count at absolute zero, making it an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their protein sources on a ketogenic diet.

Duck

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Duck appears on Kait's list of meats that "contain zero carbohydrates." This poultry option is richer in flavor than chicken while remaining completely carb-free. The Cleveland Clinic notes that duck provides more iron than chicken or turkey, supporting healthy oxygen transport throughout the body. Though higher in fat than some poultry options, this makes duck particularly suitable for keto diets where healthy fats are encouraged. The skin can be rendered to create duck fat, which Kait also lists as a zero-carb cooking fat.

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

Salmon

Frying pan with two salmon steaks and herbs, Shallow dof.

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Moving to seafood, Kait confirms that "Salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, crab, lobster, cod, trout, bass, anchovies, and herring...all contain zero carbohydrates." Salmon stands out for its exceptional omega-3 fatty acid content. Harvard Medical School emphasizes that these fatty acids support heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering triglycerides. Wild-caught salmon also provides vitamin D, a nutrient many Americans lack. This flavorful fish delivers protein and healthy fats without adding a single carb to your daily count.

Sardines

Freshly grilled sardines on a silver plate fish​7. SardinesShutterstock

Kait includes sardines in her list of seafood that "all contain zero carbohydrates." These small fish pack a nutritional punch far beyond their size. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that sardines are one of the best sources of calcium when consumed with bones, providing more than dairy products without the carbs. They're also rich in vitamin B12, which supports nervous system function and energy production. As a sustainable seafood choice that requires no refrigeration when canned, sardines offer convenience and nutrition without carbs.

Mackerel

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Mackerel makes Kait's list of seafood options that "all contain zero carbohydrates." This fatty fish provides one of the highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids available, according to the National Institutes of Health. Mackerel also delivers vitamin D, B12, and selenium – all crucial nutrients that many people don't get enough of. The American Heart Association recommends fatty fish like mackerel for heart health, making it a smart choice for those following both heart-healthy and ketogenic dietary patterns.

Tuna

Raw tuna, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, parsley and zucchini on a table​Tuna and Salmon: Protein-Rich Fish OptionsShutterstock

Kait lists tuna among the seafood options that "all contain zero carbohydrates." This widely available fish provides lean protein with virtually no fat, making it one of the most protein-dense foods you can eat. According to Mayo Clinic, tuna provides significant amounts of selenium and vitamin D. Canned varieties offer convenience and long shelf life, while fresh tuna steaks provide a meaty texture perfect for grilling. Either way, tuna delivers substantial nutrition while keeping your carb count at zero.

Shrimp

Whole fresh peeled cooked prawns in bowl

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Shrimp appears on Kait's list of seafood that "all contain zero carbohydrates." These versatile shellfish are not only carb-free but also extremely low in fat while providing high-quality protein. The Cleveland Clinic highlights that shrimp contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that may support brain and nervous system health. Though once controversial for their cholesterol content, research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that shrimp consumption doesn't negatively impact heart disease risk factors.

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

American Cheese

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Kait notes that "Most cheeses are only going to have trace amounts of carbohydrates with less than one gram total carbs per serve," and includes American cheese in her zero-carb list. While processed, American cheese still provides calcium and protein without significant carbs. The National Dairy Council explains that the meltability of American cheese comes from its emulsifiers, making it perfect for keto-friendly burgers or omelets. For the most nutritional value, look for varieties with the shortest ingredient lists and minimal additives.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese

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Blue cheese appears on Kait's list of zero-carb cheeses. This distinctive, boldly flavored cheese offers more than just zero carbs – it also provides beneficial compounds from its unique mold cultures. Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blue cheese contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties. The strong flavor means a little goes a long way, helping you add richness to salads, steaks, or vegetable dishes without adding carbs to your daily count.

Parmesan

Parmesan,Pieces,On,A,Green,Table,,View,From,Above.,Background​The 10x Protein Test: Parmesan, Bocconcini & BeyondShutterstock

Parmesan makes Kait's list of zero-carb cheeses. This hard, aged cheese provides significant protein along with calcium and phosphorus, which work together to support bone health. According to Harvard Health, aged cheeses like parmesan contain minimal lactose, making them suitable for those with lactose sensitivity. Parmesan's concentrated flavor means small amounts can enhance dishes without adding carbs, and its long shelf life makes it a practical staple for low-carb kitchens.

Feta

Fresh Greek Feta Cheese. Healthy ingredient for cooking salad. Chopped Goat feta cheese with herbs.

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Feta appears on Kait's list of zero-carb cheeses. This tangy Greek cheese provides beneficial probiotics due to its fermentation process, according to research published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Feta contains less fat than many other cheeses while providing calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Made traditionally from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk, feta offers distinctive flavor for zero carbs, making it an excellent addition to salads, egg dishes, and more on a ketogenic diet.

Cheddar

British cheeses collection, Scottish coloured and English matured cheddar cheeses close up

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Cheddar is included in Kait's zero-carb cheese list. This versatile cheese provides substantial amounts of vitamin K2, which plays an important role in bone and cardiovascular health, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition. The aging process of cheddar reduces its lactose content to negligible levels, making it both zero-carb and more digestible for those with mild lactose intolerance. From mild to extra-sharp varieties, cheddar offers flavor options while maintaining its zero-carb status.

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

Chicken Eggs

Fresh chicken eggs​7. EggsShutterstock

Kait includes "Chicken eggs, duck eggs, fish eggs, also known as roe" in her list of zero-carb animal products. Chicken eggs provide complete protein containing all essential amino acids in the ideal ratios for human nutrition. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, eggs also provide choline, a nutrient crucial for brain health and often lacking in the average diet. With less than 1g of carbohydrate per egg, they're practically carb-free while offering versatility in cooking methods from boiling to frying to baking.

Duck Eggs

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Duck eggs appear on Kait's list of zero-carb animal products. Larger than chicken eggs, duck eggs provide more protein, fat, and nutrients per egg. According to USDA data, duck eggs contain more omega-3 fatty acids than chicken eggs. Their higher fat content and extra-large, rich yolks make them particularly valuable for baking on a keto diet, where they can provide stability and richness without the need for carb-heavy ingredients. The minimal carb content makes them suitable for even the strictest low-carb approaches.

Fish Eggs (Roe)

Red Caviar in a spoon, fish roe in a glass jar. Close-up of salmon fish roe caviar on served table.Shutterstock

Kait includes "fish eggs, also known as roe" on her zero-carb animal products list. This delicacy isn't just luxurious – it's also nutritionally dense. According to the National Institutes of Health, fish roe provides exceptional amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. It also contains unique phospholipids that support brain health. Whether enjoying caviar, salmon roe, or tobiko, you're getting substantial nutrition with virtually no carbohydrates, making fish eggs a nutrient-dense option for special occasions on a ketogenic diet.

Beef Bone Broth

Homemade Organic Beef Bone Broth in a Bowl

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Kait lists "beef bone broth, chicken bone broth, fish bone broth" among zero-carb animal products. Beef bone broth provides collagen, which breaks down into gelatin during the cooking process. According to Harvard Health, collagen proteins may support joint health and gut integrity. The nutrients extracted during the long simmering process include minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in forms easily absorbed by the body. With no carbs and a satisfying umami flavor, beef bone broth makes an excellent base for low-carb soups or a warming beverage.

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

Chicken Bone Broth

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Chicken bone broth appears on Kait's list of zero-carb animal products. This traditional food provides glycine, an amino acid that supports detoxification pathways and may improve sleep quality, according to research published in the journal Nutrients. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the gentle simmering of bones extracts minerals in forms that are easily absorbed by the body. Chicken bone broth offers lighter flavor than beef varieties while maintaining zero carbohydrates, making it versatile for cooking or sipping throughout your keto journey.

Butter

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Kait lists "Butter, ghee, beef tallow, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, MCT oil, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, palm oil, duck fat, chicken fat, and bacon grease" as zero-carb fats and oils. Butter contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that may support gut health, according to research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. The Cleveland Clinic notes that butter also provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, particularly when sourced from grass-fed cows. With no carbohydrates, butter adds richness and flavor to vegetables and proteins on a ketogenic diet.

Ghee

Pure OR Desi Ghee also known as clarified liquid butter. Selective focus

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Ghee makes Kait's list of zero-carb fats and oils. This clarified butter has had milk solids removed, making it virtually lactose-free and suitable for many who can't tolerate regular dairy. According to Ayurvedic tradition and supported by research in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, ghee may support digestion and absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. With a higher smoke point than butter, ghee works well for high-heat cooking while maintaining zero carbohydrates, making it a versatile fat source for ketogenic cooking.

Beef Tallow

Creamy Homemade beef tallow glass , close-up

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Beef tallow appears on Kait's list of zero-carb fats and oils. This traditional cooking fat provides a stable option for high-heat cooking due to its high smoke point and predominance of saturated fats, which resist oxidation. Research from the USDA indicates that tallow from grass-fed cattle contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have anti-inflammatory properties. With absolutely no carbohydrates and a neutral flavor that won't overpower your food, beef tallow makes an excellent choice for frying or roasting on a ketogenic diet.

Coconut Oil

Liquid coconut MCT oil and halved coco-nut on wooden table. Health Benefits of MCT Oil. MCT or medium-chain triglycerides, form of saturated fatty acid.​MCT OilShutterstock

Coconut oil is included in Kait's zero-carb fats and oils list. This tropical oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are metabolized differently than longer-chain fats. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MCTs go directly to the liver where they can be converted to ketones, potentially supporting ketosis. The mild coconut flavor works well in both sweet and savory dishes, while the complete absence of carbohydrates makes it suitable for even the strictest ketogenic approach.

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Avocado Oil

fresh avokado, green avocado and oil in bottle

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Avocado oil appears on Kait's list of zero-carb fats and oils. This heart-healthy oil is high in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests may help reduce inflammation. With one of the highest smoke points of any cooking oil (about 520°F), avocado oil is ideal for high-heat cooking methods. Mayo Clinic notes that it also provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin and immune health. With zero carbs, it's perfect for ketogenic cooking.

Mayonnaise

Close-up of mayonnaise on a spoon on a bright table.​SaucesShutterstock

Kait explains that "sauces will vary greatly depending on the brand. Most generic brands have added sugar and other ingredients you want to stay away from, but if you can find the following sauces with no added sugar from brands such as Primal Kitchen and Undivided Food Co., they will probably be less than one gram total carbs per serve." She includes mayonnaise on this list. Made primarily from eggs and oil, traditional mayonnaise contains minimal carbohydrates. Look for versions made with healthy oils like avocado oil rather than inflammatory seed oils for optimal nutrition on a ketogenic diet.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is stirred with a spoon in a bowl on a wooden background. Close up. High angle view.

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Sour cream appears on Kait's list of potentially zero-carb sauces. This fermented dairy product provides probiotics that support gut health, according to research published in the Journal of Dairy Science. While commercial varieties may contain stabilizers that add trace carbs, most sour cream contains less than 1g carbohydrate per serving, making it practically zero-carb. The Cleveland Clinic notes that fermented dairy products like sour cream may be easier to digest than fresh dairy for those with mild lactose sensitivity, making it a versatile condiment for your low-carb lifestyle.

Bok Choy

Fresh Bok Choy or Pak Choi(Chinese cabbage) in bamboo basket on wooden background, Organic vegetables​Leafy Greens (Bok Choy, Kale)Shutterstock

Kait explains, "It is impossible for any vegetable, or fruit for that matter, to truly be zero carb. However, the following vegetables have less than one gram total carbs per serve." She includes bok choy on this list. This Asian vegetable provides substantial vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting, according to the National Institutes of Health. Bok choy also offers antioxidant compounds while keeping carbs minimal, making it an excellent addition to stir-fries or as a side dish on a ketogenic diet.

Arugula

Arugula on a white background. Raw and fresh arugula, green leaves, from above.20. Arugula: 25 caloriesShutterstock

Arugula appears on Kait's list of vegetables with "less than one gram total carbs per serve." This peppery green provides nitrates that may support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition. Harvard Health highlights arugula as an excellent source of vitamin K and folate. With its distinctive flavor and minimal carbohydrate impact, arugula makes salads more interesting without compromising ketosis, making it a smart choice for adding variety to your low-carb meal plan.


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Iceberg Lettuce

Chopped iceberg lettuce -ingridient for cooking Studio Photo4. Lettuce (Iceberg): 14 caloriesShutterstock

Iceberg lettuce makes Kait's list of vegetables with "less than one gram total carbs per serve." While often dismissed as nutritionally empty, iceberg lettuce actually provides hydration, fiber, and small amounts of vitamins A and K, according to the USDA. Its high water content (96%) and crisp texture make it perfect for lettuce wraps as bread alternatives on a ketogenic diet. With virtually no carbohydrate impact, iceberg lettuce offers volume and crunch to meals without affecting blood sugar or ketosis.

Asparagus

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

When discussing vegetables with slightly higher but still low carb counts, Kait includes "Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini" as having under five grams of total carbohydrates. Asparagus provides inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health, according to research published in the British Journal of Nutrition. The Cleveland Clinic notes that asparagus also contains asparagine, a compound that acts as a natural diuretic, potentially helping reduce water retention. With low carb impact, asparagus makes an elegant side dish for keto meals.

Olives

Green, black and red olives, olive oil on a brown wooden background. Fresh juicy olives in a bowl and fresh olive leaves. Vegan. Olive fruits. Place for text. Copy space.​Healthy FatsShutterstock

In the fruit category, Kait lists "Olives and coconut flakes" as containing less than five grams of total carbohydrates. These savory fruits provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, primarily oleic acid. According to research published in the journal Nutrients, olives contain polyphenols that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Mayo Clinic highlights that the Mediterranean diet, which features olives prominently, is associated with heart health benefits. With minimal carbs and maximum flavor, olives make perfect keto-friendly snacks or recipe ingredients.

Macadamia Nuts

macadamia nuts peeledin bowl on wooden table background.

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Kait lists "Macadamia nuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pecans, peanuts, chia seeds" among nuts and seeds with less than five grams of total carbs. Macadamias have the highest fat content of any nut, with over 75% coming from monounsaturated fats. According to the Journal of Nutrition, their favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio may support cardiovascular health. With only about 4 grams of carbs per ounce and substantial manganese content, macadamias offer luxurious texture and flavor for keto snacking or recipes.

Almonds

Almonds in ceramic bowl on wooden background. Selective focus.​29. AlmondsShutterstock

Almonds appear on Kait's list of nuts with less than five grams of total carbs. These versatile nuts provide vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber while keeping carbs relatively low. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, regular almond consumption may help improve cholesterol profiles. Harvard Health notes that almonds provide L-arginine, an amino acid that supports healthy blood vessel function. With approximately 3g net carbs per ounce, almonds offer nutrition and versatility while fitting into ketogenic macronutrient targets.

Cottage Cheese

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

When discussing dairy beyond zero-carb options, Kait mentions "Cottage cheese, ricotta, and heavy cream" as having slightly higher carbs but still suitable for low-carb diets. Cottage cheese provides casein protein, which digests slowly and may support muscle maintenance during overnight fasting, according to research in the British Journal of Nutrition. The Cleveland Clinic highlights cottage cheese as a good source of selenium, which supports thyroid function. With approximately 3-4g carbs per half-cup, cottage cheese can fit into even strict ketogenic diets when portioned appropriately. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.