The "Hot Girl Walk" Secret: How to Lose Body Fat with Walking

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        The "Hot Girl Walk" Secret to Losing Body Fat Fast
    Walking is one of the best workout and here is why, explains an expert
By Leah GrothApr 23, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
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   FACT CHECKED BY
   Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt

        Shutterstock
    
By Leah GrothApr 23, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
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   FACT CHECKED BY
   Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
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Are you struggling with the motivation to walk? Try a walking workout with a twist! Gianna (@gianna.gfit) is a nutritionist and CPT who shares great diet and workout tips with her hundreds of thousands of followers across her social media platforms. In a recent video, she reveals a workout that helps maximize fat loss: Hot girls walk. “If your goal is to lose body fat or lean out and you aren't walking every single day, you need to change that, and I'm gonna tell you why,” she says in the clip. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.
Walking Is a Great Cardio Workout to Burn FatShutterstock
“Walking is one of the most effective forms of cardio to burn fat,” she says. “It's easy. You can do it sustainably. You can do it long term. If you are able, you can walk right? You can walk to the store, you can walk around your development, you can walk on the treadmill, and it's not super, super taxing on your body.”
Walking Is Low IntensityShutterstock
“What I mean by that is walking is very, very low intensity compared to other things like HIIT training, bike sprints, things like that, which are gonna be higher intensity, meaning your heart rate will be at a much higher level. When you're walking, your heart rate is gonna be, or it should be, at least about 50 to 70 percent of your max heart rate,” she continues.
It Also Helps Keep Your Cortisol Levels Balancedgiannagfit/Instagram
“When you put your body in the 50 to 70 percent of its max heart rate, that's where you're going to target fat loss,” she says. “Without stressing your body too much, meaning you're not going to spike your cortisol levels. Cortisol is our body's stress hormone, and we need it in a certain amount, but when that cortisol gets spiked too high, coming from over exercising, not recovering properly, it makes it very, very difficult for your body to target fat loss.”
It Will Tap Into Your Fat StoresShutterstock
“So walking every day is very, very low impact, and it can be done every day rather than HIIT training or bike sprints. You don't wanna be doing those things every single day. Again, because it can spike your cortisol levels. When you do higher intense cardio, your body's actually going to use carbohydrates for fuel rather than tapping into your fat stores. Like I said, walking can be done every single day, and it also can be done for prolonged periods of time, right?”
RELATED: I Lost 30 Pounds While Walking Every Day For 30 Minutes
It Will Improve Digestion and Blood CirculationShutterstock
Unlike other forms of fitness, you can “walk for three hours if you really wanted to, while you're not able to do a HIIT workout for more than 20 to 30 minutes, which will keep your heart rate at a steady state for a longer amount of time,” she points out. “Therefore, again, targeting fat loss and using your fat stores rather than your carbohydrate stores, walking every day will also help get things moving, right? Your digestion will improve because walking, you're gonna get your blood circulation flowing. Your whole body is going to improve from this.”
She Walks 2 Hours Daily on an Empty StomachShutterstock
“I have been walking every single day for at least two miles on an empty stomach, and it has completely changed the game for me,” she adds. “Hopefully, I have convinced you now that if you're not walking every single day, you should be doing it. It is one of the best exercises for your body.”
Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year
Body Network’s Expert Weighs Indietdivatara/Instagram
“Walking is an excellent exercise that is low intensity and easy on the muscles and joints so many people who aren’t able to do high intensity exercise are able to walk,” agrees Collingwood. “You can walk outside and get fresh air or walk on the treadmill and watch your favorite shows on an iPad.” However, while low intensity exercise is good for low stress on the body, “it burns fewer calories than higher intensity exercise which means you need to exercise for a longer amount of time to get the same calorie burn as a high intensity workout,” she points out. “If time is not an issue, then walking is an excellent way to get exercise. I typically recommend to my clients to vary their exercise routine with some lower intensity and some high intensity each week.”
💪🔥Body Booster: If you have the time, go for an hour walk a few times a week.
@gianna.gfitHot girl walks are a thing! #weightloss#hotgirlwalk#fit#fitness#health#healthy#healthyliving#healthytips#nutrition#nutritiontips#trainingtips#training#fittok#weightlosstips#tips#fatloss
cardiosustainable weight losswalkinghiit

        
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        The "Hot Girl Walk" Secret to Losing Body Fat Fast
    

        Shutterstock
    
By Leah GrothApr 23, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
 See Full Bio 
                       Follow:
                       

   FACT CHECKED BY
   Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓Fact-Checked
Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get
			   sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.
We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including
               scientific studies and medical journals.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing
               editors@bodynetwork.com.
Are you struggling with the motivation to walk? Try a walking workout with a twist! Gianna (@gianna.gfit) is a nutritionist and CPT who shares great diet and workout tips with her hundreds of thousands of followers across her social media platforms. In a recent video, she reveals a workout that helps maximize fat loss: Hot girls walk. “If your goal is to lose body fat or lean out and you aren't walking every single day, you need to change that, and I'm gonna tell you why,” she says in the clip. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.
Walking Is a Great Cardio Workout to Burn FatShutterstock
“Walking is one of the most effective forms of cardio to burn fat,” she says. “It's easy. You can do it sustainably. You can do it long term. If you are able, you can walk right? You can walk to the store, you can walk around your development, you can walk on the treadmill, and it's not super, super taxing on your body.”
Walking Is Low IntensityShutterstock
“What I mean by that is walking is very, very low intensity compared to other things like HIIT training, bike sprints, things like that, which are gonna be higher intensity, meaning your heart rate will be at a much higher level. When you're walking, your heart rate is gonna be, or it should be, at least about 50 to 70 percent of your max heart rate,” she continues.
It Also Helps Keep Your Cortisol Levels Balancedgiannagfit/Instagram
“When you put your body in the 50 to 70 percent of its max heart rate, that's where you're going to target fat loss,” she says. “Without stressing your body too much, meaning you're not going to spike your cortisol levels. Cortisol is our body's stress hormone, and we need it in a certain amount, but when that cortisol gets spiked too high, coming from over exercising, not recovering properly, it makes it very, very difficult for your body to target fat loss.”
It Will Tap Into Your Fat StoresShutterstock
“So walking every day is very, very low impact, and it can be done every day rather than HIIT training or bike sprints. You don't wanna be doing those things every single day. Again, because it can spike your cortisol levels. When you do higher intense cardio, your body's actually going to use carbohydrates for fuel rather than tapping into your fat stores. Like I said, walking can be done every single day, and it also can be done for prolonged periods of time, right?”
RELATED: I Lost 30 Pounds While Walking Every Day For 30 Minutes
It Will Improve Digestion and Blood CirculationShutterstock
Unlike other forms of fitness, you can “walk for three hours if you really wanted to, while you're not able to do a HIIT workout for more than 20 to 30 minutes, which will keep your heart rate at a steady state for a longer amount of time,” she points out. “Therefore, again, targeting fat loss and using your fat stores rather than your carbohydrate stores, walking every day will also help get things moving, right? Your digestion will improve because walking, you're gonna get your blood circulation flowing. Your whole body is going to improve from this.”
She Walks 2 Hours Daily on an Empty StomachShutterstock
“I have been walking every single day for at least two miles on an empty stomach, and it has completely changed the game for me,” she adds. “Hopefully, I have convinced you now that if you're not walking every single day, you should be doing it. It is one of the best exercises for your body.”
Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year
Body Network’s Expert Weighs Indietdivatara/Instagram
“Walking is an excellent exercise that is low intensity and easy on the muscles and joints so many people who aren’t able to do high intensity exercise are able to walk,” agrees Collingwood. “You can walk outside and get fresh air or walk on the treadmill and watch your favorite shows on an iPad.” However, while low intensity exercise is good for low stress on the body, “it burns fewer calories than higher intensity exercise which means you need to exercise for a longer amount of time to get the same calorie burn as a high intensity workout,” she points out. “If time is not an issue, then walking is an excellent way to get exercise. I typically recommend to my clients to vary their exercise routine with some lower intensity and some high intensity each week.”
💪🔥Body Booster: If you have the time, go for an hour walk a few times a week.
@gianna.gfitHot girl walks are a thing! #weightloss#hotgirlwalk#fit#fitness#health#healthy#healthyliving#healthytips#nutrition#nutritiontips#trainingtips#training#fittok#weightlosstips#tips#fatloss

        
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        Scientists Find The Perfect Walking Speed That “Melts Body Fat”
    
Copyright Miche, PhD/YouTube
By Christopher RobackDec 28, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
When it comes to losing body fat, most people think they need to run for hours or spend endless time at the gym. But groundbreaking research has uncovered something simpler: there's a specific walking speed that maximizes fat burning, and it's changing how we think about weight loss.
Meet Michaela (Dr. Miche), PhD, a research scientist who analyzes cutting-edge studies on weight loss, nutrition, and fitness. "When confronted with these kinds of debates, I go straight to the science and try to get the best answer based on the highest quality research," she explains. Her recent analysis of walking studies has revealed fascinating insights about how this simple activity could be the key to sustainable fat loss.
Why Walking Beats Running for Fat LossIn a groundbreaking 20-week study comparing different exercises, walking proved superior for fat loss. "The walking group lost three body fat percentage points, while running and biking groups only lost 1.2 points," Dr. Miche reports in her post. This occurred despite all groups exercising for the same duration—30 minutes, three times weekly.
The Science Behind Fat-Burning SpeedsShutterstock
Why does walking outperform more intense exercises? "As the intensity is lower in an exercise, you actually burn more fat compared to carbs," Dr. Miche explains. "Whereas when you do a very high intensity exercise, you burn more carbs compared to fat." This makes walking particularly effective for fat loss, despite—or rather, because of—its lower intensity.
The Perfect Speed for Maximum Fat BurnShutterstock
The research uncovered specific speeds that optimize fat burning. "For men, the sweet spot is typically walking at 3.4 miles per hour, while women reach optimal fat burning at around 3 miles per hour," Dr. Miche reveals. This pace aligns with what scientists found to be the ideal heart rate for fat oxidation—about 60% of your maximum heart rate.
Proof It Works: The Numbers Don't LieShutterstock
A comprehensive meta-analysis of over 1,100 participants confirmed walking's effectiveness. "People who walked just 40 minutes, four times weekly for 35 weeks, lost two pounds and decreased their body fat by one percentage point—without making any dietary changes," Dr. Miche explains. Even more impressive, she notes that while walkers lost weight, non-walkers gained a few pounds, creating a net difference of about five pounds between groups.
RELATED:5 Protein Mistakes You're Making That Stop Weight Loss, Expert Says
Why Body Fat Matters More Than WeightShutterstock
Dr. Miche emphasizes an important distinction: "When most people say they want to lose weight, what they really mean is that they want to lose fat and lower their body fat percentage." She explains that "the aesthetic benefits and health benefits of weight loss pretty much all come from lowering your body fat percentage," noting how many people "end up looking a lot better and getting a lot healthier while staying at the same weight because they lose fat and gain muscle."
The Ideal Walking Schedule for BeginnersShutterstock
Based on the research, Dr. Miche recommends starting with the proven formula: "The meta-analysis found that on average these studies had people walk four times a week for 40 minutes per session." This moderate commitment led to significant results while remaining achievable for most people.
Hidden Benefits Beyond Fat LossShutterstock
Walking at the optimal speed doesn't just target fat—it transforms your health. "Just adding 40 minutes of walking four times a week lowered blood pressure by one to 1.5 points for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure," Dr. Miche notes. Additionally, "people increase their fitness substantially, raised VO2 max by three, which is a measure of cardiovascular fitness."
RELATED:Woman Drops 35 Pounds After Finding 5 Surprising Cortisol-Lowering Habits
How Walking Prevents Age-Related Weight GainShutterstock
One of walking's hidden benefits is its role in preventing natural weight gain. "Not only did adding walking to people's routines prevent the weight gain that most people have happen to them over time as they age," Dr. Miche points out, "but adding walking also caused weight loss on top of that prevention of weight gain."
Your 7-Day Walking ChallengeShutterstock
Ready to start? Dr. Miche recommends focusing on hitting the optimal speed rather than distance: "It's not only useful for weight loss but also because it's just amazing for your health and it's nice to get outside." Start with 40-minute sessions at your target speed (3.4 mph for men, 3.0 mph for women), aiming for four sessions in your first week.
The science is clear: walking at the right speed is a powerful tool for fat loss and overall health. Whether you're starting a new fitness journey or looking to optimize your current routine, adjusting your walking speed could be the simple, effective strategy you've been searching for. The best part? You can start today, right now, with nothing more than a pair of comfortable shoes and a focus on maintaining that perfect, fat-burning pace. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.
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        11 Walking Tricks This Coach Uses to Burn More Fat
    
Thomas DeLauer/YouTube
By Christopher RobackDec 25, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Finding time for effective exercise can feel overwhelming. But according to nutrition coachThomas DeLauer, the simplest form of movement – walking – could be your key to fat loss. With over 3.68 million YouTube subscribers and years of experience coaching professional athletes, DeLauer reveals how small changes in your walking routine can lead to significant fat loss results. Here's what science says about optimizing your daily walks.
The Science Behind Walking and Fat LossWalking at 50-60% of your maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) triggers beta oxidation, where your body preferentially burns fat, explains DeLauer. "At lower intensities, like walking, our bodies preferentially use fats unless there's something standing in the way," he states. A study in the Journal of Exercise, Nutrition and Biochemistry demonstrated that walking three days per week for 12 weeks significantly reduced BMI, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat in obese subjects.
Why Walking on an Empty Stomach Works
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Research from the International Journal of Obesity revealed compelling evidence about meal timing and fat oxidation. "What they found is that when breakfast was consumed, the level of carb oxidation was very high prior to exercise, during exercise, and after the walk," DeLauer says in his post. In contrast, "The group that didn't have breakfast had higher levels of circulating non-esterified fatty acids prior to exercise, meaning they were already utilizing fats before they even started exercising."
RELATED:She Completely Transformed Her Body in 1 Year by Doing These 6 Things
Understanding Your Body's Fat-Burning Process
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DeLauer uses a practical analogy: "Think of it like a sink with a garbage disposal. Your body has to burn through all that stuff in the sink before it can start burning the water and have the water flow through the drain." This explains why timing matters for fat loss. "You're going to have to burn through all of that before you ever get to a point where you're burning fat."
The Right Time to Walk After Meals
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While immediate post-meal walks help with blood sugar control, they're not optimal for fat burning. "Going for a walk right after breakfast is tremendous for what is called glycemic control," DeLauer explains. "That means it's going to suck up the glucose from that breakfast and it's going to prevent the glucose from spiking."
The Perfect Window for Fat Loss
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"If you wait for that food to break down a little bit and then go for a walk, when the food is already digested... you're going to liberate more of those fats," DeLauer advises. Wait 2-3 hours after meals when possible. "You're going to have lower levels of insulin, and you're going to be able to, therefore, oxidize more fat because insulin isn't preventing lipolysis."
Making Walking Work for Your Schedule
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While fasted morning walks are ideal, they're not realistic for everyone. "Not everyone can just get up in the morning and go for a fasted walk," DeLauer acknowledges. The key is finding the sweet spot between meals when your body is primed for fat oxidation.
RELATED:She Lost 21 Pounds by Doing These 3 Simple Things
Protect Your Muscle While Losing Fat
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Walking offers a unique advantage for preserving muscle mass. "We know that walking is really good. It's low impact. We know that it spares muscle because it's not high energy and it's very low demand," DeLauer points out.
The Heart Health Bonus
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Walking delivers powerful cardiovascular benefits alongside fat loss. Research shows that 30 minutes of walking five days a week can reduce coronary heart disease risk by 19%. Studies indicate it helps lower blood pressure, reduce stroke risk, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Better Blood Sugar Control
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Regular walking creates meaningful metabolic improvements beyond fat loss. Meta-analyses show significant decreases in glycated hemoglobin (A1c) and improvements in insulin sensitivity, supporting better blood sugar control and enhanced fat burning.
RELATED:10 Rules Help Petite Women Drop 15 Pounds in 90 Days
Mental Clarity Benefits
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Strategic walking reduces stress and depression scores while promoting relaxation. This mental health boost complements the physical benefits, making it easier to stick to your fat loss goals.
Creating Sustainable Results
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"Timing your walks when you are the most hungry or in between your meals" creates optimal conditions for fat burning, DeLauer says. Combined with walking's low-impact nature, this approach helps you maintain consistency - the key to long-term success. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.
Nutrition & Diet
        8 Fat Burning Methods Better Than Exercise, According to Weight Loss Expert
    

        Abram Anderson/Instagram
    
By Leah GrothDec 02, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
 See Full Bio 
                       Follow:
                       
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Do you want to burn fat without counting calories or spending hours at the gym? Abram Anderson is a weight loss coach who regularly shares tips on how to burn fat fast. In a few new video post, he reveals simple hacks for burning fat that take very little effort. “Do you want to lose weight faster than what you're currently doing? But you do not want to count calories, you do not want to take supplements, and you don't want to have to use willpower?” he says, going on to reveal them.
Focus on Speeding Up Your MetabolismTo burn fat fast, you need to rev up your fat-burning system. “One of the tips that I give,” he says in the post, “is to try to speed up your metabolism. There's a few different ways to speed up your metabolism extremely easily.”
RELATED: 5 High-Protein Breakfasts Hollywood Trainer Magnus Lygdback Swears By
Do 30 Seconds of an Activity Right Before You Eat
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The first suggestion he has? “You can do 30 seconds of an activity right before you eat. You'll be able to increase your insulin sensitivity right before you eat. You'll be able to eat the same number of calories and store less as fat that way, plus you have a higher metabolism,” he says.
Or, Add Spices to Your Food
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“Or you can try to eat spicier food,” he says. “If you were just to add spices to your food, you can literally eat the same number of calories once again and actually burn more of them without having them stored as body fat,” he claims.
Two Tablespoons of Fermented Food Per Meal Helps Melt Body FatIn another video, he reveals something you should add to every meal to melt body fat. “According to scientific research, two tablespoons of a fermented food with meals” is all you need “if you want to improve your microbiome and melt body fat drastically,” he says.
RELATED: Weight Loss Coach Lost 40 Pounds and Kept It Off for 14 Years With These 5 Changes
Kimchi Is the Best One to EatShutterstock
“It's not just any fermented food. According to our data, it seems that kimchi seems to far outweigh the benefits for weight loss and microbiome health compared to anything else,” he continues. “So the yogurt just doesn't cut it. But if you could have kimchi in your diet, it can do absolute wonders.”
Disruption of Blood Sugar Leads to Overeating
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“If you want to learn how to stop overeating so you can melt body fat easier, this is the advice that we give to our clients inside of our health and life coaching program. And it's helped them melt 20, 50, a hundred plus pounds of body fat without counting calories,” he continues. “This advice might work for you, too. By far, the biggest thing that is leading to overeating is a disruption in your blood sugar levels.”
Here Is the Secret to Prevent Binge EatingShutterstock
“What happens is you eat something that's high in carbohydrates and easy to digest, and you get a blood sugar spike. When you have a blood sugar spike, even if you're staying in normal ranges, your body will release insulin, which will cause a blood sugar spike down. That spike down causes you to feel uncontrollably hungry, where you feel like you can eat everything in sight,” he says. “The solution to this is to add in complex carbohydrates, water, and a food from nature inside of that meal, and that's how you prevent binge eating.”
And, Walking Is the Most Effective Workout for Losing Body Fat“Walking has proven to be the most effective exercise for losing body fat, at least for my clients,” adding that “it doesn't actually require a whole lot of effort in order to see phenomenal results with it.” However, when you walk matters. “If you choose when you do your walk, you can actually maximize your results. So if you were to actually walk first thing in the morning or walk immediately after a workout for whatever reason, that seems to increase the amount of body fat you lose. And my theory is twofold,” he says.
Walking in the Morning Can Help Curb Cortisol Levels When They Are the Highest
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“One, when you walk in the morning, you get sunshine, and your cortisol levels are the highest. You can actually curb that and better metabolize stress hormones because cortisol has been shown to be both anabolic to fat and catabolic muscle. So you can curb that if you walk in the morning,” he says.
RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts
Walking Post Workout Can Utilize the Afterburn EffectShutterstock
The other best time to walk? “Two, if you were to walk after a workout, you actually utilize something called the afterburn effect,” he says. This is “where you burn additional calories even after your workout, and it's like extending it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
Fitness & Workouts
        The Simple Best Exercise to Lose Weight, by Fitness Trainer
    
alexx.fitt/TikTok
By Leah GrothApr 10, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
 See Full Bio 
                       Follow:
                       

   FACT CHECKED BY
   Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked
Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get
			   sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.
We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including
               scientific studies and medical journals.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing
               editors@bodynetwork.com.
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 Caloriesalexx.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 Anythingalexx.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 AppetiteShutterstock
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”Shutterstock
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 Weightsalexxandra.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 BenefitsShutterstock
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 LossShutterstock
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.
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Nutrition & Diet
        The Simple Habit Helped Nurse Lose 140 Pounds
    

        Wake Up Earlier​
    

        Copyright findinmyweigh/Instagram
    
By Leah SuzanneMar 30, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Are you trying to lose weight but need a little motivation? One weight loss warrior claims to have a game-changing tip. Jessica Olson is a nurse and social media influencer who dropped a whopping 140 pounds. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one habit that was instrumental in her weight loss success. “#1 success tip helped me lose 140 pounds,” she writes in the post. 

            
                Wake Up Earlier
            
            
        
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A post shared by Jessica Olson (@findinmyweigh)
What is her number one tip? “It’s simple…WAKE UP EARLIER,” she writes. “I’m sure a ton of people would disagree with me but if I had to pick ONE thing that I feel like has helped ME on MY journey - this would be it.”
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

            
                She Had Bariatric Surgery But Didn’t Gain the Weight Back
            
            
        
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A post shared by The Bariatric Breakdown 💖 (@thebariatricbreakdown)
“Sure I had bariatric surgery… and some could say that was the one thing that helped. But so many people put their weight back on after having surgery because they don’t change their habits. I created the habit of waking up earlier,” she continues. 

            
                This Habit Helps Her Stick to These Other Habits
            
            
        
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A post shared by Jessica Olson (@findinmyweigh)
She maintains that “one simple thing” has helped her lose 140 lbs but also keep it off by:
Hitting her water goals
Taking her vitamins
Getting in a workout.
“All before most people are getting out of bed in the morning,” she says. 

            
                There Are Other Benefits
            
            
        
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A post shared by Jessica Olson (@findinmyweigh)
There are other benefits to being an early riser, per Jessica. “But it’s also helped me in other areas. I’m spending more time with God, my house is cleaner, I feel more organized, so I’m in a much better mood,” she says. “All because…I WAKE UP EARLIER.”
RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

            
                She Also Has a Tip for Those Who Struggle to Sleep
            
            
        
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A post shared by Jessica Olson (@findinmyweigh)
In another post, she offers suggestions to anyone who struggles with falling asleep and shutting their brains off. “After many years of nightshift nursing I have royally messed up my sleep schedule. Some nights I'll lay in bed (mind you I've crawled into bed around 8) and can't fall asleep until after 1-2a,” she says. 

            
                She Drinks Mushroom Hot Cocoa at Night
            
            
        
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A post shared by Jessica Olson (@findinmyweigh)
“I have prescribed medication to help with times like that but I really don't like taking it. I decided to try out @ryzesuperfoods mushroom hot cocoa to see if I could tell a difference - and it's been a huge game changer!! For one you can't taste the mushroom part at all, y'all know I have a sweet tooth and this taste just like straight up hot cocoa but the best part is I feel super sleepy within 10-15 minutes of drinking it!” she continued. 
RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

            
                Find What Works for You
            
            
        
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A post shared by Jessica Olson (@findinmyweigh)
“All this to say - find what works for you. Maybe it's changing up your nightly routine. Trying some meditation, stretching, a hot bath, bible reading, journaling -or- incorporating some hot cocoa into your nightly routine... Figure out what helps and stick to it,” she concludes. “Transitioning from a night owl to a morning bird has been a huge part of my journey to better health.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
Nutrition & Diet
        5 Foods That Can "Wreck" Your Cortisol Levels
    

        ​When Other Hormonal Imbalances Are In Check
    

        Copyright mvmntbydrsteph/Instagram
    
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
You probably know that hormonal disruptions can lead to weight gain and lower energy. But you might not realize that some of your favorite foods are causing this. Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD, specializes in helping women over 30 lose weight and gain energy. In a new social media post, she reveals the foods that will mess up your hormones. “As a medical doctor, here are 5 foods I avoid daily that will wreck your cortisol,” she writes. 
“We all know cortisol is our primary stress hormone, but did you know your diet could be making things worse by messing with other hormones too?” she asks, adding that cortisol is intimately connected with insulin and thyroid hormones. “So, some foods that disrupt one can impact them all—and the consequences on your body and metabolism can be significant. Here are 5 foods I avoid because they wreak havoc on cortisol (and other hormones!)”

            
                Refined Sugars
            
            
        
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A post shared by Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD | Hormone, Fitness & Nutrition Coach (@mvmntbydrsteph)
First, avoid refined sugars. “These spike blood sugar, trigger insulin resistance, and raise cortisol. It’s a triple whammy for your metabolism,” she says.
RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

            
                Processed Foods
            
            
        ​Junk Foods: The Triple ThreatShutterstockProcessed foods are next on her list. “High in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, these can throw off your insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalances that elevate cortisol levels,” she says. 

            
                Caffeine
            
            
        ​Protein Before CaffeineShutterstockYou might want to think twice before having that second cup of coffee or energy drink. “While it gives you a temporary boost, excessive caffeine consumption can increase cortisol, leaving you more stressed and less likely to burn fat,” says Dr. Dunlop. 

            
                Alcohol
            
            
        ​4. Excess AlcoholShutterstockAlcohol is another no-no. “Alcohol disrupts liver function, impacting your body’s ability to detoxify, leading to an increase in cortisol and other hormone imbalances,” she writes. 
RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

            
                Artificial Sweeteners
            
            
        ​Mistake 3: Relying on Quick FixesShutterstockArtificial sweeteners may seem like a better idea than sugar, but according to Dr. Dunlop they can also do a lot of damage. “These can mess with your gut microbiome, which has a profound effect on your stress response and cortisol levels,” she writes. 

            
                Take a Deeper Look at Your Hormonal Imbalance
            
            
        ​Not Being Obsessed with Fast ResultsShutterstock“If you’re struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or emotional burnout, it might be time to look deeper at the root causes of your hormonal imbalance. These are the things that MUST be addressed in any successful weight loss plan, or you risk spinning your wheels and not seeing lasting results,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear. 
Nutrition & Diet
        Jenny McCarthy Ditches Vegan for Meat
    

        Shutterstock
    
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her. 

            
                Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009
            
            
        Shutterstock
McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

            
                She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”
            
            
        Shutterstock
"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

            
                She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”
            
            
        Shutterstock
She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."
RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

            
                She Works Out Two Hours a Day
            
            
        Shutterstock
In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

            
                She Walks on an Incline
            
            
        Shutterstock
As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”
RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

            
                She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga
            
            
        Shutterstock
In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” 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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