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

#1 Way to Calculate Macros For Weight Loss Tailored to Your Body

Here is exactly how to figure out what you should be eating to lose weight.

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff12

If you are trying to lose weight, you have probably heard about counting macros – but you might not really understand what that means. According to Bri Dettlaff, body transformation coach and founder of Her Ultimate Body, calculating the numbers is quick and easy. “I'm going to teach you how to find your macros in less than three minutes,” she explains in a viral video. Body Network also enlisted the expertise of The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on the formula.


Start By Finding Your BMR

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff11Copyright bridettlaff/Instagram

“We're going to start by finding your BMR. The number of calories your body burns at rest will help us find your maintenance calories, which will then break down into macros. You can use an online calculator,” she says.

Plug in Your Weight, Height, Age

Female,Leg,Stepping,On,Floor,Scales,weight,healthShutterstock

Next, plug in information. “So here's the most accurate method I found. This is the well-known equation you can use to find your BMR. So take a screenshot and do this on your own. I plugged in my weight, my height, my age, and the number of calories I burn at rest is 1303,” says Bri. “This is an excellent equation and proven to be quite accurate for calculating someone’s BMR,” agrees Collingwood. “However, it does take some math, and many people would prefer an online calculator.”

Here Is How to Get Your Maintenance Calories

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff2bridettlaff/Instagram

“Next, you're going to do your BMR times your activity level. Sedentary would be dust job, little to no exercise, 1.2 times your BMR, lightly active exercise like one to three times a week, 1.375 times your BMR if you exercise three to five times a week, times your BMR exercise, six to seven times a week, times your BMR. So, I'm moderately active during my BMR. So 2019 calories are my maintenance calories,” she continues. “I usually have people choose one of the lower activity levels and then just add what they are burning in exercise,” Collingwood simplifies. “I think the higher equations can overestimate calories burned, and on days you aren’t exercising, you aren’t burning that much.”

Here’s How to Get Your Caloric Deficit

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff7bridettlaff/Instagram

“So let's say I want to lose weight and be in a calorie deficit. I'm going to start by subtracting 100 to 200 of my maintenance calories. So for this example, I get 1,819 for my calorie deficit,” says Bri. Collingwood typically recommends taking off 250 to 350 calories for weight loss. “Taking off just 100 probably won’t show any results,” she says. “To really see results, you need a bit more, closer to 300. The heavier the person is, the faster they can lose weight and can probably take 400-500 off each day.” In general, she notes that it’s hard to make this equation “one size fits all, which is why working with an individual nutrition coach who is a Registered Dietitian is the best way to get accurate calculations.”

Here’s How to Get Protein Macro

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff8bridettlaff/Instagram

“Okay, time for macros. Here's a quick key I want to point out while we find our macros. Each gram of protein has four calories. Each gram of carbs has four calories. Each gram of fat has nine calories. First, we're going to choose one of these numbers based on your goals and multiply that by your body weight. So read these real quick on your own. For me, I'm already lean, but my goal is to get leaner and add more muscle. So one times my body weight equals 114 grams of protein a day. So we just found our first macro,” Bri says.

Here’s How to Get Fat Macro

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff3bridettlaff/TikTok

“We're going to multiply our protein macro by four to get 456 calories. Just wait. Okay, now it's time for fat. Choose which percentage of calories you want to come from fat itself. Read these and see which one you'll align with. Then, you want to take the calorie number we found before. So, the calorie deficit number times the percentage you chose. So I chose 0.3, which gave me 545.7 calories from fat. Remember our key nine calories per gram. So you take the calories we just found divided by nine. When I got 60.6 rounded up to 61, we just found our second macro. 61 grams of fat,” Bri says.

Related: 5 Types of Foods to Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

Here’s How to Calculate Carbs

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff9bridettlaff/Instagram

“Carbs are super easy. It's your remaining calories. Remember the number we found from protein and the number we found from fat? Add them together. Subtract it from your calorie deficit. Remember our key four calories? So you divide that by four. Round it up. We've got 205 grams of carbs,” she concludes. “I’m not sure where she got these calculations for macros. The numbers seem to work OK in her example, but I’m not sure they will work for everyone,” says Collingwood. “Eating a gram per pound of body weight is a LOT and not necessary for the vast majority of the population. I’m afraid if people pick higher fat, they will be left with too few carbs, which is a common problem with popular weight loss diets.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you really want to lose weight and commit to fitness, consider hiring a nutritionist for a session so you can get a professional and personalized calculation of macros. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

@bridettlaff

I know this is a lot, but it’s a commonly asked question so I went for it 😅 #macros #findyourmacros #calculateyourmacros #nutritiontips #bodytransformation #weightloss #fitnessmotivation #nutritiontips

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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.

If you are trying to lose weight, you have probably heard about counting macros – but you might not really understand what that means. According to Bri Dettlaff, body transformation coach and founder of Her Ultimate Body, calculating the numbers is quick and easy. “I'm going to teach you how to find your macros in less than three minutes,” she explains in a viral video. Body Network also enlisted the expertise of The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on the formula.


Start By Finding Your BMR

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff11Copyright bridettlaff/Instagram

“We're going to start by finding your BMR. The number of calories your body burns at rest will help us find your maintenance calories, which will then break down into macros. You can use an online calculator,” she says.

Plug in Your Weight, Height, Age

Female,Leg,Stepping,On,Floor,Scales,weight,healthShutterstock

Next, plug in information. “So here's the most accurate method I found. This is the well-known equation you can use to find your BMR. So take a screenshot and do this on your own. I plugged in my weight, my height, my age, and the number of calories I burn at rest is 1303,” says Bri. “This is an excellent equation and proven to be quite accurate for calculating someone’s BMR,” agrees Collingwood. “However, it does take some math, and many people would prefer an online calculator.”

Here Is How to Get Your Maintenance Calories

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff2bridettlaff/Instagram

“Next, you're going to do your BMR times your activity level. Sedentary would be dust job, little to no exercise, 1.2 times your BMR, lightly active exercise like one to three times a week, 1.375 times your BMR if you exercise three to five times a week, times your BMR exercise, six to seven times a week, times your BMR. So, I'm moderately active during my BMR. So 2019 calories are my maintenance calories,” she continues. “I usually have people choose one of the lower activity levels and then just add what they are burning in exercise,” Collingwood simplifies. “I think the higher equations can overestimate calories burned, and on days you aren’t exercising, you aren’t burning that much.”

Here’s How to Get Your Caloric Deficit

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff7bridettlaff/Instagram

“So let's say I want to lose weight and be in a calorie deficit. I'm going to start by subtracting 100 to 200 of my maintenance calories. So for this example, I get 1,819 for my calorie deficit,” says Bri. Collingwood typically recommends taking off 250 to 350 calories for weight loss. “Taking off just 100 probably won’t show any results,” she says. “To really see results, you need a bit more, closer to 300. The heavier the person is, the faster they can lose weight and can probably take 400-500 off each day.” In general, she notes that it’s hard to make this equation “one size fits all, which is why working with an individual nutrition coach who is a Registered Dietitian is the best way to get accurate calculations.”

Here’s How to Get Protein Macro

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff8bridettlaff/Instagram

“Okay, time for macros. Here's a quick key I want to point out while we find our macros. Each gram of protein has four calories. Each gram of carbs has four calories. Each gram of fat has nine calories. First, we're going to choose one of these numbers based on your goals and multiply that by your body weight. So read these real quick on your own. For me, I'm already lean, but my goal is to get leaner and add more muscle. So one times my body weight equals 114 grams of protein a day. So we just found our first macro,” Bri says.

Here’s How to Get Fat Macro

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff3bridettlaff/TikTok

“We're going to multiply our protein macro by four to get 456 calories. Just wait. Okay, now it's time for fat. Choose which percentage of calories you want to come from fat itself. Read these and see which one you'll align with. Then, you want to take the calorie number we found before. So, the calorie deficit number times the percentage you chose. So I chose 0.3, which gave me 545.7 calories from fat. Remember our key nine calories per gram. So you take the calories we just found divided by nine. When I got 60.6 rounded up to 61, we just found our second macro. 61 grams of fat,” Bri says.

Related: 5 Types of Foods to Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

Here’s How to Calculate Carbs

Bri_Dettlaff_bridettlaff9bridettlaff/Instagram

“Carbs are super easy. It's your remaining calories. Remember the number we found from protein and the number we found from fat? Add them together. Subtract it from your calorie deficit. Remember our key four calories? So you divide that by four. Round it up. We've got 205 grams of carbs,” she concludes. “I’m not sure where she got these calculations for macros. The numbers seem to work OK in her example, but I’m not sure they will work for everyone,” says Collingwood. “Eating a gram per pound of body weight is a LOT and not necessary for the vast majority of the population. I’m afraid if people pick higher fat, they will be left with too few carbs, which is a common problem with popular weight loss diets.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you really want to lose weight and commit to fitness, consider hiring a nutritionist for a session so you can get a professional and personalized calculation of macros. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

@bridettlaff

I know this is a lot, but it’s a commonly asked question so I went for it 😅 #macros #findyourmacros #calculateyourmacros #nutritiontips #bodytransformation #weightloss #fitnessmotivation #nutritiontips

Brittney_Blanco4
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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.

Do you want to drop your body fat in half in 2025? According to one expert, it’s totally doable. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new post she reveals her hacks for dropping body fat. “Getting your body fat down to below 10% is an intense challenge—it’s not just lean, it’s incredibly defined. Here’s a step-by-step approach for anyone serious about achieving this,” she writes in the caption. “By sticking to this plan with discipline and consistency, you can achieve the results you’re aiming for.”


Calculate Maintenance Calories

Calorie,Counting,On,A,Paper,With,Calculator.,Diet,And,WeightShutterstock

The first thing to do is calculate your maintenance calories. “Start by tracking your food intake over a week. Be precise, using a food scale to measure everything you consume, and record it in an app like MyFitnessPal,” she suggests in her post.

Set Your Macros

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

Next, set your macros. “A good baseline is to aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. For fats, set them between 25-30% of your total calories, and let the rest come from carbohydrates,” she recommends.

RELATED: This Coach Used Walking to Reach 12% Body Fat—Here's How

Enter a Calorie Deficit

portrait of beautiful young woman eating yogurt at homeShutterstock

Next, enter into a calorie deficit. “To reduce fat, calculate how many calories you need to cut with this formula: (Body weight x .0075) x 500 = calories to reduce from your maintenance. Plan to stay in this deficit for about 16 weeks. If the scale isn’t shifting after 2 weeks, reduce your intake by an additional 100 calories and maintain consistency,” she says.

Follow a Meal Plan

Close-up Of Pen With Meal Plan FormShutterstock

She also recommends following a meal plan. “Building a meal plan around your calorie and macro goals will give you clear direction and make it easier to stay on track,” she says.

Track Every Detail

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

Next, track every detail. “Reaching such a low body fat percentage requires precision. Stay disciplined and track everything to ensure you’re staying on target,” she says.

Eliminate Takeout and Alcohol

Waiter pouring red wine in a glass.Shutterstock

Number six? Eliminate takeout and alcohol. “For the best and fastest results, cut out takeaways and alcohol. It’s a tough but necessary step,” she says.

RELATED: 61-Year-Old Woman Lost 40 Pounds By Making These 2 Simple Changes

Get Your Steps In

Healthy lifestyle - woman walking in city parkShutterstock

When it comes to exercise, she says to aim for 10,000 steps plus other cardio. “Get in 10,000 steps every day, and add 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio (zone 2) 2-4 times per week,” she writes.

Lift Weights

A bodybuilder in shape is swinging kettlebell while standing in a gym.Shutterstock

And her last recommendation is weight lifting. “Commit to 4-5 strength training sessions a week. Make sure you follow a structured program and push yourself consistently,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure where to start? Kacy Allensworth, aka the Calorie Deficit Queen, is a social media influencer and “forever fat loss coach for women over 40.” On her various social media platforms, she reveals all her secrets to losing over 70 pounds and helping other women achieve their goals. “I was not always the calorie deficit queen. I was the former dieting yo-yo queen. I tried Weight Watchers, keto, intermittent fasting,” she says in the clip.


“In 2020, I hit my highest weight, and that's when I decided I needed to dig into the principles of nutrition, do things a little differently,” she says at the start of a viral clip, revealing the steps she took to drop weight fast. “I will uncover the first steps taken, not just for success, but for sustainable weight loss.”

First Step: Calculate Your Calorie Deficit with Your Goal Weight

The first step? Calculate your calorie deficit. “I'm going to cover two different ways that you can calculate your calorie deficit. The first way is to decide what your goal weight is and let's say your goal weight is 150 pounds. You're going to multiply your goal weight by the number 11.

Multiplying 150 times 11 gives us 1,650 calories, so that would be your calorie deficit,” she says. “This method is really just the simple method. It doesn't take into account your age, your gender, your activity level, or any of that.”

Or, Use an Online Calculator

Athlete using mobile phone app fitness tracker for tracking weight loss progress during running exercise. Fit girl woman touching smartphone texting or playing online games or video workouts.Shutterstock

“The second method that I recommend is visiting an online calculator, and when you visit the website, you'll enter in your gender, height, weight, and age,” she instructs. “It will ask you what your activity level is. I like to underestimate my activity level. You don't have to input your body fat percentage, and once you hit calculate, it will give you your total daily energy expenditure for maintenance calories. This is not your calorie deficit,” she reminds.

“You will take that number and subtract 500 from it to get your calorie deficit. The reason we subtract 500 is because one pound of fat equals 3,500 calories, and a shortage of 500 calories times seven days a week equals 3,500 calories or one pound of fat per week. Either one of these methods is a great way to begin eating in a calorie deficit, and you might find that one method gives you a discrepancy of a few hundred calories over the other method.”

RELATED: Man Walks 30,000 Steps Daily for 30 Days and the Results Were Unexpected

Choose the More Sustainable Deficit

“Choose the calorie deficit that is most sustainable for you. You will know, after two weeks of eating at that deficit, whether or not this is successful or sustainable. I also do not recommend recalculating or calibrating your calorie deficit. Once you lose weight, lowering your calorie intake even further will have negative effects on your metabolic rate. So we want to avoid that,” she says.

Second Step: Use Three Tools to Be In a Deficit, Starting with a Food Scale

Chicken Breast on Food Scale with Mushrooms and SpinachShutterstock

“There are three tools that you will need in order to be both accurate and consistent in being in a calorie deficit,” she continues.”The first tool is a food scale. You'll need one in order to accurately measure the food that you're eating because most people underestimate the amount of food they're eating and, therefore, underestimate the amount of calories they're consuming. The best way to be in a calorie deficit is to be accurate and know that you're in a calorie deficit by measuring your food.”

RELATED: 8 Protein-Packed Snacks That Helped One Woman Lose 135 Pounds

Second Tool: Bathroom Scale

Bathroom scale on white background. Weight loss concept. Weight control by floor scaleShutterstock

“The second tool you'll need is a bathroom scale,” she continues. “You're going to need this so that you can periodically weigh yourself and track your results. I personally recommend to my clients that they weigh themselves daily, track their weight, and focus on what happens throughout the week. Don't focus on a single day of weight gain because no one loses weight. Linearly focus instead on the overall trend.”

Third Tool: Calorie Tracking App

New York - January 9, 2020: MyFitnessPal application on a smartphone. MyFitnessPal is a mobileShutterstock

“The third tool is to use a calorie tracking app,” she says. “Two that I recommend are MyFitnessPal and Lose It. This makes it easy to track your calories and know where you're at throughout the day. Make sure you're using all three of these tools consistently in order to stay in a calorie deficit.”

RELATED: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Third Step: Set Your Water Goal

Young woman jogger resting drinking waterShutterstock

The third step is setting your water goal. “There are various protocols to set your water goal. One of the ones I like to use is taking your body weight, dividing it in half, and drinking that many ounces of water daily. So if you're 200 pounds, you would drink 100 ounces of water per day,” she says. “Let me also say that if you do that calculation and it seems unreasonable to you or not sustainable, then do not start with that many ounces of water per day. Instead, start with what does seem reasonable to you. You're not drinking any water at all. You might start with 42 ounces of water per day. If you're drinking a little bit of water, you might start with 70 ounces of water per day. Make sure that you set your water goal to an amount that will be easily reachable because when you see yourself successful with that, you will then slowly begin to increase that water goal.”

What Counts?

Smile, happy and coffee shop young woman enjoying a cup of tea in a restaurant or cafe on her lunch break. Portrait of happy customer drinking her morning caffeine or cappuccino with happinessShutterstock

Can you count coffee, tea, and seltzer as water? “I personally do not count coffee as water,” she says. “Here's what I tell my clients about the other options. If your tea doesn't have calories and sugar in it, then go ahead and count it as water. If you want to use a low-calorie Crystal Light flavoring or mayo in your water, go for it. If that's going to get you to drink your water, then add the flavoring because that will be more sustainable for you. If you wanna drink seltzer water, as long as there are no calories or extra sugar, go for it. You have to remember that when we set goals, we want this to be successful and sustainable for you,” she says.

Fourth Step: Set Your Step Goal

Asian woman setting up the fitness smartwatch for running. Sportswoman checking watch device during workout in parkShutterstock

The last step is setting your step goal. “Just like setting your water goal, again, you want this to be sustainable for you. We all know it's great to get in 10,000 steps per day, but let me tell you that when I was at my heaviest, my very first step goal was 7,000 steps per day. Set a goal that is reasonable for you and a goal that you will most likely reach and be successful at. It took me about four to five months to work up to 10,000 steps per day,” she says.

RELATED: I'm a Celebrity Trainer and These 12 Hybrid Moves Torch Fat Fast

Use These Steps and Walk Toward Success

“Knowing your calorie deficit, using the correct tools to be accurate and consistent with tracking your calories, setting a water goal, setting a step goal, and following through on both are all the very first steps to successful and sustainable weight loss. I want you to know that you too can be successful with weight loss, and it can be sustainable for you,” she concludes. 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
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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.

Have you tried so many weight loss methods but can’t seem to be successful? Joe Duff, AKA The Diet Chef, specializes “in making easy recipes for every diet,” which he shares with his hundreds of thousands of social media followers. In a new video, he reveals the only tip you need to lose weight – and it doesn’t involve crash diets or killing yourself at the gym. “Today I'm gonna be talking all about weight loss, specifically how to lose weight,” he says. “Starting today, you can start losing weight.”


People Ask Him About How to Lose Weight A Lot

“This question is actually something that I get asked personally quite often, but if you even type into Google how to in the letter L, the rest of it will fill in: Lose weight,” he says at the start of the clip. “Clearly, there are a lot of people on the internet who are wondering the same question. Anyways, by the end of this video, I'm gonna give you all the tools you need to initially start losing weight.”

There’s No Get-Thin-Quick Approach That Works

feet standing on electronic scales for weight control. Measurement instrument in kilogram for a diet controlShutterstock

“The truth about weight loss is that it comes down to one very important thing, guys. It has nothing to do with diet teas and diet pills and body wraps and anything that anyone wants to sell to you, diet, cleanse, and rejuvenate your body with a Hollywood 48-hour miracle diet,” he says. “This works. It has nothing to do with that.”

It’s Simple: Create a Caloric Deficit

He explains that it is super simple. “All it comes down to is creating what is called a caloric deficit. That's right. All you have to do is create a caloric deficit, and you'll start losing weight. It is the best tip anyone can possibly give you in terms of weight loss,” he says.

Eat Less Than Your Body Burns

Hungry overweight woman holding hamburger on wooden plate, Fried chicken and Pizza on table .Concept of binge eating disorder (BED).Shutterstock

“So what does that mean? What is a caloric deficit? Basically, a caloric deficit is just eating fewer calories than your body burns. And that's a great lead into the next question I'm sure a lot of you guys have,” he explains.

How Many Calories Does Your Body Burn?

Calorie calculator, healthy TDEE concept. Calorie calculation based on total daily energy expenditure, background with calculator, notebook, measuring tape, apple. Healthy weight loss diet backgroundShutterstock

The next question he gets asked: How many calories a day does my body burn? “Actually, it's quite easy to get an estimation of just how many calories a day your body is burning. That is also referred to as TDEE or total daily energy expenditure,” he says.

Find Out Using a TDEE Calculator

He recommends using a TDEE calculator. “There's a ton of websites out there that you can go to and find your TDEE, which will then give you your maintenance amount of calories, which is the amount of calories that you could eat and not gain any weight or also lose weight. So to find how many calories a day you burn your TDEE, all you have to do is go to one of these websites,” he explains.

Then You Subtract 500 From the Number Your Get

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

Once you find a calculator, you “enter some pretty basic information about yourself,” he says. “So you enter your age, your sex, your height, your weight, and your activity level. To create a caloric deficit, all you need to do is subtract about 500 calories from whatever number pops up on the screen. And that will be the starting calories of your diet.”

You Will Have to Eat Less Calories the More Weight You Lose

“Also, it's worth mentioning, guys, that that calorie number has to change. You're gonna have to decrease your calories as you lose weight. So you at 200 pounds is burning more calories than you at 180 pounds. So as you lose weight, your calories are gonna have to decrease,” he says.

Or, You Can Exercise More

girl running in formation in forest in pink shirtShutterstock

Or, you can add exercise. “You can also create a caloric deficit by doing more. So if you increase your activity, you will be burning more calories as well. And that is another way to add to your caloric deficit,” he says.

He Also Recommends Counting Macros Over Calories

“I also want to mention quickly that counting calories is great, but counting macros can be far superior in terms of fat loss than just weight loss itself,” he says. “Basically, macros are calories, protein, carbs, and fats. And keeping track of your macros and adjusting your macros can be an extremely powerful tool for fat loss.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure where to start? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a weight loss coach and TikTok influencer with a massive following on social media. In her viral videos, she shares tips on how to get your dream body “without ditching your favorite foods” or going to extremes with exercise. In a recent viral video, she reveals, “The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds is to love what you see when you look in the mirror without cutting off your favorite food or worrying about regaining the weight,” she says in the clip.


It Will Work No Matter Your Age or Health Condition

@project.s.lifestyle

The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds 💪🏾⚡️ Learn more about coaching in my b!o 📲 #weightlosscoach #fatlosscoach

“This will work for you whether in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 50s,” she promises about her 4-step plan. “Whether you're struggling with PCOS, menopause, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, or no health conditions at all. This has worked for hundreds of my clients of all age ranges, and I guarantee it'll work for you too,” she says.

Step One: Calculate How Much to Eat

Calorie,Counting,Calculator.,Diet,.Shutterstock

“The first thing we need to do is calculate exactly how much we need to be eating to lose these 50 pounds. You're gonna set your calorie needs in 30-pound increments, and you'll be eating a short amount of food to lose your first 30 pounds, readjusting your calories to lose the rest of the weight,” she says.

This Will Ensure You Don’t Hit a Plateau or Starve Yourself

Man put down on a wooden board ready to eat grilled steak meat, male roasted steak meat on the gas grill on barbecue grill outdoor in the backyard, summer family picnic, food on the nature.Shutterstock

Why is this so important for weight loss? “This ensures you don't hit a plateau, and you're not eating too few calories from the beginning,” she explains.

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

Recalculate Once You Get to Your Goal Weight

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

“Your first full weight's gonna be 30 pounds from where you are today. So, say you're currently 200 pounds. Your first full weight would be 170 pounds. Base your calorie in each base on 170 and adjust again once you reach 170 so you wanna take your 30-pound goal weight. In this case, 170 times 12 and that's gonna give you your calorie deficit goal. 170 times 12 is 2,040 calories. Do that calculation for yourself, and that'll be the number of calories you need to eat until you reach your first goal weight. Once you get there, you will recalculate based on your final goal weight.”

Step Two: Make Sure You Are Eating Enough Protein

Grilled chicken breast with spice rub and lemon on a cutting board, sliced and wholeShutterstock

“Now that we got that math out of the way, let's go to number two, which is making sure you're eating enough protein within your calorie deficit,” says Soraya. “The best way to calculate your protein need is if you weigh more than 225 pounds, you wanna take your current weight times 0.6, and that's your daily protein goal. If you weigh 225 pounds or less, take your current weight times to point eight, and that's your daily protein goal.”

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

If You Are Plant-Based, Use This Equation

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“If you're plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian, take your current weight times to point four, and that's your daily protein goal. The reason being it's a lot harder to get in protein when you are plant-based cause you don't eat meat and other things for higher in protein,” she says.

Step Three: Light, Low Impact Movement

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Moving on to exercise – but not the high-intensity type. “Number three, you wanna make sure getting in enough light, low impact movement will help you burn more calories and enhance your metabolism,” Soraya says.

Set Step Goals

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“I recommend walking 7,000 or more steps per day or aiming for an hour per day. They equal about the same thing,” she says. “If you're pretty sedentary right now, take a smart walk or use an app on your phone to figure out how many steps you're getting a day now and increase that by 1,000 every week,” she recommends. “For example, so you find that you're only getting 2,000 steps a day on average now, next week aim for 3,000 and 4,000 and work your way up to get about 7,000.”

Step 4: Implement Strength Training

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The final step, four, “you want to implement strength training, because this is what's gonna help you melt that fat,” Soraya says, noting that it gives you “that lean tone look versus that skinny fat look,” and that it’s simple. “I recommend three days a week strength training, 45 minutes to an hour, one-day upper body, one day lower body, and one-day full body, and only focus on four strength training exercises per session so it's not too overwhelming, and you don't get burnt out.”

RELATED: You Lose 5% of Your Muscles Every Decade After 30 Unless You Do These 4 Things

Losing 50 Pounds Is Easier Than You Think

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Soraya maintains that these simple steps are incredibly effective. “If you focus on these four things, losing 50 pounds is gonna be easier than it's ever been, and you'll actually be able to keep the weight off,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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

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

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

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

Are you on Ozempic and hoping to maximize weight loss? One experienced GLP-1 user is revealing all her secrets. Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 115 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals her “top 10 weight loss hacks as someone down 115 pounds so far,” she writes, revealing her “cheat codes” for effortless fat loss.

1.Eat Protein Before Anything Else at Every Meal

Her first tip is to eat protein before anything else at every meal. “Prioritize lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, cottage cheese) before eating carbs or fats. This fills you up, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces cravings,” she says.

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

2. Use an ADHD Visual Timer for Water Consumption

Next, she suggests using an “ADHD” visual timer for water consumption. “Set a 30-60 minute visual timer to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. Seeing the countdown prevents forgetting and ensures steady hydration,” she writes.

3. Drink 24 oz of Water Before Eating Anything in the Morning

Start your day by hydrating by drinking 24 ounces of water before eating. “This kickstarts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, and naturally reduces hunger before your first meal,” she suggests.

4. Create a Salad Bar in Your Fridge with Clear Containers

Salad bars are really fun ways to eat your greens. She recommends creating one in your fridge. “Pre-chop veggies and proteins like grilled chicken, boiled eggs, and beans in clear meal prep containers so you can build a quick, nutrient-packed salad instead of reaching for junk,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

5. Eat the Same High-Protein Breakfast Every Day

Be consistent and eat the same high-protein breakfast every morning. “Having a go-to breakfast (like eggs & avocado, Greek yogurt & berries, or a protein smoothie) removes decision fatigue and sets the tone for a high-protein day,” she suggests.

6. Drink a Protein Shake or Bone Broth When You Get Cravings

Got a craving? Try a protein shake or bone broth. “A quick whey/casein shake or a warm bone broth satisfies cravings, supports muscle retention, and prevents snacking on processed junk,” she says.

7. Use a Smaller Plate for Meals to Trick Your Brain

When plating your food, go small. “Studies show eating off a 9-inch plate vs. a 12-inch plate makes portions look bigger and naturally reduces calorie intake,” she writes.

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

8. Set a 10-Minute Rule for Late-Night Snacking

Put in place a 10-minute rule for snacking at night. “If you feel hungry at night, set a timer for 10 minutes before grabbing food. Most cravings disappear, and if you’re still hungry, opt for protein or fiber-rich snacks,” she says.

9. Move for 10 Minutes After Every Meal

Make sure to move for a little bit after eating. “A short walk or light movement (like squats, stretching, or cleaning) after meals lowers blood sugar, boosts digestion, and prevents fat storage. Even better, add in a weighted vest,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

10. Eat From a Bowl Instead of the Package

Eat from a bowl or plate – not the package. “Never eat directly from a bag, box, or container. Pre-portion snacks into a bowl to prevent mindless overeating,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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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 doing cardio to build muscle and lose weight? You should avoid a few common mistakes. Angelina Stebich is a fitness coach and influencer who shares her workout tips with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals common mistakes people make during workouts. “4 worst ways to do cardio if you want to build muscle,” she writes. “Cardio is great for heart health and fat loss, but if your goal is muscle growth, the wrong type can sabotage your progress. Here’s what to avoid,” she says.

Doing Cardio Before Lifting

Her first mistake is super common: Doing cardio before lifting weights. According to Angelina, “it drains energy, making your strength training less effective.” Instead, you should do it after strength training.

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

Doing Fasted Cardio

The second mistake is doing fasted cardio. While skipping your meal before hitting the treadmill is “popular for fat loss,” she says it isn’t good for your muscles. “It can increase muscle protein breakdown without proper fueling,” she says.

Doing Cardio on Rest Days

Another mistake lots of people make it doing cardio on rest days. “Treat rest days as true recovery. Light walking? Fine. Intense cardio? You’re just burning potential gains,” she says.

Ignoring Heart Rate Zones

Her final mistake is ignoring heart rate zones. “Staying in the fat-burning zone (low intensity) preserves muscle better than constant high-intensity work,” she says.

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

Cardio Isn’t the Enemy

Her bottom line? “Cardio isn’t the enemy,” she says. “It’s about balance. Stick to 2–3 sessions per week, prioritize strength training & fuel up properly!”

More Reasons Why Doing Cardio Before Lifting Is a Bad Idea

In another post, she reveals why doing cardio before lifting is a bad idea. “Many gym-goers swear by doing cardio before lifting. While it may seem like a good idea, here are some reasons why you might put strength training first,” she says. The first reason? “Fatiguing your muscles before lifting can limit your power, performance & energy,” she says.

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

Other Reasons?

Other reasons include reduced muscle gains, as “strength training relies on energy reserves, and cardio can deplete them too soon,” higher injury risk, “tired muscles = compromised form = greater risk of injury,” she says, slower progress, as “prioritizing cardio first may make it harder to progressively overload in weight training,” and decreased focus for form. “Cardio can leave you fatigued, making it harder to focus on proper lifting technique,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t sure what to do—or what not to do? One trainer has the answer. Whitney Reyes is a “fitness mom” and influencer who helps other moms lose weight and get in shape despite having very little time. In a new social media post, she gets real about some of the things she didn’t do to achieve her weight loss goals. “Here are the 5 important things I did NOT do while losing 2lbs per week,” she writes, adding that she ended up losing 30 pounds in three months as a “full time working mom of four.”

She Didn’t Starve Herself

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The first thing she didn’t do was starve herself. “In fact I feel like all I do is eat, even my kids make that joke—“oh mom’s eating again”😂 most nutrient dense and high protein meals like sweet potatoes & chicken are very low calorie so you can eat more of it and not rack up your calories,” she says.

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

She Didn’t Do Tons of Cardio

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The second thing she didn’t do? Tons of cardio. “This is something that was widely promoted years ago in the fitness industry. HIIT ALL THE TIME. 5 mile runs a day. Recent science has shown that zone 2 cardio is the highest fat burning zone aka incline walking for 30 min!” she writes.

She Didn’t Cut Out Her Favorite Foods Completely

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She also refused to completely cut out her favorite foods. “Doing this leads to binge eating and isn’t even necessary. You can make room for your favorite foods in moderation. For example I will still eat in n out or pizza and ice cream but only once per week as a ‘cheat meal’” she writes.

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

She Didn’t Spend Hours in a Gym

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She also didn’t spend hours in a gym. “Guys I haven’t been inside a gym in 4 years lol I’ve gotten in the best shape of my life with dumbbells and bands. It’s all you need,” she writes.

She Didn’t Skip Workouts Because of Hard Work Days

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The last thing she didn’t do was skip workouts because of hard work days. “I never skipped days bc work was stressful or hard that day. Doing this allows your brain to give into weakness. Show up ESP the days you don’t feel like it. Not only is it good for you mentally but consistency is the only way to see results,’ she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.