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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@celebwell.com.

I Lost 70 Pounds on the Flexitarian Diet and Here's How

This fitness instructor changed her life and her health.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
alana-saunders-1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Fitness instructor Alana Sanders lost 70 pounds on the flexitarian diet. The flexitarian diet is essentially a mostly vegan/vegetarian diet with the option to eat meat now and then, making it one of the more sustainable diets out there. “I think people are attracted to this diet because you can be a little bit more flexible on it,” Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Most diets imply a start and stop, and the weight can creep back on, but the flexitarian diet places a large emphasis on eating a mostly plant-based diet, which is always recommended for long-term weight loss.” Here’s how Sanders lost weight on the diet and kept it off.


Limited Red Meat

Grilled top sirloin or cup rump beef meat steak on marble board. Black background. Top viewShutterstock

Sanders only eats meat when she really craves it, which is once or twice a week. “You don't have to get rid of all meat all at once. Instead, try easing into meatless meals,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Think about going meatless one day a week. You may find you'll want to add more days.”

Chicken and Fish

Roasted or seared chicken breast sliced on a cutting board with herbs and spicesShutterstock

Sanders sticks to chicken, fish, or turkey for her meat options. “Try to eat at least two servings a week of fish, especially fish that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Doing so appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly sudden cardiac death.”

No Pork or Beef

Raw minced pork. Black background. Top view. Space for textShutterstock

Sanders avoids eating pork and beef. Ever since she mostly eliminated those two types of meat from her diet, she says her energy levels have gone up. She also found that her belly fat went down.

Fruit Plates

Delicious fruits salad in plate on table close-upShutterstock

Sanders loves fruit and will often have a plate of fruit and vegetables for a meal. “Eating fruit has many health benefits,” according to USDA MyPlate. “People who eat fruits and vegetables as part of an overall diet may lower their risk for certain diseases. Fruits provide nutrients needed to maintain your health and body.”

Breakfast Always

Fresh,Berry,Smoothies,On,Mason,Jars,,protein, shakeShutterstock

Sanders never skips breakfast, calling it the most important meal of the day. She sometimes makes smoothies with multivitamins and antioxidants added to them. Sanders has better energy throughout the day, thanks to a good breakfast.

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

Chocolate On Sundays

various chocolates as a background - sweet foodShutterstock

Sanders loves chocolate and allows one day a week to indulge. By giving herself the option of enjoying sweets in moderation, she avoids overconsuming her favorite treats. Her cheat day is Sunday because she goes hard in the gym on Mondays.

Eggs and Juice

Healthy diet breakfast concept. Scrambled eggs and orange juice over white stone background. Top view, flat layShutterstock

A typical breakfast for Sanders is cranberry/orange juice, eggs, and cheese. She makes her own breakfast sandwiches from these ingredients. She snacks on granola bars.

Salmon For Lunch

Sea food Burguer with Salmon.Shutterstock

Lunch for Sanders is usually a salmon burger with whole grain bread, fruit, vegetables, and plenty of water. “Make at least half the grains in your diet whole grains,” says the Mayo Clinic.

“You can find whole-grain versions of rice, bread, cereal, flour, and pasta at most grocery stores.”

Zumba Workouts

Back view of multiethnic zumba dancers performing movements in dance studioShutterstock

Sanders teaches Zumba classes in the afternoons, which she says burns off essentially all the food she took in that morning—over 800 calories. “The more you enjoy your exercise routine, the more likely you are to stick with it,” says Piedmont Health. “Many people say they have so much fun dancing that they forget they are actually exercising.”

Pre-Dinner Meal

Salmon Salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, corn salad, baby spinach, fresh mint and basil. Home made food. Concept for a tasty and healthy meal. Dark stone background. Top view. Close up.Shutterstock

Sanders enjoys a small evening meal to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. She’s teaching so many classes throughout the day, the extra fuel is necessary. This meal usually consists of a salad and protein, with no heavy dressings. She will drink water or fruit juice with this meal.

Fish and Rice

Hands holding salmon and buckwheat dish with green beans, broad beans, and tomato slices. Nutritious dish with vegetables and fish from above. Healthy balanced dietShutterstock

Dinner for Sanders usually includes fish with rice and more fruit juice. If she does snack after dinner, she chooses low-calorie options such as grapes or popcorn without salt. Sanders burns a further 400 calories in the evening with her night-toning exercises.

She Loves Carbs

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewShutterstock

Sanders emphasizes that all carbs are not bad. She enjoys carbohydrates throughout the day but makes the point that all bodies are different. Enjoy what makes you feel good!

Slow and Steady

Donuts,With,Icing,On,Pastel,Pink,Background.,Sweet,Donuts.Shutterstock

Sanders has good advice for people trying to eliminate unhealthy foods from their diet—take it slowly. Eat those foods more infrequently, finally allowing yourself to have them twice a month. This will lead to sustainable changes.

Fun Workouts

Selective focus of african american trainer leaning with multiethnic dancers movements of zumba in dance studioShutterstock

Sanders teaches bodywork classes as well as Zumba. Her advice? Find an exercise or workout you genuinely enjoy. This way, you are far more likely to actually stick to it long-term.

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

The Bottom Line

Silhouette,Happy,Joyful,Woman,Jumping,beach,sunset,ocean,sea,celebrateShutterstock

The most important advice Sanders gives is to remember being healthy is a lifestyle. The whole point is to enjoy life, be happy, and spend as much time as possible with friends and loved ones. As Sanders says, your body is a temple!

💪🔥Body Booster: Exercise should make you happy and energized, so pick something you can stick with long term.

More For You

Ilana_Muhlstein2
Ilana Muhlstein
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

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

As a registered dietitian who lost a hundred pounds and kept it off, I know the struggle of weight loss all too well. It started at a young age, with summers spent at weight loss camps and school years marked by yo-yo dieting. This cycle continued for years, leading me to a point where I was 215 pounds at just five feet two inches tall.


The constant battle with weight took a toll not only on my body but also on my self-esteem. But it was this very struggle that ignited my passion for nutrition and set me on a path to discover a sustainable way to lose weight. Now, as a Registered Dietitian with a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, my ideas have worked for literally thousands of people, through my work as a nutritionist and best-selling author of You Can Drop It!, the book based on my successful 2B Mindset program.

Now, I’ve encapsulated those principles into my new cookbook, Love The Food That Loves You Back, featuring 100 recipes that serve up big portions and super nutritious food. Here's a sneak peek about how the foods can work for you—and a mouth-watering dessert-for-breakfast recipe at the end.

1. You Don’t Have to Give Up Great Taste to Lose Weight

,pan,pot,stove,kitchen,Cooking,Lunch,Preparing,Shutterstock

Love The Food That Loves You Back is filled with recipes that are not just healthy but delicious and satisfying. They reflect my journey and philosophy: you don't have to give up great taste to lose weight. In fact, I believe in eating high-volume, low-calorie foods that allow you to enjoy hearty portions without the guilt. These are the recipes that helped me transition from a lifestyle of takeout and fast food to one where I could still enjoy eating and see progress on the scale. In the cookbook, you'll find an array of recipes that cater to all meals of the day, for all members of your family. These recipes are the embodiment of my weight loss journey and my professional knowledge as a dietitian. They are designed to help you lose weight without feeling like you're on a diet.

Related: 12 Best Foods For Women to Build Muscle

2. How to Eat Food and Lose Weight

love_the_food_that_loves_you_back_book_coverPhoto: Gabriel Mendoza Weiss / Design: Elina Diaz

Losing 100 pounds was just the start of my journey. The real success has been in maintaining that weight loss and helping others do the same. Through my cookbook and the 2B Mindset program, I want to share the joy of eating well and living healthily. I believe that everyone deserves to love the food they eat and to love the way they feel. Here are the cornerstones of Love The Food That Loves You Back in a nutshell:

1. Embrace Healthy Foods and Transform Your Relationship with Food: You can shift from using food as a coping mechanism for emotional distress to celebrating it through healthy, delicious recipes.

2. Eat Smart, Not Less: I advocate for choosing nutrient-rich foods over merely reducing food quantity.

3. Prioritize Vegetables and Proteins: I emphasize the importance of incorporating more vegetables and proteins, often overlooked in the typical American diet.

4. Break Food Myths: Let's debunk the myth that tasty food is unhealthy and show how nutritious food can also be delicious.

5. Recognize the Holistic Impact of Food: Let's acknowledge the profound influence of food on overall health, including gene expression, microbiome, and brain chemistry.

6. Encourage Creative and Mindful Cooking: I hope to inspire creativity in the kitchen and promote mindful consumption with tools and methods for balanced serving sizes. I believe in offering a range of serving size suggestions to cater to different body types and needs.

7. Encourage a Responsive Eating Approach: Unlike other restrictive "diet" cookbooks, I recommend eating more if still hungry, focusing on vegetables and proteins, and introduce the “More? Sure!” Model for smart filling up.

As you can see, the goal of Love The Food That Loves You Back is to help you enjoy your favorite foods and flavors while improving your eating habits and mindset. It’s about learning to crave nutritious foods, not just tolerate them. I want to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen with recipes that taste like comfort food and make you feel amazing. Remember, this is not a weight loss book, but a journey to love the foods that genuinely love your body back.

3. These Meals Were the Cornerstone of My Weight Loss Journey

Ilana_Muhlstein1Ilana Muhlstein

I'm thrilled to share with you the very meals that have been a cornerstone of my weight loss journey. The cookbook kicks off with breakfast – it's not just the first meal of the day; it's a celebration of a fresh start. I've packed in recipes like Chocolate Cream Rolls, Protein Oats, and a game-changing Tempeh BLT. Or try Seasonal Breakfast Boats, featuring the exotic tastes of papaya and sweet potato. Make them a morning ritual that'll have you feeling full, reducing those 11 am cravings.

But wait, there's more! You'll discover a world where veggies become your new best friends. I'm talking about dishes like Thai Peanut Hearts of Palm Spaghetti and Eggplant Sesame Noodles – meals that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about plant-based eating. And for my fellow crunch enthusiasts, the Roasted Wonders section is a treasure trove. You’ll make Eggplant Parm Fries and Air Fried Mini Bell Peppers. This isn't just about eating well; it's about loving every bite along your journey to health and happiness.

Related: 14 Ways to Get Back in Shape

4. Here’s One of My Favorite Recipes From the Book

CHOCOLATE_CREAM_ROLLSCorinne Quesnel / Love The Food That Loves You Back

CHOCOLATE CREAM ROLLS

Who wouldn't want "cake" for breakfast???

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 bananas

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2 percent) or dairy-free “Greek style” yogurt

1 tbsp. cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp. honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit (or use stevia drops to taste)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet or rectangle cooking dish with parchment paper and spray with oil.
  2. Blend bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract in a blender. Pour batter on to the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. In the meantime, whip the yogurt with the cocoa powder, salt, and sweetener of choice in a bowl and set aside.
  4. Allow the sheet pan banana “cake” to cool. When cooled, spread the yogurt topping evenly over the sheet pan. Slice lengthwise down the center and roll. Serve along with berries and enjoy.

Note: Stores well covered in the refrigerator, so you can prep the recipe in advance and enjoy the second serving on the next day.

Love The Food That Loves You Backis available now on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Ilana Muhlstein, creator of the 2B Mindset and author of You Can Drop It!, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Registered Dietitian License, and a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her expertise lies in nutrition and weight management, particularly in pediatric obesity, metabolic syndrome, healthy eating, and lifestyle choices. She also specializes in nutrition education and counseling.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

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

Do you want to lose weight fast and keep it off? Dropping 10 pounds in the next few months is easier than you think. All it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes – and learning from other weight loss warriors who came before you is always a great idea. Here are 20 ways 12 people who lost over 10 pounds in 4 months achieved their weight loss goals.


Gen Cohen Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months by Maintaining a Caloric Deficit

In a recent Instagram post, Gen Cohen, CNC, shared how she lost 10lbs in the first two months of her health journey. “What I would do is eat in a modest caloric deficit, which if you're a woman watching this video means you'll probably be eating an average of 1500 to 2000 calories per day in order to lose weight,” she says.

She Also Used an App

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

Apps also helped Cohen achieve her weight loss goals. “I would download an app like MyFitnessPal and preplan my meals the day before to make sure I was able to hit my calories and my protein goal while still enjoying my social life,” she continued.

And, She Drank A LOT of Water

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water. Smiling caucasian female model holding transparent glass in her hand. Closeup. Focus on the armShutterstock

Another helpful habit in her weight loss was investing in a big water bottle. “I would drink 16 ounces of water before getting out of bed in the morning, which helps regulate your cortisol and stress levels throughout the day,” she says. “And I would also drink 16 ounces of water before each meal. This will help you feel full quicker while you're still learning proper portion control.”

Blake Sanburg Lost 23 Pounds in 2 Months by Hitting the Gym

@thenutritionnarc

10 weight loss tips

Blake Sanburg (@thenutritionnarc) is a diet and fitness influencer with over 415,900 TikTok followers who lost 23 pounds in two months. His number one tip to lose weight? “Start going to the gym,” Blake suggests. “Do weightlifting and cardio. This will help not only burn calories, but it'll also increase your muscle mass, which will make you seem less fat.”

He Also Avoided “Liquid Calories”

Barman prepares exotic cocktails at the night clubShutterstock

“Number two, avoid liquid calories such as sugary drinks, alcohol, soda, and stuff like that instead of diet soda,” Blake continued. “These are scientifically proven to be the easiest calories to cut out.”

He Amped Up His Protein Intake

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

Blake also amped up his protein intake. “The general rule of thumb is one gram of protein per pound of body weight. So if your goal weight is 150 pounds, try to eat 150 grams of protein.”

RELATED:Wegovy vs Ozempic: Pros and Cons for Weight Loss Treatment

He Took Progress Pictures

Portrait of proud bodybuilder boasting his arm muscles taking selfie in gym mirror flexing biceps after working outShutterstock

And, for accountability purposes, “take progress pictures,” he said. “It is very tough to see changes when you're looking at yourself every single day. So go back and look at the first day.”

Cam Jones Lost 10 Pounds in 50 Days by Rigorously Tracking His Eating Habits

Cam Jones, one half of the brother influencer duo who make up Goal Guys, a YouTube account providing “different goals in fitness and productivity,” revealed in a viral video how he lost 10 pounds in 50 days.

“I genuinely do not understand how I've put on so much weight. I eat pretty healthy. I exercise two to three times a week, so what am I doing wrong?” he says in the video, setting a goal of losing 10 pounds of body fat in 50 days. Cam starts with a goal of “paying careful attention” to nutrition.

“The first thing I'm aiming for a daily calorie goal of just 1900 calories, and as crazy as it is to say I actually think my current diet is pretty healthy, so I'm also going to track every food I eat for the next 50 days to figure out where I've been going wrong,” he says

He Also Cut Snacks

Unsweetened,Baking,Block,Chocolate,,Cocoa,Powder,And,Cocoa,Beans,Shutterstock

Cam points out that the little snacks you eat in the day add up. Just three squares of dark chocolate, half a bag of popcorn in one glass of wine total 660 calories. “I was severely underestimating how many calories were in those snacks because I was having those four times a week,” he says, pointing out “that's an extra 2,400 calories per week. That's more than I'm going to eat today. So no wonder I was putting on weight even though I was exercising.”

Melissa Lattari Lost 15 Pounds in a Month by Reducing Sodium Intake

@melissa.lattari

Replying to @A how to lose 10lbs of water #fyp #wateretention #howtofixbloating #weightloss #weightlosshack #viral

Melissa Lattari (@melissa.lattari) dropped 15 pounds in a month, explaining in a viral video how she did it. “Losing 10 to 15 pounds of water weight is easier than you think it is,” she says in the clip. Melissa maintains that dropping the weight is simple. “The easiest way to lose water weight, okay, listen up, is by switching up your diet,” she maintains. “Water retention happens when we're consuming too much sodium in our diet,” she continues. “Therefore, if you're eating a lot of overly processed foods such as pizza, frozen foods, prepackaged foods or going out and eating at a restaurant where they usually cook most foods with vegetable oils, your body is going to obtain more water.”

Sydney St-Aubin Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months by Increasing Her Steps Every Day

@sydneystaubin

19 lbs down since january and still going 👏🏻 here’s what i’ve been doing and what i plan to continue to do to reach my goal by hopefully september 🤍 #weightloss #caloricdeficit #athomeworkouts #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogram

Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months. One of her main recommendations? Not only should you “get your steps in,” but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for?

A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

Jenna Evelyn Lost 20 Pounds in Three Months by Meal Prepping

@jennaevelynnn

How I lost 15-20 pounds after my freshman year of college. 10k steps a day, low-cal, high protein meals, and strength training + pilates! #weightloss #freshman15 #howilostweight #weightransformation #healthylifestyle #mealprep #pilates

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one viral TikTok video, she reveals that meal prepping and using high-quality ingredients were crucial to her weight loss. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high-protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning.

Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Isis Kellier Lost 15 Pounds in 6 Weeks by Intermittent Fasting

Isis Kellier revealed in one TikTok video that she dropped an average of 2.5 pounds a week and 15 pounds in 6 weeks by intermittent fasting, or “OMAD,” she reveals, which stands for “one meal a day. “The Lightly intermittent fasting app helps to keep everything on track,” she added.

In another video, she details what she eats in a day, starting at 2:00 pm with two glasses of green juice followed by a bowl of fruit. For her main meal of the day, “dinner,” she eats at 4:00 pm and enjoys spicy vodka pasta with a grilled chicken breast on top. At 5:30 pm, she drinks two Premiere Protein shakes.

Nour T Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months by Eating Less

@nourrtann

the best weight loss hack, have you heard of it before? #volumeeatinghack #volumeating #volumeeatinghacks #weightlosshacks #sustainableweightlosstips #sustainableweightlosstip #realisticweightlossmeals

Nour T (@nourrtann/) lost a whopping 40 pounds in just five months with one simple habit. In one of her viral videos, she reveals that no matter what diet you want to go on, simply eating less will result in weight loss. “One thing I will say: Keto, paleo, Atkins, high protein, low fat, low carb, whatever it is, they all work. They all work because you're probably eating less,” she continues. “And also, please remember that eating healthy and eating to lose weight are completely different things.”

She Also Started Volume Eating

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

“In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” Nour continues. “You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low-calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. Another example? “Instead of having a whole serving of pasta, you would split it in half and then have zoodles,” she adds, explaining that you would mix in your cauliflower rice with your rice or zucchini noodles with your noodles. “You're eating the same exact amount as you would've, but the calories you're cut in half, and you're allowing yourself to eat much more vegetables, which are good for you,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds Doing the 75 Hard Method

Briana Farnsworth Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months by Interval Training on a Treadmill

@brianafarnsworthx

Replying to @$ I like to implement other workouts everyone now and then but I swear by walks!! #walkingroutine #hotgirlwalks #slimlegs #slimarms #weightloss #modelworkout #modelroutine #modelarms

Briana Farnsworth (@brianafarnsworthx) lost a whopping 30 pounds in three months just by walking. “People literally don't believe me when I tell them that I changed my body from this to this just by walking alone,” she says in the clip. Her key to losing weight with walking is doing interval training on an incline. “So my treadmill has this option here, it's called Fat Burner, and I love this one. It alternates between the incline of 1.5 to 4.5, and then I usually keep my speed between 3 and 4,” she explains, adding that if you don’t have that option, you can manually change the incline and speed accordingly.

Blake Also Amped Up His Fiber Intake

Healthy natural ingredients containing dietary fiber. Healthy high fiber diet eating concept with antioxidants and vitaminsShutterstock

Blake (@thenutritionnarc) offers another weight loss tip that helped him get in shape, “eat more fiber,” he says. This is probably one of the most underrated macronutrients. It's not a macronutrient, but it is one of the most underrated things you can eat. It will not only keep you full, it'll improve your gut microbiome health, and it'll also keep you regular,” he explains.

Keisha Lost 40 Pounds in One Month by Filling Up on Healthy Fats

@kickweightwithkeisha

#grocerylist #kickweightwithkeisha @Kick Weight With Keisha

Keisha (@kickweightwithkeisha) is a diet and fitness influencer who lost 40 pounds in just one month. She claims that amping up her intake of healthy fats was instrumental in her weight loss. “Fats are going to consist of things like avocados, olive oil, avocado oil, butter, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and cheese,” she says.

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

And, by Cutting Out Added Sugar

Coffee blended with ghee butter and MCT coconut oil, paleo, keto, ketogenic drink breakfast.Shutterstock

“Now, the only thing that I drank, water, tea, and coffee,” she continued. However she avoided buying calorie-heavy sweeteners. “Okay, if you're going to do sugar for your tea and your coffee, you want to do a natural sugar substitute, which are things like Stevia, monk, fruit, Truvia,” she says.

Amber Clemens Lost 160 Pounds by Eating Fast Food

@amber_c_fitness

Something I still struggle with after losing 160 pounds ❤️ #weightloss #weightlossstruggle #growingupfat #beforeandafter #fatphobia #thinprivilege

Amber Clemens (@amber_c_fitness) is a weight loss warrior and influencer on TikTok who lost a whopping 160 pounds while still eating fast food. In a viral video, she describes her before meal at Wendy’s: A Four for Four meal with a Junior cheeseburger, four piece chicken nugget, a small fry, “and I would actually order an additional six piece nugget because I wanted 10 and I would get a large root beer and that one meal would be 1,450 calories,” she says, noting “that's not including any dipping sauces that I would get to dip this stuff in, but I couldn't find the nutrition information for that.”

Now, she chooses from two lower calorie alternatives, the apple pecan salad “because it's so filling,” she says. “You get a high volume of food for about 550 calories.” Her other option is a six piece nugget and a small fry paired with a medium light lemonade. “And you can get that meal for 545 calories,” she says. “It's not about cutting things out, it's about finding things that you like equally as much, making swaps in moderation,” she points out. Read about more of her swaps here.

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.

A TikToker who goes by Vegan of the Sea lost 40 pounds and turned her health around after adopting an oil-free, vegan diet. “Had you told me I’d end up a vegan one day, I’d say you’re crazy, but here I am. I feel more energized than ever, and I love knowing I’m nourishing my body with every bite I take of food,” she captioned a post. So how exactly did she lose weight and keep it off for almost three years now? Here’s what she eats every day to be fit, happy, and healthy.


No Oils!

@vegan.of.the.sea

I completely changed my life by switching to an oil-free plant based diet and I lost 40 pounds in doing so! Had you told me I’d end up a vegan one day, I’d say you’re crazy, but here I am. I feel more energized than ever, and I love knowing I’m nourishing my body with every bite I take of food. How did I lose the weight? I switched to an oil free, vegan, high carb, low fat diet. Yes, even healthy fats for weight loss. I now incorporate more fats than I used to, but I still exclude oil. Why no oil? Because it’s the most calorie dense food in the planet. One tbsp of oil has 119 calories! And who stops at just one? You could eat 4 cups of broccoli for the same amount of calories! Is it starting to make sense now? I’ve eaten this way for 2.5 years now and I’m filled with delicious vegan recipes I want to share with you! Follow along for healthy, veggie filled meals! #vegan #plantbased #weightloss

There is no oil in this vegan’s diet. “I switched to an oil-free, vegan, high-carb, low-fat diet. Yes, even healthy fats are good for weight loss. I now incorporate more fats than I used to, but I still exclude oil,” she says. “Why no oil? Because it’s the most calorie-dense food on the planet. One tbsp of oil has 119 calories! And who stops at just one? You could eat 4 cups of broccoli for the same amount of calories! Is it starting to make sense now?”

Lots of Vegetables

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.Shutterstock

This influencer loves filling up on non-starchy vegetables. “No, I don’t eat only bread and potatoes, but they literally make up half of my diet,” she captioned a video. “The other half? Non-starchy vegetables. By eating this way, you are going to be full and satisfied, cut out cravings, eat as much as you want, and still lose weight.”

Variety of Foods

@its_ali91

Prayer Over Your Day 💗✝️🙏🏻 #motivationalchristiantiktok #powerfulchristianmessages #biblicaltiktok #christianwomenmotivation #trendingchristiantiktokvideos #tiktokviralsongsgospel #popularchristiancontent #tiktokchristianworship #christiantok #christiangirltiktok #christiantiktoker #christianitytiktok #christiantiktok #christiantiktokcommunity #tiktokchristian #christiantiktoks #christiantiktokertiktokforchrist #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #viraltiktok #viral_video #viralvideos #christian #christianmotivation #jesusisking #christjesus #jesuschristislord #jesusislord #prayer #prayerwarriors #childofgod #jesus #jesuslovesvou #faith #holyspirit #worship #praise #fypp #fypviraltiktok🖤シ゚☆♡ #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #virall #viraltiktokr #trending #trendingvideo #trendingsong #trendingsound #trendingtiktok

This TikToker never feels deprived on a vegan diet thanks to the wide variety of foods she eats.

“What can you make out of these ingredients? Everything! Pizza, pasta, enchiladas, Pad Thai, sushi, desserts, burritos, soup, casseroles! Everything!” she says.

No Fake Vegan Foods

Fruit,Market,Fresh,Fruits,Vegetables,market,farmers,farm,Shutterstock

This TikToker sticks to real whole foods, not fake ultra-processed vegan meat alternatives. “Yes I’m vegan, but stick to a whole food, high starch, low fat plant based diet also known as the starch solution,” she says.

Mindful of Fats

Ripe,Avocados,In,Hands,Against,The,Background,Of,Boxes,WithShutterstock

Vegan of the Sea says she would rather eat an avocado than have avocado oil. “I limit my fat intake,” she says in a caption. “Even my healthy fats. So even though nuts and avocados are vegan, they pack a lot of calories per pound. So I limit these high calorie, fatty foods.”

No Calorie Counting

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

While this TikToker is mindful of high-calorie fats, she doesn’t count calories in her daily diet. “I have lost the weight from calorie density eating,” she says in a caption. “So I eat an abundance of foods low in calories. This way of eating allows me to eat as much as I want without counting calories.”

Adapting Recipes

Unrecognizable woman is looking for recipes in cookbook.Shutterstock

This TikToker knows how to adapt her favorite meals to be plant-based and delicious. She simply substituted certain ingredients to make it healthier. “I create meals I love, without the ingredients that add an abundance of calories that don’t fill me up,” she says.

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

High Quantity

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Vegan of the Sea says being able to eat as much as she likes while still losing weight has been a game changer. She works out consistently but doesn’t beat herself up if she skips a workout if she’s tired. “Find what works for YOU,” she says.

50/50 Plate

@vegan.of.the.sea

‼️The foods I stopped eating and lost 40 lbs‼️ And kept it off for 2.5 years! I still eat the foods I love and eat as much as I want, whenever I want, without counting calories. I’ve realized I’m a quantity eater and I don’t want to eat only half my meal. I want to eat until I’m full and this way of eating allows me to do that, making it sustainable for me. I follow a few rules when eating. As long as I stick to these rules, the weight has come off and stayed off. 1️⃣ I don’t eat oil. Yep! Oil is the most calorie dense food on the planet. 4,000 calories per pound. I’d rather eat foods that are actually going to fill me up. One potato is about the same calories as 1 tbsp of oil! A potato is one of the most filling foods on the planet! I’d rather eat the potato and feel full and satisfied for hours. 2️⃣ I eat a plant based diet. I don’t eat any animal products and avoid overly processed vegan foods like fake meats and cheeses. 3️⃣ I keep the fats low. Even healthy fats. Again, it comes down to calorie density. Fats have more calories per pound than protein and carbs. So be careful when consuming nuts, avacado, coconut…etc. 4️⃣ I do the 50/50 plate. I make sure half of my plate is a non starchy veggie and the other half is a starch (ie potatoes, beans, rice, banza pasta etc) By not dressing your foods with a bunch of fats and oil, eating this way guarantees your meal will be low in calories and you will be able to eat an abundance of food until you are full and satisfied so DON’T be scared of carbs! They are what’s going to keep you full and satisfied for hours. I know this way of eating sounds extreme at first, but it truly is so easy once you get the hang of it. Stop focusing on the things you can’t have and start focusing on the foods you CAN! Because you can still eat SO much! I eat tacos, sushi, pasta etc. And I can almost guarantee you’re going to feel amazing since you’re nourishing your body and most likely dropping extra pounds. Follow @vegan.of.the.sea for oil-free, vegan recipes! 🌱 I’ve lost 40 lbs and kept it off for 2.5 years by switching to an oil-free, plant based diet! #weightlosstips #veganweightloss

This TikToker follows what she calls the “50/50” plate. This means half of her plate is a healthy starch, and the other is a non-starchy vegetable. “This allows me to eat as much as I want and not overconsume calories. The mass quantity of food will fill you up, and the starches will keep you full for hours,” she says.

Avoiding White Flour

Flour in burlap bag on cutting board and wooden table backgroundShutterstock

Vegan of the Sea avoids white flour options and focuses on high-fiber ones instead. “I play around with chickpea flour, oat flour, lentil and bean pasta, corn or brown rice tortillas, Ezekiel bread…etc,” she says in a caption. “These foods have more fiber and nutrients than white flour and will aid in your weight loss.”

RELATED: I Lost 9 Pounds on the Whole30 Diet and Here's How

Beautiful Skin and Energy

Tired woman looking her eye bags in the bathroom.Shutterstock

This TikToker says losing weight is just a small part of the benefits she gets from her new lifestyle. She sees improvements in her skin and energy levels and is in the best shape of her life. “It didn’t happen overnight, but I found a lifestyle that was doable for me,” she says.

Meal Prepping

Healthy,Meal,Prep,Containers,,Green,Beans,,Chicken,Breast,diet,cooking,kitchenShutterstock

Vegan of the Sea is a big fan of meal prepping, making big batches every time. This way, there is always something healthy to snack on. “Eating this way, you literally eat as much as you want, whenever you want, as long as you’re eating the right food,” she says.

Diet Before Exercise

Woman,lifting,dumbbells,Weight,fitness,gym,exercise, weightsShutterstock

This TikToker feels that diet is far more important for her weight loss than exercise. She became physically active later in her weight loss journey. “I started slow and worked my way up, but my success has come mostly from my diet,” she says.

She Loves Potatoes

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Vegan of the Sea recommends eating plenty of potatoes but avoiding high-calorie toppings. “Did you know potatoes are the most filling food on the planet? Believe me! Eat more potatoes, and you’ll lose weight because you just won’t be hungry!” she says.

RELATED: 10 Foods That Are Making You Gain Weight

Consistency Is Key

@vegan.of.the.sea

But wait❗️There’s more👇 Yes! You can eat carbs and still lose weight! You can actually eat mostly carbs and lose weight! Just hear me out! 1 cup of rice = 206 calories 1 cup of oil = 1,910 calories 1 cup of butter = 1,627 1 cup of cheese = 531 calories 1 cup of avocado = 384 calories 1 cup mixed nuts = 813 calories 1 cup of ground beef = 339 calories The starches aren’t the problem! In fact, our ancestors thrived off of a starch heavy diet! No I don’t eat only bread and potatoes, but they literally make up half of my diet. The other half? Non starchy vegetables. By eating this way, you are going to be full and satisfied, cut out cravings, eat as much as you want and still lose weight. What can you make out of these ingredients? Everything! Pizza, pasta, enchiladas, phad Thai, sushi, desserts, burritos, soup, casseroles! Everything! Things I don’t eat Animal products! So no eggs, dairy or meat. I am completely vegan. Oil! Oil is the most calorie dense food on the planet. Offers no fiber and almost no nutritional value. I’d rather eat an avocado, not avocado oil. But with that said, I limit my fat intake. Even my healthy fats. So even though nuts and avocado are vegan, they pack a lot of calories per pound. So I limit these high calorie, fatty foods. No fake vegan foods. Yes I’m vegan, but stick to a whole food, high starch, low fat plant based diet also known as the starch solution. Before hating on it, look into it! This way of eating was created by a doctor and has helped thousands of people lose weight and cure Illnesses. And yes! I get plenty of protein! Follow @vegan.of.the.sea for more oil-free, vegan recipes! 🌱 I’ve lost 40 lbs and kept it off for 2.5 years by switching to an oil-free, plant based diet! #weightlosstips #veganweightlosstips

This TikToker was successful because she found something that worked for her long term.

“It’s the only thing that's ever worked for me, and I’ve kept the weight off for 2.5 years. Enjoy it, or it won’t last,” she captioned a post.

💪🔥Body Booster: Fake vegan products tend to be ultra-processed—stick to whole foods instead.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

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

Do you want to lose 10 pounds a month simply by making a few simple changes to your diet? Xiaoma is “a polyglot who has studied dozens of languages,” according to his YouTube profile, who lost 40 pounds in 4 months when he decided to “seriously start losing weight.” Xiaoma explains that he went from 187 to 150. “I've lost a good 40 pounds,” he says. Here is what he did.


Exercise Isn’t the Key to Losing Weight

“For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think about losing weight is exercise. But I had already learned that exercise was not a stepping stone to losing weight. In fact, for me, it was the opposite. Like, the more I exercised, the more weight I gained because the hungrier I got, the more I allowed myself to eat,” he explains.

It Is “A Hundred Percent Diet,” He Says

Bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

“My big realization was that it was a hundred percent diet,” he says. Before, he would eat “multiple pieces of toast or bagels or lots of butter and cheese and multiple eggs fried in butter” for breakfast. And, for dinner, “whatever he wanted. “It usually ended up being like big bowls, cheesy pasta, or like the most delicious pizza I could get my hands on, just like really rich fatty foods, which I somehow convinced myself was okay because saturated fat is all keto and good for you these days.”

First, He Amped Up His Veggie Intake

Raw vegetables background. Healthy organic food concept.Shutterstock

“The first thing that I did was I had a call with my nutritionist,” he continues. She advised him to eat more vegetables. “It didn't really make sense to me at first because I was like, what do vegetables have to do with losing weight? Like, I just, I didn't really get it, but I was like, okay, so I'll humor you. I'll eat some more vegetables.”

RELATED:What's Better: High-Protein or Low-Carb Diet for Weight Loss?

He Ate Veggies Before Other Food

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He started with making sure half of every meal was veggies, “and that would be the first thing that I ate,” he says. “I realized pretty quickly that it actually is a great way to lose weight because what you're doing is filling your body with nutritious fiber and crowding out room for all the other rich fatty foods. You're kind of filling yourself up in advance.”

He Realized That He Used to Eat Too Much “Rich and Fatty” Food

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He came to a realization. “I realized what the root of my problem was, that I would just let myself eat as much rich and fatty food as possible, and I would be absolutely stuffed with every meal,” he says.

RELATED:I Reduced My Size from 16 to 6 in 9 Months with One Simple Lunch Change

He Changed the Type of Carbs He Ate

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The other major change he made was the type of carbs he ate. “Most of my carbs, rather than coming from grains, came from whole recognizable beans or legumes. I eliminated all processed carbs from my diet. So, no more bread. I completely stopped eating bread. No more cookies, no cakes, nothing like that. No soda, obviously. No, no candy, no processed foods of any kind. That wasn't a huge problem for me before. But bread was a big problem. And so what I replaced it with was just essentially these slow carbs, like chickpeas. I had a lot of chickpeas and lentils.”

He Stuck to Whole Foods

Gourmet portion of thick juicy fresh salmon grilling on a griddle seasoned with lemon zest, herbs and spices in a low angle view with copyspace and rising steamShutterstock

“The core principle for what I was to eat just became whole foods, like as minimally processed as possible—calorically dense foods. I try to eliminate to the maximum extent possible, less fatty meat and more whole grain carbs like oatmeal,” he says.

He Also Ate “Unappetizing” Meals

Man eatsShutterstock

He admits that some of his meals are a “little bit unappetizing,” which is “actually the point,” he says. “I wanted to eat food that was as kind of unappetizing but nevertheless still healthy as possible.” Why? “I felt like it was a pretty easy way to lose weight if the food became much less appetizing because I always really enjoyed eating.”

RELATED:10 Quick and Simple Steps to Losing 10 Pounds of Fat, According to a Metabolism Expert

He Started Weighing Himself Daily

White scale on a wooden table top view, fitness and weight loss conceptShutterstock

“That became, that became a core part of my ethos. I started weighing myself every single day. I mean, I started losing weight immediately, but you know, like the first week I lost like several pounds. Here I am, having lost 40 pounds four months later. And honestly, it feels really good.”

Follow Xiaoma on Social Media

For more on Xiaoma, you can follow him on social media. He is on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

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

Do you want to lose 44 pounds in three months? It may be as simple as incorporating some healthy habits into your lifestyle. Talia Fawaz is a social media influencer who boasts over 147,000 followers on Instagram, sharing about everything from her lifestyle to how she stays in shape. She recently posted a viral video about her weight loss, revealing how she lost an average of nearly 15 pounds per month. Here are ten changes she made to her lifestyle to lose weight.


I Focused on Changing My Diet

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“First things first is food,” Talia says in the video. “I feel like food is actually super obvious.” She explains that if you don’t eat well and expect to lose weight, “it's not gonna happen.” She adds that she started losing weight by eating healthier.

It’s also “really important to know what you're eating, so I would definitely recommend eating at home and cutting out the outside food,” she says. “I wouldn't say cut it out completely, eat like once in a week, something you like from out, but most importantly is like eating at home because I feel like you really know what's in your food and I feel like, it's like a less likely chance that there are some ingredients there that you don't know that could be like stopping you from your weight loss goals.”

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

I Implemented Volume Eating

Green,Fresh,Vegetable,Broccoli.,Fresh,Green,BroccoliShutterstock

Another one of her tricks? “I did a lot of volume eating,” says Talia. “I ate a lot of broccoli,” she continued. “I had a lot of salads, I had a lot of spinach, I had a lot of lettuce, cauliflower, and so many vegetables that will actually keep me full for a long time.”

I Amped Up My Protein Intake

Grilled sea bass fillet with salad and potatoes on stone tableShutterstock

She also amped up protein, consuming it “with each and every dish of mine,” she says. “Sea bass fish, broccoli, and a salad would be like my lunch. Like that was a truly a daily thing, and I actually enjoyed it so much.” She recommends pairing a protein with “just volume, volume fruits if that makes sense.”

RELATED: How I Lost 30 Pounds in 90 Days on the Mediterranean Diet

I Practiced Self-Discipline

Young sportive woman getting ready to start running workout - Athlete running outdoors at sunset - Attractive girl making sport to lose weight and stay fitShutterstock

“Commitment and self-discipline” are also key, she says. “A lot of people ask me, ‘How are you motivated?’” she says. “Like it's literally a war in your head.” But instead of saying that you will start tomorrow, you have to be unwilling to give up.

I Maintained a Positive Mindset

Portrait of positive inspired girl hipster lick lips spoon look copyspace feel interested about what she will eat breakfast wear white t-shirt isolated over bright shine yellow color backgroundShutterstock

You also need a “positive mindset” towards weight loss. This might involve not listening to your head, or if you do, and decide you want McDonald’s, get back on track the next day without beating yourself up.

I Had a Balanced Approach

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

It’s also important to have “a balance,” says Talia. ”So it would be more like a lifestyle thing rather than a diet for a short period of time.” You can't have the mindset where you diet for a month and then eat whatever you want. “You have to make it like a lifestyle change.”

I Exercised

Attractive sports people are working out with dumbbells in gymShutterstock

She also started working out. “I did not have access to a gym like when I was trying to lose weight. So I would literally jog around my compound, jog around my area for about an hour or 30 minutes, and it was actually really fun. It wasn't like sprinting or jogging; it was usually like light jogging,” she revealed. She recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day to “slowly progress towards your goals.”

RELATED: 17 Ways Your Body Reacts When You Quit Ozempic

I Made It a Lifestyle Change

fitness, sport, people, exercising and lifestyle concept - happy man and woman doing jumping jack or star jump exercise outdoorsShutterstock

She emphasizes the importance of making it “more of a lifestyle change” and not being overly restrictive. “Just don't, don't restrict yourself and make it more of a lifestyle thing than a temporary thing because that's the only way it's gonna work.”

Finally, “Make this a fun journey,” she says. “You know, I feel like cooking is so therapeutic, so make it fun. If you want a cake, make it a healthy cake. If you want pizza, make it healthy pizza. All the recipes are all online.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Eat plenty of low-calorie, high-volume foods like broccoli, salads, spinach, lettuce, and cauliflower to feel full for longer. These vegetables are great for weight loss as they keep you satisfied without adding many calories to your diet.

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Are you trying to lose weight, but aren’t sure what to ditch from your diet? Stanley Bronstein is an author and weight loss expert who lost 220 pounds. The self-proclaimed “Been There, Done That, Weight-Loss Expert, who is launching the Million Pound Weight Loss Challenge on June 1, 2025, recently sat down with Body Network and revealed his top tips, including 5 simple food swaps he made to lose 30 pounds.

I Swapped Diet Soda For Water

Middle age man drinking glass of water sitting on sofa at homeShutterstock

“When I first started my weight loss journey, one of the very first things I did was stop drinking sodas. Picture this – I was drinking three big bottles (2 liters each) of Diet, Caffeine Free soda.

I knew from reading many studies that diet soda was supposed to be just as bad (if not worse) than regular soda. So I quit drinking it and started drinking water instead. That was 16 years (and 175 pounds ago – I was 320 pounds at the time). If you go back to 1990, I was even larger (367 pounds). I haven’t had a soda since. It took a while to get used to the change, but now I don’t miss them at all,” he says.

I Swapped White Rice For Brown Rice and Other Grains

Natural,White,And,Brown,Long,Rice,In,Wood,Spoons.​Refined Grains to Whole GrainsShutterstock

“Brown rice, which contains more nutrients and fiber, is a healthier choice for most people. Even better than brown rice are other grains, such as farro and barley. Barley has a glycemic index of only 28, which is one of the lowest among all grains. Farro has a glycemic index of only 45. Contrast this with a glycemic index of 73. The lower the glycemic index, the less your likelihood of Type II diabetes,” he reveals.

I Swapped Regular Milk For Almond Milk or Soy Milk

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

“Midway through my weight loss journey, I concluded, after reading many studies, that I needed to eliminate dairy from my diet. Be aware that while almond milk tastes great, it doesn’t have nearly the same amount of protein as either whole milk or soy milk. That’s why I prefer soy milk. It has slightly more protein than regular milk and roughly 7 times the protein of almond milk. Make sure you buy the unsweetened varieties of almond milk and soy milk. Any time you buy a flavored non-dairy milk, it will have lots of added sugar, and that’s not good (in my opinion),” he maintains.

I Swapped Ice Cream For Nice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.​Protein Ice CreamShutterstock

“You may ask, what’s Nice Cream? All you need to do is take a bunch of ripe bananas and put them in the freezer for about an hour. Don’t let them get frozen solid. Then take them out and throw them in the blender or food processor. Viola. You have banana-flavored ice cream that tastes delicious. While it still tastes sweet, all the sugars in nice cream are natural, as opposed to the refined sugars typically found in ice cream,” he says.

I Swapped Unsalted Raw Nuts For Roasted/Salted Ones

A variety of nuts in wooden bowls.​NutsShutterstock

“I’ll be the first to admit that roasted/salted nuts are delicious. No doubt about it. But did you know that most roasted nuts are roasted in some type of oil, such as peanut oil? That adds unnecessary fat to the mix. Plus, it’s even worse if they add salt to the mix. You might say raw, unsalted nuts don’t taste as good. Well, here’s a little trick. Lay them out on a baking pan and roast in the oven at 350 degrees until they start to turn brown (or use an air fryer if you have one). Then take them out and let them cool for about an hour. Roasting brings out the natural oils in the nuts, and they’re fantastic. But don’t eat too many, as they can be addictive,” he 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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Expert-Recommended

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

Are you eating enough protein? There are some signs to look out for. Crystal Zabka-Belsky, MS, RDN, CSSD, LMNT, LDN, from Clean Eatz, explains that protein is essential. “As published in the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome, high-protein diets will not only promote muscle protein synthesis, but will also reduce fat mass for both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets,” she says. “It is essential to identify a long-term strategy to meet daily protein needs.” Here are eight signs you aren’t eating enough protein.

Loss of Lean Muscle Mass

Rear view of woman stretching her arm and shoulder, muscle loss

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The first sign is loss of lean muscle mass. “Loss of lean muscle mass is often a result of chronically low caloric intake and inadequate protein availability to restore muscle tissue consistently,” she says.

Bone Loss or Injury

Closeup of male arms holding his painful wrist caused by prolonged work on the computer, laptop. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, neurological disease concept. Numbness of the hand​ Warning Sign 3 Wrist Pain and WeaknessShutterstock

Another sign? Bone loss or injury. “A consequence of low protein intake that comes as a surprise to many people is bone compromise including stress fractures, osteopenia, and early onset of osteoporosis,” she says.

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

Eating More Empty Calories

Unhealthy.,Food,Bad,Processed,junk,fries,donut,candy, carbohydrates​Junk Foods: The Triple ThreatShutterstock

Are you eating more? “Inadequate protein intake can lead to excessive consumption of additional ‘empty calories’ that don’t promote natural satiety and lead to unwanted body fat gain,” she says.

Your Metabolism Slows Down

woman eats sweets at night to sneak in a refrigerator.​Breaking Free from Food ObsessionShutterstock

A slower metabolism is also a sign. “When protein intake doesn’t meet our body’s needs for ongoing muscle protein synthesis, our lean body mass starts to decline, leading to a reduced metabolic rate,” she says.

You Are Experiencing More Injuries

Female runner knee injury and pain.Beat Joint Pain in 2 Weeks With This Anti-Inflammatory DietShutterstock

Injuries can also occur if you don’t eat enough protein. “Protein plays an essential role in muscle protein synthesis, particularly food protein sources rich in the amino acid leucine. When adequate amino acids aren’t available to synthesize new muscle tissue after exercise, chronic injuries are much more likely to occur,” she says.

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

You Are Experiencing “Insatiable Hunger”

Sick,Man,Suffering,At,Home,From,Infection,And,Bad,Stomach,tummy,bloated, bloating, guts, overweight, obese​Sign 2: Pain Under Right RibsShutterstock

“Satiety, the natural feeling of fullness, is highly-related to protein intake due to the extended time period required for protein digestion. When individuals rely on high-carbohydrate foods, it results in a state of insatiable hunger,” she says.

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

Poor Exercise Recovery

Tired woman after a workout in the gym locker room​Overdoing Pre-WorkoutShutterstock

“There is a common misconception that protein is an energy source for exercise, but it only provides about 5% of our fuel. Protein is actually the primary source of nutrition for promoting recovery and if protein doesn’t follow exercise as a recovery strategy, one can expect chronic poor exercise recovery,” she says.

You Are Experiencing Nutrient Deficiencies

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Complete protein sources contain all 9 essential amino acids and a variety of nutrients for the body, including B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and B6), vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium. “If protein intake is deficient, it is highly likely that one will experience nutrient deficiencies,” she maintains. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Giuliana GoTherex | Strong for Life
Copyright GoTherex | Strong for Life/YouTube
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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.

As a 48-year-old woman dealing with menopause, Giuliana watched helplessly as her weight climbed despite regular exercise and careful eating. After gaining nearly 20 pounds over five years, she reached her breaking point at 143.8 pounds—the heaviest she'd ever been, even after three pregnancies. Working with her husband, Dr. Matt Reuschle, PT, DPT, CSCS from GoTherex, she finally found success with Mounjaro when traditional methods failed. Here's exactly how she dropped 20 pounds in just three months and, more importantly, the specific strategies she's using to maintain her results long-term.

Why Her Body Stopped Responding to Exercise

Despite maintaining an active lifestyle, Giuliana's weight continued climbing steadily year after year. "I used to be like 130, 128 pounds and I reached a point when I was almost 144," she explained to her husband. Standing at just 5'2", this weight wasn't healthy for her frame. Her daily three-mile walks and regular garage weightlifting sessions made no difference—the pounds kept accumulating regardless of her efforts.

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

When Hormones Take Over Your Metabolism

Adult woman fanning suffering heat stroke sitting in the livingroom at home7 Foods That Make Hot Flashes Worse During MenopauseShutterstock

Hormonal changes played the primary role in Giuliana's weight struggle. "I was pretty menopausal. All the gaining of the weight was due to my age and also because I was taking birth control pills," she realized. Even after switching from pills to an IUD to help with hormonal balance, the weight continued accumulating. She consulted with dieticians and tried various exercise regimens, but nothing stopped the scale from climbing upward.

Why Her Doctor Recommended Mounjaro Instead of Other Options

Mounjaro - Tirzepatide with injection pen is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to lose weight and control blood sugar. Copenhagen, Denmark - November 8, 2023.​What Research ShowsShutterstock

Dr. Matt selected Mounjaro specifically because of its impressive efficacy compared to other weight loss medications. "It's currently the best of the drugs available for weight loss," he explained to her. While older weight loss medications showed only 5-7% efficacy in research, Mounjaro affects both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, showing over 20% weight loss in studies. This dual-action mechanism made it the logical choice for someone like Giuliana who had the exercise portion mastered but struggled with dietary control despite best efforts.

Her Weekly Treatment Schedule

Basrah, Iraq - November 24, 2023: photo of Mounjaro Weight Loss Pen in hand​Understanding Your New Relationship with FoodShutterstock

Giuliana's treatment followed a structured approach with careful monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness. "Every week, at the same time, on the same day, I went to the doctor to get my shot," she committed to the process. A nurse administered the injection in her stomach, which was completely painless—much easier than she expected. Each visit included a full body composition analysis to track her progress beyond just weight. The medication dosage increased monthly for three months until she reached her goal weight, followed by a final month at a lower dosage to safely discontinue treatment.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

How She Tracked Every Change in Her Body

Measuring,Body,Composition,Balance,,Standing,On,The,Medical,Scales​A Science-Based ApproachShutterstock

Detailed body composition reports provided Giuliana with comprehensive insights beyond just the number on the scale. "The report included my body fat percentage, visceral fat, total body water, and muscle mass measurements for different body parts," giving her a complete picture of her changing body. Starting at 143.8 pounds with 30% body fat (and visceral fat at 7), her final report showed remarkable progress: 123.6 pounds with 24.6% body fat (visceral fat down to 5). Particularly encouraging was maintaining most of her muscle mass—losing less than one pound of muscle (from 29 to 28.1 pounds) while shedding nearly 20 pounds overall.

Side Effects She Experienced (And How She Managed Them)

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Unlike many Mounjaro users who experience severe nausea, Giuliana's experience was surprisingly different. "I never had any nausea, I never vomited. I think it's because I started with a lower dosage so my body was getting used to the medicine," which made the process much more manageable than she expected. However, she did struggle with significant constipation—sometimes going five days without a bowel movement, which was extremely uncomfortable. Through trial and error, she developed an effective remedy combining prune juice with Miralax, applesauce, and fiber-rich celery that finally provided relief when needed.

Why You Must Prioritize Protein While Taking Weight Loss Medication

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Dr. Matt emphasized that proper nutrition and exercise were absolutely essential companions to the medication—not optional add-ons. "We want to make sure that we're losing the weight that's most appropriate to lose," he explained, focusing on fat loss rather than just weight loss. The goal was specifically to preserve muscle mass while shedding fat, which required strategic intervention with her diet. "We need to stimulate muscle growth and muscle retention through your diet. So number one, we need to raise your protein," became Giuliana's daily focus even when she wasn't hungry. Additionally, resistance training provided the stimulus needed to maintain and build lean tissue, which keeps metabolism higher long-term.

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How Mounjaro Rewired Her Brain's Relationship With Food

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The most unexpected and valuable benefit Giuliana experienced was the complete elimination of food cravings that had haunted her for years. "The voice in my head that used to tell me before I took Mounjaro that I have cravings, those cravings haven't come back," even months after stopping the medication. This mental reset fundamentally changed her relationship with food—she now views it primarily as fuel rather than comfort or habit. Even during Christmas and holiday celebrations, she could enjoy treats in moderation without feeling out of control or derailing her progress, a freedom she hadn't experienced in years.

The Right Way to Transition Off Medication (Without Regaining Weight)

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Dr. Matt emphasized the crucial process of "reverse dieting" when transitioning off Mounjaro to prevent the weight regain that affects many people. "Maintain for two to four weeks before you ever go to raise your calories or decrease your activity levels once you reach your goal," he advised her with specific instructions. The transition period typically needs to equal the weight loss period—so her three months of weight loss required three months of careful transition to normal eating. This methodical approach prevents the metabolism from being shocked by sudden dietary changes, dramatically reducing the common risk of rapid weight regain after stopping medication.

How She's Building Sustainable Habits That Stick

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The key to maintaining Giuliana's results long-term lies entirely in the new habits she formed during treatment. "Mounjaro gives you a chance to build habits without those same mechanisms in the body that have been driving you towards the bad habits," Dr. Matt explained about the window of opportunity the medication provides. She's found that smaller portions and protein-focused meals have genuinely become her new normal without feeling like deprivation. The four months on medication provided enough time to establish these healthier patterns as automatic behaviors, making maintenance significantly more manageable now that her treatment has ended.

Why Professional Guidance Makes All the Difference

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From her experience, working with qualified health professionals rather than trying to navigate this journey alone made an enormous difference in Giuliana's success. "You want to look for people that are looking to improve your health, not just looking to get you to lose weight," Dr. Matt advises based on years of clinical experience. Quality professionals focus on creating sustainable environments for long-term success rather than just quick results, helping clients feel better, look better, and ultimately live better through permanent lifestyle changes rather than temporary fixes that lead to inevitable rebounds.

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The Complete Approach That Finally Worked For Her

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Giuliana's success ultimately came from addressing multiple health factors simultaneously rather than focusing exclusively on weight loss. "Health and fitness is more than just exercise. You're going to need to take a look at your diet, your stress levels, which includes how you sleep, and understand your blood and hormones," Dr. Matt explains about the approach that finally worked for her after years of frustration. This comprehensive method ensured that all potential obstacles to her weight management were identified and addressed, creating a foundation for lasting results beyond just the number on the scale. At 48, she finally feels like herself again—and more importantly, she has the tools to stay this way. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.