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Kelsey Wells Shows Off in Sports Bra and Reveals Secret to Getting in Shape

Here is how to get in shape.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Kelsey_Wells1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Are you trying to lean out and add some muscle to your physique? One of the biggest fitness misconceptions is that lifting weights will make you get “big” instead of lean – and fitness trainer and influencer Kelsey Wells is here to bust the myths surrounding “lean muscle” and weightlifting. In a new social media post the expert discusses the muscle growing concept with her over-3 million followers and reveals the secret to getting in shape.


There Is “No Such Thing” As Lean Muscle

Kelsey_Wells3kelseywells/Instagram

According to Wells, there is a major misconception about muscles. “First of all— There is no such thing as “lean muscle.” All muscle is lean,” she writes in the post.

People Use to the Term to Describe Having Visible Muscle with a Lower Body Fat Percentage

Kelsey_Wells2kelseywells/Instagram

“Usually when ‘growing lean muscle’ is marketed to you, it’s to sell you the aesthetic of not being ‘too bulky or manly’ (🙄🙄🙄 I’ve been called this or heard this more than I can count) and/or having visible muscle, with a lower body fat percentage,” she continues.

Getting “Big” Takes A LOT of Work

Kelsey_Wells4kelseywells/Instagram

“Listen. Growing A LOT of muscle mass takes A LOT of INTENTIONAL work-focused training and nutrition and eating in a caloric surplus— for an extended period of time! YEARS if doing so naturally and healthily,” she says.

RELATED: 7 Spices That Boost Metabolism and Cut Fat

You Won’t “Accidentally” Grow “Crazy Big Muscles”

Brutal fitness blond with a muscular, straining biceps and abdominal muscles in the gym, part of the fitness body. Sports and fitness - concept of healthy lifestyle. Fitness woman in the gym.Shutterstock

“And to all those who have that goal and focus and achieve it!? 😍💪⚡️ beautiful feminine superwomen. If that’s not the vibe for you personally? You don’t need to stress aka you will not ‘accidentally’ grow crazy big muscles,” she continues.

The More Muscle You Build, the More Calories You Will Burn

Fitness woman in sportswear trains shoulder muscles, doing dumbbell press while sitting on bench in gym. Back viewShutterstock

“My main point?? LIFTING WEIGHTS helps you build muscle, and the more muscle mass your body has, the higher your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). Therefore the more calories your body is burning even at rest! This (accompanied with eating adequate protein) is how you (over time!!!) shift your body composition to that ‘lean muscle’ people talk about,” Wells says.

Whatever You Do, Make Sure It Is “Healthy and Sustainable”

Close up of woman back with flexing her muscles in sweat on skin after workout. Female bodybuilder with perfect bicepsShutterstock

“I am ALL about helping women understand that fitness is SO MUCH MORE than aesthetic goals— and that changing something about your physique should only be a goal if it is gone about in HEALTHY and SUSTAINABLE ways, and with a HEALTHY MINDSET! Never from a place of lack or not-enough-ness,” she says.

RELATED: 7 Morning Routines That Help Shed Weight Quickly

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbellsShutterstock

“But I am ALSO all about helping LIFT STIGMAS surrounding women and weight training! And empowering them to GET IN THE GYM! And pick up some weights. There are SOOO many benefits, inside and out,” she concludes.

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t be afraid of lifting heavy weights. You aren’t going to “accidentally” bulk up.

More For You

Cameron_Brink1
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.

Cameron Brink is heating up the beaches of Baja with her abfab figure. In a new social media post the smoking hot WNBA star shows off her sensational body in a two-piece swimsuit as she frolics on the shoreline in Mexico with her fiancé, Ben Felter. “My Saturn has returned,” the Los Angeles Sparks player captioned the series of Instagram snaps. How does the 22-year-old athlete maintain her fit physique? Body Network rounded up all of her diet and exercise secrets.


The “Right Kind of Pressure” Drives Her

Cameron uses pressure to motivate her. “There’s always pressure,” Brink told the San Francisco Chronicle . “I’m good at putting more on myself. Even last year, I was so afraid to lose and I think that was the wrong kind of motivation. This year, I’m putting it into wanting to win and finding the right kind of pressure.”

Putting Her Mental Health First

Cameron stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health. “Everyone has their way of coping,” Brink told San Francisco Chronicle. “I’m really good about being vulnerable. Whenever I’m in a bad mood or not having a good day, people around me will know. Mental health should be seen as hygiene, like brushing your teeth every day; you should be checking in with yourself, so I haven’t been afraid to share that I’ve struggled mentally.”

She Loves Golfing

Cameron is a golfer. “Get off the fairway,” she captioned a recent Instagram snap. Picking up a club offers benefits, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. There are mind, body, and even lifespan perks. Benefits include improved longevity, decreased risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke, good mental health, and improved strength and balance.

RELATED:She Broke Up with These 5 Bad Habits at 46 and Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months

And, She Does Yoga

Cameron is a yogi. “Fueling my body, nourishing my mind,” she captioned the video of herself recentering. “Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s self-love. So let’s honor our bodies and minds, embracing the journey to optimal well-being.” According to Harvard Health, yoga is a great workout for many reasons. “Researchers found that people who practiced yoga for at least 30 minutes once a week for at least four years, gained less weight during middle adulthood,” they said. “People who were overweight actually lost weight. Overall, those who practiced yoga had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) compared with those who did not practice yoga. Researchers attributed this to mindfulness. Mindful eating can lead to a more positive relationship with food and eating.”

She Snacks on Applesauce

Cameron revealed to Women’s Health that she has a secret snacking weapon: applesauce pouches. “I swear it works,” she said. “If you feel ill and you need an energy kick, I just have an applesauce.”

Protein

As an athlete, Cameron prioritizes protein. For breakfast, she fuels up with an omelet, oatmeal, and a side of fruit. She also makes protein shakes with Optimum Nutrition’s vanilla whey. “Protein does a good job of keeping me full,” she says. “I don't feel like I'm hungry within the next hour, so that's good when you're playing.”

RELATED:10 Signs You’re Burning Fat, Not Muscle

She Keeps Her Body Fueled All Day Long

For lunch she pairs a protein with some form of complex carbohydrates and a vegetable. She is a big fan of Sweetgreen’s hot plates, like chicken with sweet potatoes. “I could be better about my greens, so I'll try to get greens in at lunch,” she says. After training she might snack on string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, packets of chia seeds, Barebells protein bars, or Mush’s ready-to-eat overnight oats for an extra carb boost. “I love stuff like overnight oats and protein bars, because it's just accessible.”

She Stresses the Importance of Hydration

Cameron tries to drink her body weight in ounces of water every day. “I'm a huge electrolyte girl,” she says. “Any way I can get in extra electrolytes with a yummy flavor, I'm super into.” She maintains that hydration is key for her performance on the court. “Until you kind of know—you're like, 'I finally feel hydrated'—that's when it clicks,” she says. “It really makes the biggest difference.”

She Eats What She Loves

Cameron admits she’s “not the healthiest eater” but focuses on eating what she loves while front-loading her diet with protein and greens. “I'm definitely about eating balanced and healthy, but also ,I eat a lot of my guilty pleasures for sure,” she says. “It's all about eating enough and feeling myself and feeling good.”

RELATED:She Walked 30 Days With a Weighted Vest and Learned 5 Critical Mistakes

And of Course, She Plays Basketball

As a professional basketball player, Cameron spends most of her time burning calories on the court. “Basketball promotes speed, agility, strength, power and endurance. It [has] also been shown to increase flexibility and motor coordination. As a result, basketball is uniquely oriented to improve fundamental motor skills that are shown to be beneficial in promoting general health,” Koco Eaton, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, founder of Eaton Orthopaedics and a former basketball player, tells Nike. 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.

Workouts don’t have to be complicated to be effective, and they don’t have to be long. Brianna Joye is a fitness trainer and the founder of City Girls Who Walk, who has a following of over 1.1 million people on Instagram. She is famous for sharing her realistic workouts that help people get into shape fast. One of her recent videos promises a full upper body and torso workout in just a few exercises. “3 moves to sculpt your arms & waistline,” she writes in the video, adding in the caption that her “fav exercises” will help you get a “strong core.” Here is what you need to know about the workout – and everything else about Brianna’s approach to fitness and diet.


3 Moves to Shape Your Arms and Waistline

She suggests doing three rounds of the exercises.

  • Plank pull through x 12
  • Wood chopper x 12 (Don’t forget to do the other side, she reminds)
  • Russian twist x 12

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

briannajoye_fitness-1briannajoye_fitness/TikTok

Brianna reveals what she eats in a day in a TikTok video. For breakfast, she eats sliced bananas and a spoonful of peanut butter. Next up a snack of greek yogurt, walnuts, honey and berries, followed up by a Koia protein shake. For lunch she has a spicy chicken caesar lettuce wrap, and dinner, a harvest bowl with sliced chicken, broccoli, sweet potato, and avocado topped with hot honey. And dessert? A donut!

Related: Can't Lose Weight Despite Eating Less? This Could Be Why

She Goes Running

Rear view of young woman walking on treadmillShutterstock

Brianna runs on the treadmill. According to the Mayo Clinic, running is great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say.

She Drinks This “Debloating” Green Juice

briannajoye_fitness-2briannajoye_fitness/Instagram

In an Instagram video Brianna revealed her recipe for a “debloating” green drink. The “best green juice recipe” starts with a cup of pineapple. “We're doing two lemons, just a couple pieces of ginger, a couple pieces of celery, and one whole cucumber. We're just going to put it all in one handful of organic spinach, and then we are using some coconut water (“for some added electrolytes”) but you can also use water. Then, you blend the mixture. “Once it's blended, you're just going to pour it into a bowl, and then you want a strainer on top of it. I'm just using a cheesecloth. Then you're just going to lift, so all the pulp gets out of it and we're just going to squeeze,” she says.

Related: 6 Important Things You Should Consider Before Getting Breast Augmentation

She Makes Healthier Versions of Her Favorite Meals

briannajoye_fitness-3briannajoye_fitness/Instagram

Another habit of Brianna’s is making healthier versions of her favorite foods. For example, she has shared recipes for “healthier hot Cheetos,” pasta chips, and Big Mac low-carb, high protein taco burgers.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you don’t have a lot of time to invest in exercise, try doing mini workouts – like Brianna’s – a few times a day.

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.

Alex Rice is on fire in her latest workout video. In a new social media post the certified personal trainer and fitness influencer, who boasts over 1.1 million Instagram followers, shows off her enviable figure – including her rock hard abs – in a sports bra and leggings while executing an upper body workout. “You go girl! Hit those spicy spots. Keep rocking it! 🔥” commented Alexia Clark. “Those chest press dumbbells are as big as you are!! 😍” added Olivia Ostrom. Here is everything you need to know about her routine and all of her other health and fitness habits.


She Warms Up

“Let’s warm up for leg day 🔥 your body will thank you!!” she captioned a post. “Most people know they should warm up, but don’t always know where to begin! I got youuu 🫡 you don’t have to do this exact routine, but I’m hoping it will give you some ideas for your warm up. She explained that her “warm up is usually circuit style” and that she does 2 to 3 rounds “about 10 reps each side.”

Related: I’m a Dietitian and I Lost 100 Pounds With These Delicious Foods

She Eats Overnight Oats

Alex recently shared her recipe for peanut butter and jelly overnight oats.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Old fashioned Oats
  • 1/2 Milk of choice (I start with a 1/2 cup and add more if/when needed)
  • 1 scoop @youcanbeam vanilla soft serve protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon PB
  • 1 tablespoon your choice of jelly
  • Topping: chopped strawberries

Directions:

  • Add milk, chia seeds, honey and stir to combine
  • Stir in your protein powder and oats
  • Add your PB& J and swirl it in (don’t mix it in completely- the goal is to have swirls of pb&j throughout)
  • Store in fridge in an air right container overnight or at least 3 hours
  • Add your toppings when you’re ready to eat 🍓

She Isn’t Afraid of “Putting on too Much Muscle”

Alex is not afraid of “putting on too much muscle” by lifting weights. “Workout however you want to, I stand by that!!! But to answer your question, no I’m not worried about putting on too much muscle, thank you! Plus, I wish putting on muscle was that easy,” she says in a post.

She Started Her Journey with “Cardio and Abs”

Alex recommends starting small before working your way up to heavy weights. “I feel my strongest when I’m lowering my barbell to the ground or holding 45lb plates in each hand 😅but I did start at the gym doing cardio and abs. Eventually made my way to lifting and never looked back!!” she captioned a post.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

She Doesn’t Rush Through Her Workouts

Alex recommends taking your time when working out. “Take your workouts to the next level 😮‍💨 It’s easy to rush through a workout, but keep things controlled! Don’t let yourself go on autopilot when you’re lifting. Focus on that mind to muscle connection!” she wrote in a post, adding that you should not give up and instead, “push for that extra 1 or 2 reps,” and “do the exercises that are hard for you. It’s ok to fail, but how will you progress if you don’t keep trying!” she says.

Related: #1 Trick to Feel Full, Energized and Satisfied While Eating Food You Love, According to Nutritionist

Here Is Her Upper Body Workout

In her recent post, Alex shares an upper body workout. “We’re focusing on boulder shoulders, chest, and triceps! You can do this one at the gym or at home, let’s gooooo,” she writes in the caption.

FULL WORKOUT:

  • 1a. Push Ups 4 sets | 10-12 reps *last set to failure*
  • 2a. DB Seated Shoulder Press 3 sets | 6-8 reps
  • 3a. Alt. Chest Press 3 sets | 8-10 (each) reps
  • 4a. OH single arm Tricep Extensions 3 sets | 10-12 reps

FINISHER:

  • 5a. Plate Twists 3 sets | 30 sec
  • 5b. ISO Hold Shoulder Press 3 sets | 30 sec

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t race through your workouts. Going slow and focusing on form can be just as effective – if not more – than going at a faster pace.

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.

Brittne Jackson, aka Brittne Babe, is showing off her guns – in workout gear. In a new social media post the “Queen of the Home Workouts” flaunts her famous figure in body-skimming exercise clothes as she executes a bunch of pushups. “Crank That (Soulja Boy) Push-up Challenge🔥(Save & Try it) Can you complete this challenge? Share with a friend to give this a try!😎💪” she captioned the Instagram Reel.


She Works Out Three Times a Week

Brittne exercises like it is her job – because it is. “I work out at least 3 times a week (when I film). I create the workout plans for my babes in my BrittCamp, in full length. I love to share with my followers how my body is being shaped with the exercises I do. That’s why the workouts that you see on my Instagram account are the workouts I do to create my physique,” she told Women’s Best.

Related: Rebecca Louise in Workout Clothes Shares “Six Pack Abs” Workout

She Was “Born Into Fitness”

Brittne was “born into fitness,” she says. “I was enrolled in dancing school at 2 years old, ran cross country in middle school, and soared off with track & field in the 200M and 4x200M relay events throughout high school/ college. Fitness was always my lifestyle so that part came natural. However, I started taking the health part seriously once I entered the industry 10 years ago. I LOVE what I do and helping along the way!”

She Doesn’t Believe in the Word Diet

Brittne_babe_Jackson7brittnebabe/Instagram

“I do not believe in the word diet. I eat what I feel like eating in moderation,” she told Women’s Best. She drinks a protein shake daily. “I eat a salad a day and drink a lot of water,” she says. “My dinner usually contains rice, protein, and greens so I eat pretty healthy by default.” She also avoids cheat days. “I live my life on my terms. I focus on making healthy choices the majority of the week and have ice cream, brownies or cheesecake if I am out for dinner.”

She Does This Full Body Dumbbell Only Workout

Brittne_babe_Jackson3brittnebabe/Instagram

Brittne recently unveiled her full body dumbbell only workout. She recommends doing 3 rounds of each, 60 seconds each round, and taking a 90 second rest in between each round.

  1. In & Out Squat Raise
  2. Alt Reverse Lunge - Front Raise
  3. Reverse Plank Knee In
  4. Alt Cross Dumbbell Row - Squat
  5. Not So Average Squat Raise

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Meal Prep

Brittne_babe_Jackson5brittnebabe/Instagram

Brittne meal preps. “My favorite prep meal is brown rice, chicken, and baby spinach,” she says. Her tips for first time food preppers? “Create a menu based on the plan what you would like to eat and how much time you can spend on healthy cooking and meal preparation. Then create your shopping list that includes all the ingredients. Stay away from a bunch of recipes at the beginning because you do not want to get overwhelmed. Keep your food prep menu super simple and make sure that the meals include protein, greens, and carb,” she says.

Studies have found that 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.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are truly committed to losing weight, you should try food prepping, as you will be more likely to eat healthier food and stick to your meal plan.

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.

Krissy Cela is making a case for weightlifting – showing off her tiny waist. In a new social media post the fitness influencer and co-founder of EvolveYou draws attention to her chiseled midsection and reveals the workout responsible for it. “I understand fitness trends come and go… I get you’ve been told by many people on viral videos to stop lifting heavy because it’s not feminine and maybe you’ve even been told the gym isn’t a fashion show,” she writes. “Hate to break it to you but if you want longevity in your health lifting weights is important, sure it gives you muscles but it’s beneficial for your overall health! And not to mention what it does for your mind.” Her followers went wild. “Yes, preach it girl! Break those stereotypes. Because who says lifting can't be both empowering and fashionable, right? 🔥” commented fellow fitness influencer Alexia Clark. “You look so damn good🔥🔥🔥” added Victoria Loza. What is the exact workout responsible for Krissy’s amazing body and what other health habits keep her fit? Here is everything you need to know.


This Is Her Workout

Here is her strength training workout:

✅ bent over rows

✅ single arm rows

✅ Latt pull down

✅ closed grip pull down

✅ flies (didn’t record forgot)

✅ curls for the girls

Early Riser

Krissy_Cela3krissycela/Instagram

Krissy is an early riserI tend to wake up at around half five or six. The reason I wake up so early, it sounds ridiculous, but it helps me do everything I need to do for myself before I can give myself to everybody else. I have this concept where it's all fair and well doing things for the people we love, but if we're not taking some time out for ourselves, to check in or be productive, we'll constantly feel bottom of the list. So I wake up, half five or six o'clock,” she told Closer.

Related: I Lost 40 Pounds By Eating These 8 Foods

Coffee, Preworkout, Supplements

Closeup image of man and woman clinking white coffee mugs in cafeShutterstock

“The first thing I do is brush my teeth and get ready for the gym. Don't think twice, I just put my workout gear on,” Krissy says about her morning routine. “Then I'll drink my coffee or have my pre-workout.” She “loves” the pre-workout drink, “because I'm a caffeine addict,” she confesses. Probiotic pills help her digestion and hormones. “I have also started using collagen in my coffee now, it really helps me kickstart my day,” she adds.

Moving Her Body

Krissy_Cela4krissycela/Instagram

“Firstly, moving my body is a big big thing. I have to always move my body,” Krissy revealed. “I'm either working out in my little home gym or I am going to the gym and I'll train for one hour, tops.”

Protein Shakes

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

“So for me, every single day I have protein shakes, it's just convenient. It's a great way for me to up my protein intake, but it's something I don't rely on. Food is key. Protein shakes are a step up from what you already have, so if you don't have a healthy diet or consistent training routine, then you can't expect it to do what it's supposed to do,” she adds to Closer.

Related: Tone Your Body in Less Than 20 Minutes With This Beginner Routine

Her Body Changes

Krissy recently shared side-by-sider of her “leaner” body in May 2023 and now, revealing she is “SO much happier now” even though she weighs more. “I’m learning more and more that when you might not be as consistent with your journey or when you’ve taken a break it does NOT mean you have ‘fallen off’ or that you need to ‘get back on track’ I used to think this way all the time and now I realise I’ve always been on track, it’s just my track is taking me on a new journey that’s all,” she continues in the post. “I still love moving, I love lifting, I love cooking meals and eating well. I may not have as viable abs or be as lean but I’m soooo much happier, have so much more longevity and honestly I just feel good. Not to mention what my body has been through to even stand strong today. So here is your reminder that during your journey your body will fluctuate, your routine will change and your body will look different so embrace it, keep moving, keep showing up and just take your time with it all! No rush it’s about doing this thing called fitness forever not a quick fix. Just enjoy life and I promise you visible abs does not always equal health and happiness.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Strength and weight training will not make you “big” if you do the right exercises and fuel your body with lean and healthy food.

Laura Denys laura.fitwoman
Copyright laura.fitwoman/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight, doing everything you think you should be, but the number on the scale won’t budge? According to an expert, it’s possible that you are doing the wrong things and don’t even know it. Laura Denys is a fitness and nutrition coach with over 1.3 million Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she discusses her weight loss journey and admits that she couldn’t lose weight until she changed her approach to diet and fitness. Here are the 5 things she stopped doing to lose 44 pounds.


Stop Following Diets

The cabbage soup diet, keto, cleanses or other trendy diets may seem like a quick fix for weight loss. However, if you are seriously restricting yourself and going on crash diets to lose weight, you could be getting in your own way, according to Laura. “Stop following diets,” she says. “Go to get out of that ‘all or nothing’ mindset.”

Stop Skipping Meals

It can be tempting to miss a meal to cut calories from your day, but Laura doesn’t recommend it because oftentimes, it will lead to you eating more later in the day. “Stop skipping meals, used to think going all day without eating was gonna help me get results but it only caused me to binge eat at midnight,” she says.

Stop Overdoing It with Exercise

Also, don’t go too hard with exercise. “Stop exhausting yourself and learn to rest. I used to do hours on the stair master now I only walk/run for my cardio,” she says.

Stop Restricting Yourself

And, you don’t have to go to extremes with your diet. “Stop restricting yourself and had to learn portion control,” she says. You can even enjoy sweet treats. “I learned to enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

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

Stop Setting Weight Loss Goals

And her final tip might come as a surprise. “Stop having goals,” she says. “Think that you could lose 2-5lbs a week consistently and would put so much pressure on myself. But as a female your weight changes daily so some weeks l’d lose 2lbs and than gain a lb the next week.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Julie Clouse
Copyright julieclouse_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you over 40 and struggling to lose weight? Julie Clouse is a social media influencer and fitness and macros expert who tries to “inspire others to be the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post she reveals a few of the habits all the fittest women she knows share. “Not to be dramatic but…There is no secret. The fittest women I know in their 40s have these 6 things in common. They ALL DO THIS!!!” she writes.

Strength Training

The first habit they share? “They prioritize strength training,” she says. “Fittest women in their 40s consistently lift heavy weights, focusing on progressive overload to build muscle and maintain strength.”

Healthy Diet

The next thing they have in common is a healthy diet. “They eat for their goals,” she explains. “They track their macros, prioritize protein (about 1g per pound of body weight), and fuel their bodies with balanced nutrition instead of following fad diets.”

Daily Activity

Another thing they do? “They stay active daily,” she says. “They prioritize NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) by walking, staying active, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, aiming for at least 8-10k steps a day.”

Stress Management

They also understand the importance of mental health and self-care. “They manage stress and recovery,” she writes. “They take rest days, prioritize sleep, and understand that recovery is just as important as workouts. Many practice mindfulness or stress management techniques.”

Patience and Discipline

The fifth habit they share? “They embrace patience and discipline,” she says. “They know results take time and stay disciplined even when progress feels slow.”

Consistency

And what is the most significant piece that ties this all together? “They are CONSISTENT,” she says. “No matter how busy life gets, they show up for themselves day after day. They don’t rely on motivation; they rely on habits they’ve built over time.”

Bonus Tips: Just Start

She also offers some bonus tips. “Just start,” she suggests. “Instead of getting overwhelmed about 6 things you feel like you need to change. Pick 1 start there.”

Don’t Focus on Perfection

“You do NOT have to be perfect. If you’ve been here long enough, I share how to incorporate a sustainable life style with your busy lives and families,” she adds.

Stay the Trail

Next, just keep going. “Yes, it will be hard at first. Yes, there will be days you’re wondering if you’re making progress. Stay the trail. This is for the long term. This is for longevity with your kids and spouses. This is for YOU!” she says.

Take One Hour for Yourself

She also stresses the importance of taking care of yourself and not feeling guilty for it. “Self care is not selfish. You deserve 1 hour to yourself,” she says.

Focus on Losing One Pound a Week

Finally, aim for one pound a week and celebrate it. “Losing 1lb a week is a BIG DEAL!! Imagine if you gained a lb a week. Give yourself grace. The slow way is the fast way for the long term,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Brittney Blanco
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Do you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to lose weight? According to an expert, you can still indulge in dessert while burning fat. 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 Instagram post, she reveals some delicious go-to desserts to help you lose weight. “6 High-Protein Desserts That Taste Like Cheat Meals 😍 (But Aren’t!)” she titled it. She adds in the video that they have “hardly any calories.”

They Are Low-Calorie, High Protein, with “Amazing” Macros

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According to Blanco, just because a food is sweet doesn’t mean it is bad for you. “Craving something sweet but want to stay on track? 🍪💪 Here are 6 guilt-free, high-protein desserts with almost zero calories (okay, super low-cal 😉) and amazing macros,” she writes. “🎯 High protein, low calorie, and completely satisfying! Which one are you making first?”

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake

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Her first dessert? Protein Mug Cake. It has 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 5g of fat per serving. “Mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and almond milk. Microwave for 1 min—instant dessert magic!” she says.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.

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Her second go-to dessert is a Greek Yogurt Parfait with 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Layer nonfat Greek yogurt, stevia, and sugar-free syrup with berries. So simple, so good,” she says.

Protein Ice Cream

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

If you love ice cream, try Blanco’s Protein Ice Cream, which is simple to make and has just 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and zero fat. “Blend protein powder, almond milk, ice, and xanthan gum. Freeze for 1 hour = creamy heaven,” she writes.

Chocolate Protein Pudding

top view of chocolate protein pudding. Eating a healthy sweet dessert

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Chocolate Protein Pudding is her fourth dessert with 90 calories, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and one gram of fat. “Mix casein protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond milk. Chill, top with sugar-free whipped cream,” she says.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

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Peanut butter fans will love Brittney’s Peanut Butter Protein Balls. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and six fat grams. “Mix protein powder, powdered peanut butter, almond milk, and stevia into balls. Perfect grab-and-go snack!” she says.

Protein Brownie Batter

Are you constantly licking out the brownie batter bowl? Try Brittney’s Protein Brownie Batter with 80 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Mix whey protein, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of water for a fudgy treat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.