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I Lost 100 Pounds While Eating This Low-Calorie Spaghetti Recipe

One weight loss warrior discusses how volume eating is the ultimate game-changer.

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier5

You don’t have to starve yourself skinny. In fact, you can eat larger portion sizes and still lose weight if you follow one rule, an expert claims. Benji Xavier (@benjixavier) is a TikTok influencer with over 3.6 million followers on the network. Most of his content has to do with his whopping 100-pound weight loss and all the tips and tricks that enabled him to get into the best shape of his life. In one viral video, he reveals that one tactic – volume eating – helped him to lose weight fast and keep it off. We also spoke to The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and a Board Certified Sports Dietitian to weigh in.


Volume Eating Is How He Lost 100 Pounds

@benjixavier

Learning to volume eat was a game changer!

“How did you lose weight? How did you lose weight? What was the secret? You guys know I lost a hundred pounds and I was able to do it because I learned how to volume eat,” he reveals.

Pasta Is Low Volume, High Calorie

Close up Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti in a plate. Low angle view. Macro shot with focus stacking.Shutterstock

First, he holds up a small amount of spaghetti. “This is 200 calories of regular pasta, and although I love pasta and it's great, that's not going to keep me full,” he says.

Spaghetti Squash Is Low Calorie, High Volume

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier11benjixavier/TikTok

“This is 200 calories of spaghetti squash, low calorie, high volume,” he says, showing off a large bowl of the gourd. He points out that the spaghetti is “low volume, high calorie.” He notes that the spaghetti squash serving is 800 grams, “I'm going to show you how simple it is to eat it, and I'm going to be making this super simple.”

Related: 5 Workout Tips For Your Best Body You've Likely Never Heard

He Serves It with Meat Sauce

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier14benjixavier/TikTok

“I'm having it with some lean ground beef and some low-sugar tomato sauce. I'll just be pouring our little pasta sauce on top of the spaghetti squash, and I'm going to be topping it with a little bit of Parmesan cheese,” he says, reiterating that the meal is “low calorie, high volume. I'm going to be full for hours.”

There Are Lots of Benefits to Eating Spaghetti Squash

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier10benjixavier/TikTok

What are the health benefits of spaghetti squash? According to Collingwood, it is “very low in calories, high in vitamin C and B vitamins, and offers ample fiber for digestion.

Related: 11 Ways Women Can Lose Weight and Keep it Off for Good

Zucchini Noodles Are Also Great

Zucchini raw vegan pasta with avocado dip sauce, spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes on plate. On dark background. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

Collingwood agrees that the squash is an “excellent swap for pasta,” as it is “much lower in calories but still gets the tastes of a pasta meal with the meat and tomato sauce,” she says, adding that zucchini noodles are another great option. “I also love cauliflower rice for regular white rice or filling red or green peppers with ground beef,” she notes.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to eat more food and lose weight, consider swapping in veggies for carbs – like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for pasta or cauliflower rice for regular rice. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Fact-Checked

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

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

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

You don’t have to starve yourself skinny. In fact, you can eat larger portion sizes and still lose weight if you follow one rule, an expert claims. Benji Xavier (@benjixavier) is a TikTok influencer with over 3.6 million followers on the network. Most of his content has to do with his whopping 100-pound weight loss and all the tips and tricks that enabled him to get into the best shape of his life. In one viral video, he reveals that one tactic – volume eating – helped him to lose weight fast and keep it off. We also spoke to The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and a Board Certified Sports Dietitian to weigh in.


Volume Eating Is How He Lost 100 Pounds

@benjixavier

Learning to volume eat was a game changer!

“How did you lose weight? How did you lose weight? What was the secret? You guys know I lost a hundred pounds and I was able to do it because I learned how to volume eat,” he reveals.

Pasta Is Low Volume, High Calorie

Close up Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti in a plate. Low angle view. Macro shot with focus stacking.Shutterstock

First, he holds up a small amount of spaghetti. “This is 200 calories of regular pasta, and although I love pasta and it's great, that's not going to keep me full,” he says.

Spaghetti Squash Is Low Calorie, High Volume

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier11benjixavier/TikTok

“This is 200 calories of spaghetti squash, low calorie, high volume,” he says, showing off a large bowl of the gourd. He points out that the spaghetti is “low volume, high calorie.” He notes that the spaghetti squash serving is 800 grams, “I'm going to show you how simple it is to eat it, and I'm going to be making this super simple.”

Related: 5 Workout Tips For Your Best Body You've Likely Never Heard

He Serves It with Meat Sauce

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier14benjixavier/TikTok

“I'm having it with some lean ground beef and some low-sugar tomato sauce. I'll just be pouring our little pasta sauce on top of the spaghetti squash, and I'm going to be topping it with a little bit of Parmesan cheese,” he says, reiterating that the meal is “low calorie, high volume. I'm going to be full for hours.”

There Are Lots of Benefits to Eating Spaghetti Squash

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier10benjixavier/TikTok

What are the health benefits of spaghetti squash? According to Collingwood, it is “very low in calories, high in vitamin C and B vitamins, and offers ample fiber for digestion.

Related: 11 Ways Women Can Lose Weight and Keep it Off for Good

Zucchini Noodles Are Also Great

Zucchini raw vegan pasta with avocado dip sauce, spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes on plate. On dark background. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

Collingwood agrees that the squash is an “excellent swap for pasta,” as it is “much lower in calories but still gets the tastes of a pasta meal with the meat and tomato sauce,” she says, adding that zucchini noodles are another great option. “I also love cauliflower rice for regular white rice or filling red or green peppers with ground beef,” she notes.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to eat more food and lose weight, consider swapping in veggies for carbs – like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for pasta or cauliflower rice for regular rice. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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

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.

Benji Xavier (@benjixavier) is a weight loss warrior and influencer who boasts over 3.6 million followers on TikTok. He regularly shares videos about his weight loss journey, claiming to have lost over 100 pounds by healthy eating and exercise. One of his main tactics? Concocting healthier versions of his favorite meals, so that he can still eat foods that he enjoys. In a recent viral video he shared the recipe of his healthy version of a classic American favorite.


He Created a Healthy Philly Cheesesteak

@benjixavier

An electric kitchen is the future! Check out gasleaks.org (http://gasleaks.org/) for more info! #BreakUpWithGas

Benji claims that you can eat Philly Cheesesteaks and still lose weight. “Ladies and gentlemen, so let's make some lower calorie cheese steaks,” he says in the clip.

He Starts by Cooking Thinly Sliced Steak with Mushroom and Onion

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier9benjixavier/TikTok

“I'm going to be using thinly sliced steak. I'm going to add in our seasonings a little bit of black pepper. Now we're going to fully cook our meat on the stovetop. We're going to add in our steak, some diced mushroom and white onion, and let that fully cook,” he instructs.

Related: 10-Minute Full Body HIIT Exercise That Will Burn Fat Fast

Instead of Bread, He Uses Halved Bell Peppers

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier7benjixavier/TikTok

Benji swaps out the bread with bell peppers. “Pick some bell peppers. I'm going to cut them in half and seed them,” he says. “Now we place our bell peppers on a baking sheet or baking dish.”

He Tops Them with Cheese

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier8benjixavier/TikTok

“Lastly, I'm going to top 'em with half a slice of provolone. These babies are ready, I'm going to throw 'em in the oven and bake at three 50 for 20 to 25 minutes,” he says, giving the final product a “ten out of ten.”

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds by Following a Few Simple Food Rules

Here Are Other Healthy Swaps You Can Make

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian is totally on board with making healthier versions of your favorite foods, offering a number of suggestions for healthy substitutions:

  • Zucchini noodles in place of pasta
  • Cauliflower rice instead of white rice
  • Egg wraps instead of tortilla wraps (EggLife)
  • Bed of roasted veggies as base of bowls instead of rice or noodles
  • Plain greek yogurt in place of mayo or full fat sour cream for dips and sauces

💪🔥Body Booster: By making healthier versions of your favorite meals, you are less likely to overindulge in the real thing.

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
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice and wondered what really works for weight loss? Liezl Jayne Strydom is a nutritional therapist, YouTuber, and lifestyle blogger who "lost more than 40 lbs by changing the way that I eat." Liezl knows that struggle all too well. As a therapist who lost an impressive amount of weight, Liezl has transformed her life and amassed a large following by sharing the delicious recipes that helped her achieve her weight loss goals. We also asked for insights from two other nutrition experts: Chrissy Arsenault, Registered Dietician, and Danielle Rancourt, Registered Dietitian at Pivot Nutrition. Whether you're just starting your weight loss journey or looking for new strategies, these expert-approved recipes and tips will inspire you to take the next step towards a healthier you.


The Power of Simple, Balanced Meals

Liezl introduces three dinner recipes from her weight loss journals: "So I'm bringing back the weight loss journals again to show you guys some really quick high protein dinners that I ate to lose weight. I have showed you guys some lunches and also some breakfasts from these journals, but there has been a lot of requests for dinners," she says in her video.

Qualities of Ideal Weight Loss Meals

She underlines the qualities of these meals: "I really found some that I think check all the boxes. They're filling, they're balanced, they taste good, they're quick to make. I mean, I don't know what more you could want from dinner. I mean it really tick all the boxes."

Nutritionist's Perspective on Balanced Diets

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Chrissy Arsenault adds, "A nutrient-dense, balanced diet is optimal for losing body fat, but this guidance is no different than what I'd recommend to a client who isn't focused on losing body fat in particular. Focus on consuming lean proteins with every meal (at least 20-30 grams at each meal), eat plenty of non-starchy vegetables (incorporate 2-3 colors of veggies at each meal), and drink plenty of water!"

Zesty Lemon Chicken: A Flavorful, Low-Calorie Option

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Liezl starts with the zesty lemon chicken, explaining, "This is not a boring bland chicken. There's no boring bland chicken here. This is really good. It's really tasty and it only takes 20 minutes to make, so it's not going to take the whole evening. Very quick."

Adaptability of the Recipe

She notes that the recipe is adaptable: "We are making chicken, but you can use chicken or tofu for a vegan option. So I'm going to use chicken, but go ahead and use tofu if you want. I like firm tofu for this. And then also everything that I'm making today is gluten and dairy free."

The Secret to Flavorful, Low-Calorie Sauces

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Liezl shares her trick for making flavorful, low-calorie sauces: "When I first started to try to lose weight, the thing that I really struggled with in making foods flavorful was the sauces. I found that a lot of them were really high in calories, like a lot of wasted calories."

Mastering Low-Calorie Sauces

"So I got really good at making low-calorie sauces that taste good. So this is an example of that. There is so much flavor, but it's still a pretty low-calorie meal," Liezl says in her video.

The Importance of Diet in Fat Loss

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Chrissy Arsenault supports this approach, stating, "Diet plays a more significant role in the process of losing fat than even exercise! Food is fuel, and having a balanced diet that can help you feel your best while losing weight or body fat is an important strategy in your health journey if you're looking to lose fat."

Quick Weeknight Ramen: A Healthier Take on Comfort Food

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Moving on to the ramen recipe, Liezl explains why it's one of her go-to meals: "Ramen have been getting into my ramen again. I forgot about it for a while, but I was reminded through the journals. As I said earlier, ramen is one of my go-to emergency meals. It's so quick, it's so easy to throw together, it's so convenient."

Customizing Instant Ramen

She underlines her preference for customizing the ramen: "I don't like the stuff inside. I'm sorry I don't, the little flavor pack really don't like this, so get rid of that. I like to take these noodles, just regular ramen noodles and make a bit more of a meal out of it. I like to make it a bit more filling. I like to flavor it my own way."

The Importance of Choosing Lower-Calorie Options

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Liezl underlines the importance of choosing lower-calorie ramen options: "The ramen that I've used in this video is about 250 calories for the noodles and I've got some different ones that I like to use. I'm going to link all of them below for you. They're all gluten-free and low calorie."

Understanding Calorie Deficit

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Chrissy Arsenault explains the concept of calorie deficit: "Calorie deficit means taking in fewer calories than you're using. For each 3,500 calories you achieve in deficit, you would lose a pound. It's the fundamental math behind weight loss."

RELATED: Drop Belly Fat Fast with These 11 Super Nutrients

Achieving Calorie Deficit Safely

"The safest and most effective way to achieve calorie deficit is through a combination of reducing calories from food and adding in physical activity to help burn calories."

Spicy Chickpea Tacos: A Fun and Unexpected Meal

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For her final recipe, Liezl introduces the spicy chickpea tacos: "So simple to make quite a fun one. It's a fun weeknight meal. It's unexpected and it still really simple."

Preparing the Chickpea Tacos

She describes the preparation: "Getting a pan heated on the stove with a teaspoon of oil, adding the onion in. And I like to get this nice and caramelized that adds so much flavor. This is like, it really adds a lot of flavor to the meal, so don't skip the step."

Adding Crunch and Flavor to Healthy Meals

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Liezl shares a unique addition to the tacos: "I've discovered something that goes so nasty with this. It's unexpected. It's not part of Mexican cuisine, but sunflower seeds add the perfect little bit of crunch to this meal, like a teaspoon sprinkled over. Absolutely love it with this and some salt and pepper."

Nutritionist's Take on Healthy Fats

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Chrissy Arsenault supports this approach, saying, "Protein (lean meats, tofu, lentils, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.) and fiber (veggies, fruit, whole grains) in combination can help you stay full and lose fat without feeling deprived. Healthy fats can also be helpful, as long as the sources are mostly plant-based – such as avocados."

RELATED: I Lost Over 20 Pounds and Here Are 9 Things I Wish I Knew About Losing Weight Fast

Balancing Calories and Nutrition for Sustainable Weight Loss

Liezl concludes by emphasizing the balanced nature of her meals: "As always, all the meals that I make are roughly 400 calories or four points if you use my point system. I'm going to link videos about my point system below if you want to see what that's about."

Advanced Nutritional Strategies

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Chrissy Arsenault adds, "For my more advanced clients, I'll often work with them on macronutrient (protein, fat, carbs) goals to achieve that will optimize fat loss."

The Role of Sleep in Weight Loss

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Danielle Rancourt underlines the importance of sleep in weight loss: "People often ask 'do you have any fat loss hacks or fat loss tips?' Yup. Go to bed early! Sleep is one the most underrated tools to promote health and fat loss."

Sleep and Appetite-Regulating Hormones

She explains, "Inadequate sleep impacts appetite-regulating hormones (leptin and ghrelin) in a way that promotes cravings and overeating, which can result in weight gain. In simple terms, if you're not getting enough sleep, ghrelin, the hunger hormone, goes up, and Leptin, the appetite suppressing hormone, goes down, creating increased hunger, making it more difficult to lose weight."

Combining Diet and Exercise for Optimal Results

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While Liezl's recipes focus on diet, Chrissy Arsenault reminds us of the importance of exercise: "Exercise plays a role in fat loss by helping to burn calories and train your muscles. Strength training (lifting weights) is often the most effective for burning fat and maintaining/gaining muscle, but the individual would still need to achieve a calorie deficit if they'd like to lose weight along with fat loss or calorie maintenance if they'd like to achieve a more lean appearance without losing body mass."

RELATED: McKenna Olsen in 2-Piece Workout Gear Reveals 4 Things She Did to Lose 10 Pounds Fast

Exercise and Energy Levels

Danielle Rancourt adds, "We hear this alot 'I'm too tired to exercise' which is understandable, however, exercising increases energy levels and promotes better sleep. The key is to find a way to get people to START exercising. Once people exercise regularly, they feel more tired when they don't exercise vs when they do." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dusty Young  Nutrition & Fitness Coach
Copyright dusty.coaches/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.

Is everyone you know losing weight and getting in shape, minus you? Dusty Young is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost 100 pounds and helped others do the same. The “recovering fat kid” regularly shares tips, tricks, and insights into losing weight naturally and sustainably. In a new post, he explains why this could be happening. “5 reasons why everyone else is losing weight and you’re not,” he writes. “I’ve seen it in myself & through hundreds of clients I’ve worked with - these 5 things are damn near non-negotiable if you want to not only lose weight, but keep it off.” And in another post, he reveals five more.

They Are Calorie Aware

The first reason other people are losing weight, but you aren’t? “They’re calorie aware,” he says. “Not obsessive. AWARE. Knowing what’s in your food - like how that ‘health’ smoothie might have 600 calories - makes it easier to stay on track without going crazy.”

They Prioritize Protion

The second reason? They prioritize protein. “Protein isn’t just for gym bros! It keeps you full, curbs cravings, and helps you stay on track. Plus, if you’re lifting weights, it helps you hang onto muscle while losing fat,” he writes.

They Stay Active

Reason number three? “They stay active,” he says. “I’m not even talking about going to the gym. It’s about moving more in your daily life. Most hit 7,000–10,000 steps a day by walking the dog, taking the stairs, or using a standing desk & walking pad for work. Simple. Effective. Sustainable.”

They Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

The fourth reason? “They focus on nutrient-dense foods,” he says. “Most of their meals are packed with lean protein, fruits, veggies, and whole grains - foods that keep them full and energized. But they don’t live on salads alone (see #5 👇🏻).”

They Don’t Restrict

The final reason is, that they don’t restrict. “Ever told a kid not to touch something? What happens? They touch it. Same thing with food. The more you tell yourself you can’t have something, the more you want it. People who keep the weight off allow all foods - they just know how to balance it all out (this circles back to # 1)” he writes.

These Habits Will Help You Balance Your Diet

“I know firsthand just how hard it is to lose weight & keep it off - I lost the same 40 pounds multiple times before I finally figured it out and lost 100 pounds for good,” he says at the end of the post. “These 5 habits? They’re game-changers. It’s not about being perfect or cutting out your favorite foods. It’s about creating a balance that’s sustainable for you.”

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

Other Habits Keeping You From Losing Weight? Grazing While Cooking

In another post, he reveals more habits preventing you from losing weight. The first is grazing while cooking. “Those ‘harmless’ bites of cheese, spoonfuls of sauce, or handfuls of snacks can easily add a few hundred calories without you realizing. It’s not about never tasting your food—just try being mindful. Sip water, chew gum, or set out a small plate if you need a taste-test,” he writes.

Finishing Your Kids’ Plates

Next is finishing your kids’ plates. “I get it—no one likes wasting food. But those leftover nuggets and fries? They’re costing you more than you think. Start packing up leftovers immediately or let it go. You’re not a human trash can, and your goals deserve better than their scraps,” he writes.

Eating “Healthy” Food

Another habit to avoid? “Eating anything because it’s ‘healthy’ – Nuts, granola, smoothies, avocado toast… sure, they’re packed with nutrients, but they’re also calorie bombs if you’re not careful. ‘Healthy’ food isn’t a free pass—it’s still about portions and calorie balance,” he writes.

Drinking Your Calories

Drinking your calories is another common faux pas. “Lattes, juices, smoothies, cocktails—these can pack a bigger punch than a full meal and leave you hungry. Switch to zero-calorie drinks, reduce your portions, or use low-cal alternatives like almond milk or zero calorie sweeteners,” he says.

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Parking in the Closest Spot

And the final habit is parking in the closest spot. “Seems silly, but this one’s a missed opportunity. Movement adds up, even small things like walking a little further or taking the stairs. These choices compound over time and make a bigger difference than you think,” he writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Dr. Kristen Campbell•Weight Loss & Hormone Health Coach perimenopause.pharmacist
Copyright perimenopause.pharmacist/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 looking to upgrade your walking routine? Dr. Kristen Campbell is a Weight Loss & Hormone Health Coach who dropped from a size 8 to 2 and regularly shares how she did it. In a recent post, she revealed a little tweak to her walking routine that made a big difference. “I started wearing a weighted vest for walking pad walks…This is what happened,” she writes, revealing 3 game-changing benefits she noticed when she started using a walking pad and weighted vest.

Effortless NEAT Boost

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The first benefit? An effortless NEAT boost. “I went from sitting for hours to moving consistently throughout the day. Adding steps while working on my walking pad increased my Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), which is key for burning extra calories and supporting fat loss—no extra gym time required. (p.s. You can walk at a really slow speed and you'll be amazed at the steps you rack up)” she writes.

Strengthened Core and Posture

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The second benefit? Strengthened core and posture. “The weighted vest was a game-changer. It added resistance to my walks, improving my core stability and posture. Bonus: it helped me build strength in a way that felt natural and low-impact,” she writes.

Energy and Focus Skyrocked

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Her last benefit? “Energy and focus skyrocketed,” she says. “Walking while working helped me feel more energized and focused. The added movement kept brain fog at bay and gave me a mental reset throughout the day.”

A Scientific Study Supports the Use of Weighted Vests

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One 2020 study by the University of Gothenburg found profound weight loss benefits to wearing a weighted vest. 69 people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-35, the lowest obesity category, participated in the clinical study. They were divided into two groups, one wearing a 2.2-pound vest and the other 24 pounds. They wore the vest 8 hours a day for three weeks.

Those Who Wore a Heavier Vest Lost Significantly More Weight

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The result? Wearing the heavier vest paid off. At the end of the period, those who wore the heavier weight lost 3.5 pounds, and those with the lighter vest just .66 pounds.

And, Muscle Mass Remained Intact

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"We think it's very interesting that the treatment with the heavier weighted vests reduced fat mass while muscle mass simultaneously remained intact," Professor Claes Ohlsson of Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, said.

Even the Study Authors Were Pleasantly Surprised

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"The effect on fat mass we found, from this short experiment, exceeded what's usually observed after various forms of physical training. But we weren't able to determine whether the reduction was in subcutaneous fat (just under the skin) or the dangerous visceral kind (belly fat) in the abdominal cavity that's most strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes," added Professor John-Olov Jansson of Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

Try It for Results

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“If you’re looking for an easy way to level up your health (without setting aside extra time), give this combo a try. A simple setup can create big results over time. I've been doing this for over 2.5 years and still a BIG fan!” writes Campbell. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr Mike Diamonds DoctorMike
Copyright Dr Mike Diamonds/YouTube
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

If you're tired of extreme workouts that promise results but don't deliver, you're not alone. What if a doctor told you the secret to reaching your ideal body fat percentage wasn't another intense training program, but something far simpler?

Dr. Mike Diamonds, combining his medical expertise with real-world results, has discovered that walking isn't just basic cardio—it's a powerful fat-loss tool. "In my six years of dieting and fat loss, cardio ranks as one of my most important tools for losing weight," he explains. His remarkable transformation between June and September 2020 proved that this simple activity could make reaching 10% body fat significantly easier.

The Truth About Walking and Fat Loss

"Walking doesn't seem to qualify as cardio because, well, it's easy," Dr. Diamonds says in his post. "When it comes to exercise, easy is usually equated with worthless." However, his medical background and research tell a different story. Low-intensity steady state cardio, when done correctly, can be a game-changer for fat loss—especially when paired with proper nutrition.

The Science That Changes Everything

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According to Dr. Diamonds, research from California State University revealed a crucial finding: while running a 10-minute mile burns 190 calories, walking a 19-minute mile burns 111 calories. "If you walked for an hour, you'd burn just under 350 calories," he notes. "Do that three times per week, and you're burning over 1,000 additional calories—theoretically more than an extra pound of fat per month."

Your Perfect Daily Step Count

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"To answer the question of how much walking you should be doing to get to 10% body fat, the answer is it depends," Dr. Diamonds states. His recommended approach starts with tracking your current daily average: "Let's say hypothetically you're doing 6,000 steps. Now that is maintaining your weight. Add a thousand steps to that, and you'll burn between 40 and 60 extra calories on average."

The Step-By-Step Progress Plan

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Dr. Diamonds shares his clinical approach: "Monitor what your weight is doing on a day-to-day basis. If you want to have more progress, increase it by another thousand steps." This methodical progression can lead to almost an extra pound of fat burned per month, provided your diet is properly managed.

The Medical Reason Walking Burns Fat

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"Walking may not burn many calories, but the calories it does burn comes primarily from fat stores," Dr. Diamonds explains. He references a University of Texas Medical Branch study demonstrating that fat burning is maximized during lower-intensity exercise. As intensity increases, your body switches from burning fat to utilizing carbohydrates for energy.

The Clinical Approach to Walking

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Dr. Diamonds reveals his evidence-based routine: "My formal cardio would be done in the gym on a treadmill between three to four sessions a week. I would start at 20 minutes per session at maximum incline (15%), walking at a pace of six kilometers per hour." This specific approach maintains a heart rate above 140 beats per minute and VO2 max at 65%—which research shows elicits maximum fat usage.

The Truth About 10% Body Fat

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"Not most people can do it," Dr. Diamonds candidly admits. "In reality, for me to get in my best shape, I've done an average of 25,000 steps each and every single day." While this level of activity might seem overwhelming, he emphasizes that significant changes are possible with less: "The massive changes that can come in your body and getting closer to that 10% body fat is by you accurately tracking your diet and gradually increasing those steps."

Your Sustainable Path Forward

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Dr. Diamonds emphasizes a medical truth about sustainability: "It's simply unsustainable to sprint every day... steady state cardio is much better for adherence." His professional recommendation is to start with 8,000 steps daily and gradually increase based on your body's response and lifestyle.


The journey to 10% body fat doesn't require extreme measures or complicated protocols. Start with your current step count, add gradually, and maintain consistency with both walking and nutrition. Your transformation begins with understanding these medical insights—and taking that first extra step. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster