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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.

Metabolism Expert Reveals 4-Ingredient Pudding That Burns Fat Like Ozempic

This sweet snack speeds up metabolism fast.

Metabolism Expert Reveals 4-Ingredient Pudding That Burns Fat Like Ozempic

Do you want to lose weight without having to take a weight-loss drug? According to many nutrition and fat loss experts, certain foods can trigger what is called the Ozempic effect, helping you drop weight without a jab. Stefani Stewart is a metabolism dietitian and holistic health expert who helps others stop dieting and take control of their metabolism. "Post workout hack that works like Ozempic without the shots," she writes across the Instagram video, going on to explain "the Ozempic effect" and revealing the delicious recipe.


Why It Works

"If you want to lose weight switch your mindset from weight loss to muscle gain," she says in her post. "Adding more muscle to your body will help you use carbs more efficiently (instead of storing them as fat) and improve your metabolism and the way that you look. & eating more protein and fiber works similarly to Ozempic to help keep you full and satisfied, balances blood sugar levels and stimulates secretion of GLP-1!"

RELATED: She Lost 270 Pounds and Recommends a Single Habit for Weight Loss

You Are Probably Not Getting Enough Fiber

"I can almost guarantee that most of you aren't eating enough fiber if you're not actively trying to! Optimizing your diet this way helps you reduce cravings, regulate appetite and puts your body in fat burning mode vs fat storing aka you'll be able to lose weight sustainably and keep it off," she says.

Chia Pudding Ingredients

(3 servings)

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • A splash of vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Tbsp raw honey

Chia Pudding Directions

Combine ingredients in a jar and let sit in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to eat add 1/3 of the pudding to a bowl and mix in 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder with a little extra almond milk. It should mix up smoothly, add more liquid if needed. Top with @hukitchen chocolate chips & berries for more nutrients & fiber.

RELATED: Lose Weight and "Change Your Life" with These 5 "Non-Extreme" Habits

What Science Says About Chia Seeds

Harvard Health calls chia seeds a "nutritional powerhouse." In addition to fiber and protein they boast omega-3 fatty acids. "This type of fatty acid is primarily found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds," they say. "Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Incorporating omega-3s into the diet promotes overall well-being, benefiting cardiovascular and cognitive functions." Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight without having to take a weight-loss drug? According to many nutrition and fat loss experts, certain foods can trigger what is called the Ozempic effect, helping you drop weight without a jab. Stefani Stewart is a metabolism dietitian and holistic health expert who helps others stop dieting and take control of their metabolism. "Post workout hack that works like Ozempic without the shots," she writes across the Instagram video, going on to explain "the Ozempic effect" and revealing the delicious recipe.

Why It Works

"If you want to lose weight switch your mindset from weight loss to muscle gain," she says in her post. "Adding more muscle to your body will help you use carbs more efficiently (instead of storing them as fat) and improve your metabolism and the way that you look. & eating more protein and fiber works similarly to Ozempic to help keep you full and satisfied, balances blood sugar levels and stimulates secretion of GLP-1!"

RELATED: She Lost 270 Pounds and Recommends a Single Habit for Weight Loss

You Are Probably Not Getting Enough Fiber

"I can almost guarantee that most of you aren't eating enough fiber if you're not actively trying to! Optimizing your diet this way helps you reduce cravings, regulate appetite and puts your body in fat burning mode vs fat storing aka you'll be able to lose weight sustainably and keep it off," she says.

Chia Pudding Ingredients

(3 servings)

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • A splash of vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Tbsp raw honey

Chia Pudding Directions

Combine ingredients in a jar and let sit in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to eat add 1/3 of the pudding to a bowl and mix in 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder with a little extra almond milk. It should mix up smoothly, add more liquid if needed. Top with @hukitchen chocolate chips & berries for more nutrients & fiber.

RELATED: Lose Weight and "Change Your Life" with These 5 "Non-Extreme" Habits

What Science Says About Chia Seeds

Harvard Health calls chia seeds a "nutritional powerhouse." In addition to fiber and protein they boast omega-3 fatty acids. "This type of fatty acid is primarily found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds," they say. "Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Incorporating omega-3s into the diet promotes overall well-being, benefiting cardiovascular and cognitive functions." Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean drkateld
Copyright drkateld/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.

Struggling with weight loss? You're among the 165 million Americans trying to shed extra pounds. While medications like Ozempic make headlines, their high cost and side effects leave many searching for alternatives. Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean, a Functional Medicine Healthcare Provider with over a decade of experience, reveals seven natural ways to boost your body's own GLP-1 production for sustainable weight loss. Discover how these science-backed alternatives could help you achieve your weight loss goals without breaking the bank or dealing with uncomfortable side effects.

What is GLP-1 and Why Does it Matter for Weight Loss?

"GLP-1 is a hormone that's made in your gut when you eat," Dr. Kate explains in her post. This crucial hormone performs multiple functions: signaling your pancreas to release insulin, improving satiety, and slowing down food digestion. Unlike medications that artificially boost GLP-1 activity, natural alternatives work with your body's own mechanisms for sustainable results.


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

The Problem with GLP-1 Medications

Dieting concept with scales on the wooden floorShutterstock

Dr. Kate highlights significant drawbacks of GLP-1 medications: "These drugs are expensive and rarely covered by insurance for folks who don't meet strict criteria." She notes that "50% of patients taking GLP-1 agonists experienced nausea," and according to a 2022 study, most participants regained their weight within a year after stopping the medication.

Natural Booster #1: Healthy Fats

pistachio in shell nuts in bowl on wooden table background.Shutterstock

"Often you need to eat more fat to lose fat," Dr. Kate reveals. Research shows that unsaturated, long-chain fatty acids strongly stimulate GLP-1 release. She specifically points to a study where "85 grams of pistachios" increased GLP-1 concentrations in overweight adults. Additionally, following a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil for 28 days significantly boosted post-meal GLP-1 levels.

Natural Booster #2: Protein-Rich Foods

women with holding a cardboard egg box full of her eggs. the girl takes one chicken egg from a white boxShutterstock

Research has found that "meals with higher amounts of protein stimulate GLP-1 secretion better than those with mostly carbs," Dr. Kate explains. She recommends eggs, which contain beneficial unsaturated fats and choline, and plain yogurt, which studies show can significantly increase GLP-1 production.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Natural Booster #3: Flavonoid-Rich Spices

Close-up,Turmeric,(curcumin),Powder,In,Wooden,Spoon,With,Fresh,RhizomeShutterstock

Dr. Kate identifies key spices that boost GLP-1: "Curcumin, the primary chemical in turmeric... cinnamon and rosemary." She also mentions green tea's EGCG content, though notes that concentrated supplements may be needed for optimal results.

Natural Booster #4: Berberine

Close,Up,Of,Berberine,Supplement,CapsulesShutterstock

"One of the natural GLP-1-boosting herbs that's getting a lot of attention is berberine," Dr. Kate shares. A meta-analysis found that "just one gram of concentrated berberine significantly lowered cholesterol, BMI, weight, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and other metabolic markers."

Natural Booster #5: Gut-Supporting Probiotics

Woman, stomach and hand with heart in outdoor for exercise, diet, fitness and closeup. Female tummy, gut health and self love for wellness and training in the summer for healthy workout outside.Shutterstock

Dr. Kate emphasizes the importance of healthy gut bacteria: "These healthy bugs make compounds called postbiotics, one category being short-chain fatty acids." She specifically mentions the bacteria Akkermansia, which not only increases GLP-1 but also enhances fat burning through thermogenesis.


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

Natural Booster #6: Polyphenol-Rich Foods

Red juice pomegranate on dark backgroundShutterstock

To support beneficial gut bacteria, Dr. Kate recommends polyphenols, noting that "the ones found in pomegranate are especially good at supporting Akkermansia." This creates a synergistic effect, enhancing both gut health and GLP-1 production.

Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean Diet

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health statusShutterstock

Dr. Kate points to research showing that following a Mediterranean diet, particularly one rich in olive oil, significantly increases GLP-1 levels. This dietary pattern combines many of the individual boosters into a sustainable eating approach.


RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Combining Natural GLP-1 Boosters for Maximum Results

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"The beauty of working with your body using natural GLP-1 boosters is that you can stack these strategies to maximize your weight loss and blood sugar balance," Dr. Kate explains. While these natural alternatives won't deliver overnight results like medications, they offer a sustainable path to weight management with minimal side effects. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

Over the past few years, Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications have revolutionized the weight loss industry, helping millions of people who struggled to lose weight lose it fast. However, there are some serious drawbacks to the “miracle” weight loss drug – including less-than-optimal side effects and the fact that many people gain rebound weight after stopping the injections. The good news is, scientists believe they have made a serious weight loss breakthrough that could result in an even more effective drug than Ozempic.


Researchers Unlock "Cheat Code" for Boosting Calorie Burn

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, believe they have found a “cheat code” for burning calories in the fat-burning mechanism beige fat. Three types of fat cells exist in the majority of mammals, including humans — white, which serves as energy reserves for the body, brown, which burns energy to release heat, and beige, a more efficient combination of them. Scientists already knew that white fat cells naturally turn into beige ones in response to diet or a cold environment. However, they wanted to determine how to manually trigger the mechanism.

In the paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the researchers claim they discovered how to “turn ordinary white fat cells, which store calories, into beige fat cells that burn calories to maintain body temperature.” The secret? Limiting the production of a certain protein.

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

Converting White Fat to Beige Fat is Easier Than Previously Thought

“A lot of people thought this wasn’t feasible,” Brian Feldman, MD, PhD, the Walter L. Miller, MD Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Endocrinology and senior author of the study, explains in a press release. “We showed not only that this approach works to turn these white fat cells into beige ones but also that the bar to doing so isn’t as high as we’d thought.”

“For most of us, white fat is not rare, and we’re happy to part with some of it,” he said. Feldman had already determined that a protein, KLF-15, impacts metabolism and the function of fat cells. He teamed up with postdoctoral scholar Liang Li, PhD, to examine how the protein reacted in mice, which retain brown fat throughout their lives.

KLF-15 Protein May Surpass GLP-1 Treatments

They learned that KLF-15 was less prevalent in white fat cells than in brown or beige fat cells. Through their tests, Feldman determined that a different drug targeting the Adrb1 receptor in humans is more likely to work and be more long-lasting than GLP-1 drugs and without side effects like nausea.

“We’re certainly not at the finish line, but we’re close enough that you can clearly see how these discoveries could have a big impact on treating obesity,” he said. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Coach Susie is a Canadian personal trainer, fitness educator, and online coach who helps her clients get in shape without relying on medication. In a viral YouTube video, she reveals a diet to help you lose weight, comparable to Ozempic. “The thing that is more effective than ozempic is a healthy lifestyle,” she says in the clip. She goes on to reveal the exact food and meal plan you should follow to mimic the weight loss effects.


She Always Recommends a Healthy Lifestyle Over Medication

When she was young, she “started taking vitamins, eating a paleo diet, and spending more time outside, and I stopped taking medications,” which made her “so passionate about a lifestyle approach instead of medication.”

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

You Can Increase GLP-1 Without Ozempic

“In this video, we're going to be focused on what kinds of foods to eat and what kinds of exercises stimulate GLP-1, which is the hormone that Ozempic affects,” she says. “So basically, how to get really effective weight loss results without needing to take drugs.”

She Has Talked to a Lot of People Who Have Taken Ozempic

“I am a personal trainer, so I'm an expert at exercise, nutrition, and coaching and not medications, although I have done my fair share of research on ozempic because I talk to so many people who have taken it or are currently taking it,” she says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

What Is GLP-1

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“GLP-1 is a hormone that is produced in the gut and the brain that slows digestion and lowers appetite. Your body is really good at making it on its own without any medical intervention.”

These Foods Can Increase GLP-1 Production

Karawang, Indonesia - June 13th : sell eggShutterstock

“There are foods you can eat that increase the production of GLP-1, which will make weight loss easier. Eggs, avocado nuts, and complex carbohydrates all have been shown to increase GLP-1,” she says. “Yerba mate tea and black coffee also lower appetite.”

The Ideal Fat Loss Diet Is “Pretty Close to Keto”

Ketogenic low carbs diet concept. Healthy eating and dieting with salmon fish, avocado, eggs and nuts. Top viewShutterstock

“The ideal fat loss diet that stimulates a lot of GLP-1” is “pretty close to a ketogenic diet, which is very effective for reversing insulin resistance and losing fat,” she says. She adds that “fat loss is the goal, not weight loss because we wanna keep our muscle and lose the fat.”

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

Breakfast

Avocado toast with poached egg on a wooden board. Breakfast concept.Shutterstock

For breakfast, she recommends keeping it simple. Eggs, avocado, and coffee are the perfect combination of fat-burning food.

Lunch

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

For lunch, she recommends a clean protein, veggies, and healthy fat. Grilled salmon, cauliflower rice, green pepper, EVOO, is an example she uses.

Dinner

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meatShutterstock

For dinner, she also recommends protein, veggies, and probiotics. Grass-fed ribeye, spaghetti squash, and sauerkraut is a great example.

RELATED: I Lost 45 Pounds and Got Rid of Stomach Fat by Cutting Out These 6 Foods

Also, Do These Types of Exercise

“So basically, exercise makes you jacked and smart. Ozempic actually stops you from releasing growth hormone, which is why those who take it tend to gain fat and lose muscle. So in most cases, ozempic actually makes us lose the wrong type of weight,” she says. “The best exercises are called primal movements. They are movements that your body is actually designed to do. Injury and pain are the result of not being able to do primal movements. There are five of them, and they are squatting, hinging, lunging, pushing and pulling.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight fast without having to go on a weight loss drug? There are a few ways to do it, according to one expert. Thomas DeLauer is a wellness enthusiast with over 3.68 million subscribers who shares content about how to improve your life and lose weight. In a new viral clip, he reveals two ways to drop weight fast without taking a weight loss drug.


“You've probably seen all the rage of people talking about semaglutide using it for weight loss, using it for fat loss, using it for glucose modulation, really being used off-label a lot,” he says in the clip. However, he notes that by understanding the mechanism of semaglutide, there are ways “that we can do things that work just as well in a relatively healthy or metabolically healthy person.” Here are the two most powerful alternatives to Ozempic, he says.

Ozempic Sends a Signal to the Brain to “Manage Fuel Appropriately”

He starts off by explaining how Ozempic works. “GLP-1 one is a gut incretin,” he explains. “What that means is it sort of receives a signal from food that we consumed, and it receives that signal from the gut, and it ultimately sends a signal to the brain to manage fuel appropriately,” DeLaurer says in his post.

It Helps with Satiety and Glucose Modulation

“It can help your satiety. Although that's somewhat indirect, it can help glucose modulation. The reason that it potentially works so well for weight loss a lot of times is you see improvements in metabolic function. So, improvements in fuel utilization, like the mitochondria, are potentially able to use fuel better. But indirectly, people get serious appetite suppression from it,” he continues.

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

Specific Quantities of Protein Can Help Do the Same Thing, He Claims

“If you're getting appetite suppression from it, typically it's suggested that that's too much. Now, I'm not here to discuss this. What I'm here to talk about is something that might work better for people who are still trying to reduce their appetite. I've got two things. The first one is simple; it's protein, but in specific quantities,” he explains, citing a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Upping Protein Decreases Hunger Hormones and Increases GLP-1

“This was very eye-opening,” he says, noting that it involved women and compared people consuming “an adequate protein diet, which is essentially what is recommended we consume” to those on a high protein diet, “which in this case was 30% protein.” They found that those on the higher protein diet experienced increased satiety. “It decreased ghrelin, the hunger hormone, which is great, but it also increased GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide one, and it increased it quite a bit.” The more that you increase protein, the more that you influence GLP-1.

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Shares 4 Natural Ways She Lost 12 Pounds After Having Kids

Two Studies Support This

He also cites research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looking at men. “They measured a bunch of biomarkers three hours after eating an isocaloric breakfast with either high protein or adequate protein. So that means the same amount of calories; just one had high protein, and one had adequate protein and higher carbohydrates,” he says. “In men, they found increases in satiety, decreases in ghrelin, increases in cholecystokinin.”

He notes that “this directly communicates with the hypothalamus to influence satiety. So powerful, very much so like GLP-1, but in a different pathway and to boot.”

He Notes That This Also Helps During the Maintenance Stage of Weight Loss

“When you look at larger scale data in like observational research, they found that when they put subjects on maintenance calories and then put them on just varying interventions, and then finally put them on ad libitum eating as much as they wanted to, whatever they wanted to, as long as their protein was 30%, they found higher protein groups consumed 441 calories less on average,” she says. “So compared to other groups, when you put this into real-world data, increasing protein to 30% with each meal could effectively help you consume 441 calories less per day.”

RELATED:This Coach Stopped Running and Lost Her Puffy Face With 30-Minute Workouts

Some People Do Need the Drug, However, If They Are in a “Serious Metabolic Hard Place”

“So if you had the option of just increasing your protein or getting on semaglutide, personally, I would pick a protein, right?” he points out. “I'm not saying this to negate the effects of semaglutide. Semaglutide is designed to be used for people who are in a serious metabolic hard place, glucose being very mismanaged, metabolic syndrome, all of that, which is a lot of people. I'm not suggesting you don't get on that if your doctor recommends it. I'm suggesting that by increasing protein, you do a lot of the same thing.”

Increasing Protein May Be Helpful While You Are Getting Off Ozempic

What is the other thing you may want to consider? “You have been using semaglutide, and you need to get off of it, and you're concerned about the potential rebound effect and how it can affect dopamine and the brain and everything like that; increasing protein might be a good way to offset the negative aspects of coming off of semaglutide,” he says.

RELATED:A Nutritionist Reveals 5 Simple Rules That Made Her Stubborn Belly Fat Vanish in 90 Days

Taking Rauwolscine Can Also Help You Lose Weight

He also reveals that rauwolscine, a supplement, can also help you lose weight. “Although it's a stimulant and it's not something that I would recommend people take all the time, it has profound appetite suppression effects,” he says. “People are always looking for a quick hit or a shortcut. I wouldn't exactly call it a shortcut, but it is tremendous when it comes to libido. It is tremendous when it comes to energy and sort of a stimulant effect,” he says. “A lot of people say it just crushes their appetite. So if you're coming off of a GLP-1 receptor agonist like semaglutide, rauwolscine might be a good sort of transition or a good alternative, but the lowest hanging fruit is right in front of you with the protein.”

Here Are His Protein Rules

His rules are to “stack most of your protein in the morning, so the satiety carries over throughout the rest of the day,” he says. “My other rules would be 30% with each meal, as much as you can. My other rule would be to keep it proportionate with whatever the amount of food you're eating. Otherwise, it is 30% no matter what, larger meal, larger protein, smaller meal, smaller protein, keep it proportionate.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr Jennifer McCann The GYN MD
Copyright The GYN MD/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.

You've done the hard work. You've taken the weight loss shots – whether it's semaglutide, Ozempic, or Mounjaro – and achieved your weight loss goals. But now comes the crucial part: keeping those pounds off for good. If you're wondering "what's next?" after your weight loss journey, you're not alone.

Dr. Jennifer McCann, a Board-certified OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine specialist, has been helping women optimize their health for over 12 years. With her expertise in complete women's care, hormonal health, and weight management, she offers proven strategies to maintain your success. Read on to discover five essential tips that will help you maintain your weight loss achievements and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Prioritize Protein for Muscle Maintenance

"Protein is absolutely crucial for maintaining weight loss," explains Dr. McCann. "Your muscles are your body's calorie-burning engines, and protein is what keeps them strong." She recommends consuming one gram of protein per pound of lean body mass. This isn't just about keeping weight off – it's about maintaining your metabolism and controlling hunger.

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

Choose Your Protein Sources Wisely

Chicken egg supply in supermarket. Egg contains high protein and important for health.Shutterstock

Not all protein sources are created equal, Dr. McCann emphasizes. While you need adequate protein, it should come from lean sources. Women should aim for around 35-40 grams of fat daily for maintenance, while men should target 55-60 grams. Dr. McCann suggests avoiding high-fat protein sources like Atkins supplements, whole eggs, and excessive cheese or nuts unless you're following a ketogenic diet.

Smart Protein Alternatives

Portion of Beef Jerky on vintage wooden backgroundShutterstock

"There are plenty of protein-rich foods that won't sabotage your weight maintenance," Dr. McCann notes. She recommends:

  • Beef jerky for high protein with low fat
  • Fish, especially salmon, rich in omega-3s
  • Whey protein supplements
  • Fat-free Greek yogurt.

Monitor Your Carbohydrate Intake

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While you don't necessarily need to follow a ketogenic diet, Dr. McCann advises careful carbohydrate monitoring. "Focus on low glycemic index carbs," she says. "These won't spike your blood sugar and trigger hunger like high-glycemic options do." She recommends keeping your carb intake at or below your daily protein intake.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Understanding the Glycemic Index

Glycemic index. Information about grouping of products under their GI in notebook, fruits and vegetables on light green background, flat lay

Shutterstock

The glycemic index measures how much a food raises blood sugar, Dr. McCann explains. High-glycemic foods can lead to energy crashes and increased hunger. Even seemingly healthy choices like oatmeal or cereal can cause this effect, which is why understanding and choosing low-glycemic options is crucial for weight maintenance.

Eliminate Sugar, Especially in Drinks

Assorted Organic Craft Sodas with Cane SugarShutterstock

"One can of soda a day for a year will make you gain 15 pounds," Dr. McCann warns. She strongly advises eliminating all sugary drinks, including:

  • Sodas
  • Slushies
  • Sweetened coffee drinks
  • Any sugar-heavy beverages

Instead, try coffee with skim milk or a skinny latte for a protein-rich alternative that helps curb hunger.

Exercise: The Non-Negotiable Factor[

Woman doing a workout with dumbbells at the gymShutterstock

Exercise isn't optional for long-term weight maintenance, but Dr. McCann assures it doesn't have to be overwhelming. "You don't need to spend hours at the gym," she says. "Even 20 minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be effective for maintaining muscle mass and metabolism."

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

Making Exercise Work for You

Fit woman talking to her trainer at the gym.Shutterstock

If you have physical limitations, Dr. McCann recommends consulting a specialist to develop an appropriate exercise plan. The goal is to find activities that build and maintain muscle mass while fitting into your lifestyle and physical capabilities.

Creating Sustainable Habits

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Success in maintaining weight loss comes from combining all these elements into sustainable daily habits, Dr. McCann emphasizes. This means:

  • Consistently choosing lean proteins
  • Monitoring carbohydrate intake
  • Avoiding sugary drinks
  • Maintaining regular exercise
  • Making adjustments based on your body's response.
RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Monitoring and Adjusting

Womans feet going on weighting scale at home

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Dr. McCann recommends regular monitoring of your progress and making adjustments as needed. If you notice weight gain, reduce fat intake slightly. If you're maintaining well, you can be a bit more flexible while still following these core principles.

Remember, maintaining weight loss is a journey, not a destination. By following these evidence-based strategies from Dr. McCann, you can build a sustainable lifestyle that helps you maintain your weight loss success for the long term. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Sten Ekberg
Copyright Dr. Sten Ekberg/YouTube

Ever caught yourself worrying about eating too much fat? You're not alone. Many of us count every gram of fat and stress over each "fatty" meal. However, according to Dr. Sten Ekberg, a holistic health expert and former Olympic decathlete, most of what we believe about dietary fat is wrong. Before revealing the six real signs of excessive fat consumption, Dr. Ekberg wants to clear up four common myths that mislead many health-conscious individuals. Understanding these misconceptions will help you better interpret your body's true signals about fat intake.

Myth 1: Weight Gain Comes From Eating Fat

Closeup image of a young couple women holding and eating donuts togetherShutterstock

"When you eat fat, you burn the fat," Dr. Ekberg explains in his post. It's not fat itself that triggers fat storage - it's insulin, our fat-storing hormone. The real problem occurs when we combine high fat with high carbohydrates, as carbs trigger insulin production, leading to fat storage.

Myth 2: Fat Causes Insulin Resistance

Fat woman, Obese woman hand holding excessive belly fat isolated on gym background, Overweight fatty belly of woman, Woman diet lifestyle concept to reduce belly and shape up healthy stomach muscle.Shutterstock

Dr. Ekberg clarifies that carbohydrates and resulting high insulin levels - not dietary fat - lead to insulin resistance. This condition makes it harder to burn fat and easier to store it, creating a cycle of increased hunger and potential overeating.

Myth 3: Fat Makes You Tired After Meals

Tired man in car. Sleepy drowsy driver, fatigue. Driving and sleeping in vehicle. Exhausted, bored or drunk person. Serious upset man with stress, despair, anxiety or melancholy. Problem in traffic.Shutterstock

Feeling sleepy after eating isn't due to fat consumption, Dr. Ekberg reveals. The real culprit is typically overeating, particularly when combining high amounts of carbohydrates and fats. This combination forces your body to work harder to process the meal.

Myth 4: Fat Is Bad For Your Heart

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Dr. Ekberg challenges the belief that high-fat diets cause heart disease. The quality of fat matters more than quantity. Natural saturated and monounsaturated fats, like those in olive oil and properly sourced animal fats, can be consumed in larger amounts without causing heart problems - when not combined with high carbohydrate intake. Read on to discover real signs you're eating too much fat.

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

Sign 6: Digestive Distress

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The first genuine sign of excessive fat consumption often appears as diarrhea, according to Dr. Ekberg. This occurs when your gallbladder struggles to release enough bile to break down dietary fat. If you experience this symptom, you might be consuming more fat than your body can currently process.

Sign 5: Floating Stools

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Dr. Ekberg points out that floating stools indicate incomplete fat digestion. This happens when your body can't properly break down and absorb dietary fat, either due to insufficient bile production or inadequate lipase enzyme levels.

Sign 4: Burping and Bloating

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Frequent burping, bloating, and indigestion might signal that you're consuming more fat than your gallbladder can effectively process, explains Dr. Ekberg. These symptoms occur when insufficient bile production leads to poor fat emulsification.

Sign 3: Right Shoulder Pain

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Dr. Ekberg describes an often-overlooked sign: pain in the right shoulder. This referred pain pattern stems from gallbladder stress and can extend from the neck down to the area between the shoulder blades. Many mistake this for ordinary muscle pain.

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Sign 2: Pain Under Right Ribs

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Pain in the right side under the rib cage might indicate gallbladder congestion from processing too much fat, Dr. Ekberg warns. While severe cases might require medical intervention, he suggests that fasting and proper supplementation can often help address these issues early.

Sign 1: Weight Loss Plateau

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Even on a ketogenic diet, consuming too much dietary fat can prevent weight loss, Dr. Ekberg explains. While ketosis indicates fat-burning, your body might be burning primarily dietary fat rather than body fat. The solution? After becoming fat-adapted, gradually reduce dietary fat intake while maintaining low carb levels, allowing your body to tap into its fat stores for energy. 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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Are you over 40, and the same tactics you used to burn fat when you were younger suddenly aren’t working anymore? Shauna Theresa is a women’s fitness and nutrition coach who helps women over 40 “boost metabolism, build strong, sculpted bodies and lose fat for life” using her STRONG method. In a new post, she reveals how she had to adapt her fat loss approach as she got older. “Fat loss was easier in my 40s after I did this,” she writes.

Getting Into a Calorie Deficit and Staying There Didn’t Work Anymore

“A BIG mistake I made for years, and see many women make, is we start eating in a calorie deficit and STAY there,” she reveals. “The big problem with that is your body will eventually adapt to that lower calorie intake.”

It Down Regulate Metabolism

“This means it will down regulate metabolism, making fat loss HARDER and gaining fat EASIER,” she says. “Not to mention, building muscle while in a deficit is NOT easy, which is why maintenance phases are a critical part of creating that ‘toned’ look!”

A Maintenance Phase Is Key

“Without a plan for your dieting phase, especially a starting or exit strategy, you won’t get the results you want. I’ve been there. But here is how I lost fat at age 40, kept it off and maintain it without living on a diet! (Ps. This is how I help clients!)” she writes, heading into the four steps she took.

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Step 1: Prime Your Body for Fat Loss

The first step? “Before starting a fat loss phase I primed my body to lose fat by taking a break from dieting,” she reveals. This helped “up-regulate metabolism” and ensured her “body was not in a stressed state.”

Step 2: Time You Fat Loss Phases

Step two? “Fat loss phases were timed, with breaks as needed,” she writes. They also “included prioritizing protein and heavy weight lifting (this sends a signal to the body to preserve muscle and burn fat),” she says.

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

Step 3: Reverse Diet

The third step may surprise you. “Fat loss phases ended with a reverse diet,” she reveals. This “strategically and slowly increased calories allowing my body to adjust and adapt to a higher calorie amount without gaining fat. (A step most miss.)” she adds.

Step 4: Maintenance Phases

The last step? “My maintenance phases were times I took advantage of more calories,” she reveals. She added that she “put them to use to build more muscle, maybe even eating slightly over with calories with the intention of adding muscle, creating a more ‘toned’ look and improving metabolism.”

You Can Maintain Weight Loss Without Dieting Forever

“This application of steps has helped me lose fat, build muscle, and maintain results while avoiding being stuck in low calorie land! You are NOT meant to live in a deficit. It should be a temporary means to an end. A step in the process,” she adds at the end of her post. “Your plan should include times when you are eating MORE so you can prevent metabolic slow down and crashing hormones. It is possible for you to maintain your weight loss without ‘dieting’ forever. Promise!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.