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Morning Protein Trick Burns Fat After 40, Says Board-Certified Expert

One MD reveals her easy plan.

Amy Shah MD fastingmd
I’m a Doctor and This Why You Should Follow 30-30-3 Every Day
Copyright Save Yourself with Dr. Amy Shah, MD/YouTube

Are you struggling to lose weight after 40? You should make some tweaks to your approach. Amy Shah, MD, is a double-board-certified doctor and nutritionist based in Glendale, Arizona specializing in clinical medicine and allergy/immunology and touts her 30-30-3 method. In a new post, she reveals “nutrition rules for women over 40” that you must follow to lose weight.


You Need to Change Your Approach

She starts by pointing out that you need to change your approach when you age. “Just a fun little reminder that focusing on nutrition (and sleep, lifestyle, exercise) will move mountains for you in perimenopause,” she writes.

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Animal protein sources- meat, fish, cheese and milk.Shutterstock

Per Dr. Shah, the first thing you should do is amp up your protein intake. “Start with 30 g of protein in your first meal,” she says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Also, Amp Up Fiber Intake

Composition with assorted raw organic vegetablesShutterstock

Next, you need to amp up your fiber intake. “Then work up to 30 g of fiber throughout the day,” she says.

Eat Probiotics

Sauerkraut on a fork with a shallow depth of field. Pickling cabbage at home. The best natural probiotic.​Probiotic Foods: SauerkrautShutterstock

Gut health also needs to be a priority. There are certain foods you should eat to improve digestion. “Then add three servings of probiotic foods in a day,” she says.

These Three Things Are Impactful

Cropped,Close,Up,Young,Strong,Sporty,Athletic,Fitness,Trainer,Instructor, bloating, bloated, tummy, gutThe 8 Foods That Fight Bloating and Help Shrink Your WaistShutterstock

These three things are incredibly impactful. “Over time you will have done the best thing you could do for your gut health, hormone health, brain health, and inflammation,” she says.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Why Protein in the AM Is Important

mature,Woman,Jogging,Outdoors,On,Sunset,sunrise, morning, running8 Morning Habits This Hormone Expert Wants Women Over 40 To StopShutterstock

“By getting protein in the morning, you are counteracting the muscle loss that you are incurring – – 1 to 3% a year once you get into menopause! Having it in the morning, also balances your blood sugar decreases cravings, and strengthens your ability to stick with it,” she continues.

Why Fiber Is Important

Mature woman with fresh tomatoes in kitchen, closeup.9 Foods That Fight AgingShutterstock

“The fiber piece is so interesting. Every 10 g of fiber that you have over the average you can decrease your risk of death by 10% but this is also especially true for women as we age because I got my gut micro biome is changing a lot. Women will notice all of a sudden that they have cholesterol issues, food sensitivities, or low vitamin D among other gut related changes,” she adds.

Why Probiotics Are Important

Close-up of a bowl of cottage cheese in the hands of a Caucasian woman. Focus on a bowl of cottage cheese.Shutterstock

“And then the last perhaps most difficult piece is adding the three probiotic foods but things like cottage cheese, yogurt, kimchi sauerkraut can really help. We want to boost our gut health so that we can boost our brain health and hormone health,” she says.

This Will Change How You Feel Within Days

Happy mature woman with arms outstretched feeling the breeze at beach. Beautiful middle aged woman with arms up dancing on beach. Mid lady feeling good and enjoying freedom at sea, copy space.5 Menopause-Soothing Foods for Quick ReliefShutterstock

“This is a nutritional strategy that can change how you feel within days. And then continue to proof your long-term health. Why do I share this? Because I want you to eat better so that you can think better so that you can discover your gifts,” she concludes. 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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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 burn fat and lose weight in 2025? You may think you are doing all the right things, but there is a good chance you are missing the mark. Chrissa Benson is a health and fitness expert specializing in helping women over 35 get in shape. In a new post, she reveals how she lost weight and dropped body fat over the last year. "I'm 40 years old. Last year I got more serious about gaining muscle and focused on balancing my hormones. I worked out less, dialed in my nutrition, and lost 2 percent body fat," she explains over the video, adding in the caption that "focusing on 4 main things," was the ultimate game-changer for her fat loss.

She Hit Her Protein and Fiber Goals Daily

Macros are an important part of fat loss, according to Chrissa. "Hitting my protein and fiber goals every day," is the first thing that helped her lose weight. "I learned how to build an optimal plate for every meal that was SIMPLE and easy to do (even during my kids' baseball season when fast food became more of the norm than ever)," she writes in her Instagram post.

RELATED: Coach Loses 90 Pounds Naturally Following 4 Simple Daily Rules

Eating for Balanced Blood Sugar

"Eating for balanced blood sugar," also helped her. "And this meant I could still enjoy things I loved (like DQ blizzards with my kids and my beloved tortilla chips) because I knew the tricks to eat them without a massive blood sugar spike and crash," she says.

Strength Training with a Little HIIT

She also shifted her approach to fitness. "Prioritized strength training with the shorter cardio/HIIT workouts only 1-2x a week max," she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

And, Consistency

She also shifted her overall approach. "Consistency over perfection!!" she writes. "Just showing up even if it wasn't full out. Just doing the best I could with eating even if it wasn't always perfect or the most ideal."

RELATED: Coach Reveals 5 Signs You Are Losing Weight (Even If the Scale Isn't Budging)

Bottom Line: Sustainable Habits Equal Sustainable Results

"Building sustainable habits that fit my lifestyle was really the make or break," she concludes. "It's not about checking a daily box of to-do's – it's about shifting my identity to truly believe I was that fit, healthy person who craved healthy choices. And then aligning my habits with my life – not overhauling my life to try and meet habits that weren't possible to keep for the long haul." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Julie Clouse
​Patience and Discipline
Copyright julieclouse_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight and blast fat over 40? Julie Clouse is a social media influencer and fitness and macros expert who tries to “inspire others to be the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post she unveils her healthy habits for losing weight post-40. “Top 10 non-negotiables for fat loss after 40,” she writes. “It won’t always be easy, but it can be simple. Habits build momentum. 90% of people who love exercising & eating healthy didn’t start that way. But by staying consistent, they felt better, looked better, and fell in love with the process,” she writes.

Create a Calorie Deficit

The first thing to do is make sure you aren’t consuming more than you are burning. “Create a calorie deficit (at least 250 cals)” she writes.

Amp Up Protein Intake

Next, amp up your protein intake. “Eat 25-30g of protein at every meal,” she says. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Track Food

Next, make sure you are keeping track of everything you eat. “Track your food for overall calories and protein,” she says.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Lift Weights

Strength training is another core habit. “Lift weights 3-4 times per week,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Walk Up to 10,000 Steps Per Day

Next, get your steps in. “Get 8-10k steps per day—add a weighted vest for an extra burn!” she suggests. 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.

Eat Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, it’s not just about the numbers but the quality of food you eat. “Choose 90% Whole Foods,” she says.

Hydate

Make sure to stay hydrated. “Drink half your body weight (lbs) in ounces of water—I always add electrolytes too,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Don’t Cut Out Entire Food Groups

You don’t need to be super restrictive. “STOP cutting out entire food groups. Instead of saying no sugar, allow yourself a small treat that fits your goals. No food is off-limits,” she says.

Limit Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories. “Limit alcohol—this one is HUGE!” she maintains. Not only is alcohol high in calories but the more you drink, they more likely you are to make poor food choices and neglect exercise.

RELATED:10 Foods to Avoid If You're Trying to Burn Fat, Says Expert

Don’t Give Up

Finally, be patient. “STOP throwing in the towel after one bad day. Just get back on track the next day,” she reminds. “This is a lifestyle, NOT a diet. A few ‘bad’ days won’t ruin your progress. Ditch the dieting mentality and six-week plans—that was my BIGGEST mistake for years. Stay consistent, make it sustainable, and fit in the foods you love. It CAN work. You CAN be fit long after 40!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Abram Anderson
Abram Anderson/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.

Do you want to burn fat without counting calories or spending hours at the gym? Abram Anderson is a weight loss coach who regularly shares tips on how to burn fat fast. In a few new video post, he reveals simple hacks for burning fat that take very little effort. “Do you want to lose weight faster than what you're currently doing? But you do not want to count calories, you do not want to take supplements, and you don't want to have to use willpower?” he says, going on to reveal them.


Focus on Speeding Up Your Metabolism

To burn fat fast, you need to rev up your fat-burning system. “One of the tips that I give,” he says in the post, “is to try to speed up your metabolism. There's a few different ways to speed up your metabolism extremely easily.”

RELATED: 5 High-Protein Breakfasts Hollywood Trainer Magnus Lygdback Swears By

Do 30 Seconds of an Activity Right Before You Eat

The first suggestion he has? “You can do 30 seconds of an activity right before you eat. You'll be able to increase your insulin sensitivity right before you eat. You'll be able to eat the same number of calories and store less as fat that way, plus you have a higher metabolism,” he says.

Or, Add Spices to Your Food

“Or you can try to eat spicier food,” he says. “If you were just to add spices to your food, you can literally eat the same number of calories once again and actually burn more of them without having them stored as body fat,” he claims.

Two Tablespoons of Fermented Food Per Meal Helps Melt Body Fat

In another video, he reveals something you should add to every meal to melt body fat. “According to scientific research, two tablespoons of a fermented food with meals” is all you need “if you want to improve your microbiome and melt body fat drastically,” he says.

RELATED: Weight Loss Coach Lost 40 Pounds and Kept It Off for 14 Years With These 5 Changes

Kimchi Is the Best One to Eat

Korean,Traditional,Kimchi,On,A,Dark,Background.Shutterstock

“It's not just any fermented food. According to our data, it seems that kimchi seems to far outweigh the benefits for weight loss and microbiome health compared to anything else,” he continues. “So the yogurt just doesn't cut it. But if you could have kimchi in your diet, it can do absolute wonders.”

Disruption of Blood Sugar Leads to Overeating

“If you want to learn how to stop overeating so you can melt body fat easier, this is the advice that we give to our clients inside of our health and life coaching program. And it's helped them melt 20, 50, a hundred plus pounds of body fat without counting calories,” he continues. “This advice might work for you, too. By far, the biggest thing that is leading to overeating is a disruption in your blood sugar levels.”

Here Is the Secret to Prevent Binge Eating

Healthy,Food.,Selection,Of,Good,Carbohydrate,Sources,,High,Fiber,RichShutterstock

“What happens is you eat something that's high in carbohydrates and easy to digest, and you get a blood sugar spike. When you have a blood sugar spike, even if you're staying in normal ranges, your body will release insulin, which will cause a blood sugar spike down. That spike down causes you to feel uncontrollably hungry, where you feel like you can eat everything in sight,” he says. “The solution to this is to add in complex carbohydrates, water, and a food from nature inside of that meal, and that's how you prevent binge eating.”

And, Walking Is the Most Effective Workout for Losing Body Fat

“Walking has proven to be the most effective exercise for losing body fat, at least for my clients,” adding that “it doesn't actually require a whole lot of effort in order to see phenomenal results with it.” However, when you walk matters. “If you choose when you do your walk, you can actually maximize your results. So if you were to actually walk first thing in the morning or walk immediately after a workout for whatever reason, that seems to increase the amount of body fat you lose. And my theory is twofold,” he says.

Walking in the Morning Can Help Curb Cortisol Levels When They Are the Highest

“One, when you walk in the morning, you get sunshine, and your cortisol levels are the highest. You can actually curb that and better metabolize stress hormones because cortisol has been shown to be both anabolic to fat and catabolic muscle. So you can curb that if you walk in the morning,” he says.

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Walking Post Workout Can Utilize the Afterburn Effect

Young,Woman,Wearing,Sportswear,Is,Walking,On,A,Treadmill,AtShutterstock

The other best time to walk? “Two, if you were to walk after a workout, you actually utilize something called the afterburn effect,” he says. This is “where you burn additional calories even after your workout, and it's like extending it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you hitting your protein goals but are struggling to lose weight? You might be making some major mistakes, according to an expert. Ashley DiGiacomo Schwartz is a Fitness & Nutrition Body Recomposition Coach, BA/IMBA, who transformed her body during perimenopause, finally figuring out how to get rid of her midsection. “I made these mistakes for years, and they kept me stuck,” she writes in a new post.


Skimping on Breakfast Protein

Saucepan with boiling eggs on a gas stoveShutterstock

The first mistake? Skimping on breakfast protein. “Starting the day with just two eggs and some avocado toast might feel ‘clean,’ but if there’s not 30-35g of quality protein in the mix, muscle protein synthesis isn’t triggered. Translation: It’s not helping with body recomposition!” she says in her post.

RELATED:7 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg, Weight Loss Expert Reveals

Picking High-Fat Proteins

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

The next mistake is picking high-fat proteins. “Sure, ribeye is delicious, but if fat loss is the goal, calories still matter. High-fat proteins like some beef, salmon, and nuts, can hinder your ability to stay in a deficit, which is necessary for fat loss,” she says.

Thinking More Protein Will Get You Results

,High,Protein.,Healthy,Eating,,Diet,meat,chicken,steak,beef,fish,salmonShutterstock

Mistake three? Thinking more protein = results. ”Protein is important, but it’s not magic if there’s still a calorie surplus. I learned the hard way that going overboard on ‘healthy foods’ can easily derail progress. You see this often with people saying they ‘eat healthy’ but can’t lose weight. Because ‘healthy’ foods still have calories, and if you aren’t paying attention, you can still eat too much of a healthy thing,” she writes.

Relying Too Much on Bars & Shakes

Frozen Blended Vanilla Milkshake with Ice Cream and SprinklesShutterstock

Mistake four is relying too much on bars and shakes. “Whole food protein and fiber wins for keeping hunger in check. Whey protein is great for protein shakes, and adding in a few processed protein sources a day helps hit that protein content. But when we eat whole foods for our protein sources and veggies, we get higher quality protein, fiber and feel full longer,” she says.

RELATED:Want Flat Abs? Ditch These 7 Foods From Your Diet, Says Expert

Choosing the “Healthy” Salad

Young,Woman,Eating,Salad,Organic,Vegetables,happy,eating,foodShutterstock

Her final mistake is choosing the “healthy” salad. “That chicken salad might sound like the right call, but it often has more calories than a lean steak with a baked potato and veggies—and leaves you starving. Stop fearing real protein! And stop thinking that salads are the only way to get to your goals. Achieving your dream body isn’t about starvation or restriction—it’s about smart choices!”

Also, Sleep Is a Great Belly Fat-Blasting Habit

Woman sleeping with hand under cheek on pillow in bed.Shutterstock

In another post, she offers some tips on how to blast belly fat, starting with sleep. “Aim for 6.5-8 hours when you can quality sleep regulates your hormones and reduces stress,” she writes.

And Don’t Forget to Move

Woman,Walking,In,The,Park,With,Bottle,Water,In,SummerShutterstock

Movement is also key. “Get your steps in. Walking (especially outside) lowers stress, and taking extra steps burns extra calories without making you more hungry! Win-win!” she writes.

Drink More Water

Woman,Holding,Glass,With,Clean,Water,At,Home,,CloseupShutterstock

Drink more water to blast belly fat! “If you are drinking more water, you are less likely to overeat. Additionally, all of our systems benefit from proper hydration, so if you want optimal workouts, you need to hydrate,” she writes.

RELATED:She Dropped 160 Pounds After Admitting 9 “Hard Truths”

Aim for a Moderate Calorie Deficit

Close up woman using meal tracker app on phone while eating salad at picnic table in the park on a break. Healthy balanced diet lunch box. Healthy diet plan for weight loss. Selective focusShutterstock

She also recommends a moderate calorie deficit. “If your goal is to lose body fat, then you need to be in a deficit, but I don’t recommend going lower than 300 calories below maintenance to keep it sustainable long term,” she says.

Find the Right Workout Plan

Fitness woman doing exercise for glutes, cable kickbacks. Athletic girl workout at the gym. Beautiful butt in leggingsShutterstock

And find the right workout plan. “Your approach needs to change as you age. If you are a 40-year-old woman, what you did in your 20s could very well be making you gain more weight. You need a plan that is built for you. If you are not on the right exercise routine and nutrition plan for your goals, it can be damn near impossible to lose,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

mature,Woman,Jogging,Outdoors,On,Sunset,sunrise, morning, running
Shutterstock
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.

Feeling frustrated with your fitness routine? You're not alone. While you might be doing everything "right," certain morning habits could be working against your body's changing hormonal landscape after 40—and a leading hormone expert has noticed a pattern.


Angela Garcia has spent 25 years watching women make the same well-intentioned mistakes. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Board-Certified Specialist in Obesity at Thrivelab, she's helped countless women navigate the complex relationship between hormones, exercise, and weight management. From her practice in San Antonio, she's identified key morning habits that are holding women back.

Here's what she wants you to stop doing—and what to do instead.

The Morning Timing That's Working Against You

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Your first few hours set the tone for your entire day—especially during menopause. "Morning habits directly impact energy levels, hormonal balance, and metabolic health," Garcia explains. During this time, fluctuations in estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol affect everything from your metabolism to bone density and muscle mass.

Why Your Old Exercise Rules Don't Work Anymore

Gym, stomach workout and woman with fitness, sport and abs exercise for wellness, health and care. Training, athlete and thinking with crunches, abdomen muscle and core strength on the floorShutterstock

If you've noticed stubborn weight gain around your middle, hormones might be the culprit. "As estrogen and testosterone levels decrease, metabolism slows down, leading to increased fat storage, especially around the middle," Garcia notes. She adds that these changes also affect how your body recovers from exercise, making traditional workout approaches less effective.

The Hidden Damage You're Doing

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The changes run deeper than just weight gain. "These hormonal changes can affect muscle mass, bone density, and insulin sensitivity, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight and overall metabolic function," Garcia explains. She points out that stress compounds these issues: "Elevated cortisol levels from stress can exacerbate these issues, contributing to fatigue and slower recovery."

Morning Mistakes That Sabotage Your Progress

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Garcia identifies several common morning routine errors that can derail your progress. Skipping strength training is a major pitfall, as is overdoing cardio sessions. "Long or intense cardio sessions can elevate cortisol levels, which worsens fatigue and encourages fat storage," she warns. Other mistakes include neglecting recovery time, poor hydration, and rushing through breakfast.

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

The New Morning Rules You Need

Portrait of senior woman lifting dumbbellsShutterstock

The solution starts with smarter exercise choices. "Light weightlifting or resistance band exercises can build muscle and boost metabolism," Garcia advises. She recommends starting your day with proper hydration and a balanced breakfast containing protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Short bursts of high-intensity interval training can be more effective than lengthy cardio sessions.

Why You Need More Recovery Than You Think

Older women Body Warming Before exercising in the parkShutterstock

Don't underestimate the importance of rest. "Failing to incorporate rest or low-intensity activities like stretching or Pilates can increase stress on the body and hinder recovery," Garcia cautions. She emphasizes that recovery isn't just about physical rest—it's about managing overall stress levels. "Activities like yoga or mindfulness exercises help reduce cortisol levels and support hormonal balance."

The Exercise Approach That Works With Your New Hormones

Fitness determined mature woman lying doing crunches at home. Healthy mid woman doing exercises on gym mat. Concentrate middle age lady doing daily exercises lying on the floor in the living room.Shutterstock

Adapting your workout to your body's new needs is crucial. Garcia suggests focusing on "shorter, lower-impact strength and cardio sessions in the morning." This might include resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, or light weights. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and adjusting intensity based on your energy levels and symptoms.

The Simple Morning Habit You're Overlooking

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Many women overlook this simple but crucial factor. "Not drinking enough water in the morning can worsen symptoms like fatigue, poor focus, and hot flashes," Garcia points out. She recommends making hydration a priority first thing in the morning to help with energy levels and body temperature regulation.

RELATED: Woman Who Lost 70 Pounds Shares 5 Hidden Truths: "It's About How You Feel, Not How You Look”

The Right Way to Time Your First Meal

Healthiness and happiness go hand in hand. Shot of a happy older couple enjoying a healthy lunch together outdoors.Shutterstock

When you eat matters as much as what you eat. "Eating a balanced meal shortly after waking helps stabilize blood sugar levels and supports metabolic function throughout the day," Garcia explains. For women dealing with night sweats or hot flashes, she recommends opting for lighter, cooler breakfast options and maintaining consistent meal timing to support hormonal balance. "Having a lighter, cooler breakfast and spacing meals to prevent prolonged fasting can improve energy and temperature regulation." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Kiana Monle kianamonle
Copyright kianamonle/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 struggling to achieve your weight loss goals? Kiana Monle is a holistic wellness influencer who dropped over 30 pounds and shares her tips and tricks on social media. In a new post, she reveals a few things she did to drop weight. “Before, I felt heavy. I was uncomfortable in my body and was sick of hovering around the same weight for years on end. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired! So I made some changes. BIG ones,” she says in the post, revealing five things she did to lose 35 pounds.

She Got Into a Calorie Deficit

The first thing she did was get into a calorie deficit. “For the first 6 months, I meticulously tracked my calories. I know this isn't for everyone, but it was so helpful to know how much I was eating, and how much I had left to play around with. IMO, this was the biggest game changer,” she says.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

She Went “Back to Basics”

Next, she went “back to basics,” she says. “I used to eat a ton of sweets. It became a cycle, and my weight soared. To reset, I went back to the basics--whole foods , no cakes or cookies. Yes, that first few days were tough (almost caved for some insomnia cookies) but it was worth it. After a week or so I stopped craving so many sweets. I also started to enjoy whole foods more. I later re-introduced cakes, cookies, etc!”

She Exercised

She also started to exercise. “I've always been somewhat active when it came to workouts, but as someone who worked from home, I got maaaybe 1K steps in a day. To move more, I worked out 3X a week (doing @heatherrobertsoncom 's 12 week program) and later added walks 5X a week. Once I finished the plan, I did the second one for a bit before ditching, lifting altogether, and focused on cardio (my fave),” she says.

She Treated Herself to “Daily Fun Foods”

Next, she started treating herself to “daily fun foods,” she reveals. “I reset my palate, but I still kept things fun. My daily treat would be popcorn and a chocolate truffle (huge fan of both!).”

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

She Focused on Consistency

Finally, she focused on consistency. “Daily commitment was key. For those first 6 months, when I lost 20 pounds, I would stick to my eating and workout plan. No cheat days, no going off script. I simply built in rest days, and if I ate out, I'd have it fit into my daily calories,” she writes.

She Is Now Focused on Balance

“Now as I maintain my goal weight, it's about finding balance,” she reveals at the end of the post. “It's not always easy, but I'm excited to document it here!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Riva Siggins rivafitness
Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
Copyright rivafitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight? Keep it simple, says an expert. Riva Siggins is an online coach who “loves food and movement.” She regularly shares tips on the best ways to burn fat and build muscle with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a recent post she shares “5 simple tips” to burn fat and lose weight. “These tips may sound simple, but often, fat loss is overly complicated. Nail the basics, and you’ll get results,” she says.

Make Protein Your “Best Friend”

Her first tip is to )make protein your best friend. “Not only will it help you retain more muscle as you lose body fat which will contribute to a leaner physique but it is also the most filling macronutrient so will be sticking to a deficit easier,” she said. “Utilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Get Enough Sleep

Next, “stop underestimating how important sleep is,” she writes. “Lack of sleep can increase hunger as your hormones ghrelin and leptin which send signals to your brain telling you when you’re hungry/satiated don’t work as efficiently when you’re sleep deprived and this can result in your feeling hungrier, food focus being higher and more cravings which can make sticking to a deficit a LOT harder.”

Do Cardio Plus Weight Training

Next, she recommends prioritizing weight training while utilizing cardio “as a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she says. “Weight training will help you maintain more muscle so as you drop body fat you won’t just get smaller and flatter, you’ll maintain shape and have a lean, strong looking physique. Cardio can be utilized to help increase your output but if you just do cardio you’ll lose a lot of muscle which you don’t want.”

Eat Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, prioritize whole foods. “200 calories of potatoes is going to give you a lot more volume compared to 200 calories or chocolate, include the foods you enjoy in moderation of course as this’ll help you stick to it but if you’re sensible with your food selection you’re going to feel like you’re eating a lot and by prioritizing food sources such as complex carbs, lean protein and fruit/veg you will be left feeling fuller for longer too,” she says.

Take Things One Day at a Time

Tip five is to take things one day at a time. “If you go over your calories or have a day where you fall off track so what? Just pick yourself up a go day, it isn’t about perfection every day it’s about consistency over time,” she writes.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Dial in Your Nutrition

In another post, she offers more tips. One thing she did was dial into her nutrition more than ever. “Around 90% of my calories come from whole foods and I feel so energised, I’m able to push harder in my sessions because I’m fuelling correctly, I’m not having energy dips throughout and I’m recovering well,” she says.

She Started Drinking Less Alcohol

She also started drinking less alcohol. “For the last few years I’ve not been a big drinker but even more so recently, I don’t know when I’ll drink again because I can have such a good time socially without it so I’ll only drink alcohol if I feel it will enhance the experience and there’s very few times I feel like that nowadays,” she writes.

EMOMs and AMRAPs

She also changed her training approach. While “the foundation of my training stays the same eg my strength work as progressive overload is key but I have different conditioning finishers each week from EMOMs and AMRAPs to threshold sessions and timed rounds, this is to test my aerobic and anaerobic capacity in different ways,” she says.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Prioritizing Herself

“I am prioritizing me more than ever before,” she continues. “I’m not afraid to say no to plans if I need time to rest, I’m not worried about people thinking I’m boring or saying yes to things to be a people pleaser. I’ve found a perfect balance with training hard, recharging and doing things that make me feel good in my spare time so I’m not burnt out or constantly feeling tired.”

Water

She also says that water has “become an absolute non-negotiable” in her plan. “4l of water a day,” she says. “I need to perform and recover my best.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Mateo Ruperti lifting_with_mateo
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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.

Do you want to eat your way to a slimmer waistline? Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who helps “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days” with his LWM Blueprint. In a new post, he shares fruits that will help you burn fat faster. “10 fruits you should start eating to lose belly fat,” he writes. “No certain food is going to make you lose weight on its own, but these fruits helped me stay in a caloric deficit, which promoted fat loss. Fruits are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your fat loss goals,” he says.

Berries

Berries – including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – are great for fat-burning. “Packed with antioxidants and fiber, they help boost metabolism and reduce belly fat,” he says.

Apples

Young woman holding bowl full of apples in fruit orchard. Apple harvesting. Top view.​ApplesShutterstock

Next on his list is apples. “High in fiber, apples keep you full and curb overeating, helping with fat loss,” he says.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Grapefruit

Juicy grapefruit pieces with fresh mint in a bowl, close up​GrapefruitShutterstock

Also stock up on grapefruit. “Known for its fat-burning properties, grapefruit can lower insulin levels and promote fat loss,” he says.

Avocados

Sliced,Avocado,On,A,Cutting,Board​AvocadoShutterstock

It’s no surprise that avocados made his list of fat-burning fruit. “Full of healthy fats, avocados keep you satisfied and support fat metabolism,” he writes.

Pineapple

Close up,Sliced and half of Pineapple(Ananas comosus) on wooden table with blurred garden background.Sweet,sour and juicy taste.Have a lot of fiber,vitamins C and minerals.Fruits or healthcare concept​PineappleShutterstock

Pineapple is not only sweet and delicious, it can help you lose weight. “Contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion and reduce bloating,” he writes.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Kiwi

fresh kiwi fruit as background​KiwisShutterstock

Kiwi is another tropical fruit with fat-burning powers. “High in vitamin C and fiber, kiwis help reduce belly fat and improve digestion,” he says, calling it the “cheat code.”

Watermelon

Slices of fresh watermelon on the rustic wooden table​Low-Calorie FruitsShutterstock

Watermelon is sweet and will help you slim down. “With high water content, it keeps you hydrated and helps control hunger,” he says.

Peaches

Yellow Peach with slice in wooden basket, Fresh Yellow Peach fruit in wooden bowl on wooden background.​PeachesShutterstock

Add peaches to your shopping cart for weight loss benefits. “Full of fiber and low in calories, peaches help reduce fat while satisfying your sweet cravings,” he says.

Papaya

Fresh ripe papaya fruits on wooden table, closeup​PapayaShutterstock

Another great fruit for fat loss? Papaya. “Contains enzymes that help with digestion and can reduce bloating,” he says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Oranges

fresh orange fruits with leaves as background, top viewShutterstock

The last fruit for weight loss? Oranges. “Rich in vitamin C, oranges can boost metabolism and support fat burning,” he says.

Add Them to Your List

Add these to your shopping list and lose weight fast. “These fruits helped me stay on track with my nutrition and fat loss goals—try adding them to your routine to stay on top of your progress!” he writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.