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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.

Coach Shares Her High-Protein “Cloud” Pizza Secret for Getting Sculpted Abs

It’s delicious – and good for you!

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
Angela_Rummans1
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab

When it comes to dieting, pizza is usually one of the first foods to go. After all, just one slice of pizza averages around 300 calories – and who eats just one? However, one health expert claims that she chiseled her abs with the help of a delicious pizza recipe, revealing the details in a recent post. Angela Rummans, a cookbook author and fitness coach, shares recipes on her social media page that helped her flatten her abs and keep them that way. In a new post, she reveals her game-changing “cloud bread pizza” recipe. “This (super high protein/ low carb) pizza hack helped me get/ keep my abs, w/out feeling deprived!” she writes in the post.


Modified Versions of Your Favorite Foods Keeps You Satisfied

Angela explains that modified versions of your favorite meals keep her satiated. “Having a recipe like this in your arsenal that satisfies all the cravings is such a huge tool for achieving your fitness goals. Save this one for later, and you have to try it! I honestly can't get enough of it!” she says in the post.

Cloud Bread Pizza Ingredients

-6 large egg whites

-1.5 TBS cornstarch

-pinch salt

-1/4 cup tomato sauce

-1 oz vegan cheese

-2 broccoli florets

-3 cherry tomato

-3 mushroom

Cloud Bread Pizza Instructions

Cloud bread pizza is easy to make. “With a hand mixer, whip together egg whites, cornstarch, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees until browned. Top your pizza and bake again until the cheese is melty and toppings are cooked,” she instructs.

Cloud Bread Pizza Nutritional Information

The total nutritional information for the Cloud Bread Pizza is:

Calories: 190 kcal

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 15g

* Fiber: 2g

* Sugars: 5g

Fat: ~3g

* Saturated Fat: 1g

Sodium: 520mg

Here is Her Pumpkin Spice Protein Bagel Recipe

In another post she shares more of her meal prep recipes designed for “busy people with fitness goals to reach,” she writes, starting with breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Protein Bagel with hard boiled eggs.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bagel (makes 3)

-1 cup self-rising flour

-1 cup mashed pumpkin (canned or fresh, well-drained)

-3 scoops unflavored or vanilla protein powder

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 tsp pumpkin spice or cinnamon

-2 TBS plain Greek or soy yogurt (adjust for dough consistency, if needed)

Per Bagel: 175 cal / Protein: 16g / Carbs: 22g / Fat: 2 g / Fiber: 2 g

+ 2 Hardboiled eggs: 295 cal / Protein: 22g / Carbs: 22g / Fat: 8 g / Fiber: 2g

Crispy Rice Sushi Salad

She also shares the recipe for a lunch idea: Crispy Rice Sushi Salad.

-1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple for color)

-1/3 cup diced carrot

-1/2 cup diced cucumber

-1/4 cup shelled edamame

-2 TBS pickled ginger, finely chopped

-1 sheet nori, chopped or crumbled

-1/2 cup cubed tofu (pan-fried or baked for added texture)

-1/2 cup day-old rice, lightly toasted in 1 TBS sesame oil

Dressing:

-1 TBS soy sauce/ 1 TBS mirin/ 1 TBS fresh orange juice / 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

375 cal / Protein: ~14g / Carbs: ~42g / Fat: ~12g / Fiber: ~6g

Everything Bagel Egg Salad

And, for dinner, an
Everything Bagel Egg Salad.

-8 egg whites, chopped

-2 TBS fresh dill, finely chopped

-2 TBS pickle relish (or finely diced pickles)

-2-3 TBS mayo or plain Greek yogurt (adjust for creaminess)

-1 tsp Dijon mustard

-1 TBS everything bagel seasoning

-Salt and pepper, to taste

-Romaine lettuce

~300 cal / Protein: ~26g / Carbs: ~28g / Fat: ~7g / Fiber: ~2g

*Per container - multiply recipe by # of days you want to prep for*

She Recommends Incline Walking and Deep Core Workouts

In another post she reveals her simple approach to fitness. “My most asked question: “What’s your workout routine?” Well, here it is!” she says. “Incline walk on the treadmill (10 incline at 3 mph) for ~45 minutes, 3-5x a week” and her “deep core workouts 3x a week with rest days in between.”

Buy Her Cookbooks

For more of Angela’s weight loss recipes, head over to her Instagram page. You can also order her cookbooks by visiting her website here. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
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.

When it comes to dieting, pizza is usually one of the first foods to go. After all, just one slice of pizza averages around 300 calories – and who eats just one? However, one health expert claims that she chiseled her abs with the help of a delicious pizza recipe, revealing the details in a recent post. Angela Rummans, a cookbook author and fitness coach, shares recipes on her social media page that helped her flatten her abs and keep them that way. In a new post, she reveals her game-changing “cloud bread pizza” recipe. “This (super high protein/ low carb) pizza hack helped me get/ keep my abs, w/out feeling deprived!” she writes in the post.


Modified Versions of Your Favorite Foods Keeps You Satisfied

Angela explains that modified versions of your favorite meals keep her satiated. “Having a recipe like this in your arsenal that satisfies all the cravings is such a huge tool for achieving your fitness goals. Save this one for later, and you have to try it! I honestly can't get enough of it!” she says in the post.

Cloud Bread Pizza Ingredients

-6 large egg whites

-1.5 TBS cornstarch

-pinch salt

-1/4 cup tomato sauce

-1 oz vegan cheese

-2 broccoli florets

-3 cherry tomato

-3 mushroom

Cloud Bread Pizza Instructions

Cloud bread pizza is easy to make. “With a hand mixer, whip together egg whites, cornstarch, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees until browned. Top your pizza and bake again until the cheese is melty and toppings are cooked,” she instructs.

Cloud Bread Pizza Nutritional Information

The total nutritional information for the Cloud Bread Pizza is:

Calories: 190 kcal

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 15g

* Fiber: 2g

* Sugars: 5g

Fat: ~3g

* Saturated Fat: 1g

Sodium: 520mg

Here is Her Pumpkin Spice Protein Bagel Recipe

In another post she shares more of her meal prep recipes designed for “busy people with fitness goals to reach,” she writes, starting with breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Protein Bagel with hard boiled eggs.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bagel (makes 3)

-1 cup self-rising flour

-1 cup mashed pumpkin (canned or fresh, well-drained)

-3 scoops unflavored or vanilla protein powder

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 tsp pumpkin spice or cinnamon

-2 TBS plain Greek or soy yogurt (adjust for dough consistency, if needed)

Per Bagel: 175 cal / Protein: 16g / Carbs: 22g / Fat: 2 g / Fiber: 2 g

+ 2 Hardboiled eggs: 295 cal / Protein: 22g / Carbs: 22g / Fat: 8 g / Fiber: 2g

Crispy Rice Sushi Salad

She also shares the recipe for a lunch idea: Crispy Rice Sushi Salad.

-1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple for color)

-1/3 cup diced carrot

-1/2 cup diced cucumber

-1/4 cup shelled edamame

-2 TBS pickled ginger, finely chopped

-1 sheet nori, chopped or crumbled

-1/2 cup cubed tofu (pan-fried or baked for added texture)

-1/2 cup day-old rice, lightly toasted in 1 TBS sesame oil

Dressing:

-1 TBS soy sauce/ 1 TBS mirin/ 1 TBS fresh orange juice / 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

375 cal / Protein: ~14g / Carbs: ~42g / Fat: ~12g / Fiber: ~6g

Everything Bagel Egg Salad

And, for dinner, an
Everything Bagel Egg Salad.

-8 egg whites, chopped

-2 TBS fresh dill, finely chopped

-2 TBS pickle relish (or finely diced pickles)

-2-3 TBS mayo or plain Greek yogurt (adjust for creaminess)

-1 tsp Dijon mustard

-1 TBS everything bagel seasoning

-Salt and pepper, to taste

-Romaine lettuce

~300 cal / Protein: ~26g / Carbs: ~28g / Fat: ~7g / Fiber: ~2g

*Per container - multiply recipe by # of days you want to prep for*

She Recommends Incline Walking and Deep Core Workouts

In another post she reveals her simple approach to fitness. “My most asked question: “What’s your workout routine?” Well, here it is!” she says. “Incline walk on the treadmill (10 incline at 3 mph) for ~45 minutes, 3-5x a week” and her “deep core workouts 3x a week with rest days in between.”

Buy Her Cookbooks

For more of Angela’s weight loss recipes, head over to her Instagram page. You can also order her cookbooks by visiting her website here. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

Lisa Jean Lanceford is a fitness trainer and influencer with over 3.7 million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares her workouts on social media and via the STRNG app. In one of her recent Instagram posts, she shared the exercises that are responsible for her 6-pack abs. “Sheeeeesh this one burns 🔥 Let’s get this ABS workout done,” she wrote in the captioned. Here is everything you need to know about her workout plus the other lifestyle habits that help keep her in shape.


Here Is Her Ab Workout

In the video, she demonstrates the following exercises:

  • Kneeling cable crunch

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Roman chair oblique knee raises

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Alternating knee tuck double crunch

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Cross crawls

    20-24 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Low to high cable woodchips

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets each side

Intuitive Eating

Lisa promotes “intuitive eating,” explaining the principles in an Instagram post.

“Your relationship with food plays a key role in your overall fitness journey. Whilst it’s good to have a sufficient understanding of your diet and nutrition, striving for the ‘perfect’ diet may lead to controlling or disordered eating habits. If you have eaten a cheeseburger, you do not have to feel guilty, skip your next meal or ‘burn it off.’ Instead, focus on the positives. You received a great source of iron, protein, carbs, calcium and you probably rather enjoyed it. You do not need to use exercise to negate eating but rather consume food for enjoyment, nourishment and to fuel workouts and recovery,” she says.

Related: 10 High Fiber Foods to Keep You Full in a Day, According to Dietitian

Here Is How She “Builds” Healthy Meals

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford2lisafiitt/Instagram

In another post, she explains “how to build a healthy and balanced meal,” starting with a “good quality protein sources such as lean meat, a soya-based product such as tofu or tempeh, dairy or lentils, beans and edamame beans,” she says. Next up, starchy carbohydrates, which “should make up just over a 1/3 of the food you eat,” she explains.

“They are essential for energy and nutrients, therefore you should aim to include some at every meal. Low GI carbohydrates slowly release energy and are higher in fibre which means they will keep you fuller for longer. Some low GI options include potatoes with skin on, brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, oats, and buckwheat.”

Then, fill your plate “with a rainbow of non- starchy vegetables and dark leafy greens. Examples include broccoli, spinach, kale, peppers, cucumber, courgette, onion, aubergine, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes and so on. Also be sure to include some fruit throughout the day as snacks or added to breakfast, etc,” she adds. Finally, “Pick a small amount of healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and seeds.”

No Diets

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford1lisafiitt/Instagram

Lisa doesn’t like to label her eating plan. “I don’t like to call it a diet as it’s my lifestyle and not a diet. My nutrition has stayed the same, except some days I am increasing my calories as I am working out more, so I need to make sure I am fuelling my body right. I am doing LIVE Instagram workouts with my followers and challenging myself with new HIIT workouts alongside weight training (working with what I have) and my morning walks,” she told Women Fitness.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds and Here’s Everything I Learned Along My Journey

Walking in the Morning

Beautiful woman traveler climbs uphill with a dog on a background of mountain views. She is with a backpack and in red clothes.Shutterstock

While she spends a lot of time in the gym, Lisa starts her day with steps. “I do a 1 hour walk every morning. It helps with my mindset for the day and I think about everything I am grateful for. It’s so calm, quiet and peaceful and it gets my mind going for the day. Always practice gratitude and always appreciate the little things in life,” she added to Women Fitness.

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, crunches, and sit-ups aren’t the best exercises to build abs. Try doing a set like Lisa’s, which works all the muscles in your midsection, including obliques, and will get you the best results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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.

Rebecca Louise is flaunting her six-pack abs in a sports bra and shorts. In a new social media post the fitness influencer shows off her amazing midsection while revealing the secret to her six-pack abs. “SIX PACK ABS at home 🙌🏻 The BURN METHOD makes sure you get results by allowing your body the REST it needs to repair and the BURN it needs to build!” she says. “Today it’s CORE day inside the BURN APP 🙌🏻 here is a little teaser of the exercise we do to get that SIX PACK!” What is the workout responsible for her taut tummy and what are her other health habits?


Protein Shake and Tea

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

Rebecca detailed her diet to The Newsette. “For the last 5 years, I have had the same breakfast. I still get excited to wake up and get all the proper nutrients in my body to start the day,” she says. She starts with a protein shake, “as it’s packed full of vitamins and minerals. But what I love most is how great it tastes! It also includes good fats, which are essential for maintaining your blood sugar level and fueling your body with the right ingredients,” she says. “I am not a coffee drinker because, well, I am British and we love tea!” she continues. Instead, she has Chai tea that is thermogenic, “which means it burns calories and gives you energy. Packed full of black, green tea, and plenty of antioxidants, it’s a key part of me feeling awake! To help with digestion, I always have a splash of the aloe in some water to get my tummy moving for the day,” she says.

Related: I Lost My Mom Pooch Without Dieting with These Simple Tips

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt strawberry parfaits with fresh berries. toning. selective focusShutterstock

She eats at 6:30 A.M, “within 30 minutes of waking up,” starting with Greek Yogurt with Berries. “You have to be super careful when it comes to yogurt, as a lot of them are full of sugar. My rule of thumb is to make sure the protein is always more than the carbs and sugar. When it comes to fruit, I always stick to berries as they are lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants. If I am craving something sweet, I will have some mango instead of sweets!” she says.

Kale Wraps or Salads

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

Lunch “varies between a crunchy kale wrap or summer salad. I am always running around, so I make sure that someone picks me up food from a nearby place called Jans. Luckily for them, they are the only healthy place around, so I have a running tab with them!” she says.

Healthy Snacks

Crispy celery sticks with organic peanut butter and milkShutterstock

For a snack she eats celery and Almond butter. “I have found it to be better than peanut butter, and I prefer the taste,” she explains.

Salmon

Fried salmon steak with potatoes and vegetables on wooden tableShutterstock

For dinner she eats salmon, green beans and quinoa. “My meals are always balanced between protein, carbs, good fats and veggies. Around 24 grams of protein for my main meals, or measured by the size of my palm,” she says. At night she has a post-recovery shake with protein, L glutamine and BCAs.

Related: The Perfect 5-Exercise Beginner Workout, According to Fitness Expert

Her Ab Workout

rebecca-louiserebeccalouisefitness/Instagram

Rebecca demonstrates her ab workout in her Instagram video. She does each exercise fo4 40 seconds, and rests for 14. She does two sets.

  1. Side plank leg taps
  2. Side reach ups
  3. Leg drop circles
  4. Knee to chest extensions
  5. Straight bicycles
  6. Side body crunch

💪🔥Body Booster: Start your day with Greek yogurt and berries within 30 minutes of waking up. Ensure the yogurt’s protein content exceeds its carbs and sugar, and opt for mango when craving sweets. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Cassey Ho is a fitness influencer and coach with over 2.7 million followers on Instagram and 9.5 million on YouTube. The Blogilates creator regularly shares diet and fitness content, helping millions of people get into shape. She also designs workout clothes, which she models in a recent post. “Running short…but make it a fairytale 👑” she captioned an Instagram post of her latest design, showing off her flat abs in the process. How does the 37-year-old eat to stay in such great shape? The Body Network has the details on everything she eats in a day and her other top lifestyle habits.


Food Fuels Her Workouts

“I eat for energy and work out because it makes me feel good,” Cassey told People. “You’ve got to find the joy in exercising and nourishing your body, or else you won’t stick to it.”

Hydration

Cassey_Ho2blogilates/Instagram

Cassy understands the importance of hydration. She reveals that she drinks 2 to 3 liters of water per day. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Related: I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Healthy Diet

Peanut butter banana oat smoothie with paper straws, on a wood board on rustic table, downward viewShutterstock

Cassey consumes 1,752 calories per day. She starts her day with a peanut butter banana smoothie (1 banana, 2 scoops natural, organic peanut butter, 3/4 cup almond milk, and a handful of ice). After that, she snacks on 1 cup fresh blueberries with 1 cup coconut yogurt and a RX bar. For lunch she enjoys a chicken salad (5 oz. roasted chicken breast, 4 cups butter lettuce, 2 tbsp. raw sliced almonds, 1⁄2 cup cherry tomatoes, and 2 tbsp. strawberry vinaigrette). And, for dinner she has 5 oz. baked salmon, 1 cup brown rice, 1 cup roasted brussels sprouts, and 2 tbsp. Sriracha.

PIIT28

Cassey_Ho3blogilates/Instagram

Cassey’s all-time favorite workout is the one she created, PIIT28. “I developed this workout program that combines high-intensity cardio exercises with total-body-strengthening Pilates moves. One round is seven minutes and 10 seconds, and for a full workout, you’ll need to do four rounds for a total of 28 minutes and 40 seconds. I love this style of workout because you burn fat and build muscle and endurance in a short period of time with zero equipment,” she told Stylecaster.

Related: Grace Albin Just Shared This Ultimate Glute Workout

Pilates

Cassey_Ho4blogilates/Instagram

Cassey also does Pilates. Her favorite move is the earthquake. “You begin seated with legs straight and a tall spine, roll shoulders back and down, and lean back at the hips. You’ll feel your core shake like crazy! It doesn’t look like you’re moving that much, but, oh boy, this move is powerful and great for a strong core,” she told Stylecaster.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, make sure you are fueling your body with the right balance of protein, carbs, and fiber to fuel your workouts and help build muscle.

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 get your abs toned in time for summer? All you need is a pair of free weights and about ten minutes, according to Becky Greenan. The 37-year-old mother-of-two flashes her impressive six-pack during one of her latest at-home workouts, demonstrating a few key moves that help her maintain her flat abs. “Abs & Core 🤘 Grab some light dumbbells and try this out,” she captioned the Instagram post, sharing it with her nearly one million followers on the social media network. Here are the exercises she recommends – and some of her other diet and fitness tips.


Here Is Her “Abs and Core” Workout

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky9built.by.becky/Instagram

“I’m holding 5lbs each hand. Holding the dumbbells will help with counterbalance during the V sit. Let’s gooo!” she writes in the caption, recommending doing each exercise for 30 seconds and completing the circuit for three sets.

  1. Modified v sit Russian twist
  2. V sit leg crunch
  3. Glute bridge knee drives
  4. Lying knee crunch
  5. Lying flutter kicks

Be Patient

Becky, who has two children, has transformed her body dramatically over 10 years. However, she explains to her followers that it takes patience, a lot of work, and time to do so. “27 years old vs 37 years old with 2 kids,” she wrote in the caption. “My transformation didn’t take me 10 years to see results. But my progress hasn’t been linear either - especially with 2 pregnancies,” she writes.

Be Consistent

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky4built.by.becky/Instagram

Aside from hard work, consistency is key, says Becky. “One thing I’ve always been is CONSISTENT. I’ve always kept going and I’ve never given up on myself,” she writes in the same post.

RELATED: Stacey Roberts Flashes Abs And Shares Her “Lazy Day” Upper Body Workout

Strength Train

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky3built.by.becky/Instagram

Becky is a big advocate of strength training over cardio. “If you want to change your body composition by getting lean and adding curves - LIFT WEIGHTS. If you want to build confidence - LIFT WEIGHTS. Cardio isn’t going to give you the shape you’re looking for,” she points out. What are some other reasons to lift weights? The Mayo Clinic adds that strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. It may also help you develop strong bones, manage your weight, enhance your quality of life, manage chronic conditions, and sharpen your thinking skills.

Invest in Resistance Bands and Dumbbells

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky6built.by.becky/Instagram

According to Becky, all you really need to do an effective workout is resistance bands and dumbbells. Better yet, you don’t have to leave your house. “YES it can be done and it’s what I’ve been doing for years,” she concludes.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Eat a Protein Packed Diet

Basket,Chicken,Eggs,Farm, protein, foodShutterstock

Becky emphasizes the importance of eating protein. She herself consumes “2000ish calories and 120ish protein,” per day. She designs her meals with a balance of carbs, protein and fats. “I usually eat more on lifting days because I’m hungrier,” she explains.

  1. 2 eggs, 2 egg whites and feta toast with butter: 400 calories/25 protein
  2. Apple with peanut butter, protein shake: 450 calories/35 protein
  3. Chicken thigh and leg, sweet potato and broccoli:450 calories/45 protein
  4. Bun with turkey, and orange: 350 calories/15 grams protein
  5. Cucumber salad and cookies: 400 calories

💪🔥Body Booster: Stay consistent with your fitness routine. Never give up on yourself, and keep pushing forward

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 but aren’t sure which habits are hurting or helping you? One expert has some suggestions. Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In a new social media post, she opens up about her journey. “4 mistakes I had to stop making before I could finally lose 28 pounds in 4 months,” she writes. “I used to think something was wrong with me, blaming my hormones and lack of willpower…Until I realized I was making these mistakes.”

Mistake: Eating Clean But Not Paying Attention to Calories

Her first mistake? “Eating clean without paying attention to the amount of calories I was consuming,” she says. “I thought eating clean meant I’d automatically lose weight 😅, but I didn’t realize that even healthy foods can lead to weight gain if you’re eating too much.”

Fix: She Used a Macro Calculator

How did she correct this mistake? “Instead, I started measuring my portions to ensure I was actually in a calorie deficit,” she writes. She recommends using a macro calculator.

Mistake: Rewarding Herself with Cheat Meals

Another mistake she made? Rewarding herselff with “cheat meals,” she says. “I’d be ‘good’ all week, then go overboard on cheat meals, turning one meal into an entire weekend of indulgence.

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

Fix: Eating Mostly Healthy But Including Food She Loves

What does she do instead? “I incorporated a healthy balance of the foods I love into my daily diet (10-20% of my total calories). This made dieting less stressful and helped me stay consistent long enough,” she reveals.

Mistake: Neglecting Daily Movement

Another mistake she made? “Neglecting daily movement,” she writes. “I used to sit all day and assumed my 1-hour workouts were enough, but they weren’t.”

Fix: Daily Walks

Her fix was adding steps to her day. “Walking became a non-negotiable for me. I committed to hitting 10,000 steps every day, I do this by going on walks or using my walking pad,” she says.

Mistake: Surrounding Herself with People Who Didn’t Support Her Goals

Her final mistake? “Surrounding myself with people who didn’t support my goals,” she writes. “‘Friends’ would make fun of my choices, and I let it get to me.”

Fix: Setting Boundaries

How did she fix this? “I started setting boundaries and distanced myself from negativity. Prioritizing my own health and happiness became my focus,” she writes.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

These Small Changes Made a Big Difference

The bottom line? “These small but impactful changes completely transformed my life and I’m sure they’ll help you too,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Ruth Soukup
​Eat More Protein
Copyright ruthsoukup/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 lose weight but aren’t sure what foods to eat and which to avoid? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. “I lost 49 pounds at age 43 without dieting or Ozempic,” she writes. In two posts, she reveals 7 foods she eats “pretty much every day” and 7 she avoids. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS before I finally stopped dieting once and for all, and just focused on balancing my hormones instead. In the process, I lost 49 pounds and have kept it off, without ever counting calories,” she says.

What She Eats: Animal Protein

Animal protein is the first item on her list. “This usually includes bone broth and farm fresh eggs in the morning, chicken at lunch, and either beef, chicken, pork, or fish at dinnertime,” she says.

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

Healthy Fat

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeup​5. Greek Yogurt/Cottage CheeseShutterstock

She also makes sure to eat healthy fat. “This mostly comes from avocado oil, EVOO, and butter, but also full fat dairy—heavy cream, cream cheese, cheese, sour cream, greek yogurt, and cottage cheese,” she says.

Vegetables

Asparagus. Fresh Asparagus. Pickled Green Asparagus. Bunches of green asparagus in basket, top view- Image13. Asparagus: 20 caloriesShutterstock

She eats lots of veggies, too. “Lots of broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, and Brussels Sprouts. I don’t eat a ton of salad, unless it’s a good Caesar with homemade dressing, which I make every few weeks,” she says.

Fresh Berries

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Fruits are also on her shopping list, especially fresh berries. “Mostly strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries,” she writes.

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

Fermented Foods

Milk,Kefir,Grains,Spoon, probiotics, health, gut, food, diet​Probiotic Foods: Kefir Greek YogurtShutterstock

“I try to eat at least a little bit of fermented food every day for the probiotics,” she says. “My favorite is kimchi, but I’ll also do fresh sauerkraut or kefir, and I make my own fermented ketchup (scroll down in my feed for the recipe.)”

Starches

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Starches are also part of her diet. “I don’t tend to eat a ton of starchy food, but I do love real sourdough bread, and I also sometimes make potatoes or jasmine rice to go with dinner, depending on what we’re having,” she says.

Seasonings

Garlic Cloves and Bulb in vintage wooden bowl.​Prebiotic Foods: GarlicShutterstock

She also invests money in seasoning. “Generally lots of salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, fresh herbs and hot sauce,” she writes. One of her favorites? The Green Dragon sauce from Trader Joes.

She Doesn’t Eat: Vegetable Oil

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In another post, she reveals what she eliminated from her diet. “Vegetable oil or any other highly processed seed oils, as well as Crisco and margarine,” she writes. “These are all so toxic and highly inflammatory! I also tend to avoid any processed foods that contain these oils. Instead, I cook with butter, avocado oil, and olive oil.”

Sugar

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She also stays away from sugar. “If I do need to use a sweetener for a recipe, I typically stick to monkfruit or allulose or a blend of those two,” she says.

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

High Fructose Corn Syrup

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High fructose corn syrup is another no-no. “Another highly toxic and inflammatory ingredient I try to avoid that is sadly way too common in so many processed foods,” she writes

Packaged Side Dishes

American creamy macaroni and cheese pasta mac & Cheese

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Ruth also recommends avoiding packaged side dishes, “such as mac and cheese, stuffing, rice pilaf blends, scalloped potatoes, hamburger helper, etc.” These are highly processed foods.

Breakfast Cereal

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Ruth strongly suggests staying away from breakfast cereal. Most of it is highly processed and contains lots of additives and sugar. If you want to eat cereal, opt for a higher-fiber, lower-sugar option.

Brownie and Cake Mix

Protein Brownie Batter

Brownies and cake mixes are also on her list of things to avoid. If you do enjoy baking, try cooking from scratch using healthier flours and sweeteners, which will result in a less processed and more nutritious product.

Fruit Juice

Close up of teenage woman drinking juice while looking through a window.​5. Fruit JuiceShutterstock

According to Ruth, fruit juice may sound nutritious, but you should stay away. ”Except for Clamato, which we use for Bloody Marys on the weekend! The rest of it is just pure sugar,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Randy Kotey flattummycoach
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Are you trying to lose weight and tackling nutrition, but nothing works? You might be making a common mistake. Randy Kotey, aka “The Flat Tummy Coach,” is a weight loss and fitness coach who helps his clients “lose weight and reduce bloat,” per his social media bio. In a new social media post, he gets honest about what it takes to get in shape, especially with nutrition. “Here are five common mistakes women often make when trying to lose belly fat,” he says.

Skipping Meals

You might think that skipping a meal helps you eat less throughout the day and will lead to weight loss. However, according to Kotey, this isn’t the case. In fact, it can make you put on weight instead. “Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can slow down metabolism and lead to overeating later in the day, making it harder to lose belly fat,” he writes.

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

Relying on Low-Fat or Diet Foods

You are wrong if you are walking around the grocery store believing that low-fat and diet foods are the right option for weight loss. “Many low-fat or diet-labeled foods are high in sugar or artificial ingredients, which can contribute to belly fat. It’s better to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods,” he says.

Not Eating Enough Protein

One major mistake women make is not eating enough protein, per Kotey. “Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and boosting metabolism. Not getting enough can make it harder to lose belly fat and maintain weight loss,” he writes. 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.

Overeating Healthy Fats

Healthy fats can help your body burn fat. But eating too much of them will have the opposite effect. “While healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil are good for you, they are also calorie-dense. Overeating them can lead to an excess calorie intake, hindering belly fat loss,” Kotey explains.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Drinking High-Calorie Beverages

Don’t drink your calories, even if they offer some health benefits. “Consuming sugary drinks, including fruit juices, smoothies, and certain ‘health’ drinks, can add a lot of hidden calories. These beverages can spike blood sugar levels, leading to increased belly fat. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.