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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
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.

Angela_Rummans1
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.

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

 Brittany Ainsworth britts_getting_fit_
She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
Copyright britts_getting_fit_/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 standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

Overeating

If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

Skipping Meals

Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

Not Exercising

Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

Not Following Directions

Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

Not Eating the Right Food

Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

Drinking Alcohol

You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

Not Being Patient

The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Becky Gillaspy
7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
Copyright Dr. Becky Gillaspy/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.

In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

Understanding How Ozempic Works

Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.


RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone

Eating and drinking image of a young woman eating mixed nuts​Metabolic ImprovementsShutterstock

The good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

Start Your Day With Yogurt

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berry​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstock

Beginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

Choose Your Yogurt Wisely

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When selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.


RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Boost Your Breakfast With Berries

Fresh Berries at the Farmers Market​BerriesShutterstock

Adding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea

Woman drinking coffee in the sun, outdoor in sunlight light, enjoying her morning coffee.​CoffeeShutterstock

Good news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon

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A daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

Top Your Salad Strategically

Healthy Salad - spinach baby leaves and boiled eggs cut in a half on wooden table.Shutterstock

The toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.​Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole FoodsShutterstock

To maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production

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The timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

The Mediterranean Keto Connection

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health status​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstock

Many of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control

Young,Woman,Eating,Salad,Organic,Vegetables,happy,eating,food​Track MacrosShutterstock

Dr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. 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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Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications

"I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month."

Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

Finding Your Ideal Dosage

"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing."

She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles

"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply."

This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic."

Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

Managing Potential Side Effects

"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore."

Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications

When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that."

Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

Tracking Your Results Realistically

"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress."

She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition

"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer."

The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery."

The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1

Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant."

She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition

"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day."

This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me."

She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it."

She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers

Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier."

This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic

"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis."

For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.