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Nutrition & Diet

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Here's What Happened

One YouTuber details her hydration experiment.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 14, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Keegan Acton
Copyright Keegan Acton/YouTube
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 14, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Nutrition & Diet

Can you lose water by upping your water intake? According to one YouTuber, the answer is yes. Keegan Acton is a social media influencer who shares tips and hacks with her followers. In one viral video she reveals what happened when she majorly upped her water intake. “I've seen this video floating around YouTube where people drink a gallon of water a day for seven days, and I thought, why not try it out?” she says at the start of the clip. “I lost so much weight in these seven days that it was concerning,” she adds.

She Kept Her Diet and Exercise Routine the Same

She went on Amazon and bought a half gallon water bottle and drank a gallon of water every day for a week. “I also wanted to note that throughout this week I made sure to eat foods that I would normally eat and work out as much as I would normally work out. So I know that all my results are from the water and not from anything else,” she says in the video.

She Tried to Drink the Water Earlier in the Day

She also tries to get her water intake fulfilled by mid-afternoon, so she doesn’t have to “go to the bathroom that much later in the day, especially throughout the night, which I was kind of nervous about.”

She Had to Go to the Bathroom “All the Time”

“I have to go to the bathroom all the time,” she says. “My urine was clear. It was literally as clear as water.”

It May Not Be Sustainable for a Lot of People

Closeup on mineral water bottles in raw and linesShutterstock

“If you're in an office or you run errands or you drive a lot for work or you do something like that, I don't think this would be that sustainable. I guess even if you work from an office, you have a bathroom,” she says.

Her Hunger Decreased

“It is three o'clock. I have not eaten or been hungry at all today. Obviously it's because my stomach is just filled with so much water,” she says. “I needed to make it an intentional thing that I do need to eat even if I'm not hungry because I'm not like getting my nutrients.”

She Lost Almost 5 Pounds in 7 Days

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

“I lost 4.6 pounds. I almost lost five pounds in seven days. That is absolutely crazy,” she says. Did she gain all the weight back the second she stopped drinking so much water? “The answer is yes, kind of,” she admits, noting that a month later she “probably gained back two pounds after I was done and then the two three pounds kind of stayed off.”

RELATED:Eat These 10 High-Protein Foods to Melt Fat and Sculpt Muscle Fast

It Didn’t Improve Her Complexion

She also was curious how it would impact her complexion. “My skin I would say didn't really change that much,” she says.

She Didn’t Get As Many Headaches

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

“There were a few other things that I wasn't looking for that I did notice throughout this week. The first one was that I did not get as many headaches as I normally do,” she reveals.

She Also Felt More Energized

“The second one was that I had a ton of energy. I'm a pretty high energy person,” she adds.

She Was Bloated the First Few Days, and Then Felt “Very Unbloated”

“The last one is bloating. The first few days I was super bloated and then after that I felt very unbloated, so that's a plus,” she says.

How to Drink Water Safely

Senior man, fitness and drinking water in nature for hydration or natural sustainability after workout. Mature male person with mineral drink from exercise, training or cardio in recovery or breakShutterstock

If you're considering increasing your water intake, it’s important to do so safely to avoid potential side effects like bloating or overhydration. Start by gradually increasing your daily intake rather than jumping to a gallon immediately. Spread your water consumption throughout the day to help your body adjust, and avoid drinking too much water in a short period, which can lead to imbalances like hyponatremia. Listen to your body’s signals—if you feel too full or uncomfortable, slow down your intake. And remember, while water is important, maintaining a balanced diet for proper nutrient intake is essential. 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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Nutrition & Diet

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Here's What Happened

Keegan Acton
Copyright Keegan Acton/YouTube
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 14, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:

Can you lose water by upping your water intake? According to one YouTuber, the answer is yes. Keegan Acton is a social media influencer who shares tips and hacks with her followers. In one viral video she reveals what happened when she majorly upped her water intake. “I've seen this video floating around YouTube where people drink a gallon of water a day for seven days, and I thought, why not try it out?” she says at the start of the clip. “I lost so much weight in these seven days that it was concerning,” she adds.

She Kept Her Diet and Exercise Routine the Same

She went on Amazon and bought a half gallon water bottle and drank a gallon of water every day for a week. “I also wanted to note that throughout this week I made sure to eat foods that I would normally eat and work out as much as I would normally work out. So I know that all my results are from the water and not from anything else,” she says in the video.

She Tried to Drink the Water Earlier in the Day

She also tries to get her water intake fulfilled by mid-afternoon, so she doesn’t have to “go to the bathroom that much later in the day, especially throughout the night, which I was kind of nervous about.”

She Had to Go to the Bathroom “All the Time”

“I have to go to the bathroom all the time,” she says. “My urine was clear. It was literally as clear as water.”

It May Not Be Sustainable for a Lot of People

Closeup on mineral water bottles in raw and linesShutterstock

“If you're in an office or you run errands or you drive a lot for work or you do something like that, I don't think this would be that sustainable. I guess even if you work from an office, you have a bathroom,” she says.

Her Hunger Decreased

“It is three o'clock. I have not eaten or been hungry at all today. Obviously it's because my stomach is just filled with so much water,” she says. “I needed to make it an intentional thing that I do need to eat even if I'm not hungry because I'm not like getting my nutrients.”

She Lost Almost 5 Pounds in 7 Days

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

“I lost 4.6 pounds. I almost lost five pounds in seven days. That is absolutely crazy,” she says. Did she gain all the weight back the second she stopped drinking so much water? “The answer is yes, kind of,” she admits, noting that a month later she “probably gained back two pounds after I was done and then the two three pounds kind of stayed off.”

RELATED:Eat These 10 High-Protein Foods to Melt Fat and Sculpt Muscle Fast

It Didn’t Improve Her Complexion

She also was curious how it would impact her complexion. “My skin I would say didn't really change that much,” she says.

She Didn’t Get As Many Headaches

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

“There were a few other things that I wasn't looking for that I did notice throughout this week. The first one was that I did not get as many headaches as I normally do,” she reveals.

She Also Felt More Energized

“The second one was that I had a ton of energy. I'm a pretty high energy person,” she adds.

She Was Bloated the First Few Days, and Then Felt “Very Unbloated”

“The last one is bloating. The first few days I was super bloated and then after that I felt very unbloated, so that's a plus,” she says.

How to Drink Water Safely

Senior man, fitness and drinking water in nature for hydration or natural sustainability after workout. Mature male person with mineral drink from exercise, training or cardio in recovery or breakShutterstock

If you're considering increasing your water intake, it’s important to do so safely to avoid potential side effects like bloating or overhydration. Start by gradually increasing your daily intake rather than jumping to a gallon immediately. Spread your water consumption throughout the day to help your body adjust, and avoid drinking too much water in a short period, which can lead to imbalances like hyponatremia. Listen to your body’s signals—if you feel too full or uncomfortable, slow down your intake. And remember, while water is important, maintaining a balanced diet for proper nutrient intake is essential. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 100 Pounds in a Year and I Didn't Give up a Single Thing That I Like

thecertifiedhypegirl
Copyright thecertifiedhypegirl/TikTok
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 17, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
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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.

Losing weight doesn't have to mean giving up everything you love. Just ask Ana, who goes by @thecertifiedhypegirl on TikTok. She's a weight loss coach who shed almost 100 pounds in a year without sacrificing her favorite foods or lifestyle. Now, she's sharing her secrets with the world.

Ana's journey wasn't about crash diets or extreme workouts. Instead, she found simple, doable ways to change her habits and relationship with food. Her approach is all about making small changes that add up to big results over time.

"I finally lost all the weight because I stuck with something. I found something that I could do that made sense in my life," Ana says in one of her videos. So, are you ready to transform your body and life without giving up the things you love? Let's dive into Ana's weight loss secrets and learn how you can put them into action today.

I Drank a Ton of Water

Young woman jogger resting drinking waterShutterstock

"The first thing I want you to do is drink a … ton of water," Ana says in the video. "Now, I'm not just talking a glass. I'm talking a lot of water, like so much water that you're peeing all day long. Use your bathroom in the morning, get on the scale, and see how much you weigh. Drink half of that in ounces of water. A lot of water."

I Ate What I Love (But Mostly Veggies)

@thecertifiedhypegirl

What are you waiting for?!!!   Get your butt into my bio, click the link, and sign up to get the Black Friday deal of the century!    The last weight loss program you’re ever going to need to buy!     I developed my Weight Loss Mindset Makeover program to help you enjoy the process of losing weight while LOVING your body at every stage!     I’m giving a HUGE discount this Friday and some awesome freebies to help you get started!!!     And if my before and after doesn’t convince you, just wait and see when I do it all over again after Baby #2 arrives in June!     Don’t wait though: this deal will not be available then!!!!     Come join The Certified Hype Crew and build the life of your dreams in the body you’ve always wanted!!!     Who wants to be a Hype Girl?!?! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Drop a 🎉🎉🎉 if you want this for YOU!    #weightloss #howtoloseweight #weightlosstips #weightlosstipsandtricks #motivation #weightlossmotivation #inspiration #weightlossinspo #weightlosscommunity #postpartumweightloss #healthyweightloss #naturalweightloss #postpartum #postpartumbody #postpartumjourney #csectionrecovery #csection #motherhood #mindset #weightlossmindset #nutrition #weightlosscoach #weightlossmentor

Ana emphasizes the importance of eating foods you enjoy but with a focus on vegetables. "You need to eat a lot of foods of what you love that are essentially really low in calories," she says. "Get out that recipe book, get onto Google, and do whatever you need to do to find recipes for vegetables that you love. The more vegetables, the more water, the more weight loss."

I Tracked What I Ate

Athlete using mobile phone app fitness tracker for tracking weight loss progress during running exercise. Fit girl woman touching smartphone texting or playing online games or video workouts.Shutterstock

"Along with the water and along with the vegetables, you need to track what is going into your body so that your mind can be aware of what your body is consuming," Ana advises. "Start writing that … down because it's not enough to say, oh, well, I'll remember what I had. No, you won't."

I Weighed Myself Daily

Female standing on the weight scale in the white bathroom floor with green curtain in backgroundShutterstock

"You're going to wanna weigh yourself every single morning," Ana says. "You wanna see what happened yesterday? You want to see if it worked or if it didn't. And make tweaks as the days go on."

I Built Small, Sustainable Habits

In another video, Ana emphasizes the importance of consistency and building small habits. "I finally lost all the weight because I stuck with something. I found something that I could do that made sense in my life," she says. "You have to choose one thing every single week that you're gonna commit to and do it over and over and over again."

I Focused on Nutrition, Not Just Exercise

"Working out should be extra. It is what accelerates the process, but it's not what actually gets you the results," Ana explains. "It's really in your food. What I would suggest is start small with your food, start by tweaking things in the kitchen so that you can enjoy the foods that you're eating, but also see the results that you want."

RELATED: I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods

I Got Creative with Low-Carb Meals

Green and red peppersShutterstock

Ana shares one of her favorite low-carb lunch recipes in a video. "I'm currently on a mission to get rid of some baby weight. I'm also looking for the best recipes to have for lunch that don't involve making a sandwich with bread, but rather with bell peppers," she says.

I Drank Water Before Meals

Glasses,Of,Water,On,A,Wooden,Table.,Selective,Focus.,ShallowShutterstock

"Before every single meal I want you to have a glass of water, 16 ounces before every single meal," Ana advises. "The reason why is because water will actually fill you up and have you eating less essentially when you're having your meals."

I Stopped Eating 4 Hours Before Bed

Ana recommends, "Stop eating at least four hours before you go to sleep. If you go to bed at 10 pm, you wanna be finished your meal at 6. This is one of the biggest reasons I see such a drop because I actually love my body, have time to digest before I go to sleep and chill for the night."

RELATED:Top 10-Minute Exercises That Will Tone Your Sagging Arms

I Gave Myself Time

"You need to give yourself a year," Ana says. "I know that sounds like a long time, but you need to give yourself time, right? Like it took you all this time to put on this weight, it is not going to disappear overnight."

I Started My Day with Water

Water dispenser from dispenser of home fridge, Woman is filling a glass with water from the refrigerator.Shutterstock

"Every single morning when I woke up, I had 32 ounces of water," Ana shares. "I worked up to it. I didn't just all of a sudden started drinking 32 ounces of water. I worked up to it."

I Changed My Mindset About Weekends

"When I started to change my brain around what the weekend meant for me and just looked at it as an extension to my week, that's what really helped," Ana explains. "I stopped thinking about Friday as the day where I was good all week and then just enjoy whatever I wanted on the weekend."

I Managed Late-Night Cravings

Young woman looking into the fridge, feeling hungry at nightShutterstock

To combat late-night snacking, Ana developed a strategy. "Every time I would sit down at night, I would have my water next to me," she says. "When that craving started to creep in, I would tell myself: if you really want it, you can have it tomorrow."

RELATED:10 High-Protein Hacks That Melt Fat Fast Without Feeling Hungry

I Replaced Scrolling with Productive Habits

"Anytime I caught myself scrolling on my phone, I would stop and go do something that would contribute to my goal," Ana shares. "I went from 235 pounds to 147 pounds, and each action brought me closer and closer to my goal." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 15 Pounds in 3 Months by Changing the Way I Drink Water

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improvingwkarla/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 16, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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.

Karla (@improvingwkarla) is a TikTok and Instagram influencer who has amassed a huge following by sharing the diet and weight loss tips that helped her lose 15 pounds of fat in just three months. In a viral video, she claims that simply by changing the way she drank water enabled her to lose a lot of weight. “If you don't know how to start your weight loss journey, I'm going to teach you a habit, “ she says in the clip.

Drink 64 Ounces of Water

@improvingwkarla

How to PROPERLY drink water and give your weightloss journey the most bank for your buck🤫✨🤍#FitTok #GymTok #weightloss #Fitness #drinkyourwater #electrolytes #weightlossforbeginners

Karla suggests drinking 64 ounces of water every day. “For me, it just means I need two of these,” she says, holding up her water bottles.

But You Don’t Have to Chug It

Man pouring water on face to cool offShutterstock

“We're not going to chug our water so that you can use the bathroom a trillion times a day, and here I'm just putting filtered water. We're actually going to be intentional with the weight loss journey, and we want to be intentional with what we're putting in our body. So here's how to actually drink water intentionally so that you can help your body function as effectively as it can, as it's losing all the weight,” she continues.

Related: How to Eat the Same Amount of Food and Lose Weight

Add a Pinch of Salt

Salt shakerShutterstock

“You're going to put a pinch of salt,” she instructs. “This shouldn't be salty at all. This is actually going to add all the electrolytes back in your water. These are essential building blocks for our livelihood and making you prettier.”

You Can Also Add Lemon or Lime

Fresh,Lemons,In,A,Wooden,Container,box,citrus,fruitShutterstock

“If you want to get fancy, I usually add lemon, but today I only have lime. I still get the same experience, so I am going to chop them up,” she explains.

This Water Is Part of Her “Healthy Habits” Journey

Woman squeezes lemon juice into a glass.Shutterstock

Karla maintains that “this is just one of the ways” that she shows up for herself. “Ever since I started my healthy habits journey, my life has just changed for the better. Doing this little routine throughout the day, or as soon as I wake up, is how I take care of my health and happiness, and it just sets you up for the day.”

How Salt Aids in Hydration

Cropped photo of attractive fitness woman sitting in gym and holding bottle of water.Shutterstock

Adding salt (or electrolytes) to your water is a great way to improve hydration – if you sweat a lot. When your body loses water you are also losing other nutrients, including sodium, which is needed to maintain proper fluid balance. If you don’t have enough salt in your diet, you can drink endless amounts of water without even hydrating yourself.

Related: This Is Exactly How I Lost 70 Pounds in 10 Months

Should You Put Salt in Your Water

Salt Shaker, Salt, Food.Shutterstock

However, you don’t want to consume too much salt. And, most people who aren’t extremely active get enough sodium from diet alone. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. To put it in perspective, one teaspoon of salt contains 2,300 mg.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are exercising and excessively sweat, adding salt to your water can aid in hydration.

Nutrition & Diet

Here Is How I Lost 15 Pounds of Water Weight in 4 Weeks

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@melissa.lattari/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 26, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Melissa Lattari (@melissa.lattari) is a fitness expert and influencer who shares tips and tricks about how to lose weight and banish cellulite fast. In a new viral video she explains that it is incredibly simple to drop up to 15 pounds in a month, without starving yourself. “Losing 10 to 15 pounds of water weight is easier than you think it is,” she says in the clip.

She Claims She Lost Seven Pounds Within a Week the Healthy Way

@melissa.lattari

Replying to @A how to lose 10lbs of water #fyp #wateretention #howtofixbloating #weightloss #weightlosshack #viral

“If you guys saw my previous four-week transformation and how I reduced my bloating and cellulite, I literally lost seven pounds within a week. And I know there's a lot of information out there that says that losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time is not healthy. But I wasn't restricting myself when it came to eating,” she starts out.

She Says the Easiest Way to Lose Water Weight Is by “Switching Up Your Diet”

melissa-lattari-2@melissa.lattari/TikTok

Melissa maintains that dropping the weight is simple. “The easiest way to lose water weight, okay, listen up, is by switching up your diet,” she maintains

Water Retention Is Due to Consuming Too Much Sodium, She Says

melissa-lattari-3@melissa.lattari/TikTok

“Water retention happens when we're consuming too much sodium in our diet,” she continues. “Therefore, if you're eating a lot of overly processed foods such as pizza, frozen foods, prepackaged foods or going out and eating at a restaurant where they usually cook most foods with vegetable oils, your body is going to obtain more water.”

Related: Speed Up Your Weight Loss Journey By Doing This One Thing

She Says to Eat More Nutrient-Dense Foods with Less Sodium

melissa-lattari-4@melissa.lattari/TikTok

“So the easiest way to drop those 10 pounds of water weight is by counterintuitively consuming more water, eating more foods that are nutrient-dense and have less sodium in it,” she maintains.

Also, No Alcohol

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on barShutterstock

There is one more thing to avoid. “And I'm sorry to kill your vibe, but also avoiding alcohol,” she adds.

Salt May Be Hiding in Your Food

Salt shakerShutterstock

The Mayo Clinic adds that sometimes salt is hiding in your food. Watch out for the following ingredients:

  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
  • Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate.
  • Baking powder.
  • Disodium phosphate.
  • Sodium alginate.
  • Sodium citrate.
  • Sodium nitrite.

There Are Other Risks of Consuming Too Much Salt

Sphygmomanometer,,Stethoscope,Checking,Blood,Pressure,hospital, doctor,health,heart,pulseShutterstock

In addition to bloating, consuming too much salt can put you at higher risk of a long-term illness such as high blood pressure, also called hypertension. It also impacts the balance of fluids in the body, and the way nerves and muscles work.

Related: I Lost 15 Pounds in 3 Months by Changing the Way I Drink Water

There Are Other Reasons You Could Be Bloated

Sprained,Swollen,Ankles,AnkleShutterstock

Too much salt isn’t the only cause of water weight. Inactivity, hormone imbalance, consuming lots of carbs, certain medications, and some health conditions may also cause bloating. “If you notice consistent bloating or water retention (especially around the feet/ankles), it might be a sign of a more serious issue, like an issue with the heart, liver, or kidneys. It’s a good idea to consult with a physician if you notice water retention that doesn’t go away within a few days,” says NASM.

💪🔥Body Booster: One of the most common culprits behind bloating and water weight, is consuming too much sodium. Cutting back on processed foods will not only help you lose water weight – but help lose fat. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Woman Lost 20 Pounds Without Doing Cardio: Here Are 9 Things She Did Instead

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Copyright nutritionwith_grace/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 22, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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.

Hate the treadmill and elliptical machine? Luckily, you don’t have to spend hours every day doing cardio to lose weight. Grace Macena is a “macro-focused” nutritionist who promotes sustainable weight loss. In a recent post, she reveals all the non-cardio things that enabled her to achieve her weight loss goals. “9 ways to lose weight without cardio,” she writes across the Instagram video.

Understanding Nutrition Is Key

“Understanding nutrition is key if you want to lose weight. We need to understand why we choose certain foods over others, and it’s not about willpower; it’s about doing what feels good in the long term and not in the short term. But if you want to drop weight and exercise, it just isn’t part of your routine yet, that’s ok,” she writes in her post. “One step at a time.”

I Tracked Protein and Calories

The first thing she did? She stayed accountable to her diet. “Track your protein and total calorie intake to make sure you are definitely in a caloric deficit (visit TDEE Omni calculator and then subtract 200-300 calories, or I can do one-time macros for you),” she writes.

I Amped Up My Protein Intake

Her next recommendation? “Focus on eating protein,” she writes. “Did you know eating protein actually burns calories? It’s called the thermal effect of food. So your body uses energy to break down the food quality protein (also keeps you full).”

I Eliminated Processed Foods

She also eliminated processed foods. “Eat unprocessed foods,” she continues. “It doesn’t take energy to break it down; it’s already processed, and most of these foods do not keep you full.”

I Consumed More Fiber

Also, amp up your fiber intake. “Focus on fiber-rich foods, cause you to feel less bloated and get that colon moving; fruits, veggies, chia seeds, high fiber bread,” she says.

RELATED:4 Warning Signs You Are Eating Too Much Protein

I Moved More Throughout the Day

She also infused movement into her day. “Get up 5 mins every hour, set an alarm, and just walk to the bathroom or get a glass of water. Aim to move more. Little things matter,” she says.

I Slept More

She also stresses the importance of rest. “Get better sleep,” she says. “Studies show those who sleep better have a faster metabolism. Aim for 7 hrs of quality sleep. Those who don’t sleep burn 300 calories less (average), and it causes you to be tired and make poor decisions.”

I Stay Organized

Her next habit isn’t directly related to diet or fitness but has to do with staying organized. “Clean/ tidy the house in the am and pm,” she writes. “This forces you to move more hint hint.”

RELATED:Woman Lost 28 Pounds in 4 Months by Following These 4 Post-Workout Rules

I Drink Water Before Meals

And hydrate before you eat. “Drink a glass of water before you eat your meals,” she writes. “It will help you feel full. Staying hydrated helps optimize your metabolism.”

I Stopped Drinking

Her last weight loss habit? She quit drinking. “Let go of alcohol; it stops the digestion of your food to get rid of the toxins,” she writes. “Eating well feels good.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

4 Weight Loss “Solutions” That Are Part of the Problem

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She Has a Flat Tummy in Her 50s Because of These 4 Habits
Copyright lois.hughey.coaching/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 11, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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.

Are you doing everything you think you should to lose weight, but the pounds aren’t falling off? Lois Hughey is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost 15 pounds and kept it off. Now, she makes it her mission to help women over 50 “simplify nutrition and fitness” and regularly offers tips for sustainable fat loss in menopause on her social media feeds. In a new post, she reveals weight loss “solutions” that are actually part of the problem. “I swear my body changed overnight in my late 40s, and trust me—I tried all the ‘solutions.’ (Hint: none of them worked.)” she writes. She also reveals a few things to do instead to help you lose weight.

You Can’t Just “Eat Less”

First, you can’t just “eat less,” she says. “A caloric deficit is key, but if you’ve been dieting forever, eating less won’t fix your midlife metabolism. It just leads to cravings, exhaustion, and that “start over Monday” cycle. You can pull this off for a while but once you decide you are tired of feeling terrible, you go right back to eating more and regain whatever weight you lost. Keeping you stuck in a cycle of gaining and losing the same five-10 pounds over and over again,” she writes.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

You Might Need to Move More, But Maybe Not

“You might need to ‘move more’… or not,” she continues. “You cannot cardio your way to sustainable fat loss. Without strength training, too much cardio (without a balanced approach that includes strength training) will leave you under-muscled and hungry.”

You Can’t Rely on Simply Cutting Carbs

“Cutting carbs won’t save you,” she explains. “Carbs are energy (and happiness!). No solid data says low carb helps healthy women in midlife lose fat faster.”

You Can’t Just Add More of X

Also, “Adding more of X (protein, carbs, workouts, meals, snacks) won’t work without a strategy,” she says. “More isn’t better if you don’t understand what your body actually needs.”

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

What to Do Instead: Make Sure Your Body Is Metabolically Healthy

What should you do instead? “Make sure your body is in a metabolically healthy place before you start cutting calories. This means good sleep, digestion, mood, energy and eating enough protein and overall calories before you try to lose fat,” she writes.

Walk and Lift Weights

Next, get your steps in. “Walk a minimum of 8000 steps a day and strength train 2-3 times a week. If you love cardio, add it in on top of that (allowing for some rest, too)” she writes.

Focus on Whole, Minimally Processed Carbs

You can eat carbs, but keep it healthy. “Keep 80% of your carbs whole, and minimally processed. Nuts, grains, seeds, veggies, and whatever fruit you want. The other 20% can be fun!” she writes.

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

Add Protein

“You may need to add more protein. You may need to add in a balanced snack. But if you add (even the good stuff) and go over your caloric needs, you will still gain weight. Add wisely,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Things You Need to Do to Lose Weight Over 40

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5 Protein Diet Traps Women Over 35 Need to Avoid for Real Fat Loss
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Many people believe that carbs are the enemy in terms of weight loss. However, this isn’t true. Sarah Bouchard is a Nutrition Coach & Educator who helps women over 35 “ditch diet confusion & simplify nutrition” for “Sustainable fat loss + healthy body composition,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post, she reveals that at 40, she finally shifted her approach to nutrition and fixed some crucial carb mistakes. Here is what she did instead.

She Spent Years Avoiding Carbs

“I spent years not eating foods like bananas or potatoes, thinking they would spike my glucose and make me gain weight, yet I: couldn’t figure out why I gained weight, didn’t look ‘toned’ despite working out, was constantly exhausted, had regular binges & had out of control cravings,” she writes.

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

This Impacted Her Metabolism

“Why? I didn’t have a healthy metabolism DESPITE eating a clean low-carb diet & working out. Because I: wasn’t eating enough protein, was eating too much fat/too many calories, wasn’t moving enough throughout the day, and drank alcohol regularly which wrecked my sleep,” she says.

She Is Now the “Healthiest and Strongest” She Has Been at 40

“I’m now 40 and can proudly say I’m the healthiest and strongest I’ve ever been in my life, & I eat over 200g of carbs a day!” she continues. “The real key to metabolic health isn’t cutting carbs—it’s optimizing muscle, movement, sleep, & food quality. Here’s what actually improves insulin sensitivity (backed by science).”

Build Muscle

The first thing that improves insulin sensitivity is building muscle. “Muscle is like a glucose sponge—it pulls sugar out of your blood, reducing the need for insulin. Resistance training 2–3x per week improves insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake (PMID: 23970530). Prioritize progressive overload to see the best results,” she says.

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

Move Daily (Beyond the Gym)

Next, in addition to workouts, you should move daily. “Long sitting hours = reduced insulin sensitivity. Break up sitting every 30 mins with ‘movement snacks’ (e.g., air squats, stair climbs). Even a 5-min post-meal walk lowers blood sugar & insulin response (PMID: 19207879),” she writes.

Prioritize Sleep:

She also stresses the importance of prioritizing sleep. “Lack of sleep disrupts insulin function. Less than 6 hours/night? Your body responds as if it’s prediabetic (PMID: 20371664). Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep, stick to a schedule, & limit blue light before bed, she says.

Eat Mostly Whole-Food Carbs

Finally, “It’s not carbs—it’s the type of carbs,” she says. “Whole grains, fruits, veggies, and legumes digest slower, keeping blood sugar steady (PMID: 11976158). Stick to mostly whole food carbs that are full of fiber and water & keep the ‘fun carbs’ around 5-20% within calorie balance!” she writes.

Be More Strategic

The bottom line? “Fixing your metabolism isn’t about fear—it’s about strategy. Lift weights, move often, sleep well, and eat whole foods. Small shifts = big results,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Lose Up to 16 Pounds by Summer by Investing in These 5 Simple Items Recommended by a Perimenopause Expert

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Coach Lost 23 Pounds in 7 Months with This Step-by-Step Plan
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By Leah GrothMar 10, 2025
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Are you on a mission to lose weight by summer? Investing in yourself and some tools to help you achieve your goals might be the thing to do. Trish Koeslag is a women’s nutrition and fitness coach whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement to lose weight. In a new social media post, she shares a few things to invest in in order to lose weight fast. “Here’s the exact plan to lose 8 to 16 pounds by the summer for ladies in perimenopause,” she writes.

She Invested in Herself

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“I invested in myself. And yes, I had to spend a little bit of money but the ROI has been nothing short of extraordinary. These 5 simple items can change your life around. Let’s welcome summer 2025 feeling our most bad selves!”

Get a Food Scale

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The first thing you need? “Get yourself a food scale and start weighing and tracking your food in grams. This will help you accurately measure how much food you’re eating. I’ve been testing out Cronometer and think it’s a great app for food tracking!” she writes.

And, Lift Weights

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In addition to prioritizing your diet, make sure to exercise. “Pair your nutrition with a strength training routine-train 3-4x/week!” she encourages.

Grab a 2 Liter Water Bottle

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Hydration is also key. “Grab a 2L water bottle and fill it up every morning; take it with you wherever you go. Water flushes out toxins, reduces water retention, improves workout performance, helps control snacking,” she writes.

Stock Up on Meal Prep Containers

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“Stock up on meal prep containers,” she urges. “If you prep food ahead of time, and plan your meals for the day ahead of time, it will make it so much easier to stick to your nutrition goals. Choose 90% whole foods at all meals!”

Invest in a Fitness Tracker

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Next, “look into fitness trackers and invest,” she says. “This will help ensure you are getting enough steps in, and will monitor your overall activity levels. Are fitness trackers spot-on accurate? Nope! But,it can set a baseline for you!”

And, Use It to Get Your Steps In

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The fitness tracker is a great tool for tracking your steps. “Aim for 10K/day. And throw in a couple of days of cardio—try two days for 30 minutes!” she writes.

Get a Journal

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Her last item to invest in? “Spend a few bucks on a journal and take 5-10 minutes every morning to set your intentions for the day. This doesn’t mean your day will be perfect but in my personal journey, setting my intentions for the day always gets my mind in the right place,” she encourages. 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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