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Nutrition Coach Reveals 6 High-Protein Desserts for Fat Loss

They have “hardly any calories,” she says

Brittney Blanco
Copyright profitablenest/Instagram

Do you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to lose weight? According to an expert, you can still indulge in dessert while burning fat. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new Instagram post, she reveals some delicious go-to desserts to help you lose weight. “6 High-Protein Desserts That Taste Like Cheat Meals 😍 (But Aren’t!)” she titled it. She adds in the video that they have “hardly any calories.”


They Are Low-Calorie, High Protein, with “Amazing” Macros

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According to Blanco, just because a food is sweet doesn’t mean it is bad for you. “Craving something sweet but want to stay on track? 🍪💪 Here are 6 guilt-free, high-protein desserts with almost zero calories (okay, super low-cal 😉) and amazing macros,” she writes. “🎯 High protein, low calorie, and completely satisfying! Which one are you making first?”

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake

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Her first dessert? Protein Mug Cake. It has 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 5g of fat per serving. “Mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and almond milk. Microwave for 1 min—instant dessert magic!” she says.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.

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Her second go-to dessert is a Greek Yogurt Parfait with 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Layer nonfat Greek yogurt, stevia, and sugar-free syrup with berries. So simple, so good,” she says.

Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

If you love ice cream, try Blanco’s Protein Ice Cream, which is simple to make and has just 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and zero fat. “Blend protein powder, almond milk, ice, and xanthan gum. Freeze for 1 hour = creamy heaven,” she writes.

Chocolate Protein Pudding

top view of chocolate protein pudding. Eating a healthy sweet dessert

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Chocolate Protein Pudding is her fourth dessert with 90 calories, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and one gram of fat. “Mix casein protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond milk. Chill, top with sugar-free whipped cream,” she says.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close upShutterstock

Peanut butter fans will love Brittney’s Peanut Butter Protein Balls. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and six fat grams. “Mix protein powder, powdered peanut butter, almond milk, and stevia into balls. Perfect grab-and-go snack!” she says.

Protein Brownie Batter

Are you constantly licking out the brownie batter bowl? Try Brittney’s Protein Brownie Batter with 80 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Mix whey protein, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of water for a fudgy treat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

More For You

Brittney Blanco
Copyright profitablenest/Instagram

Do you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to lose weight? According to an expert, you can still indulge in dessert while burning fat. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new Instagram post, she reveals some delicious go-to desserts to help you lose weight. “6 High-Protein Desserts That Taste Like Cheat Meals 😍 (But Aren’t!)” she titled it. She adds in the video that they have “hardly any calories.”


They Are Low-Calorie, High Protein, with “Amazing” Macros

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

According to Blanco, just because a food is sweet doesn’t mean it is bad for you. “Craving something sweet but want to stay on track? 🍪💪 Here are 6 guilt-free, high-protein desserts with almost zero calories (okay, super low-cal 😉) and amazing macros,” she writes. “🎯 High protein, low calorie, and completely satisfying! Which one are you making first?”

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake

Shutterstock

Her first dessert? Protein Mug Cake. It has 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 5g of fat per serving. “Mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and almond milk. Microwave for 1 min—instant dessert magic!” she says.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.

Shutterstock

Her second go-to dessert is a Greek Yogurt Parfait with 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Layer nonfat Greek yogurt, stevia, and sugar-free syrup with berries. So simple, so good,” she says.

Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

If you love ice cream, try Blanco’s Protein Ice Cream, which is simple to make and has just 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and zero fat. “Blend protein powder, almond milk, ice, and xanthan gum. Freeze for 1 hour = creamy heaven,” she writes.

Chocolate Protein Pudding

top view of chocolate protein pudding. Eating a healthy sweet dessert

Shutterstock

Chocolate Protein Pudding is her fourth dessert with 90 calories, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and one gram of fat. “Mix casein protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond milk. Chill, top with sugar-free whipped cream,” she says.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close upShutterstock

Peanut butter fans will love Brittney’s Peanut Butter Protein Balls. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and six fat grams. “Mix protein powder, powdered peanut butter, almond milk, and stevia into balls. Perfect grab-and-go snack!” she says.

Protein Brownie Batter

Are you constantly licking out the brownie batter bowl? Try Brittney’s Protein Brownie Batter with 80 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Mix whey protein, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of water for a fudgy treat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Regina Trakhtman fitbeyondthirty
Copyright fitbeyondthirty/Instagram
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.

Are you trying to lose weight, but have a sweet tooth you can’t retrain? You don’t have to, says one expert. Regina Trakhtman is an influencer and weight loss coach who dropped 7% body fat after kids at 39 and helps other women do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals the sweet treats she ate when dropping body fat quickly. “If you’re a woman over 30 trying to lose fat, I’m here to tell you this: IT IS POSSIBLE TO GET IN YOUR BEST SHAPE and NOT give up on enjoying life—or DESSERT. I’m here to show you how! I did it at 39!! I lost 7% body fat,” she says.

Why You Need Protein

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbells19 Best Arm-Toning Workouts for Women Who Want Sculpted Shoulders and BicepsShutterstock

She starts by explaining why protein is so essential for weight loss. “It preserves lean muscle, boosts metabolism, and keeps you fuller for longer, reducing cravings & overeating,” she says. “Plus, it helps maintain toned, strong muscles while shedding fat, so you lose weight w/out losing your shape!”

Science Confirms This

Fit woman doing hanging leg lifts abs muscles exercise on horisontal bar working out outside.​Hanging Leg RaisesShutterstock

According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

You Can Lose Weight with a Sweet Tooth

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She continues, revealing that she often hears women say they “can’t do it” bc they love sweets too much. “FAIR! So here are 5 high protein, low cal options to throw in your rotation and kick that excuse out the door!”

Protein Yogurt Dip

Greek,Yogurt,In,A,Wooden,Bowl,On,A,Rustic,Wooden​Greek YogurtShutterstock

The first dessert is protein yogurt dip. It is a “creamy, high-protein snack or frozen treat,” she explains.

Protein Jello Whip

Hayward, CA - July 24, 2014: Jello brand gelatin in Black Cherry flavor, sugar free1. Sugar-free Jello: 11 caloriesShutterstock

Dessert two? Protein Jello Whip. She describes it as “light, fluffy, and sweet without the guilt.”

Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake​Protein Mug CakeShutterstock

She also recommends her Chocolate Protein Mug Cake, which is “rich, gooey, ready in under a minute.”

Frozen Protein Pudding Bites

Portrait of positive inspired girl hipster lick lips spoon look copyspace feel interested about what she will eat breakfast wear white t-shirt isolated over bright shine yellow color backgroundThis is the #1 Carb You Could Eat For Your BodyShutterstock

Next up, Frozen Protein Pudding Bites. These are “bite-sized, frozen, and super satisfying,” she exclaims.

Protein Ice Cream Hack

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.​Protein Ice CreamShutterstock

The last item is her Protein Ice Cream Hack. “Thick, creamy, and totally crushes cravings,” she says. Want the recipes? Click on the post, follow her, and comment PLAYBOOK. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Have you ever felt frustrated trying to lose weight while fighting constant cravings for sweets? Or found yourself going off track because you couldn't satisfy your dessert cravings? You're not alone. Today, we're sharing an inspiring story of how one woman found a way to enjoy dessert every night while still achieving her weight loss goals.


Nicole Collet, weight loss coach, knows this struggle all too well. After losing 130 pounds and maintaining it for seven years, she's become an expert at creating guilt-free alternatives to her favorite treats. Nicole started her journey after years of struggling with emotional eating and failed weight loss attempts using unsustainable methods. Now, she helps others find sustainable ways to lose weight while still enjoying food.

Why This Protein Dessert Makes Weight Loss Easier

"If I don't give it to myself, I'm going to go off the rails at some point," Nicole explains in her post, describing the moment she spotted light cherry pie filling at the grocery store. Instead of denying her craving, she transformed it into a protein-packed dessert that contains 56 grams of protein and only 376 calories per pint.

The Complete Recipe Breakdown

Here's Nicole's precise recipe for her protein-packed cherry pie ice cream:

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup egg whites
  • 1 cup 0% Fairlife protein milk
  • 1 tablespoon low-calorie sweetener
  • 1 scoop protein powder (Nicole uses maple cookie flavor)
  • Light cherry pie filling (1/4 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

"The maple flavor goes well with the cherry pie theme," Nicole explains. "And adding the protein milk helps boost the protein content while keeping it creamy."

Instructions:

  1. Blend liquid ingredients with protein powder and sweetener
  2. Freeze mixture in Ninja Creamy container for 24 hours
  3. Process on light ice cream setting
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of protein milk down the middle and respin
  5. Layer in crushed cereal and cherry pie filling
  6. Process on mix-in setting
  7. Top with remaining cherry filling and crushed cereal.

Smart Swaps That Make This Dessert Work

"I've spent most of my life trying not to overeat," Nicole reveals. Her strategy focuses on making intelligent substitutions rather than complete elimination. The protein milk adds creaminess while boosting nutrition, and the crushed cereal provides the perfect pie crust texture without excessive calories.

A Daily Strategy That Actually Works

Nicole's daily routine includes:

  • 1,662 calories daily
  • 50 minutes of low-intensity cardio 5 days/week
  • Regular weight training
  • Strategic rest when needed.

"Sometimes you have to sit with being hungry when you're trying to lose weight because that's a normal thing," Nicole explains. "That also is a signal that you're actually losing fat."

The Truth About Weight Loss Setbacks

"I've done a lot of these cuts," Nicole shares, "and every time I do one, I get sick." Rather than letting this derail her, she used it as an opportunity to develop stronger resilience. Her experience shows that success often comes from how we handle obstacles, not from avoiding them entirely.

RELATED: 9 Secrets That Helped This Fat Loss Coach Stay Lean and Toned After 50

Dealing With Low Energy Days

"There was one day where I said, I don't think I have the energy to do the cardio," Nicole admits. "And I rested instead. And by the end of the day, because I gave that to myself, I was actually able to do my weight training." This flexibility proved crucial to her success.

The Hidden Challenge of Weight Loss

"Losing 130 pounds and keeping it off for nine years... doesn't solve all your problems," Nicole reveals. "You still have different issues that come up that you have to work on." This honest admission shows the importance of addressing both physical and emotional aspects of weight loss.

A New Approach to Hunger

Nicole's perspective on hunger signals represents a major mindset shift: "Sometimes you have to sit with being hungry when you're trying to lose weight because that's a normal thing. That also is a signal that you're actually losing fat." This awareness helps transform challenging moments into signs of progress.

The Power of Persistence

"I knew somehow that I was letting go, but I was also locking in and I was in it to win it," Nicole shares about her approach to setbacks. This balance of acceptance and determination proved crucial to her success. "Sometimes you're sick and you still have to do your cardio because you know that the movement's actually going to help you get better."

Measuring Success Beyond the Scale

Starting Weight: 166.4 pounds

After 3 Weeks: 159.2 pounds

Total Loss: 7.2 pounds

But the numbers don't tell the whole story. "Shining the light makes things not so scary," Nicole says, explaining how facing fears in one area helps strengthen resolve in others. Her transformation shows that sustainable weight loss comes from balancing smart nutrition with mental strength.

RELATED: This Doctor Reveals 5 Alternative Medications When You Can't Get Ozempic

Your Blueprint for Success

Want to try Nicole's approach? Start with these principles:

  1. Allow yourself controlled portions of foods you crave
  2. Focus on protein-rich alternatives to traditional desserts
  3. Take it minute by minute when challenges arise
  4. Face your fears head-on instead of avoiding them
  5. Remember that slow progress is still progress

"Weight loss isn't just about the number on the scale. It's also about here and here," Nicole emphasizes, pointing to her heart and head. Her journey proves that sustainable weight loss comes from balancing smart nutrition with mental strength.

Transformation happens when you stop fighting your cravings and start working with them. By making small, sustainable changes like incorporating protein-rich desserts, you can achieve your weight loss goals while still enjoying the foods you love. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

You can eat delicious food and still lose weight, according to an expert. You can even eat dessert for dinner! Morgan Self is a fitness and lifestyle coach who helps people achieve their weight loss goals and “live” their “life in a body” they “love.” In a new social media post, she discusses what she eats in a day when she wants to lose weight. “I’ve lost 15lbs in the last couple of months, and this is an example of what a day of eating looks like for me,” she says. She goes on to share her exact food log” from the day.


You Don’t Have to Cut Out Foods You Love to Lose Weight

“Losing fat sucks if you cut out all the foods you love, so I don’t. Understanding how your body and nutrition works will help you realize that you truly can have your cake and eat it too,” she adds in the post. “Losing fat doesn’t mean that you have to cut out foods you enjoy. It just means you need to be more intentional about how much of ANY food you are putting into your body.”

RELATED: Nutrition Coach Found 5 Foods That Work Better Than Ozempic for Losing Weight

Breakfast: Spinach & Cheese Microwave Scramble

She starts with her go-to breakfast, a scramble she makes in the microwave with spinach and cheese. The ingredients are:

  • 1 egg
  • 185g eggwhites
  • Handful baby spinach
  • 28g reduced-fat shredded cheese

Lunch: Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta

For lunch, she has a creamy chicken taco pasta made with regular pasta. Here are the ingredients:

  • 4oz air fried chicken tenders
  • 1 serving of angel hair pasta
  • 1/2c cottage cheese blended until smooth w/ 2T taco seasoning
  • 28g reduced-fat shredded cheese

Snack: Peanut Butter Drops

For a protein-packed snack, she eats peanut butter – only she freezes it to make peanut butter drops. She uses 32g peanut butter “frozen into little pieces,” she explains. “Omg! Why have I never thought about peanut butter drops!” one of her followers commented.

Dinner: Cotton Candy Protein Icecream Creami

For dinner, she eats dessert! She takes one scoop of Cotton Candy protein (@cleansimpleeats brand) and adds 10 oz vanilla Carbmaster milk and ten white fudge-covered pretzels. “I can definitely get on board with a cream for dinner,” one of her followers commented.

RELATED: Scientist Found Walking Burns Double the Fat of Running When You Follow These 3 Rules

This Totals 140 Grams of Protein

“This has me eating 140g of protein a day, so I’m not hungry,” she says. “I’m satisfying any cravings I have by just… eating them within my macro targets.” Why should you focus on eating enough protein? According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Keep Food Simple

In another post, she reveals a few things that are keeping you from achieving weight loss success. The first, “That is really a waste of your brain space when trying to lose weight,” she says, starting with healthy recipes. “I used to spend So much time trying to find ‘healthy’ recipes, going to the store for the weird ingredients it called for, making the recipe, and then figuring out how to track it in my macros. Waste. Now I just use simple foods that take me <15min to put together and are easy to track and be consistent with, even when I’m busy,” she writes.

Focus on How Much You Eat, Not What

She also notes that oftentimes, it’s not what you are eating but how much of it. “There are also no certain foods that will help you lose fat and tone up. When I stopped focusing on which foods and started focusing on how much, that’s when I got lean,” she explains.

RELATED: Trainer Swears by This 20-Minute Standing Workout to Torch Arm Fat

Stop Trying to Be Perfect

She also stresses the importance of progress over perfection. “I used to be either all in or all out. That made me continuously lose my results and start over. I had to make a drastic mindset shift. I couldn’t keep thinking of my fitness as a “program” I needed to stick to, but a lifestyle that I’d need to change and develop new habits. Now free meals are in the plan, and I enjoy cookouts and going out to eat, and never feel like I’m starting over,” she explains. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Struggling with weight loss while fighting constant cravings? You're not alone. For many, the challenge isn't just losing weight—it's keeping it off. Weight loss coach Nicole Collet has mastered both, maintaining a remarkable weight loss. "These meals haven't just helped me get lean. They've also helped me lose 130 pounds and keep it off for nine years," Nicole shares. Now, she reveals her practical meal plan that helped her lose 9.4 pounds in just four weeks.


The Science of Sustainable Weight Loss

Before diving into Nicole's meal plan, it's important to understand why her approach works. According to WebMD, successful weight management relies on setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-based, Realistic, and Timely.

Nicole's results demonstrate this principle: "I started this cut Sunday, September 22nd. I weighed in at 166.4 pounds, and then this morning, it's Saturday, October 19th, and I weighed in at 157 pounds. So that's 9.4 pounds in four weeks," she says in her post.

Your Perfect High-Protein Breakfast (449 calories)

Nicole starts her day with a satisfying breakfast that keeps her full for hours. "I'm doing a cut to lean out for fall right now, and this breakfast is working wonders," she says. Her morning meal includes a whole wheat English muffin topped with powdered peanut butter and light jam, two slices of Butterball turkey bacon, and a meat lovers crustless quiche. This protein-packed breakfast delivers 34 grams of protein.

Smart Lunch Choices for Weight Loss (282 calories)

For lunch, Nicole creates a balanced meal that satisfies cravings while keeping calories in check. "When you're cutting, you want to add protein and flavor so that you feel satisfied and full," she explains. Her lunch features an English muffin with herb and garlic laughing cow cheese, cucumber spears, and Greek yogurt mixed with chocolate peanut butter protein powder.

Making Healthy Foods More Appealing

Nicole emphasizes the importance of making healthy foods more enjoyable. "I like Greek yogurt, but if it was just plain fat-free Greek yogurt with fruit, I would still eat it. But making it like a chocolate pudding with the protein or chocolate mousse is way better," she notes. She specifically recommends casein-whey protein: "Casein's a slower digesting protein, which I love for two reasons: keeps you fuller longer. Also, casein whey blends way better into baking stuff and also Greek yogurt."

Dinner That Satisfies Cravings (516 calories)

Nicole proves you can enjoy comfort food while losing weight. Her dinner features a creative meatball sub made with a whole wheat hot dog bun, lean meatballs, and marble cheese. "I was craving a sub and chips, so I decided I could go the protein chip route and then I get the best of both worlds," she shares. This satisfying dinner packs 45 grams of protein.

Smart Dessert Strategy (280 calories)

For dessert, Nicole creates a protein-rich pudding that satisfies sweet cravings. "What I like to do is take a regular pudding mix... use the whole pack of vanilla pudding and then I'm going to use two and an eighth cup of the Fair Life protein milk instead of regular milk. I add protein milk so that I bump up my protein," she explains. She tops it with fresh fruit and crushed low-calorie cookies for added satisfaction.

RELATED: 6 Things These Doctors Want You To Know About “Nature's Ozempic”

Managing Cravings and Treats (125 calories)

Nicole demonstrates how to handle cravings realistically. "My head was really beating me up, saying there's not enough protein in it. Then I remembered not every meal has to be perfectly balanced. If I want something, it's better to build it into my meal plan instead of saying no, because then I'll end up eating five bags of something I didn't want to," she explains.

This approach aligns with WebMD's advice on sustainable weight loss. They recommend following the "80-20 rule: eat healthy foods 80% of the time, and whatever you like 20% of the time." This balanced approach helps make weight loss sustainable long-term.

The Exercise Balance

Nicole combines her eating plan with strategic exercise, doing "cardio five days a week for 50 minutes." She adapts her workout intensity as needed: "We've been doing one of those five days at the mall for gentler cardio just because as our calories get lower, you don't have as much energy. So this is a great way to have fun, little less energy expenditure, but still get the cardio in."

WebMD supports this approach, recommending at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, including both cardio and strength training. They note that exercise not only helps with weight loss but also assists in maintaining that loss long-term while improving blood pressure, mood, and sleep habits.

Understanding Weight Loss Challenges

Why is Nicole's balanced approach so effective? WebMD explains, "The human brain is programmed to try to keep us from starving. So whenever you lose weight, your body instinctively tries to regain it." This is why her strategy of including satisfying foods and planned treats helps maintain long-term success.

RELATED: I'm a Psychologist and These 6 Tricks Will Finally Stop Your Emotional Eating

Daily Nutrition Breakdown

Total Daily Intake:

  • Calories: 1,662
  • Protein: 134g
  • Carbs: 167g
  • Fat: 52g.

The Mindset for Success

Nicole's final advice resonates with both personal experience and scientific backing: "Remember that weight loss isn't just about the number on the scale. It's also about heart and mindset. Fight through it, you can do it. Don't give up." WebMD confirms that "the most effective tool for reaching your weight loss goals is not a specific diet or exercise program. It's your mindset."

As medical experts stress, "Serious change doesn't happen overnight." Nicole's journey shows how combining enjoyable food choices with consistent exercise and realistic expectations can lead to sustainable weight loss success. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Beautiful woman checking her body shape in a mirror.
15 Daily Habits to Lose 5-10 Pounds in 30 Days
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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.

Depending on your starting weight, losing five to 10 pounds in a month is possible to do in a healthy way. Making a few specific lifestyle and dietary changes and sticking to them will positively impact overall health as well as encourage weight loss. “The foundation of successful weight loss remains a healthy, calorie-controlled diet combined with increased physical activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits.” Here are 15 daily habits shown to help lose up to ten pounds in 30 days.

Eliminate Empty Calories

People clinking glasses with wine on the summer terrace of cafe or restaurantShutterstock

Alcohol is full of empty calories, so it’s best to cut down or simply stop drinking it altogether. Every calorie counts when you’re trying to lose weight, so make sure you use those calories to fill your body with healthy, nutrient-dense choices. Drinking too much also disrupts sleep.

Are You Actually Hungry?

Man eats, eating​What To Do InsteadShutterstock

Eat when you’re hungry, and only when you’re hungry. “Listening to your hunger works much better than relying on willpower,” Kayla Kopp, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “When you’re tempted to overeat, have a conversation with yourself: Are you feeling hungry, are you bored or are you feeling emotional? Will eating right now get you closer to your goal?”

Work Out First Thing

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.​Progress to Full Push-upsShutterstock

Working out first thing in the morning means you don’t have to make time for it later. It also starts the day off on a good note. No excuses!

Don’t Skip Breakfast

Healthy,Breakfast,Toast,Avocado,SmashShutterstock

Studies show people who eat breakfast (provided it’s a healthy one) make better food choices for the rest of the day. "Studies have found that although people who skip breakfast eat slightly fewer calories during the day, they tend to have higher body mass index, or BMI," Christy C. Tangney, PhD, tells Rush University Medical Center.

Take the Stairs

Determined woman running up on seaside mountain stairs​Regular ExerciseShutterstock

Walk as much as possible—park away from the grocery store entrance and take the stairs when possible. Walking will encourage fat burning and mental wellness, and you can do it throughout the day, no equipment needed.

Count Your Calories

Calories Nutrition Food Exercise ConceptShutterstock

This one is boring but crucial—to lose weight, you need to take in less calories than you’re burning off. “For example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week — a rate that experts consider safe — your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories,” says Harvard Health.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Skip breakfast concept with no symbol and clock on plate, Intermittent FastingShutterstock

Intermittent fasting can be a powerful weight loss tool for some. “The weight loss effects of time-restricted eating derive primarily from achieving a negative energy balance,” Richard Joseph, MD, tells Harvard Health. “If you maintain your regular diet and then limit the time window during which you eat, it is likely that you will eat a few hundred fewer calories per day.”

No Nighttime Snacking

woman eats sweets at night to sneak in a refrigerator. Fridge​Breaking Free from Food ObsessionShutterstock

Snacking can undermine your healthy eating weight loss plan. “Try to eat most of your daily calories before sitting down to relax for the night,” Kopp tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Many of us have a tendency to overeat without thinking about it while we watch TV after dinner, and we tend to forget just how much we’ve had before calling it a night.”

Be Picky About Carbs

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewTop 5 Clean Carbs for Your BodyShutterstock

You don’t have to eliminate carbs—but be choosy about them. “Not all carbohydrates are created equal,” says Corewell Health. “Eating a slice of white bread won’t give your body the same nutrition as eating a slice of whole grain bread. When you’re looking for options for carbohydrates, look at the ingredients. If the first ingredient is a whole grain (like whole wheat), you’re going in the right direction.”

Eliminate Temptation

Fast food concept. Unhealthy food. Unhealthy food and fast food with donuts, chocolate, burgers and sweets top view​Hopping “On and Off” the WagonShutterstock

Keep junk food out of sight and out of mind. “Don’t keep problem foods around the house and/or at work,” says UC Davis Health. A problem food is a food that you are likely to eat too much of or too often if readily available.”

Get Enough Sleep

Top View Home: Handsome Young Man Sleeps in His Bed in a Stylish Bedroom, Sun Shines on Him. Morning Concept. Peaceful Sleeping and Relaxation, Important for Wellness . Top Down Above ShotShutterstock

Sleep is important for weight loss. “No one can make mindful food choices when they’re tired. Even missing an hour of sleep can increase your appetite because your body is craving that energy and food is fuel for your body,” psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “You need a clear, focused head to make healthier food choices.”

Lift Weights

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“Resistance training can also be a really effective way of losing weight," Tessa Strain, physical activity epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, tells The Telegraph. “All weight loss comes down to a calories in/calories out equation. resistance training is a really effective way of losing weight because you’re expending energy, which involves burning calories.”

Manage Stress

woman sitting down, his face unsettled. At the computer desk she has headaches and stress. Cause of hard work and insufficient rest.​Stress Leads to Belly FatShutterstock

Stress can undermine your weight loss efforts. “More commonly, people turn to — or away from — food as a way to help deal with stress,” says Penn Medicine. “Your metabolism can change if you regularly eat large amounts of food or don’t eat enough or at all.”

No Junk Food

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Ultra-processed foods are terrible for weight loss. Not only will they not fill you up, they could make you hungrier. “Processed and fast foods contain enhanced ingredients that hit the dopamine center in your brain and make you want more,” Dr. Albers tells the Cleveland Clinic. “They are designed to be addictive to the brain.”

Drink More Water

Fitness woman drinking water from bottle. Muscular young female taking a break from workout outside.​HydrateShutterstock

Choose water over high-calorie drinks. “Sometimes we respond to thirst signals by eating — when actually what our bodies want is water,” Dr. Albers explains. “It’s easy to confuse our thirst and hunger signals, or to override thirst signals.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Focusing on long-term health and wellness will make weight loss easier.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/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.

Can you lose a significant amount of weight just by walking every day? Yes, absolutely! Not only does walking burn fat, help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, but it also does wonders for your mental state as well. “You need to make it part of your routine,” exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “This is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.” TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walking—here’s how she did it.

Don’t Start Big

 
 @alexx.fitt Step by step walk it off #walking #weightloss ♬ original sound - alexx.fitt 
 
 

Alex makes the important point that it’s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You don’t have to kickstart your fitness regimen with two-hour walks. Even just half an hour will make a difference to your mood and your health, and encourage you to do it again the next day.

Walking After Meals

Alex says she started off her walking program by simply taking a 15 minute walk after a big meal. Research shows walking after meals can benefit blood sugar. “Exercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,” Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “And over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.”

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. “Getting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,” says Henry Ford Health. “Walking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.”

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. “The closer we get to the evening, the less efficient our bodies are at using insulin to deal with blood glucose, making it harder to keep blood glucose levels healthy,” Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic University’s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. “Yet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.”

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers.”

Using Technology

Alex was thrilled the first time her watch buzzed when she hit 10k steps. Research shows people who track their fitness tend to be successful. “We’ve seen this rise of digital health tools in the last decade, and they provide a great way for people to access interventions to better their health,” Michele Patel, PhD, tells Stanford Medicine.

10,000 Steps a Day

No matter how long or short her walks, Alex always aims for 10,000 steps every day. “Evidence suggests that accumulating up to 10,000 steps per day is helpful for reducing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer,” John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. “And more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
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.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week