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I’m a Dietitian and These Are 6 Snacks I Eat Daily

These 6 snacks balance protein and fiber.

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.

Shot of smiling young woman eating yogurt while sitting on stool in the kitchen at home.
Shutterstock/Josep Suria
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.

Taylor Grasso, RD (@simplyhealthyrd) is a dietician with a mission: To teach women about balanced nutrition. She has amassed a large following on TikTok by sharing health and nutrition videos, sharing everything from meal plans to tips on how to eat healthier. In one viral video she shared her favorite healthy snacks to help build muscle, burn fat, and lose weight. “I'm a registered dietician who eats fully, intuitively, and I always get asked what I eat in a day. So I thought that I would share all of the snacks that we keep in our house throughout the week,” she says in the video. “So some of these I eat on a daily basis. Some of them my husband eats on a daily basis, and some of them, both of us eat every single day.”


1. Greek Yogurt

@simplyhealthyrd

Snacks I eat daily as a dietitian, proritizng protein and fiber always #snacks #healthysnacks #healthysnack #healthysnackideas #healthysnackinspo #dietitian #dietitiansoftiktok #nutritiontips

“When I'm picking and choosing what I want to have for a snack, two of the things that I always try to make sure that I have are protein and fiber, because those are what is going to help balance my blood sugar more throughout the day,” says Taylor. “So Greek yogurt is one of my go-tos.” She prefers the pre-portioned options, either Two Good or Siggis. “I will eat literally whatever flavor it is. This provides me with the protein. It has 12 grams of protein per serving,” she says. “And then I typically add in either mixed berries or just fresh berries depending on what I have to add in a little bit of fiber.”

Related: Woman Lost 44 Pounds with These Simple Habits You Can Do Today

2. Cheese, Fruit, and Nut Packs

A view of several cases of Kirkland Signature cheese, fruit and nut packs, on display at a local Costco store.Shutterstock

She also swears by Costco cheese, fruit and nut packs, which they also sell at regular stores. “They usually have some form of cheese or turkey or something like that. And then this one also has nuts and dried fruit in it as well,” she says. “This has 10 grams of protein per serving and only three grams of fiber, so a little bit lower on the fiber side, but that's okay because we don't have to be perfect at all of our snacks.”

3. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese with radish and cucumberShutterstock

“Another high protein option that is absolutely having a moment right now is cottage cheese,” says Taylor. “You can add literally whatever you want to this, but it's going to provide you with 15 grams of protein per serving. Adding something like fruit or veggies is going to improve that fiber content so that we have that balance of both protein and fiber at that snack.”

4. Protein Bars

Taylor_Grasso_simplyhealthyrd1simplyhealthyrd/TikTok

“Protein bars are a really easy one for on the go,” says Taylor, revealing that her husband likes the Built bards while she prefers Go Slims. “I always try to look for something around the 200 calorie mark that has 15 grams plus of protein and also has five grams of fiber. So this one has six grams of fiber.”

Related: 10 Exercises That Maximize Ozempic Results, Says Celebrity Trainer

5. Meat Sticks

Snack meat stick sausageShutterstock

“We absolutely love meat sticks,” she adds. “You can either do chicken, Turkey or beef. We love the new Primal brand.” She loves buffalo chicken, turkey cilantro lime, and grass fed beef. “These provide you with a good amount of protein, pair them with a whole grain cracker or veggies and hummus to add in a little bit of fiber.”

6. Dried Mango and Pistachio

Raw Organic Dried Mangos in a BowlShutterstock

She also loves a combo of dried mango and pistachios. “So the pistachios are going to provide you with a good amount of healthy fats, and then they also are a complete protein,” while the dried mangoes “are going to provide you with some carbohydrates and some fiber,” she adds. “I would also add something like deli meat, turkey or cheese stick or something like that to boost up the protein content even more.”

7. Protein Is Important for Weight Loss and Blasting Fat

Woman body fat belly. Obese Woman with fat upset about her belly. Fat woman with tight clothing worried about weight diet lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

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.

“For most individuals who are trying to lean out, we want to make sure that your protein intake is high, because that will help with hunger and fullness,” Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach, tells The Body Network. “It'll also help with preserving the muscle mass you have. And if you are lifting weights and you are training, it'll help you build muscle and recover. So we want to make sure that's higher.”

Related: 3 Easy Steps That Will Help Anyone Lose Weight and Look Great

8. And, So Is Fiber

Healthy high fibre diet food concept with legumes, fruit,Shutterstock

And, he agrees that you should, “make sure you're getting plenty of fiber,” as it is “connected to hunger and fullness.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Pairing fiber and protein is great for a snack, as fiber will fill you up right away, while the protein will help you stay full for longer.

More For You

Shot of smiling young woman eating yogurt while sitting on stool in the kitchen at home.
Shutterstock/Josep Suria
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.

Taylor Grasso, RD (@simplyhealthyrd) is a dietician with a mission: To teach women about balanced nutrition. She has amassed a large following on TikTok by sharing health and nutrition videos, sharing everything from meal plans to tips on how to eat healthier. In one viral video she shared her favorite healthy snacks to help build muscle, burn fat, and lose weight. “I'm a registered dietician who eats fully, intuitively, and I always get asked what I eat in a day. So I thought that I would share all of the snacks that we keep in our house throughout the week,” she says in the video. “So some of these I eat on a daily basis. Some of them my husband eats on a daily basis, and some of them, both of us eat every single day.”


1. Greek Yogurt

@simplyhealthyrd

Snacks I eat daily as a dietitian, proritizng protein and fiber always #snacks #healthysnacks #healthysnack #healthysnackideas #healthysnackinspo #dietitian #dietitiansoftiktok #nutritiontips

“When I'm picking and choosing what I want to have for a snack, two of the things that I always try to make sure that I have are protein and fiber, because those are what is going to help balance my blood sugar more throughout the day,” says Taylor. “So Greek yogurt is one of my go-tos.” She prefers the pre-portioned options, either Two Good or Siggis. “I will eat literally whatever flavor it is. This provides me with the protein. It has 12 grams of protein per serving,” she says. “And then I typically add in either mixed berries or just fresh berries depending on what I have to add in a little bit of fiber.”

Related: Woman Lost 44 Pounds with These Simple Habits You Can Do Today

2. Cheese, Fruit, and Nut Packs

A view of several cases of Kirkland Signature cheese, fruit and nut packs, on display at a local Costco store.Shutterstock

She also swears by Costco cheese, fruit and nut packs, which they also sell at regular stores. “They usually have some form of cheese or turkey or something like that. And then this one also has nuts and dried fruit in it as well,” she says. “This has 10 grams of protein per serving and only three grams of fiber, so a little bit lower on the fiber side, but that's okay because we don't have to be perfect at all of our snacks.”

3. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese with radish and cucumberShutterstock

“Another high protein option that is absolutely having a moment right now is cottage cheese,” says Taylor. “You can add literally whatever you want to this, but it's going to provide you with 15 grams of protein per serving. Adding something like fruit or veggies is going to improve that fiber content so that we have that balance of both protein and fiber at that snack.”

4. Protein Bars

Taylor_Grasso_simplyhealthyrd1simplyhealthyrd/TikTok

“Protein bars are a really easy one for on the go,” says Taylor, revealing that her husband likes the Built bards while she prefers Go Slims. “I always try to look for something around the 200 calorie mark that has 15 grams plus of protein and also has five grams of fiber. So this one has six grams of fiber.”

Related: 10 Exercises That Maximize Ozempic Results, Says Celebrity Trainer

5. Meat Sticks

Snack meat stick sausageShutterstock

“We absolutely love meat sticks,” she adds. “You can either do chicken, Turkey or beef. We love the new Primal brand.” She loves buffalo chicken, turkey cilantro lime, and grass fed beef. “These provide you with a good amount of protein, pair them with a whole grain cracker or veggies and hummus to add in a little bit of fiber.”

6. Dried Mango and Pistachio

Raw Organic Dried Mangos in a BowlShutterstock

She also loves a combo of dried mango and pistachios. “So the pistachios are going to provide you with a good amount of healthy fats, and then they also are a complete protein,” while the dried mangoes “are going to provide you with some carbohydrates and some fiber,” she adds. “I would also add something like deli meat, turkey or cheese stick or something like that to boost up the protein content even more.”

7. Protein Is Important for Weight Loss and Blasting Fat

Woman body fat belly. Obese Woman with fat upset about her belly. Fat woman with tight clothing worried about weight diet lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

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.

“For most individuals who are trying to lean out, we want to make sure that your protein intake is high, because that will help with hunger and fullness,” Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach, tells The Body Network. “It'll also help with preserving the muscle mass you have. And if you are lifting weights and you are training, it'll help you build muscle and recover. So we want to make sure that's higher.”

Related: 3 Easy Steps That Will Help Anyone Lose Weight and Look Great

8. And, So Is Fiber

Healthy high fibre diet food concept with legumes, fruit,Shutterstock

And, he agrees that you should, “make sure you're getting plenty of fiber,” as it is “connected to hunger and fullness.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Pairing fiber and protein is great for a snack, as fiber will fill you up right away, while the protein will help you stay full for longer.

Kayla Farrell RDN freshcommunications
Copyright freshcommunications/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 looking for some new, nutritious meal ideas? Kayla Farrell is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Account Executive at FRESH Communications. We recently asked her about the go-to high-protein meals that help her stay full for hours. She reveals two breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that she eats on repeat to keep herself satiated.

Breakfast: Overnight Oats

Mixed,Berries,Overnight,Oats,With,Almond,Flakes,In,Glass,Jar,​Overnight OatsShutterstock

“Overnight oats are an easy way to add more whole grains and protein to your day. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy for quick breakfasts and snacks,” says Farrell. “Add protein and fiber-rich foods like nut butter, flaxseed, chia seeds, milk of choice or protein powder to the overnight oats to stay fuller for longer and meet protein needs. Add additional toppings, like almonds and blueberries, once ready to eat.”

Breakfast: Sourdough Toast

Multi,Grain,Sourdough,Bread,With,Flax,Seeds,Cut,On,A​StarchesShutterstock

Sourdough toast is another easy and customizable breakfast that's full of protein. “Sourdough bread has around 8 g protein per slice. On the sweeter side, pair with your favorite nut butter, fresh berries, chia seeds and a light drizzle of honey. For a savory breakfast , add mashed avocado and two scrambled eggs with a dash of hot sauce,” says Farrell.

Lunch: Poke Bowls

Hawaiian tuna poke bowl with seaweed, avocado, red cabbage, radishes and black sesame seeds

Shutterstock

She also enjoys poke bowls, which are “easy to make by marinating cubed fish of choice in vinegar or citrus dressing” and served chilled (More on how to prepare an easy poke here). “As a registered dietitian, I recommend sushi-grade Chilean salmon because it's low in mercury and is full of omega-3 fatty acids. Add edamame for an extra kick of protein!” she says.

Lunch: Roasted Chickpea Bowl

Traditional Indian cuisine. Roasted spicy chickpeas with lime and rosemary on rustic wooden background. Copyspace, top view.​Roasted ChickpeasShutterstock

“A roasted chickpea bowl is a plant-powered lunch that is full of protein,” Farrell says. “Quinoa and chickpeas provide a hearty base and a solid protein punch, plus fiber to stay full. To boost the protein even more, try tossing in a hard-boiled egg, a sprinkle of hemp seeds, or a drizzle of Greek yogurt-based dressing.”

Dinner: Grilled Salmon

A close-up shot of a grilled salmon fillet on a hot BBQ grill. The fish is seasoned and cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and juicy flesh. For your background business, poster, wallpaper​Lean ProteinShutterstock

Grilled salmon with spinach and brown rice is full of healthy omega-3 fats, “the brain-boosting nutrient found in salmon that makes this a top protein choice,” she says. “Fish have varying amounts of omega-3 fats. As a registered dietitian, I recommend salmon from Chilebecause it's particularly high in omega-3s than other types of fish and is low in mercury.”

Dinner: Stir Fry

Stir fry chicken, sweet peppers and green beans. Top view

Shutterstock

A simple stir-fry can be a go-to solution for getting a quick, flavorful dinner on the table with minimal fuss. “Start by choosing a protein, like chicken or tofu, then toss in a colorful mix of veggies like bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or snap peas. Add a splash of soy or teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds for a flavor boost. If you're in a pinch and don't want to order takeout stir-fry, try Kevin's Natural Foods Stir-Fry Kits that include all the ingredients needed and are ready in less than 10 minutes,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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.

Do you ever wonder what people who are trained in nutrition eat in a day? The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, is a Board Certified Sports Dietitian who specializes in diet and weight loss. The Body Network asked her to detail all the food and drinks she consumes on a daily basis in order to stay healthy and fit.


Before, During, and After Workouts

Healthy breakfast, granola with nuts and dry bananas in white blow on wooden table with wooden spoon and cute fabric.Shutterstock

Before workout: 1/2 banana or a few handfuls of cereal (granola or Cinnamon Toast Crunch!)

During workout: Water

After workout: AG1 + Creatine and other supplement pills

Breakfast

Fruit,Smoothies, banana, shake, fruit, bananasShutterstock

2-3 times per week: Plain fat free greek yogurt with 1/2 scoop of protein powder added for additional protein + berries, grapes, cutie, whatever fruit I have around + 1/4 cup granola

2-3 times per week: Smoothie: frozen banana, whey protein powder, other frozen fruit

Weekends: Egg white + 1 whole egg omelet with spinach and feta or cheddar, berries, toast or English muffin

Protein Tea

A woman holds a thermos of hot tea in her hands on a cold autumn day.Shutterstock

I always drink a big Yeti of hot tea (Roibos) with about 1/3 of a container of Premier Protein in as a “creamer."

Snacks

Ripe wet sweet cherries are poured out of the blue bowl on wooden backgroundShutterstock

Collingwood usually has one snack one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon.

  • Built bar
  • Fruit: Love blackberries, raspberries, cherries, peach, apple
  • Cottage Cheese and fruit
  • Greek yogurt
  • Handful of almonds or pistachios

Lunch

Fresh spinach in a bowl on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

Collingwood will choose from a few different lunches. With each she will usually have a glass of A&W Zero.

  • Salad with spinach, veggies, avocado, air fried tofu, feta, low fat dressing
  • Wrap: Extreme Wellness wrap with sautéed spinach, tofu or veggie chicken, capers, feta
  • Frozen meal: Usually Amy’s or Trader Joe’s vegetarian meals or Lean Cuisine cauliflower cheese pizza
  • Leftovers of some sort

After Lunch Treat

Pieces of dark chocolate with mint on wooden tableShutterstock

Collingwood “always” has 1 to 2, “usually 2,” pieces of chocolate of some sort after lunch.

Dinner

Hot,Homemade,Pepperoni,Pizza,Ready,To,EatShutterstock

Collingwood usually makes a homemade dinner, but eats out “maybe 1-2 times per week and usually on weekends,” she says. Her dinners include:

  • Always a cooked veggie: Brussel sprouts, broccoli, green beans, or spinach are the faves in the house
  • Always some sort of vegetarian protein (veggie chicken or meatballs) OR salmon (a few times a month and usually if I’m eating out) OR Tofu
  • Some sort of starch: Potatoes, rice, pasta, quinoa, sweet potatoes, etc.
  • I also LOVE pizza so might have cheese pizza or veggie pizza

Related: I Lost 19 Pounds in 15 Days with the Help of Salt

Nighttime Snack

Fresh,Fruits,Nutrition,health,food.Shutterstock

Collingwood usually eats nothing in the evening “unless I have another piece or two of chocolate or some fruit,” she says.

Body Booster: Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself. Even nutritionists allow themselves to indulge in treats such as chocolate, diet sodas, and pizza – in moderation.

tara collingwood dietdivatara
I’m a Nutritionist and This is What I Eat in a Day to Stay Healthy and Fit
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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.

Making minor tweaks to your daily habits can make a big difference, especially when it comes to your health. Whether you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or fight fatigue, your eating habits play a crucial role. Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, also known as The Diet Diva, is Body Network’s resident registered dietitian nutritionist. She is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. We recently asked her about the eating habit changes she recommends to most of her clients, and many of them are doable.

Eat More Whole Foods

Fresh fruit in the basket on the wooden table​FruitShutterstock

First, eat more whole foods. “Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods are nutrient-dense and keep you full longer with fewer calories. Load up half your plate with veggies!” suggests Collingwood.

Practice Portion Control

Diet concept, portion control of saladShutterstock

Next, practice portion control. “Use smaller plates or bowls, and serve yourself appropriate portions. Avoid eating straight from the package — it’s easy to overdo it without realizing,” she suggests. “And just because it’s a ‘healthy’ food doesn’t mean you can eat unlimited portions!”

Eat Mindfully and Slowly

A picture of delightful man enjoying his meal. He is chewing a piece of sandwich and keeping eyes closed. Isolated on striped and blue background.​Eat SlowShutterstock

Eat mindfully and slowly. “Pay attention to your food while eating — no distractions like phones, TV, or eating in the car. Slower eating helps you recognize fullness and reduces overeating, and you enjoy your food so much more!” she says.

Don’t Skip Meals (Especially Breakfast)

Happy couple having tasty breakfast in cafe​Don’t Skip BreakfastShutterstock

Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. “Skipping meals can lead to overeating later. A balanced breakfast can help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings,” Collingwood says.

Limit Processed and Sugary Foods

Three,Bowls,Of,Cereals,And,Cereals,Scattered,Around,The,TableShutterstock

Limit your consumption of processed and sugary foods. “These are often high in empty calories and can cause spikes in blood sugar, leading to hunger crashes. Focus primarily on liquid calories. Aim to drink only calorie-free beverages unless it is milk or 100% juice,” she says.

Stay Hydrated

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Make sure to stay hydrated. “Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger — staying hydrated can prevent unnecessary snacking,” she says.

Plan and Prep Your Meals

Woman,Making,Meal,Plan,In,Kitchen,fridge,cooking​Meal PlanningShutterstock

“Preparing meals ahead of time helps you avoid impulse eating or relying on takeout. You’re more likely to stick to healthy choices when they’re convenient and ready to go,” she says.

BONUS TIP: Track Your Food

Healthy diet. Male hands holding a smartphone and keeping track of the calories of his food with a fitness appShutterstock

And a bonus tip? “Keep track of what you are eating with a food tracking app so you can realize in real time how you are doing on intake as the day goes on so you can increase awareness and make adjustments as the day goes on to fit into a budget,” says Collingwood. 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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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.

Lauren Hubert MS, RD Dietitian (@sororitynutritionist) is a nutritionist and social media influencer who shares health and diet tips with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In one of her viral videos she takes her followers to the grocery store, where she selects five “healthy snacks for fat loss.” The Body Network asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on each of them.


1. Whole Wheat Bagel with Tzatziki

@sororitynutritionist

5 healthy snacks for fat loss #fatlossnacks #healthysnack #weightlosssnacks #weightlosssnack #healthygroceryshopping #groceryshoppingtips #healthygroceryhauls

“You could do a half a whole wheat bagel with tzatziki and sliced cucumber on top,” Lauren says, holding up the greek tip from Cedar’s. Collingwood Says: “Even though tzatziki is made with greek yogurt, it still doesn’t really have a lot of protein when it is probably just one to two tablespoons on a half bagel. Cucumber also is a vegetable but a few slices is only a few calories and not much fiber. That being said, for a snack, it is better than butter or jelly on a bagel and is fairly low in calories for high taste and could be a nice refreshing snack with some chew and crunch.”

Related: 5 Ways I Got My Dream Body Back After a Slump

2. Celery and Peanut Butter

Crispy celery sticks with organic peanut butter and milkShutterstock

“You could do two celery sticks with peanut butter and even add some dark chocolate chips for something fun.” Collingwood Says: “Celery is nice and crunchy and the peanut butter provides some healthy fats for longer lasting energy. “If you want a little sweet as well, a couple of chocolate chips can give another flavor and won’t contribute a lot of calories or sugar.”

3. Strawberries and Yogurt

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

“You could do one cup of strawberries and then pair it with my favorite yogurt or whatever yogurt that you love,” she says, holding up a single serving of Siggi’s, with 15 grams of protein and 11 grams of sugar. “This one packs a good amount of protein,” she says. Collingwood Says: “Strawberries are excellent fiber and are low in calories but nice and sweet and juicy. In order to get good protein with it, It would need to be greek yogurt, ideally plain and low fat.”

4. Apple and String Cheese

A healthy snack with pistachio nuts, apples and string cheeseShutterstock

“You could do one apple and then pair it with one to two pieces of string cheese. I prefer the part skim mozzarella,” she says, holding up Galbani string cheese. “Apples provide some crunch and fiber when you eat the skin. String cheese is usually about 80-90 calories and 6-7 g of protein. Depending on how hungry you are and how large of a snack you are looking for, one string cheese with the apple is less than 200 calories,” she says.

Related: Lose 50 Pounds in 90 Days with This Simple Habit, Says Expert

5. Tuna and Crackers

Close up Butter cracker with tuna spread on cutting board,snack foodShutterstock

“You could also do tuna fish and crackers,” she says, holding a can of Starkist, “or you can use some of these Crisp Breads that are really crunchy for something fun.” Collingwood Says: “Tuna is a great source of protein and some omega-3 fats. Avoid the varieties drenched in oil and pick the water packed can or the pouch instead. A few crisp breads or crackers provide a nice crunch and some carbs for energy.”

💪🔥Body Booster: String cheese is a low-calorie food with up to 7 grams of protein, making it a great weight loss snack.

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

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

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

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

Different sugar on dark tableShutterstock

Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar​2. Processed FoodsShutterstock

Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

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“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar​Don’t Drink as Much AlcoholShutterstock

Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

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Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
Copyright gainsbybrains/Instagram/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.

Joyy Maria joyymaria
Copyright joyymaria/Instagram/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to accelerate your weight loss? Go on a hot girl walk. Joy Maria (@therealjoyymaria/video) is a weight loss influencer and mother who lost 70 pounds in less than 11 months. One of her secret weight loss weapons? “Hot girl walks,” she reveals in a video. “Walking is a thousand percent, the most underrated way to lose weight,” she adds, “and one of my favorite things to do is walk.” Here is everything you need to know about how she lost weight, including some great walking tips.

She Recommends Walking After a Workout to “Cool Down

“I love walking after training because it's low impact, and my trainer's pretty intense. So it's just kind of like my cool down. I can listen to podcasts, I can answer emails, I can talk on the phone, scroll on TikTok, whatever. So get to walking, sis,” she says.

Calorie Deficit

In another video she details “exactly” how she went from 230 pounds to 160 pounds in 10 to 11 months. “If somebody is telling you that you can lose weight without being in a calorie deficit run because they're lying,” she continues, calling it “the most important step” to losing weight. “I know you guys have heard the saying, you cannot outrun a bad diet, and it's so true. Google, TDEE calculator. From there, put in your information. I'm gonna tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat. I ate about 1600 to 1800 calories daily, just depending on my activity level for the day. If I did two workouts that day, I would eat closer to 1800. If I had a more sedentary day, I would eat closer to 1500 to 1600.”

Meal Plan

Next she recommends a meal plan. “I have a seven day meal plan available at the top of my profile. It just makes it really easy when you're going to a grocery shop, when you're first starting out, when things are structured, it's gonna make it a lot easier to follow and just to stay consistent, not skipping breakfast, especially if we're exercising.”

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Her favorite breakfast is “avocado toast on sourdough bread, one hard boiled egg,” which she seasons, adding truffle hot sauce, two pieces of bacon, and one piece of sausage. “High protein, good, healthy fat, and a healthy balance of carbs,” she says. “This can also be a breakfast or a lunch because it is super filling.” Another favorite is yogurt bowls made with Dannon Light and Fit Greek yogurt with granola blackberries and blueberries. She also likes tunacado sandwiches with sourdough bread, cheese, tomato, avocado, and pesto basil spread. For dinner she might have a small bowl of Turkey chili.

Hydration

She also drinks “a ton” of water, “like a gallon of water a day,” she says. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. Why is hydration so important? 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, according to Mayo Clinic.

Working Out

Working out is the “second most important part,” she says. “I was taking group classes when it first started. They were high intensity bootcamp. From there, I got a trainer at the same gym. I also work out on my own. If the gym intimidates you, I strongly recommend you guys try some group fitness classes. They're a really great way to hold yourself accountable because you're in a group setting and the people around you can motivate you,” she adds. “I incorporated Pilates about nine to 10 months into my fitness journey, and I wish I would've done it sooner.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are working out but not seeing the weight loss results you desire, add walking to your routine every day.