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Nutrition & Diet
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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.

#1 Trick to Feel Full While Eating Food You Love, According to a Nutritionist

It has to do with balance, she says.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 29, 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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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
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stephgrassodietitian/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 29, 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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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
Nutrition & Diet

Steph Grasso, MS, RD (@stephgrassdietician) is a nutritionist with 2.2 million followers on TikTok. She regularly shares content about how to stay healthy, lose weight, and build muscle without depriving your body of what it needs. In one of her viral videos, she explains why having a balanced diet and not seriously restricting yourself from certain types of food is key not only for losing weight but your mental health. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in.

Why You Need to Eat Carbs and Protein

@stephgrassodietitian

How I established a healthy relationship with food. Why restrict your favorite foods when you can just add more nutrients?! Best of both worlds 🫶🏼 #dietitian #nutrition #healthyrelationshipwithfood #add #macncheese #healthtips

Steph starts by explaining how carbs and protein are important. “If you eat carbs, you'll feel energized. If you eat protein, you'll feel satisfied. If you eat protein and carbs, you'll feel satisfied and energized,” she starts off the video by saying.

Why You Should Add Fiber

Fresh spinach in a bowl on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

Next, she illustrates the importance of adding fiber to the mix. “If you eat fiber, you'll feel full. If you eat fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll feel full, satisfied, and energized,” she continues.

Related: 5 Cardio Workouts That Are Better Than Running

Fats Are Also Important, She Says

Homemade,Sausages,Turkey,chicken,Fried,Frying,PanShutterstock

Don’t overlook the benefits of fat, she stresses. “If you eat fats, you'll have stable energy levels. If you eat fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll have stable energy levels, feel full, feel satisfied, and feel energized,” she adds.

Here Is Why You Should Eat What You Are Craving

Steph_Grasso4stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

“If you eat what you're craving, you'll feel happy. If you're eating what you're craving, fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, then you'll feel happy, you'll have stable energy levels, you'll feel full, you'll feel satisfied, and you'll feel energized,” she says.

Start Adding, Stop Restricting

Steph_Grasso3stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

The bottom line and moral of the story? “Start adding. Stop restricting,” she concludes.

Related:12 Tips to Maintain Weight Loss After Using Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications

RDN Agrees

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

Collingwood is completely on board with her advice. “I love this,” she says. “Every part of it is absolutely true. Carbs are energy, fat and protein sustain and provide stability and fiber fills. Depriving leaves you unhappy so eat what you’re craving but just stick to moderation.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Instead of restricting yourself from carbs, protein, fiber, fats, and foods you are craving, think about how each of them can benefit your health and choose accordingly.

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Nutrition & Diet

#1 Trick to Feel Full While Eating Food You Love, According to a Nutritionist

Steph_Grasso_stephgrassdietician6
stephgrassodietitian/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 29, 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:
FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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.

Steph Grasso, MS, RD (@stephgrassdietician) is a nutritionist with 2.2 million followers on TikTok. She regularly shares content about how to stay healthy, lose weight, and build muscle without depriving your body of what it needs. In one of her viral videos, she explains why having a balanced diet and not seriously restricting yourself from certain types of food is key not only for losing weight but your mental health. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in.

Why You Need to Eat Carbs and Protein

@stephgrassodietitian

How I established a healthy relationship with food. Why restrict your favorite foods when you can just add more nutrients?! Best of both worlds 🫶🏼 #dietitian #nutrition #healthyrelationshipwithfood #add #macncheese #healthtips

Steph starts by explaining how carbs and protein are important. “If you eat carbs, you'll feel energized. If you eat protein, you'll feel satisfied. If you eat protein and carbs, you'll feel satisfied and energized,” she starts off the video by saying.

Why You Should Add Fiber

Fresh spinach in a bowl on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

Next, she illustrates the importance of adding fiber to the mix. “If you eat fiber, you'll feel full. If you eat fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll feel full, satisfied, and energized,” she continues.

Related: 5 Cardio Workouts That Are Better Than Running

Fats Are Also Important, She Says

Homemade,Sausages,Turkey,chicken,Fried,Frying,PanShutterstock

Don’t overlook the benefits of fat, she stresses. “If you eat fats, you'll have stable energy levels. If you eat fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll have stable energy levels, feel full, feel satisfied, and feel energized,” she adds.

Here Is Why You Should Eat What You Are Craving

Steph_Grasso4stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

“If you eat what you're craving, you'll feel happy. If you're eating what you're craving, fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, then you'll feel happy, you'll have stable energy levels, you'll feel full, you'll feel satisfied, and you'll feel energized,” she says.

Start Adding, Stop Restricting

Steph_Grasso3stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

The bottom line and moral of the story? “Start adding. Stop restricting,” she concludes.

Related:12 Tips to Maintain Weight Loss After Using Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications

RDN Agrees

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

Collingwood is completely on board with her advice. “I love this,” she says. “Every part of it is absolutely true. Carbs are energy, fat and protein sustain and provide stability and fiber fills. Depriving leaves you unhappy so eat what you’re craving but just stick to moderation.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Instead of restricting yourself from carbs, protein, fiber, fats, and foods you are craving, think about how each of them can benefit your health and choose accordingly.

Nutrition & Diet

#1 Thing You Can Do to Lose Weight at Your Next Meal, According to a Dietitian

samar-kullab-2
chicago.dietitian/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 02, 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
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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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.

Samar Kullab MS, RDN (@chicagodietician) is a ​​Licensed & Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and influencer who has amassed a following of over 710,000 followers on TikTok. She regularly shares tips and tricks about how to lose weight in a natural way. In one viral video, she shares a simple hack you can use at every meal to eat less. “One thing you can do at your next meal to help you lose weight. I'm a registered dietician nutritionist with a master's in nutrition science. So listen up,” she says in the clip. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, for more tips.

Don’t Eat Fast

@chicago.dietitian

Follow for more weight loss tips☺️ #dietitian #nutrition #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsandtricks #learnontiktok

Like your mother might have told you, don’t eat so fast, she says. “Slow down at your meal. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.”

If You Eat Fast, You Won’t Know When You Are Full

samar-kullab-3chicago.dietitian/TikTok

This means that if you eat fast, you are more likely to eat more because you won’t know you are full. “So the quicker that you eat, the more that you can eat.”

Once you figure it out, it will be too late. “By the time your brain gets that message, you're just like, ‘Well, I'm uncomfortably full,’’” she adds.

At your next meal, “slow down, chew your food very well, put your utensils down between each bite,” she instructs.

Related: Britany Williams Shares 10-Minute, Zero Equipment Beginner Workout

Eat From Smaller Plates

Big,Plate,With,Small,Amount,Of,Salad,In,The,Centre,Shutterstock

We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, for more tips. Her first? Eat from a smaller plate. “If you eat from the really large dinner plates, smaller portions look like you are depriving yourself and it’s too easy to put portions too large on those plates,” she says. “If you fill a smaller plate, you can eat smaller portions."

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds With This Walking Routine

Half Your Plate with Veggies and One-Quarter, Veggies

Salmon,Served,With,Mix,Salad,Veggies,VegetablesShutterstock

Collingwood also suggests filling half your plate with veggies and at least one-quarter with protein. “Veggies are low in calories and high in fiber which fills and keeps you satiated. Protein is also very satiating and has a high thermic effect of food, meaning you actually burn more calories digesting it than carbs and even fat.”

💪🔥Body Booster: During your next meal, be intentional about your pace of eating. Try and eat slower than usual, giving your stomach a chance to signal to your brain that you are full. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 22 Pounds by Following These 5 Intuitive Eating Rules

Jannina_Emilia_janninaemila1
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 09, 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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FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to lose weight without having to count calories? Try intuitive eating, urges one expert. Jannina Emilia is an intuitive healthy habit expert and coach who lost 22 pounds without calorie counting. In a new post, she reveals exactly how she did it. “Here’s what it actually takes to lose fat without tracking calories from a woman who did 7 years of research, lost 10kg (22lbs) unnecessary weight, never needs to diet again,” she wrote across the Instagram video.

It’s Possible to Lose Weight Without Calculating Anything

She starts by discussing “the science-backed truth” about intuitive eating. “All the time people come to me saying ‘if I just ate freely what I wanted, I would be the size of a tank’ (literally with those words),” she writes. “This brings us to the TRUTH: It is possible to lose that hindering body fat that bothers you (yup, been there too, sis!) while leaving all calculations and meal plans behind. Choosing to embody healthy eating this way has completely transformed my body & mind (and for a reason!!!)” she continues.

RELATED: She Lost 100 Pounds With This 3-Ingredient Breakfast Every Day

Focus on the Type and Amount of Food You Eat

Number one? “Embody the very basics of the correlation between food and body composition,” she writes. “The science: The type AND amount of food we eat have the biggest impact on our body composition (remember your weight is not just weight: it’s water, fat, muscle etc. that’s why using a scale to check your weight is a horrible measure)”

Focus on Quality Nutrition 80 Percent of the Time

Next, focus on quality nutrition 80% of the time. “The science: Providing volume and satiety with fewer (while still enough) calories naturally,” she explains.

Eat Food You Actually Like

You don’t need to eat food just because it’s healthy. “Eat all your fav foods daily,” she recommends. “The science: A balanced, realistic approach to eating that is sustainable for long term without extremes.”

RELATED: Top Nutritionist Says Stop These 7 Macro Mistakes for Weight Loss

Follow Hunger Cues

Next, listen to your body. “Give your body enough break from eating so that the natural cues appear, then act on those cues,” she writes. “The science: Following your body’s physiological signals is the most natural way to eat (HIII INTUITIVE EATING that’s packed with freedom😍).”

Eat Nutrient Dense Foods

She also suggests focusing on foods that will fill you up. “Fall in love with nutrient dense foods,” she writes. “The science: Our brains have the ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to experience and learning: you can rewire your brain to associate nourishing foods with pleasure, making it easier to choose them regularly.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Nutrition & Diet

#1 Hack to Make Maintaining Your Weight Loss Easy, According to a Nutritionist

Cassie_Black_fatlossdietician2
fatlossdietitian/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 08, 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
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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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.

Cassie Black, MS RD (@fatlossdietician), is a nutrition expert and Instagram influencer who helps “women ditch yo-yo dieting and lose fat for good without sacrificing the foods they love.” In one of her viral posts, she reveals an easy hack for losing weight. “This is another one for my ladies who want to lose weight but are also balling on a time budget,” she writes in the caption.

She Stopped Spending Hours in the Kitchen

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“Life got a lot easier for me when I stopped trying to make weight loss unnecessarily hard and time-consuming,” she starts. “Instead, I started focusing on the little things I could to see results without spending hours in the kitchen, meal-prepping, or seeking ‘special’ food options.”

Related: I Started to Walk 1 Mile Every Day, and Here’s How I Made It Happen

She Started Being More Intentional About the Order in Which She Eats Food

Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At KitchenShutterstock

She claims that the secret isn’t just what you eat but the order in which you eat it. “One of the little things I’ve stumbled upon in my journey is being more intentional about the order in which I eat my food,” she continues. “Now, I’m not saying this is a hard and fast rule or anything, but I am saying that it can be one of those little things that add up in a big way.”

The Order: Veggies, Protein, Starchy Carbs

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.Shutterstock

Here is the order: “I focus on eating veggies first, protein second, and starchy carbs last,” she reveals.

Veggies Fill You Up and Give You Fiber

broccoli in hands. a wooden background. healthy eating concept.Shutterstock

“Veggies help to fill you up and also can give you some fiber to support a better blood sugar response right off the bat (something that is KEY for more efficient weight loss),” she says.

Protein Helps You Feel Fuller Sooner So You Don’t Overindulge in Starchy Carbs

Grilled chicken breasts and vegetablesShutterstock

“Protein helps you feel more full sooner so that when you get to starchy carbs, you aren’t ravenous and can eat an amount that feels satisfying and supports your goals,” she continues.

The Method Isn’t Restrictive

Close up of woman’s mouth eating spaghetti by using her fork. Focus of a girl wearing red lipstick consuming her food.Shutterstock

“It’s a win-win situation because you aren’t taking anything away, spending any more time on the meal AND you’re helping your body burn fat more efficiently,” she points out.

It Also Works Well While Traveling

Beach travel - woman walking on sand beach leaving footprints in the sand. Closeup detail of female feet and golden sand on Maui, Hawaii, USA.Shutterstock

The method comes in handy even when she isn’t at home. “This works really well for me, especially when I’m eating out or on vacation,” she says.

Related: 4 Things I Did to Lose Stomach Fat

Our Expert Agrees

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, is totally on board with her recommendation. “You are getting the healthy veggies first, and the fiber can assist in filling you up and delaying how quickly blood sugar goes up. Protein has a similar response in providing satiety or a more lasting fullness and helping to regulate blood sugar. Starchy carbs aren’t bad to eat, but they don’t fill you up as quickly and it is easy to overeat them,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try eating your food in this order: Veggies, protein, starchy carbs. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Ways to Suppress Your Appetite Without Taking Ozempic

Hungry woman holding spoon in her mouth.
Shutterstock/Roman Samborskyi
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJun 10, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
✓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.

Want to quell your appetite without taking Ozempic? "In my years of practice, I’ve seen clients able to manage their appetite naturally by means of changing their mindset and how they perceive the idea of dieting," says Catherine Gervacio, a registered dietitian and a certified exercise nutrition coach at E-Health Project. Here are some proven tips from her and other leading experts in the field.

1. View Food as Fuel, Not as an Anti-Stress Regimen

Closeup detail of woman putting pink chewing gum into her mouth.Shutterstock

"First, you want to view food as fuel, not as a reward or anti-stress regimen. Shifting your perspective on food provides deeper insights into what it can provide your body, specifically on recognizing the nutrients each meal provides and how each food contributes to your overall health and well-being," says Gervacio. "Taking this into a positive perspective, practicing gratitude also helps. Cultivate gratitude and acknowledge the effort that went into preparing your meals. This mindset can change the way you think about food and foster a good connection to what you eat.

"There’s also potential for using aromatherapy to reduce appetite. Lemon or citronella scents can potentially help, according to a study," she continues. "I, and some of my clients, use essential oils for different health reasons, so lighting a candle with the mentioned scents may help. You can also choose to chew sugar-free gum strategically. Chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, which not only aids digestion but also provides a sensory distraction that can help suppress appetite."

Related: I Lost 35 Pounds With These 3 Simple Tricks (And I Hate Exercise)

2. Eat When Hungry

Woman,Feeling,Hungry,Looking,For,Something,To,Eat,In,AmusementShutterstock

"Eat when hungry," says Blanca Garcia, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I am the nutrition specialist at Healthcanal. "An appetite arises simply because you are hungry, there isn’t a special pill or formula that can solve this as naturally as just eating. Having a snack or a meal that is balanced in complex carbohydrates and proteins can just naturally calm your appetite."

3. Eat Foods Full of Protein and Fiber

Macro photo green fresh vegetable broccoli. Fresh green broccoli on a black stone table.Broccoli vegetable is full of vitamin.Vegetables for diet and healthy eating.Organic food.Shutterstock

"Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that, when eaten, won’t be broken down and absorbed like other nutrients. Fiber actually maintains its form, taking its time to move out of the stomach making a person feel full longer and managing appetite levels," says Garcia.

"Consumption of high fiber foods can assist in feeling fuller longer, these foods include whole grains, beans, lentils, broccoli, artichoke and berries. The recommended amounts are 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men per day," says Yelena Wheeler, MPH, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist of National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC).

"Protein and fiber are the two greatest allies when it comes to satiety, and having meals rich in them can help manage your satiety during the day," adds Eva De Angelis, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist and Health and Nutrition Writer at the E-Health project. "Fiber is a complex carb that we cannot digest, but it helps slow down nutrient absorption, providing higher satiety. Likewise, protein takes longer to digest, keeping us full for longer. So having balanced meals high in fiber (think foods like veggies, fruits, whole grains, and pulses) and lean protein (think chicken and turkey breast, lean red meat, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and pulses)."

Related: Fitness Expert Wows With Their Abs And Shares Their Proven Routine

4. Drink Water Prior to Your Meal

Glass,Tap,Water,Faucet,Kitchen,drinkShutterstock

"Consuming 1 cup of water prior to your meal may induce the feeling of fullness which in turn would cause one to decrease consumption during the meal," says Wheeler. She adds:

  • "Consumption of Yerba Mate in combination with exercise prior to the meal has shown positive effects on increasing satiety.
  • Consumption of a balanced diet that consists of healthy fats, lean protein and fiber will keep one feeling fuller longer and in turn suppress cravings for simple carbohydrate like foods. Healthy fats such as those from avocados, chia seed and walnuts are recommended to be added.
  • Consumption of ginger and green tea has also shown to suppress appetite in a few small studies.
  • Drinking a small cup of coffee 1 to 3 hours prior to the meal has also been shown to have an effect on appetite hormones and perception."

Related: Fitness Expert Wows With Their Abs And Shares Their Proven Routine

5. Avoid Mindless Snacking

,,Food,Fridge, refrigerator ,coldShutterstock

"When we are hungry, our appetite comes into play, telling us we need nutrients to keep going. When we snack frequently, and often not for hunger but just because, we messed with our hunger and satiety cues, making it harder for us to know when we´re eating for hunger and when for boredom. While hard at first, try mindful eating and follow your hunger cues," says De Angelis.

💪🔥Body Booster: Consider chewing gum when you’re feeling hungry. It stimulates saliva production, which not only aids in digestion but also serves as a sensory distraction to help curb your appetite.

Nutrition & Diet

Top Doctor Reveals 7 Hidden Signs You're Eating Too Much Sugar

Dr. Eric Berg DC
Copyright Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓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.

✓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.

Does your tongue have a persistent white coating? Or maybe you've noticed your skin becoming more wrinkled lately? These could be unexpected signs that you're consuming too much sugar. Dr. Eric Berg DC, a leading authority on nutrition and healthy weight loss, has helped millions understand the hidden dangers of excessive sugar consumption. With over 13 million YouTube subscribers and multiple bestselling books, Dr. Berg breaks down the surprising signals your body sends when sugar intake is too high. Read on to discover if you're experiencing any of these seven warning signs.

Before We Start What Counts as Sugar

"I need to clarify exactly what sugar is and the difference between a sugar and a carbohydrate," Dr. Berg says in his post, explaining that many people misunderstand the relationship between complex carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates, and sugars. He reveals that carbohydrates consist of three components: sugar, fiber, and starch – with starch being a hidden form of sugar many overlook.

The Surprising Truth About Starch

Midsection of young woman using glucometer to check blood sugar level at homeShutterstock

"Starch is sugar," Dr. Berg states plainly. He explains that starch is simply multiple sugar molecules connected together, scientifically called polysaccharides. Even more concerning, some modified starches like maltodextrin can spike blood sugar levels to 185 on the glycemic index – dramatically higher than table sugar at 65.

Sign 1 Unexplained High Adrenaline

Sleep disorder, insomnia. Young blonde woman lying on the bed awake

Shutterstock

The most surprising sign of excessive sugar consumption, according to Dr. Berg, is elevated adrenaline levels. "Too much sugar damages the cell's ability to make energy in the mitochondria," he explains. This leads to increased adrenaline production, causing nervous energy, restlessness, and even insomnia.

Sign 2 Frequent Infections

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia. Asian girl with funny face sick or sad depressed sleeping at home.Shutterstock

"Having too much sugar will weaken your immune system to the point where you're more vulnerable to acquire an infection," Dr. Berg warns. This reduced immunity makes you more susceptible to various types of infections.

Sign 3 Low Testosterone Levels

Beautiful couple is having sex in bed at homeShutterstock

"Sugar will lower testosterone," Dr. Berg reveals. This reduction can lead to multiple issues, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty building muscle, as testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development.

Sign 4 Bleeding Gums

Toothache,,Pain,And,Sensitive,Teeth,With,A,Woman,Brushing,dental,dentist,tooth teethShutterstock

If you see pink in your toothbrush after brushing, pay attention. Dr. Berg explains this could indicate a mild form of scurvy, showing vitamin C deficiency. "When you eat sugar, you block vitamin C and one place that it shows up is in your gums," he notes.

Sign 5 Chronic Sinus Problems

Close up portrait of an attractive man with eyeglasses. Poor young guy has eyesight problems. He is rubbing his nose and eyes because of wearinessShutterstock

"Most chronic sinus problems are a fungus called aspergillus," Dr. Berg explains. This microorganism feeds on sugar, making it nearly impossible to resolve chronic sinus infections without eliminating sugar from your diet.

Sign 6 Persistent White Tongue

Female tongue with a white plaque. Cropped shot of a young woman showing tongue isolated on a white background. Digestive tract disease, organ dysfunction, poor oral hygiene, fungal infections

Shutterstock

A chronic white tongue coating could indicate candida overgrowth. "I do not think you can get rid of this candida without eliminating sugar from the diet because it loves these simple sugars," Dr. Berg emphasizes.

Sign 7 Premature Aging

Anti-Wrinkle Skin Care. Sad Woman Looking In Mirror, Touching Her FaceShutterstock

"When you consume too much sugar, you're going to produce less collagen," Dr. Berg warns. This reduction in collagen production manifests as loose, more wrinkled skin, leading to premature aging.

Taking Action Against Hidden Sugars

Mindfulness,Woman,Breathing,Fresh,Air,happyShutterstock

Recognizing these signs is crucial for taking control of your health. Dr. Berg's insights reveal how sugar affects multiple body systems, from hormones to immune function. By paying attention to these warning signs and reducing sugar intake – including hidden sources like modified starches – you can start improving your health today. Remember, awareness is the first step toward positive change, and even small reductions in sugar consumption can lead to significant health improvements. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Trainer Reveals 10 Fat Burning Habits Over 50

Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 19, 2025
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:
✓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.

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✓Evidence-Based

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Are you letting your age be an excuse for not getting into shape? One 57-year-old expert who looks half her age has some recommendations to help you burn fat and achieve your best body. Christine Roderick is an “age positive” fitness trainer who helps “women over 40 transform their body, mind & spirits.” In a new social media post, she shows off her flat abs and reveals all her healthy daily habits that help her achieve her fantastic figure. “What I do for maximum fat burning at 57,” she writes. “Use this template for a week, 2 weeks or a month to get results,” she adds, sharing “what a typical day looks like” in her life.

Intermittent Fasting

Her first habit is intermittent fasting. “Fast 12-13 hours,” she recommends. Intermittent fasting prolongs “the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Coffee

Christina drinks a “loaded” coffee latte at 7:00 a.m. She adds @cymbiotika nootropic creamer and one scoop of collagen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. 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.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

For breakfast, Christine consumes 30 to 49 grams of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. She might eat eggs, lean meat, avocado, and whole grain toast or have a protein shake with prebiotic powder. Lunch is her largest meal of the day, “lean protein, bit more complex crabs & veggies ( i.e. salmon, leafy green salad & brown rice )” she writes. At 3 she will have a snack, 20 grams of protein in the form of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus with veggies or seed cracker. Dinner might be lean meat, grilled veggies, and salad. “I tend to skip a lot of carbs at night but if I do do it it’s usually quinoa or a whole grain,” she says. For dessert, she will have “chocolate something!” she says. In total she aims for 120 grams of protein.

Stretching or Yoga

She also does stretch or yoga in the afternoon “to work on mobility & flexibility,” she says. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Walking

Christine gets her steps in. She explains that she is “trying to incorporate the 15-20 minute walk after dinner at a 50% so far lol but really want this in my life,” she writes. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Tea Before Bed

She also avoids eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, “just a habit I made myself get consistent with,” she says. “I drink tea or sugar free cacao if I need something.” Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

Morning supplements: @fatty15, @seed probiotics @joiwomenswellness NAD, glutathione, C & methylated vitamin B 12

Afternoon supplements: @modere_us collagen & Trim ( Cla) @cymbiotika D3K2 @udeawellness the hair pill & omega 3 supplement

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

Lastly, she prioritizes sleep. “In bed by 10 hopefully!!!!” she writes. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Healthy Body

Functional MD Reveals 5 Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol Levels

Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean
Copyright drkateld/Instagram
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓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.

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✓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.

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If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you feel constantly stressed, struggle with stubborn weight, or deal with unexplained fatigue? Your cortisol levels might be working against you. This stress hormone can be both friend and foe—supporting vital functions when balanced but causing havoc when chronically elevated. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean, a Functional Medicine Healthcare Provider, explains that high cortisol doesn't just come from mental stress: "It's not just mental and emotional stress that triggers the release of cortisol. Physical stressors like infections, autoimmunity, hormone imbalance, and more can raise it too." Here are five science-based strategies to help you restore balance and feel better naturally.

This Is How Cortisol Affects Your Body

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand what high cortisol does to your body. "When cortisol stays too high for too long, it raises blood glucose, keeps you in fat storage mode instead of fat loss mode, and blocks the calming and helpful progesterone that can lead to estrogen dominance over time," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean explains in her post. This understanding helps explain why managing cortisol is crucial for overall health.

Recognize the Warning Signs

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According to Dr. Lyzenga-Dean, chronically high cortisol manifests in various ways: "It makes a mess of our immune systems, your circadian rhythm and your metabolism. Not to mention chronically high cortisol causes symptoms of anxiety and depression, chronic fatigue and pain, heart palpitations, stress hives, and general misery at high levels." Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing the problem.

Balance Blood Sugar With Smart Food Choices

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"Since cortisol is released in response to blood sugar spikes and crashes, eating foods that encourage steady blood sugar levels helps to reduce cortisol," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean explains. She recommends focusing on protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which act as "extended release nutrition" by slowing down the breakdown and absorption of fuel. This natural approach helps level out the spikes and crashes typically caused by processed carbs and sugary foods.

Rethink Your Relationship With Caffeine

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While that morning coffee might feel essential, it could be working against you. "Caffeine directly causes adrenal cells to make more cortisol as well as other stress hormones, which creates a cycle of physical chronic stress and dependence on caffeine," warns Dr. Lyzenga-Dean. She suggests reducing intake or temporarily eliminating caffeine to break the cortisol spiral, especially if you're experiencing morning grogginess and difficulty concentrating.

Add High-Quality Fish Oil Supplements

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The right supplements can make a significant difference. "Fish oil has been shown to lower cortisol, reduce overall inflammation, and help support healthy neurotransmitter function," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean shares. However, she emphasizes the importance of quality: "Be careful about sourcing on this, both for fatty fish that you eat and fish oil supplements, as toxins and heavy metals tend to accumulate in fat."

Replenish Stress-Depleted Vitamins

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Chronic stress creates a hidden nutritional deficit. "Excess stress can cause you to excrete magnesium leading to problems with bone density, muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, and sleep problems," explains Dr. Lyzenga-Dean. She notes that stress also depletes several B vitamins, potentially causing neurologic symptoms, low energy, and hormone dysfunction. Regular testing can help identify and address these deficiencies.

Harness the Power of Adaptogenic Herbs

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Adaptogens offer a natural approach to stress management. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean highlights several effective options: "Panax Ginseng is a well-established cortisol manager. Ashwagandha is not only calming but also energizing. Rhodiola acts upstream on the brain to improve mental function, decrease overwhelm, and lower high perception of stress." However, she emphasizes that quality and proper dosing are crucial for seeing results.

Monitor Your Progress Through Testing

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Dr. Lyzenga-Dean emphasizes the importance of proper testing: "Unfortunately, most doctors don't or won't test for these [nutrient levels], but that testing is surprisingly accessible." Consider working with a functional medicine provider who can help monitor your cortisol levels and related markers to ensure your interventions are working effectively.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

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While these strategies can be implemented on your own, some situations require professional guidance. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean notes that complex cases involving multiple symptoms or long-standing issues may benefit from personalized attention and monitoring. This ensures you're addressing your specific needs and circumstances effectively.

Maintain Long-Term Success

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Understanding cortisol's dual nature helps explain its impact on your health. As Dr. Lyzenga-Dean notes, "When cortisol is balanced and being produced at appropriate times and amounts, it's our friend. It activates our immune system, plays an important role in the sleep cycle, and quenches inflammation." The key is maintaining this balance through consistent application of these strategies while monitoring your body's response and adjusting as needed. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

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