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I’m a Health Coach and This is My Quick and Easy Meal Plan for the Whole Week

These recipes that are easy to prepare and good for you.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
laura_b_healthy1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

TikTok influencer and health coach Laura B. (@laura.b.healthy) is sharing an easy, healthy meal plan with her social media followers. Laura likes to make enough food for plenty of leftovers, which is always a great idea when meal prepping. With meals such as tacos and meatball subs, Laura makes pasta salads as well as chicken-based dishes. Here are some of the ingredients Laura uses to make satiating meals throughout the week.


Overnight Oats

@laura.b.healthy

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas in this healthy meal plan - remember the easier you make things, the easier it is to stick to them so make meal planning as easy as possible! #healthymealplan #simplemealplan #howtomealplan #makeamealplan

Overnight oats is one of Laura’s go-to breakfast options. “There may not be a better on-the-go breakfast option than overnight oats for promoting fullness and packing in health benefits,” says Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, CPT functional medicine dietitian and founder of Holistic Health and Wellness. “Oats’ health benefits are mainly due to beta glucan, a soluble fiber, which packs a punch in providing blood sugar control, gut health benefits, and cardiovascular protection.”

Omega-3-Packed Salmon

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition dietShutterstock

Laura makes chicken or salmon using a bottled glaze for added flavor. “Salmon is an excellent source of an essential nutrient that our body cannot make on its own: Omega-3 fatty acids,” Hadley says. “Omega-3’s provide benefits to almost every aspect of health including heart health, longevity, gut health, and inflammation, making salmon a powerhouse food for the body.”

Related: 5 Female Fitness Gurus Who Prove That Lifting Weights Doesn’t Make You “Big”

Chickpea Noodles

Wooden bowl and wooden spoon full of chickpeas on wooden background. Top view.Shutterstock

Laura uses protein-packed chickpea noodles as a side to have with her chicken sausage. “Chickpea noodles are a great source of protein and fiber compared to white pasta and can help you feel full for longer, curb future appetite, and play a role in managing blood sugar due to their low glycemic impact,” Hadley says.

Easy Peasy

laura_b_healthy2laura.b.healthy/TikTok

Laura’s meal plan is easy because, as she says, she enjoys the same foods again and again without getting bored. “Meal planning for the week can be a great way to ensure you have the foods on hand to meet your health goals,” says New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies and creator of The Blood Sugar Fix. “This meal plan is well balanced with macronutrients. You’ll want to be sure to add a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the week to boost fiber, antioxidants, and flavor. Overnight oats are a great make-ahead meal that offers a good source of soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower total cholesterol levels. The slow digested carbs can also help to keep blood sugar steady while promoting satiety.”

Related: My Step-by-Step Guide to Losing 30 Pounds in 30 Days

Meal Planning Mantra

laura_b_healthy3laura.b.healthy/TikTok

“Food prepping is a key strategy for maintaining a healthy diet, especially for those with busy lifestyles,” says vegan fitness expert Kollins Ezekh, owner of Members Only gym in Los Angeles. “It ensures that you have healthy meals ready, which can prevent the temptation to opt for less nutritious, convenient options. Food prepping can help you stick to your nutritional goals, save time during the week, and can also be cost-effective as it reduces the likelihood of purchasing last-minute meals out. Additionally, it allows for better portion control, which is crucial for weight management or achieving specific fitness goals.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t be afraid to eat the same foods again and again if that’s what works for you!

More For You

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.

TikTok influencer and health coach Laura B. (@laura.b.healthy) is sharing an easy, healthy meal plan with her social media followers. Laura likes to make enough food for plenty of leftovers, which is always a great idea when meal prepping. With meals such as tacos and meatball subs, Laura makes pasta salads as well as chicken-based dishes. Here are some of the ingredients Laura uses to make satiating meals throughout the week.


Overnight Oats

@laura.b.healthy

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas in this healthy meal plan - remember the easier you make things, the easier it is to stick to them so make meal planning as easy as possible! #healthymealplan #simplemealplan #howtomealplan #makeamealplan

Overnight oats is one of Laura’s go-to breakfast options. “There may not be a better on-the-go breakfast option than overnight oats for promoting fullness and packing in health benefits,” says Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, CPT functional medicine dietitian and founder of Holistic Health and Wellness. “Oats’ health benefits are mainly due to beta glucan, a soluble fiber, which packs a punch in providing blood sugar control, gut health benefits, and cardiovascular protection.”

Omega-3-Packed Salmon

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition dietShutterstock

Laura makes chicken or salmon using a bottled glaze for added flavor. “Salmon is an excellent source of an essential nutrient that our body cannot make on its own: Omega-3 fatty acids,” Hadley says. “Omega-3’s provide benefits to almost every aspect of health including heart health, longevity, gut health, and inflammation, making salmon a powerhouse food for the body.”

Related: 5 Female Fitness Gurus Who Prove That Lifting Weights Doesn’t Make You “Big”

Chickpea Noodles

Wooden bowl and wooden spoon full of chickpeas on wooden background. Top view.Shutterstock

Laura uses protein-packed chickpea noodles as a side to have with her chicken sausage. “Chickpea noodles are a great source of protein and fiber compared to white pasta and can help you feel full for longer, curb future appetite, and play a role in managing blood sugar due to their low glycemic impact,” Hadley says.

Easy Peasy

laura_b_healthy2laura.b.healthy/TikTok

Laura’s meal plan is easy because, as she says, she enjoys the same foods again and again without getting bored. “Meal planning for the week can be a great way to ensure you have the foods on hand to meet your health goals,” says New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies and creator of The Blood Sugar Fix. “This meal plan is well balanced with macronutrients. You’ll want to be sure to add a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the week to boost fiber, antioxidants, and flavor. Overnight oats are a great make-ahead meal that offers a good source of soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower total cholesterol levels. The slow digested carbs can also help to keep blood sugar steady while promoting satiety.”

Related: My Step-by-Step Guide to Losing 30 Pounds in 30 Days

Meal Planning Mantra

laura_b_healthy3laura.b.healthy/TikTok

“Food prepping is a key strategy for maintaining a healthy diet, especially for those with busy lifestyles,” says vegan fitness expert Kollins Ezekh, owner of Members Only gym in Los Angeles. “It ensures that you have healthy meals ready, which can prevent the temptation to opt for less nutritious, convenient options. Food prepping can help you stick to your nutritional goals, save time during the week, and can also be cost-effective as it reduces the likelihood of purchasing last-minute meals out. Additionally, it allows for better portion control, which is crucial for weight management or achieving specific fitness goals.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t be afraid to eat the same foods again and again if that’s what works for you!

Liezl_Jayne_Strydom70
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.

Ever stared at your kitchen wondering how to turn it into a meal prep powerhouse? Celebrity nutritional therapist and fitness expert Liezl Jayne Strydom has cracked the code. After transforming her own life by losing over 40 pounds through smart nutrition, she's developed a system to prep a full week of protein-rich meals in just one hour. Her approach isn't just about saving time – it's about making healthy eating effortless.


Start Smart with a 5-Minute Protein Snack

"I always start with the quickest recipe first – it gives you momentum," says Liezl in her post as she begins with a protein-rich chocolate pudding. She combines 12 Medjool dates, 4 cups of high-protein yogurt, almond butter, cocoa powder, and a touch of maple syrup and vanilla. "It's basically a healthier high-protein dessert, but we call it a snack," Liezl explains. For those avoiding dairy, she suggests: "If you do eat dairy, you can use Greek yogurt for this or if you want to go dairy-free, soy yogurt - those are really good high protein options."

Maximize Your Oven Time with Lunch Prep

"I'm prepping everything together – it's so much easier when you do all the chopping at once," Liezl shares. She starts by cubing sweet potatoes, chopping onions, and preparing chickpeas. "I like to cut this in big pieces for this specific lunch bowl... you'll see when it's all together," she explains while working with the onions. These ingredients are seasoned with rosemary and thyme before roasting at 400°F (200°C). She creates four portions of what she calls "autumn in a bowl," each topped with dairy-free feta and a fresh lemon wedge.

RELATED:This 15-Minute Walking Workout Has 87,000 People Burning Fat Without Leaving Home

Prep the Perfect Protein-Packed Dinner

"This recipe works beautifully with either chicken or tofu," Liezl notes while preparing her dinner option. She combines chicken pieces with tomato paste, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and coconut aminos. "I know that sounds so weird, but just trust me on that. It balances out for sweet and sour," she assures about the maple syrup addition. She then adds quartered tomatoes and chunky onion pieces. "The big pieces of tomato make it so juicy," she explains, before putting it in the oven for just 20 minutes to make four flavorful portions.

Master Quick-Cooking Sides

Boiled quinoa in white bowl on brown wooden tableShutterstock

"When you use boiled water to start it, it goes much quicker," Liezl advises while preparing quinoa and rice. She uses about two-thirds of a cup of rice with one and a half cups of water, and similar proportions for quinoa. For the vegetables, she adds: "Green beans cook in about 10 minutes and I just toss them every now and again until they look cooked." These sides complement both her lunch bowls and dinner portions perfectly.

Batch Cook Protein Pancakes for Breakfast

"I'm going through a crazy pancake phase," Liezl admits while preparing four breakfast portions of blueberry protein pancakes. "I really like to use ripe ones. They really give it a lot more flavor than if you use green ones," she explains about the bananas in her recipe. She blends them with rolled oats, eggs, and basic pantry ingredients before folding in fresh blueberries. "You can use frozen, but it is slightly nicer with fresh. So up to you. I do think it's worth the fresh ones for this," she advises while efficiently making multiple pancakes at once.

Customize Your Portions

"Each meal is roughly 400 calories, which makes it incredibly easy to customize," Liezl explains. She's currently "trying to build a little bit of muscle" and aims for 100 grams of protein daily. Her system allows for remarkable flexibility: "We all need different calories. We are all different." She provides a framework that allows adjustments from 1,200 to 3,200 calories per day, proving her meal prep system works for any fitness goal.

RELATED:10 Fasting Mistakes This Weight Loss Expert Says You Need to Stop Making Now

Store for Success

Arugula on a white background. Raw and fresh arugula, green leaves, from above.Shutterstock

"I usually prep for four days, but you could prep for anywhere from two to six days," Liezl advises. For the lunch bowls, she suggests: "You can rather add this [arugula] right before you eat it if you want to, if you're worried about the freshness. But really for four days it's fine for me." She recommends letting hot foods cool slightly before storing and keeping fresh ingredients separate until serving time if preferred.

Efficient and Enjoyable Meal Prep in Just One Hour

The beauty of Liezl's system lies in its simplicity: four breakfast portions, four lunch portions, four dinner portions, and four snacks – all prepared in just one hour. By focusing on efficient prep methods and strategic timing, she transforms what could be an overwhelming task into a manageable, even enjoyable, weekly routine. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Sarah_Bouchard_fedandfreewithsarahb5
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you food-prepping but having a hard time? A few simple tweaks can make the process so much easier, according to one expert. Sarah Bouchard is a Nutrition Coach & Educator who helps women over 35 “ditch diet confusion & simplify nutrition” for “Sustainable fat loss + healthy body composition,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she tackles the topic of food prep. “5 food prep hacks that make your life easier,” she writes across the Instagram video.


You Have to Be Intentional If You Want to Reach Your Protein Goals

“News Flash: Not a single woman in her 30’s reaches her protein goals by accident,” she writes in the post. “If you ‘don’t have time’ for food prep, you need to reorganize your life (and this is not an invitation to see who has the busiest life. I know you’re busy). It’s also very likely that you need to make food prep a lot more simple. Here are the things I do each week to set myself up for success.”

RELATED: Expert Reveals 5 High-Protein Swaps That Double Protein Per Calorie

Stock Your Fridge

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Her first tip is to keep your fridge stocked. “Have some items that require no prep at all, like Costco’s cooked chicken breast, guacamole & pico de gallo]. Buy frozen veggies and freeze some proteins to have some back-ups!” she writes.

Choose One Breakfast and One Lunch

Next, choose one breakfast and one lunch. “Those food plans with a million ingredients and a different meal every day of every week? Nobody has time for that. I eat the same breakfast every day [Protein pancake recipe in my Costco List) and two variations of one bowl all week, and if I’m tired of it the next week, I switch!” she recommends.

Make a Big Sunday Dinner and Have Lunches for Days

Making a big dinner on Sunday can translate to having lunches for days. “We typically make a large batch of what we’ll be having for lunch all week and eat it as our Sunday night dinner. Cook once, eat multiple times,” she reveals.

RELATED: TV Host Shares 6 Tips to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life

Mix and Match

Mix and match your prepped food for variation. “If you like variety and get tired of foods fast, cook 2-3 separate types of proteins, 2-3 different starches, a few different veggies and condiments, and mix & match. For example, I usually have cooked chicken breast, extra lean gb, potatoes, winter squash, rice, coleslaw, salsa, and guac ready to roll,” she writes.

Have a Backup Plan

Lastly, always have some backups. “You’ll probably have days where you just end up with nothing prepped, but that doesn’t mean you need to make poor decisions. Another part of planning is planning what to do in hectic situations. Look at some local menus or local grocery stores and have some go-to’s for when there is a problem. You can still prioritize protein & fiber in a pinch! Remember that the more prepared you are, the less you have to rely on willpower,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

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

Do you want to lose 40 pounds in 3 months? Consider starting with a diet overhaul. Ciara Foster, AKA Ciara Honey Fit, is a social media influencer who creates a lot of wellness and weight loss content on her YouTube channel. “Today I am going to do a much, much requested and overdue video, how I lost 40 pounds in three months. I get this question so much,” she says. Here are the simple changes she made to burn fat fast.


Changing Her Diet Was Key to Her Weight Loss

Check your body shape with white weight scales, top view.Shutterstock

Ciara reveals that she gained 80 pounds as a result of dealing with medical issues. “One of the biggest things that I did to lose 40 pounds in three months was to change my diet. I've eaten healthy for a while, but I got to a point where I was just so frustrated with my health and with the weight gain that I got to a point where it just seemed like I didn't even care as much anymore,” she says at the start of the clip.

She Met with a Nutritionist

Portrait of cheerful dietitian in lab coat pointing at fresh fruits and vegetables on table, smiling at camera at clinic. Weight loss consultant recommending healthy plant based dietShutterstock

“The first thing I did was to see a nutritionist. That nutritionist also was a doctor,” Ciara says. “She helped to create a meal plan for me that was very specific to what my body needed.” She said it is important to have a “specified meal plan for you that will help you to lose weight.”

“My meal plan consists of a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, with protein being my highest amount of nutrition that I take in with some fats and some carbs,” Ciara says, revealing that she focuses and organizes her meals around this. “That's the basis and the foundation of my diet and nutrition.”

RELATED: 15 Surprising Benefits of Ozempic, According to Science

Breakfast: Eggs, Turkey Bacon, Low Carb Tortillas, Almond Butter

Fried eggs and bacon cooking in a skilletShutterstock

For breakfast, she has eggs, turkey bacon, low-carb tortillas, “and I'll put almond butter in them,” Ciara says. “So I've got my protein, starch, and my fat.”

Lunch: Salads

Salmon Salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, corn salad, baby spinach, fresh mint and basil. Home made food. Concept for a tasty and healthy meal. Dark stone background. Top view. Close up.Shutterstock

For lunch, she has “Kardashian salad,” Ciara reveals, “because it reminds me so much of those big old salads that the Kardashians eat with two boiled eggs. Just because I'm not huge on meat, I'll eat mostly fish and seafood, but I really don't eat much like poultry or pork or beef. And I'll drizzle a little bit of salad dressing on it for my fat. And then I'll also have a starch, which lately I've been having Pirate’s Booty. I'm gonna start getting away from that and leaning more towards sweet potato and more like healthy starches instead of processed.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Dinner: Protein and Veggies

Wild Salmon Patty Served with Brussels Sprouts and Mushroom HashShutterstock

“For dinner, I like to have protein and veggies,” Ciara continues. “My favorite right now is salmon and Brussels sprouts. I love Brussels sprouts and I love salmon. I make my own salmon. I just season it up really well, throw it in the oven, and it's actually really easy.”

She Added Cheat Days…

Reminder Cheat Meal Day in calendar with green pen. Close-up.Shutterstock

“One big thing that really helped me with my diet was that I used Monday through Friday pretty much eat healthy, and then Saturday and Sunday were like my cheat days,” she says. “What I started doing was narrowing myself down to one cheat meal per week. Really just being more strict about my weekends. That really can make a difference in the long run in terms of how quickly you're able to lose weight,” Ciara says.

And if you wanna lose weight quickly and drop the weight fast, you really, really have to limit those cheat days and those cheat meals. And reducing my cheat meals or cheat days to one cheat meal helped me lose the weight quicker,” Ciara says.

Eliminating Alcohol

Happy friends group cheering mojito drinks at cocktail bar restaurant - Young people having fun drinking cocktails on happy hour at pub - Party time and youth conceptShutterstock

“Something else that helped me to lose 40 pounds in three months was eliminating alcohol,” she says. “It was really, really hard for me because I am a wine person. Drinking is a social thing that affects the way that I interact with people at events that I tend not to and things like that. But if you want to lose weight quickly and drop the weight fast, then I definitely recommend eliminating or trying to cut down on your alcohol intake.” She set a goal for herself of two weeks, then a month, and then another month, and “ended up going the full three months without drinking.”

Meal Prepping

Meal,Prep,Asian,Style,Teriyaki,Sauce,Chicken,Meat,Balls,With,Broccoli,AndShutterstock

“Meal prepping was very, very integral in me losing 40 pounds in three months,” Ciara says. This helped her eliminate fast food from her diet and eating out. “I like to meal prep at the beginning of the week, and that way, I have all my meals for the week or a good portion of them, and it just eliminates that factor of always eating out or eating fast food or eating things that are not good for me,” she explains.

RELATED: 20 Ways to Lose Body Fat Really Fast From Top Nutritionist

Meal Prepping

Preparing,Batch,Of,Healthy,Meals,food, cooking, kitchen, portion,control,size,dietShutterstock

“Even things such as salads at fast food places can have high calories and tons of sodium in them. Even just cooking at home can be a really good way to help you accelerate your weight loss.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Focus your meals around a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, with protein making up the largest portion. Organize and plan your meals based on this foundation for a successful diet and nutrition plan.

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.

Emily English (@emthenutritionist) is a Kings College London-trained nutritionist and online influencer. She regularly shares videos about delicious, healthy food, including recipes and meal plans, that will help you lose weight and transform your body and your life. In a recent viral video, she gives her followers an up-close-and-personal look at everything she eats in a day to maintain her own fantastic figure. “What I eat in a day as a registered nutritionist,” she starts the video off by saying. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian to weigh in on her eating plan.


Matcha in the Morning

@emthenutritionist

WHAT I EAT IN A DAY AS A NUTRITIONIST I started off with matcha made with almond milk for slow-release caffeine. A tip is to use organic plant milk as calcium actually binds to the good stuff in matcha and prevents its absorption! After my walk I recipe tested my breakfast oat banana bread loaf which I did drop, classic, BUT it survived. It’s essentially porridge in banana bread form made with oat flour paired with yoghurt, almond butter and frozen raspberries. Post workout I had my protein clear lychee whey which is my current OBSESSION. I had so many DMS about this but its basically 21g of protein in the most freshening form. It tastes like a lychee martini and I add an extra scoop of collagen for the glow. On repeat this summer! Lunch was my air fryer sticky salmon bites tossed in soy, honey, sesame seeds, garlic and a little lime juice. I serve it with precooked quinoa, avocado and chilli salt. This was so quick and so filling that I didn’t actually need an afternoon snack. Dinner was lemongrass chicken with a Vietnamese inspired noodle salad filled with fresh carrot and cabbage. But honestly, this dressing guys.. chefs kiss. Will film both of these to get out on the feed this week! Of course, a little ice cream to seal the deal. #wieiad #whatieayinaday #healthymealideas

Emily enjoys the perks of caffeine. However, she doesn’t rely on coffee to get energy. “A morning matcha to start me off with slow release caffeine and antioxidants,” explains Emily. She specifies that she makes it with almond milk.

Banana Bread Made with Oats

Emily_English_emthenutritionist8emthenutritionist/TikTok

“I recipe tested my breakfast oat banana bread loaf,” she says, showing off a delicious looking slice. It is “essentially porridge in banana bread form paired with yogurt, nut butter, and frozen raspberries,” she explains.

Related: Linn Lowes in Workout Gear Shares Booty-Shaping Glute Workout

Pink Protein and Collagen Drink

Emily_English_emthenutritionist6emthenutritionist/TikTok

She also swears by a pink drink. “I then had my protein,” she says, showing a big container of My Protein Clear Whey Isolate,” adding that it has 21 grams of protein and is “so refreshing” and “tastes like a lychee martini. “I had an extra scoop of collagen for the glow, and it's going to be on repeat this summer,” she says, showing a container of My Vitamins Collagen

Sticky Salmon Bit Bowl with Quinoa and Avocado

Emily_English_emthenutritionist5emthenutritionist/TikTok

“Lunch was my air fryer sticky salmon bite bowl with quinoa, avocado, and chili salt,” she says about her mid-day meal. “This was so quick, so filling that I didn't actually need an afternoon snack.”

Lemongrass Chicken with Noodle Salad

Emily_English_emthenutritionist4emthenutritionist/TikTok

For dinner? “I made a lemongrass chicken with Vietnamese inspired noodle salad. This dressing, guys, chef's kiss,” she says.

Ice Cream Bar

Emily_English_emthenutritionist3emthenutritionist/TikTok

She concludes her day of eating with a sweet treat. “I always need something sweet, so I had a little OPPO ice cream stick,” she said about her low-calorie ice cream bar.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Collingwood Weighs In

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

“Sounds like a very well rounded healthy diet!” says Collingwood. “Protein, whole grains, and fruit or veggies at each meal. She includes healthy fats from Salmon, avocado, and nut butter. She ends the day with a low calorie little treat. Bravo!”

💪🔥Body Booster: Swap your morning coffee with matcha. It gives you energy and is packed with antioxidants. Try it with almond milk.

Dusty Young  Nutrition & Fitness Coach
Copyright dusty.coaches/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.

Is everyone you know losing weight and getting in shape, minus you? Dusty Young is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost 100 pounds and helped others do the same. The “recovering fat kid” regularly shares tips, tricks, and insights into losing weight naturally and sustainably. In a new post, he explains why this could be happening. “5 reasons why everyone else is losing weight and you’re not,” he writes. “I’ve seen it in myself & through hundreds of clients I’ve worked with - these 5 things are damn near non-negotiable if you want to not only lose weight, but keep it off.” And in another post, he reveals five more.

They Are Calorie Aware

The first reason other people are losing weight, but you aren’t? “They’re calorie aware,” he says. “Not obsessive. AWARE. Knowing what’s in your food - like how that ‘health’ smoothie might have 600 calories - makes it easier to stay on track without going crazy.”

They Prioritize Protion

The second reason? They prioritize protein. “Protein isn’t just for gym bros! It keeps you full, curbs cravings, and helps you stay on track. Plus, if you’re lifting weights, it helps you hang onto muscle while losing fat,” he writes.

They Stay Active

Reason number three? “They stay active,” he says. “I’m not even talking about going to the gym. It’s about moving more in your daily life. Most hit 7,000–10,000 steps a day by walking the dog, taking the stairs, or using a standing desk & walking pad for work. Simple. Effective. Sustainable.”

They Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

The fourth reason? “They focus on nutrient-dense foods,” he says. “Most of their meals are packed with lean protein, fruits, veggies, and whole grains - foods that keep them full and energized. But they don’t live on salads alone (see #5 👇🏻).”

They Don’t Restrict

The final reason is, that they don’t restrict. “Ever told a kid not to touch something? What happens? They touch it. Same thing with food. The more you tell yourself you can’t have something, the more you want it. People who keep the weight off allow all foods - they just know how to balance it all out (this circles back to # 1)” he writes.

These Habits Will Help You Balance Your Diet

“I know firsthand just how hard it is to lose weight & keep it off - I lost the same 40 pounds multiple times before I finally figured it out and lost 100 pounds for good,” he says at the end of the post. “These 5 habits? They’re game-changers. It’s not about being perfect or cutting out your favorite foods. It’s about creating a balance that’s sustainable for you.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Other Habits Keeping You From Losing Weight? Grazing While Cooking

In another post, he reveals more habits preventing you from losing weight. The first is grazing while cooking. “Those ‘harmless’ bites of cheese, spoonfuls of sauce, or handfuls of snacks can easily add a few hundred calories without you realizing. It’s not about never tasting your food—just try being mindful. Sip water, chew gum, or set out a small plate if you need a taste-test,” he writes.

Finishing Your Kids’ Plates

Next is finishing your kids’ plates. “I get it—no one likes wasting food. But those leftover nuggets and fries? They’re costing you more than you think. Start packing up leftovers immediately or let it go. You’re not a human trash can, and your goals deserve better than their scraps,” he writes.

Eating “Healthy” Food

Another habit to avoid? “Eating anything because it’s ‘healthy’ – Nuts, granola, smoothies, avocado toast… sure, they’re packed with nutrients, but they’re also calorie bombs if you’re not careful. ‘Healthy’ food isn’t a free pass—it’s still about portions and calorie balance,” he writes.

Drinking Your Calories

Drinking your calories is another common faux pas. “Lattes, juices, smoothies, cocktails—these can pack a bigger punch than a full meal and leave you hungry. Switch to zero-calorie drinks, reduce your portions, or use low-cal alternatives like almond milk or zero calorie sweeteners,” he says.

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Parking in the Closest Spot

And the final habit is parking in the closest spot. “Seems silly, but this one’s a missed opportunity. Movement adds up, even small things like walking a little further or taking the stairs. These choices compound over time and make a bigger difference than you think,” he writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Dr. Kristen Campbell•Weight Loss & Hormone Health Coach perimenopause.pharmacist
Copyright perimenopause.pharmacist/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you looking to upgrade your walking routine? Dr. Kristen Campbell is a Weight Loss & Hormone Health Coach who dropped from a size 8 to 2 and regularly shares how she did it. In a recent post, she revealed a little tweak to her walking routine that made a big difference. “I started wearing a weighted vest for walking pad walks…This is what happened,” she writes, revealing 3 game-changing benefits she noticed when she started using a walking pad and weighted vest.

Effortless NEAT Boost

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The first benefit? An effortless NEAT boost. “I went from sitting for hours to moving consistently throughout the day. Adding steps while working on my walking pad increased my Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), which is key for burning extra calories and supporting fat loss—no extra gym time required. (p.s. You can walk at a really slow speed and you'll be amazed at the steps you rack up)” she writes.

Strengthened Core and Posture

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The second benefit? Strengthened core and posture. “The weighted vest was a game-changer. It added resistance to my walks, improving my core stability and posture. Bonus: it helped me build strength in a way that felt natural and low-impact,” she writes.

Energy and Focus Skyrocked

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Her last benefit? “Energy and focus skyrocketed,” she says. “Walking while working helped me feel more energized and focused. The added movement kept brain fog at bay and gave me a mental reset throughout the day.”

A Scientific Study Supports the Use of Weighted Vests

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One 2020 study by the University of Gothenburg found profound weight loss benefits to wearing a weighted vest. 69 people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-35, the lowest obesity category, participated in the clinical study. They were divided into two groups, one wearing a 2.2-pound vest and the other 24 pounds. They wore the vest 8 hours a day for three weeks.

Those Who Wore a Heavier Vest Lost Significantly More Weight

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The result? Wearing the heavier vest paid off. At the end of the period, those who wore the heavier weight lost 3.5 pounds, and those with the lighter vest just .66 pounds.

And, Muscle Mass Remained Intact

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"We think it's very interesting that the treatment with the heavier weighted vests reduced fat mass while muscle mass simultaneously remained intact," Professor Claes Ohlsson of Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, said.

Even the Study Authors Were Pleasantly Surprised

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"The effect on fat mass we found, from this short experiment, exceeded what's usually observed after various forms of physical training. But we weren't able to determine whether the reduction was in subcutaneous fat (just under the skin) or the dangerous visceral kind (belly fat) in the abdominal cavity that's most strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes," added Professor John-Olov Jansson of Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

Try It for Results

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“If you’re looking for an easy way to level up your health (without setting aside extra time), give this combo a try. A simple setup can create big results over time. I've been doing this for over 2.5 years and still a BIG fan!” writes Campbell. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr Mike Diamonds DoctorMike
Copyright Dr Mike Diamonds/YouTube
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

If you're tired of extreme workouts that promise results but don't deliver, you're not alone. What if a doctor told you the secret to reaching your ideal body fat percentage wasn't another intense training program, but something far simpler?

Dr. Mike Diamonds, combining his medical expertise with real-world results, has discovered that walking isn't just basic cardio—it's a powerful fat-loss tool. "In my six years of dieting and fat loss, cardio ranks as one of my most important tools for losing weight," he explains. His remarkable transformation between June and September 2020 proved that this simple activity could make reaching 10% body fat significantly easier.

The Truth About Walking and Fat Loss

"Walking doesn't seem to qualify as cardio because, well, it's easy," Dr. Diamonds says in his post. "When it comes to exercise, easy is usually equated with worthless." However, his medical background and research tell a different story. Low-intensity steady state cardio, when done correctly, can be a game-changer for fat loss—especially when paired with proper nutrition.

The Science That Changes Everything

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According to Dr. Diamonds, research from California State University revealed a crucial finding: while running a 10-minute mile burns 190 calories, walking a 19-minute mile burns 111 calories. "If you walked for an hour, you'd burn just under 350 calories," he notes. "Do that three times per week, and you're burning over 1,000 additional calories—theoretically more than an extra pound of fat per month."

Your Perfect Daily Step Count

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"To answer the question of how much walking you should be doing to get to 10% body fat, the answer is it depends," Dr. Diamonds states. His recommended approach starts with tracking your current daily average: "Let's say hypothetically you're doing 6,000 steps. Now that is maintaining your weight. Add a thousand steps to that, and you'll burn between 40 and 60 extra calories on average."

The Step-By-Step Progress Plan

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Dr. Diamonds shares his clinical approach: "Monitor what your weight is doing on a day-to-day basis. If you want to have more progress, increase it by another thousand steps." This methodical progression can lead to almost an extra pound of fat burned per month, provided your diet is properly managed.

The Medical Reason Walking Burns Fat

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"Walking may not burn many calories, but the calories it does burn comes primarily from fat stores," Dr. Diamonds explains. He references a University of Texas Medical Branch study demonstrating that fat burning is maximized during lower-intensity exercise. As intensity increases, your body switches from burning fat to utilizing carbohydrates for energy.

The Clinical Approach to Walking

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Dr. Diamonds reveals his evidence-based routine: "My formal cardio would be done in the gym on a treadmill between three to four sessions a week. I would start at 20 minutes per session at maximum incline (15%), walking at a pace of six kilometers per hour." This specific approach maintains a heart rate above 140 beats per minute and VO2 max at 65%—which research shows elicits maximum fat usage.

The Truth About 10% Body Fat

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"Not most people can do it," Dr. Diamonds candidly admits. "In reality, for me to get in my best shape, I've done an average of 25,000 steps each and every single day." While this level of activity might seem overwhelming, he emphasizes that significant changes are possible with less: "The massive changes that can come in your body and getting closer to that 10% body fat is by you accurately tracking your diet and gradually increasing those steps."

Your Sustainable Path Forward

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Dr. Diamonds emphasizes a medical truth about sustainability: "It's simply unsustainable to sprint every day... steady state cardio is much better for adherence." His professional recommendation is to start with 8,000 steps daily and gradually increase based on your body's response and lifestyle.


The journey to 10% body fat doesn't require extreme measures or complicated protocols. Start with your current step count, add gradually, and maintain consistency with both walking and nutrition. Your transformation begins with understanding these medical insights—and taking that first extra step. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster