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I’m a Nutritionist and This is #1 Tip You Need to Know if You are 20s and 30s

Your habits may be impacting your gut health, says an expert.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

You are what you eat, but also how you sleep. Sam Tahan (@sam.tahan) is a nutritionist and wellness influencer who regularly shares helpful health hacks with her followers. According to the founder of The Well Society, prioritizing your gut health is one of the most critical components of overall health, and it involves more than just eating the right foods. “Girlies in their twenties and thirties, listen,” she says at the start of the clip. She goes on to reveal an exciting relationship between sleep and gut health.


Sleep Hormones and Your Gut Are Connected

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According to Sam, there is a direct relationship between sleep hormones and digestion. “Melatonin and your gut are like this,” she says.

Lack of Sleep Negatively Impacts Your Gut

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Sam maintains that sleep issues often lead to gut health problems. “If you aren't sleeping enough, you're going to sleep late, not getting enough sleep, not making enough melatonin, you're going to have stomach problems probably,” she claims.

Her Top Tip: Fix Your Sleep

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This is why you need to focus on your Zs before anything else. “Number one thing that I can tell you is to fix your sleep. Before you do anything else wellness related, fix your sleep,” she recommends.

Related: I’m a Dietitian And Here is How You Can Save Money on Healthy Food at Costco

Sleep Impacts “Every Single Cell in Your Body”

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The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, elaborates on the relationship between sleep and gut health. “Sleep affects every single cell in your body. It is just as important as air, food, and water,” she says.

Your Body Produces Melatonin

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And, you don’t have to take a melatonin supplement – your body produces it. “Melatonin is released by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness,” she explains.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

Research Backs Up the Claims

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There is some research backing up her claims. One April 2023 study published inBMC Gastroenterology found melatonin effectively treats IBS, improving IBS scores, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and quality of life in IBS patients.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are struggling with your gut health, take a good look at your sleep habits. Try improving them for one week and see if it makes a difference. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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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.

Are you trying to lose weight but are struggling to have any real success? Neha Parihar is a celebrity nutritionist who lost a whopping 22 kilograms – almost 50 pounds – the natural way. In her social media posts, she reveals all of her tips, tricks, and hacks for losing weight fast and keeping it off. In a new Instagram post, she reveals eight lessons she learned from her weight loss journey.


Fuel Up with a Hearty Breakfast

Don’t skip breakfast, says Neha in her post. “Having a med carb, high protein & fat breakfast made me work better, made me fuller for longer, made fat loss easier, gave me more sustained energy and completely reduced cravings,” she writes.

Focus on Getting the Nutrients You Need

Next, focus on fueling up with nutritious foods and make sure to educate yourself. “Nutrients before calories,” she says. One way to do this? “Read the ingredients. If it has stuff you’d never see in your kitchen cupboard, you don’t need it.”

If You Are Constantly Hungry, Do These Things

If you are always hungry, you need to modify your diet. “You shouldn’t feel like you need to eat every 2 hours, and if you do, eat

1. bigger meals

2. more protein

3. try fasting (overnight) - learn to discern what’s true hunger and habitual boredom,” she writes.

Skip Energy Drinks

If you need a little caffeine, drink coffee. However, avoid energy drinks, says Neha. “Most energy drinks have bullshit ingredients. Stick to coffee (either black or milk but no sugar),” she writes.

Choose Nuts and Fruit Over Protein Bars

If you need a snack, stick to the basics, says Neha. Usually, this comes in the form of a whole food. “Any protein snack/bar from the health aisle will never beat some nuts and whole fruit,” she says.

RELATED: Coach Reveals Number One Mistake Keeping You From Toning Up

Shift From Sweet to Savory

A big game changer in terms of Neha's diet? “Something that helped solve my food obsession was swapping all my sweet protein powder-based meals to savory protein-based meals for breakfast,” she writes.

Keep Your Diet Simple

And, when it comes to diet, don’t overcomplicate things. “Make your life easy by making it simple. Whether you eat healthy or unhealthy foods, you probably eat the same ten foods. Find healthier choices and repeat them for real success,” she says.

Avoid Diet Sweeteners

Neha doesn’t recommend fake sweeteners or diet versions of food. “Drinking diet soda and stevia sweetened snacks all day keeps you addicted to sugar with fewer calories. If you want to get rid of the cravings, get rid of it all. (Harsh but true!)” she says.

Here Is Her 30-20-10 Method, Starting with the Movement

In another post, Neha explains her 30-20-10 approach for weight loss and clear skin. “30 minutes of movement” is the first part. “Whether it’s walking, strength training, or yoga, dedicating just 30 minutes a day keeps your metabolism revved up and your body strong. Consistency is key!”

Eat 20 Grams of Protein Per Meal

Next, she recommends 20 grams of protein per meal. “Protein fuels muscle repair balances blood sugar, and curbs hunger. Focus on plant-based sources, eggs, or a quality protein powder to reach your target,” she says.

RELATED: Sabrina Carpenter Flashes Abs in Two-Piece Outfit Giving “Endless Thank You’s”

Practice 10 Minutes of Nervous System Regulation

Finally, she recommends 10 minutes of nervous system regulation. “Stress plays a massive role in weight gain and belly fat! Take 10 minutes daily to practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to reduce cortisol and improve digestion. This helped heal my chronic Acne problem,” she says. 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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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 for a few simple and realistic health habits that will enable you to lose weight? Grace Macena is a social media influencer and “macro focused” nutritionist who promotes sustainable weight loss. In a recent viral post, she reveals some of the most helpful habits that enabled her to achieve weight loss success. “These helped me lose 20 pounds, and I will never gain it back,” she writes in the Instagram post, revealing her top 6 “simple and realistic” habits.


Focus on Volume Eating

Her first healthy habit is focusing on volume eating. “I have a big appetite, so l will try to make my meals as filling as possible,” she says in her post. “Add egg whites to oatmeal, add extra veggies to your meals, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, add berries to your yogurt,” she recommends. “This will ensure that you feel full without adding a bunch of calories.:

Walk 30 Minutes a Day

The second habit? Get your steps in. “Go on one 30-minute walk a day,” she says. “If the gym stresses you out or you’re confused, don’t do it. Start with a simple walk a day. Start somewhere. Do something you enjoy.”

Have Healthy Snacks on Hand

Her third habit? “Have healthy snacks with you everywhere you go,” she suggests. “I carry snacks when I know I’ll be out of the house for long. If you wait until you are starving, nothing good happens. I always grab a piece of fruit before leaving the house, just in case.”

Enjoy the Process

Next, “Enjoy the process and focus on doing the best you can every single day!” she explains. Say to yourself, ‘I am in the process of becoming the healthiest version of me.’ You can let one reading on a scale or one day of eating end your journey. Toughen up.”

RELATED:I Ran 200 Marathons and These 12 Running Rules Changed My Life After 40

Nourish Your Body with Food

She also recommends looking at your diet as nourishment. “I would focus on learning what food brings to my body, eating macro balanced,” she says. “Look at your meal. What protein am I eating? What veggies, starch, and fat?”

6. Stop Drinking Your Calories

Lastly, she recommends avoiding drinking your calories. “Honestly, I would say goodbye to alcohol,” she points out. “It doesn’t do anything for you, but that is your choice. Or at least limit it outside your house. Empty calories that WILL cause you to lose progress.”

And, Track Macros

In another post, she recommends incorporating some other healthy habits, including macro tracking. “Start learning about what fuels your body and the quality of your food vs simply counting calories. Focus on fiber and whole foods and watch your body and energy transform. It’s not about being tedious, and it's about really learning how to look at food and what each food gives your body. You will never need a diet again!” she writes.

RELATED:5 Training Mistakes That Kept This Fitness Expert From Burning Fat

Lift Weights

Also, she recommends strength training. “Lift weights 3-4x a week, 30 mins/ session, following progressive overload. You don’t need to do hours, and like me, you can do it from home,” she says.

Amp Up Protein and Fiber Intake

Eat more protein, she continues. “If you want to lose weight, feel full, and change how your body looks, aim to eat 25g-30g of protein per meal and at least 100g per day.” As for fiber, it “is your secret to helping reverse insulin resistance, keep you full, anti-aging, heal your gut,” she says.

RELATED:She Dropped 80 Pounds By Ignoring Everything Weight Loss Experts Told Her

Wake Up Earlier

Her last suggestion? Wake up earlier. “I said it. You need time for yourself. Waking up with the kids and someone asking you to get something is always hard for me. I don’t get up early because I’m tough; I do it because I need it to be a good person.” 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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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.

Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a weight loss coach and TikTok influencer with a massive following on social media. In her viral videos, she shares tips on how to get your dream body “without ditching your favorite foods.” In one clip, she offers three simple tips on losing weight. “Here's exactly what you need to do to lose your first 10 pounds,” she says in the video.


1. 30 Minutes of Exercise Per Day

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“Number one, you want to get a 30 minute walk in every single day,” says Soraya, adding that “you can also do other types of movement” too. “So this can be a 30 minute dance workout, it can be a 30 minute YouTube workout video, it can be a 30 minute bike ride, whatever feels good for you” she continues. “But you want to make sure you're doing some type of light movement every single day for 30 minutes.”

2. Aim for 10,000 Steps for Weight Loss, Science Says

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How long should you walk for if you want to lose weight? A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management.

Related: Woman Stuns Fans With Her Flat Belly After Losing 30 Pounds with These 5 Habits

3. Add Fiber to Your Diet

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“Number two, instead of cutting out food, I want you to add one high fiber food to every single one of your meals,” says Soraya. “Some examples of high fiber foods are vegetables, fruits, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, different things like that. So basically you want to focus on adding instead of subtracting.”

4. Also, Make Sure to Eat Enough Protein, Science Says

Animal protein sources- meat, fish, cheese and milk.Shutterstock

Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach, agrees. He says to “make sure you're getting plenty of fiber,” says McMahon, as it is “connected to hunger and fullness.” However, you also need to eat enough protein. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

5. Hydrate

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“Number three, you want to drink half your body weight and ounces of water. So if you weigh 200 pounds, you want to drink 100 ounces of water every day,” says Soraya.

Related: The 9 Best Bodyweight Exercises for Muscle Gain

6. Here Is How Much Water You Should Drink, According to Science

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According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 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.

💪🔥Body Booster: Adding fiber to your diet will promote digestion and also help you feel full faster.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Clarke
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 blast fat without having to starve yourself or put in hours at the gym? It’s possible, but you need to be tactful about it. Rae Bright (@LiveYourselfYoung) is a “50-something who is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, wellness, and happiness with a passion for helping other women to do the same.” In a viral YouTube video, she reveals how she stays in shape in her 50s and keeps fat to a minimum. “In today's video, I'm going to share with you my healthy eating habits, which may help you with your weight loss goals or just start eating in a healthier way,” she says.


Diet, Weight Training, and Cardio Are Key

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Rae explains that at age 53, she entered her first bodybuilding competition. “The goal of getting ready for a bodybuilding competition is to lose fat whilst maintaining muscle. And there are three tools that a natural athlete like myself has available to do this. One is diet, two is weight training, and three is cardio.”

Cardio Doesn’t Have to Be Intense

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“A lot of people who prep for a show do a lot of cardio, but I didn't. I was very lucky. All I used to do was a fast walk every morning and meet a set step target that I'd set for myself. And that was pretty much it. So I was very lucky. And I think that that's because in my normal everyday life,” she says.

RELATED: Over 50? Try These 15 Quick Strength Workouts to Get Results in 45 Days

Bodybuilding Diet Isn’t Sustainable

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“I eat a very healthy diet. So when I started to cut the calories to get started losing the fat, my body responded really well. I must just say that when you prep for a bodybuilding competition, the goal is to get down to a very low level of body fat, and this isn't sustainable in normal life,” Rae explains. “So when I finished competing last year, I had to build my calories back up so that I could start eating a normal healthy diet again.”

Tip 1: Intermittent Fasting

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Rae’s tips are for anyone, “whether you want to lose weight or just start eating in a more healthy way,” she says, starting with tip one: Intermittent fasting. “Intermittent fasting is basically splitting your day or week into fasting periods and eating periods. And intermittent fasting has so many health benefits as well as helping with weight loss,” she says, noting that “studies have shown that this does help to extend your lifespan. So it is another way to live yourself young.”

She Follows the 16-8 Method

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“I follow the 16-8 method, which means I fast for 16 hours a day, and I then have an eight-hour eating window. So I start eating at 12:00 lunchtime, and then my eating window closes at 8:00 at night, which means that I'm actually asleep for eight hours of my fasting window,” she says.

She Drinks Water in the Morning

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

“I actually find it really easy. I don't feel hungry during the morning. I get up, I have my glass of water, and I'm actually fine. And I do find a really easy habit to keep to,” Rae says.

You Can Start by Trying the 12-12 Method

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However, if that seems too overwhelming, “what you could do is try the 12-12 method. So you could start eating at 7:30 in the morning and then have your eating window finish at 7:30 at night. And that actually, I think, is quite an easy way to do intermittent fasting 'cause you are asleep for most of it,” she says.

RELATED: Lose Abdominal Fat in 100 Days with the MIND Diet

Avoid Evening Binges

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What is the most important part of intermittent fasting? “You just have to avoid those evening binges, which I know can be quite difficult to stop doing. But that would really help with weight loss,” she says.

Tip 2: Drink Lots of Water

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Tip number two is to drink lots of water. “I drink about eight to 10 pints of water a day, and as well as that, I drink green tea and black coffee. I know there are different guidelines as to how much water is recommended that you should drink, but I think it's a bit of an individual choice. You need to experiment and see what works for you,” she says.

She Drinks a Pint of Warm Water in the Morning

Close-up of hot boiled water is poured into a white ceramic cup on the table in the kitchen, brewing morning coffeeShutterstock

“I always start every day with a pint of warm water. Another really good tip for weight loss is that water does fill you up. So before you have anything to eat, have a glass of water before I have any of my meals. I always drink a pint of warm water, and it's a really good tool to use if you're trying to lose weight,” she says.

She Also Drinks Water with Coffee

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“The other time I make sure I have water is every time I have a cup of coffee because coffee does dehydrate you,” Rae adds. “I always rehydrate my body with a glass of water after I've had a cup of coffee.” If you are hungry, you should “have a drink of water first, because actually maybe it's your body telling you that you're thirsty, you might not actually be hungry.”

Tip 3: Reduce Processed Foods

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Tip number three? “Reduce the amount of highly processed foods that you eat. I say highly processed foods. I'm talking about foods that the manufacturers have added a lot of sugar, fat, white flour,” she says, noting that “highly processed foods are very addictive” and that “once you start eating those foods, they don't necessarily satisfy you. You don't feel satisfied after eating.” She suggests replacing them with whole foods, “then you're giving your body the nutrients that it really needs.”

Tip 4: Record Everything You Eat and Drink

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Tip number four is to record everything that you eat and drink. “It has so many benefits. It makes you very food aware because you're recording everything, and you have to record everything even when you're nibbling on things, maybe when you're prepping meals,” Rae says. “When I prepare my dinner, I often snack on the vegetables that I am using in my dinner, like the mushrooms and tomatoes. And that's okay because they aren't highly calorific. But if you're preparing food with, say, cheese in, that's really high in calories. So if you start snacking on that while you're preparing dinner, then that's going to boost your calorie intake.”

Use an App

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Rae uses the MyFitnessPal app. “When you do make entries in the app, you must make sure they're correct. I remember when I first started using MyFitnessPal, I would log what I was eating, and I suddenly realized that the entries were incorrect. So I thought I was eating a certain amount of calories, and then it was actually wrong. So you must make sure that those are right, and you must log everything.”

RELATED: I Lost 90 Pounds in 2 Years by Running and These Major Changes

Track Macros, Calories, Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates

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She also tracks “macros as well as my calories, so my protein, fat and carbohydrates,” she admits. “I found that very useful for the bodybuilding competition. I still do that now because I like to know what I'm eating.”

Tip 5: Get Enough Protein

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Tip number five is to get enough protein. “Protein is one of the best macronutrients that your body needs. It's really good for weight loss because it actually does fill you up and it reduces your appetite. So by making sure you're getting enough protein, it is gonna be a really good weight loss tool,” Rae explains.

This Can Be Plant Protein

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You don't have to eat animal proteins. “I eat a plant-based diet, and there's so many protein options to choose from on a plant-based diet, and they're really tasty as well. So have a look into those too,” she says.

Tip 6: Don’t Keep Trigger Foods in the House

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“Tip number six is to try not to have any trigger foods in the house,” says Rae. “So I'm very lucky because I live with my husband, who eats a very healthy diet just like I do. So he doesn't want to have food in the house that I would find difficult not to eat that I would find addictive, like biscuits, cakes, chocolate.”

If You Want a Treat, Walk to Get One

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This doesn’t mean you can’t have treats. “If you want to treat, go out for a walk and walk to the shop and buy one of the treats that you want and then come home and sit down and eat it quietly.”

RELATED: My 20 Secrets to Be the Best Shape of My Life at 50

Tip 7: Eat Quietly

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An extra bonus tip? “When I was prepping for my show, and I was on low calories, I would always sit quietly to eat my meals, and I just really could enjoy the food there and eat it slowly and really savor every food that I had.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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 hoping to lose weight in 2025? Stay away from quick fixes, says one health expert. Alicia Erickson, aka “The Midlife Maven,” is a 51-year-old wellness influencer who shares “fitness/health tips for midlife women to hit their stride at the best age!” she writes in her Instagram profile. In a new post, she pops the lid on the reality of fad diets, why you should avoid them in 2025, and what you should do instead. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” she points out. Here is what you need to know about her foolproof strategy for losing weight.


She Tried Every Fad Diet. None of Them Worked

Drastic diets don’t work, per Alicia. “What fad diets did you do?” she asks in the post. “I did Nutrisystem, The Cabbage Soup Die, and the Cayenne Pepper/Lemon Juice Cleanse, to name a few. We’re older, wiser, and we’ve been there and done that.”

“Sustainable” Basics Work Every Time

“The truth is that the basics work every time. Do you want to make a change? It needs to be sustainable. Can you see yourself doing this for the rest of your life? Get laser-focused, and set your habits!” she says.

1. Lift Heavy Weights

Her first healthy habit is strength training. “Start lifting heavy 3-5 days a week following a progressive overload strength training program. Once you add a layer of muscle to your body, you will become a fine-tuned machine. But it takes time!!” she writes.

RELATED: Top Nutrition MD Reveals 5 Signs You're Eating Too Much Protein

2. Seriously Cut Down on the Alcohol

Next, cut back on your drinking. “You actually really don’t need the alcohol. Zero and I mean zero benefits. The quality of your life in every way will skyrocket when you cut it out! If you want to moderate and are able to do that, moderation is considered 0-2 drinks per week,” she writes.

3. Eat Enough Protein

“Eat your protein,” she says about habit number three. “Get at least 100 grams a day. Egg whites, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken, beef, fish, shrimp YUM!”

4. Also, Focus on Whole, Nutritionally Dense Food

She also tackles another diet topic. “Your primary food sources should be whole and nutritiously dense. If there are 25 ingredients in the label and you can’t pronounce most of them, it probably shouldn’t be going in your body,” she writes.

5. Walk

Next, get your steps in. “Walk every day. I don’t care if it’s for 10 minutes or for an hour. Just get a walk-in! Whatever you do, do not sit all day long!” she says.

6. Cut Back on Processed Sugars

Another dietary recommendation? “Cut way back on processed sugars. It’s like crack and is super addicting. Trust me, I know. But it causes havoc on our midlife bodies!! Opt for honey, maple syrup, dates, or coconut sugar in your recipes to satisfy that sweet tooth!” she says.

RELATED: Coach Reveals 5 Weight Loss Mistakes She Ditched to Lose 100 Pounds

7. Be in a Calorie Deficit

And her last habit? You have to be burning more than you are consuming. “If you want to lose fat you will need to be in a caloric deficit (while still lifting and walking!),” she writes.

It’s All About Implementation

“It’s so simple, but it’s all about implementation! If it was easy, everybody would do it! Perhaps difficult and challenging at first, but then it becomes your normal, then you realize how amazing you feel, then you see results, then it’s on autopilot!” she writes. “If you can’t see yourself doing it for the rest of your life joyful, then don’t freaking do it!!! I say this in love!!! I want you to be your best you ever! I love you!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Riva Siggins rivafitness
Coach Reveals the 5 Basics of Weight Loss
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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight? Keep it simple, says an expert. Riva Siggins is an online coach who “loves food and movement.” She regularly shares tips on the best ways to burn fat and build muscle with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a recent post she shares “5 simple tips” to burn fat and lose weight. “These tips may sound simple, but often, fat loss is overly complicated. Nail the basics, and you’ll get results,” she says.

Make Protein Your “Best Friend”

Her first tip is to )make protein your best friend. “Not only will it help you retain more muscle as you lose body fat which will contribute to a leaner physique but it is also the most filling macronutrient so will be sticking to a deficit easier,” she said. “Utilise lean protein sources as well such as chicken breast, beef mince, turkey means and white fish.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Get Enough Sleep

Next, “stop underestimating how important sleep is,” she writes. “Lack of sleep can increase hunger as your hormones ghrelin and leptin which send signals to your brain telling you when you’re hungry/satiated don’t work as efficiently when you’re sleep deprived and this can result in your feeling hungrier, food focus being higher and more cravings which can make sticking to a deficit a LOT harder.”

Do Cardio Plus Weight Training

Next, she recommends prioritizing weight training while utilizing cardio “as a tool instead of solely doing cardio,” she says. “Weight training will help you maintain more muscle so as you drop body fat you won’t just get smaller and flatter, you’ll maintain shape and have a lean, strong looking physique. Cardio can be utilized to help increase your output but if you just do cardio you’ll lose a lot of muscle which you don’t want.”

Eat Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, prioritize whole foods. “200 calories of potatoes is going to give you a lot more volume compared to 200 calories or chocolate, include the foods you enjoy in moderation of course as this’ll help you stick to it but if you’re sensible with your food selection you’re going to feel like you’re eating a lot and by prioritizing food sources such as complex carbs, lean protein and fruit/veg you will be left feeling fuller for longer too,” she says.

Take Things One Day at a Time

Tip five is to take things one day at a time. “If you go over your calories or have a day where you fall off track so what? Just pick yourself up a go day, it isn’t about perfection every day it’s about consistency over time,” she writes.

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

Dial in Your Nutrition

In another post, she offers more tips. One thing she did was dial into her nutrition more than ever. “Around 90% of my calories come from whole foods and I feel so energised, I’m able to push harder in my sessions because I’m fuelling correctly, I’m not having energy dips throughout and I’m recovering well,” she says.

She Started Drinking Less Alcohol

She also started drinking less alcohol. “For the last few years I’ve not been a big drinker but even more so recently, I don’t know when I’ll drink again because I can have such a good time socially without it so I’ll only drink alcohol if I feel it will enhance the experience and there’s very few times I feel like that nowadays,” she writes.

EMOMs and AMRAPs

She also changed her training approach. While “the foundation of my training stays the same eg my strength work as progressive overload is key but I have different conditioning finishers each week from EMOMs and AMRAPs to threshold sessions and timed rounds, this is to test my aerobic and anaerobic capacity in different ways,” she says.

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

Prioritizing Herself

“I am prioritizing me more than ever before,” she continues. “I’m not afraid to say no to plans if I need time to rest, I’m not worried about people thinking I’m boring or saying yes to things to be a people pleaser. I’ve found a perfect balance with training hard, recharging and doing things that make me feel good in my spare time so I’m not burnt out or constantly feeling tired.”

Water

She also says that water has “become an absolute non-negotiable” in her plan. “4l of water a day,” she says. “I need to perform and recover my best.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Mateo Ruperti lifting_with_mateo
Copyright lifting_with_mateo/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 eat your way to a slimmer waistline? Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who helps “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days” with his LWM Blueprint. In a new post, he shares fruits that will help you burn fat faster. “10 fruits you should start eating to lose belly fat,” he writes. “No certain food is going to make you lose weight on its own, but these fruits helped me stay in a caloric deficit, which promoted fat loss. Fruits are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your fat loss goals,” he says.

Berries

Berries – including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – are great for fat-burning. “Packed with antioxidants and fiber, they help boost metabolism and reduce belly fat,” he says.

Apples

Young woman holding bowl full of apples in fruit orchard. Apple harvesting. Top view.​ApplesShutterstock

Next on his list is apples. “High in fiber, apples keep you full and curb overeating, helping with fat loss,” he says.

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

Grapefruit

Juicy grapefruit pieces with fresh mint in a bowl, close up​GrapefruitShutterstock

Also stock up on grapefruit. “Known for its fat-burning properties, grapefruit can lower insulin levels and promote fat loss,” he says.

Avocados

Sliced,Avocado,On,A,Cutting,Board​AvocadoShutterstock

It’s no surprise that avocados made his list of fat-burning fruit. “Full of healthy fats, avocados keep you satisfied and support fat metabolism,” he writes.

Pineapple

Close up,Sliced and half of Pineapple(Ananas comosus) on wooden table with blurred garden background.Sweet,sour and juicy taste.Have a lot of fiber,vitamins C and minerals.Fruits or healthcare concept​PineappleShutterstock

Pineapple is not only sweet and delicious, it can help you lose weight. “Contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion and reduce bloating,” he writes.

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

Kiwi

fresh kiwi fruit as background​KiwisShutterstock

Kiwi is another tropical fruit with fat-burning powers. “High in vitamin C and fiber, kiwis help reduce belly fat and improve digestion,” he says, calling it the “cheat code.”

Watermelon

Slices of fresh watermelon on the rustic wooden table​Low-Calorie FruitsShutterstock

Watermelon is sweet and will help you slim down. “With high water content, it keeps you hydrated and helps control hunger,” he says.

Peaches

Yellow Peach with slice in wooden basket, Fresh Yellow Peach fruit in wooden bowl on wooden background.​PeachesShutterstock

Add peaches to your shopping cart for weight loss benefits. “Full of fiber and low in calories, peaches help reduce fat while satisfying your sweet cravings,” he says.

Papaya

Fresh ripe papaya fruits on wooden table, closeup​PapayaShutterstock

Another great fruit for fat loss? Papaya. “Contains enzymes that help with digestion and can reduce bloating,” he says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Oranges

fresh orange fruits with leaves as background, top viewShutterstock

The last fruit for weight loss? Oranges. “Rich in vitamin C, oranges can boost metabolism and support fat burning,” he says.

Add Them to Your List

Add these to your shopping list and lose weight fast. “These fruits helped me stay on track with my nutrition and fat loss goals—try adding them to your routine to stay on top of your progress!” he writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Emily Ogan livefitwithem
7 Habits to Help You Become “Unrecognizable” by Spring Break
Copyright livefitwithem/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 struggling to lose weight? Your body might be holding onto fat instead of burning it. Emily Ogan is an Advanced Macro and Hormone Specialist. “I help busy women find balance + results,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post, she reveals that a key reason you could be failing at weight loss is that your body isn’t in fat-burning mode. “Here’s the truth: Your body isn’t in fat-burning mode—it’s stuck in fat-storing mode,” she writes.

HIgh Intensity Workouts and Undereating Could Be Throwing Off Your Hormones

“High-intensity workouts and undereating can spike your cortisol (stress hormone), throw off your hormones, and tell your body to cling to fat—especially around your belly. To switch to fat-burning mode, you need to work with your body, not against it,” she says, explaining how to do it.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

First, Ditch Endless Cardio and Bootcamps

The first thing she recommonds? “Ditch the endless cardio and bootcamp workouts. While they might feel productive, they can elevate cortisol levels and keep your body in stress mode. This significantly stalls your fat loss,” she says.

Second, Strength Train

“Focus on strength training instead,” she continues. ”Building muscle not only tones your body but also boosts your metabolism so you burn more calories all day long—even while you’re resting. Strength training is the key to lasting fat loss after 35.”

Third, Don’t Starve Your Body

And third, “Stop starving your body,” she says. “Skipping meals or drastically cutting calories tanks your metabolism and leaves your body with no fuel to function. This survival mode makes it even harder to lose weight.”

Strength Train Three Times a Week

The Solution? “Swap the bootcamp and cardio-heavy classes for 3-4 strength training sessions per week,” she says.

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

And, Fuel Your Body with Protein, Fiber, and Healthy Carbs

You also need to make adjustments to your diet. “Fuel your body with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs at every meal- and be sure you’re eating ENOUGH to rev your metabolism and get you into fat burning mode,” she said.

Finally, Be Consistent

And last but not least, stick to it. “Focus on consistency—not extremes—to reset your metabolism and hormones,” she writes.

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

Wake Up Earlier

In another post, she reveals more habits to shape up fast, starting with waking up earlier. “Set your day off on the right foot by giving yourself time to create a non-stressful morning,” she suggests. “Whether you wake up early to workout or not- this was probably the biggest shift that made the biggest difference for me.”

Hydrate

She also recommends prioritizing hydration. “Hydrate with electrolytes,” she recommends. “It all starts with a hydrated system. Electrolytes help your system function optimally, balance hormones, and curb sugar cravings.”

Walk More

Also, amp up your steps. “Walking is the most accessible and effective form of exercise. Aim for 8-10k steps a day- ideally getting your dose of vitamin D while you’re at it- and you’ll take fat burning to the next level,” she writes.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Track Your Macros

Macro tracking is also important. “Learn what your food is made up of, and the right balance of macros that your unique body needs to be able to thrive and get results,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.