Skip to content
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.

Nutritionist Reveals the Only Thing You Actually Need to Lose Weight

Forget crash diets; this method is foolproof.

FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
Joe_Duff_The_Diet_Chef8
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab

Have you tried so many weight loss methods but can’t seem to be successful? Joe Duff, AKA The Diet Chef, specializes “in making easy recipes for every diet,” which he shares with his hundreds of thousands of social media followers. In a new video, he reveals the only tip you need to lose weight – and it doesn’t involve crash diets or killing yourself at the gym. “Today I'm gonna be talking all about weight loss, specifically how to lose weight,” he says. “Starting today, you can start losing weight.”


People Ask Him About How to Lose Weight A Lot

“This question is actually something that I get asked personally quite often, but if you even type into Google how to in the letter L, the rest of it will fill in: Lose weight,” he says at the start of the clip. “Clearly, there are a lot of people on the internet who are wondering the same question. Anyways, by the end of this video, I'm gonna give you all the tools you need to initially start losing weight.”

There’s No Get-Thin-Quick Approach That Works

feet standing on electronic scales for weight control. Measurement instrument in kilogram for a diet controlShutterstock

“The truth about weight loss is that it comes down to one very important thing, guys. It has nothing to do with diet teas and diet pills and body wraps and anything that anyone wants to sell to you, diet, cleanse, and rejuvenate your body with a Hollywood 48-hour miracle diet,” he says. “This works. It has nothing to do with that.”

It’s Simple: Create a Caloric Deficit

He explains that it is super simple. “All it comes down to is creating what is called a caloric deficit. That's right. All you have to do is create a caloric deficit, and you'll start losing weight. It is the best tip anyone can possibly give you in terms of weight loss,” he says.

Eat Less Than Your Body Burns

Hungry overweight woman holding hamburger on wooden plate, Fried chicken and Pizza on table .Concept of binge eating disorder (BED).Shutterstock

“So what does that mean? What is a caloric deficit? Basically, a caloric deficit is just eating fewer calories than your body burns. And that's a great lead into the next question I'm sure a lot of you guys have,” he explains.

How Many Calories Does Your Body Burn?

Calorie calculator, healthy TDEE concept. Calorie calculation based on total daily energy expenditure, background with calculator, notebook, measuring tape, apple. Healthy weight loss diet backgroundShutterstock

The next question he gets asked: How many calories a day does my body burn? “Actually, it's quite easy to get an estimation of just how many calories a day your body is burning. That is also referred to as TDEE or total daily energy expenditure,” he says.

Find Out Using a TDEE Calculator

He recommends using a TDEE calculator. “There's a ton of websites out there that you can go to and find your TDEE, which will then give you your maintenance amount of calories, which is the amount of calories that you could eat and not gain any weight or also lose weight. So to find how many calories a day you burn your TDEE, all you have to do is go to one of these websites,” he explains.

Then You Subtract 500 From the Number Your Get

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

Once you find a calculator, you “enter some pretty basic information about yourself,” he says. “So you enter your age, your sex, your height, your weight, and your activity level. To create a caloric deficit, all you need to do is subtract about 500 calories from whatever number pops up on the screen. And that will be the starting calories of your diet.”

You Will Have to Eat Less Calories the More Weight You Lose

“Also, it's worth mentioning, guys, that that calorie number has to change. You're gonna have to decrease your calories as you lose weight. So you at 200 pounds is burning more calories than you at 180 pounds. So as you lose weight, your calories are gonna have to decrease,” he says.

Or, You Can Exercise More

girl running in formation in forest in pink shirtShutterstock

Or, you can add exercise. “You can also create a caloric deficit by doing more. So if you increase your activity, you will be burning more calories as well. And that is another way to add to your caloric deficit,” he says.

He Also Recommends Counting Macros Over Calories

“I also want to mention quickly that counting calories is great, but counting macros can be far superior in terms of fat loss than just weight loss itself,” he says. “Basically, macros are calories, protein, carbs, and fats. And keeping track of your macros and adjusting your macros can be an extremely powerful tool for fat loss.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

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.

Have you tried so many weight loss methods but can’t seem to be successful? Joe Duff, AKA The Diet Chef, specializes “in making easy recipes for every diet,” which he shares with his hundreds of thousands of social media followers. In a new video, he reveals the only tip you need to lose weight – and it doesn’t involve crash diets or killing yourself at the gym. “Today I'm gonna be talking all about weight loss, specifically how to lose weight,” he says. “Starting today, you can start losing weight.”


People Ask Him About How to Lose Weight A Lot

“This question is actually something that I get asked personally quite often, but if you even type into Google how to in the letter L, the rest of it will fill in: Lose weight,” he says at the start of the clip. “Clearly, there are a lot of people on the internet who are wondering the same question. Anyways, by the end of this video, I'm gonna give you all the tools you need to initially start losing weight.”

There’s No Get-Thin-Quick Approach That Works

feet standing on electronic scales for weight control. Measurement instrument in kilogram for a diet controlShutterstock

“The truth about weight loss is that it comes down to one very important thing, guys. It has nothing to do with diet teas and diet pills and body wraps and anything that anyone wants to sell to you, diet, cleanse, and rejuvenate your body with a Hollywood 48-hour miracle diet,” he says. “This works. It has nothing to do with that.”

It’s Simple: Create a Caloric Deficit

He explains that it is super simple. “All it comes down to is creating what is called a caloric deficit. That's right. All you have to do is create a caloric deficit, and you'll start losing weight. It is the best tip anyone can possibly give you in terms of weight loss,” he says.

Eat Less Than Your Body Burns

Hungry overweight woman holding hamburger on wooden plate, Fried chicken and Pizza on table .Concept of binge eating disorder (BED).Shutterstock

“So what does that mean? What is a caloric deficit? Basically, a caloric deficit is just eating fewer calories than your body burns. And that's a great lead into the next question I'm sure a lot of you guys have,” he explains.

How Many Calories Does Your Body Burn?

Calorie calculator, healthy TDEE concept. Calorie calculation based on total daily energy expenditure, background with calculator, notebook, measuring tape, apple. Healthy weight loss diet backgroundShutterstock

The next question he gets asked: How many calories a day does my body burn? “Actually, it's quite easy to get an estimation of just how many calories a day your body is burning. That is also referred to as TDEE or total daily energy expenditure,” he says.

Find Out Using a TDEE Calculator

He recommends using a TDEE calculator. “There's a ton of websites out there that you can go to and find your TDEE, which will then give you your maintenance amount of calories, which is the amount of calories that you could eat and not gain any weight or also lose weight. So to find how many calories a day you burn your TDEE, all you have to do is go to one of these websites,” he explains.

Then You Subtract 500 From the Number Your Get

CALORIE counting counter application Medical eating healthy Diet conceptShutterstock

Once you find a calculator, you “enter some pretty basic information about yourself,” he says. “So you enter your age, your sex, your height, your weight, and your activity level. To create a caloric deficit, all you need to do is subtract about 500 calories from whatever number pops up on the screen. And that will be the starting calories of your diet.”

You Will Have to Eat Less Calories the More Weight You Lose

“Also, it's worth mentioning, guys, that that calorie number has to change. You're gonna have to decrease your calories as you lose weight. So you at 200 pounds is burning more calories than you at 180 pounds. So as you lose weight, your calories are gonna have to decrease,” he says.

Or, You Can Exercise More

girl running in formation in forest in pink shirtShutterstock

Or, you can add exercise. “You can also create a caloric deficit by doing more. So if you increase your activity, you will be burning more calories as well. And that is another way to add to your caloric deficit,” he says.

He Also Recommends Counting Macros Over Calories

“I also want to mention quickly that counting calories is great, but counting macros can be far superior in terms of fat loss than just weight loss itself,” he says. “Basically, macros are calories, protein, carbs, and fats. And keeping track of your macros and adjusting your macros can be an extremely powerful tool for fat loss.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Trish_Koeslag_liftwithtrish11
Copyright liftwithtrish/Instagram
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.

Are you struggling to lose weight? Trish Koeslag is revealing the truth about two popular diet myths. In a new social media post, the women’s nutrition and fitness coach, whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement to lose weight, reveals that she struggled to lose weight until she finally learned two things. “It took me two decades to unlearn these 2 dieting myths that helped me lose 15 pounds in my 40s and keep it off,” she writes in the series of Instagram snaps, revealing her truth.


Myth 1: If You Eat Clean, You Will Lose Weight

The first myth? As long as you “EAT CLEAN,” you will lose weight, she says in her post. “For 20+ years, I believed this. I thought if I had chicken, rice, and broccoli, my food intake was on point. Don’t get me wrong, choosing whole foods is truly my jam, BUT eating clean doesn’t guarantee fat loss.”

Truth: A Calorie Deficit Helps You Lose Weight

What is the secret to weight loss? It’s simple, according to Tricia. “A calorie deficit is what guarantees a fat loss. (It’s science, please don’t @ me),” she writes.

RELATED:I Lost 30 Pounds and Kept It Off and Here are 13 Habits That Changed My Life

What to Do: Track Food Using an App

“So 👉🏻 all this time I was eating clean, I wasn’t losing fat because I wasn’t in a calorie deficit. You can still eat clean and gain weight. Shocking, right ⁉️⤵️,” she says. “So 👉🏻 I started tracking my food in an app to get an accurate idea of what my calorie intake was ✅.”

Myth 2: You Deserve Cheat Meals

The next myth she is busting may be hard to hear. “I deserved weekend ‘CHEAT MEALS’” is another thought that prevented her from listing weight. “Yup! I ate ‘clean’ Monday to Thursday and then ate ‘dirty’ Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I thought because I did ‘good’ all week with my food, I deserved a reward with ‘bad’ food,” she says.

Truth: There Are No Good or Bad Foods

You need to shift your mindset, she explains. “So 👉🏻 first of all, there are no good or bad foods. Food is food. Let’s stop labeling it. Are there better sources of food? Yes, but that doesn’t make food good or bad, clean or dirty.”

RELATED:Gillian Ferguson Flaunts Tiny Waist and Reveals 3 Things That Will “Speed Up Fat Loss” That You Probably Aren’t Doing

What to Do: Eat Maintenance Calories 7 Days a Week

Instead, be consistent with your diet, she encourages. “ I stopped the weekend binges by eating my maintenance calories 7 days a week, fitting in all the foods I love, in moderation.”

Also, She Recommends Reverse Dieting

In another post, she offers a few more tips on how she lost 15 pounds in 3 months, starting with following a reverse diet protocol. “Most people do not do this part, and this is a huge reason why people gain fat back,” she says.

And Eating at Home

A few more diet recommendations, in addition to “tracking your food,” keeping “your protein high,” and choosing “mostly whole foods (90% whole foods vs 10% fun food), " are eating at home “most of the time,” which she calls “a big one.”

RELATED:14 Walking Mistakes Sabotaging Your Weight Loss That Experts Urge You to Stop

Hydrate and Rest Are Important, Too

Hydration and rest are also key. “Limit alcohol, keep water intake at 3-4L/day, sleep well, manage stress,” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? 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, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Shot of athletic woman eating a healthy bowl of muesli with fruit sitting on floor in the kitchen at home
Shutterstock
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.

Keto, Caveman, Mediterranean, Atkins, the list goes on. There are so many diets that people use to lose weight. However, according to one expert, there is one that trumps the rest when it comes to losing body fat. Jeremy Ethier is a kinesiologist fitness influencer with over 6.1 million YouTube followers and one million Instagram followers who uses his science-backed training to help people lose weight and get into great shape. In a viral YouTube video, he reveals that he has found the “number one diet to lose fat.” Ethier explains that “it's tough to lose fat, let alone keep it off. But there's a reason why the old saying abs are revealed in the kitchen is still around because it's true.” Most of “even the popular diets that work tend to have more cons than pros,” he adds. “Today, I'm sharing the size back diet that's simple, easy to stick to, and just works. Here's everything you need to know.”


All Fat Loss Diets Have One Goal: Eat Fewer Calories Than You Burn

Nutritional label with focus on calories.Shutterstock

“First off, you must understand that all fat loss diets, regardless of what you call it, have one simple goal: To get you into a calorie deficit where you're eating fewer calories than you burn every day,” he says. “But in the diet, I'll be showing you today, rather than cutting out foods, the first step is actually the opposite: Eat more. Not just any food, though.”

You Need to Eat More Protein

selection food sources of protein. healthy diet eating concept. close upShutterstock

What do you need to eat more of? Protein, he says. “One study published back in 2005 had participants change nothing else aside from eating twice as much protein as they usually do. You'd expect that since they were eating more, they would gain weight, right? Well, here's what actually happened.”

After Increasing Protein, People Ate Less Calories

Beautiful young sports people are talking and smiling while cooking healthy food in kitchen at homeShutterstock

“After bumping up their protein intake, the participants ended up eating 440 fewer calories every day without them even realizing it. And after sticking to their high protein diet for 12 weeks, they lost almost 10 pounds of fat,” he says.

This Is Because Protein Is Filling

Marinated,Grilled,Healthy,Chicken,Breasts,Cooked,On,A,Summer,BbqShutterstock

“Now, as for why this happened, part of it is because protein is extremely filling,” he says. “Try to eat 400 calories worth of chicken breasts compared to a bowl of cereal, and you'll be shocked with just how long you stay full.”

When You Eat Protein, Your Body Will Burn Off Fat for Energy

Middle,Age,Caucasian,Sporty,Woman,Eating,Salad,At,Home.Shutterstock

He says that “the real power of protein is that when you're in a calorie deficit, your body can choose to burn off either fat or muscle for energy.” And, “eating enough protein, ideally at least 0.8 grams per pound of your body weight per day, it sends a powerful signal to your body to keep your muscle and burn off your fat for energy.”

You Are Also More Likely to Keep Fat Off

Successful weight loss diet concept. Cropped view of young Indian lady in big jeans demonstrating results of her slimming program, promoting healthy eating at home, closeupShutterstock

And, you won’t just burn fat, but keep it off. “This is why high protein diets not only lead to more fat loss during the diet but have also been shown to be more effective at preventing fat regain after the diet is over,” he says. This doesn’t mean you have to eat chicken breasts for every meal. He recommends choosing sources you actually enjoy.

Cutting Carbs Will Also Help You Lose Weight

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewShutterstock

“So we're gonna continue the theme of eating more, but now with carbs,” he says, telling a story about how he once cut all carbs, “bread, rice, candy, even ketchup, anything that contains some form of carbs,” out of his diet. “By day three of this, I felt like complete crap, super low energy, and my gym performance sucked. Now, after about a week, I actually did end up losing about five pounds, but I was confused because I didn't look or feel any better.”

Your Body Will Use Other Sources for Energy

A beautiful girl and her well-built boyfriend are greeting each other with a high-five. They are happy to see each othr in the gym. Young people are ready to start their workout.Shutterstock

He said that your body will eventually “adapt to this” and learn to use other sources for energy. “But the research is clear: As long as you're in the calorie deficit and eating enough protein, you'll lose fat regardless of if you're eating a ton of carbs or none at all.”

He Recommends Saving Carbs for Before and After Workouts

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

“The calories from carbs add up fast. If you're currently overeating, then you probably will need to cut back on some of your carbs or at least choose less processed carbs that can keep you fuller for fewer calories,” he says. “A good strategy I personally use is saving most of my carbs for before and after my workout for when I need the most energy and then add them into my other meals.”

Limit Fats

Foods rich in fats. Main food group - macronutrient fats. Top viewShutterstock

Next up, fats. “Unlike carbs and protein, which only contain four calories per gram, fats are much easier to overeat with because they contain more than double the calories at nine calories per gram,” he says.

Don’t Cut Them, Just Eat in Moderation

Woman spraying cooking oil onto delicious salad at wooden table against blurred green background, closeupShutterstock

“But just like with carbs, you shouldn't completely cut out your fats,” he says. Instead, “just have them in moderation or try to make swaps like using skim milk instead of full cream spray oil instead of cooking oil, choosing less fatty cuts of meats or using a lower calorie salad dressing.”

You Will Lose Weight on Strict Diets, But You Are Likely to Gain It Back

Healthy diet plan for weight loss, daily ready meal menu. Close up Woman weighing lunch box cooked in advance,ready to eat on kitchen scale. Balanced portion with healthy dish. Pre-cooking conceptShutterstock

He also talks about a 2021 study that had subjects follow a strict meal plan. “The goal was to put them in a calorie deficit, and they weren't allowed to substitute any of the foods they were given. After ten weeks, the results were great. On average, the participants lost about seven pounds of fat. But here's the catch. As soon as the diet was over, most of them quickly regained the fat they lost. This is because sticking to strict meal plans doesn't actually teach you the proper habits of sustaining fat loss in the long run,” he says.

The Number One Diet to Lose Weight: The Balanced Plate Concept

Hands holding salmon and buckwheat dish with green beans, broad beans, and tomato slices. Nutritious dish with vegetables and fish from above. Healthy balanced dietShutterstock

Enter the top diet for fat loss, the balanced plate concept. “Instead of rigidly planning out your meals, most of your meals should look something like this: First, fill a quarter of your plate with a protein source like the ones I showed earlier. Next, to keep you full, fill half of your plate with vegetables and or fruits. And then lastly, balance out the last quarter of your plate with either carbs and or fats,” he says. You can also apply this concept when eating out.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Fit as a Pear Body Type

Also, Pay Attention to How Often You Eat

Woman eating snacks in night next to the opened fridge.Shutterstock

He adds that one factor most people overlook is how often they eat. “I used to think skipping meals was a great idea. If I didn't eat much or just snack lightly throughout the day, I wouldn't be getting many calories in, and that would surely lead to a calorie deficit. But this quickly became a nasty cycle. I'd end up feeling like crap by the end of the day, and as soon as I finally ate something, my stomach would just be a bottomless pit that never got satisfied,” he says. “Generally, you should avoid ever getting to a point where you're feeling dizzy, have low blood sugar, and want to eat everything in sight.”

You Can Also Try Intermittent Fasting

The clock is at 12:00 noon for lunch in a wooden dish.Shutterstock

He also brings up intermittent fasting, “where you don't eat your first meal until usually around 12:00 PM and then don't eat anything past 8:00 PM,” he explains. “I've personally used this in the past, and it worked really well, not because it's magic, but because it can make sticking into a calorie deficit easier by fitting all your meals into a smaller time window.”

He Sticks to a Regular Schedule of 3 to 4 Meals

Nutrition.,Sports,,Eating,Banana,During,Training,gym,fitness,workoutShutterstock

“I prefer a more regular scheduled eating with at least three to four main meals per day, spread out by around three to four hours from each other, and then I'll just add in one to two snacks or fruit between my meals when I'm the most hungry,” he continues. “Just keep in mind that your body will need time to adjust if you change your eating schedule. But if done properly, you should feel improved and consistent levels of energy throughout your whole day.”

RELATED: Stop These 20 Habits and Watch the Pounds Melt Away

Where You Eat Matters Too

African american guy having fun eating burgers and drinking beer, watching comedy movie on television. Male adult enjoying fast food delivery and alcohol, watch tv show in living room.Shutterstock

“Speaking about when you eat, did you know that where you eat also matters? This study, published in 2021, analyzed the food environments of over a thousand households. It found that one of the strongest predictors of being overweight was eating meals in front of a TV,” he reveals.

Also, Slow Down Your Eating

Young beautiful hispanic woman eating at the restaurantShutterstock

“In addition to this, a few other interesting studies have shown that slowing down your meal by taking more bites, using chopsticks, or eating with small utensils all has a powerful effect on reducing hunger and potentially boosting fat loss,” he notes.

Make Small Changes at a Time

Overweight female is standing on white scales at homeShutterstock

“Sure, bodybuilders and hardcore fitness guys like myself have no problem losing fat fast if needed, but you'll make way more progress making just small changes at a time and aiming to lose even just half a pound of fat every single week consistently, rather than losing a pound or two on some weeks and then gaining it all back again on other weeks,” he says.

RELATED: Top 8 Superfood Breakfasts You Should Eat Every Day to Lose Weight

Create a Diet You Can Enjoy

Image of young woman sitting in kitchen while eating fish and tomatoes.Shutterstock/Shift Drive

“But just keep in mind that you will mess up at some point. Maybe you'll binge eat really bad one night, or maybe you'll have a cheat meal gone wrong, and that's okay. It's happened to me countless times. One meal or even a whole day of eating junk won't ruin your progress, but if you find yourself cheating on your diet too often, then that's often a sign that you need to make it more enjoyable,” he says. “Create a diet you actually enjoy because that's what you'll be more likely to stick to in the long run.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight in your 40s, but your best tactics simply aren’t working? Ashley Waldorf, RN, is a Hormone Health and Fat Loss Coach who has been practicing as a nurse for over 20 years. In a new social media post, she reveals some of the mistakes she made that kept her burning fat. She eventually identified them and went on to lose 15 pounds after 40. ”Navigating weight loss after 40 can be challenging, with many myths and misconceptions that complicate your journey,” she writes in the post. “Here are seven mistakes you might be making that are keeping you stuck.”


You Stick to a Plant-Based Diet

The first mistake? You think that a plant-based diet will help you lose weight. “While plants and fiber are essential, we actually need more protein as we age due to the anabolic resistance. Aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight,” she suggests in her post.

You Are Doing Juice Cleanses

Juice cleanses were all the rage, but thinking they were effective is a big mistake, per Ashley. “Our liver requires essential amino acids to effectively detoxify because they help break down and remove toxins,” she says. “Juices deprive your body of essential nutrients & you are generally losing water weight.”

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

You Think You Can Fast Your Way to Slim

Think you must fast your way slim? Nope, says Ashley. “While time-restricted eating can be a good tool for weight loss, it does not work for everyone. A 12-hour fast is plenty, especially when you have hormonal imbalances and trying to heal,” she says.

You Need to Be in a Severe Caloric Deficit to Lose Weight

You must be in a severe caloric deficit to lose weight,” is “an outdated model,” says Ashley. “The quality of your food is more important than the quantity. A balance of protein, healthy fats, and working up 25-35 grams of fiber can help lower insulin levels and improve fat burning.”

Doing Cardio Over Weight Lifting

“More cardio is better for fat loss” is also antiquated, says Ashley. “Cardio is also a tool but weight lifting is much more important for your metabolism and longevity. Aim for 3 days of resistance training per week at minimum,” she says.

RELATED: You Lose 5% of Your Muscles Every Decade After 30 Unless You Do These 4 Things

Avoiding Carbs

“Carbohydrates are bad” is simply not true. “As women, we actually do much better & feel much better when we are consuming quality carbohydrates- fruit, veggies, sweet potatoes and rice,” she says.

Believing That Hormones Don’t Matter

If you believe that hormones don’t matter, you are making a mistake. “Our hormones are a key component to fat loss. We have thyroid hormones, metabolic, reproductive, and stress hormones. I have found a holistic trio that helps balance all of these. They have resulted in a 15-pound weight loss, reduced anxiety, better sleep, more energy, and so much more!” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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.

We've all been there – trying every diet under the sun, cutting portions until we're starving, and still not seeing results. Chelsea Mae knows this struggle all too well. As a vegan mom from New Zealand who transformed her body by losing 40 pounds and keeping it off, she discovered that eating more of the right foods was the key to sustainable weight loss. After years of failed diets and self-sabotage, she cracked the code by understanding calorie density and the science behind weight loss. Now, she's sharing her hard-learned lessons to help you avoid the same pitfalls.


You're Eating Too Few Calories (And It's Causing Binges)

"I used to try eating like a bird, and it phenomenally backfired on me," Chelsea recalls in her post. She explains that severely restricting calories leads to an inevitable pendulum swing. When you set unrealistically low-calorie goals, you might stick to them for a few days or weeks, but eventually, willpower runs out.

"What happens is people eat really, really low calories, and they'll do that for a couple of days, or they might even do it for a couple of weeks," Chelsea explains. "Then you have a pendulum swing that happens when you get too hungry, and you run out of willpower, which is always going to happen at some point."

The math doesn't lie. "One tub of Ben & Jerry's is about 1500 calories – that's more than a day's worth of calories if you're trying to lose weight," she notes. These periodic binges can completely offset those days of restriction, leading to a higher daily average calorie intake than if you'd eaten moderately all along.

You're Avoiding Filling Starches (Your Secret Weight Loss Weapon)

"I was really scared of eating things like potatoes and beans because I thought they were high in calories and carbs," Chelsea admits. But she discovered these foods are actually weight loss allies. As she points out, "One pound of potatoes is only about 400 calories, while four tablespoons of oil is 480 calories – and that oil won't fill you up at all."

The key is understanding satiety – that feeling of being truly satisfied, not just full. "Think about after something like Christmas dinner and someone brings out dessert, and you're just like, 'no, I can't do it.' That's satiety," Chelsea explains. "You're not going to get that from just drinking water. You're not going to get that from just eating vegetables."

You're Following Diet Rules Instead of Understanding Calories

"I tried doing a low-carb vegan diet for a couple of months, then it was a fruit-based diet, and then it was a raw food diet," Chelsea shares. "It took me a really long time to get the information I needed."

The breakthrough came when she understood a fundamental truth: "The reason people lose weight on any diet, be that keto or high carb is that they're in a calorie deficit." She emphasizes that blindly following diet rules without understanding this basic principle leads to failure.

"When I would eat cake instead of a banana smoothie, I would give up because I'd broken the rules," she shares. Understanding calorie deficit helped her create sustainable habits instead of rigid rules.

You're Obsessing Over Other People's Diets

"Now it's funny because I see this mirrored back at me in people that message me and say, 'Why is this girl online skinny eating the way that she eats?'" Chelsea notes. She emphasizes that comparing yourself to others is counterproductive.

"Instead of focusing on what others are eating, you should be focusing on how to get into a calorie deficit from your starting point without having to cut your portion sizes," she advises. "You can do that really easily through calorie density."

You're Overexercising to Compensate for Diet

"I was doing all of this running to try and lose weight. It was so incredibly slow – I'd taken about six months to lose five kilos," Chelsea reveals. The problem wasn't just the slow progress; it was unsustainable.

"When I stopped exercising due to an injury, I gained five kilos back in the course of a month because I'd gotten used to eating such huge portions," she admits. This taught her a valuable lesson: "Exercise for your mental health. Exercise because it's really good for you, but don't rely on that as a weight loss tactic."

You're Not Understanding How Exercise Really Works for Weight Loss

Chelsea explains the science behind why excessive exercise often fails: "Let's say that you are burning 200 calories in half an hour workout. You are very, very likely to offset the extra calorie burn by moving less throughout the day. Maybe you sit on the couch more, you fidget less."

Even worse, "What happens when you over-exercise is that you get really, really hungry," she notes. "When you're hungrier, you're going to be eating more, and you're more likely to binge, you're more likely to get lots of cravings."

You're Making Everything Too Complicated

"I'm not looking for constant meal inspiration anymore," Chelsea shares. "I'm focusing on what works for me, creating meals that I enjoy, and not needing to look for constant inspiration because I understand how it works."

She points out the futility of overcomplicated meal plans: "A lot of the raw foods that I was trying to eat, I don't even have access to in New Zealand, and I definitely don't want to be eating a freezing cold smoothie in the middle of winter."

You're Setting Yourself Up for Failure with Perfectionism

"I constantly made things way too hard for me to actually stick to," Chelsea confesses. Setting perfectionistic goals and extreme rules sets you up for failure and demoralization. "When I failed, when I gave into cravings, I always felt terrible because I'd set the bar so incredibly high."

Instead, she recommends focusing on improvement rather than perfection. "Improvement looks like dealing better with failure than you did, picking yourself up," she explains. "It could look like having a slightly better version of ice cream, a lower calorie, more whole foods version of ice cream than your regular Ben & Jerry's."

RELATED: The 6 Worst Foods to Eat at Night if You Want to Lose Weight

You're Not Celebrating Small Wins

Chelsea shares a success story that demonstrates the power of small changes: "One of our amazing members, Natalie, lost 50 pounds just by starting with simple improvements like putting broccoli with her side of takeout pizza rather than just having all pizza."

"When you're starting out, don't make the mistake of making things so hard to stick to and then setting the bar so high that you feel demoralized all the time," she advises. "Set it as improvement, and then you will be able to gain momentum because you feel like you're making progress."

You're Missing the Big Picture of Sustainable Weight Loss

"It's not easy to lose weight. I'm not going to tell you that it is," Chelsea acknowledges. "But it doesn't have to be as hard as struggling through a ton of rules, trying to eat tiny portions, constantly just feeling like you are ravenously hungry and wanting to binge."

Her final message is encouraging: "There is a better way. And that is to use calorie density to eat a ton of food while lowering your overall calories, not killing yourself with exercise, and focusing on improvement rather than needing to get it perfect all the time."

What Science Says About Sustainable Weight Loss

While Chelsea's experience is compelling, research backs up her approach. According to the Mayo Clinic, "A safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week." This moderate approach aligns with Chelsea's emphasis on sustainable changes over crash dieting.

The National Weight Control Registry offers encouraging data: "About 20% of people who lose at least 10% of their body weight maintain it for at least a year." The key factors for success include regular physical activity, consistent eating patterns, and ongoing self-monitoring – exactly the balanced approach Chelsea advocates.

Mayo Clinic highlights that "Sustainable weight loss requires setting realistic goals and focusing on long-term changes to eating and exercise habits. Behavioral therapy and a strong support system are often key to success." This validates Chelsea's focus on gradual improvements over dramatic transformations.

RELATED: Mom Lost 70 Pounds Thanks to These 6 Daily Plant-Based Meals

The Power of Protein in Your Weight Loss Journey

Understanding protein's role can explain why Chelsea's approach works. The Mayo Clinic reports that "Protein decreases the hunger hormone ghrelin and increases hormones like peptide YY, GLP-1, and cholecystokinin, which promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction."

For optimal results, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that "athletes and heavy exercisers should consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of their goal weight." However, they emphasize that recommendations may vary based on individual needs and activity levels.

Timing Your Meals for Success

Chelsea's emphasis on sustainable eating patterns is supported by research from the National Institutes of Health, which finds that "Consistent meal timing aligns with the body's circadian rhythms, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and improving metabolic health."

This is particularly important regarding evening eating. The NIH warns that "Eating during inactive periods, such as late at night, can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to weight gain and metabolic issues." This scientific finding supports Chelsea's focus on creating sustainable daily eating patterns rather than following rigid rules.

The Secret Weapon: Meal Prep

Research strongly supports Chelsea's practical approach to meal planning. According to Harvard Health, "Preparing meals in advance allows for better portion control, reducing the likelihood of overeating and aiding in weight management."

The Mayo Clinic adds that "Regular meal preparation is linked to healthier eating habits, increased fruit and vegetable intake, and reduced consumption of processed foods." This explains why Chelsea's approach to simple, prepared meals helped her maintain her weight loss.

Getting Your Nutrition Balance Right

The Mayo Clinic recommends "a balanced diet for weight loss typically includes 40-50% carbohydrates, 25-35% fat, and 20-30% protein." This balanced approach supports Chelsea's emphasis on eating filling starches while maintaining adequate protein intake.

Harvard Health stresses the importance of fiber, noting that "High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help control hunger and prevent overeating. Studies suggest consuming 25-30 grams of fiber daily is associated with improved weight management outcomes." This explains why Chelsea found success by incorporating plenty of whole plant foods into her diet.

Don't Forget About Hydration

According to WebMD, "Staying hydrated is important for weight loss. Drinking 8-10 cups of water daily not only supports metabolism but can also help reduce hunger by promoting a feeling of fullness." This is especially important when increasing your protein intake, as proper hydration helps with protein metabolism.

The Cleveland Clinic adds another crucial point about nutrition during weight loss: "During calorie restriction, it is crucial to meet daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies." This underscores Chelsea's emphasis on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rather than just restricting calories.

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Bringing It All Together

Chelsea's journey proves that sustainable weight loss doesn't require tiny portions or extreme restrictions. Her experience, backed by scientific research, shows that understanding calorie density and following evidence-based practices allows you to eat satisfying portions while maintaining a calorie deficit.

Remember that sustainable weight loss isn't about perfection – it's about progress. As the research shows, success comes from making consistent, manageable changes rather than following extreme diets. By avoiding these common mistakes and following proven strategies, you can achieve and maintain your weight loss goals while enjoying your food and life.

The key is to focus on:

  • Eating enough calories to prevent binges
  • Including plenty of filling starches
  • Understanding basic weight loss science
  • Creating sustainable habits
  • Staying hydrated
  • Preparing meals in advance
  • Making gradual improvements

Start by choosing one area to improve, and remember that every small step brings you closer to your goals. As Chelsea's story and scientific research demonstrate, sustainable weight loss is achievable when you approach it with patience, understanding, and self-compassion. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Brittney Blanco
​Greek Chicken Wraps
Copyright bylt.by.britt/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 unsure what you should be eating to lose weight? One expert has the answer. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. “If you want to lose 5 to 10 pounds by Easter, these are the foods I would eat daily,” she writes.

Fuel Your Body the Right Way

,Couple,,Fitness,Gym,muscles,bodybuilderShutterstock

According to Brittney, she understands the ratio of what you should be eating to lose weight. “Want more energy, muscle, and balanced hormones? It all starts with your plate! Here’s how to fuel up the right way,” she says.

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

Prioritize Protein

Fresh chicken eggs​7. EggsShutterstock

First, prioritize protein. “Protein keeps you full, builds muscle, and boosts metabolism. Aim for 0.8-1g per pound of body weight (or at least 100g daily)” she writes. The best sources? Eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, salmon, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, and tuna. Why? “Helps burn fat, maintain muscle, and curb cravings!” she says.

Eat More Fiber

,Kale,Cabbage,leafy,greens​The Power of Green GuardiansShutterstock

Next, eat more fiber, mostly veggies and fruit. “Fiber supports digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Aim for 25g daily,” she says. The veggies she recommends are broccoli, green beans, kale, asparagus, and zucchini, and fruits, berries, banana, mango, kiwi, and oranges. Why? “Keeps you full and supports a healthy gut!”

Carbs

Boiled quinoa in white bowl on brown wooden table​30. QuinoaShutterstock

Next up carbs, which equal energy. “Carbs fuel your body and workouts. Choose quality sources,” she writes. Best options: Potatoes, quinoa, farro, bulgur, rice. Why? “Prevents energy crashes and supports muscle recovery,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Healthy Fats

Chia,Seeds.,Chia,Word,Made,From,Chia,Seeds.,Selective,FocusShutterstop

Amp up your healthy fats intake for hormone balance. “Fats help with hormones, brain health, and nutrient absorption,” she says. Best sources: Egg yolks, avocado, cheese, olive oil, chia seeds, almonds, nut butters. Why? “Supports metabolism, mood, and glowing skin!” she writes.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Build a Balanced Plate

Sock eyed salmon with green beans and lemonShutterstock

Using these sources, build a balanced plate. “Keep it simple,” she urges. Why? “Provides balanced nutrition, steady energy, and prevents cravings!” Here is the plate she recommends.

¼ plate protein 🥩

¼ plate carbs 🍚

Thumb-size healthy fats 🥑

½ plate veggies 🥦

And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Chef Zigga chefzigga
Copyright chefzigga/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.

Looking to manage your weight but can't get your hands on Ozempic or Wegovy? You're not alone. With waitlists growing and prices soaring, many are searching for alternatives. Celebrity Chef Zigga, a Certified Nutritionist, recently shared some game-changing information on FOX 29 - many everyday foods naturally contain or stimulate GLP-1, the same hormone that makes these medications effective. "Right now only Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. Ozempic is supposed to be used by type 2 diabetics only," explains Chef Zigga, who then revealed that "GLP-1 is in a lot of food." Read on to discover which kitchen staples might help you feel fuller longer without needing a prescription.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

1. Omega-3 Rich Salmon

Salmon stands out as a top natural source of GLP-1-stimulating nutrients. "GLP-1 is basically food that have a lot of fatty acids, so omega-3s," Chef Zigga explains while presenting a salmon dish during the segment. This fatty fish provides high-quality protein along with those essential omega-3s that can help regulate appetite and slow digestion. Chef Zigga specifically highlights salmon when discussing foods with "more fats, more omega-3s" that support the body's natural GLP-1 production.

2. Creamy Avocados

Lots of avocados with halved avocado with seeds in a pile, vegan foodShutterstock

Avocados earn their place on this list thanks to their healthy fat content that supports natural GLP-1 production. Chef Zigga specifically mentions avocados when discussing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, noting, "If you're looking for something with more fats, more omega-3s, then you have salmon, then you have stuff like avocado." These versatile fruits provide the satisfying fats that help trigger hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, similar to how Ozempic works in the body.

3. Surprising Brussels Sprouts

Brussels,Sprouts,Roasted,vegetable44. Brussels sprouts: 43 caloriesShutterstock

Don't underestimate these little green powerhouses! "Brussels sprouts actually have more omega-3s than avocado does," Chef Zigga reveals during the segment, highlighting their impressive nutritional profile. These cruciferous vegetables not only contain unexpected levels of omega-3s but are also packed with fiber that helps slow digestion and prolong feelings of fullness. Chef Zigga specifically included brussels sprouts under the salmon in their demonstration, creating a GLP-1 boosting power plate.

4. Fiber-Rich Asparagus

Fresh,Green,Asparagus,On,Grey,Concrete,Background.,Flat,LayShutterstock

Asparagus makes the list thanks to its impressive fermented fiber content that supports digestion and satiety. Chef Zigga specifically mentions that "fermented fibers, that's what helps you stay fuller longer," highlighting vegetables like asparagus in this category. This spring vegetable works in your digestive system much like GLP-1 medications do - slowing food movement and helping you feel satisfied longer after meals.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

5. Lean Bison

Traditional fried dry aged bison beef rump steak served as close-up in a rustic old wooden board​2. BisonShutterstock

Bison offers a red meat alternative that supports natural GLP-1 production without excess fat. "Bison is a lean meat," Chef Zigga explains while presenting bison meatballs. During the segment, they specifically recommend that "if you're trying to lose weight, you want to stay with 90-10 ground beef, you want to stay with lean meats like bison." This protein-packed option helps trigger satiety hormones naturally while providing satisfying flavor with less fat than traditional beef.

6. White Fish Varieties

Fresh fish, raw cod fillets with addition of herbs and lemon49. White fish (like cod): 48 caloriesShutterstock

White fish varieties deserve space on your plate when looking for natural GLP-1 supporters. Chef Zigga specifically mentions "white fish" among the foods rich in "high fat content, high omega-3s, fermented fibers." These lighter fish options provide lean protein that helps trigger satiety signals while offering healthy fats that support hormone production. They're versatile enough to prepare in countless ways, making them an easy addition to your meal rotation.

7. Lean Chicken

Roasted or seared chicken breast sliced on a cutting board with herbs and spicesShutterstock

Everyday chicken earns its spot on this list as a practical protein source that supports natural GLP-1 function. Chef Zigga specifically lists chicken among recommended "lean meats" that support weight management, alongside bison and venison. The lean protein in chicken helps trigger satiety hormones naturally, helping you feel full longer after meals - similar to the effects of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

8. Versatile Shrimp

Frozen shrimp. Seafood on the counter. Fish market. Close-up shooting of seafood. Box with shrimp. Photo of shrimp in the supermarket. Wholesale of fish. Peeled shrimp.Shutterstock

Seafood lovers rejoice - shrimp makes the list of Ozempic-mimicking foods. "If you're looking for something, even shrimp, honestly," Chef Zigga mentions when discussing lean protein options during the segment. This versatile seafood provides high-quality protein with minimal fat, helping to trigger those important satiety signals naturally. Shrimp cooks quickly and can be incorporated into countless dishes for an easy GLP-1-supporting meal.

9. Filling Oats

Rolled,Oats,,Healthy,Breakfast,Cereal,Oat,Flakes,In,Bowl,food, oatmealShutterstock

Start your day with oats to naturally support your body's GLP-1 system. "Oats are a fermented fiber. They help keep you fuller longer," Chef Zigga explains while demonstrating how to make overnight oats. This breakfast staple slows digestion and provides steady energy, helping you avoid hunger pangs between meals. Chef Zigga specifically highlighted overnight oats as an effective way to incorporate this GLP-1-supporting grain into your diet.

10. Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt in a potShutterstock

Greek yogurt earns its place on this list as a versatile, protein-rich food that supports satiety. Chef Zigga includes it as a key component in their overnight oats recipe, recommending "a half cup of Greek yogurt" as one of the "main components" in this GLP-1-supporting breakfast. The combination of protein and probiotics in Greek yogurt supports digestive health while helping to trigger satiety hormones naturally.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

11. Trilogy of Seeds: Flax, Hemp & Chia

Flax,Seeds, diet, food, FlaxseedsShutterstock

Small but mighty, this seed trio packs a powerful GLP-1-supporting punch. Chef Zigga showcases what they call "Trilogy" - a combination of flaxseeds, hemp, and chia seeds. "Flaxseeds for every tablespoon is 1.6 grams of omega fatty acids, but then it's very high in fiber. Hemp is for every tablespoon is a thousand milligrams of exactly a fiber also, and then as well as the chia seeds," they explain. These tiny powerhouses deliver concentrated doses of the same omega-3s and fiber that help GLP-1 medications work.

12. Tropical Papaya

Fresh ripe papaya fruits on wooden table, closeup​PapayaShutterstock

Complete your GLP-1-boosting diet with papaya, a fruit that directly supports hormone production. "Papaya also activates your GLP-1 secretions as well," Chef Zigga specifically notes during the segment. This tropical fruit not only adds natural sweetness to meals but contains enzymes that support digestion and help regulate appetite naturally. Chef Zigga demonstrates adding papaya to overnight oats, creating a breakfast that mimics the effects of weight loss medications.

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines

These Foods Will “Help You Stay Fuller Longer”

Young beautiful hispanic woman eating at the restaurant​You Eat Out Too MuchShutterstock

While medications like Wegovy and Ozempic have proven effective for weight management, Chef Zigga demonstrates that many everyday foods naturally contain or stimulate the same GLP-1 hormones that make these drugs work. As they explain, these foods "help you stay fuller longer" and "activate your GLP-1 secretions" - the same mechanisms behind prescription weight loss medications. By incorporating omega-3 rich fish, lean proteins, fiber-filled vegetables, and strategic seeds into your diet, you may be able to naturally boost your body's GLP-1 production. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or stopping any prescribed medications. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey
Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Have you been struggling to lose weight most of your life? Even though it may seem impossible, especially if you have over 100 pounds to lose, seeking inspiration from other people’s stories and learning what worked for them can be the push you need. Lindsey Subrinsky, owner of Shot Bar MedSpa in Chicago, Illinois, struggled with her weight for most of her life – until she made some life-changing choices that helped her lose 140 pounds and keep it off. She recently told her story to Body Network, and it’s very inspiring.

Her Mom Took Her to Weight Watchers When She Was 10

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Lindsey’s mother took her to her first Weight Watchers meeting in 1993 when she was just 10 years old. “It was a group just for kids, and the rooms were always full of parents who feared their child would be fat. That was my first forced experience by my mom to lose weight,” she recalls. “I knew I was successful at losing the 10 pounds I was asked to lose when my mom gave me the approval of two thighs that no longer touched. I had no idea how this was going to shape my life, and neither did my mom who believed she was doing the right thing after struggling with her weight in her youth.”

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

She Struggled Throughout Her Youth

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

The next few years would be brutal. “In the 7th grade, I was forced once again to try a liquid diet program by an MD who thought that was healthy,” she says. For days on end, she would only drink protein shakes while her little brother ate mac and cheese and Doritos. “One year, I got two clementines for my birthday with candles in the middle instead of cake. I know now, as an adult, that my mom believed she was doing the right thing for me. It's taken a lot of therapy and self-healing to forgive, but I know she was well-intentioned.

She Hit Bottom at 272 Pounds

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Fast forward to the year 2018. “I had lost an immense amount of pounds over the years and would gain them right back, 50 off, 75 on. Fad diets, starvation diets, phentermine diets, you name it, I tried it. What is the feeling beyond hopeless? Whatever that word is could have described how I felt when I stepped on the scale to see 272 pounds one morning after the inability to roll over in bed one evening without losing my breath. That morning was the last time I’d ever see that number,” she says.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Lost 100 Pounds in Less Than 10 Months with a Science-Based Approach

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

She took a science-based approach to weight loss. “I am a medical professional who believes in science and data to influence decisions. I took my knowledge and decided to make some changes that launched me to a 100lb weight loss in less than 10 months. I needed graphs and to notate linear changes.”

She Also Used a Smart Scale, Food Tracking Apps, and Activity Tracker

Healthy diet. Male hands holding a smartphone and keeping track of the calories of his food with a fitness appTrick 2: Strategic Food Tracking for SuccessShutterstock

“I bought a smart scale, downloaded a food tracking app (that I still use to this day and request my weight loss patients do the same), got an Apple Watch to track health data, and a food scale,” she tells us. “It became a mission of knowledge. I began to weigh all of my food and stay within a certain macronutrient range that I learned how to calculate. I liked weighing everything because I believe knowledge is power. It took the guess and check out of the equation.”

She Followed a Low-Carb Diet Then Keto-Style

Keto picture.Flat lay of Keto diet food ingredients on white table.Ketogenic mean Low carb and High fat.Healthy food Concept.Shutterstock

She started with a primarily lower-carb diet and transitioned to a keto-style diet later on “so I had room for change as the pounds began to fall off,” she says. “This journey was all about changing my relationship with food, and learning to say no to myself. It became a game and I was going to win this time.”

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

She Lost 140 Pounds Naturally, and Another 15 with a GLP-1

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Jump to 2024. “I have kept off a 140-lb weight loss since 2019,” she says, revealing that she lost her last 15 lbs with a GLP-1 in 2022. “My habits have remained the same.

She Weighs Herself Daily

Female leg is stepping on white bathroom scales at home, weight​You Will Lose Weight FastShutterstock

“I know some weight loss ‘experts’ will balk at what I am about to say, but I weigh myself daily. It keeps me self-aware, and I believe that knowing these numbers dictates my behavior. I have rules about what the numbers mean throughout the week and around my cycle, and I have learned that one bad night of eating will not completely derail my success. It’s just the opposite.”

She Also Takes a Day Off Every Few Weeks

Fit woman doing yoga relaxing and breathing exercises on beach at sunset. Freedom, relax and harmony in nature. Female stretching arms alone.​Your Path to ReliefShutterstock

This leads to another piece of advice she has for anyone trying to lose and/or maintain. “Take a day off every couple of weeks,” she suggests. “Your body is a machine that gets used to whatever you do every day. Have a day that, if you are craving something, enjoy it without feeling guilty. We are humans who also have to ‘live.” Occasionally, one ice cream cone and a couple of pieces of pizza are okay.”

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

She Didn’t Exercise During Most of Her Weight Loss Journey

READING, UK - DECEMBER 25, 2021: Feet pedalling on a Peloton Bike in Reading, Berkshire, UK.Shutterstock

She gets asked a lot about her fitness routine. “Truth is, I did not exercise for a single moment during 2018-2019,” she confesses. “I bought a Peloton early in 2020, right before the pandemic, and started a fitness routine then. My reasoning for that was I was always a perfectionist who crashed and burned and tried to do too much and change too much at one time.”

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

She Doesn’t Use Food As Comfort Any More

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

“This part of my story was about learning to say no to myself. It is still something that I work on every single day, as food was my reward and emotional outlet. Not using food for comfort has become easier, but it is still often my first instinct. I have just trained my mental muscle to know that I am stronger than my thoughts and I hate food remorse. I love being healthy, fitting into anything I want to wear, and knowing I can win against my biggest demon, my fat self who is still ever-so-present, I’ve just learned other ways to ‘feed’ her,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.