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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.

This Is How Much Water You Need to Drink to Stay Hydrated

Body Network’s Resident RDN explains everything you need to know about staying hydrated.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
Casual style young woman posing on isolated studio background, hold water glass. Beautiful girl portrait. Female model poses.
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
Nutrition & Diet

As the temperature rises, staying hydrated becomes more and more important. However, figuring out how much water to drink to stay hydrated can be a little confusing. If you feel dehydrated, you're not alone. According to estimates, 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Here is everything you need to know about hydration, according to health organizations, research and Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood.

Men Should Drink This Much Water, a US Health Organization Says

Stylish Afro-American male runner drinking water out of plastic bottle after cardio workout, wearing white earphones. Sportsman in black sportswear hydrating during outdoor training.Shutterstock

How much water do men need to drink? According to the National Academy of Medicine, men should drink at least three liters (nearly 13 cups) of water per day.

Women Should Drink This Much Water

Fitness woman drinking water from bottle. Muscular young female taking a break from workout outside.Shutterstock

As for women, the number is a little lower. The National Academy of Medicine estimates that women should drink at least 2.2 liters (just over nine cups) per day.

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In

Flat lay shot of three bottles of orange, red and blue isotonic drink on a grey concrete backgroundShutterstock

Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies supports these estimates. However, “remember that this is total FLUID not just water,” she says. “All fluids can count so that means coffee, tea, milk, juice, etc. all count for these amounts.”

RELATED: 7 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Strategies From a Gerontology Expert

Climate and Temperature Impact Hydration

healthy fitness girl with protein shake. Smile sport woman in the sunny dayShutterstock

What else impacts hydration? According to Collingwood, climate and temperature should be taken into consideration. “If it is very hot you can dehydrate easily because of loss of sweat,” she says. “In addition, sweat cools you down so hot environments increase risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.”

So Does Age

Middle age man drinking glass of water sitting on sofa at homeShutterstock

Age also impacts hydration, according to Collingwood. “The thirst mechanism gets weaker for older adults, so they cannot rely on it to remember to drink,” she says.

You Also Need to Consider Your Activity Level

Close up of woman back with flexing her muscles in sweat on skin after workout. Female bodybuilder with perfect bicepsShutterstock

Activity level also plays a major role in terms of how much you need to drink to stay hydrated. “The more you move, the heavier you breathe and the more you sweat, both of these things increase hydration needs significantly,” says Collingwood.

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

And, Any Medications You Are On

Dietary supplement or sick, asian young woman, girl hold pills, drugs medical tablet on hand pouring capsules from medication bottle, take vitamin for treatment for skin, hair at home, healthcare.Shutterstock

If you are taking certain medications, it could also impact hydration. “Some medications shut off the thirst mechanism, others have dry mouth as a side effect and require patients to drink more to be comfortable,” explains Collingwood.

What Happens If You Don’t Drink Enough Water?

Blured photo of a woman suffering from vertigo or dizziness or other health problem of brain or inner ear.Shutterstock

What happens if you don’t drink enough water? Collingwood explains that you may experience a number of symptoms, including headache, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

You Can Over Hydrated

Eight glasses of water a dayShutterstock

Overhydration is an actual thing. Frequent urination, dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, and even seizures “in extreme cases of hyponatremia which is when you sweat a lot and drink a lot of water but don’t replace the electrolytes,” are possible side effects, says Collingwood.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

When Should You Drink Water

City heat, summer and black man drinking water on concrete road, thirsty gen z outdoor activity. Sun, fun and urban young man with healthy street culture lifestyle and clean water in bottle to drink.Shutterstock

What time of the day should you drink water? “You should drink water all day long, but especially first thing in the morning to start hydrating after the overnight fast,” she concludes.

💪🔥Body Booster: Women should drink nearly 9 cups and men 13 cups of water daily.

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Nutrition & Diet

This Is How Much Water You Need to Drink to Stay Hydrated

Casual style young woman posing on isolated studio background, hold water glass. Beautiful girl portrait. Female model poses.
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

As the temperature rises, staying hydrated becomes more and more important. However, figuring out how much water to drink to stay hydrated can be a little confusing. If you feel dehydrated, you're not alone. According to estimates, 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Here is everything you need to know about hydration, according to health organizations, research and Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood.

Men Should Drink This Much Water, a US Health Organization Says

Stylish Afro-American male runner drinking water out of plastic bottle after cardio workout, wearing white earphones. Sportsman in black sportswear hydrating during outdoor training.Shutterstock

How much water do men need to drink? According to the National Academy of Medicine, men should drink at least three liters (nearly 13 cups) of water per day.

Women Should Drink This Much Water

Fitness woman drinking water from bottle. Muscular young female taking a break from workout outside.Shutterstock

As for women, the number is a little lower. The National Academy of Medicine estimates that women should drink at least 2.2 liters (just over nine cups) per day.

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In

Flat lay shot of three bottles of orange, red and blue isotonic drink on a grey concrete backgroundShutterstock

Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies supports these estimates. However, “remember that this is total FLUID not just water,” she says. “All fluids can count so that means coffee, tea, milk, juice, etc. all count for these amounts.”

RELATED: 7 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Strategies From a Gerontology Expert

Climate and Temperature Impact Hydration

healthy fitness girl with protein shake. Smile sport woman in the sunny dayShutterstock

What else impacts hydration? According to Collingwood, climate and temperature should be taken into consideration. “If it is very hot you can dehydrate easily because of loss of sweat,” she says. “In addition, sweat cools you down so hot environments increase risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.”

So Does Age

Middle age man drinking glass of water sitting on sofa at homeShutterstock

Age also impacts hydration, according to Collingwood. “The thirst mechanism gets weaker for older adults, so they cannot rely on it to remember to drink,” she says.

You Also Need to Consider Your Activity Level

Close up of woman back with flexing her muscles in sweat on skin after workout. Female bodybuilder with perfect bicepsShutterstock

Activity level also plays a major role in terms of how much you need to drink to stay hydrated. “The more you move, the heavier you breathe and the more you sweat, both of these things increase hydration needs significantly,” says Collingwood.

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

And, Any Medications You Are On

Dietary supplement or sick, asian young woman, girl hold pills, drugs medical tablet on hand pouring capsules from medication bottle, take vitamin for treatment for skin, hair at home, healthcare.Shutterstock

If you are taking certain medications, it could also impact hydration. “Some medications shut off the thirst mechanism, others have dry mouth as a side effect and require patients to drink more to be comfortable,” explains Collingwood.

What Happens If You Don’t Drink Enough Water?

Blured photo of a woman suffering from vertigo or dizziness or other health problem of brain or inner ear.Shutterstock

What happens if you don’t drink enough water? Collingwood explains that you may experience a number of symptoms, including headache, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

You Can Over Hydrated

Eight glasses of water a dayShutterstock

Overhydration is an actual thing. Frequent urination, dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, and even seizures “in extreme cases of hyponatremia which is when you sweat a lot and drink a lot of water but don’t replace the electrolytes,” are possible side effects, says Collingwood.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

When Should You Drink Water

City heat, summer and black man drinking water on concrete road, thirsty gen z outdoor activity. Sun, fun and urban young man with healthy street culture lifestyle and clean water in bottle to drink.Shutterstock

What time of the day should you drink water? “You should drink water all day long, but especially first thing in the morning to start hydrating after the overnight fast,” she concludes.

💪🔥Body Booster: Women should drink nearly 9 cups and men 13 cups of water daily.

Nutrition & Diet

I’m a Nutritionist and Here’s How You Can Lose Your First 10 Pounds 

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 21, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY 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.

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

@project.s.lifestyle

Lose your 1st 10 lbs #weightlossjourney #weightlosstips #weightlosscoach

“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

Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Feb 20, 2022. A Person with an Apple Watch Series 7 with a pedometer app on the screen and with a daily ten thousand steps.Shutterstock

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

Woman drinking water in summer sunlightShutterstock

“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

Eight glasses of water a dayShutterstock

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.

Nutrition & Diet

Fastest Way to Lose 30 Pounds, According to a TikTok Influencer

Carmen_Batres
calibabyoficial/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Carmen Batres (@calibabyofficial) is a singer and influencer who has built up a large following on social media. She regularly shares videos about how she lost weight and totally transformed her body by making a few simple diet and fitness changes. In one viral video, she shares the fastest way to drop weight fast. “The fastest way to losing 30 pounds. Here are my top three tips,” she says in the clip.

Drink 64 Ounces of Water Per Day

@calibabyoficial

I’m so excited for your journey and to be a part of your development it health and fitness! Start with my top 3 tips and you will see amazing results! #weightlossforbeginners

“Number one, I want you to drink 64 ounces of water every day,” says Carmen. “You can find this bottle on my Amazon storefront. Honestly, I love it. You get up every day. You fill it up with your water, you put some electrolytes in it. You can also put cucumbers, whatever, make it fun, but make sure you're drinking this during the day,” she says.

Related: Emily Skye Flashes 6-Pack in Skirt and Top – Here’s How She Ate Her Way to Flat Abs

Why You Should Listen to Carmen About Hydration

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Experts are unanimous that drinking enough water is crucial for your health. The Mayo Clinic explains that water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues. 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, says the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Eat a Salad a Day

Young woman eating healthy food sitting in the beautiful interior with green flowers on the backgroundShutterstock

Next up, Carmen recommends eating “a salad a day,” which she calls a “non-negotiable.” She says “it doesn't matter what time during the day, but I preferably would like you to do it for lunchtime, okay? That means that for lunchtime, no matter what, you're going to have a salad with your protein. Try to avoid heavy dressings, but to build the habit, if you got to have some ranch, whatever, just don't make it a soup of ranch, but I want you to just build a habit of one salad a day. You can literally lose so much weight with that habit.”

Why You Should Listen to Carmen About Eating a Salad a Day

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

Eating a healthy salad is a great idea not only for weight loss, but all the other benefits that veggies and protein offer. Most experts recommend eating around one gram of protein per pound a day, so aim for at least 30 grams of protein for your salad.

Related: I Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months with This Diet Trick

Be On a Schedule

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Her last recommendation is to stay on a schedule. “Being on a schedule is going to help you be consistent. You know why? Because when you go to the gym, if you're going to the gym, or if you're going to your home workouts, you're going to be prepared. You don't have to worry about what the heck am I going to do today? I already did that for you. All you have to do is show up, girlfriend and I want you to show up at least three times a week.” She explains that in order to build a habit, you have to do something a few times a week.

💪🔥Body Booster: Investing in a water bottle with number markings makes hitting your daily hydration goals easy.

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost My Mom Pooch Without Dieting With These Simple Tips

Christina_Hedges8
christina_hedges/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 25, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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.

Christina Hedges (@christina_hedges) is a weight loss influencer and mother who shares tips and tricks on how to get into shape via healthy habits. In a viral video she reveals how to lose five to 10 pounds in a month, “without dieting” – but “not just losing this,” she says. “You're also keeping it off,” she maintains. “The hack that helped me go from mommy pooch to mom bod.” Body Network also consulted with The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, who weighed in on her tactics.

Hydration

@christina_hedges

How to lose weight without dieting #weightloss #loseweight #nodiet #nocountingcalories #viseralfat #bellyfat #keepweightoff #weightlosshack

“Start your day off with water,” Christina suggests. “Increasing your water intake decreases hunger. Get your favorite canteen and fill it up. Drink it throughout the day. Drink three of these a day, which is a little less than a gallon of water. If you're working out. Drink a gallon.” A gallon of water is 128 ounces, “and that is a LOT of water to drink every day,” says Collingwood. The Institute of Medicine Guidelines are 125 ounces per day for men and 91 ounces per day for women. These numbers encompass all fluid, including fluid from food and all drinks throughout the day,” she explains. “Drinking a gallon of water is not dangerous, but it might be a bit unrealistic for many people.”

Don’t Drink Your Calories

christina-hedges-2christina_hedges/TikTok

Second, she advises against drinking your calories. “Avoid sugary drinks, coffee with sugar, sodas, and juice, especially juice,” she instructs. “Absolutely agree,” says Collingwood. “Calories from regular sodas and sweet tea, lemonade, etc. add up in calories and don’t fill you up. Especially watch sweet coffee drinks, milkshakes, and even smoothies.”

Related: The Perfect 5-Exercise Beginner Workout, According to Fitness Expert

Drink Energizing Fluids

christina-hedges-3christina_hedges/TikTok

“Instead, drink something that's going to give you energy and suppress your appetite,” she says, holding up a drink with ice that appears to be some sort of iced green tea. “Iced tea without any added sugar can be a great way to hydrate,” Collingwood says. “Be careful how late in the day you drink tea with caffeine, though, so it doesn’t disrupt sleep.”

Practice Intermittent Fasting

christina-hedges-4christina_hedges/TikTok

Christina also encourages intermittent fasting. “Eat your first meal 12 to 16 hours from dinner. So if dinner was at 7:00 PM 12 hours later, at 7:00 AM gradually working your way up to fasting 16 hours, 7:00 PM to 11:00 AM,” she says. Intermittent fasting is not necessary to lose weight and doesn’t work for everyone, Collingwood says. “Some people have success when they start Intermittent Fasting but quickly plateau.” She recommends a 12 hour fast and spreading food out throughout the day to keep metabolism high.

Related: I Shaved 4.5-Inches Off My Waist in Three Weeks with This Drink

Drink a Fibrous Beverage for Breakfast

christina-hedges-5christina_hedges/TikTok

“The goal is to burn fat for breakfast,” she continues. “When you're ready to eat, drink this fiber matrix. That's it. It allows you to eat what you want, you just won't eat as much. Lose weight, keep it off, and more importantly, get your health back.” A fiber drink can be a good way to add additional fiber to your day “and can assist in hydration as well,” says Collingwood. “Fiber can provide satiety and may help you not eat as much soon after consuming it.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you aren’t getting enough fiber in your diet, drink a fibrous beverage daily. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Yes, You Can Lose 10 Pounds in a Week. Here Is How According to an Expert

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothSep 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Do you want to lose weight fast? It is possible, but it depends on the type of weight you want to lose. Dr. Alan Mandell (@motivationaldoc) is a doctor and social media influencer who regularly shares health tips with his followers. In a new viral video, he answers a commonly asked question regarding losing weight. “So, is it really possible that you can lose 10 pounds in one week in seven days?” he asks. “Yes, it is possible, but not for everybody. Is it possible to lose 10 pounds of fat in one week? Absolutely not. It is impossible.”

First of All, You Have to Eat Healthy

“If you have a very poor diet and you're eating lots of fast foods, highly refined and processed carbohydrates, high saturated fats, you just mind as well kiss goodbye,” he says at the start of the clip. “There's no way in the world that your body can lose weight if you're not eating healthy.”

You Need to “Take Off” Weight in Your Gut and Bowels

Fat woman, Obese woman hand holding excessive belly fat isolated on gym background, Overweight fatty belly of woman, Woman diet lifestyle concept to reduce belly and shape up healthy stomach muscle.Shutterstock

“The two main areas where you're going to take off the majority of the weight is gonna be around your gut, retaining lots of fluid, lots of sodium, as well as your bowels,” he continues. “Most people who have poor diets are going to be more constipated; they're gonna have fewer bowel movements and potentially much more weight they're carrying around in their bowels.”

You Have to Cut Down on Sodium

Salt Shaker, Salt, Food.Shutterstock

“If you're eating lots of refined, processed foods, you're gonna be retaining lots of sodium,” he continues. “What does sodium do? Sodium absorbs more water. It retains fluid.”

You Also Have to Reduce Carb Intake

Organic Whole Wheat White Bread Cut into SlicesShutterstock

“If you're eating too many carbs, carbs get stored as glycogen in the muscle liver. And every carb that gets stored as glycogen gets that much plus water stored along with the sugar,” he says.

This All Impacts the Gut and Intestines

gut,tummy,health,Woman,Holds,Intestines,In,Her,Palms.,Gastrointestinal,Tract.,Intestinal,TractShutterstock

There are other repercussions. “Now we have excessive weight from our glycogen stores, from too much sugar, from retention of too much sodium, and our gut, our intestines from a poor diet,” he says.

Drink More Water

Sunset, man and drinking water with earphones in countryside for fitness and exercise in summer. Mountain, athlete and bodybuilder in evening for wellness or rest with podcast or radio in Los AngelesShutterstock

The first thing he recommends is to drink more water. “Water gets rid of sodium. Many of us think that we don't want to put more water into our system because we're bloated. We're going to retain more water. It's going to get your kidneys to function better. It will get rid of that extra sodium you're holding onto. It will help with constipation, move the bowels, and increase peristalsis so you can eliminate that extra waste.”

And, Exercise Is Key

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He also recommends that everyone exercise. “Any resistant exercise for our muscles, any type of walking, riding a bike, or swimming, will help build those muscles to increase your heart rate and increase your aerobic activity, which will help burn more calories. It increases your metabolic rate. Also, when you retain muscle, you increase your furnace and your metabolism. But as we get older, we lose muscle,” he says.

Drink When You Are Hungry

Water dispenser from dispenser of home fridge, Woman is filling a glass with water from the refrigerator.Shutterstock

“There's no question that many of the times you'll feel hungry, but you're not really hungry. You're more thirsty. We don't drink enough water. And if you drink water about 15 or 20 minutes before your meal or before you think you're hungry, you're going to eat again. You may notice about 70% of the time it's not really hunger, it's thirst and water will give you satiety,” he says.

Eat Nutrient Dense Foods

Female hands puts fruits and vegetables in cotton produce bag at food market. Reusable eco bag for shopping. Sustainable lifestyle. Eco friendly concept.Shutterstock

“One of the greatest things you can do to lose weight is to eat dense foods, whole foods, whole fruits, whole vegetables, whole grains, that have fiber along with it. When it has fiber, the glycemic index is lower. It slows the absorption of sugar into the cells. It will not make you crave more sweets. It will give you lots of satiety. It will crave your hunger, and you're going to feel so much more content. Also, the fiber will lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It'll help your blood work. It's a win-win situation,” he says.

RELATED:12 Tips to Start Weight Training for Women Over 50

And, Make Sure to Get Quality Sleep

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“One other important factor is to make sure you're getting enough sleep because your brain will secrete more growth hormone,” he says, noting that it helps support muscle mass. “It boosts metabolism, and it helps your body burn more fat.”

It Is Possible to Lose Weight Fast

Happy woman celebrating successful weight loss on scale in bright living room. Fitness goals and healthy lifestyle concept. Joyful moment of achievement and motivation.Shutterstock

“Not everyone will lose 10 pounds in one week, but everyone will lose weight to a certain degree depending upon your physiology if you follow these instructions,” he says. “If you're retaining lots of sodium as well as having problems in your bowels and you follow everything along the right way, it is possible that you can lose 10 pounds in one week, but all of it will not be fat. And it would be best if you were more mindful. It would be best if you started eating healthier. You need to start getting into some exercise regimen. It doesn't have to be lifting weight, but something to increase your metabolic rate.”

RELATED:10 Secret Fat-Burning Tricks That Melt Pounds Away Even After 40

Final Note: Drink Water

Close-up image of cute woman in sportswear sitting on the floor after exercises or gym and drinking water from the pink sports bottle. Sports trainer or teacher of PilatesShutterstock

Don’t forget to drink water. “Remember that the majority of our body is made up of water. How can you deprive your body if that water is so necessary to help increase your metabolic rate? Because water is necessary in order for you to lose weight,” he concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 70 Lbs: 5 Things She Wishes She Knew

Nikki Madoch Nikki Gets Fit
I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps
Copyright nikkigets_fit/Instagram
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 01, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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.

Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating. We often focus on the wrong things and set ourselves up for disappointment. Nikki Madoch (@NikkiGetsFit) knows this all too well. As a self-described "nutrition athlete" with ASM CPT and CNC certifications, Nikki has shared her experience losing an impressive 70 pounds on the Weight Watchers program. Her insights might just be the perspective shift you need to make your own journey more successful and sustainable.

The Right Motivation Makes All the Difference

Most people start losing weight to look better, but that's rarely enough to stick with it long-term. "For so long, I just wanted to look better, have a flat stomach, and look like other people. That was all it was," Nikki admits in her post. She found out that feeling better physically became what truly kept her going, not how she looked, which completely changed her approach and results.

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

Health Benefits Show Up Quickly

The physical improvements from healthier eating can pop up much faster than you might think. "After just one week, I could not believe how much better I felt," Nikki says. She noticed huge differences in her energy and overall well-being after cutting out fast food and focusing on portion control and foods that actually nourished her body.

Feeling Good Trumps Looking Good

Lasting weight loss comes from caring more about how your body feels than how it looks. "What keeps me going is how good I feel when I take care of myself, eat healthy, nourish myself, drink enough water, get enough sleep, and exercise," Nikki points out. While looking better in clothes feels nice, it's the improved quality of life that really drives her to keep making healthy choices.

Body Image Issues Can Actually Increase

Surprisingly, losing weight doesn't magically fix body image issues and might even create new ones. "I didn't know that I would have more body dysmorphia as I lost weight," Nikki confesses. She caught herself becoming more critical and self-conscious about specific body parts during her journey than she had been at her heaviest weight.

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

The Mental Game Gets Tougher

Weight loss demands as much mental strength as physical discipline, especially as you make progress. "It was a whole new mental game that I had to work through," Nikki says about dealing with increased body scrutiny. Learning to shift her focus back to health and strength rather than picking apart her physical imperfections became crucial for her continued success.

Don't Be Afraid to Use All Your Resources

If you're following a structured program, take full advantage of all the flexibility it offers. "I was too scared to use my weeklies," Nikki talks about her initial approach to Weight Watchers points. She later discovered that using all her allotted weekly points actually helped her lose more weight rather than slowing her down.

Strategic Indulgence Works Best

How you use extra calories or points matters more than whether you use them. "What worked best for me was using my weeklies on different snacks that I like—protein bars, nuts, peanut butter spread," Nikki shares. She found that spreading out enjoyable foods throughout the week worked better than saving everything for one big cheat meal.

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Variety Prevents Burnout

Eating the same healthy foods over and over leads to boredom and eventually giving up. "It is very easy to get burned out of things, and it's very important to switch things up," Nikki warns. She learned to keep introducing new recipes, ingredients, and meal ideas to keep her plan interesting and something she could stick with.

Try One New Thing Weekly

Small changes make a big difference in keeping meals from getting boring. "Just trying to add a new recipe each week, just a simple recipe, so that I'm trying something new," Nikki suggests. This approach keeps meals exciting without becoming overwhelming or taking too much time.

The Scale Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Weight is just one measurement and often a misleading one, especially when building muscle. "Weight and the number on the scale is not everything," Nikki insists. She weighs 190 pounds at 6 feet tall and feels healthier now than when she weighed less but had less muscle.

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Progress Photos Tell a Better Story

Visual proof of body changes can be more motivating than scale numbers. "I'm actually really happy that I did start taking progress pictures from the start," Nikki mentions. These photos helped her see that she looked smaller at a higher weight due to muscle gain, proving that the scale wasn't telling her the full story of her success.

Embrace Multiple Ways to Measure Success

Relying only on weight can lead to frustration, especially during plateaus. "Having different ways to not focus so much on the scale to see your progress is so important," Nikki talks about. She figured out how to judge her progress through how clothes fit, strength gains, and overall wellbeing rather than obsessing over a specific number.

Final Word

Nikki's journey shows that lasting weight loss comes from focusing on health, enjoyment, and sustainable habits rather than just appearance or numbers on a scale. By shifting your perspective on motivation, measurements, and what truly matters, you can create a healthier relationship with food and your body that lasts far beyond reaching your goal weight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Lose 20 Pounds in 90 Days With Expert Methods

Mateo Ruperti lifting_with_mateo
Copyright lifting_with_mateo/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 01, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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 frustrated with all the one-size-fits-all fat loss methods that don’t seem to work for you? One expert claims there are a handful of easy and effective methods you can choose from to lose weight. Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who uses his LWM Blueprint to help “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days.” In a new post, he reveals five methods that you can use to drop weight fast. “How to lose body fat in 3 months,” he writes.

Method 1

His first method involves a lot of coffee and water. “Drink a lot of water, so your tummy will be filled with water and you won’t have urges to eat,” he says. Drink black coffee: Caffeine will give you energy and will manipulate your brain into thinking you are not hungry. Use this when having cravings.”

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

Method 2

The second method involves exercise and a calorie deficit. “Be in a slight calorie deficit of 200-300 calories. Use high dense food to make you feel like you are full without eating so many calories,” he says. Also, do cardio. “Walk about 10,000 to 15,000 steps everyday. Walking is the best form of cardio to burn calories.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Method 3

The third method is following the 30-30-30 Rule. “Do 30 minutes of cardio after 30 minutes of waking up and then eat 30 grams of protein. This is one the fastest ways to burn fat!” he claims.

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

Method 4

His final method? “Eat foods that are rich in protein,” he says, revealing the following recommendations:

  • Egg whites
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Broccoli.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Bonus Tips

He also offers some bonus tips

  • Stop drinking ALCOHOL
  • No soda, Starbucks etc.
  • Count your calories precisely for at least 6 days a week.
  • Sleep 7-8 hours a day for better rest and recovery.

And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

8 Best Costco Foods for Losing Weight Shoppers Just Discovered

HAMILTON, CANADA - JUNE 29, 2017 Costco Wholesale storefront in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Costco operates a chain of membership warehouses, carrying merchandise at lower prices.
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 01, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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.

Costco is known for selling some of the most delicious but calorie-heavy items, including pizza dripping with cheese and toppings, substantial hot dogs, and larger-than-life muffins. However, it is also an excellent resource for anyone on a diet or trying to lose weight. Health experts, trainers, and influencers share their go-to weight loss finds at the warehouse daily. Here are the 8 best Costco foods for losing weight that shoppers just discovered.

Wild Caught Salmon

,Salmon,Fish,Fillets, protein, food, dinner​Amp Up Your Protein IntakeShutterstock

Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, recommends stocking up on wild-caught salmon, either frozen or fresh, at Costco. “Wild-caught salmon is rich in Omega-3s for heart and brain health,” she told our sister site, Eat This, Not That!. “These healthy fats are essential as we age, helping to reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Costco offers a variety of wild-caught salmon options that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared for easy, nutritious meals.”

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

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shake

container,Fairlife, milk,grocery, store.food,shopping,supermarket​Fairlife: The High-Protein Milk Game-ChangerShutterstock

I, and lots of influencers and fitness pros, are obsessed with Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Protein Shakes. TikToker Ali Olson, who has lost 105 pounds, recently shared a post showing the protein-packed milk in a video detailing her daily diet. Collingwood is also a big fan of Fairlife milk products. “It is delicious and also has a higher protein content than ‘regular’ milk due to how they process the milk,” she says. “It is good for post-workout, on your cereal, in a smoothie, or just a glass with dinner.”

Organic Meat

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meat​Grass-Fed Beef: The Satisfaction SolutionShutterstock

Costco is an excellent resource for organic meat. “Would I rather eat grass-fed, organic meat all the time? Sure, but I’m not a gazillionaire. That’s why I tend to stock up on beef (usually steaks and chuck roast) as well as chicken (organic if I can find it) while I’m there,” writesRuth Soukup, a midlife health and mindset coach, in an Instagram post.

Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken

Holly Hillyer lost 45 pounds and swears that Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken is a must-buy. “Throw this over a bed of cauliflower rice for a quick meal,” she suggests about the paleo-friendly and ultra-clean meals that are easy to prepare and found in the refrigerator section of the warehouse.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars are a dessert that offers some health benefits. My daughter prefers Yasso Cookies n’ Cream Greek Yogurt Bars over traditional ice cream bars – and they cost a fraction of the price compared to Whole Foods or Target. Each bar is just 90 calories and offers 5 grams of protein.

Poppi Prebiotic Soda

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - 6 SEPT 2024: Three cans of Poppi Prebiotic Soda on a bed of ice.

Shutterstock

There’s a reason Pepsi purchased Poppi Prebiotic Soda for nearly 2 billion dollars. The soda isn’t just delicious, the apple cider vinegar and gut-boosting beverage offers health benefits, including improved digestion. I always pick up a box of these on a trip to the warehouse.

Mush Overnight Oats

Los Angeles, California, United States - 08-16-2023: A view of a hand holding a package of Mush Oats, on display at a local grocery store.

Shutterstock

Don’t have time to make overnight oats from scratch? Keep a box of Mush Overnight Oats in your fridge. The individually packaged and portioned overnight oats are great for a quick but nutritious breakfast.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Tru Grill Grilled Chicken Strips

Grilled or roasted chicken breast, whole and sliced on a wooden serving plate​Greek Chicken BowlShutterstock

Keep pre-cooked, lean proteins on hand for easy and nutritious dinners that will fill you up. Hillyer also recommends Tru Grill precooked Grilled Chicken Strips. “Heat and top a salad for an easy protein with dinner. My kids also love these just dipped in ketchup,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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