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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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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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.

Happy young woman on scales at home
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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

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

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

3. Add Fiber to Your Diet

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

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

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

5. Hydrate

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

Related: The 9 Best Bodyweight Exercises for Muscle Gain

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

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According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids.

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

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

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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

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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“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

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“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

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“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

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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

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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

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“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

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“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

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“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

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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.

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

Make Protein Your “Best Friend”

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

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Get Enough Sleep

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

Do Cardio Plus Weight Training

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

Eat Whole Foods

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

Take Things One Day at a Time

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

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

Dial in Your Nutrition

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

She Started Drinking Less Alcohol

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

EMOMs and AMRAPs

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

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

Prioritizing Herself

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

Water

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

Mateo Ruperti lifting_with_mateo
Copyright lifting_with_mateo/Instagram/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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

Berries

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

Apples

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

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

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

Grapefruit

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

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

Avocados

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

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

Pineapple

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

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

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

Kiwi

fresh kiwi fruit as background​KiwisShutterstock

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

Watermelon

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

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

Peaches

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

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

Papaya

Fresh ripe papaya fruits on wooden table, closeup​PapayaShutterstock

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

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Oranges

fresh orange fruits with leaves as background, top viewShutterstock

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

Add Them to Your List

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

Emily Ogan livefitwithem
7 Habits to Help You Become “Unrecognizable” by Spring Break
Copyright livefitwithem/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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

HIgh Intensity Workouts and Undereating Could Be Throwing Off Your Hormones

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

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

First, Ditch Endless Cardio and Bootcamps

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

Second, Strength Train

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

Third, Don’t Starve Your Body

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

Strength Train Three Times a Week

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

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

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

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

Finally, Be Consistent

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

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

Wake Up Earlier

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

Hydrate

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

Walk More

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

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

Track Your Macros

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