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.

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.

Casual style young woman posing on isolated studio background, hold water glass. Beautiful girl portrait. Female model poses.
Shutterstock

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.

More For You

Casual style young woman posing on isolated studio background, hold water glass. Beautiful girl portrait. Female model poses.
Shutterstock
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
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.

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

Healthy natural ingredients containing dietary fiber. Healthy high fiber diet eating concept with antioxidants and vitaminsShutterstock

“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.

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

Healthy Lifestyle. Portrait Of Happy Smiling Young Woman With Glass Of Fresh Water. Healthcare. Drinks. Health, Beauty, Diet Concept. Healthy Eating.Shutterstock

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

High Angle View Of A Workout Plan In Notebook At Wooden DeskShutterstock

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.

Young amazed sporty athletic fitness trainer instructor woman wear blue tracksuit spend time in home gym hold scales cover mouth isolated on pastel plain light pink background. Workout sport concept
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.

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

Portrait of a professional swimmer wearing swimming goggles and a swim cap, resting in the pool. Woman, swimming training, side viewShutterstock

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

Young female sleeping peacefully in her bedroom at night. Relaxing at nighttime. Copy spaceShutterstock

“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.

Laura Denys laura.fitwoman
Copyright laura.fitwoman/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, doing everything you think you should be, but the number on the scale won’t budge? According to an expert, it’s possible that you are doing the wrong things and don’t even know it. Laura Denys is a fitness and nutrition coach with over 1.3 million Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she discusses her weight loss journey and admits that she couldn’t lose weight until she changed her approach to diet and fitness. Here are the 5 things she stopped doing to lose 44 pounds.


Stop Following Diets

The cabbage soup diet, keto, cleanses or other trendy diets may seem like a quick fix for weight loss. However, if you are seriously restricting yourself and going on crash diets to lose weight, you could be getting in your own way, according to Laura. “Stop following diets,” she says. “Go to get out of that ‘all or nothing’ mindset.”

Stop Skipping Meals

It can be tempting to miss a meal to cut calories from your day, but Laura doesn’t recommend it because oftentimes, it will lead to you eating more later in the day. “Stop skipping meals, used to think going all day without eating was gonna help me get results but it only caused me to binge eat at midnight,” she says.

Stop Overdoing It with Exercise

Also, don’t go too hard with exercise. “Stop exhausting yourself and learn to rest. I used to do hours on the stair master now I only walk/run for my cardio,” she says.

Stop Restricting Yourself

And, you don’t have to go to extremes with your diet. “Stop restricting yourself and had to learn portion control,” she says. You can even enjoy sweet treats. “I learned to enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

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

Stop Setting Weight Loss Goals

And her final tip might come as a surprise. “Stop having goals,” she says. “Think that you could lose 2-5lbs a week consistently and would put so much pressure on myself. But as a female your weight changes daily so some weeks l’d lose 2lbs and than gain a lb the next week.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Julie Clouse
Copyright julieclouse_/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 over 40 and struggling to lose weight? Julie Clouse is a social media influencer and fitness and macros expert who tries to “inspire others to be the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post she reveals a few of the habits all the fittest women she knows share. “Not to be dramatic but…There is no secret. The fittest women I know in their 40s have these 6 things in common. They ALL DO THIS!!!” she writes.

Strength Training

The first habit they share? “They prioritize strength training,” she says. “Fittest women in their 40s consistently lift heavy weights, focusing on progressive overload to build muscle and maintain strength.”

Healthy Diet

The next thing they have in common is a healthy diet. “They eat for their goals,” she explains. “They track their macros, prioritize protein (about 1g per pound of body weight), and fuel their bodies with balanced nutrition instead of following fad diets.”

Daily Activity

Another thing they do? “They stay active daily,” she says. “They prioritize NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) by walking, staying active, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, aiming for at least 8-10k steps a day.”

Stress Management

They also understand the importance of mental health and self-care. “They manage stress and recovery,” she writes. “They take rest days, prioritize sleep, and understand that recovery is just as important as workouts. Many practice mindfulness or stress management techniques.”

Patience and Discipline

The fifth habit they share? “They embrace patience and discipline,” she says. “They know results take time and stay disciplined even when progress feels slow.”

Consistency

And what is the most significant piece that ties this all together? “They are CONSISTENT,” she says. “No matter how busy life gets, they show up for themselves day after day. They don’t rely on motivation; they rely on habits they’ve built over time.”

Bonus Tips: Just Start

She also offers some bonus tips. “Just start,” she suggests. “Instead of getting overwhelmed about 6 things you feel like you need to change. Pick 1 start there.”

Don’t Focus on Perfection

“You do NOT have to be perfect. If you’ve been here long enough, I share how to incorporate a sustainable life style with your busy lives and families,” she adds.

Stay the Trail

Next, just keep going. “Yes, it will be hard at first. Yes, there will be days you’re wondering if you’re making progress. Stay the trail. This is for the long term. This is for longevity with your kids and spouses. This is for YOU!” she says.

Take One Hour for Yourself

She also stresses the importance of taking care of yourself and not feeling guilty for it. “Self care is not selfish. You deserve 1 hour to yourself,” she says.

Focus on Losing One Pound a Week

Finally, aim for one pound a week and celebrate it. “Losing 1lb a week is a BIG DEAL!! Imagine if you gained a lb a week. Give yourself grace. The slow way is the fast way for the long term,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Brittney Blanco
Copyright profitablenest/Instagram

Do you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to lose weight? According to an expert, you can still indulge in dessert while burning fat. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new Instagram post, she reveals some delicious go-to desserts to help you lose weight. “6 High-Protein Desserts That Taste Like Cheat Meals 😍 (But Aren’t!)” she titled it. She adds in the video that they have “hardly any calories.”

They Are Low-Calorie, High Protein, with “Amazing” Macros

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

According to Blanco, just because a food is sweet doesn’t mean it is bad for you. “Craving something sweet but want to stay on track? 🍪💪 Here are 6 guilt-free, high-protein desserts with almost zero calories (okay, super low-cal 😉) and amazing macros,” she writes. “🎯 High protein, low calorie, and completely satisfying! Which one are you making first?”

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake

Shutterstock

Her first dessert? Protein Mug Cake. It has 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 5g of fat per serving. “Mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and almond milk. Microwave for 1 min—instant dessert magic!” she says.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.

Shutterstock

Her second go-to dessert is a Greek Yogurt Parfait with 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Layer nonfat Greek yogurt, stevia, and sugar-free syrup with berries. So simple, so good,” she says.

Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

If you love ice cream, try Blanco’s Protein Ice Cream, which is simple to make and has just 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and zero fat. “Blend protein powder, almond milk, ice, and xanthan gum. Freeze for 1 hour = creamy heaven,” she writes.

Chocolate Protein Pudding

top view of chocolate protein pudding. Eating a healthy sweet dessert

Shutterstock

Chocolate Protein Pudding is her fourth dessert with 90 calories, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and one gram of fat. “Mix casein protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond milk. Chill, top with sugar-free whipped cream,” she says.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close upShutterstock

Peanut butter fans will love Brittney’s Peanut Butter Protein Balls. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and six fat grams. “Mix protein powder, powdered peanut butter, almond milk, and stevia into balls. Perfect grab-and-go snack!” she says.

Protein Brownie Batter

Are you constantly licking out the brownie batter bowl? Try Brittney’s Protein Brownie Batter with 80 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Mix whey protein, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of water for a fudgy treat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.