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I Ditched the Gym for Pilates & Walking to Achieve the Dream Body I Love

Fitness influencer Sivan Tayer says lifting heavy weights isn't always the answer.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Young,Woman,Walks,Outdoor,As,Workout
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Many people swear by gym workouts to achieve their best body ever. However, pumping iron isn’t a slim-down magic potion for everyone. Sivan Tayer, a fitness influencer on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, claims that she couldn’t achieve her dream body until she shifted her approach to fitness and found the perfect workout for her body. "If you're struggling to find your perfect routine and diet plan, my biggest advice is to first ask yourself what your biggest priority in yourself is," Tayer told us here at Body Network. "Is it weight loss? Muscle gain? Slim upper body and thicker lower body? Then comes the routine. The smaller you want an area, the easier you go on it. The bigger you want an area, the harder you go on it. In the end, we are working not only to get the body and health of our dreams, but to maintain that body as well."


1. She Was Doing It All Wrong

Blonde young woman give up workout in gym, fail.Shutterstock/sakkmesterke

“POV: you realized that lifting heavy 4-5x a week was not it and all you needed to do was pilates, hit glutes, and walk to achieve your dream physique,” she wrote in a post showing off her body. In a September 2023 TikTok, Tayer explained that it wasn’t until she stopped following the advice of other fitness influencers that she got the body she wanted. She told us: "What I found traditional was lifting heavy constantly, and counting calories and macros. At first, I was losing fat, but I would constantly feel tired and I developed a bad relationship with food. Eventually, my looks started to not look the way I wanted. I looked puffy, and bigger than what I wanted because everyone always posted that 'lifting heavy' wouldn't make you get big, and it's the only right way to get to your goals. My gut began to not react well to processed/artificial 'protein' supplements, and honestly the list just goes on."

“My journey on getting slim and toned arms was not an easy one, but I'm going to show you what I did,” she explained in the post. Tayer says she “held a lot of fat” in her arms, “so it was really tough for me to know what I had to do specifically through social media.”

Related: 20 Foods That Strip Belly Flab

2. She Did the Opposite of What Gym Rats Were Saying

Woman,lifting,dumbbells,Weight,fitness,gym,exercise, weightsShutterstock

“A lot of people said, ‘Oh, lift heavy upper body, eat more, whatever. You're not going to gain so much. It's super hard for women to gain mass up there.’” However, “that was not the case” with her. “Me personally, I had to do almost the opposite of what these gym rats were saying to get this look of the slim and toned arms. And when I talk about it on social media, a lot of people tend to get at me about it, but this is my results and it worked for me and it might work for a lot of people,” she added.

“I truly believe one of the biggest factors and my arms getting smaller was doing low weight-high reps, and I really feel like just lifting heavy was just not doing it for me,” she continued, “So I don't hit upper body at the gym, but I do Pilates and replacement of that.”

3. She Discovered Pilates

Pilates,Exercises,Reformer,Bed,workout,fitness,gym,exerciseShutterstock

Pilates is “the best thing I've ever done for myself, you get smaller anywhere,” she claims. “You do have to have a good diet, but I just felt like lifting heavy made me hungry all the time. So lifting lighter really did make a difference for me, not just in my looks, but my appetite as well. That's why I say lifting lighter can definitely help your super big appetite that came from lifting heavy.”

We asked her about the biggest challenges or misconceptions she faced when she started incorporating Pilates and walking into her fitness routine. She told us: "The biggest misconception about pilates is that it's not enough, and can leave you 'skinny fat,' which is not true at all. A lot of people fail to realize that there are many forms and levels to Pilates. If done right, you can achieve amazing results with just pilates and some walking. Of course, your goals also depend. But for relatively any person who doesn't want to look like a big strong person, pilates and walking is the way to go. Most fashion models that you follow on socials do way more pilates and walking."

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds With These 4 Easy Exercises

4. And It’s Working for Her

Pilates,Reformer,Bed,gym,exercise,workoutShutterstock

"I just added Pilates into my daily routine. Since there are different levels and forms of pilates and it's extremely beneficial to walk every day, you don't really need to take rest days as often because you are never really overworking your body or muscles the way weightlifting will. It's also often less time-consuming and walking is something you can incorporate into your day-to-day life will healthy lifestyle habits," she told us.

A 2021 study found that Pilates helped reduce body weight and body fat percentage in overweight and obese participants. It also found that the longer a person performed Pilates, the more significant the weight loss. “Ultimately, I'm not trying to discourage people who have different goals or lift heavy. This is just my experience and I hope this helped some of you guys too, she concluded in the video.

5. Most People Benefit from Upper Body Lifting

,Female,Athlete,Dumbbells,weights,lifting,gym,exerciseShutterstock

Philadelphia-based trainer Kendra Gamble of HIT Fitness explains that while it is true that it’s really hard for women to gain muscle mass in rare cases, some people tend to bulk up more than others, usually due to genetics. However, most people will benefit from upper body lifting and this “shouldn’t scare women from doing” these types of workouts.

6. This is the Biggest Thing She Learned

"A lot of people forget the part where diet is about 80% of your results and when you think about it, if we are running marathons or doing some pretty intense activity, our bodies tend to want to eat much more," she told us. "Most times, we tend to eat more calories than what our body lost even during those intense workouts because of how 'hangry' we get (especially for people who struggle to lose weight). The BIGGEST thing I learned is that you need to more revolve your life around healthier eating habits, especially when it comes to portion control, and what way to make it much easier than not stressing your body out as much."

Related: This is the #1 Carb You Could Eat For Your Body

7. Here's Her Advice to Others Looking to Lose Weight

"Whatever you do, try it out and if it doesn't work, do your minor tweaks until you've cracked the code for YOUR body," she told us. "Cortisol levels are also something not talked about enough so definitely try to make a note of how your body reacts to certain workouts and foods over a week or more of doing that!"
She added: "Never feel like someone knows your body better even if it's more popular to weight lift and do intense HIIT workouts or someone told you what works best for you. You know your body, so listen to it."
@sivan.tm

feel free to ask questions💕 #gymjourney #workout #pilates

💪🔥Body Booster: While most women won’t bulk up from heavy weight lifting, some people are more genetically predisposed to gaining more muscle mass. If you are one of them you could benefit from doing a low impact workout like Pilates.

More For You

Young,Woman,Walks,Outdoor,As,Workout
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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.

Many people swear by gym workouts to achieve their best body ever. However, pumping iron isn’t a slim-down magic potion for everyone. Sivan Tayer, a fitness influencer on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, claims that she couldn’t achieve her dream body until she shifted her approach to fitness and found the perfect workout for her body. "If you're struggling to find your perfect routine and diet plan, my biggest advice is to first ask yourself what your biggest priority in yourself is," Tayer told us here at Body Network. "Is it weight loss? Muscle gain? Slim upper body and thicker lower body? Then comes the routine. The smaller you want an area, the easier you go on it. The bigger you want an area, the harder you go on it. In the end, we are working not only to get the body and health of our dreams, but to maintain that body as well."


1. She Was Doing It All Wrong

Blonde young woman give up workout in gym, fail.Shutterstock/sakkmesterke

“POV: you realized that lifting heavy 4-5x a week was not it and all you needed to do was pilates, hit glutes, and walk to achieve your dream physique,” she wrote in a post showing off her body. In a September 2023 TikTok, Tayer explained that it wasn’t until she stopped following the advice of other fitness influencers that she got the body she wanted. She told us: "What I found traditional was lifting heavy constantly, and counting calories and macros. At first, I was losing fat, but I would constantly feel tired and I developed a bad relationship with food. Eventually, my looks started to not look the way I wanted. I looked puffy, and bigger than what I wanted because everyone always posted that 'lifting heavy' wouldn't make you get big, and it's the only right way to get to your goals. My gut began to not react well to processed/artificial 'protein' supplements, and honestly the list just goes on."

“My journey on getting slim and toned arms was not an easy one, but I'm going to show you what I did,” she explained in the post. Tayer says she “held a lot of fat” in her arms, “so it was really tough for me to know what I had to do specifically through social media.”

Related: 20 Foods That Strip Belly Flab

2. She Did the Opposite of What Gym Rats Were Saying

Woman,lifting,dumbbells,Weight,fitness,gym,exercise, weightsShutterstock

“A lot of people said, ‘Oh, lift heavy upper body, eat more, whatever. You're not going to gain so much. It's super hard for women to gain mass up there.’” However, “that was not the case” with her. “Me personally, I had to do almost the opposite of what these gym rats were saying to get this look of the slim and toned arms. And when I talk about it on social media, a lot of people tend to get at me about it, but this is my results and it worked for me and it might work for a lot of people,” she added.

“I truly believe one of the biggest factors and my arms getting smaller was doing low weight-high reps, and I really feel like just lifting heavy was just not doing it for me,” she continued, “So I don't hit upper body at the gym, but I do Pilates and replacement of that.”

3. She Discovered Pilates

Pilates,Exercises,Reformer,Bed,workout,fitness,gym,exerciseShutterstock

Pilates is “the best thing I've ever done for myself, you get smaller anywhere,” she claims. “You do have to have a good diet, but I just felt like lifting heavy made me hungry all the time. So lifting lighter really did make a difference for me, not just in my looks, but my appetite as well. That's why I say lifting lighter can definitely help your super big appetite that came from lifting heavy.”

We asked her about the biggest challenges or misconceptions she faced when she started incorporating Pilates and walking into her fitness routine. She told us: "The biggest misconception about pilates is that it's not enough, and can leave you 'skinny fat,' which is not true at all. A lot of people fail to realize that there are many forms and levels to Pilates. If done right, you can achieve amazing results with just pilates and some walking. Of course, your goals also depend. But for relatively any person who doesn't want to look like a big strong person, pilates and walking is the way to go. Most fashion models that you follow on socials do way more pilates and walking."

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds With These 4 Easy Exercises

4. And It’s Working for Her

Pilates,Reformer,Bed,gym,exercise,workoutShutterstock

"I just added Pilates into my daily routine. Since there are different levels and forms of pilates and it's extremely beneficial to walk every day, you don't really need to take rest days as often because you are never really overworking your body or muscles the way weightlifting will. It's also often less time-consuming and walking is something you can incorporate into your day-to-day life will healthy lifestyle habits," she told us.

A 2021 study found that Pilates helped reduce body weight and body fat percentage in overweight and obese participants. It also found that the longer a person performed Pilates, the more significant the weight loss. “Ultimately, I'm not trying to discourage people who have different goals or lift heavy. This is just my experience and I hope this helped some of you guys too, she concluded in the video.

5. Most People Benefit from Upper Body Lifting

,Female,Athlete,Dumbbells,weights,lifting,gym,exerciseShutterstock

Philadelphia-based trainer Kendra Gamble of HIT Fitness explains that while it is true that it’s really hard for women to gain muscle mass in rare cases, some people tend to bulk up more than others, usually due to genetics. However, most people will benefit from upper body lifting and this “shouldn’t scare women from doing” these types of workouts.

6. This is the Biggest Thing She Learned

"A lot of people forget the part where diet is about 80% of your results and when you think about it, if we are running marathons or doing some pretty intense activity, our bodies tend to want to eat much more," she told us. "Most times, we tend to eat more calories than what our body lost even during those intense workouts because of how 'hangry' we get (especially for people who struggle to lose weight). The BIGGEST thing I learned is that you need to more revolve your life around healthier eating habits, especially when it comes to portion control, and what way to make it much easier than not stressing your body out as much."

Related: This is the #1 Carb You Could Eat For Your Body

7. Here's Her Advice to Others Looking to Lose Weight

"Whatever you do, try it out and if it doesn't work, do your minor tweaks until you've cracked the code for YOUR body," she told us. "Cortisol levels are also something not talked about enough so definitely try to make a note of how your body reacts to certain workouts and foods over a week or more of doing that!"
She added: "Never feel like someone knows your body better even if it's more popular to weight lift and do intense HIIT workouts or someone told you what works best for you. You know your body, so listen to it."
@sivan.tm

feel free to ask questions💕 #gymjourney #workout #pilates

💪🔥Body Booster: While most women won’t bulk up from heavy weight lifting, some people are more genetically predisposed to gaining more muscle mass. If you are one of them you could benefit from doing a low impact workout like Pilates.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose weight without having to go to the gym? Tarn Kaur is an online fitness coach, social media influencer, and weight loss warrior. She often shares tips and tricks on how to slim down in a healthy and sustainable way. In a recent TikTok, she revealed that she lost an average of 10 pounds a month without having to hit the gym. “I lost 71 pounds, and I did all of this without going to the gym,” she says, going on to reveal how she did it.


Walking Is the Key to Weight Loss, She Says

@weightlosswithtarn

How I lost weight without gym!🤍 #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #weightlossjourneyuk #weightlossprogress

The secret to her weight loss success? Putting on some sneakers. “My biggest tip I can give you is actually go out and get yourself walking. It sounds so simple, and it sounds like you won’t really do much, but it absolutely changed everything for me,” she said.

She Started Walking to Feel Better

“So when I was at my largest, I was always out of breath, always. My mental health wasn’t that great, and I was always fatigued and low energy. So what I decided to do, and this is where I didn’t really focus on the scales. I just wanted to feel better. I went for a walk, and that’s how everything began,” she says.

She Focused On Walking Daily to Establish a Habit

“The biggest tip I can give you is you don’t need to walk 10,000, 20,000, or 30,000 steps a day, but what you need to do is start to build that habit of movement. Whether that’s going out for 1,000 steps or you’re not even counting, but just walking every single day around the block, around your area and building that up over time,” she explained.

She Didn’t Go to the Gym Until After Her Fat Loss Stage

She went on to lose 70 pounds over an eight month period of time, “and I only started working out near the end when I wanted to tone up and my body felt quite soft per se,” she claims. “I really wanted to tone up, and that’s when I started doing home workouts again. I didn’t go to the gym during that fat loss phase.”

RELATED: 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coache

She Walked Every Day

“What I did do, though, is go for a walk every single day without fail. It didn’t need to be 10,000 steps every single day, but I made that a real key habit of mine. And once I started to really build that consistency and discipline of going out every single day, everything else stacked on top quite easily,” she explained.

It Actually Stuck

“I was someone that would never stick to anything for more than a week. I tried all of the silly diets,” she says. “And what actually stuck is just trying to make my body feel better and not focusing on what the scale said.”

She Started Walking More and More Steps

“I started off quite slow because I was so unhealthy and so overweight. I was out of breath just going around the block. That eventually progressed over months, weeks and weeks, months and months, days and days. It progressed to 10 to 12,000 steps a day, and it just became so easy. My legs were so toned even though the rest of me still needed work. My legs literally could take me anywhere, and they did.”

It Helped Her Mental Health

“It just became a real kind of need in my everyday routine to go out, not only for my body and for exercise and for endorphins, but for my mental health. During that time, I had time for myself. I put my headphones on, I completely shifted my mindset,” she says.

RELATED: I Lost 120 Pounds by Cutting Out These Common Foods I'll Never Eat Again

She Shifted Her Mindset

“I didn’t see it as ‘Oh, I need to go for a walk because I need to lose weight.’ I just changed it to ‘I want to go for a walk, I want some alone time, I wanna listen to my favorite podcast, I wanna catch up with a friend on the phone, I wanna get some fresh air.’”

The Biggest Takeaway? Start Slow and Be Consistent

“Honestly, it sounds so simple, but the most important thing is you need to start so slowly and so easily on this journey that you feel like you’re not doing anything. That’s what I felt like, and it changed everything. I am now in the best shape of my life. I feel great mentally and physically, and honestly, just take that first step. That literal first step, be consistent with it,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Alexandrea Garza (@alexandreagarza) is a social media influencer who regularly shares about all the health habits that keep her in shape. In one of her viral posts, she revealed that after several months of the same exercise routine, she started hitting a plateau. However, after making a few simple tweaks, she is making more progress. “I've been doing the same workout routine for eight or nine months now, but I'm actually starting to see much better results within the past couple of weeks. And I'll tell you what I've changed,” she says in the clip.


She Walks 10,000 Steps Per Day

@alexandreagarza

How I’m starting to see better results from my workouts. This + adding in more protein and im seeing a difference within weeks. #pilates #10ksteps #walkingroutine

“So I always get my 10,000 steps in a day. I go for a walk. I'm getting ready to go for one right now,” she starts off. 10,000 steps is the gold standard if you want to lose weight, according to science. One study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies – including those published in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine – 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.

But She Upped Her Game, Transitioning to “Power Walks”

Alexandrea_Garza_alexandreagarza1alexandreagarza/TikTok

“But instead of just doing a leisurely walk, I now do power walks,” she reveals. I actually use my Peloton app. I do their outdoor walks, so they're kind of like interval power walks, moderate walks, or just much faster walks. I feel it so much more in my legs and my glutes and my hamstrings,” she continued. It's such a better workout.”

Related: #1 Hack to Make Maintaining Your Weight Loss Easy, According to Nutritionist

She Also Does Pilates

Pilates class with men and women at a gymShutterstock

She also does Pilates, which, according to research, helps increase muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility and improves posture and balance. “I've been doing that for about nine-ish months now. I used to just do kind of classic on the reformer, low, slower paced,” she says.

She Increased the Level

Alexandrea_Garza_alexandreagarza2alexandreagarza/TikTok

Similar to tweaking her walking routine, she amped up her Pilates workouts on the reformer. “I've moved up to their highest level, which is called mixed equipment. So, it's much heavier resistance. It's like a true strength workout, and I'm sweating. It's just much harder,” she says.

She Claims Her Results Are “Much Better”

Alexandrea_Garza_alexandreagarza4alexandreagarza/Instagram

The result? “So I'm doing the same workouts, but I've just leveled up the intensity while still keeping it low-impact, and I've seen much better results so far,” she explains.

Related: I Started to Walk 1 Mile Every Day and Here’s How I Made It Happen

Why It Is Important to “Level Up” Intensity Over Time

Alexandrea_Garza_alexandreagarza5alexandreagarza/TikTok

When it comes to weight loss and building muscle, you need to regularly amp up intensity if you want to continue seeing results. This is called hitting a plateau. “To lose more weight, you need to either increase your physical activity or decrease the calories you eat. Using the same approach that worked at first may maintain your weight loss, but it won't lead to more weight loss,” explains the Mayo Clinic. In terms of exercise, you can either work out longer or harder.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you have hit a “plateau” in your weight loss or fat-burning journey, either amp up your fitness intensity or opt for longer workouts. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Liz_Hilliard_5844
Liz Hilliard
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.

Liz Hilliard, 70, is living, breathing proof that age is just a number. The pilates instructor, who trains out of her studio Hilliard Studio Method, discovered the workout when she was 48, and completely transformed her approach to health. Over the years she has managed to learn a few things about longevity, revealing her secrets in an interview with Body Network.


Liz Used to Rely on Traditional Workouts

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Liz, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, explains that she was athletic throughout her childhood and enjoyed playing basketball and other team sports. “Traditional workouts always felt boring and offered minimal results for the time and energy put into them, " she says. Until I was in my late 40s, I relied on tennis and walking as my main sources of exercise.

RELATED: I'm a Personal Trainer and These 5 Moves Banished My Clients' Bat Wings in Weeks

She Discovered Pilates at Age 48

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

“At age 48, I attended my first Pilates class and immediately felt incredibly challenged. I even had fun, which led me to become certified in Pilates,” she says. In 2002, she opened her first personal Pilates training studio. “It was a successful business, and my clients were seeing real results. However, at age 51, while going through menopause, I noticed despite my Pilates workout, my belly fat was increasing, and my overall strength was decreasing as well, aka flabby arms and sagging bottom."

Fusing Strength Training with Pilates Was a Game-Changer

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

"Inspired by my daughter, who was getting married and sculpting up for her wedding, I began researching heavy resistance training and hired my own personal trainer to try to sculpt my 51-year-old, menopausal body. We implemented heavy weight training, and I was determined to debunk the ‘bulking’ myth that most women feel about weightlifting," Liz says.

"The short story is that adding heavier resistance training to my core-centric Pilates workout began to sculpt my body in ways I hadn’t seen before using only traditional Pilates. That’s when I devised my Method. By incorporating heavy resistance with the core-centric exercises of Pilates, the Hilliard Studio Method was born."

She Shaved Inches Off Her Waistline

Slim young woman measuring her thin waist with a tape measure, close upShutterstock

Hillard, who has since authored the book "Be Powerful: Find Your Strength at Any Age" and co-hosts the Be Powerful Podcast, has remained 135 pounds throughout most of her life. “Muscle weighs more than fat, so I was replacing adipose tissue with muscle. My body was sculpting and changing at a rapid rate, especially given that I was in the throes of menopause. I lost inches around my waist, my arms became strong and sculpted, my abs flattened, and my glutes lifted. My entire body changed over the course of a year or less,” she says.

She Works Out 4 to 5 Times a Week

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

What are the most important things she learned about getting in shape? “Find a workout that you enjoy, or you won’t stick with it. Our lives are busy, so finding a workout that efficiently provides resistance combined with stretch and enough cardio is essential. I do my workout at Hilliard Studio Method 4 to 5 times a week because we change the workout daily, moving through compound exercising and utilizing different resistance tools like balls, gliders, and bands to continuously cause muscle confusion and avoid the dreadful plateau, both mentally and physically. We keep the work fun and evolving, low impact yet high intensity. The amazing side effect of getting in physical shape is that one’s mental and emotional outlook becomes far more positive. Strength training like I do at HSM is the fountain of youth,” she continues.

RELATED: This Woman Gave Up Processed Sugar and Got Into the Best Shape of Her Life at 54 By Doing These 4 Things

Get Your Steps In

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Her top workout suggestions? “Walk every day and everywhere. Get outside as often as possible to walk in nature. Bonus points if you walk with a friend. It’s built-in mental and physical therapy, which will not only help keep you fit but also lift your mood and keep your mind creative,” she says.

Strength Train Four Times a Week

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Also, strength training 4 times per week. “Strength training is an absolute requirement for healthy aging and simply means load-bearing exercises that require your muscles to engage. This can include anything from hand weights, resistance bands, weighted balls or any weighted object that taxes and builds skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscle strength allows the body to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight while setting the body up for success when inevitable accidents happen, so you are far less likely to avoid falling and breaking bones,” she says.

It’s Never Too Late to Get in Shape

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

What is her message for women out there who are struggling to get in shape? “It’s never too late, and you’re never too old or out of shape to start exercising. By simply getting out of your chair and going for a 20-minute walk, you’ll have the immediate feedback of feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she says.

Make Exercise Social

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

She also recommends connecting with friends to walk, workout, “and just talk every day,” she says. “Walking and talking with a friend or acquaintance is the perfect combo for both physical and mental health! Add resistance training to your workout, which can be as simple as a plank for as long as you can hold it until you work for up to a minute. Then go for 2 minutes or more. This is resistance training and incredible for your core and overall fitness! Then add a pushup on your knees, which is basically a moving plank that strengthens your arms, back, and core, not to mention flattens your abs. Do as many as you can, and try to work up to 20 or more. Mostly, just keep moving every single day. Our bodies are designed to move. The fastest way to early aging is to stop moving. The move it or lose it cliché is true.”

RELATED: I Help Women Over 35 Lose Weight: 9 Eating Errors You Must Stop Today

Try the Hilliard Studio Method at Home

Athletic woman in stylish sportswear doing lunges exercises at home in bedroom.Shutterstock

She says she “takes working out to the next level to produce results that are nothing short of a total mind-body transformation for women and men of all ages and stages,” she says. “Hilliard Studio Method group classes are designed to be taken on a regular basis. Each class is different from the day before. Our energetic and encouraging trainers utilize a variety of powerful movements and workout tools in a high intensity, low impact method driven by empowering, beat-driven music; think personal training in a group setting.” Her classes can also be done virtually via an online streaming platform and live Zoom classes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Online fitness coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about her weight loss. In her many viral videos, she reveals the simple but effective changes she made to her lifestyle that enabled her to drop the weight fast. In a new Instagram video, she gets specific about the “3 things” she “stopped doing to lose 40 pounds.”


She Stepped Away From the Scale

The first thing Alex did was stop weighing herself, she writes. “Why? The scale was messing with my head, so I threw it off my balcony.”

She Stopped Counting Calories

Alexandra_alexx.fitt11alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Lots of health experts recommend counting calories, but that didn’t work for Alex. “I stopped counting calories and stuck to a schedule. I ate breakfast at 8 a.m., a snack at 11, lunch at 1, a snack at 3, and dinner at 6. And yeah, your schedule may be different, but if you have 5 minutes to check TikTok or like this post, you have 5 minutes to grab an apple or pick up a protein bar and throw it in your purse,” she writes.

Related: I'm a Dietitian, and These Are 7 Foods You Should Never Eat

She Stopped Doing Workouts She Hated

Alexandra_alexx.fitt12alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Her third lifestyle change? “I stopped doing the workouts I hated,” she claims. I remember I’d always do 40 minutes on the Stairmaster (it didn’t help me lose weight, only raise my cortisol levels), and on the days I was lazy, I’d skip the gym altogether just because I didn’t want to do cardio. Now, my only cardio is walking.”

Her advice? “Start implementing a routine that makes you happy and works for you, not anyone else,” she concludes the post.

Here’s How She Used Walking for Weight Loss

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As for exercise, in some of her other videos, Alex elaborated on how walking helped with her weight loss. Not only would she walk for 20-30 minutes in the morning, but she would take a short 10-15 minute walk after lunch.

Related: 5 Habits from Fitness Trainer Krissy Cela that Could Change Your Life

Try to Walk 30 to 60 Minutes a Day, Says Another Expert

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“You can do 30-60 minutes all at one time, or you can do a few 10-15 minute bouts of exercise throughout the day. Whatever works for you,” says The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Either way, you are raising your metabolism and teaching your body to burn calories.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Just because experts recommend habits, like counting calories, weighing yourself, or doing specific workouts, doesn’t mean they will work for you. If they don’t, make changes accordingly.

10 Foods That Secretly Burn Fat After 40
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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Let's face it—hitting 40 comes with some unwelcome surprises for most of us. Suddenly, those extra pounds seem to appear out of nowhere, and the weight loss strategies that worked in your 30s just don't cut it anymore. But before you throw in the towel, here's some good news: certain foods can actually help kick your metabolism back into gear.

We've dug into the latest research from top medical institutions and talked to leading experts to uncover the foods that can help you burn fat after 40. No fad diets or miracle pills—just real, science-backed nutrition that works.

Why Your Body Changes After 40 (And What to Do About It)

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"It doesn't matter what you've always done before—that doesn't fly anymore," saysDr. Monica Christmas, who runs the menopause program at University of Chicago Medicine. She's seen countless patients struggle with the same story. "When your hormone levels drop, your body starts losing muscle, and that means you're burning fewer calories even at rest."

Dr. Robert Creel from Cleveland Clinic puts it bluntly: "Your muscles are like engines that burn fuel. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn just sitting on your couch." After 40, maintaining that engine becomes job number one.

Ready to refuel your body's fat-burning potential? Let's dive into the foods that can help.

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

1. Lean Proteins

A close-up shot of a grilled salmon fillet on a hot BBQ grill. The fish is seasoned and cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and juicy flesh. For your background business, poster, wallpaper​Lean ProteinShutterstock

Think of protein as your body's ultimate fat-fighting fuel. Chicken, fish, lean beef, tofu—they all help preserve precious muscle mass that naturally diminishes after 40.

Here's something fascinating from Harvard researchers: your body burns 15-30% of protein calories during digestion, compared to just 5-10% for carbs and a measly 0-3% for fats. That extra calorie burn happens automatically, just by choosing protein-rich foods.

Dr. Roger Blumenthal from Johns Hopkins Medicine loves to remind his patients: "Your muscles are literally the engines that burn calories in your body. Feed them right, and they'll work for you around the clock."

How to enjoy it: Start your day with eggs and veggies, grab a grilled chicken salad for lunch, or try a palm-sized portion of wild salmon for dinner. Aim for 25-30 grams of protein at each meal to keep your metabolism humming.

2. Greek Yogurt

Serving of Yogurt with Whole Fresh Blueberries and Oatmeal on Old Rustic Wooden Table. Closeup Detail.

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That creamy container of Greek yogurt in your fridge? It's actually a secret weapon against stubborn fat. With double the protein of regular yogurt and a healthy dose of probiotics, it's a one-two punch for your metabolism.

Dietitians at the Cleveland Clinic have found that the probiotics in yogurt help balance gut bacteria—which might be even more important after 40, when digestive efficiency naturally declines. Plus, the calcium in Greek yogurt has been linked to lower levels of belly fat, which becomes more of an issue with age.

How to enjoy it: Skip the sugary flavored versions and go for plain. Add a drizzle of honey and berries for a satisfying snack, use it as a sour cream replacement, or blend it into smoothies for a protein boost.

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

3. Fatty Fish

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Salmon, mackerel, and sardines aren't just delicious—they're packed with omega-3 fatty acids that fight the inflammation that often increases after 40.

Scientists at the NIH discovered something remarkable: omega-3s can increase your resting metabolic rate by up to 14% and boost fat burning during exercise by a whopping 27%. Talk about a winning combination.

"When we look at heart health after 40, fatty fish really shines," says a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "The same omega-3s that protect your heart are also helping reduce that internal inflammation that makes weight loss so difficult in midlife."

How to enjoy it: Aim for two servings of fatty fish weekly. Try simple grilled salmon with lemon or sardines on whole-grain toast for lunch, or add mackerel to your favorite salad.

4. Whole Grains

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

Forget what you've heard about cutting all carbs. Your body after 40 still needs them—just the right kind.

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found something surprising when they studied whole grains in people under 50: those eating whole grains instead of refined ones had three times better blood pressure readings. That's huge for metabolic health, which directly impacts how well you burn fat.

"Whole grains provide steady energy without the crashes," explains a nutrition researcher at Cleveland Clinic. "After 40, those energy crashes can trigger stress hormones that promote fat storage, especially around the middle."

How to enjoy them: Start your day with steel-cut oats, swap white rice for brown or quinoa, and choose whole grain bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice.

5. Eggs

Avocado toast with poached egg on a wooden board. Breakfast concept.​Don’t Skip BreakfastShutterstock

Eggs have made a major comeback in nutrition circles, and for good reason. They're nature's perfect little package of high-quality protein, vitamin D, and choline—a nutrient that helps your body burn fat and is often lacking in our diets.

Research from the University of Connecticut found something interesting: people who eat eggs for breakfast naturally eat fewer calories throughout the day. The protein and healthy fats keep hunger hormones in check—a major win when battling age-related weight gain.

How to enjoy them: A two-egg breakfast with veggies and a slice of whole-grain toast makes a perfect metabolism-boosting morning meal. Hard-boiled eggs also make great portable snacks when you need something satisfying on the go.

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

6. Legumes

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Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas might not be the sexiest foods in your kitchen, but they pack a one-two punch against age-related weight gain: fiber and protein.

Harvard researchers have found that this combination helps stabilize blood sugar—crucial after 40 when insulin resistance becomes more common. When your blood sugar stays steady, you avoid the energy crashes that lead to cravings and overeating.

How to enjoy them: Toss chickpeas into your salad, add lentils to soups, try bean-based pasta, or whip up a quick lunch of black bean and avocado wrap.

7. Green Tea

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Green tea isn't just a soothing ritual—it's loaded with compounds that give your metabolism a gentle nudge in the right direction.

NIH research shows that the catechins and caffeine in green tea work together to boost metabolism beyond what caffeine alone can do. While no single food or drink works miracles, green tea drinkers consistently show better results in weight management studies.

How to enjoy it: Replace your afternoon coffee with green tea, or start your morning with a cup. For maximum benefits, brew your own rather than buying bottled versions with added sugar.

8. Nuts and Seeds

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"They're calorie-dense, but that doesn't mean you should avoid them," says Harvard Health about nuts and seeds. In fact, people who regularly eat nuts tend to be leaner than those who don't—seemingly contradicting their high calorie count.

The protein, fiber, and healthy fats in almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds create the perfect satisfied feeling that helps prevent overeating. Plus, they require more energy to digest than many other snacks.

How to enjoy them: Stick to about 1/4 cup (a small handful) daily. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to your morning smoothie, sprinkle chopped walnuts on your salad, or grab a small handful of almonds for an afternoon snack

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

9. Leafy Greens

Kale chips on a baking sheet on parchment.​Zucchini or Kale ChipsShutterstock

You've heard it your whole life: eat your greens. After 40, this advice becomes even more crucial.

"When we look at the most successful weight managers after midlife, high vegetable intake is always a common factor," notes a dietitian at Mayo Clinic. "The fiber fills you up, the nutrients support metabolism, and the volume satisfies hunger cues—all with minimal calories."

How to enjoy them: Start meals with a simple salad, add spinach to smoothies (you won't taste it), wrap sandwich fillings in large lettuce leaves instead of bread, or roast kale with a little olive oil for a crunchy snack.

10. Water

Detox water with sliced cucumber in a drinking glass

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It sounds too simple to be true, but researchers at the University of Utah discovered that properly hydrated people burn more calories than those who are even slightly dehydrated. In fact, dehydration can slow metabolism by as much as 3%—and many of us walk around mildly dehydrated without even realizing it.

After 40, our thirst signals often become less reliable, making conscious hydration even more important.

How to enjoy it: Start the day with a full glass of water, keep a refillable bottle with you, add fruit slices or herbs for natural flavor, and eat water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and strawberries.

Putting It All Together: Your After-40 Eating Strategy

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Here's what Dr. M. Regina Castro from Mayo Clinic tells her patients who are struggling with midlife weight changes: "You need to reset your body's metabolic expectations through consistent, gradual changes. Your meals should feature lean proteins alongside fruits and vegetables—this combination supports your changing metabolism."

Cleveland Clinic experts have another crucial tip: when you eat matters too. "Your body processes the exact same food differently depending on the time of day," they explain. "After 40, eating earlier in the day tends to work better for metabolism than late-night meals."

Dr. Christmas cuts right to the chase with her patients: "You can't exercise your way out of a bad diet, and you can't eat your way out of being inactive. After 40, you need both pieces working together."

The Bottom Line

Happy mature woman with arms outstretched feeling the breeze at beach. Beautiful middle aged woman with arms up dancing on beach. Mid lady feeling good and enjoying freedom at sea, copy space.5 Menopause-Soothing Foods for Quick ReliefShutterstock

These 10 foods aren't magical—they work by supporting your body's changing needs after 40. They help maintain muscle mass, reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and keep your energy levels steady—all crucial factors in maintaining a healthy weight in midlife and beyond.

The best news? They're delicious, accessible, and can easily become part of your everyday eating. No extreme diets or bizarre superfoods required—just real, wholesome nutrition that works with your body, not against it.

It’s important to remember that weight management after 40 is about more than just food. Regular strength training, quality sleep, stress management, and staying hydrated all work together with good nutrition to keep your metabolism running at its best. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Laura Try lauratryuk
Copyright Laura Try/YouTube/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.

We spend hours hunched over desks and slouched on couches, rarely challenging our bodies to move the way they naturally should. Digital coachLaura Try, with over 170,000 YouTube subscribers, invites us to reclaim a fundamental human position that many of us have lost: the deep squat. "Modern-day living and this chair-filled life is causing some of us to move less and with less range of motion," Laura explains. Try this simple test to discover where your mobility stands—you might be surprised at what you learn about your body.

What Is the Deep Squat Test?

The deep squat test challenges you to hold a deep squat position for as long as possible, ideally reaching the full 10 minutes. "The deep squat, otherwise known as the Asian or primal squat, is meant to be a resting position," Laura says. The challenge requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. It's not just about holding the position but assessing how your body responds to this natural human posture.

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

The Lost Resting Position

What we now consider an exercise was once a normal resting position. Babies naturally squat with ease, and people of all ages in many cultures around the world use this position daily. It's not about age or special abilities—it's about regular practice. Laura points out, "They do it all the time and perhaps we should too." Being able to get into a deep squat is an indicator of total body mobility.

Why We Struggle With Squatting

Modern living has dramatically reduced our need to get low to the ground. "Once upon a time we'd have crouched down to light a fire, prepare our meals or investigate an edible plant growing on the ground. Now we have most things that we need at a convenient height," Laura notes. Our chair-dependent lifestyle has created what fitness expert Kelly Starrett calls "an imbalance between the environment and organism"—the way we live doesn't match what our bodies are designed to do.

Benefits Beyond Flexibility

The deep squat offers more than just improved mobility. "This concertina effect, even though our body is folded over, it kind of untangles the body by unlocking the ankles, hips and back," Laura explains. Regular practice can help with total body alignment, potentially reducing lower back pain and other issues. The position creates a full-body stretching and strengthening effect that counters the tightness from sedentary living.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Making the Squat Accessible

Not everyone can immediately drop into a perfect deep squat—and that's perfectly okay. "Practicing this doesn't require you to be miserable; it can be enjoyable," Laura reassures. She suggests several modifications: placing something under your heels, using the wall for support, or even sitting on a low block. The goal isn't perfection but spending time in a version of the position that works for your body.

Laura's Personal Journey

Even fitness professionals struggle with this fundamental movement. "Believe me when I say six or seven years ago I could not get into a deep squat let alone stay here," Laura admits. Her ankles were tight, her shins would burn, and her hips and lower back would scream in protest. The position felt completely unnatural to her at first, defying the idea that it could ever be restful. Yet with consistent practice, her body adapted.

The "Use It or Lose It" Principle

Our bodies adapt to the demands we place on them—or don't place on them. "If we don't use our bodies and joints to their full range of motion what happens? They tighten up, use it or lose it," Laura emphasizes. By regularly practicing the deep squat, we signal to our body that this range of motion is important, helping to maintain or restore natural mobility that many people lose over time.

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

Beyond Static Holding

The deep squat isn't just about getting down and staying down. "The thing about doing this is it isn't just about getting down here and staying down here but having the ability to get up from this position too which requires leg strength," Laura explains. This functional movement builds both mobility and strength, supporting everyday movements and potentially reducing injury risk as we age.

Making It Part of Daily Life

You don't need to set aside special time for deep squat practice. "Do a bit of weeding in your garden in this position, do some playtime with your children or grandchildren in this position, watch some TV in this position," Laura suggests. Even short periods throughout the day add up. The key is consistency, not duration—even 10 seconds at a time can help restore this natural movement pattern.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

The Routine That Worked for Laura

Consistent practice yields results, even if progress seems impossible at first. "The routine that really helped me get better at my deep squat over the years is the Ido Portal squat routine," Laura shares. She incorporated a shortened version into her warm-up routine for years, not realizing how much she had improved until suddenly the position felt comfortable. The transformation happened gradually through consistent practice over nine years.

A Test of Mental Resilience

The squat test challenges your mind as much as your body. "I can't say it's particularly comfortable; my hips feel really tight, my lower back is stretched, and my shins are burning a little bit," Laura admits at the nine-minute mark of her demonstration. Yet she persists, showing that mental fortitude is part of the process. The test builds not just physical capacity but also the ability to sit with discomfort.

Start Where You Are

Everyone's squat journey begins at a different place. Laura encourages readers to try the test regardless of their current ability level. "If you're trying this then I'd love to know how you're doing and how it feels," she says, inviting community participation. Whether you can hold the position for 10 seconds or 10 minutes, the key is starting the process of reclaiming this fundamental movement pattern. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Melanie Abeyta harmony aesthetics
Copyright harmony_aesthetics/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.

The bad news? There is no such thing as a fountain of youth. The good? There are foods you can eat to improve longevity. “Our skin reflects our overall health, and diet plays a massive role. The combination of the antioxidant effect manifests in improving the cell barrier, increased collagen production, and the enhancement of the natural oils in the skin, reflected in vibrant, youthful, and luminous skin and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. When skin is unhealthy, these are much more visible,” explainsMelanie Abeyta, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Longevity Coach, and Owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center. She recommends focusing on an anti-inflammatory-based diet with lots of fresh fruit, water, and probiotics, which can help balance your gut, affecting your skin. “Incorporating these foods into your diet should be easy, and a variety of at least four of these foods, if not more, should be eaten daily,” she says.

Almond Milk

Almond milk in glass bottle and jug on beige background. Close up. Healthy vegan eating. Lack of cholesterol.Shutterstock

Almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, a known antioxidant. “Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can often cause irreversible damage to the skin because it contributes to collagen and elastin depletion,” says Abeyta. Collagen and elastin are essential substances that give the skin elasticity and firmness. “The collagen and elastin supply of the skin is depleted after prolonged exposure to free radicals. As you age, your body cannot replenish the depleted supply; this is the primary cause of wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin blemishes. Vitamin E, present in almond milk, protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and this makes the skin healthy and younger-looking.”

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

Avocado

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“Avocado is great because it contains Vitamins C and E and essential fatty acids that decrease inflammation and redness and improve fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains antioxidants that are important to prevent UV damage and help shed dead skin cells on the skin's surface,” she continues.

Blueberries

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Blueberries are high in Vitamins A and C, which have a high antioxidant content to help protect the skin from sun damage. “Vitamin A is a precursor to retinol and has a strong antioxidant and anti-aging effect,” says Abeyta.

Carrots

Harvesting carrots. Female hand with bunches of carrots with tops.​VegetablesShutterstock

Carrots are not only good for your eyes but are also excellent for smooth skin, says Abeyta. “Carotenoids, found in carrots, are your protection from everyday pollutants and will prevent wrinkles. The beta carotene in carrots is a skin-friendly nutrient converted to vitamin A inside the body and can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It also helps repair skin tissues while protecting the skin from harmful radiation,” she explains.

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

Coconut

Glass with fresh coconut water and coconuts on the table.Shutterstock

“Coconut is not only highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but it also helps support the natural chemical balance of the skin to help prevent wrinkles and functions as a protective antioxidant,” says Abeyta. “It's also great for hydrating both skin and hair and helps prevent dehydration when taken by mouth, as it contains loads of electrolytes. Coconut also helps control dandruff.”

Cucumber

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Cucumber is a natural anti-inflammatory vegetable that can calm and soothe skin. “Plus, it is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C and folic acid, which help reduce swelling and puffiness,” she adds. “Vitamin C helps stimulate new cell growth, and folic acid helps fight environmental toxins that can make your skin look tired or age prematurely. When combined, these help your skin look firmer and healthier. Cucumber can also help reduce breakouts as it can help cleanse the skin and tighten pores.”

Green Tea

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Green Tea is high in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, and has anti-aging benefits that help fight free radicals to protect your skin from environmental stressors that can damage and age it. “It also contains Vitamin A, which is known to help improve the skin’s texture, and Vitamin B, which helps reduce redness. Plus, it has soothing properties and will help brighten the skin,” Abeyta explains.

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

Nuts

A variety of nuts in wooden bowls.​NutsShutterstock

Nuts such as walnuts and almonds not only help strengthen the skin cell barrier but also the natural oil barrier of the skin, which ultimately helps prevent sun damage. “Because they contain antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats, they will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and skin pigmentation while improving the overall appearance of the skin,” she explains.

Olive Oil

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Olive oil contains four major antioxidants, which allow it to work as a cleanser and moisturizer. “Among these antioxidants are Vitamins A and E. Vitamin E has anti-aging benefits because it helps restore skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles,” Abeyta maintains.

Pumpkin

Cut fresh ripe pumpkin on grey backgroundShutterstock

Pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. “This converts to Vitamin A which helps prevent wrinkles and keep your skin youthful and moisturized. This is the perfect food if you are experiencing dry skin. Pumpkin is also loaded with Vitamin C, another antioxidant that protects collagen and boosts our immune systems,” says the expert.

Spinach

Fresh spinach leaves in bowl on rustic wooden table. Top view.Shutterstock

Spinach is high in Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, and Vitamin A, which is vital for combatting inflammation and promoting cell turnover, which is essential for anti-aging. “Spinach is also rich in beta-carotene, which allows proper moisture retention in the skin to help fight wrinkles while removing dead skin cells for healthier, brighter skin,” Abeyta maintains.

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

Sweet Potatoes

Organic Asian sweet potatoes holding by hand​Sweet PotatoesShutterstock

“Sweet potatoes contain 200% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin A, which helps promote the growth of new skin cells and increases the rate at which this happens, leaving you with vibrant skin,” says Abeyta. Also, from one sweet potato, you’ll get three grams of fiber, which keeps your digestive tract healthy. “A functioning digestive tract can help keep breakouts to a minimum.”

Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, B, C, K, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. “Lycopene is especially beneficial because it’s a carotenoid with a powerful anti-cancer effect. These are all great antioxidants that help the skin maintain healthy collagen and reduce the risk of skin damage,” she claims.

Turmeric

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“Turmeric has brightening and anti-inflammatory properties, which help with melasma and inflamed acne. It will also help soothe and even out the skin, boost collagen production, and help with hyperpigmentation. Because it contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant, it will help neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells and contribute to aging,” Abeyta tells us. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.