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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.

Reverse Your Risk of Diabetes with These Simple Dietary Changes

Make these easy changes to your diet and dramatically reduce your risk of diabetes.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health concerns worldwide, but the good news is that it’s largely preventable. By making a few simple dietary changes, you can reverse your risk of developing this serious condition. Research shows that certain foods and nutrients can help regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and prevent the buildup of belly fat, a major contributor to diabetes. In Zero Belly Diet, these proven strategies target the root causes of diabetes and help you take control of your health without drastic measures. Here are 11 simple but powerful dietary changes that can lower your risk of diabetes and keep your blood sugar in check.


Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods

Health food concept for a high fiber diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes and herbs. Foods high in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates and vitamins on mShutterstock

Fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, preventing blood sugar spikes. Foods like beans, oats, and whole grains help keep your blood sugar stable, reducing your risk of insulin resistance.

Choose Whole Fruits Over Juice

close-up of pink grapes adorned with water droplets showcases vibrant color and juicy texture. Soft lighting casts gentle shadows for a photorealistic feel.Shutterstock

Whole fruits, especially berries, apples, and grapes, are packed with fiber and antioxidants that support blood sugar control. Studies show that swapping fruit juice for whole fruits can lower diabetes risk by 23%.

RELATED:10 Foods and Drinks I Eat Every Day to Lose Cellulite After Losing 45 Pounds

Add Omega-3s to Your Diet

An enticing close-up image of fresh, glistening raw salmon fillets artfully arranged on a bed of iceShutterstock

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Consuming more omega-3s can lower your diabetes risk by up to 33%.

Limit Refined Carbs

traditional spaghetti bolognese pasta in a potShutterstock

Refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta, can spike blood sugar and lead to insulin resistance. Opt for whole grains like quinoa and brown rice to help regulate blood sugar and protect against diabetes.

Incorporate Healthy Fats

choosing olive oil, sauce, vinegar at the grocery storeShutterstock

Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil help balance blood sugar levels and prevent fat accumulation around the organs, which is linked to diabetes. These fats also keep you full, preventing overeating.

Eat More Plant-Based Proteins

soy cheese tofu diced on a cutting board, basil closeupShutterstock

Beans, lentils, and tofu are excellent sources of plant-based protein that help regulate blood sugar and reduce fat storage. Including more plant proteins in your diet can improve your overall health and lower diabetes risk.

RELATED:I Dropped 100 Pounds as a Dietitian and These Are 5 Surprising Things I Learned

Add Cinnamon to Your Meals

Cinnamon sticks on a textured wooden background. Cinnamon roll. Spicy spice for baking, desserts and drinks. Fragrant ground cinnamon. cinnamon powder Close-up. Place for text. copy spaceShutterstock

Cinnamon has been shown to stabilize blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Adding cinnamon to your diet can reduce blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes-related complications.

Drink Green Tea

Hand that pours chinese green tea from glass kettle to smal cupShutterstock

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins, which help improve insulin sensitivity and promote fat burning. Drinking green tea regularly has been linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes.

Cut Back on Red Meat

A grilled rib-eye beef steak seasoned with rosemary and accompanied by red wine, all set against a black background. The steak, perched on a fork,is garnished with rosemary and sprinkled with sea SaltShutterstock

Studies show that reducing red meat intake can lower your diabetes risk by nearly 50%. Swap red meat for lean proteins like chicken, fish, or plant-based alternatives to protect your health.

Snack on Nuts

Mix of different nuts in a wooden cup against the background of fabric from burlap. Nuts as structure and background, macro. Top view.Shutterstock

Nuts are high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, which help regulate blood sugar and keep you full between meals. Snacking on nuts regularly can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve overall metabolic health.

RELATED:The Top Foods Proven to Flatten Your Belly

Stay Hydrated

Shapely young woman in black sport bra relaxing and sipping water from bottle in studio in daylight with closed eyesShutterstock

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out excess sugars from your bloodstream and prevents dehydration, which can lead to high blood sugar. Aim to stay well-hydrated to support healthy blood sugar levels.

By incorporating these simple dietary changes into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes and improve your long-term health. Each change is easy to adopt and can make a big difference in managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health concerns worldwide, but the good news is that it’s largely preventable. By making a few simple dietary changes, you can reverse your risk of developing this serious condition. Research shows that certain foods and nutrients can help regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and prevent the buildup of belly fat, a major contributor to diabetes. In Zero Belly Diet, these proven strategies target the root causes of diabetes and help you take control of your health without drastic measures. Here are 11 simple but powerful dietary changes that can lower your risk of diabetes and keep your blood sugar in check.


Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods

Health food concept for a high fiber diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes and herbs. Foods high in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates and vitamins on mShutterstock

Fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, preventing blood sugar spikes. Foods like beans, oats, and whole grains help keep your blood sugar stable, reducing your risk of insulin resistance.

Choose Whole Fruits Over Juice

close-up of pink grapes adorned with water droplets showcases vibrant color and juicy texture. Soft lighting casts gentle shadows for a photorealistic feel.Shutterstock

Whole fruits, especially berries, apples, and grapes, are packed with fiber and antioxidants that support blood sugar control. Studies show that swapping fruit juice for whole fruits can lower diabetes risk by 23%.

RELATED:10 Foods and Drinks I Eat Every Day to Lose Cellulite After Losing 45 Pounds

Add Omega-3s to Your Diet

An enticing close-up image of fresh, glistening raw salmon fillets artfully arranged on a bed of iceShutterstock

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Consuming more omega-3s can lower your diabetes risk by up to 33%.

Limit Refined Carbs

traditional spaghetti bolognese pasta in a potShutterstock

Refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta, can spike blood sugar and lead to insulin resistance. Opt for whole grains like quinoa and brown rice to help regulate blood sugar and protect against diabetes.

Incorporate Healthy Fats

choosing olive oil, sauce, vinegar at the grocery storeShutterstock

Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil help balance blood sugar levels and prevent fat accumulation around the organs, which is linked to diabetes. These fats also keep you full, preventing overeating.

Eat More Plant-Based Proteins

soy cheese tofu diced on a cutting board, basil closeupShutterstock

Beans, lentils, and tofu are excellent sources of plant-based protein that help regulate blood sugar and reduce fat storage. Including more plant proteins in your diet can improve your overall health and lower diabetes risk.

RELATED:I Dropped 100 Pounds as a Dietitian and These Are 5 Surprising Things I Learned

Add Cinnamon to Your Meals

Cinnamon sticks on a textured wooden background. Cinnamon roll. Spicy spice for baking, desserts and drinks. Fragrant ground cinnamon. cinnamon powder Close-up. Place for text. copy spaceShutterstock

Cinnamon has been shown to stabilize blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Adding cinnamon to your diet can reduce blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes-related complications.

Drink Green Tea

Hand that pours chinese green tea from glass kettle to smal cupShutterstock

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins, which help improve insulin sensitivity and promote fat burning. Drinking green tea regularly has been linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes.

Cut Back on Red Meat

A grilled rib-eye beef steak seasoned with rosemary and accompanied by red wine, all set against a black background. The steak, perched on a fork,is garnished with rosemary and sprinkled with sea SaltShutterstock

Studies show that reducing red meat intake can lower your diabetes risk by nearly 50%. Swap red meat for lean proteins like chicken, fish, or plant-based alternatives to protect your health.

Snack on Nuts

Mix of different nuts in a wooden cup against the background of fabric from burlap. Nuts as structure and background, macro. Top view.Shutterstock

Nuts are high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, which help regulate blood sugar and keep you full between meals. Snacking on nuts regularly can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve overall metabolic health.

RELATED:The Top Foods Proven to Flatten Your Belly

Stay Hydrated

Shapely young woman in black sport bra relaxing and sipping water from bottle in studio in daylight with closed eyesShutterstock

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out excess sugars from your bloodstream and prevents dehydration, which can lead to high blood sugar. Aim to stay well-hydrated to support healthy blood sugar levels.

By incorporating these simple dietary changes into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes and improve your long-term health. Each change is easy to adopt and can make a big difference in managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Ben_Azadi1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Have you ever felt trapped in a body that doesn't reflect your true potential? In 2008, Ben Azadi found himself obese, depressed, and desperate for change. Fast forward to today, and Azadi is a renowned functional health practitioner with over 16 years of experience, the author of four best-selling books, and host of the award-winning Metabolic Freedom Podcast. His personal journey of losing 80 pounds in just 9 months sparked a mission to help people live healthier lives. Let's dive into Azadi's transformative approach to melting fat and stopping aging.


Unlock Your Body's Fat-Burning Potential with Ketosis

Azadi's weight loss journey began with understanding the science of ketosis. "When we lower our carbohydrate intake, we allow our body to turn on a switch that allows us to burn body fat," he explains in the video. By reducing carbs, insulin levels drop, unlocking the key to fat burning. The liver then produces ketones, which fuel the body and brain while reducing inflammation.

Discover the Ancient Roots of the Keto Diet

While keto has become a popular weight loss strategy, Azadi emphasizes it's more than just a diet. "It's a metabolic process that our ancestors all went through," he notes. This natural state offers benefits beyond fat loss, including improved mental clarity and energy production.

Leverage Keto for Disease Prevention

Jeff Volek, PhD, RD, supports this approach, adding: "We've reached a critical mass of scientific evidence at this point. Nutrition experts now agree that low-carb diets provide benefits beyond disease management. In other words, they've been shown to not only help people with diet-related diseases, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, they can also help generally healthy people reduce their risk of developing those diseases in the first place."

Choose Clean Keto for Optimal Results

Not all keto diets are created equal. Azadi stresses the importance of "clean keto" versus "dirty keto." He warns against inflammatory fats, stating, "There are a set of fats, these dietary fats that are arguably more inflammatory than sugar and smoking." Instead, focus on high-quality proteins and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, seafood, and eggs.

Master the Art of Healthy Fat Selection

"Fats, for example, when you do keto, you're going to eat more fats, but not all fats are created equal," Azadi explains. He recommends focusing on "saturated fats and monounsaturated fats to give your audience an example: coconut, coconut oil, olive, olive oil, seafood, eggs, et cetera. Those would be healthy fats."

Avoid the Hidden Dangers of Seed Oils

Azadi is particularly cautious about seed oils. "These seed oils, these vegetable oils you mentioned, they stick around in your body for years. The half-life is 680 days," he warns. This means that even after stopping consumption, these oils can continue to cause inflammation in your body for a long time.

Navigate Restaurants with a Seed Oil Allergy Card

To avoid these harmful oils, Azadi suggests using a "seed oil allergy card" when dining out. This card politely informs restaurants of your need to avoid certain oils, helping you maintain your clean keto diet even when eating out.

Amplify Your Results with Intermittent Fasting

Azadi combines keto with intermittent fasting for enhanced results. "When we are in a fasted state, so many things happen in the body that are remarkable," he says. Fasting triggers autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that can help prevent diseases like cancer and autoimmune conditions.

RELATED:Top 7 Carbs You Should Eat Every Day to Lose Weight, According to a Kinesiologist

Ease into Fasting Gradually

However, he cautions against jumping into fasting too quickly. "The first step is to gradually decrease their total carbs," Azadi advises. Start with keto to become fat-adapted, then gradually introduce fasting periods.

Become Your Own Health Experiment

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to health. "Do your own experiment and see what works for you," Azadi suggests. This approach allows you to fine-tune your diet and lifestyle based on your unique needs and responses.

Customize Your Approach Based on Gender

This is particularly important for women, as Azadi notes: "Men and women definitely do it differently. So men could be more aggressive... Menstruating women want to go with their hormonal cycle."

Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods

While following a keto diet, it's crucial to focus on nutrient-dense foods. Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE, notes about eggs: "Eggs are a great source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and iron." These nutrient-rich foods can help support overall health while following a low-carb lifestyle.

RELATED:The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Best Body as a Mesomorph

Boost Heart Health with Keto-Friendly Foods

Flora Clarke, MSc, adds to this, explaining the benefits of keto-friendly foods like avocados: "Research shows that eating avocados regularly can reduce levels of 'bad' cholesterol and improve your heart health."

Stabilize Blood Sugar for Steady Energy

A key benefit of the keto diet is its ability to manage blood sugar levels. "Low-carb meals and snacks are ideal if you want to maintain steady energy throughout the day without blood sugar spiking and dropping," says Volek.

Enhance Satiety with Protein-Rich Foods

Regarding keto-friendly foods like cottage cheese, OSF Healthcare states, "Cottage cheese is especially good for people living with diabetes. It is low in carbohydrates. In addition, the protein in cottage cheese slows digestion, which promotes satiety and can prevent blood sugar spikes."

RELATED:I'm a Dietitian and These 7 Morning Habits Changed My Life

Harness the Healing Power of Positive Thoughts

Perhaps Azadi's most powerful insight is the impact of our thoughts on our health. "Our thoughts have the ability to communicate with our DNA," he explains. Positive, grateful thoughts can create anti-inflammatory proteins and protect our DNA, while negative thoughts do the opposite.

Transform Your Health with Daily Thought Practices

Azadi considers this the ultimate biohack: "We have 60,000 opportunities every day to put the body in either a healing state or an inflammatory state." By cultivating awareness of our thoughts and creating a supportive environment, we can significantly impact our health and longevity.

RELATED:Believing These 5 Weight Loss Lies Kept Me Obese

Shape Your Health Journey Through Your Environment

Azadi underlines the importance of your environment in shaping your health journey. "Our environment determines the thoughts that we think and the values that we have, the values that we have, and the thoughts that we think determine the actions we take or don't take. And that determines the results we get," he explains. He advises being mindful of the people and influences in your life. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight, but no matter what you do, the pounds aren’t coming off? Mayra (LowCarbLove) is a mother and influencer who lost over 135 pounds “naturally through low carb and keto and has been maintaining this weight ever since,” she reveals in her YouTube bio. In one of her viral videos, she reveals the number one reason why you can’t lose weight and also offers tips on how to get your diet going.


“Today, we're gonna be talking about reasons why you may not be losing weight. Now, for those of you who don't know, I've lost over a hundred pounds, and I have been maintaining my weight for over 15 years now. So I kind of know what I'm talking about,” she says. “If you're not currently losing weight, there might be a few reasons. And so I'm gonna go over them with you.”

Assess the Problem

“Throughout my journey, there have been times where I'm literally just not losing weight, and I'm like, what is going on? And so then when I sit down, and I really see, okay, what am I doing? What's going on? I always find the problem,” Mayra says in her post.

Avoid Drinking Your Calories

Chiang Mai, Thailand : 22/07/2020 : A cup of Choco-choco Nutty Frappuccino in Starbucks coffee shop. This menu is new to Starbucks store in Asia for perfect summer.Shutterstock

“One thing that I feel is that it's become super trendy and super popular to carry around a Starbucks drink,” she says. “I think drinking your calories is one of the worst things you can do.” She notes that some drinks have over 600 calories, which equates to sometimes two meals. “I would say if you're gonna do a coffee, it should be for sure under 150 calories because you could definitely be using those calories to fuel and nourish your body.” There are other drinks to look out for. “Sodas are also horrible,” she says, and juices. “So a lot of people confuse juices. They think, oh, juices are super healthy, and even though our fruits are natural and come with natural sugar, sugars are still not good for you,” she says.

RELATED: This Nutritionist Lost 50 Pounds in 3 Months With These 4 Non-Negotiable Habits

Avoid Sugar, Because It Spikes Your Insulin

White granulated sugar and refined sugar cubes close-up in the kitchenSutterstock

“Sugar, no matter what, even if you're not living a low-carb lifestyle, you just don't want to put a ton of sugar into your body because it spikes your insulin,” she says. “When you spike your insulin, it is impossible for you to be burning fat. Like there is just no way in order for you to burn fat, especially on your body, your insulin has to be down low, where it's almost at a fasted state.”

Avoiding Carbs Also Keeps Insulin Low

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

“That's why when you keep your diet really, really low carb, low carbs means your insulin is very low. With the keto diet, that's the reason why you produce ketones, because when you're doing a keto diet, your insulin is super, super low. So even if you don't do keto if you are trying to lose weight, you just wanna try to keep your sugar and your carbs as low as possible,” she says.

If You Eat Lots of Carbs, Make Sure to Exercise More

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“Another reason that you might not be losing weight is the carbs. So again, it gets down to the insulin. When you are eating a lot of carbs, what's happening is your body is running on glucose. So, even if you're having really healthy carbs, it just really depends on your goals. If you want to have a really high-carb diet, then you definitely wanna make sure you are getting your butt into the gym because carbs are gonna help you. If you're really lifting and you're trying to build mass, it doesn't mean you're trying to build fat or get bigger. It just means you can actually bulk up,” she says.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals the 3 Morning Habits That Helped Her Clients Burn Fat Without Dieting

Stick to Whole Carbs

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The type of carbs you eat matters. “I can have sweet potatoes, and I can have potatoes and squash, and I'm not going to gain any weight. It's definitely when I start to eat the carbs from chips and cookies, and even though they're low-carb chips, cookies, ice cream, all of that, you need to eliminate it if you're trying to lose weight. And that is just the bottom line,” she says.

Avoid Processed Carbohydrates

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“You just need to be careful with the processed carbs. And that is a very huge, huge difference. So many people think carbs are carbs, and yes, they are, but your body does not process them the same. If you're gonna be eating carbs, you just want to make sure that they're not processed. You want to make sure that you are having a single ingredient of carbohydrates, like sweet potato, like squash,” she says.

Reduce Fruit Intake for Weight Loss

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And, while she loves fruit, “I love grapes and cherries and papaya, and I love it and watermelon, and I have it, but it depends on my goal,” she says. “This summer, I ate a lot of fruit, and now I have a mission, I have a goal, and I'm gonna reach it. I've just eliminated fruit from my diet.”

These Are Short-Term Sacrifices for Long-Term Benefits

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“I want you to remember that these are short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits. And that's just how life works. Sometimes, you just have to sacrifice certain things for a short term, but you're gonna reap the benefits in the end. This is not like a forever thing. And I think when you keep that in mind, and you're like, okay, this is just short term because I have a goal, and I wanna reach it, so this is what I'm going to do.”

RELATED: Trainer Dropped 45 Pounds After Stopping These 5 Daily Self-Talk Habits

You Have to Be in a Calorie Deficit to Lose Weight

Assorted foods with calorie count labels, illustrating healthy diet and calorie tracking.Shutterstock

“The last thing that I feel is probably the most important thing,” she says, “is a calorie surplus. I'm sure you've heard it time and time again, like calories in versus calories out. I don't truly believe that is a hundred percent true. But I will say, just to kind of wrap this up, I think that if you are in a calorie surplus, you are not going to see that scale move.” However, you can sculpt your body and lose fat. “In order to see the scale move down, you have to be in a calorie deficit.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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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.

For many of us, sugar is the hardest habit to break. It’s hidden in so many of the foods and drinks we consume daily, from breakfast cereals to salad dressings, and its addictive nature makes it difficult to give up. But reducing sugar doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. With the right strategies, you can cut back on sugar while still enjoying the foods you love and feeling satisfied. The key is to focus on balance, smart substitutions, and gradual changes that allow your taste buds to adjust over time. Whether your goal is to lose weight, feel more energized, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, these five easy rules can help you reduce your sugar intake without deprivation. Here’s how to take control of your diet and make sustainable, long-term changes for a healthier you.


RELATED: Nutritionists Share 10 Tips for Staying Slim Over Thanksgiving

Choose Whole Foods Over Processed Ones

Healthy,Food.,Balanced,Food,Cooking,Ingredients.,Clean,Diet,Eating.,Top

Processed foods are often loaded with hidden sugars, even in savory items like sauces and breads. Stick to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These options not only have less sugar but also come packed with fiber and nutrients that keep you full and satisfied.

Read Nutrition Labels Carefully

Young,Woman,Checking,Nutrition,Label,On,Package,While,Buying,Salad

Hidden sugars can be found under names like fructose, dextrose, or cane syrup. Get in the habit of reading nutrition labels and choosing items with little to no added sugars. Look for products with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to fiber to help balance blood sugar and prevent cravings.

RELATED: Man Lost 140 Pounds With These 9 Meal Prep Tips

Sweeten Naturally With Fruits and Spices

Mug,Of,Coffee,With,Beans,And,Cinnamon,On,Black,Background

When you’re craving sweetness, reach for natural options like berries, apples, or pears. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract can also add flavor without the need for sugar. For example, try adding cinnamon to your morning oatmeal or coffee for a naturally sweet boost.

Find Healthy Swaps for Sugary Treats

Cubes,Of,Dark,Artisan,Chocolate.,Rich,Dark,Chocolate,With,Walnuts

Love desserts? Swap ice cream for frozen Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit or trade candy bars for a handful of nuts with dark chocolate. These alternatives satisfy your sweet tooth while offering protein and fiber to keep you feeling full.

RELATED: The 8 Best Foods to Curb Cravings and Losing Weight

Cut Back Gradually

Coffee,Cup,,Beans,,Chocolate,And,Macaroons,On,Old,Kitchen,Table.

You don’t have to eliminate sugar all at once. Start by reducing the sugar in your coffee, switching to unsweetened drinks, or cutting portion sizes of desserts. Gradual changes allow your taste buds to adjust, making it easier to stick to your new routine without feeling deprived.

By incorporating these five rules into your daily life, you’ll naturally reduce sugar, improve your energy, and take control of your health—all while still enjoying the foods you love. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Should you cut sugar out of your diet? Christina Hedges (@christina_hedges) is an influencer and online health coach with hundreds of thousands of followers across various platforms. In her videos, she teaches her followers about health habits and tips to help with everything from weight loss to improving digestion. In one viral video, she reveals how to “cut out the sugar” from your diet in just two weeks. We also enlisted the help of The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian to weigh in on her suggestions – and you might be surprised by her response.


Avoid All Simple and Most Complex Carbohydrates, She Recommends

@christina_hedges

If you want to cut out sugar- heres how #sugar #sugaraddict #nosugar #cravings

“Disclaimer, this will be challenging and not for everyone,” she warms at the start of the clip. “Avoid all simple carbohydrates and most complex carbohydrates. For now, this includes fruits as they're high in sugar, except for avocados and berries,” she says.

Here Is Why Carbohydrates Are Bad, She Says

Christina_Hedges2christina_hedges/TikTok

“Carbohydrates are glucose molecules put together differently. And as you know, the body has two forms of energy, fat, and carbohydrates,” she continues.

Related: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

You Need to Drink Lots of Water

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water. Smiling caucasian female model holding transparent glass in her hand. Closeup. Focus on the armShutterstock

“So what can you eat here?” She suggests starting by drinking “plenty of water, avoiding soda, juice, and coffee with cream or sugar.”

She Suggests Eating These 12 Foods

,Kale,Cabbage,leafy,greensShutterstock

She goes on to list “12 foods with little to no sugar,” starting with greens. “Organic kale with zero grams of sugar. Red meat such as beef, lamb, and organ meats with zero grams of sugar. Wild salmon with zero grams of sugar, chicken with zero grams of sugar, coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil with zero grams of sugar. Pure butter with 0.1 grams of sugar per a hundred grams sauerkraut with 0.1 grams of sugar per ounce cheese with zero to 0.4 grams of sugar per ounce. Avocados with 0.4 grams of sugar eggs with 0.6 grams of sugar vegetables such as the ones listed above with zero grams of digestible carbs. Lastly, berries with four to 10 grams of sugar per a hundred grams,” she says.

RDN Disagrees and Calls This “Unsustainable”

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

Collingwood is not on board with Hedges’ advice. “This is not sustainable or healthy,” she says. “The diet recommended here is pretty strict and is eliminating entire food groups and way too low in carbohydrates to be healthy or sustainable.”

Related: Sadie Rigby in Workout Gear Reveals “How to Lean Out”

Cutting Out Added Sugar Is Fine

Christina_Hedges3christina_hedges/TikTok

“Cutting out added sugar is fine and there is no negative to doing it other than just maybe going through some cravings at first,” she continues. “Cutting out all carbs and natural sugar can leave you with very little fiber (constipation and other digestive issues) and also will potentially leave you with very little energy.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try eliminating added sugar from your diet for one week, and see if it makes a difference.

I Lost 50 Pounds and Got My Abs to “Pop” Without Situps by Doing These 3 Things
Copyright cowboyleisure/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight and achieve washboard abs without doing situps? One weight loss warrior claims to know how. Gina (@CowboyLeisure) is a social media influencer who lost 50 pounds and got in the best shape of her life in the healthiest way possible. In a new post, she reveals how to get great abs – no crunches required. “You want abs? Stop doing situps. 3 things I did to get mine to POP after a 50 lb weight loss,” she says.

She Ate

Gina cowboyleisure

Copyright cowboyleisure/Instagram

The first thing she did? She ate. “Stop skipping breakfast and everything after! Focus on protein and hitting those goals at every meal. I learned that filling our bodies with Whole Foods and not processed crap- truly made a difference. I learned that it isn’t in restriction, it’s in nourishment. Food = fuel and ABS are built in your kitchen,” she says.

She Lifted Weights

Gina cowboyleisure

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Next, she lifted weights. “You have to not be being afraid of lifting weights. I started to focus on different exercises for 30 min 3x a week- master those. Women who know that they will not get bulky by lifting weights,” she writes.

She Walked with a Weighted Vest

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The final habit that helped her get flat abs was walking. “10k steps in a weighted vest, daily,” she writes. “Walk walk walk. It’s so underrated! Try to hit 10k steps a day, and atleast half with the vest on. Increase your step goal each month. I now average 18-22k steps. Stick with the plan, not your mood and create a habit of going to walk everyday. Get some sun in your face.”

Gina Knows the Belly “Hang” Well After 7 Kids

Gina cowboyleisure

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In another post she reveals one exercise she does to tighten her midsection. “As a c section mother and mother of 7- I know the hang. 🤪 after losing 50 pounds I know it takes much more than some random crunches. I have found that standing core exercises help so much to tighten and strengthen that area,” she says in the post.

She Has a Hack for the “FUPA"

Gina cowboyleisure

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“FUPA" refers to the accumulation of fat around the mons pubis,” she continues. And, it’s not just women who experience it — so do men!

She Tightened Hers with This Move

Gina cowboyleisure

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“Although we can’t target fat loss in a specific area of the body, we can definitely work on certain exercises that help us tighten and strengthen muscles in that area. This is one example of what I have done with my journey, and after 7 kids and c-sections, I have found that this area has become increasingly tighter since incorporating overhead weights with movement such as you see,” she says about the move, which she demonstrates in the video. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab
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Do you want to lose weight without having to take extreme measures? Mahtab Ekay is a fat loss coach and social media influencer who lost over 20 pounds and helps other people do the same. In a new social media post she shares how she did it. “8 calorie deficit tips you need to know if you’re going to be successful in losing weight. And exactly what helped me lose 20 pounds in 3 months,” she writes. “I have lost 20 pounds in less than 3 months and here my top 8 tips that will help you get better results easier and faster.”

Amp Up Your Fiber Intake

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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First, amp up your fiber intake. “Eat 25–35g of fiber daily,” she encourages in her video. “Fiber helps keep you full and supports digestion. Great sources include fruits (apples, berries), vegetables (broccoli, carrots), legumes (beans, lentils), and whole grains (oats, quinoa).”

Hydrate

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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Hydration is also important. “Drink ½ your weight (lbs) in ounces of water. Staying hydrated helps control hunger and supports overall health,” she writes, offering the following tips:

-- Start your day with a full glass of water.
-- Drink water before main meals.
-- Keep a water bottle handy during workouts.
-- Add electrolytes for flavor if needed.

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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Next, make sure you are eating enough protein. “Eat 0.8–1g of protein per pound of your ideal body weight. Protein is key to preserving muscle while losing fat and achieving a toned look,” she says. Great protein sources, per Ekay? Chicken breast, white fish (cod, tilapia), whey isolate protein powder, canned tuna, egg whites, shrimp, extra-lean ground turkey, extra-lean ground beef, non-fat Greek yogurt, and tofu.

Get Your Steps In

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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Walking is also important. “Take 8,000–12,000 steps daily. Aim to hit this range consistently to maximize calorie burn through daily activity,” she advises.

Strength Training

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Strength training is an important component of weight loss, says Ekay. “Lift weights 3–4 times a week,” she says. “Follow a structured program with enough volume for each muscle group. Use progressive overload by increasing reps, sets, weight, or time under tension. Start with compound movements (squats, deadlifts, bench press) and finish with isolation exercises.”

Snack on Low-Calorie, High-Volume Snack

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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She also recommends smart snacking. “Snack on low-calorie, high-volume foods. Examples: popcorn, strawberries, berries, and veggies with homemade dips like baby carrots, cucumbers, and peppers.”

Avoid Eating Carbs on an Empty Stomach

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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“Avoid eating carbs on an empty stomach,” she continues. “Have sweets or treats as dessert after your main meals. This helps control blood sugar and reduces cravings.”

Get Enough Sleep

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab

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Her last tip? Sleep 6–8 hours per night. “Sleep deprivation increases hunger and cravings the next day. If 7 hours of sleep isn’t possible, try a short midday power nap to recharge,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Harley Pasternak
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Are you trying to lose weight? One of the most famous trainers in the world is here with some delicious recipes to help you achieve your goals. Harley Pasternak has helped everyone from Jessica Simpson to Halle Berry get into and stay in shape. Recently, the expert, also a nutritionist, has been sharing some healthy soup recipes that are low-calorie and high in protein. Here are 5 of Harley Pasternak’s soup recipes for weight loss.

"Get Lean” Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

"Get Lean\u201d Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

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Pasternak has taken a high-calorie favorite and given it a protein-packed twist. His “Get Lean” grilled cheese with tomato soup. “Nothing says childhood to me like an gooey gooey cheesy grilled cheese sandwich dipped in a tangy tomato soup,” he writes in the post. “But this tomato soup, grilled cheese combo, is not what you think. At less than 500 cal per serving, and a whopping 36 g of protein, this is actually a meal you can eat when you’re trying to get lean, and stay lean.” To make it add 2 cups bone broth, 4 cups tomato soup, and one can of garbanzo beans, drained, to a blender. “Blend until smooth, then heat in a saucepan,” he says. As for the grilled cheese, he warms up 45 calorie bread in the toaster then adds two slices of low-calorie cheddar. He places the sandwich in the air fryer for 5 minutes at medium heat.

Lean, Green Body Reset Soup

Lean, Green Body Reset Soup

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Next up is his lean, green, body-reset soup. “When my clients have a nude scene in a film, or are heading on, vacation will be wearing bathing suits on a beach, they want to feel their best. Sometimes, simplifying a short nutrition plan, makes things a lot easier easier for them. Using one meal as your daily anchor, that stays the same every day. I use this vegetable soup recipe as my lunch or dinner for one whole week, and then add some flexibility with the other meals. It’s not really cutting or restricting your calories, too much, it’s more about creating simplification, and a very easy recipe that will keep you full for a big chunk of the day,” he says. To make it, blend together the following and heat up. “Also, this soup has approximately 42 g of protein… If you have 1/3 as a portion, you’re most of the way there for protein requirements. Some people, with larger protein requirements, might have a little bit of grilled fish, chicken, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side,” he says.

5 cups of broccoli, steamed

2 cups of broccoli water that was used to steam broccoli

One vegetable bouillon cube

One can of chickpeas

One avocado

Body Reset White Soup

Body Reset White Soup

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Next up, his Body Reset white soup, “full of vegetables, loaded with fiber, full of quality, protein, and full of healthy fat,” he says. “Start off by slicing a whole white cauliflower, a quarter of a white onion, and a small bit of garlic. (I tried with shallots, but white onion works better here ) Place on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 375 to 400°F, Fahrenheit for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Poor at least 4 cups of chicken bone broth in a blender, then add all of the roasted vegetables, and one can of white beans. Any bean will work, but I’m staying with the white theme. Blend silky, smooth, and serve with a little shredded Parmesan on top. This makes anywhere from 4 to 6 servings,” he says.

Body Reset Red Soup

Body Reset Red Soup

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“If you liked my green soup, you’re going to love my GET LEAN Body Reset Red Soup!!” he says in another post. “Place six carrots, six tomatoes, two red peppers, and garlic and shallots to your liking. Drizzle with olive oil and roast at 400° for 35 to 45 minutes. Pour, 2 to 3 cups of chicken broth in a blender, then add all the roasted vegetables and one can of kidney beans ( any bean will work, but I wanted to stay with the red theme). I’ve tried this recipe before using a little bit of tomato paste to add thickness and sweetness, but it really doesn’t need it. Blend on high for approximately two minutes until silky smooth. Because of chicken broth and beans, the whole picture has approximately 55g of protein (even more if you use 3 cups of chicken broth).

So delicious, so silky, smooth, and so incredibly filling. The soup is a great tool when you’re trying to eat a little cleaner and possibly calorie reduce. Because the soup is so filling, it helps with curbing your appetite for several hours after,” he writes. “Warning, do not drink this whole recipe as one serving. Rather, this makes 4 to 8 servings, depending on how big or small you like your servings.”

Magical Mushroom Soup

Magical Mushroom Soup

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He also shared a recipe for his magical mushroom soup. “As someone whos not a big fan of Mushrooms, I somehow have fallen in love with this mushroom soup. It is so simple to make and so incredibly delicious,” he says. “On a baking tray place 30 to 40 white mushrooms, you can really use any mushrooms, 1/2 white onion, 2 cloves garlic. Sprinkle some fresh thyme on top and drizzle some olive oil. Place in the oven at 400° for 30 minutes. Remove items from oven and place in blender. Add 3 to 4 cups of beef bone broth. Blend well for two minutes until silky smooth,” he instructs. “I like to serve with a little shredded Parmesan on top. This recipe is very low in calories and gets a decent source of protein from the broth. If you want to get even more protein, you can blend some tofu in seamlessly.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.