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She Dropped 160 Pounds After Admitting 9 “Hard Truths”

Coming to terms with these truths enabled her to get started on her weight loss journey.

Emma_Hooker_emmaa_getsfit1

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t really being honest with yourself? Emma Hooker is a certified fitness and nutrition coach who lost 160 pounds by forming “sustainable habits” and maintaining a “non-restrictive lifestyle.” In a new social media post, she opens up about how she had to come to some realizations before she was able to drop the weight. “I went from 330 pounds to 170 pounds naturally, but only after I was honest with myself about these things,” she writes across the video. “After being on dozens of weight loss journeys before this one, I finally had to be honest with myself about some things,” she adds in the post.


She Wasn’t Honest About How Much She Was Eating

“I wasn’t being honest with myself and how much I was eating,” admits Emma in her post. “I told myself I was following the plan when, deep down, I knew I was overeating, snacking constantly, & ignoring portion sizes. I was in denial.”

RELATED:Woman Lost 28 Pounds in 4 Months by Correcting These 4 Snacking Mistakes

She Wasn’t Self-Motivating

She was also not willing to self-motivate. “I was waiting for motivation to appear. I kept saying, ‘Oh I’ll just start Monday’ or ‘I’ll start when I feel ready,’” but the reality was, I wasn’t going to wake up one day and suddenly feel motivated,” she says.

She Didn’t Come to Terms with Why She Was Eating

She also wasn’t honest with herself about why she was eating. “I was using food to cope with my emotions. When I was stressed, sad, bored… food was my comfort & I had to admit that I wasn’t actually addressing the deeper issues, I was just numbing it with food,” she writes.

She Blamed It On Everything But Herself

“I blamed everything but myself,” she continues. “I would say, ‘I’m too busy,’ ‘I don’t have the money,’ ‘it’s just my genetics,’ but I was really the one standing in my own way.”

She Wasn’t Admitting Her Fears

“I was afraid of failing… again,” she continues. “I had tried to lose weight so many times before, and every failure made me think I wasn’t capable. I had to be real with myself & face the fact that I was letting my fear of failing to stop me from even trying.”

RELATED:7 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg, Weight Loss Expert Reveals

She Didn’t Want to Take Responsibility

“I didn’t want to take responsibility,” she confesses. “It was easier to play the victim, say life was unfair, or pretend I didn’t have control. But I had to accept that no one was going to change my life for me… I had to do the work.”

She Wasn’t Honest About How Much She Needed to Change

“I wasn’t honest about how much I needed to change,” she adds. “I wanted results without going outside of my comfort zone. I had to admit that my current habits (overeating, not moving my body), were holding me back, & that nothing would change if I didn’t.”

She Didn’t Think She Deserved Better

“I didn’t think I deserved better,” she said. “This one hurt a lot… I had convinced myself that I wasn’t worth the effort & that I was just always going to be the ‘bigger girl.’ This mindset kept me stuck for so long.”

RELATED:Want Flat Abs? Ditch These 7 Foods From Your Diet, Says Expert

Getting Honest with Herself Was the First Step in Losing Weight

“I had to face these truths & they were uncomfortable & they hurt but being honest with myself was the first step in taking my life back,” she writes at the end of the post. “This isn’t about beating yourself up, but about recognizing just what’s holding you back so you can take that first step.” 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.

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t really being honest with yourself? Emma Hooker is a certified fitness and nutrition coach who lost 160 pounds by forming “sustainable habits” and maintaining a “non-restrictive lifestyle.” In a new social media post, she opens up about how she had to come to some realizations before she was able to drop the weight. “I went from 330 pounds to 170 pounds naturally, but only after I was honest with myself about these things,” she writes across the video. “After being on dozens of weight loss journeys before this one, I finally had to be honest with myself about some things,” she adds in the post.


She Wasn’t Honest About How Much She Was Eating

“I wasn’t being honest with myself and how much I was eating,” admits Emma in her post. “I told myself I was following the plan when, deep down, I knew I was overeating, snacking constantly, & ignoring portion sizes. I was in denial.”

RELATED:Woman Lost 28 Pounds in 4 Months by Correcting These 4 Snacking Mistakes

She Wasn’t Self-Motivating

She was also not willing to self-motivate. “I was waiting for motivation to appear. I kept saying, ‘Oh I’ll just start Monday’ or ‘I’ll start when I feel ready,’” but the reality was, I wasn’t going to wake up one day and suddenly feel motivated,” she says.

She Didn’t Come to Terms with Why She Was Eating

She also wasn’t honest with herself about why she was eating. “I was using food to cope with my emotions. When I was stressed, sad, bored… food was my comfort & I had to admit that I wasn’t actually addressing the deeper issues, I was just numbing it with food,” she writes.

She Blamed It On Everything But Herself

“I blamed everything but myself,” she continues. “I would say, ‘I’m too busy,’ ‘I don’t have the money,’ ‘it’s just my genetics,’ but I was really the one standing in my own way.”

She Wasn’t Admitting Her Fears

“I was afraid of failing… again,” she continues. “I had tried to lose weight so many times before, and every failure made me think I wasn’t capable. I had to be real with myself & face the fact that I was letting my fear of failing to stop me from even trying.”

RELATED:7 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg, Weight Loss Expert Reveals

She Didn’t Want to Take Responsibility

“I didn’t want to take responsibility,” she confesses. “It was easier to play the victim, say life was unfair, or pretend I didn’t have control. But I had to accept that no one was going to change my life for me… I had to do the work.”

She Wasn’t Honest About How Much She Needed to Change

“I wasn’t honest about how much I needed to change,” she adds. “I wanted results without going outside of my comfort zone. I had to admit that my current habits (overeating, not moving my body), were holding me back, & that nothing would change if I didn’t.”

She Didn’t Think She Deserved Better

“I didn’t think I deserved better,” she said. “This one hurt a lot… I had convinced myself that I wasn’t worth the effort & that I was just always going to be the ‘bigger girl.’ This mindset kept me stuck for so long.”

RELATED:Want Flat Abs? Ditch These 7 Foods From Your Diet, Says Expert

Getting Honest with Herself Was the First Step in Losing Weight

“I had to face these truths & they were uncomfortable & they hurt but being honest with myself was the first step in taking my life back,” she writes at the end of the post. “This isn’t about beating yourself up, but about recognizing just what’s holding you back so you can take that first step.” 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
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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.

Carla, 23, from Melbourne, Australia, lost 90 lbs in one year after a health scare made her reassess her relationship with food. She opened up about her weight loss journey in an interview with Truly. “At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140,” she says in the viral video. “I had such a bad relationship with food. I just couldn't control myself. I would be eating way too much. I turned to food as a comfort. Men used to say that I would look prettier if I lost weight.” She also reveals the three basic things she did to lose weight and keep it off.


She Hit Bottom

Carla decided to lose weight after a health scare landed her in the hospital. “I was incredibly insecure, and I went into the weight loss journey for the wrong reasons, and it backfired on me heavily. It turned into an eating disorder, and then I ended up putting on the weight after I was laying in bed, crying all night, saying, ‘I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever.’ And that was my big turning point,” she says in the video.

She Struggled With Her Weight Since She Was 12

Check your body shape with white weight scales, top view.Shutterstock

She was 12 or 13 when she started to realize she was overweight. “Coming into high school, you really start to care about how people see you, I find. And I just became very conscious of it,” she says. “When I was 16 years old, I lost 55 pounds, but I wouldn't say that I did it in the most healthy way. I did suffer from an eating disorder, and I also had a bit of body dysmorphia. So every time I looked in the mirror, I would just see myself as much heavier than I really was when I was just, you know, pretty underweight.”

She Suffered From Disordered Eating

@carlavisentin_

Thats what i call an investment 📈 #weightloss #weightlossjourney #motivation #glowup #fyp

“At one point, I had such a bad relationship with food. The food was very scary. It was very nerve-wracking back then to go out to eat with my friends because I just couldn't control myself. I would be either eating way too much, or I would have these urges to go to the bathroom and purge it,” she says. “I was always afraid of trying to lose weight because I was scared that I would go back into that really bad cycle and that bad mentality. But I was pretty. I would say I am. I was confident and confident enough in myself when I was overweight in 2020, and I just wanted to make sure that I knew that I was beautiful, whether I was overweight or not.”

She Ended up in the Hospital

Asian woman lying sick in hospital.Shutterstock

“I remember I was in hospital due to ulcerative colitis. I was in and out of the hospital three times in a span of a year I can remember. And I remember the last time that I was in the hospital, I was laying in bed crying all night, saying, I need to make this change. I don't wanna live like this forever. And that was my big turning point,” she explains. “And as soon as I got out of that hospital, I started doing my research on weight loss. And I tried to ingrain in my brain that we're gonna do this right this time, and we're going to do this healthy.”

First Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Stopped Ordering Takeout

Courier delivery food service at home. Man courier delivered the order no name bag with food.Shutterstock

One thing she did? “I deleted all my fast food apps for no temptation at all,” she says. Prior to losing weight, she “really didn't care and I would eat whatever I really wanted and I would get a lot of Uber Eats,” she says. Now she only gets it “a handful of times a year,” adding that “it's very special every time that happens.”

Second Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Did Online Workouts

Smiling woman in sportswear is sitting on the floor with bottle of water and is using a laptop at home in the living room.Shutterstock

The next basic thing that helped her lose weight? Online workouts. “I would grab my laptop, go on YouTube, search up some workout videos and follow them in my living room or even outside,” she said.

Third Basic That Helped Her Lose Weight: She Shared Side By Side Photos

“At my heaviest, I weighed 230 pounds, and now I weigh 140. For me to finally see results after two months, it felt very rewarding,” she says. “And putting those side-by-side photos of my before and after just made me more motivated to keep going,” she says.

The Response Has Been Astounding

Social media and digital online concept, man using smart phone with Social media. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media. Social Distancing ,Working From Home concept.Shutterstock

The response has been astounding. “I've gotten a bunch of different comments from men about my weight previously and even now. There are guys who would've never looked in my direction prior to me losing weight who now suddenly care about me. Guys that would maybe even bully me before they suddenly want to get to know who I am. I feel like showing my weight loss journey on social media shows that, literally, anyone can do it. I'm just a normal girl, normal adolescent girl, and she was just able to do it,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Ways to Lose Weight Over 50 Without Feeling Hungry

She Wants to Become Stronger

Woman exercising with a kettlebell weight, low-section cropShutterstock

“Losing weight working out makes me feel so much stronger. Not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. I'm excited to grow more muscle. So that is going to be, I think, the end goal at the end of the year, just building more muscle and becoming more stronger,” she says.

Know Your Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable

“You literally have all the resources that you need within yourself. Definitely holding yourself accountable, reminding yourself what your goals are daily, regularly, all the time,” 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
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.

Kiki (@kikivirk) is a weight loss influencer who has amassed a social media following for sharing all the tips and tricks that enabled her to lose a whopping 60 pounds and keep it off. In one of her viral videos – viewed over 8 million times, Kiki reveals the biggest weight loss mistake she made on her journey – and also what ultimately led to her weight loss success.


She Says Doing High Intensity Workouts Were a “Huge Mistake”

@kikivirk

The plan that helped me shed 60lbs 💪🏽 #weightloss #pcos #pcosweightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsforwomen #pcosworkout

“I was so motivated to lose weight and I wanted to see results fast, but I didn't do my research and I jumped straight in, literally into a high intensity, 90 day workout plan. Huge mistake,” Kiki says in the video.

After 45 Days She Hadn’t Lost Weight

kikivirk2kikivirk/TikTok

After a month-and-a-half, she didn't feel like she'd lost any weight. “I was overdoing it. The long, painful HIIT workouts were actually doing my body no good. They were causing it too much stress and loads of other problems,” she says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

She Had “Weight Plateaus” and “Felt So Hungry and Fatigued”

young sports woman working out, running and feeling tired on treadmill in gymShutterstock

In another video, she specified that she was doing “high intensity cardio” five times a week in hopes it “would burn fat fast and give me my dream body,” she explained. “But instead, I had weight plateaus and felt so hungry and fatigued.

Her Fat Began to “Melt Off” When She Started Strength Training

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“Literally, as soon as I started strength training and less cardio, the fat began to melt off, and the lean muscle mass I gained gave me the tone look I'd always wanted,” she continued.

Her Program: LISS, Walking, Strength and Resistance Training, and a Short HIIT Workout

Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on waterfront in late summer or fallShutterstock

Her program starts with doing 45 to 60 minutes of LISS cardio four times a week. She also walks 7 to 12,000 steps every day, does strength and resistance training three times a week, and a 15-minute HIIT workout once a week.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

An Expert Weighs In

Kendra_Gamblehitfitnesstraining/Instagram

“What she says is definitely spot on,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. “Intense cardio and intense HIIT more than twice a week will do the body more harm than good and is not the way to lose fat and get that toned look.” Instead, she agrees that “increasing your everyday steps is more of the most important and beginner things you can do to start losing fat along with getting your diet right.” Unfortunately, “fat loss is not an immediate thing and will take time and dedication but she explains it all perfectly.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are a beginner trying to lose weight, starting by increasing your steps and modifying your diet instead of going overboard with higher intensity workouts.

sofe ring
Copyright sofe.ring/Instagram

Are you struggling to lose weight? One expert claims that you need to understand a few fundamental things before you are successful. Sofe Ring is a Certified Nutrition Coach with almost 100,000 followers on social media who dropped 21 pounds and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals a few things she had to learn before losing weight. “5 truths about weight loss,” she writes. “Some truths need to be heard!”

Your Weight Loss Journey Is Going to Be Boring

Number one, “Your weight loss journey is going to be boring,” says Ring. “Showing up for yourself everyday isn’t as glamorous as you see on Instagram. You may find you want to eat the same thing everyday because it fits in your calorie target, and the scale may move so slow that you don’t have something new to celebrate everyday, and THATS OKAY! Consistency over time is boring but effective!”

You Need to Realign Your Expectations

“You need to realign your expectations,” is her second truth. “The first week or two of tracking you may see a drop on the scale from excess water and the pull back of everything you were eating, but after that it’s a slow roll to the finish line. I didn’t see my body change until month 3-4. The scale told me there was change, and measurements did too, but the physical changes took a while. I think a lot of it was in my head,” she writes.

Maintain a Calorie Deficit

“Any movement you do is going to be good, but you need to think about movement as a way to feel good, versus lose weight. To lose weight you have to be in a calorie deficit — meaning the most change is going to come from what you are eating vs how you are moving,” she says.

Calculate Your Own Calorie Gorals

“Use my journey as inspiration, but you need to calculate your own calorie goals,” she continues. “Your height, weight, age, and activity level may differ from mine. You need to focus on making small sustainable changes that fit within your current lifestyle, what you’re comfortable cooking and what you put on your dinner table. Trying to copy someone else’s world doesn’t set you up to achieve success in your world.”

There Are No “Good” or “Bad” Food Groups

And finally, there is no one food group that should be labeled as “bad,” she says. “You may find you have intolerances, but thinking that “if I eat carbs I’ll gain wait”, feels very restrictive. It’s all about moderation vs deprivation. Enjoy the things you want, just watch your portions.”

In Another Post She Elaborates on Other Habits

In another post, she elaborates on calorie deficit. “There was so much I thought I needed to do - gym, steps, weights, abs, more of this, more of that, supplements, oh wait, cortisol, and so on. It was too much! When I tell you that I was solely focused on my deficit, I literally was solely focused on my deficit,” she says.

She Recommends UsingTracking App

Her “guide to an EASY calorie deficit that WILL help you lose weight,” she adds, starting with finding a tracking app you enjoy. “People love MFP. My go to is @loseitapp. Let it calculate your TDEE for you, and tell the app you want to lose weight. It will calculate a deficit for you as well. I recommend you don’t eat too steep a deficit. Stay within the 250-500 range,” she writes.

Find an Accountability Buddy

Next, accountability can be easier with the help of a buddy. “Really though, make it a New Year’s resolution to do together. You’ve done far harder things together than logging your food for a week,” she writes.

Keep Health Food on Hand

Make sure to keep your kitchen stocked with healthy food. “Make sure your pantry and fridge are filled with supporting ingredients! 🛒 Here’s a grocery list for the 7 days,” she writes.

  • Protein: Ground turkey, breakfast patties, sausages, chicken breast, cottage cheese, yogurt, carton of egg whites, deli meat
  • Veggies: Head of broccoli, head of cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, lettuce
  • Fruits: Assorted berries, apples
  • Carbs: White rice, brown rice, quinoa, low cal tortillas, low cal English muffins
  • Snacks: Rice cakes, meat sticks, protein chips, diet coke, a chocolate treat, popcorn

Get Motivated with These Menu Ideas

Here is a sample menu, “alternate between options and snack away,” she writes.

Breakfast: yogurt bowls, cottage cheese with fruit, egg whites and breakfast sausages on muffins, egg tacos

Lunch: Chicken breast on a salad with cucumbers, deli sandwich on a muffin, leftovers from the night before

Dinner: chicken tacos, ground turkey stir fry with broccoli, sausages with cauliflower and rice. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/Instagram

Are you curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.

When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab
I Lost 20 Pounds as a Coach and Here Are My 6 Secrets to Losing Weight Fast and Not Gaining It Back
Copyright fitbymahtab/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.

Do you want to lose weight fast without gaining it all back? According to one expert, it’s possible if you have the right tools. Mahtab Ekay is a fat loss coach and social media influencer who has lost over 20 pounds and helps others do the same. She reveals a few game-changing hacks for sustaining weight loss in a new post. “If you want to lose weight safely by summer 2025 and not gain it all back, here are 6 things you need to do,” she writes.

Start Every Meal with Veggies

Her first tip? Start every meal with veggies. “I know, I know—veggies first isn’t the most exciting, but trust me, it works! 🥦 Starting with veggies fills you up with fiber and nutrients and it will help with preventing glucose spikes and your tendency to binge later,” she says. Some tasty veggie ideas: green salad, edamame, baby carrots, or bell peppers. “Your future self will thank you!)”

Stop Snacking

Her second tip: Stop snacking. “If you’re craving something sweet, save it for dessert after your meal. 🍫 Snacking on an empty stomach can mess with your blood sugar and lead to overeating later,” she writes.

RELATED:5 Walking Techniques That Burn More Fat Than Running

Walk It Out

You also need to start walking. “Walking is a game-changer for fat loss, and there are so many easy ways to add steps,” she says. Her suggestions? Walk your dog, play with your kids, get a walking pad for your desk, go on walking dates or hangouts, or walk while you chat on the phone.

Lift Weight

“Start lifting weights,” she continues. “Not just to burn calories—but to build muscle! The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. Plus, you’ll look toned and feel stronger!”

RELATED:The Only 4 Exercises You Need for Total-Body Fitness

Hydrate

Tip five, “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” she says. “Drink half your body weight in pounds in ounces of water. Staying hydrated keeps you full, helps with digestion, and supports your energy levels. Pro tip: grab a cute water bottle to keep you on track!”

Sleep

Finally, get your sleep in. “Aim for 50 hours of sleep per week. If your schedule doesn’t allow 7 hours per night (shift workers, I see you!), just focus on getting enough over the week. 💤 Sleep is a game-changer for fat loss and mental clarity,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Brittney Blanco
​Greek Chicken Wraps
Copyright bylt.by.britt/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you unsure what you should be eating to lose weight? One expert has the answer. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. “If you want to lose 5 to 10 pounds by Easter, these are the foods I would eat daily,” she writes.

Fuel Your Body the Right Way

,Couple,,Fitness,Gym,muscles,bodybuilderShutterstock

According to Brittney, she understands the ratio of what you should be eating to lose weight. “Want more energy, muscle, and balanced hormones? It all starts with your plate! Here’s how to fuel up the right way,” she says.

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

Prioritize Protein

Fresh chicken eggs​7. EggsShutterstock

First, prioritize protein. “Protein keeps you full, builds muscle, and boosts metabolism. Aim for 0.8-1g per pound of body weight (or at least 100g daily)” she writes. The best sources? Eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, salmon, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, and tuna. Why? “Helps burn fat, maintain muscle, and curb cravings!” she says.

Eat More Fiber

,Kale,Cabbage,leafy,greens​The Power of Green GuardiansShutterstock

Next, eat more fiber, mostly veggies and fruit. “Fiber supports digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Aim for 25g daily,” she says. The veggies she recommends are broccoli, green beans, kale, asparagus, and zucchini, and fruits, berries, banana, mango, kiwi, and oranges. Why? “Keeps you full and supports a healthy gut!”

Carbs

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

Next up carbs, which equal energy. “Carbs fuel your body and workouts. Choose quality sources,” she writes. Best options: Potatoes, quinoa, farro, bulgur, rice. Why? “Prevents energy crashes and supports muscle recovery,” she writes.

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

Healthy Fats

Chia,Seeds.,Chia,Word,Made,From,Chia,Seeds.,Selective,FocusShutterstop

Amp up your healthy fats intake for hormone balance. “Fats help with hormones, brain health, and nutrient absorption,” she says. Best sources: Egg yolks, avocado, cheese, olive oil, chia seeds, almonds, nut butters. Why? “Supports metabolism, mood, and glowing skin!” she writes.

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

Build a Balanced Plate

Sock eyed salmon with green beans and lemonShutterstock

Using these sources, build a balanced plate. “Keep it simple,” she urges. Why? “Provides balanced nutrition, steady energy, and prevents cravings!” Here is the plate she recommends.

¼ plate protein 🥩

¼ plate carbs 🍚

Thumb-size healthy fats 🥑

½ plate veggies 🥦

And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

McKenna Olsen mckennahenrie
Woman Added 800 Calories Daily and Lost 10 Pounds Without Exercise in 90 Days
Copyright mckennahenrie/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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Over the past few years, intermittent fasting has been one of the buzziest terms in weight loss. So, should you try it? McKenna Olsen is an influencer and health coach who recently lost 10 pounds. In a new social media post, she answers the question: Is intermittent fasting beneficial for weight loss? Here is her answer.

Why Intermittent Fasting Is Popular

“Firstly, it’s important to know WHY it’s a popular strategy,” she explains. “It’s not ‘magic’ by any means but it’s popular because it helps to put you in a calorie deficit,” she says. While time restricted eating “can be useful for those who tend to OVERconsume,” not everyone will benefit from it.

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Cortisol Levels Are Higher in the Morning

Here is why. “Firstly, understand that our cortisol levels are highest in the AM,” she says, “so they are going to be exacerbated if we fast for extended periods.” Also, “if you are active in the morning, it just increases cortisol.” ⁣

Fasting Can Cause a More Rapid Decline in Hormones for Women

“Second, when it comes to hormones, women are MUCH different than men. We already deal with declining sex hormones as we age, so extreme levels of fasting CAN cause a more rapid decline. We also need to keep blood sugar levels more stable. If your body is under chronic stress, it’s going to produce more and more insulin which (based upon severity) can lead to cases like insulin resistance,” she says.

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Fasting Can Lead to Undereating During the Day

⁣”Not only can fasting be stressful, but also can lead to undereating during the day (especially if you have a busy life and ALREADY have a hard time eating enough), which leads to ultimately under recovering, especially for those who are active, too, which can cause a cascade of hormonal issues because exercise IS a stressor, so eating insufficient amounts due to extreme levels of fasting can wreck havoc on recovery,” she says.

It Can Also Make You More “Food Focused”

⁣”Lastly, fasting simply can make you more food focused, can sometimes cause hunger hormones to build leading you to overconsume when it does come meal time and for some, lead to an unhealthy relationship with food,” she says.

She Doesn’t Recommend It⁣

Overall, she doesn’t recommend it. “I know intermittent fasting has become a weight loss trend, but it’s mostly because it puts people in a caloric deficit to help control intake if you struggle with overeating,” she says.

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Here Is What She Does Recommend⁣

“Working with so many women who have struggled with yo-yo dieting, I have found eating regular balanced meals, nourishing their bodies properly and regularly is more sustainable and healthier hormonally, for the long term,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.