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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.

She Lost 33 Pounds After Correcting These 5 Morning Habit Mistakes

Are you guilty of any?

get.healthy.with.stefanie
Copyright get.healthy.with.stefanie/Instagram

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t getting the results you want? You could be making easy-to-change mistakes in your morning routine, claims an expert. Stefanie is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 33 pounds and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals morning habits that will prevent you from achieving your goals. “Here are five things you should avoid in the morning if you want to lose weight,” she writes.


Don’t Skip Breakfast

Happy couple having tasty breakfast in cafeShutterstock

While some claim intermittent fasting is the key to losing weight, Stefanie disagrees. She believes that skipping breakfast is a big mistake. “A healthy breakfast stimulates the metabolism and helps to avoid cravings throughout the day,” she writes.

Don’t Drink Too Little Water

Woman drinking water in summer sunlightShutterstock

“Too little water to drink” is a significant mistake if you are trying to lose weight, says Stefanie. “Hydration is crucial for metabolism. Start the day with a glass of water to get your body going,” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Don’t Eat High-Sugar Foods

Set of bakery pastries on wooden tableShutterstock

“Eating high-sugar foods,” first thing in the morning is a sure-fire way to derail your diet. “Avoid sugary cereals or pastries in the morning, as they quickly increase and drop blood sugar levels, which leads to cravings,” she says.

Don’t Be Sedentary

Young fitness woman running at morning tropical forest trailShutterstock

Another mistake in the morning that many people make is that they “Do not move,” she says. “Morning exercise, be it a short walk or light stretching, can boost the metabolism and prepare the body for the day.”

RELATED:I Hit 60 and These Daily Habits Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Don’t Drink Too Much Coffee

hands holding hot cup of coffee or tea in morning sunlight

Shutterstock

Coffee may give you energy to start the day, but don’t overdo it, warns Stefanie. “Drink too much coffee,” is her fifth and final morning mistake. “Coffee in moderation is okay, but too much caffeine can suppress the appetite and later lead to eating. Try to even out the coffee with enough water,” she suggests. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

More For You

get.healthy.with.stefanie
Copyright get.healthy.with.stefanie/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t getting the results you want? You could be making easy-to-change mistakes in your morning routine, claims an expert. Stefanie is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 33 pounds and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals morning habits that will prevent you from achieving your goals. “Here are five things you should avoid in the morning if you want to lose weight,” she writes.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

Happy couple having tasty breakfast in cafeShutterstock

While some claim intermittent fasting is the key to losing weight, Stefanie disagrees. She believes that skipping breakfast is a big mistake. “A healthy breakfast stimulates the metabolism and helps to avoid cravings throughout the day,” she writes.

Don’t Drink Too Little Water

Woman drinking water in summer sunlightShutterstock

“Too little water to drink” is a significant mistake if you are trying to lose weight, says Stefanie. “Hydration is crucial for metabolism. Start the day with a glass of water to get your body going,” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Don’t Eat High-Sugar Foods

Set of bakery pastries on wooden tableShutterstock

“Eating high-sugar foods,” first thing in the morning is a sure-fire way to derail your diet. “Avoid sugary cereals or pastries in the morning, as they quickly increase and drop blood sugar levels, which leads to cravings,” she says.

Don’t Be Sedentary

Young fitness woman running at morning tropical forest trailShutterstock

Another mistake in the morning that many people make is that they “Do not move,” she says. “Morning exercise, be it a short walk or light stretching, can boost the metabolism and prepare the body for the day.”

RELATED:I Hit 60 and These Daily Habits Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Don’t Drink Too Much Coffee

hands holding hot cup of coffee or tea in morning sunlight

Shutterstock

Coffee may give you energy to start the day, but don’t overdo it, warns Stefanie. “Drink too much coffee,” is her fifth and final morning mistake. “Coffee in moderation is okay, but too much caffeine can suppress the appetite and later lead to eating. Try to even out the coffee with enough water,” she suggests. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Kiana Monle kianamonle
Copyright kianamonle/Instagram

Are you struggling to achieve your weight loss goals? Kiana Monle is a holistic wellness influencer who dropped over 30 pounds and shares her tips and tricks on social media. In a new post, she reveals a few things she did to drop weight. “Before, I felt heavy. I was uncomfortable in my body and was sick of hovering around the same weight for years on end. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired! So I made some changes. BIG ones,” she says in the post, revealing five things she did to lose 35 pounds.

She Got Into a Calorie Deficit

The first thing she did was get into a calorie deficit. “For the first 6 months, I meticulously tracked my calories. I know this isn't for everyone, but it was so helpful to know how much I was eating, and how much I had left to play around with. IMO, this was the biggest game changer,” she says.

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

She Went “Back to Basics”

Next, she went “back to basics,” she says. “I used to eat a ton of sweets. It became a cycle, and my weight soared. To reset, I went back to the basics--whole foods , no cakes or cookies. Yes, that first few days were tough (almost caved for some insomnia cookies) but it was worth it. After a week or so I stopped craving so many sweets. I also started to enjoy whole foods more. I later re-introduced cakes, cookies, etc!”

She Exercised

She also started to exercise. “I've always been somewhat active when it came to workouts, but as someone who worked from home, I got maaaybe 1K steps in a day. To move more, I worked out 3X a week (doing @heatherrobertsoncom 's 12 week program) and later added walks 5X a week. Once I finished the plan, I did the second one for a bit before ditching, lifting altogether, and focused on cardio (my fave),” she says.

She Treated Herself to “Daily Fun Foods”

Next, she started treating herself to “daily fun foods,” she reveals. “I reset my palate, but I still kept things fun. My daily treat would be popcorn and a chocolate truffle (huge fan of both!).”

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

She Focused on Consistency

Finally, she focused on consistency. “Daily commitment was key. For those first 6 months, when I lost 20 pounds, I would stick to my eating and workout plan. No cheat days, no going off script. I simply built in rest days, and if I ate out, I'd have it fit into my daily calories,” she writes.

She Is Now Focused on Balance

“Now as I maintain my goal weight, it's about finding balance,” she reveals at the end of the post. “It's not always easy, but I'm excited to document it here!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Lacey Iskra laceeiskk
Copyright laceeiskk/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 eating less and exercising more and still can’t seem to lose weight? Lacey Iskra is a health coach who specializes in “root cause healing,” helping “women get to the root cause of their symptoms, lose fat & increase their energy,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a recent video, she reveals some of the habits she had to give up in order to health her gut and lose weight. “6 crappy habits I had to quit to heal my hormones and lose 20 pounds of fat,” she writes in the video.

She Had to Shift Her Perspective From Eating Less and Working Out More

“I also had to give up a massive belief…A belief I had carried for most of my life,” she continues. “That in order to look and feel how I wanted I just had to eat less and move more. The belief was not working for me and also not serving me. Because I did that. I skipped meals, ate salads multiple times a day and refused to eat anything that wasn’t labelled low calorie.

She Wasn’t Losing Weight and Was “Puffy” and “Exhausted”

“And by following and listening this belief i dug my body into a deep hole,” she says. “Where nothing was working and I felt so stuck. I couldn’t possible eat any less or move any more and yet I was still bloated, puffy, overweight and exhausted.”

She Finally Admitted That the Habits Were Hurting Her

“Once I admitted that my daily habits were hurting me more then serving me I promised myself to start making changes and these were the first habits I kicked to the curb!!” she says, going onto to reveal the list.

Here Are the Bad Habits She Quit

  • Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
  • Working out 7 days a week and never taking rest days
  • Doom scrolling on my phone before bed
  • Rushing through everything absolutely as fast as possible
  • Undereating and skipping meals
  • Running multiple times per week.

She Also Recommends Modifying Current Habits

In another post, she reveals how modifying her daily habits and adding to them was also a game changer. “I still relax on the couch every night … now I just wear a castor oil pack,” she writes. “I still drink a litre of water every morning …now It just has two nettle teabags in it.”

She Also Tweaked Her Diet and Workouts

“I still hit 8000-10,000 steps per day….now I just do it outside instead of in. I still eat 4 meals a day ….now I just make sure its mainly whole foods. I still eat breakfast….now I just make it double the size lol,” she continued. The bottom line? Making small changes to you habits can result in a big, positive impact. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Raman Sekhon ramanksekhonn
Copyright ramanksekhonn/Instagram

Are you trying to glow-up and transform your body? It may be as simple as shifting your mindset, says one expert. Raman Sekhon is a weight loss warrior and PCOS coach who transformed her life by making some changes. In a new pose she reveals some of the simple things she did that helped her achieve success. “I’ve lost 15 lbs in the past 3ish months, but the biggest transformation wasn’t my body.. it was my mindset,” she says. She then goes on to reveal “5 things that changed everything” for her “can change it for you, too.”

She Started Saying No

“I started saying no to the things that don’t serve me anymore,” is the first thing she did. “For the longest time out of guilt I would say yes to things that just didn’t make me feel good, like when people would tell me to drink alcohol or eat certain foods even though I knew they just weren’t going to make feel good. but I just didn’t want to say no and hurt their feelings.bI started choosing myself first and saying no kindly!”

She Started Priotizing Herself

She also prioritized herself. “Choosing to show up for myself every day even on the days I didn’t want to, because I deserve to prioritize myself,” she writes.

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

She Focused on Results

“Trusting the process instead of focusing on the results,” is the third shift she made. “It’s so easy to get focused on where you want to go, but learning to trust the process and enjoy it will make it a lot easier and enjoyable! I like to think of it as delayed gratification,” she writes.

Walking 10,000 Steps Per Day

Another healthy habit that was a game-changer? “Walking every day!” she says. “Goal is to hit more than 10k steps - it’s honestly the easiest way to burn fat without feeling like you’re trying to lose weight.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also 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.

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

Doing Things to Feel Good

Her final shift? Changing her reason why. “Shifting my mindset from saying things like ‘I have to do it’ to ‘I choose to do it because it makes me feel good,’” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt15
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight and transform your life by changing your routine in small ways? Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok by sharing videos about losing 50 pounds. In a new post, she reveals a few of her go-to habits for weight loss. “3 things that have truly helped me lose weight and transform my life,” she writes in a recent post. “This helped me go from 200 pounds to 150 pounds.”

Find an Activity You Are “Absolutely Obsessed With”

The first thing she did that was a game-changer? “Finding an activity I am absolutely OBSESSED with,” she reveals in the post. “When I was losing weight I did not go to the gym at all it was during Covid so everything was closed. Instead I just walked every single day because I loved it and this can be bikini, running, swimming whatever u love.”

Don’t Focus on the Scale

Next, it’s not all about the numbers. “Don’t focus on the scale,” she says. “Focus on how you feel instead. Don’t weigh yourself each week don’t do any extra things because the scale will flexuate. Instead hide your scale for a month don’t weigh yourself and just focus on feeling your best.”

Don’t Burn Out

Her third habit? “No more BURN OUT,” she says. “Okay hear me out ladies stop with the burn out you don’t have to lift heavy 6x a week if u only have time for 3 that’s great. Stop doing hours of cardio and focus on small changes each day. The secret is consistency.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Walk

In another one of her viral clips, she reveals that her weight loss was primarily the result of a single exercise. “I lost 40 pounds just by walking, and here's how I did it”, she said, “what you're going to do to start losing weight by walking.” She went on to offer a few tips on how to maximize the burn, starting with starting small. “Number one, don't start big. You don't have to go on a two hour walk every single day,” says Alexandra.

Take Shorter Walks Before or After Breakfast and Lunch

She also takes short walks after every meal. “I would go on a 10, 15 minute walk after my big meals,” she explains. “So usually my first walk would be in the morning, like 10 minutes before breakfast. I would eat breakfast, go about my day, and then during lunch,” she continues. “If you're at school, at work, I know you're able to get outside and get your body moving.”

Take a Longer Walk After Dinner

She also walks at the end of the day, after her meal. “This helps your food digest, it helps get rid of bloating, everything,” she says, explaining that “usually after dinner” she would take her “longer walk,” which would be “ a 30 minute walk.” Should you walk before or after meals? According to research, waiting until after your meal is more effective. A 2022 study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that walking as little as two to five minutes after a meal may lower your blood sugar.

Aim for 10,000 Steps a Day

In total, Alexandra tries to aim for “10,000 steps” per day, she says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also 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.

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

Cook Double

In another Instagram post, she reveals a few of her best “lazy girl hacks” for weight loss. Alexandra’s first hack is to cook double. She says, “this way you’re gonna have leftovers for lunch for the next couple days & no need to cook!”

Make Healthy Swaps

She also suggests making healthy swaps. “Get the nuts, get the pre-cut veggies instead of having a chocolate bar, have a protein bar on hand,” she suggests.

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

Invest in an Air Fryer

“Smart kitchen appliances my air fryer is my BFF,” says Alexandra. “I cook frozen foods in there all the time! I put it in and then I go back to the couch with my bubbly water until I hear a beep.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nurit Raich NuritRaich
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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 struggling to lose weight during perimenopause? You might be making a few simple mistakes. Nurit Raich is a Perimenopause Nutrition Coach and Food Scientist who helps her over-40 clients lose fat and gain energy. In a new social media post, she discusses the dos and don’ts of blasting belly fat: “What not to do as a high-achieving woman over 40 trying to lose belly fat. The last one is key!”

You Might Be Trying to Lose Weight “The Wrong Way”

“You are trying to lose weight the wrong way as a woman over 40. I had a client—a powerhouse in her career, juggling meetings, deadlines, and life—who was doing everything ‘right.’ She skipped breakfast to save calories, pushed herself through exhausting cardio sessions, and cut carbs like it was her job.”

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

Her Client Wasn’t Doing the Right Things

She explains that the client wasn’t doing the right things to lose weight. “But despite all that effort, the belly fat wouldn’t budge,” she continues. “The problem? Her body wasn’t getting what it actually needed.”

What Not To Do: Skip Meals or Drastically Cut Calories

She starts by explaining “what NOT to do,” starting with starving yourself. Don’t “Skip meals or drastically cut calories,” she says. While you might feel like this will lead you to weight loss, “this slows metabolism,” she says.

What Not To Do: Rely on Cardio Only

She moves on to a big exercise mistake, which is to “rely only on cardio,” she says. Why is this counterproductive? “Too much can increase cortisol and cause fat storage.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

What Not To Do: Ignore Stress and Sleep

Don’t neglect getting enough rest and keeping your mental health in check. Her last mistake is ignoring stress and sleep. “Hormones play a bigger role than you think,” she says.

What To Do Instead: Prioritize Protein

She then reveals what to do instead. “Eat enough protein,” she says, recommending 30g per meal. Why? It helps support muscle and metabolism.

What To Do Instead: Lift Weights

She suggests lifting weights for exercise. “Prioritize strength training to build lean muscle and burn fat effectively,” she says.

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

What To Do Instead: Manage Blood Sugar and Stress

And her last tip? “Manage blood sugar & stress because your body holds onto weight when hormones are out of balance,” she says. “The key isn’t eating less—it’s eating smarter and working with your body, not against it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Chris Freytag ChrisFreytag
Copyright chrisfreytag/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.

Not every workout you see on social media is all it’s hyped up to be. However, there are some you should try. Chris Freytag is a fitness and lifestyle coach and the founder of Get Healthy U, a comprehensive fitness hub. In a new social media post, she reveals a fitness trend that lives up to its hype. “The Viral Workout Trend That Actually WORKS,” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about it.

The 4-2-1 Method

She goes on to reveal the concept of the 4-2-1 method:

  • 4 days of strength training workouts
  • 2 days of cardio
  • 1 day of mobility/ activity recovery.

It Is Effective for Weight Loss and Building Muscle

“This 4-2-1 training method that took off on Tik-Tok has 4 strength training days, 2 days of cardio, and 1 day of mobility or active recovery each week,” she writes. “This 4-2-1 workout plan can be an effective way to lose weight, maintain muscle mass, and improve your overall fitness.”

She Also Endorses This Walking Hack

In another post, she reveals a walking hack to improve your health. “Here’s a game-changer: Walking for 10 minutes after each meal can be more effective than walking for a full hour at another time of day,” she says. “I am a follower of the @gluecosegoddess (Jessie Inchauspé), who says walking after a meal is a crucial practice to help manage blood sugar levels by preventing large spikes and promoting better glucose absorption into your muscle!”

Walk After Every Meal

“If you can just get up and take some steps: 10 minutes after breakfast, lunch and, dinner,” she continues. “That’s only 30 minutes total—but research shows you’ll see more health benefits than from one continuous 60-minute walk!”

There Are Lots of Benefits of Walking After Meals

She explains that fat loss isn’t the only benefit of walking after you eat. “Besides getting in some steps, post-meal walks help stabilize blood sugar levels, boost digestion, and increase energy and metabolism.

Break Walking Into Smaller Chunks to Make It More “Doable”

“So break it down into smaller chunks and walk around the block; hop on your walking pad; march around your house; just move after every meal,” she concludes. She adds that many people will find that this method makes it more “doable.”

Ruth Soukup
​Eat More Protein
Copyright ruthsoukup/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure what foods to eat and which to avoid? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. “I lost 49 pounds at age 43 without dieting or Ozempic,” she writes. In two posts, she reveals 7 foods she eats “pretty much every day” and 7 she avoids. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS before I finally stopped dieting once and for all, and just focused on balancing my hormones instead. In the process, I lost 49 pounds and have kept it off, without ever counting calories,” she says.

What She Eats: Animal Protein

chicken nest with eggs. A woman's hand takes the eggs from the nest. The hen laid the eggs. farmer collects eggs​EggsShutterstock

Animal protein is the first item on her list. “This usually includes bone broth and farm fresh eggs in the morning, chicken at lunch, and either beef, chicken, pork, or fish at dinnertime,” she says.

Healthy Fat

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeup​5. Greek Yogurt/Cottage CheeseShutterstock

She also makes sure to eat healthy fat. “This mostly comes from avocado oil, EVOO, and butter, but also full fat dairy—heavy cream, cream cheese, cheese, sour cream, greek yogurt, and cottage cheese,” she says.

Vegetables

Asparagus. Fresh Asparagus. Pickled Green Asparagus. Bunches of green asparagus in basket, top view- Image13. Asparagus: 20 caloriesShutterstock

She eats lots of veggies, too. “Lots of broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, and Brussels Sprouts. I don’t eat a ton of salad, unless it’s a good Caesar with homemade dressing, which I make every few weeks,” she says.

Fresh Berries

Freshly picked blueberries in wooden bowl. Juicy and fresh blueberries with green leaves on rustic table. Bilberry on wooden Background. Blueberry antioxidant. Concept for healthy eating and nutritionShutterstock

Fruits are also on her shopping list, especially fresh berries. “Mostly strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries,” she writes.

Fermented Foods

Milk,Kefir,Grains,Spoon, probiotics, health, gut, food, diet​Probiotic Foods: Kefir Greek YogurtShutterstock

“I try to eat at least a little bit of fermented food every day for the probiotics,” she says. “My favorite is kimchi, but I’ll also do fresh sauerkraut or kefir, and I make my own fermented ketchup (scroll down in my feed for the recipe.)”

Starches

Multi,Grain,Sourdough,Bread,With,Flax,Seeds,Cut,On,AShutterstock

Starches are also part of her diet. “I don’t tend to eat a ton of starchy food, but I do love real sourdough bread, and I also sometimes make potatoes or jasmine rice to go with dinner, depending on what we’re having,” she says.

Seasonings

Garlic Cloves and Bulb in vintage wooden bowl.​Prebiotic Foods: GarlicShutterstock

She also invests money in seasoning. “Generally lots of salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, fresh herbs and hot sauce,” she writes. One of her favorites? The Green Dragon sauce from Trader Joes.

She Doesn’t Eat: Vegetable Oil

Woman,Buying,Cooking,Oil,In,Supermarket,canola,olive,Shutterstock

In another post, she reveals what she eliminated from her diet. “Vegetable oil or any other highly processed seed oils, as well as Crisco and margarine,” she writes. “These are all so toxic and highly inflammatory! I also tend to avoid any processed foods that contain these oils. Instead, I cook with butter, avocado oil, and olive oil.”

Sugar

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

She also stays away from sugar. “If I do need to use a sweetener for a recipe, I typically stick to monkfruit or allulose or a blend of those two,” she says.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High,fructose,Corn,Syrup,Or,Hfcs,Food,Shutterstock

High fructose corn syrup is another no-no. “Another highly toxic and inflammatory ingredient I try to avoid that is sadly way too common in so many processed foods,” she writes

Packaged Side Dishes

American creamy macaroni and cheese pasta mac & Cheese

Shutterstock

Ruth also recommends avoiding packaged side dishes, “such as mac and cheese, stuffing, rice pilaf blends, scalloped potatoes, hamburger helper, etc.” These are highly processed foods.

Breakfast Cereal

multicolored cereals in a white bowl on blue backgroundShutterstock

Ruth strongly suggests staying away from breakfast cereal. Most of it is highly processed and contains lots of additives and sugar. If you want to eat cereal, opt for a higher-fiber, lower-sugar option.

Brownie and Cake Mix

Protein Brownie Batter

Brownies and cake mixes are also on her list of things to avoid. If you do enjoy baking, try cooking from scratch using healthier flours and sweeteners, which will result in a less processed and more nutritious product.

Fruit Juice

Close up of teenage woman drinking juice while looking through a window.​5. Fruit JuiceShutterstock

According to Ruth, fruit juice may sound nutritious, but you should stay away. ”Except for Clamato, which we use for Bloody Marys on the weekend! The rest of it is just pure sugar,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.