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She Lost 50 Pounds in Her 50s with These 6 “Silly” Hacks

One expert reveals some game-changing habits.

Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 17, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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✓Evidence-Based

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

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Amy Lynn amylynn.fit
Copyright amylynn.fit/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 17, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

Nutrition & Diet

Are you trying to lose weight fast? According to one expert, some unexpected habits can help you accelerate fat loss. Amy Lynn is a fat loss coach who has lost over 50 pounds in menopause and helps other women do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals some outside-the-box habits that enabled her to lose weight in her fifties. “These ‘silly’ little hacks might sound random... but they work. Like, actually move-the-scale work. Here’s why each one helps with fat loss — especially if you’re over 40 and your hormones are giving drama,” she writes.

Add Sea Salt to Your Water

Her first hack is to add sea salt to your water. According to Lynn, it “helps with hydration, adrenal support & electrolyte balance. “If you’re chronically tired and craving salty snacks, this is for you.”

Go to Failure in Your Final Set

During your workouts, use your last set as an opportunity to go to failure. “Going to failure in your final set helps build muscle (hello metabolism support) and signals your body to burn fat, not muscle,” she says.

Eat a Raw Carrot Every Day

Eat a “raw carrot a day,” she said. The veggie “helps detox excess estrogen (which is often a hidden reason for stubborn belly fat & mood swings).”

Take a Walk in Nature

She also recommends taking walks in nature. “Lowers cortisol, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps with cravings. Bonus points if you leave your phone at home,” she writes.

Take a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals

Next, take a shot of apple cider vinegar before meals. According to Lynne, it “supports blood sugar control and digestion. Less crashing, less snacking,” she says.

Do Deep Breathing Exercises

Her last “silly” hack is deep breathing, “literally turns off your stress response and lowers cortisol. And since cortisol is the belly fat storing hormone this is a great hack!” she writes.

Bottom Line: Habit Stack

Her Bottom line? Habit stacking these six things will result in big results. “None of these are magic. But stacked together? They’re sneaky powerful.” 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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Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 50 Pounds in Her 50s with These 6 “Silly” Weight Loss Hacks

Amy Lynn amylynn.fit
Copyright amylynn.fit/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 17, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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 fast? According to one expert, some unexpected habits can help you accelerate fat loss. Amy Lynn is a fat loss coach who has lost over 50 pounds in menopause and helps other women do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals some outside-the-box habits that enabled her to lose weight in her fifties. “These ‘silly’ little hacks might sound random... but they work. Like, actually move-the-scale work. Here’s why each one helps with fat loss — especially if you’re over 40 and your hormones are giving drama,” she writes.

Add Sea Salt to Your Water

Her first hack is to add sea salt to your water. According to Lynn, it “helps with hydration, adrenal support & electrolyte balance. “If you’re chronically tired and craving salty snacks, this is for you.”

Go to Failure in Your Final Set

During your workouts, use your last set as an opportunity to go to failure. “Going to failure in your final set helps build muscle (hello metabolism support) and signals your body to burn fat, not muscle,” she says.

Eat a Raw Carrot Every Day

Eat a “raw carrot a day,” she said. The veggie “helps detox excess estrogen (which is often a hidden reason for stubborn belly fat & mood swings).”

Take a Walk in Nature

She also recommends taking walks in nature. “Lowers cortisol, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps with cravings. Bonus points if you leave your phone at home,” she writes.

Take a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals

Next, take a shot of apple cider vinegar before meals. According to Lynne, it “supports blood sugar control and digestion. Less crashing, less snacking,” she says.

Do Deep Breathing Exercises

Her last “silly” hack is deep breathing, “literally turns off your stress response and lowers cortisol. And since cortisol is the belly fat storing hormone this is a great hack!” she writes.

Bottom Line: Habit Stack

Her Bottom line? Habit stacking these six things will result in big results. “None of these are magic. But stacked together? They’re sneaky powerful.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost Over 75 Lbs with These 6 Easy Habits

Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 30, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to reach your goals? Cassie B of Cassie B Fitness is a coach and influencer who shares her health and fitness journey with thousands of social media followers. In a new post, she reveals her most unpopular advice about how to follow in her footsteps. “I lost over 75 pounds in less than a year. Here’s my unpopular weight loss advice to help you lose weight in 2025,” she writes. “Don’t shoot the messenger. Here’s my unpopular advice that may make some people mad, but following this advice helped me lose over 75lbs and is sure to help you lose weight in 2025.”

Stop Cutting Out Food

Her first tip is to “stop cutting out food,” she writes. “No single food makes you lose weight and no single food makes you gain weight. All food can and should be enjoyed. It all comes down to calories.”

Don’t Do or Eat Anything You Hate

Next, “stop eating foods you hate or doing exercise you dread,” she says. “There’s no reason to!! Eat the things you love while staying in a deficit and move your body in a way that you find enjoyable (walking is the best IMO).”

Stop Trying to Speed It Up

Her third suggestion? Stop trying to speed it up. “Weight loss is slow; but the time will pass anyway! Speeding it up causes you to do unsustainable things, which will cause you to fail!! Slow and steady,” she says.

Stop Looking for Quick Fixes

Fourth, “stop looking for a quick or easy fix,” she says. “There is no magical pill, diet, cleanse, etc.. the right way is the easy way. Calorie deficit.”

Stop Taking Short Cuts

Next, stop taking shortcuts. “Eating in a calorie deficit Monday through Thursday then taking the weekends off won’t get you anywhere!!! You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be consistent,” she writes.

Stop Looking for Excuses

Finally, “stop looking for excuses or a perfect time to start,” she says. “No one can do it for you. You have to be the one to put in the effort, time, and consistency. You just have to START.”

She Also Offers Running Tips

In another post, she offers some of her priceless running tips. “Get proper running shoes! Go to a store and have them record your run so you can get proper shoes!” she writes.

Start Slow

Next, she says to pace yourself. “Start slow!! I ran my first mile at a 4.0mph pace. The slower you start, the longer you can go,” she says.

Focus on Time, Not Distance

Next, focus on time, not distance. “Focus on being able to run 1 minute without walking, then 2, then 5, so on. Once you’re ready, slowly build your speed,” she says.

RELATED:I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

Use the Treadmill

“Don’t be afraid of the treadmill!” she continues. “I LOVE the treadmill for so many reasons. Running on a treadmill doesn’t make you any less of a runner.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Use Training Plans

Another tip is to use training plans as a guide. “They can help you structure how often / far / types of runs you should do to achieve your goals!” she says.

Sign Up for a 5K

She also recommends signing up for a 5k. “This motivates you like no other and helps keep you excited for running!” she points out.

Let Go of Pace

Her last tip? “Let go of pace. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. A mile is a mile whether it takes you 18 minutes or 8. You’re a runner either way,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months with These 4 Simple Changes

Dils Lee dilshealth
Copyright dilshealth/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 02, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

If you have a lot of weight to lose, it may seem overwhelming. However, one woman claims that she lost 50 pounds simply by making a few lifestyle changes. Dils Lee topped the scales at 192 pounds, wearing a size 16, in July 2021. However, she made four lifestyle habit changes, which not only aided in weight loss but also served as a game-changer in her overall health, reducing inflammation and balancing her hormones. Here are the four changes she made, along with what Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, thinks about them.

She Stopped Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach

One of the first changes that she made? “I stopped drinking coffee on an empty stomach and started making my breakfast look like this,” she said. “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to bloating, nausea, and anxiety, and it can also raise your cortisol levels, which can negatively impact ovulation weight and hormonal imbalances.”

She Switched From HIIT to Lower Intensity

The second change that she made “was stopping all high intensity training while I was losing weight,” she said. “I found that I harbored a lot of inflammation in my face, arms, body, stomach, and legs everywhere.” Instead, she opted for lower intensity training. “Basically, by switching to lower intensity workouts, I've found that my waist has drastically come in. My stomach is much more flat, and I'm actually building a lot of tone and muscle in my arms and legs,” she says.

She Stopped Restricting Food

“The third thing I stopped doing was restricting food,” she reveals. “While I was going to the gym, I would sit around 1,000 to 1,200 calories and I would severely restrict my eating. Now I'm up to 1,500 calories, still in a calorie deficit, and focusing on low carb and high protein macros that help nourish and support my body.”

She Focused On Her Sleep Health

“The fourth change that I made is that I introduced a healthy sleep routine,” she reveals. “My routine includes using supplements like magnesium and then not using my phone an hour before bed. Prioritizing sleep will help your body recover after physical activity. It'll also help with hormone regulation, metabolic regulation, stress and emotional wellbeing.”

Collingwood Weighs on Coffee and Exercise

“Having breakfast is important to kick start the metabolism for the day and having caffeine along with food can help to reduce the potential negative effects and sharp spike in cortisol that you might get from drinking it alone. Some people do feel nauseous when drinking coffee on an empty stomach, but of course everyone is different with how they react,” says Collingwood about drinking coffee on an empty stomach. As for a mix of high and low intensity exercise, it is “best for weight loss and stress release,” says Collingwood. “Lower intensity is definitely easier on the body but you also will burn fewer calories than the high intensity exercise.”

Collingwood Weighs in on Diet and Sleep

Collingwood also agrees that eating too few calories can cause the body to conserve and reduce metabolism, “which is the opposite of what you are trying to do when trying to lose weight,” she says. “Finding that healthy balance of a deficit of calories but not too strict is key.” And she agrees that “sleep is absolutely essential to recovery of your muscles and tissues but also to help with controlling appetite and various hormones.”


Body Booster: Take a look at everything from your diet and fitness routine to your sleep habits: Could you be unknowingly sabotaging your health by not eating or sleeping enough or doing the wrong type of exercise? And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 35 Pounds by Doing These 5 Things

Kiana Monle kianamonle
Copyright kianamonle/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 22, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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.

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 50 Pounds at 50 by Following These Easy Diet Rules

Denise Kirtley fiftyfitnessjourney
Coach Lost 50 Pounds at 50 by Eating These 6 High-Protein Meals
Copyright fiftyfitnessjourney/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 16, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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 in your 50s? You may need to try a more flexible dietary approach. Denise Kirtley is a 54-year-old transformation coach who looks half her age after rehabbing her approach to diet and fitness shortly after turning 50. In a new social media post, she reveals the dietary changes she made that enabled her to get her fittest figure ever. “I lost 50 pounds in my 50s and have kept it off for almost 4 years now. Here’s what I ate last year to maintain my weight loss,” she writes in the post.

She Has “Cracked the Code”

Here’s the thing…I love food. I look forward to my meals. Over the past four and a half years, I feel like I have finally cracked the code on how to eat in a way that makes me feel satisfied while fueling my workouts so I can become stronger. And most importantly…without feeling deprived.

Her Meals Are Protein Focused

“I have learned to make balanced meals that work for me. All of my meals have approximately 25g to 35g of protein plus a good amount of healthy carbs for energy and the right amount of fat to maintain my goals,” she says.

Her Meals Are “Balanced” and Even Include Processed Foods

“Whenever I post my meals…there’s always a few that criticize any processed food, any sugar, anything that we are told are ‘bad’ foods. I have learned that for me, it’s really about balance. I don’t look at foods as good or bad,” she says.

The “All Or Nothing” Mindset Backfires

“And I have learned long ago that when I fall into a perfectionist, all or nothing mindset…it backfires.

As a former binger and emotional eater, that mindset doesn’t serve me,” she continues.

She Aims for 80/20

“So, I aim for 80% of my diet to be whole natural foods…I eat lots of lean meats, fish, fruits, veggies and grains. I have developed a love for these foods as a result of loving how eating them makes me feel. But I also allow flexibility with 20% of my diet,” she says.

She Even Eats Bread, Chocolate, Pasta, and Protein Bars

This “includes bread (gasp!). I love bread! And chocolate! (Bigger gasp!) I have had a bit of chocolate every day for the past 4.5 years! Every.Single.Day. And the occasional protein bar, bit of pasta, protein powder, veggie meats, etc, etc,” she says. “On vacation or special occasions I have dessert! And even on a very rare occasion, a glass of champagne (few times per year)”

Flexible Eating Makes Her Diet Sustainable

“My working these more flexible foods into my macros has made this a really sustainable and enjoyable way of life for me. If you’re looking for someone that has given up absolutely everything processed or refined, that’s not me. I admire the people I see on here that say they only eat whole foods 100% of the time,” she says.

Rigidity Doesn’t Work for Her

“But as a food lover and someone who struggled with weight ups and downs most of my adult life, it’s all about balance. I know that a life with rigidity around food choices and a future of only chicken and broccoli doesn’t work for me,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

20 Foods That Strip Belly Flab

Melissa Pfeister
20 Foods That Strip Belly Fat
Copyright Melissa Pfeister
Melissa Pfeister
By Melissa PfeisterMay 10, 2025
Melissa Pfeister
Melissa Pfeister is the founder of the health and wellness brand Stripped with Melissa and the host of the podcast Side Piece.
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✓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.

Growing up in Ohio, my life revolved around sports. I was so serious about being “the female Michael Jordan” that I convinced my parents to build a half-basketball court in our backyard and turn our basement into a full-blown workout facility. Playing sports and working out year-round ultimately got me into learning about food and healthy ways of eating. That then turned into wanting to help others do the same, which is why I became a Stanford Medicine-certified nutritionist and started my business, Stripped with Melissa. This turned into working with Body Network's sister site, Eat This, Not That! on their Medical Expert Board. Helping people with their nutrition and on their weight loss journey is my greatest love and passion! Read on to discover the key foods that help reduce belly fat and learn proven tactics to kickstart your weight loss journey and stay on track.

Good Ol’ H2O

Portrait of adult women stand hold glass of water and look out the window​1. Hydrate the Right WayShutterstock

Yes, water! Water is SO awesome for your entire body, especially when trying to burn belly fat or any fat. Not only does water fill you up without filling you out, but it keeps your body hydrated. A hydrated body allows for fat molecules to break down, helping you to burn off energy!

Avocado

Sliced,Avocado,On,A,Cutting,Board​AvocadoShutterstock

Not only is avocado one of my absolute favorite foods ever, but it’s also full of omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce visceral fat. Visceral fat is also known as “toxic fat” stored for winter or any season deep within your body, especially within your belly. The more we can chop away at the visceral fat, the slimmer and healthier your belly and body become!

Kale & Spinach

kale salad leaves close up with water drops background​Leafy GreensShutterstock

Numbers 3 & 4 go to the rockstars kale and spinach. Not only can you eat them raw or cook them up in so many ways, but dark leafy greens are low-calorie, little to no fat, and perfect for getting that belly lean and mean!

Eggs in the package​EggsShutterstock

Numbers 5 & 6 go to my other loves, eggs and fish! Protein-packed foods like these two all-stars increase your body’s metabolic function, which gets your body working, resulting in less abdominal fat! Whole eggs are great, but just using the whites is very eggcellent with lower calories than eating the egg yolk as well.

Hot Sauce

Los Angeles, California, United States - 06-09-2020:A view of a counter with a row of popular hot sauce bottles, featuring Frank's RedHot, Huy Fong Foods sriracha, Tapatio, El Pato, and Cholula. spice, spicy, sauce, pepper, peppers​Spice Up Your Food with Healthy CondimentsShutterstock

Number 7 might be my all-time favorite ever… hot sauce! The hot part of your favorite spicy food comes from a compound called capsaicin. This has been shown to boost your metabolism, helping your body to burn more calories and fat. Hot sauce or salsa are also beneficial when used as a healthy, low-calorie ingredient or condiment instead of high-fat butter or margarine. When in doubt, hot sauce it out!

Beans

Bowl,Of,Cooked,Beans,In,Tomato,Sauce, baked, beansShutterstock

Beans beans, they’re good for your heart, the more you eat them the more you… lose that weight! Yes, it’s true, beans ARE the magical fruit! Low-fat and loaded with fiber, beans help to keep your body filling up without filling you out!

Cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks on a wooden background. Cinnamon spice in a spoon and bowl. Ceylon cinnamon.Shutterstock

Cinnamon is SO fine that’s why it’s #9! Oh, how I LOVE cinnamon. Whether adding to your morning coffee or bowl of oatmeal, there are many benefits to using cinnamon. As with hot sauce or salsa, it has zero to no calories and is an amazing substitute for sugar. While sipping that cinnamon in your coffee, digestion is improved which lends to your metabolism kicking into gear and burning extra calories and fat!

Nuts

Assortment,Of,Nuts,In,Bowls.,Cashews,,Hazelnuts,,Walnuts,,Pistachios,,Pecans,​Nuts and SeedsShutterstock

Number 10 is NUTS! No, really, nuts like almonds are full of those amazing omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals which help to keep you feeling fuller longer. They also contain amygdalin, a compound shown to help reduce belly and body fat overall. So enjoy. It’s time to be nutty!

Yogurt

Spoon,With,Tasty,Yogurt,Above,Bowl,On,Table,,Closeup.,Space​Regular YogurtShutterstock

Nowadays, so many of us have an uneasy gut. Gut issues are a pain, literally, and absolutely no fun. The great news, there’s a way to help and eating yogurt is one of them! Yogurt is an amazing source of probiotics helping to support the bacteria good for gut health. These probiotics assist you not only in feeling better in your gut but helping you lose that stubborn belly fat!

Chicken & Turkey

Homemade Grilled Chipotle Chicken Breast with Cilantro and LIme​Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime ChickenShutterstock

#12 & lucky 13…Get your meat! Well, chicken and turkey! I cannot say enough about foods high in protein. But please do me a favor and sub out that red meat for the low-fat, and most importantly, healthy fat turkey and chicken!

Salmon and Tuna

,Salmon,Fish,Fillets, protein, food, dinner​Amp Up Your Protein IntakeShutterstock

Is that tasty chicken of the sea… salmon and tuna! Remember with those almonds and avocados, salmon is full of heart and belly healthy omega-3s which help to boost your metabolism and reduce that underneath visceral belly fat! Both are also high in protein helping you to feel fuller for a longer time.

Apples

Ripe red apples on table close upShutterstock

An apple a day keeps the belly fat away! Apples are one of the highest-fiber fruits packing a huge healthy punch to that belly fat. Fiber slows digestion in your gut, helping you feel fuller longer. Although apple contain natural sugar, the high fiber actually slows down blood sugar absorbed as well!

Oats

A Scoop of Rolled Oats​Prebiotic Foods: OatsShutterstock

Oats baby! Grab those oats, add some cinnamon, and make a heart healthy, belly fat fighting meal! Oats are high in soluble fiber which, like with the fiber in those apples, slows digestion by the absorption of water AND blood sugar. Oats are oatastic so enjoy your cinnamon flavored oatmeal for breakfast!

Broccoli

broccoli in hands. a wooden background. healthy eating concept.Shutterstock

Broccoli is so good for your body! Broccoli contains vitamin K which is amazing for fat metabolism. Broccoli also contains a compound called carotenoids that helps to get the fat burning going and help you lose that belly fat!

Protein Shake

Various Protein sport shake and powder. Fitness food and drink.Shutterstock

Shake shake, shake it off! And by shake, I mean grab a protein shake. Some of us don’t get enough protein in the day, so having a protein shake is a quick and easy way to fuel up on that goodness your body needs. Along with all the amazing protein packed foods above, the protein in these shakes make you feel fuller longer while helping your muscles burn fat and get the recharge they need to keep burning, building and getting stronger!

Green Tea

trendy 40 years old woman in black body lingerie and red bathrobe in the modern house in sunny day drinking cup of green tea.​5. Green TeaShutterstock

Want a drink?! Well look no further! Number 20 is one of my favorite go-to’s Green Tea! Whether you’re a hot tea or an iced tea lover, green tea contains not only caffeine, but a type of antioxidant called catechin. Catechin combined with the caffeine can speed up your metabolism, increasing the amount of energy used and helping to break down that stubborn excess belly fat. So, grab a glass or cup, add some cinnamon and say bye-bye to that weight!

Belly Flab Strip Tip: Sugar and Fat Calories Leave Its Mark on Your Body

Donuts,With,Icing,On,Pastel,Pink,Background.,Sweet,Donuts.Shutterstock

You know that old saying “You are what you eat”? Well, I’m a very firm believer in it! Eating donuts every day doesn’t mean you are going to turn into one however, all the calories, sugar and fat in those donuts will leave its mark on your body. A funny story about that little saying too…when first becoming a mom, I was big on making sure my baby had enough vegetables. When taking my boy to his one-year check-up, the doctor asked if I often fed him orange-colored vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. I proudly responded, “Yes!” She then asked me to look at the bottom of his feet and pointed out the light color of orange they were. While she was very proud as his pediatrician, she said he’s literally turning orange, so maybe don’t have to feed him so many!

Belly Flab Strip Tip: Take It One Day at a Time

overweight woman on scale at homeStep Five: Stay ConsistentShutterstock

Please know when you’re about to begin your weight loss journey, take it one day at a time and take small steps! Losing weight and getting healthy is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about crazy fad diets that are impossible to sustain long term. Just as you would starting back to riding a bike or working out, slow and steady wins the race! Staying positive and taking everything, no matter how small you might think it may be, as a win is huge. We are always so busy with work, kids and taking care of everyone else, it’s important to take care of yourself. The healthier and happier you are, both physically and mentally, the better you are for everyone else!

Oh, how I love all the deliciously amazing foods that are great for your entire body, especially for your belly! There are so many to choose from, but these are some of my favorites!

Belly Flab Strip Tip: Start Small

Melissa Pfeister

Copyright Melissa Pfeister

I’m a firm believer that small changes make a BIG difference. It’s not about a complete 180 of your eating. Take one meal and start to make changes. Get comfortable with the new routine. Strive for being confident. As much as you are wanting a change physically, we must change your mental game and outlook as well. Don’t forget to be proud of yourself. The more fun you have with it, the more success you will have in the long run. All these foods are amazing for your body and to burn belly fat, for best results though get moving and keep that exercise going. The more you move, the more your body is working and helping you on your successful belly-fat fighting, weight loss journey!

About the author: Melissa Pfeister, founder of the program Stripped with Melissa, is a Stanford Med Certified Nutritionist.

Fitness & Workouts

I Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months by Walking

Carlo Costanzo vCloudInfo
I Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months by Walking
Copyright vCloudInfo/YouTube
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 10, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a fancy gym membership or a personal trainer if you want to get into shape and lose weight. According to one weight loss warrior, all you really need is a pair of good walking shoes. Carlo, a home assistant expert and social media influencer, lost a whopping 50 pounds in 8 months with the help of daily walks. In a viral video, he explains exactly how he did it. “I lost around 50 pounds basically walking an hour every day. I decided to make a video showing the progress so I could look back at it and keep myself both motivated and accountable,” he writes in the caption.

He Wants to Help Inspire Others with His Story

Carlo explains that he took a break from social media, “a step back and I started focusing on my health. I was about 250 pounds at the beginning of this year. And I've always enjoyed watching these transformation videos of people who, you know, they've done things, they've done some weight loss. I find it very inspiring. So I've had some success with my journey. So I thought I'd make this video just to add my voice to the mix out there,” he says.

He Tipped the Scales at 250

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

He explains that he started his weight loss journey in January, 2020, tipping the scales at 250 pounds. “This was by far the highest I've been. I've always struggled with weight loss. I've definitely lost some weight here and there. It's always been like, sort of attached to something else. So the kids had sports, and maybe during their practices, I would walk and I would begin to lose some weight. I'd find some success, but when the season ended and the practices stopped, I would stop and the weight would come back.

He Set a Goal to Walk 3 Miles Every Day

Person walking to Freedom Concept​Here’s How Many Calories You Can Burn WalkingShutterstock

“This time around, I decided to do walking again. So I definitely wanted my journey to be something that I could do for the long haul. Something that I could sustain, just keep moving the whole time. So I tried to walk every single day, three miles. It was basically the goal I had,” he says.

He Was Inspired by Someone Who Did a 5K Daily

Underwater,Reflection,Silhouette,Of,A,Girl,Walking,On,The,Seashore​Your Sustainable Path ForwardShutterstock

He says that he was “inspired” by someone he saw on Twitter “who was doing a 5K every day for a hundred days,” he says. “I said, you know what, I'm gonna try to do this. I'm gonna try to walk, not really run, but just walk 5K every day for a hundred days and see where it gets me.”

It Took Him an Hour to Walk 3 Miles or 7,000 Steps

Smart watch woman using smartwatch touching button and touchscreen on active sports activity or morning jogging during beach sunrise or sunset. Closeup of hands and wrist with smart watch screen.Shutterstock

He explains that some days he walks at a slower pace, especially when he doesn’t feel like walking. “I don't wanna do this, but I'm gonna get it done. So even if you just walk at a slow pace, it's better than not doing it at all.” He ends up walking three miles in an hour, or 7,000 steps.

It Wasn’t “Too Taxing” On His Body

tourist couple walking on cobblestone street vacation in europe on holiday break​Don’t Increase Walking Too FastShutterstock

“It was something that wasn't too taxing on my body. I did it every single day, getting to about 115 straight days.” He says the weight loss started, and “progressively came down every day.”

He Started Working Out with a Trainer

Gym customer is getting advice and suggestion from her personal trainer for exercising plan program and getting her evaluation chart from sample blood test for her workout progress conceptShutterstock

He also started working out with a personal trainer and strength coach. “I wanted to walk, but I also wanted to do some strength and try to up my metabolism, up the muscle growth, in addition to cardio, just to lose weight,” he says. He learned how to do body weight exercises, like pushups, sit-ups, “just normal calisthenic things.” However, “the anchor to everything was the walking.”

He Walks No Matter What

Man walking on sunlit trail in autumn forest enjoying peaceful walk in nature​Walk for 30 MinutesShutterstock

He reiterates that even when he gets home late, he makes sure to walk. “I'm gonna put that time in. I'm gonna trust that process, and I'm gonna just keep working at this.”

He Also Logged His Food

Person using Apple i-phone to press and access the MyFitnessPal app / application​1. Track Your Food IntakeShutterstock

Walking also helped him with his eating. “If you walk every day, then maybe you snack a little less. I was logging all my food.” He says that the daily habit helped him “stay on that right path.”

He Lost 55 Pounds in 7 Months

Male athlete measuring Body Composition with Scale​Fine-Tuning Your Medication ProtocolShutterstock

Over 7 months he went from 250 down to 195, losing “a good 55 pounds with maybe one to two days a week of strength training, and then seven days a week of walking, just walking every single day.”

After 8 Months, His Weight Stabilized at 205

A happy man is relaxing on green grass with squint eyes and raised up to sky arms at sunny summer day at park background. Concept of wellbeing and healthy lifestyle

Now his weight has stabilized at 205. “It's a good 50 pound loss for me, which is great. My energy is super high. My cardiovascular is a lot better. I can run more. I've started jump roping. That's a new thing that I've added to my workout routine.”

He Hopes His Story Will Help Others

“I just wanted to share this story with others. I'm just a normal dude. I'm 47, so creeping up on 50, just trying to get back in shape, trying to change the chemistry of my body, the composition of my body to lead a healthier lifestyle, which I think is good for everyone.”

Nutrition & Diet

Mom Lost 35 Pounds in 5 Months with 5 Habits

Katie Tufte cortisolsavvymama cortisol.savvy.mama
Copyright cortisol.savvy.mama/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 10, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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 dealing with high cortisol and struggling to lose weight? Katie Tufte is a mom and influencer whose mission is “helping moms conquer weight loss, energy, and support cortisol + GLP-1 naturally.” In a new social media post, she reveals the simple changes she made to lose weight fast. “5 habits that helped me go from 175 to 140 pounds in 5 months,” she writes.

She Discovered She Had High Cortisol

“When I discovered I was dealing with high cortisol, I felt stuck—like nothing was working for me. But I made a few key changes to my daily routine that helped me lower cortisol naturally and finally start losing weight,” she writes.

Less Intense Workouts

Swapping out high-intensity workouts for lower-intensity alternatives was a game-changer. “I started walking…a lot! And strength training 3-4 times a week!” she reveals.

She Hydrated

She also prioritized hydration. However, she didn’t drink plain water; instead drinking water infused with minerals. “Staying hydrated with electrolytes,” 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.

She Went to Bed Earlier

By setting an earlier bedtime, getting more sleep also enabled her to lose weight faster. “Prioritizing sleep is crucial for stress relief and hormone balance,” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

She Changed Her Diet

She also made some dietary changes. “I started eating balanced meals, focusing on increasing protein to stabilize my blood sugar,” she says. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Cortisol Supporting Supplement

She maintains that taking a cortisol-supporting supplement was very helpful. “This was the game-changer that helped manage my stress levels effectively,” she says.

You Can Break the Cycle

“Within 5 months, I lost 30 pounds that I’d been struggling with for years, and my energy levels came back! And about a year later, I added in gut health and lost another 5! By supporting your cortisol levels and gut health, you can finally break free from the cycle of stress and weight gain,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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