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

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She Lost Over 75 Pounds in Less than a Year with These 6 Easy Habits

Lose weight fast and keep it off with these tips.

Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/Instagram

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.

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Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/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 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.

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.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Weight loss can be a tricky equation. However, there are many people online sharing their success stories who have shared the healthy habits responsible for dropping weight. Online fitness coach Alexandra, who goes by the handle @alexx.fitt, revealed in a viral video that after struggling to lose weight for years she lost a whopping 40 pounds in five months.


1. She Started to Make Healthier Choices Every Single Day

alexxandra_fitt2alexx.fitt/TikTok

“Here's how long it's going to take you to lose weight. I lost 40 pounds and here's what I did and how long it took me,” she says in the video, revealing that her weight loss journey first started in 2020. “I think around that time for a whole year I did every single diet, every single workout, every single meal plan, and nothing worked. Nothing would actually help me lose weight.” However, in January 2021, she learned the secret to losing weight fast. “Instead of following a freaking diet, I basically started to make healthier choices every single day,” she said in the video. It “all started with walking and a schedule,” she continued. “I made a plan of what time I'm going to eat and what I will be eating. I stuck to that schedule,” she added.

Related: 10 Foods That Grow Muscle Fast

2. She Saw Results Within the First Month

alexxandra_fitt3alexx.fitt/TikTok

There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity. Then, from January 2021 on “I literally walked every single day for six months straight,” she said. “There were like two days that I missed. Maybe it took me about five, six months to lose 35, 40ish pounds, but I saw results within the first month.”

3. She Lost 50 Pounds in 6 Months

In a recent Instagram video, she got specific about her steps (and also revealed that she lost 50 pounds in six months). “Hear me out walking seriously changes your life, I was able to lose 50lbs in less than 6 months by walking 10k steps a day!” she captioned the post. 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: 15-Minute Fat-Burning Workout to Tone Your Entire Body You Can Do Anywhere

4. Exercise Shouldn't Feel Like Punishment

@alexx.fitt

It was more during my journey that i realized #weightloss #mindset

Something else that was helpful for Alex was shifting her mindset. She explains that prior to losing weight, she viewed running as “a form of punishment,” but now she feels like exercise is something she is “so grateful for,” she wrote in another TikTok. “I'm grateful I get to go on a run and move my body, and I do that kind of stuff because it genuinely makes me feel good. I don't do it as a form of punishment. I'm like, I'm going to feel so good after I run. It's going to clear my mind,” she added.

Related: I Lost 160 Pounds and Here's 4 Ways I Took the Weight Off

5. Exercise Make Her Feel Good

alexxandra_fitt4alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

“I wake up anxious sometimes. So going on a run or even doing a morning workout, I'm like, oh my goodness, this helps me so much. So that's the kind of mindset shift you got to have when you're trying to lose weight. It's a lifestyle. You're doing this stuff because it feels good for you, not because you have to.” Alex is spot on about using exercise to quell anxiety. The American Psychological Association dubs it a “healthy stress reliever,” and several studies back up the claim.

💪🔥Body Booster: Walking 10,000 steps a day is not only an effective workout for weight loss, it can improve your cardiovascular health and ward off cancer, according to research.

Ruth_Soukup8
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 despite dieting? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who personally lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals a few mistakes she made and then the one thing she did to fix them. “I lost 49 pounds in my 40s when I stopped dieting and started paying attention to this one thing,” she writes in the Instagram video.


She Was Eating Plant-Based, Counting Calories, and Running 3 to 5 Miles Per Day, But Struggled to Lose Weight

“I struggled with my weight for ten long years and failed at more diets than I can count. Even though I thought I was doing all the right things,” she writes in the post. What was she doing? “Eating plant-based,” counting her calories, and “running 3-5 miles every day.”

At 43, She Decided to Do Something Different

She wasn’t getting the results she wanted. “I couldn’t understand why nothing seemed to work or why it felt like my metabolism was just broken. At some point, I started to lose hope. Maybe you can relate. But one day, when I was 43 years old, I finally got so fed up that I decided to do something totally different,” Ruth writes.

She Did Research to Understand “The Science of Weight Loss”

“Instead of dieting, I did real research to understand the science of weight loss, especially for women over 40. I wanted to know why we gain weight as we get older and it’s so hard to lose it. I was shocked to discover that weight loss has almost nothing to do with calories and everything to do with HORMONES. That’s it. That’s the secret. The one thing,” she reveals.

She Lost 49 Pounds and Has Kept It Off

“I totally changed my focus from counting calories to simply balancing my hormones, to eating the foods that would nourish my body, and creating better habits for a sustainable lifestyle. Ultimately, making that shift is what helped me lose 49 pounds and keep it off, and I’ve now helped thousands of other women over 40 do the same,” she says.

She Stopped Calorie Counting

In another post she discusses other healthy habits that helped her lose weight fast. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS, failing at diet after diet, always believing that the problem was ME and my own lack of willpower before I was finally able to lose 49 pounds and actually keep it off. So what was my secret? It was pretty simple, actually. I just focused on my hormones. That meant I committed to stop dieting! No more counting calories—instead focused on nourishing my body,” she writes.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 3 Surprising Foods She Ate to Lose 15 Pounds (Including Dessert for Dinner)

She Quit Sugar and Processed Food

She also majorly cleaned up her diet. She eliminated a few things. “I detoxed from sugar and stopped eating toxic processed food. It’s the first step in balancing your hormones,” she writes.

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

She also refocused her diet. “I started eating a lot more healthy fat and nutrient-dense protein,” she writes. 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.

RELATED: Man Ate Bacon and Eggs for 30 Days and His Blood Work Stunned Doctors

She Switched From Cardio to Strength Training

She also switched up her approach to exercise. “I focused on strength training & building lean muscle mass instead of burning calories through high-intensity cardio,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

She Focused on a Healthy Lifestyle

Lastly, she looked at the big picture. “I didn’t give myself a timeline. I just focused on changing my lifestyle,” she writes. “But I still lost more than 40 pounds in six months, have kept it off for more than 3 years, and now I’ve helped thousands of women do the same.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Sadie_Chartrand_Slim_Sadie_Coaching5
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.

Have you been trying to lose weight but been unsuccessful? Sadie Chartrand of Slim Sadie Coaching is a weight loss coach, military spouse, MO, and Registered Nurse (RN) who “helps women who have been battling their bodies and struggling with their weight for their entire lives” get into shape. In a new viral YouTube video, she reveals how she did it. “This is how I lost 80 pounds in just five months,” she says at the start of the clip. “My only hope is to help you all lose weight based on my own experiences.”


She Was “So Heavy” That She Thought She Had a “Disease or Disorder”

“Two weeks before December 13th, 2017, I had decided at some point that the reason that I was so heavy had to be because of some kind of disease or disorder. So I went to the doctor, and I told myself when I went into the doctor's office if all of my results came back negative, I had to lose weight. I have no more excuses. This was December 13th, 2017. I went into the office, and she read my results back to me. Everything was totally normal,” she says in her post.

She Went to a Doctor and Had Her BMR Calculated

“I stuck to my promise to myself, so I asked this doctor to help me lose weight. The first thing that she did was body composition. From that, she showed me what my BMR was, which was basal metabolic rate. And then she explained to me that to lose weight, I needed to eat about 1,157 calories a day, no more than that,” she continued.

RELATED:9 Things You Need to Do to Drop Body Fat in 30 Days, According to Expert

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

She is also excited about her protein intake. “She wanted to make sure that I really increased my protein. So I ate one gram of protein per pound of skeletal muscle that I had, which was about 75 grams of protein per day,” she continues.

She Cut Carbs

She also stopped eating carbs. “At the time, she really cut my carbs out. So I was only eating less than 20 net carbs per day, less than 50 total carbs per day,” she says.

Here Is What She Ate in a Day

She was eating a protein shake for breakfast and a protein shake for lunch. “And these are Premier Protein shakes, pre-made,” she says. “For dinner, I was having four ounces of meat and two cups of vegetables.”

RELATED:Fitness Coach Reveals the 5 Foods That Helped Him Lose 20 Pounds in 90 Days

Walking Was Also Key

And, she got her steps in. “As for exercise, all I did was walk,” 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.

She Lost Weight Fast

When she went in for her two-week checkup “and just to check in to see how things were going,” she learned she had lost 14.7 pounds in just two weeks. “At first, I was so excited, and then everyone said, ‘It's water weight. It's going to come back. Don't get yourself all excited about this.’

She Went on to Lose 80 Pounds in 5 Months

“It never came back. And I continued to lose weight. At the end of the first month. I had lost basically 25 pounds in one month, which was my goal. I just barely miss it by a few ounces. But basically, it was 25 pounds. About two months into my journey, I had lost 40 pounds. And at the end of five months, I had lost 75 pounds. So that's why I say I lost 80 pounds in five months.”

She Gained Some of It Back

Unfortunately, she ended up gaining back 40 of those 80 pounds within a few months. “I got back into it, and I committed again. I lost all of the weight again by May of 2019. Her lowest weight was 180, and she admits that she is now 223.

RELATED:Nutrition Expert Reveals 2 Natural Alternatives to Expensive Weight Loss Drugs

She Is Now Back on Track and Using These Tips

“I am embarrassed, I'm disappointed. But the most important thing that I have to keep reminding myself is that I've done this not once but twice before. I know how to do this, and I can do it. It's just a matter of convincing myself each and every day to do this. It's been a lot, but it's also been absolutely life-changing for me, and I was really missing out on life. So my motto is losing weight and gaining life.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Young caucasian blonde woman holding board with raw meat celebrating crazy and amazed for success with open eyes screaming excited. Protein , beef, meat
Shutterstock
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 experiencing unexplained fatigue, brittle nails, or slow-healing wounds? Your body might be waving red flags about protein deficiency. Dr. Jin W. Sung, a prominent health expert with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers, reveals seven critical signs that could indicate you're not getting enough protein. Understanding these signals could be the key to unlocking better health, stronger immunity, and improved overall wellness. Read on to discover if your body is trying to tell you something important.

The Hidden Language of Protein Deficiency: 7 Warning Signs

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

"Most people don't realize how many different ways their body signals protein deficiency," says Dr. Sung. These seven key signs can help you identify if you're getting enough protein in your diet. Pay attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination.

Sign #1: Struggling to Build or Maintain Muscle

Strong sporty fit woman in yellow tank top flexing bicep muscle over gray studio background.Shutterstock

"Muscle loss or inability to gain muscle despite working out is a major red flag," warns Dr. Sung. If you're hitting the gym regularly but not seeing results, or noticing muscle weakness despite regular activity, your protein intake might be insufficient. For optimal muscle health, Dr. Sung recommends 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, with athletes needing up to 2 grams per kilogram.

Sign #2: Brittle Hair and Weak Nails

Millennial girl with hair loss problem looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

Notice your hair breaking easily or nails becoming increasingly brittle? Dr. Sung explains that these changes often signal protein deficiency, as hair and nails are primarily made of protein. Regular monitoring of your protein intake is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy hair and nails.

Sign #3: Slow-Healing Wounds

Closeup of male arms holding his painful wrist caused by prolonged work on the computer, laptop. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, neurological disease concept. Numbness of the handShutterstock

"When you get a cut and it doesn't heal well or in the expected time frame, that's a clear sign," Dr. Sung notes. Protein plays a crucial role in tissue repair and wound healing. If small cuts or bruises take longer than usual to heal, your body might need more protein to support its repair processes.

Sign #4: Weakened Immune System

Senior beautiful woman sitting sick on sofa at home. He coughs, covers his mouth with his hand, holds his chest. Feels pain, suffers from asthma, allergies, flu, cold.Shutterstock

"These people will be more prone to infection or become currently sick," Dr. Sung explains about protein-deficient individuals. If you're catching every cold that comes around or infections seem to linger, your immune system might be struggling due to inadequate protein intake.

Sign #5: Sleep Issues and Mood Changes

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia. Asian girl with funny face sick or sad depressed sleeping at home.Shutterstock

Experiencing anxiety, depression, or insomnia? According to Dr. Sung, these could be unexpected signs of protein deficiency. Studies show that protein is essential for producing neurotransmitters that regulate mood and sleep patterns.

Sign #6: Bone Health Concerns

A doctor with a stethoscope, in a medical uniform in a clinic, a traumatologist analyzes a leg fracture. X-ray of the knee. Ultrasound. Injury of the leg in the knee joint. OsteoporosisShutterstock

"People don't realize it's not just calcium and minerals in the bone. There's protein amino acids too," Dr. Sung emphasizes. If you're concerned about bone density or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, increasing your protein intake might be crucial for maintaining bone health.

Sign #7: Constant Hunger and Cravings

Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At KitchenShutterstock

While not directly quoted by Dr. Sung, research shows that inadequate protein intake can lead to increased hunger and cravings. Dr. Sung's recommended protein intake of 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight can help maintain satiety and reduce unnecessary snacking.

Understanding Your Protein Needs

Chicken Breast on Food Scale with Mushrooms and Spinach​Prepare Strategies for PlateausShutterstock

Dr. Sung breaks down the numbers clearly: "A 150-pound person needs at least 81.6 to 95.2 grams of protein per day for optimal health." For those with health challenges, he recommends increasing intake to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, while athletes might need up to 2 grams per kilogram.

How to Check for Protein Deficiency

Blood,Drawn,From,A,Patient,With,Serum,doctor,hospitalShutterstock

"Simple tests like CBC with CHE can show you if you have protein deficiencies," explains Dr. Sung. Key markers include BUN (should be 10-16), globulin (2.4-2.8), and hemoglobin levels. If you're experiencing any of the seven signs, consider asking your healthcare provider about these tests.

Solutions for Better Protein Absorption

gut,tummy,health,Woman,Holds,Intestines,In,Her,Palms.,Gastrointestinal,Tract.,Intestinal,TractShutterstock

Dr. Sung emphasizes that it's not just about eating more protein – it's about proper absorption too. "If you have hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid issues, you definitely want to increase hydrochloric acid along with some digestive enzymes to break down your protein appropriately," he advises. Consider protein-rich diets like ketogenic, paleo, or carefully planned vegetarian diets, depending on your specific needs and restrictions. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

keith ozment fit coaching
Copyright keithozment_fitcoaching/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure what to eat for breakfast? Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach specializing in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new social media post, he unveils a handful of breakfast ideas to jumpstart your weight loss. “5 high protein breakfast ideas to eat when you want to shed fat & build muscle,” he writes on Instagram. “🔥MELT BODY FAT🔥These are some of my favorite breakfast options I use to shed body fat and build muscle!” he continues. “When it comes to losing weight and building muscle, it’s crucial you are in an efficient calorie deficit and consuming adequate protein.”

Greek Yogurt Cereal Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 300-400g nonfat Greek yogurt (FAGE brand)
  • 1/4 cup berries
  • 1 cup Premier or Ghost protein cereal.

Macros:

  • Calories: ~400
  • Protein: ~50g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~5g.

Egg & Cheese McMuffin

Ingredients:

  • 1 Thomas English muffin
  • 1 whole egg + 2 egg whites
  • 1 slice fat-free cheese
  • Optional: 1-3 slices of Canadian bacon

Macros:

  • Calories: ~350-400
  • Protein: ~35-40g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~10g.

Avocado Toast and Berries with Honey

Ingredients:

  • 1 slice high-protein bread @dohjoybread
  • 1/4 avocado
  • 3 large egg whites + 1 whole egg.
  • 1/4 cup mixed berries
  • 1 tsp honey

Macros:

  • Calories: ~400
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbs: ~27g
  • Fat: ~14g.

Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop of whey protein

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 frozen banana

• 1 tbsp peanut butter

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond or Fairlife milk

Macros:

• Calories: ~400

• Protein: ~40g

• Carbs: ~22g

• Fat: ~12g.

Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 scoop whey protein
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Macros:

  • • Calories: ~450
  • • Protein: ~39g
  • • Carbs: ~33g
  • • Fat: ~10g.

He Recommends the 40-30-20 Method, First Starting Your Day with 40 Grams Protein

In another post, he touts the benefits of the 40-30-20 Method. “Start your day with 40g of protein. A breakfast smoothie with protein powder, berries, and almond milk or overnight oats with Greek yogurt and protein powder are great options,” he writes. 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.

Next, Walk for 30 Minutes

“Walk for 30 minutes daily. Split it into two 15-minute sessions if needed. Walking boosts metabolism, reduces stress, and aids fat loss,” he 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.

Finally, Lift Weights for 20 Minutes

“Dedicate 20 minutes to weightlifting 3-4 days a week,” he adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

RELATED:I'm 50+ and These 7 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

Here Is the Workout Split He Recommends

He goes on to reveal a simple 4-day split:

Day 1: Upper Body Push

  1. • Push-Ups or Chest Press (3x12)
  2. • Dumbbell Shoulder Press (3x10-12)
  3. • Tricep Dips or Overhead Extensions (3x12)

Day 2: Lower Body

  1. • Goblet Squats (3x12)
  2. • Romanian Deadlifts (3x10-12)
  3. • Glute Bridges or Step-Ups (3x12/leg)

Day 3: Upper Body Pull

  1. • Bent-Over Rows (3x12)
  2. • Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldown (3x10-12)
  3. • Bicep Curls (3x12)

Day 4: Full Body + Core

  1. • Deadlifts (3x12)
  2. • Dumbbell Clean and Press (3x10)
  3. • Plank Holds (3x30-60 sec).

And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

kelsey wells
Copyright kelseywells/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

Are you trying to achieve a chiseled midsection? One famous fitness trainer and influencer has an important PSA about it. Kelsey Wells is a Sweat trainer and influencer with over 3.1 million followers on Instagram alone. In a new social media post, she pops the lid open on many of the tips she has been reading online about achieving an ab fab figure. “3 foods I stopped eating to reveal my abs,” she writes as a joke, revealing the truth about getting great abs.

Most of What You Read Is BS, She Claims

“CAN WE BE SO FOR REAL RIGHT NOW !!!! I have been seeing so many reels beginning with this exact prompt (or equally unfounded and uneducated ones), and you know what?” she writes. “The young woman I was from pretty much 15-25 would have SAVED THEM ALL then STARVED MYSELF to do whatever bs they prescribed. PLEASE take these reminders to heart ok ILYSM!!!”

Nutrition Is Individual

First, nutrition is individual. “Anyone telling you there is only ONE right and best way to eat for EVERY body in EVERY phase of life, is mistaken. There are many ways of eating that CAN be right and best for YOU to reach YOUR goals, and they may shift and change as you do,” she says.

Follow These 3 Food Rules

There are three food rules you should follow, however. “The only OVERARCHING nutrition advice I think can benefit everyone is to EAT PROTEIN, EAT PLANTS, and STAY HYDRATED!” she writes.

Change Your Mental Relationship With Food

“I will die on this hill— THE KEY TO A HEALTHY DIET IS YOUR MENTAL RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD,” she says, noting that eating disorders are “(devastatingly) more prevalent than ever. NOTHING you could eat is as unhealthy as SHAMING yourself for eating or equating your WORTH to what you put in your mouth.”

Extreme Restrictions Rarely Work

“Extreme restrictions almost always lead to a negative road. Unless your DOCTOR advices you to cut out whole food groups, I would suggest flexibility and moderation,” she continues.

Visisble Abs Have to Do with Body Fat Percentage

Next, having “visible abs” is NOT achieved through eating or not eating any one specific food, per Wells. “It is simply due to having a low enough body fat percentage for them to show— which varies. The surest way to achieve this body composition shift is through strengthening your core muscles and being in an overall caloric deficit. Anyone pedaling ‘lose belly fat’ etc is full of b S because genetically our bodies store fat differently and we don’t get to choose from which areas we lose or store our body fat first,” she writes.

You Can’t Determine Health by Appearance

“LAST BUT NOT LEAST !!!! You CANNOT TELL BY LOOKING AT SOMEONE how HEALTHY they are! Or if/to what extent they are struggling with the whole host of mental struggles that diet culture rhetorics instigates and propel. Move your body out of love and gratitude for your body. Safeguard your mind. Redefine fitness!!!!!” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.