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This Expert “Declared War” on Belly Fat with 5 Easy Habits

One coach reveals the simple steps he took to flatten his abs.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 20, 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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✓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.

Liam Topham theliamtopham
Coach Reveals 7 Morning Mistakes “Keeping You Fat”
Copyright theliamtopham/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 20, 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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✓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.

Fitness & Workouts

Do you want to blast belly fat by summer? One expert claims that it all comes down to incorporating five healthy habits. Liam Topham is a diet and fitness coach who helps professionals “shed belly fat, get jacked, and feel energized by running their body like a high-performing business,” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new post, he reveals habits that helped him flatten his tummy. “I declared war on my belly fat. Here’s exactly what I did,” he writes, revealing “what worked” for him. “Do this and watch your body transform.”

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

Eat Like This

“Build each meal around protein because it will help you lose fat while building lean muscle,” he says, revealing his grocery list:

  • 2 cartons of eggs
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 steaks
  • 2-3 lbs of ground beef
  • Colorful veggies
  • Potatoes
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Berries.

Drink More Water

Next, amp up hydration. “Dehydration leads to low energy, hunger, and overeating,” he says. “Try this: Keep a water bottle visible and within reach as a visual reminder. Drink 500 ml to 1 L of water 1 hour before your first cup of coffee to allow your natural cortisol levels to rise. Drink at least 2 L of water daily: 1 L before lunch and 1 L in the afternoon.”

Lift Weights 3 Times Per Peek

Next, strength train and lift weight three times a week. “Strength training boosts your metabolism, builds muscle and makes you look better fatter,” he says. “Do this: Focus on compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups. Lift heavy weights to build strength and muscle. Push to 1-2 reps from failure each set.”

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

Go to Bed Early

Next, prioritizer sleep. “Sleep is your fat-loss cheat code. It helps you build muscle, avoid late-night snacking, and feel less hungry the next day,” he says, suggesting the 10-3-2-1-0 Sleep Rule.

10 hours before bed: No caffeine.

  • 3 hours before bed: No food or alcohol.
  • 2 hours before bed: No work.
  • 1 hour before bed: No screens.
  • 0 times to hit snooze.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Don’t Cut All Your Favourite Foods

Lastly, don’t cut all your favorite foods. “Diets fail because they’re too restrictive, unsustainable and make life miserable. Eat healthy 80% of the time. Enjoy your favorite foods 20% of the time. This approach makes fat loss sustainable and enjoyable, so you’ll actually stick with it,” he says. 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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Fitness & Workouts

Coach Reveals 5 Habits That Melted His Belly Fat

Liam Topham theliamtopham
Coach Reveals 7 Morning Mistakes “Keeping You Fat”
Copyright theliamtopham/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Do you want to blast belly fat by summer? One expert claims that it all comes down to incorporating five healthy habits. Liam Topham is a diet and fitness coach who helps professionals “shed belly fat, get jacked, and feel energized by running their body like a high-performing business,” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new post, he reveals habits that helped him flatten his tummy. “I declared war on my belly fat. Here’s exactly what I did,” he writes, revealing “what worked” for him. “Do this and watch your body transform.”

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

Eat Like This

“Build each meal around protein because it will help you lose fat while building lean muscle,” he says, revealing his grocery list:

  • 2 cartons of eggs
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 steaks
  • 2-3 lbs of ground beef
  • Colorful veggies
  • Potatoes
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Berries.

Drink More Water

Next, amp up hydration. “Dehydration leads to low energy, hunger, and overeating,” he says. “Try this: Keep a water bottle visible and within reach as a visual reminder. Drink 500 ml to 1 L of water 1 hour before your first cup of coffee to allow your natural cortisol levels to rise. Drink at least 2 L of water daily: 1 L before lunch and 1 L in the afternoon.”

Lift Weights 3 Times Per Peek

Next, strength train and lift weight three times a week. “Strength training boosts your metabolism, builds muscle and makes you look better fatter,” he says. “Do this: Focus on compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups. Lift heavy weights to build strength and muscle. Push to 1-2 reps from failure each set.”

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

Go to Bed Early

Next, prioritizer sleep. “Sleep is your fat-loss cheat code. It helps you build muscle, avoid late-night snacking, and feel less hungry the next day,” he says, suggesting the 10-3-2-1-0 Sleep Rule.

10 hours before bed: No caffeine.

  • 3 hours before bed: No food or alcohol.
  • 2 hours before bed: No work.
  • 1 hour before bed: No screens.
  • 0 times to hit snooze.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Don’t Cut All Your Favourite Foods

Lastly, don’t cut all your favorite foods. “Diets fail because they’re too restrictive, unsustainable and make life miserable. Eat healthy 80% of the time. Enjoy your favorite foods 20% of the time. This approach makes fat loss sustainable and enjoyable, so you’ll actually stick with it,” he says. 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 134 Pounds with These 5 Habits

Alvine mbagtang alvine_nin
Copyright alvine_nin/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 05, 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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Do you want to get rid of belly fat once and for all? Alvine Mbagtang is an influencer and weight loss warrior who dropped 134 pounds naturally, and now helps other women do the same. In a new post, she reveals a handful of habits that enabled her to lose weight. “If you’re holding most of your weight in your belly area, here are 5 things to change ASAP,” she writes, going on to reveal five tips.

Reduce Refined Carbs and Sugars

The first habit of blasting belly fat? “Cut down on refined carbs (like white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks) to prevent blood sugar spikes that lead to fat storage, especially around the belly. Instead, focus on whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins,” she says.

Increase Protein Intake

Next, amp up your protein intake. “Eating more protein helps boost metabolism and reduces cravings, keeping you fuller longer. Aim to include a source of protein in each meal, like eggs, chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins,” she suggests.

The Science Behind Protein and Weight Loss

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.

Add More Fiber-Rich Foods

The third thing to do is amp up fiber intake. “Fiber helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling full, which can reduce belly fat over time. Incorporate more veggies, fruits, and whole grains like oats and quinoa into your diet,” she writes.

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

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Next, focus on getting good sleep. “Poor sleep can lead to increased cortisol levels, which often contributes to fat storage in the abdominal area. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support balanced hormones and reduce belly fat,” she says.

Sleep

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.

Incorporate HIIT Workouts

Finally, incorporate HIIT workouts. “High-intensity interval Training (HIIT) workouts are highly effective for burning belly fat. They keep your metabolism boosted even after you’re done exercising. Aim to include a few HIIT sessions each week for optimal fat-burning results.”

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

Why You Should Do HIIT

Should you try HIIT workout? There is lots of research backing up the benefits of high intensity workouts, including body fat reduction, improved cardiovascular function, and mental health. It is also time effective. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

Trainer, 58, Lost 15 Lbs with These 4 Habits

Michaela Bentley Fitness
Copyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 31, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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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 in your fifties and feel losing belly fat is impossible? One personal trainer and expert is here to tell you this isn’t the case. Michaela Bentley is a CPT & Nutrition coach. At the age of 58, she looks half her age! She maintains that she has a better grasp of diet and exercise than she did in her forties. In a recent post, she revealed how she lost 15 pounds and got into the best shape later in life. “In my 50s I went full ninja on belly fat. Here’s what I did,” she wrote.

She Tried “Literally Everything” to Lose 15 Pounds at 50

“If you’re reading this, I was probably a lot like you. I had reached 50 and had tried literally everything to lose the extra 15 pounds of belly and back fat. Nothing I was doing was working and I just kept gaining more weight,” she says in the post.

She Was Active and “Resorted to Crazy Diets”

“I have always been active, and was still active, probably more active than I had been previously in an attempt to get things under control. I even resorted to crazy diets to try to lose the midlife spread,” she continued.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Once She Became a Personal Trainer She Figured Out What Worked

“Finally, I decided to go back to school and become a personal trainer. I thought, well if I can learn how to get control of this maybe I can help other women in the same situation. Learn about it, I did! 🙌Here’s what worked,” she wrote, revealing the four habits.

Lifting Weights

The first thing that worked to blast belly fat was unsurprisingly, strength training. “Lifting weights CONSISTENTLY with a plan that incorporates progressive overload. All this means is that you are added load and difficulty over time in order to avoid plateaus,” she writes.

Moving More

Her next habit? Moving more, “a lot more,” she admits. “As a society we’ve become sedentary. Most of us spend a good majority of the day sitting at a desk. If we want to shake things up, metabolically we have to move more. Try adding intentional steps to your routine. Aim for at least 8000k-10000 a day.”

Food Journaling and Tracking

The fourth habit? “Start a food journal and preferably track your food through a tracking app,” she revealed. “Most of us have no clue exactly what we’re eating and in what quantities. I can’t tell you how many women tell me they eat under 1,500 cal a day and then when we look at their food journal, they’re actually eating almost double that.”

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Seeing a Doctor

“If you’re struggling with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, see your doctor,” she says. “I had a truckload of symptoms that I had no idea were related to my declining hormones. Getting my hormones back into balance not only helped with the symptoms I was having but it helped me improve my sleep and general mood which in turn, helped me reduce stress and lose the weight.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Nutrition & Diet

3 Types of Belly Fat: Which One Are You Battling?

Woman body fat belly. Obese Woman with fat upset about her belly. Fat woman with tight clothing worried about weight diet lifestyle concept.
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Alek Korab
By Alek KorabOct 17, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to carry weight differently? Or why might your own belly fat be stubborn despite your best efforts? Dr. Eric Berg, DC, an expert in healthy weight loss, sheds light on this common concern. At 59, Dr. Berg has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of health and weight management. As the director of Dr. Berg's Nutritionals and a best-selling author, he's helped thousands understand the nuances of healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting. In his recent post, Dr. Berg breaks down the three main types of belly fat, offering insights that could transform your approach to health.

Understanding the Dangers of Belly Fat

Before diving into the specific belly types, it's crucial to understand why belly fat is a concern. As the Mayo Clinic experts explain, "That extra belly fat does more than just make it hard to zip up a favorite pair of jeans, though. Research shows that belly fat carries serious health risks."

The Sagging Belly: A Tale of Insulin and Stress

obesity, healthy food and weight loss concept. Side view of an Indian man touching and showing belly fatShutterstock

The first type Dr. Berg identifies is the sagging belly, which he attributes to visceral fat. "This is called visceral fat. Visceral fat is spill off from the liver," Dr. Berg explains in his post. This type of fat is particularly concerning because it surrounds organs and can impair their function.

The Role of Hormones in Belly Fat

Unhealthy,Overweight,Asian,Fat,Woman,Catching,On,Her,Big,BellyShutterstock

Dr. Berg points out two main culprits behind this belly type: insulin and cortisol. "Too many carbs will increase insulin and put the fat right in your gut," he states. However, he also notes that stress plays a significant role. "Cortisol is a stress hormone. What cortisol does is it indirectly increases insulin," Dr. Berg clarifies.

The Hidden Dangers of Stress and Sugar

Measuring blood sugar with a blood glucose meterShutterstock

Dr. Berg emphasizes the interconnected nature of stress and sugar in contributing to belly fat. He warns, "When you go through stress, it will increase your blood glucose from other things, not carbs. So stress and sugar create the same effect, belly fat, and many other problems."

The Invisible Threat: TOFI

Asian fat women wear pink t shirt . She has overweight and she shows excess fat of the waist. She sit on her sofa and wants lose weight. concept of surgery and subcutaneous fat breakdown.Shutterstock

Interestingly, Dr. Berg mentions that even thin people can have this type of fat, coining the term "TOFI" or "thin on the outside, fat on the inside."

The Protruding Belly: When Your Liver Needs Help

Overweight stomachShutterstock

The second type is the protruding belly, which Dr. Berg describes as "a liver problem, usually cirrhosis, advanced liver disease." This belly type is characterized by a fluid-filled sac in the abdomen, often seen in individuals with severe liver damage.

RELATED: I Shrunk From Size 22 to 8 With These 15 Tips That Actually Work

The Severity of Liver-Related Belly Fat

Dr. Berg doesn't sugarcoat the seriousness of this condition. "When you start generating fluid in your abdomen, your liver is pretty messed up, and the chances of you reversing it are pretty slim," he warns. He further illustrates the severity by stating, "You have the liver that is so dysfunctional that is leaking fluid into a sac or on your abdomen, and you have to go to the hospital every 14 days to get it drained out. Not a good situation."

Hope for Liver Health

Fresh green broccoli on a dark brown background. Macro photo green fresh vegetable broccoli. Green Vegetables for diet and healthy eating. Organic food.Shutterstock

Despite the grim outlook, Dr. Berg offers some hope, suggesting vitamin E in the form of tocotrienols and focusing on liver-friendly foods like cruciferous vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of radical lifestyle changes for those facing this condition.

The Lower Pooch: Battling Estrogen Dominance

Woman at home suffering from menstrual pain, having cramps. Close up of woman holding abdomen, endometriosis, and conditions causing pain in tummy.Shutterstock

The third type Dr. Berg discusses is the lower pooch, often seen in women but also present in men. "It's more of a superficial fat. It's called subcutaneous fat," he explains. This type of fat is often linked to estrogen dominance.

The Impact of Menopause on Belly Fat

Adult woman fanning suffering heat stroke sitting in the livingroom at homeShutterstock

The Mayo Clinic adds insight into why women may be particularly susceptible to this type of fat: "Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older — even if they aren't gaining weight. This is likely due to a decreasing level of estrogen, which appears to influence where fat is distributed in the body."

Combating Estrogen Dominance

To combat this, Dr. Berg recommends reducing estrogen exposure by avoiding soy products, pesticides, and plastics. He also suggests natural ways to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen: "Cruciferous vegetables... and then there's a concentrated cruciferous product called DIM. That would be a very good thing to take as well."

RELATED: I Lost 250 Pounds With 5 Simple Walking Tricks

The Surprising Link Between Plastics and Estrogen

In a startling revelation, Dr. Berg points out the pervasive nature of plastic in our lives and its potential impact on hormones. He states, "The average person in the US consumes the amount of plastic that equals the size of a credit card."

Tailoring Your Approach: Diet vs. Exercise

Rear view of overweight woman wearing sportswear while jogging on the roadShutterstock

Dr. Berg underlines the importance of diet over exercise in addressing belly fat. For the sagging belly, he states, "You're not going to see much results with exercise. Why? Because exercise does not decrease insulin in a significant way."

The Mayo Clinic's Perspective on Exercise

Training muscles and doing physical weight loss exercise to get fit. Funny chubby man having fitness workout at home. Happy fat guy in retro sportswear squatting standing on sports mat in living-roomShutterstock

While Dr. Berg recommends diet, the Mayo Clinic underscores the importance of exercise: "For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week. Strength training exercises are recommended at least twice a week."

The Long Game: Patience and Persistence

Sad heavy man sitting on bed at home, health problem, depression, insecuritiesShutterstock

Dr. Berg reminds us that tackling belly fat, especially the stubborn lower pooch, is not an overnight process. He acknowledges, "It does take a long time to get rid of that last bit of belly fat, but if you increase the amount of fasting that you do and you follow these next recommendations, I think you can speed it up."

RELATED: I Went Sugar, Gluten, and Dairy Free for 60 Days and Here Is What Happened

A Balanced Approach to Belly Fat Reduction

The Mayo Clinic offers a balanced perspective on reducing belly fat: "To lose excess fat and keep it from coming back, aim for slow and steady weight loss. Consult your doctor for help getting started and staying on track."

Understanding your belly type can be the first step toward effective weight management. By identifying the underlying causes and tailoring your approach accordingly, you can work towards a healthier, leaner you. Whether it's managing stress, supporting liver health, or balancing hormones, a holistic approach combining diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is key to addressing your specific belly type. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

The #1 Right Way to Lose Lower Stomach Fat

Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 02, 2024
Ferozan Mast
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Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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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.

TikTok influencer Tara Hall (@tarahallfitness) knows all too well the struggle to get rid of belly fat and develop beautiful, strong abdominal muscles. As with all exercises, there is a right way—and a wrong way!—to go about reaching those fitness goals, and so much misinformation that not only will NOT help shift the tummy fat, it might even encourage it (noooo!). Hall’s advice is sensible, and you know it’s legit because the method will cost you nothing. Here’s what she has to say.

Sit Ups and Crunches

@tarahallfitness

Struggle to lose lower stomach fat? Heres how 🙃 #lowerstomachfat #stomachfat #flatstomach #losefat

Hall makes the point that endless situps and crunches will unfortunately not torch stomach fat. Why? Research shows spot reduction is a myth—you can’t just focus on losing fat in one area of the body. “Getting rid of belly fat involves a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes,” says vegan fitness expert and trainer Kollins Ezekh. “Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, cycling, and swimming, can help burn overall body fat, while strength training exercises, such as weight lifting, can help build muscle and improve metabolism.”

Related: Katie Austin Flashes Washboard Abs and Reveals 5 Things She Does to Get Her “Mojo Back”

Lots of Cardio

Side view of two attractive sports women on running track. Girls on treadmillShutterstock

Hall says cardio alone won’t magically shift the belly bulge—other factors are important, as it’s remarkably difficult to out-burn excessive calories. “Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Ezekh says. “Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can also help reduce belly fat.”

This Is the Way

Smartphone and calories calculator concept. Hand holding smartphone and take photo of chicken grill, avocado, chickpea, cheese and lettuce in white salad plate. In vintage toneShutterstock

“The only way you are going to lose stomach fat is by being in a calorie deficit,” Hall says. Her advice might be boring (where’s the quick fix we’re looking for?), but it is the foundation of any successful fat-loss program. “Popular fad diets may promise you that not eating carbohydrates (carbs) or eating a pile of grapefruit is the secret to weight loss. But it really comes down to eating fewer calories than your body is using if you want to lose weight,” says the Mayo Clinic.

This Is Important Too!

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Of course, other factors also impact belly fat—for example, stress. Stress causes cortisol, and cortisol is linked to belly fat. So while you’re working out and eating right and being mindful of calories, pay attention to stress levels and learn to manage them. “Practices such as meditation, yoga, or regular physical activity can help manage stress,” Ezekh says.

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds With These 7 Exercises Everyone Can Do

Bye Bye, Belly Fat!

Woman body fat belly. Obese Woman with fat upset about her belly. Fat woman with tight clothing worried about weight diet lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

Sleep also impacts belly fat—poor sleep can help pack stomach fat on, and excess weight causes even worse sleep. Yikes. "Our findings show that shortened sleep, even in young, healthy and relatively lean subjects, is associated with an increase in calorie intake, a very small increase in weight, and a significant increase in fat accumulation inside the belly," says Virend Somers, MD, PhD, for the Mayo Clinic.

💪🔥Body Booster: You can’t spot-reduce fat, so be mindful of your calories in vs. calories out!

Fitness & Workouts

The Simple Walking Routine That Helped Me Lose 40 Pounds

Alexandra_alexx.fitt
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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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.

Can you lose a significant amount of weight just by walking every day? Yes, absolutely! Not only does walking burn fat, help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, but it also does wonders for your mental state as well. “You need to make it part of your routine,” exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “This is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.” TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walking—here’s how she did it.

Don’t Start Big

@alexx.fitt Step by step walk it off #walking #weightloss ♬ original sound - alexx.fitt

Alex makes the important point that it’s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You don’t have to kickstart your fitness regimen with two-hour walks. Even just half an hour will make a difference to your mood and your health, and encourage you to do it again the next day.

Walking After Meals

Alex says she started off her walking program by simply taking a 15 minute walk after a big meal. Research shows walking after meals can benefit blood sugar. “Exercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,” Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “And over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.”

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. “Getting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,” says Henry Ford Health. “Walking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.”

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. “The closer we get to the evening, the less efficient our bodies are at using insulin to deal with blood glucose, making it harder to keep blood glucose levels healthy,” Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic University’s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. “Yet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.”

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers.”

Using Technology

Alex was thrilled the first time her watch buzzed when she hit 10k steps. Research shows people who track their fitness tend to be successful. “We’ve seen this rise of digital health tools in the last decade, and they provide a great way for people to access interventions to better their health,” Michele Patel, PhD, tells Stanford Medicine.

10,000 Steps a Day

No matter how long or short her walks, Alex always aims for 10,000 steps every day. “Evidence suggests that accumulating up to 10,000 steps per day is helpful for reducing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer,” John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. “And more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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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.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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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.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

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Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

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“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

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Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

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Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

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