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This Workout Has Sarah Michelle Gellar Looking Fitter at 47 Than 27

The Buffy star’s new trainer reveals her go-to exercises

SANTA MONICA, USA. February 07, 2025: Sarah Michelle Gellar at the Critics Choice Awards 2025.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar is living, breathing proof that 40s are the new 20s. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star looks fitter at 47 than she did at 27, showing off her flat abs and toned body in Alo exercise sets all over Instagram. Her new trainer might have something to do with her body glow-up. The actress recently started working out with Coach Brach Gould, who also trains Harry Styles and Christina Milian. Here are the exercises she is doing and some other details about her approach to diet and exercise


What Her Trainer Says

Gould recently shared a video of their workout routine on Instagram. “I’ve been working with Sarah for over 6 months now and all I can say is how impressive her progress has been! She’s become stronger, fitter and more mobile by us just sticking to a programme and working on fundamentals. No fancy stuff, just consistent exercises with hard work! So proud of you!!!” he captioned it.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

These Are the Exercises She Does

In the clip, the two train at the Alo studio in Los Angeles, doing a variety of exercises:

  • Half Kneeling High Cable Pulls
  • Single Arm Kettlebell Farmers Walks with High Knee
  • Single Arm Dumbbell Lunges
  • Stability Ball Planks
  • Plate Weighed Side Steps
  • Side-to-side Medicine Ball Slams
  • Assault bike cardio.

She Has Workout Buddies

In another Instagram video, Gellar reveals that she is a fan of the workout buddy system. “It’s true what they say… girlfriends and exercise are good for your mental health. Just missing @madelyncline … and @jennkaytin …. and @samlansky …. and @realfreddieprinze,” she captioned the clip, also taken at the Alo gym.

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

She Fuels Up on Green Juice Prior to Working Out

Gellar is a fan of fresh green juice. "I go every weekend to the farmers market and I get fresh kale, spinach, celery, and lettuces and I blend it all together," she told Who What Wear. "That's my favorite thing before I work out.”

Outdoor Activities

When she isn’t int he gym, she stays active outdoors. "I chase two children around which is the best recipe to stay active as they're so active," she told Body+Soul. "I'm very fortunate that I live in a climate that's beautiful year around and I try to take advantage of being outside, whether it's hiking or going to the beach and swimming and surfing. I prefer all those great outdoor activities than indoor activities – although I do love yoga. If we do yoga on the beach then I'm really happy." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

More For You

SANTA MONICA, USA. February 07, 2025: Sarah Michelle Gellar at the Critics Choice Awards 2025.
Shutterstock

Sarah Michelle Gellar is living, breathing proof that 40s are the new 20s. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star looks fitter at 47 than she did at 27, showing off her flat abs and toned body in Alo exercise sets all over Instagram. Her new trainer might have something to do with her body glow-up. The actress recently started working out with Coach Brach Gould, who also trains Harry Styles and Christina Milian. Here are the exercises she is doing and some other details about her approach to diet and exercise

What Her Trainer Says

Gould recently shared a video of their workout routine on Instagram. “I’ve been working with Sarah for over 6 months now and all I can say is how impressive her progress has been! She’s become stronger, fitter and more mobile by us just sticking to a programme and working on fundamentals. No fancy stuff, just consistent exercises with hard work! So proud of you!!!” he captioned it.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

These Are the Exercises She Does

In the clip, the two train at the Alo studio in Los Angeles, doing a variety of exercises:

  • Half Kneeling High Cable Pulls
  • Single Arm Kettlebell Farmers Walks with High Knee
  • Single Arm Dumbbell Lunges
  • Stability Ball Planks
  • Plate Weighed Side Steps
  • Side-to-side Medicine Ball Slams
  • Assault bike cardio.

She Has Workout Buddies

In another Instagram video, Gellar reveals that she is a fan of the workout buddy system. “It’s true what they say… girlfriends and exercise are good for your mental health. Just missing @madelyncline … and @jennkaytin …. and @samlansky …. and @realfreddieprinze,” she captioned the clip, also taken at the Alo gym.

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

She Fuels Up on Green Juice Prior to Working Out

Gellar is a fan of fresh green juice. "I go every weekend to the farmers market and I get fresh kale, spinach, celery, and lettuces and I blend it all together," she told Who What Wear. "That's my favorite thing before I work out.”

Outdoor Activities

When she isn’t int he gym, she stays active outdoors. "I chase two children around which is the best recipe to stay active as they're so active," she told Body+Soul. "I'm very fortunate that I live in a climate that's beautiful year around and I try to take advantage of being outside, whether it's hiking or going to the beach and swimming and surfing. I prefer all those great outdoor activities than indoor activities – although I do love yoga. If we do yoga on the beach then I'm really happy." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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 look decades younger? You might be doing all the wrong workouts, says one fitness expert. Shauna Theresa is a women's fitness and nutrition coach who helps women over 40 "boost metabolism, build strong, sculpted bodies and lose fat for life" using her STRONG method. In a new post she reveals a few simple changes she made to her approach to fitness that majorly changed her body composition game. "It's crazy this helped me get a better body at 45 than I had at 25," she writes across the Instagram video clip.

She Used to Think That to Get Toned She Had to Do "More"

"Raise your hand if you thought the best way to get 'toned' was to do MORE. ✋🏼🫣 More workout days, more sets, more exercises, more cardio, more sweat, more calorie burn. That was me!! I used to spend 5-6 days a week in the gym, working out for 90 minutes, everything was a superset, trying to "burn" more, and I'd top my weight training with intense cardio, walk out feeling exhausted and wondered why after working so hard my body NEVER got 'toned'," she writes in the post.

However, She Was Doing It All Wrong

However, she adapted her training method and feels and looks better than ever. "I now understand where I went wrong, and this is what I do now that has me looking, and more importantly, feeling better at 45 than I did at 25!" she continued.

She Dialed back on Volume

The first thing she did? "I dialed back on volume," she says. "Instead of 6 workouts a week with 7-8 exercises, I now do 3 workouts a week with 4-5 exercises."

She Does "Straight Hard Sets"

Next, "Instead of super setting everything, I do straight hard sets," she says. She focuses on "working with intensity, using slow and controlled tempo, and getting close to failure."

She Focused on One Program

It can be tempting to jump from workout to workout, but Shauna doesn't recommend it. "I stopped changing my workouts every week and instead focused on one program while applying progressive overload," she said.

RELATED: Lose Weight and "Change Your Life" with These 5 "Non-Extreme" Habits

She Rests Between Sets

You don't have to keep moving during a workout, per Shauna. "Instead of doing jump squats or burpees between sets, I just REST between sets so that my muscles and CNS are prepared to another hard set," she explains.

She Walks Post-Workout

You don't need to run on the treadmill or walk steps until you sweat post-workout. "Instead of ending my hard weight workout with a hard cardio workout I leave and use walking daily as my way to get activity because it does not compete with building muscle," she says.

She Cycles Nutrition

Shauna refuses to be a slave to dieting and calorie deficits. "I stopped living in a calorie deficit and cycled my nutrition phases," she says.

RELATED: Metabolism Expert Reveals 4-Ingredient Pudding That Burns Fat Like Ozempic

These Changes Will Support Lean Muscle Growth

According to Shauna, all of these changes support one thing, "growing lean muscle," she says. "Muscle growth is what you want if you're trying to look 'toned,' stay healthy as you age, and optimize your metabolism. To optimally grow muscle it takes working with the same plan, using the right intensity, applying progressive overload (aka adding more reps or weight) and allowing rest both between sets and between workout sessions."

Work Smarter, Not Harder

"My body changed the most when I STOPPED using my workouts to try and burn and started using them to BUILD. It's a completely different mindset but I promise you it provides dramatic changes! Time to work SMARTER not HARDER," she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Celebrity, actress, Demi,Moore,At,The,Los,Angeles,Premiere,Of,'the,Substance'
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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.

Demi Moore is celebrating her Golden Globes nomination! In a new social media post, the 61-year-old star watches on as her name is read as a nominee for the Best Female Actor Motion Picture Musical/Comedy for her role in "The Substance." “The best news to wake up to — @trythesubstance was nominated for five @goldenglobes!! Truly honored to be nominated and so proud of this film,” she captioned the set of Instagram videos. In the film, Moore plays an aerobics celebrity who takes a black market serum to become a "younger, more beautiful, more perfect" version of herself – something she has managed to do in real life without injecting a cell-replicating substance. Here is everything we know about Demi’s approach to diet and exercise.


Earlier in Life She Biked 60 Miles Per Day

In a recent interview, Demi discussed her unhealthy approach to exercise when she was younger. “I put so much pressure on myself,” she confessed to CBS Sunday Morning. “I did have experiences of being told to lose weight. And all of those, while they may have been embarrassing and humiliating, it’s what I did to myself because of that.” She maintains that just months after giving birth to Scout, she was shooting Indecent Proposal. “So, I was feeding her through the night, getting up in the dark with a trainer, with a headlamp, biking all the way to Paramount, wherever, even on the location where we were shooting; then shooting a full day, which is usually a 12-hour day; and then starting all over again,” she said. It wasn’t uncommon for her to hike 60 miles per day. “Even just the idea of, like, what I did to my body, it’s, like, so crazy, so ridiculous.” Would she do it again? “You look back, and you kinda go, ‘Did it really matter that much?’ Probably not,” she said. “But at the time, I made it mean everything.”

She Had a Toxic Relationship with Exercise

In her memoir Inside Out, Moore details her toxic relationship with fitness. "I didn’t feel like I could stop exercising,” she wrote. “It was my job to fit into that unforgiving military uniform I’d be wearing in two months in 'A Few Good Men.' Getting in shape for that movie launched the obsession with working out that would consume me.”

She Broke Up with Disordered Exercise in 1997

After shooting G.I. Jane in 1997, Demi broke her pattern of disordered exercise after “bulking up enormously” for her role as a military officer. “My usual reaction would have been to start starving myself again, to begin an exercise regime designed to reduce the bulk, but I did neither. I had reached my limit,” she wrote in her memoir. “When I got home to Idaho, I had an epiphany in the shower one day: I just need to be my natural size.”

RELATED: Coach Drops 20 Pounds in 90 Days By Breaking Rules, “What I Didn't Know Was Working Against Me”

She Surrendered

She added to The New York Times that she "really experienced the gift of surrender” at that point in life. "I was so kind of worn down in this battle that I had been in that I finally surrendered. I just started to ask to be my natural size because I didn’t know what it was. I literally couldn’t go to a gym. I couldn’t control food in that way." In her memoir, she added that she had even gotten rid of her home gym. “I started by giving up hard exercise. I never went back into the gym in the house. Never. The room it occupied is now my office.”

She Lost 20 Pounds While Filming The Substance Due to Shingles

While filming The Substance, Demi contracted shingles, a “painful rash illness” caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “To give you an idea of the intensity, my first week that I actually had off, where it was just Margaret working, I got shingles,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “And I then lost, like, 20 pounds.”

Emotional Sobriety

Demi added to the New York Times that she finally feels "emotionally sober," which impacts “the quality of how I interact with people, my ability to show up for others,” she said. “That’s all within my emotional sobriety... I can go into a room at a gathering, and if I’m uncomfortable, I don’t need to try to take the edge off it. I can actually just go: ‘Oh, wow. Isn’t that interesting? I’m a little uncomfortable right now.’” She focuses on what is in front of her, not chasing perfection. "That deep reminder of appreciating who you are, as you are, where you are, just resonated more as [filming The Substance] went along," she says. "And not just the external. Really, all of those internal things of who we are that we often can overlook. And the journey of what it’s taken to get where you are."

At-Home Workouts

While she might not have a home gym, Moore has revealed that she exercises using The Mirror. “Five minutes at level one, which is doable after not working out for over four years, right? I am stalling!” she wrote on Instagram. One of her favorites? Dancing.

RELATED: 58-Year-Old Fitness Coach Shows How to Take 3,500 Steps in 30 Minutes

Pilates

She also does Pilates with friends. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many benefits to the workout, such as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility, resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

Coffee and Energy Drinks

Demi has been sober for many years. However, she does enjoy getting her caffeine fix. Energy drinks – like Red Bull – and coffee are her go-to sources.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several benefits of drinking coffee in moderation. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals How Many Meals Per Day You Should Eat to Lose Fat

Gut Health

Moore prioritizes gut health. She takes watermelon mint digestive tablets created by Wonderbelly. A gut antacid that is a “known and needed product on the most clean level.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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 a six-pack but feel like you are too old? According to one expert, you can achieve a perfect midsection at any age. Adelina Jordan is a 52-year-old fitness trainer and coach whose mission is “proving age is just a number,” according to her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals the handful of exercises that are responsible for her six-pack abs and the healthy habits that enable her to achieve them. “Six-pack abs in your fifties? Totally possible with the right plan. Here’s what worked for me,” she writes in the post.


She Trains Abs 2 to 3 Times a Week

“I train Abs like any other muscle,” she writes. She reveals that she reserves two to three days a week to do ab work. “Remember … it takes consistency with workouts and nutrition and lots of time & patience,” she writes.

RELATED: Top Coach Reveals 3 Best Back Exercises You Can Do at Home

Here Are the Exercises She Does

“Here is an example of the workout I do to maintain my 6-pack abs in my 50s,” she continues, revealing the five exercise sets.

  • SL crunches
  • weighted sit-ups
  • Russian twist
  • weighted toe taps
  • double crunch.

She Also Pays Attention to Her Diet

She then goes on to discuss key tips to remember for 6-pack abs, starting with diet. “Dial in your nutrition,” she writes. “Protein-packed meals, a slight calorie deficit, and staying consistent.” 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: Woman Lost 11 Pounds in 90 Days With These 5 Simple Rules

And, She Lifts Weights

Next, she recommends weight lifting. “Strength training is a must,” she says. “Focus on compound lifts that engage your core and help burn fat.” 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 Uses Resistance

Another important tactic? “Train your abs with resistance,” she suggests, “Adding light weights, cables, or bands takes your core training to the next level—think strength and definition.”

She Does Cardio

Don’t forget to do cardio. “Steady-state cardio after lifting works wonders for revealing your hard-earned progress,” she says.

RELATED: She Lost 15 Pounds in Her 40s After Fixing These 3 Mistakes

And, She Is Patient

Lastly, six-pack abs don't happen overnight. “Patience is key: Progress takes time, but trust me—it’s worth it! If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make it happen!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

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.

Having children and getting older is no excuse when it comes to fitness. Becky Greenan, a 37-year-old mother of two, is living, breathing proof that you can get into the best shape of your life after having kids. The fitness trainer and influencer has built up a following of nearly one million on Instagram, sharing effective, at-home workouts.


This week she dropped a new one that will change your body. “Upper & Core that will hit every muscle in your upper body with just 5 exercises,” she writes in the caption. Find out how to do the workout and see her amazing 10-year transformation on The Body Network.

Here Is the Workout

“I’m holding 10lbs and 5lbs,” she notes, suggesting 12 reps per exercise and 3 to 4 total sets.

  1. Lean backs with front raise
  2. Skull crusher with alt. leg raise
  3. Alt. curl into press
  4. Kneeling lateral raises
  5. Push up into superman

Her 10-year Transformation Is Shocking

Becky also shared a shocking transformation photo on Instagram this week, “ 27 years old vs 37 years old with 2 kids,” she wrote in the caption. “My transformation didn’t take me 10 years to see results. But my progress hasn’t been linear either - especially with 2 pregnancies.

Related: I Lost 75 Pounds While Jumping Rope and Push Ups

Be Consistent, She Says

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky4built.by.becky/Instagram

What is one of the secrets behind her transformation? “One thing I’ve always been is CONSISTENT. I’ve always kept going and I’ve never given up on myself,” she says.

For Building Muscle, Lift Weights, Not Cardio

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky3built.by.becky/Instagram

“If you want to change your body composition by getting lean and adding curves - LIFT WEIGHTS. If you want to build confidence - LIFT WEIGHTS. Cardio isn’t going to give you the shape you’re looking for,” she points out.

Her Workouts Can Be Done with Resistance Bands and Dumbbells

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky6built.by.becky/Instagram

She adds that the majority of workouts on her fitness app only require resistance bands and dumbbells, and can be done at home. “YES it can be done and it’s what I’ve been doing for years,” she concludes.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky7built.by.becky/Instagram

As for diet, Becky consumes “2000ish calories and 120ish protein,” per day. “Full day of meals on a rest day for this 37 year old mama of 2. Each meal contains carbs, protein and fats. I did an estimate of my calories and protein intake for you all. I usually eat more on lifting days because I’m hungrier,” she writes in a post.

  1. 2 eggs, 2 egg whites and feta toast with butter

    400 calories / 25 protein

  2. Apple with peanut butter, protein shake

    450 calories / 35 protein

  3. Chicken thigh and leg, sweet potato and broccoli

    450 calories / 45 protein

  4. Bun with turkey, and orange

    350 calories / 15 grams protein

  5. Cucumber salad and cookies

    400 calories

💪🔥Body Booster: For a successful transformation, be consistent. Never give up on yourself and keep going.

Jessica Olson findinmyweigh
Wake Up Earlier​
Copyright findinmyweigh/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 need a little motivation? One weight loss warrior claims to have a game-changing tip. Jessica Olson is a nurse and social media influencer who dropped a whopping 140 pounds. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one habit that was instrumental in her weight loss success. “#1 success tip helped me lose 140 pounds,” she writes in the post.

Wake Up Earlier

What is her number one tip? “It’s simple…WAKE UP EARLIER,” she writes. “I’m sure a ton of people would disagree with me but if I had to pick ONE thing that I feel like has helped ME on MY journey - this would be it.”

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

She Had Bariatric Surgery But Didn’t Gain the Weight Back

“Sure I had bariatric surgery… and some could say that was the one thing that helped. But so many people put their weight back on after having surgery because they don’t change their habits. I created the habit of waking up earlier,” she continues.

This Habit Helps Her Stick to These Other Habits

She maintains that “one simple thing” has helped her lose 140 lbs but also keep it off by:

  1. Hitting her water goals
  2. Taking her vitamins
  3. Getting in a workout.

“All before most people are getting out of bed in the morning,” she says.

There Are Other Benefits

There are other benefits to being an early riser, per Jessica. “But it’s also helped me in other areas. I’m spending more time with God, my house is cleaner, I feel more organized, so I’m in a much better mood,” she says. “All because…I WAKE UP EARLIER.”

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

She Also Has a Tip for Those Who Struggle to Sleep

In another post, she offers suggestions to anyone who struggles with falling asleep and shutting their brains off. “After many years of nightshift nursing I have royally messed up my sleep schedule. Some nights I'll lay in bed (mind you I've crawled into bed around 8) and can't fall asleep until after 1-2a,” she says.

She Drinks Mushroom Hot Cocoa at Night

“I have prescribed medication to help with times like that but I really don't like taking it. I decided to try out @ryzesuperfoods mushroom hot cocoa to see if I could tell a difference - and it's been a huge game changer!! For one you can't taste the mushroom part at all, y'all know I have a sweet tooth and this taste just like straight up hot cocoa but the best part is I feel super sleepy within 10-15 minutes of drinking it!” she continued.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Find What Works for You

“All this to say - find what works for you. Maybe it's changing up your nightly routine. Trying some meditation, stretching, a hot bath, bible reading, journaling -or- incorporating some hot cocoa into your nightly routine... Figure out what helps and stick to it,” she concludes. “Transitioning from a night owl to a morning bird has been a huge part of my journey to better health.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD mvmntbydrsteph
​When Other Hormonal Imbalances Are In Check
Copyright mvmntbydrsteph/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.

You probably know that hormonal disruptions can lead to weight gain and lower energy. But you might not realize that some of your favorite foods are causing this. Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD, specializes in helping women over 30 lose weight and gain energy. In a new social media post, she reveals the foods that will mess up your hormones. “As a medical doctor, here are 5 foods I avoid daily that will wreck your cortisol,” she writes.

“We all know cortisol is our primary stress hormone, but did you know your diet could be making things worse by messing with other hormones too?” she asks, adding that cortisol is intimately connected with insulin and thyroid hormones. “So, some foods that disrupt one can impact them all—and the consequences on your body and metabolism can be significant. Here are 5 foods I avoid because they wreak havoc on cortisol (and other hormones!)”

Refined Sugars

First, avoid refined sugars. “These spike blood sugar, trigger insulin resistance, and raise cortisol. It’s a triple whammy for your metabolism,” she says.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Processed Foods

Unhealthy.,Food,Bad,Processed,junk,fries,donut,candy, carbohydrates​Junk Foods: The Triple ThreatShutterstock

Processed foods are next on her list. “High in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, these can throw off your insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalances that elevate cortisol levels,” she says.

Caffeine

black drip coffee in glass cup, Barista making drip coffee by pouring spills hot water on coffee bean. Barista serve holding cup of hot black coffee or americano for serve on wooden table cafe shop​Protein Before CaffeineShutterstock

You might want to think twice before having that second cup of coffee or energy drink. “While it gives you a temporary boost, excessive caffeine consumption can increase cortisol, leaving you more stressed and less likely to burn fat,” says Dr. Dunlop.

Alcohol

Group of people drinking beer at brewery pub restaurant - Happy friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Closeup image of brew glasses - Food and beverage lifestyle concept​4. Excess AlcoholShutterstock

Alcohol is another no-no. “Alcohol disrupts liver function, impacting your body’s ability to detoxify, leading to an increase in cortisol and other hormone imbalances,” she writes.

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

Artificial Sweeteners

Equal,Artificial,Sweetener,By,Merisant, sugar, sweet​Mistake 3: Relying on Quick FixesShutterstock

Artificial sweeteners may seem like a better idea than sugar, but according to Dr. Dunlop they can also do a lot of damage. “These can mess with your gut microbiome, which has a profound effect on your stress response and cortisol levels,” she writes.

Take a Deeper Look at Your Hormonal Imbalance

Obese Woman with fat upset bored of dieting Weight loss fail  Fat diet and scale sad asian woman on weight scale at home weight control.​Not Being Obsessed with Fast ResultsShutterstock

“If you’re struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or emotional burnout, it might be time to look deeper at the root causes of your hormonal imbalance. These are the things that MUST be addressed in any successful weight loss plan, or you risk spinning your wheels and not seeing lasting results,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Jenny McCarthy at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Arrivals, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 05-19-13
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.

Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her.

Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009

Jenny McCarthy  arriving at the Women in Film Annual Crystal & Lucy Awards at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City , CA on June 12, 2009.

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McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."

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She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”

Jenny McCarthy at the 2012 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, USA on November 18, 2012.

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"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”

LOS ANGELES - SEP 22:  Jenny McCarthy at the Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

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She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."

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She Works Out Two Hours a Day

LOS ANGELES - FEB 06:  Actress Jenny McCarthy arrives for the FOX Winter TCA 2019 on February 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

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In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

She Walks on an Incline

LOS ANGELES - NOV 23:  Jenny McCarthy at the 2014 American Music Awards - Arrivals at the Nokia Theater on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA

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As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”

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She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga

Jenny McCarthy   at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Yes Man'. Mann VIllage Theater, Westwood, CA. 12-17-08

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In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.