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Top Nutritionist Says Stop These 7 Diet Mistakes for Fast Results

Ditching these habits can help you achieve your body goals, she says.

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.

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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.

Do you want to transform your body in 2025? It might be time to incorporate some healthy habits, says one expert. Antonia Osborne, MSc Distinction, UCL, is a nutrition and lifestyle coach who regularly shares about gut and hormone health. In a new post, she reveals how to become unrecognizable this year. “7 diet habits I’d quit to transform my body composition as a woman in 2025,” she writes across the Instagram video.


Quit Restricting

The first thing you need to do is stop restricting, says Antonia. “I’d drop the restrictive mindset—it only leads to spinning in circles, whether it’s cutting too much and then overeating or being stuck in unhelpful cycles like the ones below,” she writes in her post.

Quit Going Low Carb

Her next habit to quit? Going low carb. “Low carb might sound like a quick fix, but for women, it puts your body under stress, making it harder to build muscle or burn fat. Plus, workouts suffer, and you’re more likely to get sick,” she writes.

RELATED: TV Host Shares 6 Tips to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life

Quit Under-Fueling

Her next habit of quitting is under-fueling. “Eating too little slows your metabolism and messes with your hormones, leaving you tired and making it so much harder to lose fat or gain lean muscle,” she points out.

Quit Fasted Workouts

Another no-no in 2025 if you want to lose weight and keep it off: Fasted workouts. “For women, fasted workouts can do more harm than good. They stress your body, making it harder to build muscle or get lean—our bodies just don’t respond the same way men do,” she explains.

Quit Skimping on Healthy Fats

Skimping on fats is another dietary habit you should quit. “Healthy fats are essential for supporting hormones, which are key for body composition changes. Cutting fats does more harm than good,” she says.

RELATED: Lose Weight Fast with These 5 Simple Meal Prep Tips

Quit Fasting

Fasting may be a trendy weight loss method, but Antonia doesn’t recommend it. “Going too long without eating raises stress hormones (cortisol) and slows your metabolism, making it harder to tone up or burn fat sustainably,” she writes.

Quit Focusing Only on Calories

And her final suggestion? Stop focusing only on calories. “It’s not just about calories or macros—it’s about the food. How it impacts your energy, digestion, and fullness is what leads to sustainable changes and long-term results,” she writes. 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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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 transform your body in 2025? It might be time to incorporate some healthy habits, says one expert. Antonia Osborne, MSc Distinction, UCL, is a nutrition and lifestyle coach who regularly shares about gut and hormone health. In a new post, she reveals how to become unrecognizable this year. “7 diet habits I’d quit to transform my body composition as a woman in 2025,” she writes across the Instagram video.


Quit Restricting

The first thing you need to do is stop restricting, says Antonia. “I’d drop the restrictive mindset—it only leads to spinning in circles, whether it’s cutting too much and then overeating or being stuck in unhelpful cycles like the ones below,” she writes in her post.

Quit Going Low Carb

Her next habit to quit? Going low carb. “Low carb might sound like a quick fix, but for women, it puts your body under stress, making it harder to build muscle or burn fat. Plus, workouts suffer, and you’re more likely to get sick,” she writes.

RELATED: TV Host Shares 6 Tips to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life

Quit Under-Fueling

Her next habit of quitting is under-fueling. “Eating too little slows your metabolism and messes with your hormones, leaving you tired and making it so much harder to lose fat or gain lean muscle,” she points out.

Quit Fasted Workouts

Another no-no in 2025 if you want to lose weight and keep it off: Fasted workouts. “For women, fasted workouts can do more harm than good. They stress your body, making it harder to build muscle or get lean—our bodies just don’t respond the same way men do,” she explains.

Quit Skimping on Healthy Fats

Skimping on fats is another dietary habit you should quit. “Healthy fats are essential for supporting hormones, which are key for body composition changes. Cutting fats does more harm than good,” she says.

RELATED: Lose Weight Fast with These 5 Simple Meal Prep Tips

Quit Fasting

Fasting may be a trendy weight loss method, but Antonia doesn’t recommend it. “Going too long without eating raises stress hormones (cortisol) and slows your metabolism, making it harder to tone up or burn fat sustainably,” she writes.

Quit Focusing Only on Calories

And her final suggestion? Stop focusing only on calories. “It’s not just about calories or macros—it’s about the food. How it impacts your energy, digestion, and fullness is what leads to sustainable changes and long-term results,” she writes. 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.

Have you tried every diet out there but still can't seem to keep the weight off? You're stuck in a cycle of restrictive eating, temporary results, and inevitable rebound. But according to one expert, the problem isn't your willpower—it's your blood sugar.


Jessie Inchauspé, known to her followers as the Glucose Goddess, is a biochemist who's challenging everything we think we know about weight loss. With over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers and a New York Times bestselling book, she's revealing why traditional dieting advice might be making your weight loss journey harder than it needs to be. Read on to discover the science-backed approach that could finally help you break free from the dieting cycle.

The Weight Loss Industry's Billion-Dollar Mistake

The multi-billion dollar diet industry has built its fortune on quick fixes and restrictive eating plans. "When I wrote my first book in 2022, even though my focus was never to help people lose weight, my publishers wanted me to put weight loss or lose weight on the cover because they know that it sells," Jessie reveals in her video podcast. But this obsession with quick results is exactly what's keeping people trapped in the weight loss cycle.

The Hidden Reason You Can't Stop Eating

What if your food cravings weren't about lack of willpower? "When we are on a glucose rollercoaster, after every glucose spike, there is a glucose dip, and this dip activates the craving center in our brain that tells us to go find some cookies, some chocolates, some chips," Jessie explains. This insight reveals why traditional diets often fail—they don't address the underlying blood sugar issues driving your hunger.

Why Your Body Fights Against Weight Loss

The real problem goes deeper than calories. "The reason that fat burning is important is not because it's going to make you lose weight. It's because if you're able to burn fat for fuel, it means that you are metabolically flexible," Jessie emphasizes. Without this flexibility, your body remains stuck in a cycle of constant hunger and energy crashes.

The Truth About Constant Hunger

If you're always hungry, there's a scientific reason: "People who are not very metabolically flexible, who rely mostly on glucose for fuel all the time, they're hungry every two hours. They get what's called low blood sugar. And if their meals are delayed or if they don't have a snack with them in their car, they can get really shaky and nauseous," Jessie explains. This constant need for food isn't normal—it's a sign your body isn't working efficiently.

RELATED:10 Protein Tricks for Burning Fat You’ll Love, From a Nutritionist

The Three Keys to Natural Weight Loss

When you focus on blood sugar stability, three powerful changes occur: "The reduction in cravings, the reduction in hunger, and the increase in burning fat for fuel," says Jessie. These changes create the perfect environment for natural, sustainable weight loss.

Why Quick-Fix Diets Make Everything Worse

"I think if your main focus is losing weight at all costs as quickly as possible, that often leads to very habits that are not sustainable, and that can actually be worse for your health and cause damage," Jessie warns. "Do not succumb to any of the crazy diets promising you fast, 10-pound in two-day weight loss. That's not what we're here for."

The Simple Changes That Transform Your Body

Instead of strict rules, Jessie advocates for easy, sustainable habits: "The hacks that I share are sustainable, easy partners that you take along with your days and your weeks and your months and your years and do whenever you can," she explains. "They don't ask you to count any calories. They don't ask you to cut out any food groups. They just teach you about what molecules are in your food and when, how, and what combination to eat your food."

RELATED:10 Hacks to Burn More Fat While Walking, According to Scientist

How to Break Free from Food Guilt

The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. "I like to say that they're a little bit like drink water and brush your teeth. If you can't do them one day, one week, one month, it's not a big deal," Jessie shares. "The point is not you do everything right or you're not doing it at all. It's purely take the principles with you and do them when it is easy."

The Science-Backed Results

The proof lies in the research. In a study of 2,700 people following Jessie's method for just four weeks, "90% of participants were less hungry, 89% reduced their cravings, 77% had more energy," she reports. Most importantly, 38% of those wanting to lose weight succeeded—without following a restrictive diet.

RELATED:8 Hidden Signs The Body Needs More Fiber, According to a Scientist

Your Path to Sustainable Weight Loss

The most profound changes go beyond the scale. "What they had been after for a very long time was not necessarily weight loss, it was actually just to feel good in their body, to have a clear brain, to be happy to wake up in the morning with energy, to not feel so addicted to sugar all the time," Jessie reveals. By understanding and stabilizing your blood sugar, you can finally achieve the sustainable weight loss that has eluded you—without the struggle of traditional dieting. 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.

Are you trying to lose weight but are struggling to have any real success? Neha Parihar is a celebrity nutritionist who lost a whopping 22 kilograms – almost 50 pounds – the natural way. In her social media posts, she reveals all of her tips, tricks, and hacks for losing weight fast and keeping it off. In a new Instagram post, she reveals eight lessons she learned from her weight loss journey.


Fuel Up with a Hearty Breakfast

Don’t skip breakfast, says Neha in her post. “Having a med carb, high protein & fat breakfast made me work better, made me fuller for longer, made fat loss easier, gave me more sustained energy and completely reduced cravings,” she writes.

Focus on Getting the Nutrients You Need

Next, focus on fueling up with nutritious foods and make sure to educate yourself. “Nutrients before calories,” she says. One way to do this? “Read the ingredients. If it has stuff you’d never see in your kitchen cupboard, you don’t need it.”

If You Are Constantly Hungry, Do These Things

If you are always hungry, you need to modify your diet. “You shouldn’t feel like you need to eat every 2 hours, and if you do, eat

1. bigger meals

2. more protein

3. try fasting (overnight) - learn to discern what’s true hunger and habitual boredom,” she writes.

Skip Energy Drinks

If you need a little caffeine, drink coffee. However, avoid energy drinks, says Neha. “Most energy drinks have bullshit ingredients. Stick to coffee (either black or milk but no sugar),” she writes.

Choose Nuts and Fruit Over Protein Bars

If you need a snack, stick to the basics, says Neha. Usually, this comes in the form of a whole food. “Any protein snack/bar from the health aisle will never beat some nuts and whole fruit,” she says.

RELATED: Coach Reveals Number One Mistake Keeping You From Toning Up

Shift From Sweet to Savory

A big game changer in terms of Neha's diet? “Something that helped solve my food obsession was swapping all my sweet protein powder-based meals to savory protein-based meals for breakfast,” she writes.

Keep Your Diet Simple

And, when it comes to diet, don’t overcomplicate things. “Make your life easy by making it simple. Whether you eat healthy or unhealthy foods, you probably eat the same ten foods. Find healthier choices and repeat them for real success,” she says.

Avoid Diet Sweeteners

Neha doesn’t recommend fake sweeteners or diet versions of food. “Drinking diet soda and stevia sweetened snacks all day keeps you addicted to sugar with fewer calories. If you want to get rid of the cravings, get rid of it all. (Harsh but true!)” she says.

Here Is Her 30-20-10 Method, Starting with the Movement

In another post, Neha explains her 30-20-10 approach for weight loss and clear skin. “30 minutes of movement” is the first part. “Whether it’s walking, strength training, or yoga, dedicating just 30 minutes a day keeps your metabolism revved up and your body strong. Consistency is key!”

Eat 20 Grams of Protein Per Meal

Next, she recommends 20 grams of protein per meal. “Protein fuels muscle repair balances blood sugar, and curbs hunger. Focus on plant-based sources, eggs, or a quality protein powder to reach your target,” she says.

RELATED: Sabrina Carpenter Flashes Abs in Two-Piece Outfit Giving “Endless Thank You’s”

Practice 10 Minutes of Nervous System Regulation

Finally, she recommends 10 minutes of nervous system regulation. “Stress plays a massive role in weight gain and belly fat! Take 10 minutes daily to practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to reduce cortisol and improve digestion. This helped heal my chronic Acne problem,” she says. 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.

Are you struggling to lose weight? Make this year your weight loss success story by avoiding some diet and fitness strategies that may be backfiring. Tameika Gentles is a fitness coach and weight loss warrior who dropped a whopping 100 pounds sustainably. In a new post, she reveals a few of the things she avoided doing that enabled her to lose a lot of weight. “5 controversial things I DO NOT recommend if you’re trying to lose 50 pounds or more (and I’ve lost 100 lbs…),” she writes across the Instagram video.


She’s Lost 100 Pounds and Kept It Off After Failing Over and Over Again

“I’ve been there—tried it all and failed HARD. But after losing 100 lbs and keeping it off, here’s what I’ve learned,” she continues in the post. “And what I’m sharing isn’t about what’s good or bad—it’s about what’s NOT necessary for long-term success.”

You “Don’t Need to Do” These 5 Things to Lose Weight

“No shame to those who choose these methods—do what works for YOU! This message is for the people who feel like they have to follow these trends to succeed. I’m here to tell you: you don’t. If you’re kicking off your weight loss journey in 2025, here are five things you don’t need to do,” she says.

RELATED: Nutritionist Lost 80 Pounds With These 5 Daily Habits

1. Fasting

Fasting is the first thing you don’t need to do in order to lose weight. “Fasting can work for some, but it’s not a must for results. Skipping meals often leads to overeating later, slows your metabolism, and can mess with your hormones. Sustainable weight loss is about finding balance, not extremes,” she writes.

2. Low Carb Diet

The second thing you don’t need to do? Go on low-carb diets. “Cutting carbs might lead to quick results, but is it realistic for life? Carbs fuel your body and mind—they’re not the enemy. You don’t need to cut out entire food groups to see progress,” she says.

3. Excessive Exercise

The third thing you don’t need to do? Excessive exercise. “More isn’t always better. It’s about consistency. 30 minutes of daily movement for a year beats an intense 3-week overhaul that leads to burnout and months of inactivity,” she writes.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 110 Pounds by Walking More and These 4 Simple Changes

4. Detoxes

Number four? Detoxes. “Save your money. Your liver and kidneys are built-in detox powerhouses. Most detoxes are unnecessary (and some are even harmful). Focus on real, nourishing food instead,” she says.

5. Weight Loss Pills/Supplements

Weight loss pills and supplements are also not needed. “They’re often unregulated, unsustainable, and don’t address the behaviors that lead to lasting change. I lost 100 lbs without them, and my clients succeed without them, too. You don’t need them,” she says.

RELATED: Top Nutrition MD Reveals 5 Signs You're Eating Too Much Protein

Instead, Focus on Balance, Consistency, and What Works for You

“The key to sustainable weight loss isn’t doing what’s trendy—it’s finding what works for YOU. Starting your 2025 journey? Remember, you don’t need to follow extreme trends to see real, lasting progress. Focus on balance, consistency, and what fits your life,” 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.

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.

We all have that one friend who spends hours in the gym and claims to eat the perfect diet, yet still can't lose weight. Maybe you're that friend. While you might blame genetics, Will Tennyson, a fitness enthusiast, and YouTube star with over 3 million subscribers, has news for you: "Getting in the best shape of your life and being the best version of yourself is not one of them." Read on to discover the hidden mistakes that could be sabotaging your weight loss journey—and learn exactly how to fix them.


Mistake #1: Trusting 'Healthy' Labels Without Checking Facts

"The best diet is not a diet at all, but a way of life that includes food you enjoy, exercise, and healthy habits," says WebMD. Will demonstrates this in his post with the muffin trap: "People see muffins as a light snack or a side for some reason, but there are more calories in muffins than there are in actual McMuffins." A standard blueberry muffin packs around 430 calories—more than a sausage McMuffin. Adding a "simple" caramel latte brings another 290 calories and 40g of sugar.

RELATED:This Woman Lost 10 Pounds in 30 Days With Simple Walking Routine

Mistake #2: Ignoring Portion Sizes

WebMD emphasizes that "Food servings have grown larger and larger over the years." They recommend specific portion guidelines: "A cup of fruit should be no larger than your fist, an ounce of cheese is about the same as the size of your thumb from base to tip, and 3 ounces of meat, fish, or poultry is about the size of your palm." Will adds that even healthy foods can become problematic when portions aren't controlled.

Mistake #3: Drinking Your Calories

"While they are convenient and simple, they pack a lot of calories—200 calories for one cup," Will notes about smoothies. WebMD advises to "avoid 'empty calories'" and "steer clear of sugar-containing sodas and fruit drinks." Will emphasizes, "Some things in life are not about getting things down easy."

Mistake #4: Falling for the 'Natural' Food Trap

"Fresh fruits are always better than their dried counterparts," Will warns. He demonstrates how dried mango contains 140 calories in just a quarter cup. "It's just like your fruit steps into an ice bath. It just shrives up—a lot less volume for the amount of calories. This is practically candy. It's super addicting, and you think it's healthy because it's fruit? No, put it back."

RELATED:7 Budget Protein Foods This Chef Always Buys at Costco

Mistake #5: Assuming All Salads Are Diet-Friendly

"Just because it's on a bed of lettuce doesn't mean it's good," Will cautions about his 700-calorie "healthy" salad. WebMD suggests to "Pile on the salad and super servings of green beans, broccoli, cabbage, kale, or other low-calorie vegetables instead of high-fat foods." Will adds humorously, "Salads are great if you're hungry and you want to stay that way."

Mistake #6: Going Through the Motions at the Gym

"Just being here isn't enough," Will states. While WebMD recommends "Exercise at least 150 minutes each week," Will emphasizes quality: "Every single set should be pretty close to failure, like RPE 8 and above. If you're not going that hard, there's really no point." He adds, "Don't be a Tommy texter. Use this time for you. You're literally in here for 45 minutes to one hour. Use this time to invest into yourself."

Mistake #7: Misunderstanding 'Healthy' Snacks

Will demonstrates how trail mix can be deceiving: "I usually find trail mix to be just an inconvenient way to eat M&Ms. You throw on a season of Young and the Restless, I could go through that bag two times over... before you know it, you're a thousand calories deep in trail mix." WebMD suggests healthier alternatives: "Snack on berries. Dark berries are rich in healthy antioxidants. They're also low in calories and fat and high in fiber."

RELATED:Fitness Skeptic Walked 90 Days to Get Back in Shape

Final Word

"There is so much information out there," Will concludes, "and it is really hard to pick what information to actually trust. But I will say this: when it comes to nutrition, find your calories, hit your protein. When it comes to your fitness, lift some weights and get moving. But whatever you do, give it your all. And the secret to life is having balance in whatever you do. And when you have that, you're pretty much unstoppable." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
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

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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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

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar​2. Processed FoodsShutterstock

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.

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
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Do you want to get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.