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The One Superfood Worth Eating Every Day to Boost Metabolism, Top Nutritionist Reveals

Jamie Maitland shares this unknown root with Body Network.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Do you want to boost your metabolism but aren’t sure what to eat? You might have heard the term “superfood.” While not recognized by the FDA, the term generally describes nutrient-dense foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits. Jamie Maitland, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Elite Fitness Trainer, and Author of The 21 Day Reset Cookbook, reveals to Body Network that there is one you should be adding to your diet ASAP.


Maca Root Boosts Metabolism

Powdered Maca or Peruvian ginseng (lat. Lepidium meyenii) in glass bowl with milk, chocolate drink, maca cookies and maca roots (Selective Focus, Focus one third into the maca powder)Shutterstock

“Maca root powder is my nutrient-rich, metabolism-boosting—superfood of choice. This underrated root vegetable is known for its health benefits such as improved energy, hormone balance, and stamina and has been shown to enhance metabolic function,” she tells Body Network.

Did you know that maca root is considered an adaptogen and a relative of the radish? “One of my favorite ways to enjoy this powerful adaptogen is simply by putting it in my morning coffee. It gives a bit of a nutty flavor and, in my personal opinion, is absolutely delicious,” she says.

“Salad dressings are also an easy way to get this potent superfood into your diet. Here's an easy, delicious recipe you can incorporate into your meal routine,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost 70 Pounds, “Got Rid of Cellulite and Fat and Toned My Legs” with These 3 Simple Steps

Maca Salad Dressing Recipes

Middle age caucasian sporty woman eating salad at home.Shutterstock

  • 1 tbsp. light miso paste
  • 1 tbsp. maca powder
  • 1 tbsp. raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

“Blend or whisk ingredients until smooth. Add a spoonful of water to thin dressing to your desired consistency,” she suggests.

You Can Also Add to a Smoothie or Protein Shake

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

Maca Root is also a great addition to smoothies or protein shakes. “You can find an amazing cold brew coffee protein shake in The 21 Day Reset Cookbook,” she says.

There are also products that already contain maca in them. “If you want to start consuming a great protein powder that already has Maca Root built into the ingredients, check out Grass Fed & Grass-Finished Whey Protein. You can explore more about this and other healthy recipes on The Office Health,” she says.

RELATED:I’m 90+ and These 9 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

How Much Maca Can You Consume?

Collage of organic maca from the Andes used by the people of the AndesShutterstock

How much maca should you consume? According to the NIH, maca is safe for most people when eaten in foods. “Maca is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. Doses up to 3 grams daily seem to be safe when taken for up to 4 months,” they write. 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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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.

Do you want to boost your metabolism but aren’t sure what to eat? You might have heard the term “superfood.” While not recognized by the FDA, the term generally describes nutrient-dense foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits. Jamie Maitland, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Elite Fitness Trainer, and Author of The 21 Day Reset Cookbook, reveals to Body Network that there is one you should be adding to your diet ASAP.


Maca Root Boosts Metabolism

Powdered Maca or Peruvian ginseng (lat. Lepidium meyenii) in glass bowl with milk, chocolate drink, maca cookies and maca roots (Selective Focus, Focus one third into the maca powder)Shutterstock

“Maca root powder is my nutrient-rich, metabolism-boosting—superfood of choice. This underrated root vegetable is known for its health benefits such as improved energy, hormone balance, and stamina and has been shown to enhance metabolic function,” she tells Body Network.

Did you know that maca root is considered an adaptogen and a relative of the radish? “One of my favorite ways to enjoy this powerful adaptogen is simply by putting it in my morning coffee. It gives a bit of a nutty flavor and, in my personal opinion, is absolutely delicious,” she says.

“Salad dressings are also an easy way to get this potent superfood into your diet. Here's an easy, delicious recipe you can incorporate into your meal routine,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost 70 Pounds, “Got Rid of Cellulite and Fat and Toned My Legs” with These 3 Simple Steps

Maca Salad Dressing Recipes

Middle age caucasian sporty woman eating salad at home.Shutterstock

  • 1 tbsp. light miso paste
  • 1 tbsp. maca powder
  • 1 tbsp. raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

“Blend or whisk ingredients until smooth. Add a spoonful of water to thin dressing to your desired consistency,” she suggests.

You Can Also Add to a Smoothie or Protein Shake

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

Maca Root is also a great addition to smoothies or protein shakes. “You can find an amazing cold brew coffee protein shake in The 21 Day Reset Cookbook,” she says.

There are also products that already contain maca in them. “If you want to start consuming a great protein powder that already has Maca Root built into the ingredients, check out Grass Fed & Grass-Finished Whey Protein. You can explore more about this and other healthy recipes on The Office Health,” she says.

RELATED:I’m 90+ and These 9 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

How Much Maca Can You Consume?

Collage of organic maca from the Andes used by the people of the AndesShutterstock

How much maca should you consume? According to the NIH, maca is safe for most people when eaten in foods. “Maca is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. Doses up to 3 grams daily seem to be safe when taken for up to 4 months,” they write. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Abram Anderson
Abram Anderson/Instagram
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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 burn fat without counting calories or spending hours at the gym? Abram Anderson is a weight loss coach who regularly shares tips on how to burn fat fast. In a few new video post, he reveals simple hacks for burning fat that take very little effort. “Do you want to lose weight faster than what you're currently doing? But you do not want to count calories, you do not want to take supplements, and you don't want to have to use willpower?” he says, going on to reveal them.


Focus on Speeding Up Your Metabolism

To burn fat fast, you need to rev up your fat-burning system. “One of the tips that I give,” he says in the post, “is to try to speed up your metabolism. There's a few different ways to speed up your metabolism extremely easily.”

RELATED: 5 High-Protein Breakfasts Hollywood Trainer Magnus Lygdback Swears By

Do 30 Seconds of an Activity Right Before You Eat

The first suggestion he has? “You can do 30 seconds of an activity right before you eat. You'll be able to increase your insulin sensitivity right before you eat. You'll be able to eat the same number of calories and store less as fat that way, plus you have a higher metabolism,” he says.

Or, Add Spices to Your Food

“Or you can try to eat spicier food,” he says. “If you were just to add spices to your food, you can literally eat the same number of calories once again and actually burn more of them without having them stored as body fat,” he claims.

Two Tablespoons of Fermented Food Per Meal Helps Melt Body Fat

In another video, he reveals something you should add to every meal to melt body fat. “According to scientific research, two tablespoons of a fermented food with meals” is all you need “if you want to improve your microbiome and melt body fat drastically,” he says.

RELATED: Weight Loss Coach Lost 40 Pounds and Kept It Off for 14 Years With These 5 Changes

Kimchi Is the Best One to Eat

Korean,Traditional,Kimchi,On,A,Dark,Background.Shutterstock

“It's not just any fermented food. According to our data, it seems that kimchi seems to far outweigh the benefits for weight loss and microbiome health compared to anything else,” he continues. “So the yogurt just doesn't cut it. But if you could have kimchi in your diet, it can do absolute wonders.”

Disruption of Blood Sugar Leads to Overeating

“If you want to learn how to stop overeating so you can melt body fat easier, this is the advice that we give to our clients inside of our health and life coaching program. And it's helped them melt 20, 50, a hundred plus pounds of body fat without counting calories,” he continues. “This advice might work for you, too. By far, the biggest thing that is leading to overeating is a disruption in your blood sugar levels.”

Here Is the Secret to Prevent Binge Eating

Healthy,Food.,Selection,Of,Good,Carbohydrate,Sources,,High,Fiber,RichShutterstock

“What happens is you eat something that's high in carbohydrates and easy to digest, and you get a blood sugar spike. When you have a blood sugar spike, even if you're staying in normal ranges, your body will release insulin, which will cause a blood sugar spike down. That spike down causes you to feel uncontrollably hungry, where you feel like you can eat everything in sight,” he says. “The solution to this is to add in complex carbohydrates, water, and a food from nature inside of that meal, and that's how you prevent binge eating.”

And, Walking Is the Most Effective Workout for Losing Body Fat

“Walking has proven to be the most effective exercise for losing body fat, at least for my clients,” adding that “it doesn't actually require a whole lot of effort in order to see phenomenal results with it.” However, when you walk matters. “If you choose when you do your walk, you can actually maximize your results. So if you were to actually walk first thing in the morning or walk immediately after a workout for whatever reason, that seems to increase the amount of body fat you lose. And my theory is twofold,” he says.

Walking in the Morning Can Help Curb Cortisol Levels When They Are the Highest

“One, when you walk in the morning, you get sunshine, and your cortisol levels are the highest. You can actually curb that and better metabolize stress hormones because cortisol has been shown to be both anabolic to fat and catabolic muscle. So you can curb that if you walk in the morning,” he says.

RELATED:8 Tips to Make Losing Weight Feel Effortless, From Proven Experts

Walking Post Workout Can Utilize the Afterburn Effect

Young,Woman,Wearing,Sportswear,Is,Walking,On,A,Treadmill,AtShutterstock

The other best time to walk? “Two, if you were to walk after a workout, you actually utilize something called the afterburn effect,” he says. This is “where you burn additional calories even after your workout, and it's like extending it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

woman clutching her stomach with her hands in discomfort
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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.

Do you feel like you are doing all the right things, but for whatever reason you are struggling to lose weight? If you are worried that your body isn’t efficiently burning fat, there might be a good explanation, says one expert. Justin Nault (@theclovisculture) is a nutritional therapist specializing in repairing damaged metabolisms with a large following on social media. In one recent viral TikTok video, he explains why your body might be struggling to shed weight. “The most surprising reason you aren’t burning fat,” he says. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood, also weighs in.


He Claims That 88 Percent of Adults Have Metabolic Dysfunction

Female doctor measuring waist of overweight woman with measuring tape in clinicShutterstock

“For almost everyone, this is [in the] top three and for many of you, this is number one,” he says. 88 percent of adults have some form of metabolic dysfunction, which basically means that your body is not turning the food you eat into energy correctly.”

This means that “not only do you feel tired, anxious, and moody, but all that food that isn't being used for energy gets stored as fat,” he claims. “This is why overweight people show symptoms of both having too much stored energy, aka body fat, and yet too little usable energy.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

To Fix It, You Need Micronutrients and Calories

Woman,,Balance,Weight,Scale,health,scalesShutterstock

“So how do we fix this?” he continues. “For your metabolism to turn food into usable energy, you need two things: Micronutrients and calories.

“If you were eating the way your ancestors did, you'd be getting both of these without even thinking about it. But very few people have these two imbalanced these days. If your body doesn't burn fat easily when you cut calories, you're not getting enough micronutrients,” he continues.

This Is Why Most Diets Fail

I'll eat you tiny pea! Weight loss concept. Close up photo portrait of mad lady's eye looking at small one pea on large big plate on tableShutterstock

“This is where all of diet culture goes horribly wrong,” he claims. “This is why over 95 percent of diets fail. You can't just keep cutting calories lower and lower if the metabolism is shot to begin with, you need to ramp up your metabolic rate.”

According to Nault, one of the best ways to increase metabolism is to increase the micronutrients. “And if you don't know where to start, these are my favorite ways to do that,” he says.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Consume 30 Grams of Protein Within 30 Minutes of Waking Up

Three poached eggs with egg yolk on a white plate on a marble board and golden forksShutterstock

The first way is to consume 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up. “There's a reason I talk about this all the time: It is a game changer,” he says. “I know this is hard for some people. I've been training clients for a long time, so if this is a challenge for you, I make a chocolate superfood powder that is literally just a powdered form of some of my favorite whole foods packed with protein and metabolism boosting micronutrients. Put a scoop in your coffee, whip up a few eggs, done.”

And, Eat More Animal Protein

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meatShutterstock

The second? “Eat more animal protein,” he says, recommending red meat, wild caught fish, shellfish, and organ meats, “all super nutrient dense, whole food sources,” he says.

Starvation Slows Your Metabolism

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, explains that what Nault is describing isn’t metabolic dysfunction per se, but simply how the body works. “Whatever doesn’t get used for energy gets stored as fat. And once it’s stored, it is not easily accessed (as easily as breaking down food eaten immediately), so it is easier for the body to store excess calories than to get them out again and use them for energy,” she explains.

She does agree with his reasoning for why diets don’t work. “When you don’t eat, you are telling your body to hang on and reduce metabolism because survival is your body’s number one goal. It will store excess calories when you do eat if you regularly starve yourself at other times,” she says.

RELATED:15 Fresh Ideas to Lose Stomach Fat Before Summer

Eat Your Proteins

Avocado toast with poached egg on a wooden board. Breakfast concept.Shutterstock

And while micronutrients are important (vitamins and minerals) they are not necessarily going to produce weight loss otherwise everyone taking a multivitamin would be burning fat, she points out. “Most people, even if they are reducing their calories, are getting plenty of micronutrients unless they are doing much less than 1200 calories,” she says. “Protein is a macronutrient, not a micronutrient, but the protein powder and eggs both are packed with a lot of vitamins and minerals as well.” She is also “a huge fan of protein in the morning, but not sure it needs to be within 30 minutes of getting up,” she says. “I typically recommend a mix of carbs and protein within an hour of getting up.”

She also agrees that animal protein “is definitely higher in micronutrients as well as amino acid quality than plant protein,” however “that doesn’t mean you need to eat only animal protein or start eating organ meats (think liver) to get what you need,” she explains.

💪🔥Body Booster: “I recommend a mix of plant and animal proteins to get a variety of nutrients,” says Body Network’s Resident RDN.

@theclovisculture

This is the 🔑 to a faster metabolism #metabolichealth #metabolism #healthyliving #healthcoach #healthandwellness

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Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Do you want to eat your way to weight loss? According to Dr. Steven Gundry, MD, medical director at The International Heart and Lung Institute Center for Restorative Medicine and the New York Times best-seller The Plant Paradox and The Plant Paradox Cookbook, losing weight isn’t just about eating less, but about eating the right kind of superfoods. In one of his viral YouTube videos, he reveals the “top three foods for weight loss.”


Dr. Gundry Struggled to Love 70 Pounds, But These 3 Foods Helped

“Still struggling to lose weight, I get it. I was 70 pounds overweight for years, and no amount of exercise or healthy eating helped until I discovered that weight loss comes down to what you eat and what you don't eat,” Dr. Gundry reveals. “So today I'm sharing my top three foods you should be eating to help you shed the pounds and live your happiest, healthiest life.”

1. Prebiotic Rich Foods

Happy vegan woman smiling at the camera while eating a vegetable salad from a bowl. Senior woman enjoying a plant-based breakfast after a home workout. Mature woman taking care of her ageing body.Shutterstock

“Number one, and I can't say this enough: Prebiotic rich foods,” Gundry reveals. “Now there's always some confusion about a probiotic, a prebiotic, and now a post-biotic.”

Probiotics Eat Prebiotics

Woman, stomach and hand with heart in outdoor for exercise, diet, fitness and closeup. Female tummy, gut health and self love for wellness and training in the summer for healthy workout outside.Shutterstock

“So real quick, probiotics are friendly bacteria, and probiotics have to eat something, and the foods that they have to eat are called prebiotics,” he says.

Polyphenols Are Great Prebiotics

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

“Now, most of us associate prebiotics with fiber, but a lot of prebiotics really aren't fibers. For instance, in my new book, unlocking the Keto Code, I introduced you to the fact that polyphenols, which are plant compounds that give plants their color, are actually prebiotics for the bacteria in our gut. And with each passing year, evidence is accumulating that these polyphenols may, in fact, be the most important part of prebiotics that we've neglected over fiber per se,” he says.

RELATED: I Lost 15 Pounds in 1 Month After 50 With These Simple Hacks

Gut Bacteria Then Makes Postbiotics

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“Now, don't get me wrong, fiber that is edible by our gut bacteria is equally important because gut bacteria use fiber, use prebiotic fiber, and use prebiotics to make chemicals called postbiotics. And this is where it gets really confusing. Postbiotics simplistically are the byproducts of bacteria, probiotics, eating prebiotics, and these postbiotics are signaling compounds,” he continues.

A Calorie In Does Not Equal a Calorie Out, He Says

Calories Nutrition Food Exercise ConceptShutterstock

“Signaling compounds tell our mitochondria what to do, tell our genes what to do, tell our cells what to do. The exciting thing about these signaling molecules in terms of weight loss is they actually promote weight loss by having your mitochondria literally waste calories to do a caloric bypass on the food you eat. And that's actually exciting news because it means that a calorie in equals a calorie out is not true,” he says.

Prebiotics Will Help You Lose Weight

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

“Many of the calories that you eat, which are prebiotics, whether they're fiber, whether they're polyphenols, will actually make you lose weight more than the amount of food that you are eating, which is really, really exciting,” he says.

He Says to Use More Spices

Variety of spices and herbs on kitchen table.Shutterstock

“The more fiber-rich foods you get in your diet, the more polyphenols you get in your diet by eating brightly dark colored vegetables by using spices. Spices are dense in polyphenols, and so anytime you can add fiber and polyphenols, you are going to have a weight loss benefit. You can use spices in everything,” he says.

RELATED: 25-Minute Walk to Burn Fat at Home

Make Smoothies

Fresh,Berry,Smoothies,On,Mason,Jars,,protein, shakeShutterstock

“One of the easy ways to get these compounds into your diet is to make a smoothie. It's really easy to get fiber in smoothies, and it's tasty. Now, there are a lot of fiber supplements out there, but beware, a number of fiber supplements like Metamucil, for instance, are loaded with sugar or if they're low calorie or no sugar added, they use sucralose, which is Splenda or any of the other artificial sweeteners, which believe it or not, kill off your friendly bacteria,” he says.

Or Get Inulin Powder

Asparagus. Fresh Asparagus. Pickled Green Asparagus. Bunches of green asparagus in basket, top view- ImageShutterstock

“It's much easier to add fiber to your diet. One of the easiest fibers to add to your diet is inulin. And inulin is present as a powder. It has a slightly sweet taste. You can put it in your smoothies, or you can add it to your vegetables. There are inulin-rich vegetables, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, sometimes called sunchokes, and the chicory family, like radicchio and Belgian endive,” he says. “So the more of these sorts of vegetables you get in your diet, the easier it is to do this.”

2. Avocados

Green ripe avocado top close up view. Texture vegan healthy food background. Diet organic vegetable poster photoShutterstock

The second best food to add to your diet is avocados. “I can't say this enough. Do not be afraid of fat. Contrary to popular belief, eating an avocado a day does not make you fat. In fact, avocados do exactly the opposite,” Dr. Gundry says.

Avocados Help You Absorb Nutrients in Food

Whole and cut avocados on grey marble table, flat layShutterstock

“Avocados help you absorb the nutrients in food. In fact, there's a very famous study of having people eat salads with and without avocado, and it was found that the addition of the avocado made people absorb the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in that salad much better than if the avocado wasn't there in the first place,” he says.

They Are Also a Great Source of Monounsaturated Fat

Ripe,Avocados,In,Hands,Against,The,Background,Of,Boxes,WithShutterstock

“Avocados have great monounsaturated fat. It's called oleic acid. It's the same fat in olive oil. And avocados are rich in prebiotic fiber. And so these compounds actually help you lose weight,” he says.

Eat One a Day

Young,Curly,Woman,Holding,A,Avocado,In,Hands,On,OrangeShutterstock

How many should you eat a day? “Well, there is a human study that shows the addition of one avocado a day actually improved weight loss over not having the avocado a day. So what the heck? Have an avocado a day, have some guacamole,” he says.

RELATED: Top 15 Morning Foods You Should Eat Every Day

Cook an Egg in an Avocado

Close up head shot happy hoary senior mature retired woman looking at camera, showing avocado. Smiling healthy middle aged lady preaching vegetarian lifestyle, enjoying food vitamins, dietary concept.Shutterstock

His go-to recipe? “Half an avocado. Take the pit out, put an egg yolk in each hole, and put it in the broiler. It's a phenomenal breakfast. It's a phenomenal snack,” he explains.

Or, Another Source of Fiber

Vegan health food concept for high fibre diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes, herbs. Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins. Immune system boosting. Flat lay.Shutterstock

“What can you substitute if you're sensitive to avocado? Well, we have a few people who do react to avocados. It's unusual, but it does happen. In that case, don't have an avocado. Instead, use other sources of fiber rather than an avocado,” he says.

3. MCT Rich Foods

Novosibirsk,Russia - July, 16 - 2021: mct oil in the bottle. dietary supplement editorial photoShutterstock

“The number three thing that you should add to your diet to help you lose weight is MCT-rich foods,” he says. “Now, most people have heard of MCT oil, medium chain triglycerides. It's becoming easy to find Costco, even as MCT oil.”

Coconut Oil Does Not Have the Same Benefits

Liquid coconut MCT oil and halved coco-nut on wooden table. Health Benefits of MCT Oil. MCT or medium-chain triglycerides, form of saturated fatty acid.Shutterstock

“Coconut oil does not have the same benefits as MCT oil,” he says. “Studies that I talk about in unlocking the Keto code Show that people who are asked to have MCT oil as part of their diet versus people who did not have MCT oil as part of their diet lost three to five kilograms of weight in six weeks just by adding MCT oil to their diet. And we're not talking about a lot. Probably three tablespoons a day will do it for most people.”

Goat and Sheep Products Also Have MCT Oil

Goat Cheese with Herbs - Tangy goat cheese infused with aromatic herbs, perfect for appetizers.Shutterstock

“Now, the other great news is that MCT oil is present in goat and sheep products. So goat yogurt, sheep yogurt, goat kefir, sheep kefir, goat cheese, sheep cheese. 30% of the fats in these products are medium chain triglycerides,” he says.

If You Eat the Right Fats and Avoid Refined Carbs, You Will Lose Weight

The bottom line? “If you eat the right kinds of fat and if you eat them during the right times and you don't eat fats with refined carbohydrates, fats can actually help you lose weight,” he reveals. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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.

Do you want to lose weight by eating yummy food? Fitness influencer and online coach Jenna Rizzo (@jennaaaamariee) has been helping women get in shape the natural way – via diet and exercise, for six years. In a recent TikTok video she claims that you can lose weight fast by adding two foods to your diet. “These are two foods you're not eating, but you absolutely should be if you want a flat stomach,” she says at the start of the clip. She explained that she recently got a text from one of her clients who lost five pounds in two weeks simply by adding them to her diet. The Body Network also consulted with our Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on the foods.


Food One: Fermented Food

Jenna_Rizzo_jennaaaamariee9jennaaaamariee/TikTok

“The first thing you want to make sure you're eating a lot of is any type of fermented foods,” says Jen. “These are foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha.”

They Are Loaded with Nutrients and Probiotics

Jenna_Rizzo2jennaaaamariee/TikTok

Why are fermented foods good for you? “These foods are going to be loaded with nutrients and a good bacteria called probiotics, and these foods are going to help way more with reducing bloating than any type of greens drink ever will,” she claims. Collingwood is a big fan of probiotics, as they “are excellent for gut health which can potentially help with weight loss, immune system, and overall wellness,” she says. “Fermented foods are a natural way to get probiotics into the gut and aiming for daily consumption is an excellent goal.”

RELATED:I Lost 7 Pounds in 2 Weeks With This Simple Plan

Food Two: Protein

Jenna_Rizzo_jennaaaamariee7jennaaaamariee/TikTok

The second thing is to “add protein to every single meal and snack you eat throughout the day,” Jen says. “I don't care who you are, you're probably not eating enough protein.”

Protein Keeps You Satiated and Helps Burn Fat

Jenna_Rizzojennaaaamariee/Instagram

“Not only is protein going to help you feel full for longer periods of time, it's going to naturally increase your body's ability to burn fat,” Jen explains.

It Promotes Muscle Tone

Jenna_Rizzo4jennaaaamariee/Instagram

“It also creates a nice muscle tone so when you do lose weight, you don't end up looking skinny fat,” she continues.

RELATED:5 Reasons Your Body May be at Risk for Heart Disease

Aim for 30 Grams of Protein Per Meal and 15 Per Snack

Jenna_Rizzo_jennaaaamariee8jennaaaamariee/TikTok

“You want to aim for about 30 grams of protein per meal and 15 grams of protein per snack,” she says. “Protein is necessary for all of us, and it is especially good when trying to lose weight,” agrees Collingwood. “Protein helps to keep you satiated for longer periods of time as well as having a higher thermic effect of food meaning it burns more calories to digest it than fat or carbs.” She recommends aiming for 30 grams per meal “and depending on body weight and activity level, getting a bit more in snacks is also beneficial.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, try adding fermented food to your diet and amping up your protein intake.

@jennaaaamariee

Start eating the first one & watch your bloating disappear.

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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 trying to lean out? It might be time to make some changes to your routine. Keith Ozment is a fitness and weight loss coach specializing in helping people over 30 “repair metabolism, build muscle & burn fat!” he writes in his Instagram bio. In a new post, he reveals that he had to make some tweaks to his routine to shave off the pounds. “These 4 changes got me the leanest ever at 40,” he says in the post.

After He Turned 40 He Had to Make Some Changes

“I’ve been working out consistently for over 20 years. I would always get strong and put on size but struggled to get super lean. I wanted to bring in my 40th birthday by reaching the goal of being leaner than I’ve ever been. I made these 4 Changes,” he writes.

1. Patience:

“In the past, I’d start my summer cut in March, rush the process, and burn out before summer even arrived. This year, I started in January and ditched the deadlines. Instead, I focused on making sustainable lifestyle changes. By not rushing, I achieved better results without feeling drained,” he said.

2. Daily Steps

“Walking is underrated!” he says. In January, I struggled to hit 8,000-10,000 steps. Now, I average 12,000-14,000 daily by getting creative.” He takes 10-minute walks throughout the day and a 30-minute walk after dinner. “I even recommend a walking pad if outdoor walks aren’t realistic,” he says. “BONUS: My clients who prioritize daily steps see the best progress. Every 10 minutes = ~1,000 steps.”

3. Zero Restriction

He also advises against restriction. “Instead of ‘getting it all out of my system’ with a cheat meal, I now enjoy foods I love every day,” he says.

  • Greek yogurt cereal bowls (w/ chocolate chips)
  • Weekends = burgers, fries, or protein pancakes at @ihop

“This approach feels sustainable and keeps cravings in check. But I stay mindful of total calories and always hit my protein + fiber goals,” he says.

However Calories Matter

“It’s not all about calories, but let’s be honest—it kinda is when it comes to fat loss,” he continues. “Once I got real with myself about tracking everything (yes, even those sneaky bites while cooking), the fat loss results spoke for themselves. It’s about creating balance with total calories and consuming nutrient dense foods. 80/20 rule! Gotta hit that protein goal also! Every day!”

4. Sleep & Recovery

Sleep and recovery is a “game-changer!” he says. “Consistent sleep/wake times = better rest. Blue light blocker glasses before bed. Active rest days (1-hour walks instead of weightlifting),” he says.

Also, Start Your Day with 40 Grams of Protein

In another post, he reveals his 40-30-20 method. First, the 40. “Start your day with 40g of protein. A breakfast smoothie with protein powder, berries, and almond milk or overnight oats with Greek yogurt and protein powder are great options,” he writes. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Walk for 30 Minutes

Next up, the 30. “Walk for 30 minutes daily. Split it into two 15-minute sessions if needed. Walking boosts metabolism, reduces stress, and aids fat loss,” he says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

Lift Weights for 20 Minutes

And finally, the 20. “Dedicate 20 minutes to weightlifting 3-4 days a week,” he adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you develop strong bones, manage your weight, enhance your quality of life, manage chronic conditions, and sharpen your thinking skills. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Whitney Black whitney.the.dietitian
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Are you on Ozempic and avoiding McDonald’s? You don’t have to, according to an expert. Whitney Black, MS, RD is a GLP-1 Dietitian on Mounjaro herself. In a new post, she reveals that she eats fast food while on the drug. “Yes, you can eat McDonald’s while on GLP-1 meds!” she confirms. “Here are 5 better choices that balance protein, fiber, and portion control without sacrificing flavor. Save this for your next drive-thru run!”

Order One: Cheeseburger

Thailand-April2019: Cheeseburger with yellow paper wrap for take home is a hamburger sold by McDonald's. The cheeseburger is a burger similar to a regular hamburger, but with a slice of cheese added u

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Her first go-to order? A Cheeseburger and Side Salad. “Swap fries for extra greens!” she says. She maintains the balanced combo is 390 calories and offers 17g of protein and 3g of fiber.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Order Two: McChicken

McDonald's Fast Food Restaurantc Spicy fried chicken burger, mcdonalds mcchicken

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Her next order? She keeps it “light & satisfying” with a McChicken and apple slices. The fruit and chicken sandwich combo is only 450 calories, 16g protein, and 4g fiber.

Order Three: Chicken McNuggets

mcdonalds mcnuggets McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chain

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Yes, you can eat your favorite nuggets from McDonald’s, but make sure to do so in moderation. A 6-piece McNuggets and small fries is another one of her favorite orders. It has 500 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. If you need a dipping sauce, “pair with buffalo or mustard for lower-fat dipping!” she says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Order Four: Egg McMuffin

Egg McMuffin  McDonald's breakfast sandwich combo meal.

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If you hit Micky D’s for breakfast, stick to an Egg McMuffin with 310 cal, 17g protein, and 2g fiber. “High protein, lower fat than sausage options!” she says.

Order Five: Hamburger

Big Mac hamburger menu in McDonald's restaurant. burger

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If you are a traditionalist, go ahead and order a hamburger and small fries, “a classic choice with better balance than larger burgers,” she points out. The combo is 480 calories, 15g protein, 5g fiber.

She Also Offers These Fast Food Pro Tips

McDonald's, Drive Thru, and McCafe night. Fast food, night scene,, restaurant, drive-thru.

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She also offers some fast food pro tips. “Opt for grilled over fried when possible,” she says. Next, “swap fries for a side salad to boost fiber” and “use mustard or buffalo sauce instead of creamy sauces.” Finally, “stick with water or unsweetened iced tea to avoid extra sugar.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

More Eating Out Tips: Order From the Kids Menu

Happy meal set ,in soft focus, with blurred Ronald Mcdonald at McDonald's restaurant o

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In another post, she offers more tips. Her first? “Order from the kid's menu or lunch menu if you can!” she suggests. “Especially if there is a similar item. This is a great way to get smaller servings and save $$.”

Don’t Eat Bread or Chips

Ayutthaya,Thailand - March 7, 2018 :View in Porto Go Bangpa-in, McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chain​She Even Eats at McDonald’sShutterstock

“Limit the bread baskets and chips that come before your meal! Listen, I love the Texas Roadhouse Rolls as much as anyone, but you can easily fill up on those if you aren’t careful! Enjoy a small amount, but be aware of earlier satiety with GLP-1 meds!” she says.

Order Condiments on the Side

Packets of single serving Heinz Tomato Ketchup on wooden background. mcdonalds condiments, sauce

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Get your condiments on the side. “Ask for heavy sauces or dressings on the side if able! This can help you control how much is used. A lot of times, heavy sauces or dressings can be higher in fat, which may not be tolerated well with GLP-1 meds,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Order Grilled, Steamed, or Baked Items

McDonalds worker holding bag of fast food. Hand with a paper bag through the window of mcdonalds car drive thru service.

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Try to make healthier menu suggestions. “Opt for grilled, steamed, or baked items if able! Again, trying to limit the amount of fatty foods can help reduce GI side effects! If you wanted to get fried food, try to eat in small amounts to see how well it’s tolerated first,” she says.

Fill Your Plate with Protein and Fiber

worker at McDonald's. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chain.

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“Center the meal around protein and fiber!” she adds. “You can still enjoy your meal and get in protein and fiber!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Jenna Rizzo jennaaaamariee
I'm a Diet Expert, and These Are the Top 5 Foods I Avoid to Stay Lean
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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 burning out with your workout routine? It could be preventing you from losing weight. Jenna Rizzo is a fitness influencer and online coach who helps her clients “shed inches off their waist without crash dieting.” In a new Instagram post, she focuses on a popular workout method. “Let me share with you something most women don’t know when it comes to losing weight,” she writes, revealing the workout you should skip and why.

Working Out Too Hard Can Slow Results

“Working out too hard can slow down your results,” she says. While you are “supposed to work hard in the gym” there is a such thing as overdoing it. “I live for the days I walk out of the gym feeling like a baby deer after a good leg day. BUT There’s a fine line between pushing yourself enough to get amazing results and doing workouts that are just hard for the sake of being hard,” she says.

She Doesn’t Recommend High-Intensity or Bootcamp Workouts

“No rhyme or reason - just balls to the wall, high heart rate, as many calories as you can burn workout that just leaves you dead,” is not a good approach, per Rizzo. “I see this all the time with ‘fitness influencer’ workouts, bootcamp classes, hiit workouts.. I even fell for the mentality that was the ‘best’ way to workout - peep my before pic lol. But there’s a few reasons these workouts can create issues,” she continues.

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

Too Much Volume

The first reason they don’t work is too much volume. “Busting out 50 squats is impressive, but not exactly practical. How do you progress from that? Do 100 reps next week? 200 reps the week after?” she says.

Too Much Focus on the Weight and Not Muscles

She also says that many people are “too focused on just moving the weight - not the muscles you want to target,” which isn’t good. “Never taking the time to develop a mind muscle connection, it’s likely you won’t ever hit the intended muscle you’re trying to work.”

RELATED:10 Foods to Avoid If You're Trying to Burn Fat, Says Expert

Not Resting Enough

Finally, not taking adequate rest is another common faux pas with these workouts. “This goes for inside and outside the gym. Take more than 60 seconds rest time between sets and give yourself minimum 1 full rest day per week,” she says.

She Recommends Her “Minimalist Training System”

“I’ve used my minimalist training system on myself & with my clients for a while now.. & I’ve yet to have a client who’s not a little shocked at their plan for being so easy compared to anything they’ve done before lol.. But the results continue to speak for themselves.”

RELATED:6 Standing Workouts for a Stronger, Leaner Core

Also, If You Want to Lose Weight Fast, Hydrate

In another post, she reveals how she loses weight fast, starting with hydration. “Number one, I'm going to make sure I'm drinking a ton of water,” says Rizzo. “Now, I know a lot of times people think that drinking a ton of water is gonna cause you to retain a ton of water, but it actually does the opposite. You can kind of think of it as flushing out your system.”

Also Decrease Carb Intake

“Number two, I'm gonna be eating slightly lower carbs. So have you ever heard of when people do keto and they magically drop five pounds in like two days and everybody thinks it's magic? Well this is because when you eat carbs, your body's gonna hold onto a certain amount of water weight because of it. So when you cut back on your carbs, your body's gonna be able to let go of a decent bit of water, which again will help us look a little bit tighter and leaner,” Rizzo continues.

And Amp Up Fiber and Probiotic Intake

“Number three, I'm eating at least 30 grams of fiber and getting some good probiotics in. So this is gonna be really good for your gut help, help keep you regular, if you know what I mean. Gonna help cut down on any inflammation and bloating you might have in your gut,” she says.

Sleep More

“And number four, I'm getting as much sleep as I possibly can and if you know me, you know, I prioritize sleep over almost everything when it comes to weight loss because most people truly aren't getting enough. But in this particular instance, I'm getting good long deep sleep to help cut back any inflammation and unwanted water weight,” Rizzo concludes. What are the other 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, and helps relieve stress in addition to aiding in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.