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

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

She Dropped 80 Pounds By Ignoring Everything Weight Loss Experts Told Her

One weight loss expert reveals the surprising tips that helped her lose weight.

Kayla_Cox_SixMilestoSupper30

You might think you know all the tricks to losing weight, but according to one influencer, there’s a good chance you are wrong. Kayla Cox is a weight loss influencer and founder of Six Miles to Supper, instructing her followers “how to lose weight sustainably and keep it off for good,” she writes in her bio. In a new viral post, she reveals “five weird tricks” that helped her lose 80 pounds.


“I grew up with a weight problem. I was always trying to lose weight. I was like on every diet. By the time I was 30, I had listened to all the diet and weight loss advice there was. And what actually helped me, in many cases, was to take that advice and flip it around, and that's when I had better success,” she says in the clip.

Banish Deadlines

Number one is the idea of banishing deadlines. “Most goal setting advice is to be smart, to make your goal specific and measurable and attainable and relevant and time-bound, and they always harp on time-bound. You need to have a deadline because if you don't have a deadline, then you're just going just never to do it,” Kayla says in the video.

She Still Sets Goals Without Deadlines

My Goals as memo on notebook with many light bulbsShutterstock

However, she realized that when she set deadlines, they were “completely ridiculous” and “too aggressive,” and she could never meet them. “I was expecting myself to lose like five pounds a week and be done with the whole weight loss journey in a few months. And so what would happen is I would make the thing really difficult, and it would be too difficult. I couldn't sustain it. Then, what would happen is that I would fall for the goal and then quit. And each time this happened, it made it harder and harder and harder to attempt weight loss again,” she says, calling the process “really demotivating.” So, she stopped deadlines and decided to keep going until she reached her goals.

“It doesn't matter to me if it takes years,” she says. “I'm not quitting until I get to my goal weight. And when I did that, what was great was all of a sudden, I could be a lot more realistic with myself, and I could relax. And I was okay with me making mistakes because I knew like, ‘Oh, it's no big deal because eventually I'm gonna figure this out.’”

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Lost 30 Pounds After Starting to Eat More Potatoes

Stop Telling People You Are Trying to Lose Weight

Friends,Partying,Nightclub,,Toasting,Drinks,girls,pub, alcohol, bar, cocktailsShutterstock

The second thing she did was she stopped telling people she was going to lose weight. “In the past, I used to talk about it all the time. I would tell everybody, ‘I'm on a diet right now. I can't have that.’ And that never really worked out well for me,” she admits.

“The reason I didn't tell anybody I was trying to lose weight was because I was embarrassed, and I was really scared of people knowing that I was trying to lose weight because I knew that was going to bring more attention to me, and I really didn't want that. I also was afraid that if I told people I was trying to lose weight, then, you know, they'd be watching me closer, and maybe they would watch me fail. And I knew from personal experience that sometimes, when you tell people that you're trying to lose weight, there are two ways it can go. And neither one is helpful. One way it can go is people can try to convince you you don't really need to lose weight,” she said.

“On the flip side, I knew some people can be very discouraging. They mean well, but you know, they might tell me things like, oh, it's just, you know, basically impossible to lose weight at your age.”

Keeping It Private Allowed Her to Build Her Own Plan

Happy woman celebrating successful weight loss on scale in bright living room. Fitness goals and healthy lifestyle concept. Joyful moment of achievement and motivation.Shutterstock

“I decided to keep it private, and I'm so glad I did. It gave me that freedom to just build my own plan, and because I didn't tell anybody what I was doing or anything, nobody was trying to critique what I was doing and say, ‘You should be doing this and this and that instead of doing it that way.’ I knew myself pretty well at that time. At that time, I would've listened to him. I would've just gone and done the other thing because I wasn't in the habit of sticking with anything,” she says. “By the time people did start to notice that I was losing weight, I was pretty confident in my plan, and even though people still offered unsolicited advice, trying to tell me like, ‘You should cut out carbs and you'd have much faster success,’ things like that, I just decided to keep doing it my own way. And that was helpful because I continued doing sustainable things.”

I Took a Day Off Every Week

Woman planning her monthly menstruation calendar, mark the days of menstruation and ovulation. She sitting on bed wearing home clothesShutterstock

“The third thing I did that was weird was I took a day off every week,” she says. “I had always heard you got to stick to the plan, and you just got to be on it. You're just on it. And that's just all there is to it,” she says. However, she heard that “if you take a day off every week, you're much more likely to stick with your plan.”

RELATED:I Ran 200 Marathons and These 12 Running Rules Changed My Life After 40

She Now Knows How to Go Off and On Her Plan

Attractive happy middle aged woman is sitting on sofa in living room. Smiling adult lady enjoys drinking coffee or tea sitting on couch at homeShuttestock

“In the past, I knew that I was in the habit of being on a plan, never taking a break, and then finally, I would just break, and then I could never get back on plan it,” she says. “I had this all-or-nothing mentality. Taking a day off every week just got me in this really great practice of learning how to go off plan and then get back on plan.”

She Averaged Her Weight

Weight scale 120 kilogramShutterstock

“The fourth thing I did was I averaged my weight,” admitting it was previously a “foreign concept” to her. “I made a spreadsheet so that it would average my weights and so that I could always see a running seven-day average. It was just taking the previous seven days of weights, adding those up divided by seven, and then showing my seven-day average.”

It Made It Easier to Stick with Her Plan in the Long Haul

Cheerful diverse young girls sitting together in sports studio before starts training giving high five feel happy and healthy, close up focus on hands. Respect and trust, celebration and amity conceptShutterstock

“What I was able to do then was I was always kind of thinking about at least a week of weights and a week's worth of behavior, which helped me to broaden my timeline. And because I was doing it that way, I was able to see my patterns better. I wasn't just thinking about ‘What did I do yesterday?’ I was thinking, overall, how have I been behaving around food? Have I been just overeating a lot, or am I doing a good job overall? This helped to even the hills and valleys out, emotionally, but also what my weights were doing overall,” she says. “It just made it easier to stick with the plan for the long haul.”

She Allowed Herself to “Eat All the Foods”

happy young woman preparing tasty snacks at the kitchen table in the morning lightShutterstock

“The fifth thing I did, which is probably the most controversial thing, is that I allowed myself to eat all the foods,” she reveals. “In the past, when I would go on a diet or try to lose weight, I would cut things out and cut out whole food groups,” she said, using examples of bread, dessert, and sugar.

RELATED:5 Training Mistakes That Kept This Fitness Expert From Burning Fat

This Made It Easier When She Entered the Maintenance Stage

Handmade chocolateShutterstock

“I would do those things for the short term, but I can never get myself to stick with it in the long run. So, this time, I just did the opposite. I said, okay, I'm going to allow myself everything. I'm going to learn how to lose weight even when I am still eating cheesecake and chocolate, having wine, and eating bread. That was awesome because when I got to my goal weight and entered maintenance, it wasn't a big deal. It was like, okay, I've been eating this stuff the entire time. It's not like I've cut out cake, and now I get to have cake. What am I going to do with that? It was just like, no big deal. Like, I know how to lose weight while eating cake. So maintaining it while eating cake is no different,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

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 might think you know all the tricks to losing weight, but according to one influencer, there’s a good chance you are wrong. Kayla Cox is a weight loss influencer and founder of Six Miles to Supper, instructing her followers “how to lose weight sustainably and keep it off for good,” she writes in her bio. In a new viral post, she reveals “five weird tricks” that helped her lose 80 pounds.


“I grew up with a weight problem. I was always trying to lose weight. I was like on every diet. By the time I was 30, I had listened to all the diet and weight loss advice there was. And what actually helped me, in many cases, was to take that advice and flip it around, and that's when I had better success,” she says in the clip.

Banish Deadlines

Number one is the idea of banishing deadlines. “Most goal setting advice is to be smart, to make your goal specific and measurable and attainable and relevant and time-bound, and they always harp on time-bound. You need to have a deadline because if you don't have a deadline, then you're just going just never to do it,” Kayla says in the video.

She Still Sets Goals Without Deadlines

My Goals as memo on notebook with many light bulbsShutterstock

However, she realized that when she set deadlines, they were “completely ridiculous” and “too aggressive,” and she could never meet them. “I was expecting myself to lose like five pounds a week and be done with the whole weight loss journey in a few months. And so what would happen is I would make the thing really difficult, and it would be too difficult. I couldn't sustain it. Then, what would happen is that I would fall for the goal and then quit. And each time this happened, it made it harder and harder and harder to attempt weight loss again,” she says, calling the process “really demotivating.” So, she stopped deadlines and decided to keep going until she reached her goals.

“It doesn't matter to me if it takes years,” she says. “I'm not quitting until I get to my goal weight. And when I did that, what was great was all of a sudden, I could be a lot more realistic with myself, and I could relax. And I was okay with me making mistakes because I knew like, ‘Oh, it's no big deal because eventually I'm gonna figure this out.’”

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Lost 30 Pounds After Starting to Eat More Potatoes

Stop Telling People You Are Trying to Lose Weight

Friends,Partying,Nightclub,,Toasting,Drinks,girls,pub, alcohol, bar, cocktailsShutterstock

The second thing she did was she stopped telling people she was going to lose weight. “In the past, I used to talk about it all the time. I would tell everybody, ‘I'm on a diet right now. I can't have that.’ And that never really worked out well for me,” she admits.

“The reason I didn't tell anybody I was trying to lose weight was because I was embarrassed, and I was really scared of people knowing that I was trying to lose weight because I knew that was going to bring more attention to me, and I really didn't want that. I also was afraid that if I told people I was trying to lose weight, then, you know, they'd be watching me closer, and maybe they would watch me fail. And I knew from personal experience that sometimes, when you tell people that you're trying to lose weight, there are two ways it can go. And neither one is helpful. One way it can go is people can try to convince you you don't really need to lose weight,” she said.

“On the flip side, I knew some people can be very discouraging. They mean well, but you know, they might tell me things like, oh, it's just, you know, basically impossible to lose weight at your age.”

Keeping It Private Allowed Her to Build Her Own Plan

Happy woman celebrating successful weight loss on scale in bright living room. Fitness goals and healthy lifestyle concept. Joyful moment of achievement and motivation.Shutterstock

“I decided to keep it private, and I'm so glad I did. It gave me that freedom to just build my own plan, and because I didn't tell anybody what I was doing or anything, nobody was trying to critique what I was doing and say, ‘You should be doing this and this and that instead of doing it that way.’ I knew myself pretty well at that time. At that time, I would've listened to him. I would've just gone and done the other thing because I wasn't in the habit of sticking with anything,” she says. “By the time people did start to notice that I was losing weight, I was pretty confident in my plan, and even though people still offered unsolicited advice, trying to tell me like, ‘You should cut out carbs and you'd have much faster success,’ things like that, I just decided to keep doing it my own way. And that was helpful because I continued doing sustainable things.”

I Took a Day Off Every Week

Woman planning her monthly menstruation calendar, mark the days of menstruation and ovulation. She sitting on bed wearing home clothesShutterstock

“The third thing I did that was weird was I took a day off every week,” she says. “I had always heard you got to stick to the plan, and you just got to be on it. You're just on it. And that's just all there is to it,” she says. However, she heard that “if you take a day off every week, you're much more likely to stick with your plan.”

RELATED:I Ran 200 Marathons and These 12 Running Rules Changed My Life After 40

She Now Knows How to Go Off and On Her Plan

Attractive happy middle aged woman is sitting on sofa in living room. Smiling adult lady enjoys drinking coffee or tea sitting on couch at homeShuttestock

“In the past, I knew that I was in the habit of being on a plan, never taking a break, and then finally, I would just break, and then I could never get back on plan it,” she says. “I had this all-or-nothing mentality. Taking a day off every week just got me in this really great practice of learning how to go off plan and then get back on plan.”

She Averaged Her Weight

Weight scale 120 kilogramShutterstock

“The fourth thing I did was I averaged my weight,” admitting it was previously a “foreign concept” to her. “I made a spreadsheet so that it would average my weights and so that I could always see a running seven-day average. It was just taking the previous seven days of weights, adding those up divided by seven, and then showing my seven-day average.”

It Made It Easier to Stick with Her Plan in the Long Haul

Cheerful diverse young girls sitting together in sports studio before starts training giving high five feel happy and healthy, close up focus on hands. Respect and trust, celebration and amity conceptShutterstock

“What I was able to do then was I was always kind of thinking about at least a week of weights and a week's worth of behavior, which helped me to broaden my timeline. And because I was doing it that way, I was able to see my patterns better. I wasn't just thinking about ‘What did I do yesterday?’ I was thinking, overall, how have I been behaving around food? Have I been just overeating a lot, or am I doing a good job overall? This helped to even the hills and valleys out, emotionally, but also what my weights were doing overall,” she says. “It just made it easier to stick with the plan for the long haul.”

She Allowed Herself to “Eat All the Foods”

happy young woman preparing tasty snacks at the kitchen table in the morning lightShutterstock

“The fifth thing I did, which is probably the most controversial thing, is that I allowed myself to eat all the foods,” she reveals. “In the past, when I would go on a diet or try to lose weight, I would cut things out and cut out whole food groups,” she said, using examples of bread, dessert, and sugar.

RELATED:5 Training Mistakes That Kept This Fitness Expert From Burning Fat

This Made It Easier When She Entered the Maintenance Stage

Handmade chocolateShutterstock

“I would do those things for the short term, but I can never get myself to stick with it in the long run. So, this time, I just did the opposite. I said, okay, I'm going to allow myself everything. I'm going to learn how to lose weight even when I am still eating cheesecake and chocolate, having wine, and eating bread. That was awesome because when I got to my goal weight and entered maintenance, it wasn't a big deal. It was like, okay, I've been eating this stuff the entire time. It's not like I've cut out cake, and now I get to have cake. What am I going to do with that? It was just like, no big deal. Like, I know how to lose weight while eating cake. So maintaining it while eating cake is no different,” 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.

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


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

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

She Went to a Doctor and Had Her BMR Calculated

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

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

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

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

She Cut Carbs

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

Here Is What She Ate in a Day

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

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

Walking Was Also Key

And, she got her steps in. “As for exercise, all I did was walk,” she says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

She Lost Weight Fast

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

She Went on to Lose 80 Pounds in 5 Months

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

She Gained Some of It Back

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

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

She Is Now Back on Track and Using These Tips

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

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


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

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

At 43, She Decided to Do Something Different

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

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

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

She Lost 49 Pounds and Has Kept It Off

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

She Stopped Calorie Counting

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

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

She Quit Sugar and Processed Food

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

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

She also refocused her diet. “I started eating a lot more healthy fat and nutrient-dense protein,” she writes. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

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

She Switched From Cardio to Strength Training

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

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

She Focused on a Healthy Lifestyle

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

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

Kiki (@kikivirk) is a weight loss influencer who has amassed a social media following for sharing all the tips and tricks that enabled her to lose a whopping 60 pounds and keep it off. In one of her viral videos – viewed over 8 million times, Kiki reveals the biggest weight loss mistake she made on her journey – and also what ultimately led to her weight loss success.


She Says Doing High Intensity Workouts Were a “Huge Mistake”

@kikivirk

The plan that helped me shed 60lbs 💪🏽 #weightloss #pcos #pcosweightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsforwomen #pcosworkout

“I was so motivated to lose weight and I wanted to see results fast, but I didn't do my research and I jumped straight in, literally into a high intensity, 90 day workout plan. Huge mistake,” Kiki says in the video.

After 45 Days She Hadn’t Lost Weight

kikivirk2kikivirk/TikTok

After a month-and-a-half, she didn't feel like she'd lost any weight. “I was overdoing it. The long, painful HIIT workouts were actually doing my body no good. They were causing it too much stress and loads of other problems,” she says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

She Had “Weight Plateaus” and “Felt So Hungry and Fatigued”

young sports woman working out, running and feeling tired on treadmill in gymShutterstock

In another video, she specified that she was doing “high intensity cardio” five times a week in hopes it “would burn fat fast and give me my dream body,” she explained. “But instead, I had weight plateaus and felt so hungry and fatigued.

Her Fat Began to “Melt Off” When She Started Strength Training

,Dumbbells,,,Rack,hym,weights, fitness, exerciseShutterstock

“Literally, as soon as I started strength training and less cardio, the fat began to melt off, and the lean muscle mass I gained gave me the tone look I'd always wanted,” she continued.

Her Program: LISS, Walking, Strength and Resistance Training, and a Short HIIT Workout

Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on waterfront in late summer or fallShutterstock

Her program starts with doing 45 to 60 minutes of LISS cardio four times a week. She also walks 7 to 12,000 steps every day, does strength and resistance training three times a week, and a 15-minute HIIT workout once a week.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

An Expert Weighs In

Kendra_Gamblehitfitnesstraining/Instagram

“What she says is definitely spot on,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. “Intense cardio and intense HIIT more than twice a week will do the body more harm than good and is not the way to lose fat and get that toned look.” Instead, she agrees that “increasing your everyday steps is more of the most important and beginner things you can do to start losing fat along with getting your diet right.” Unfortunately, “fat loss is not an immediate thing and will take time and dedication but she explains it all perfectly.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are a beginner trying to lose weight, starting by increasing your steps and modifying your diet instead of going overboard with higher intensity workouts.

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.

If you are asking yourself if you will “ever lose the weight,” the answer is yes, says one fat loss coach. However, it might take shifting your approach to diet and fitness. Lynlee Jacobson lost 20 pounds of fat in just 3 months after struggling with weight loss for many years. Now, she is a fat loss coach who helps other women get into shape, focusing on their gut health. “This is what worked for me,” she writes in the post. Here are the 5 changes she made to get in shape.


She Was Close to Giving Up

“If you’re feeling like you’ve lost hope. Like you’ll never get back to feeling like yourself again. Like you don’t even recognize yourself in the mirror. I get it. I’ve been there,” she writes in the post. “I had just about given up & was trying to convince myself that I was ‘happy’ with how I looked, even though deep down I was desperately unhappy.”

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

She Was Tracking Macros and In a Calorie Deficit

“It just felt like no matter how healthy I ate, how hard I pushed myself in the gym, how precisely I tracked my macros to be ‘in a calorie deficit’ - I kept gaining weight,” she continued. “Like the harder I tried, the more bloated, puffy, & exhausted I became.”

She Was Doing All the Wrong Thing

“What I didn’t know at the time was that this was all working against me. The more I pushed, the more my body resisted. This is what I have learned since. You might want to save these tips for later,” she continues.

RELATED: 8 Weight Loss Hacks a Nutritionist Used to Drop 50 Pounds Naturally

She Focused on Hormonal Imbalances

The first thing she did was change her approach to hormones. “Hormonal imbalances, like high insulin or ghrelin, often make calorie-cutting ineffective,” she writes. The solution? “Balance your hormones, and the weight can finally come off.”

She Also Supported Her Gut Health

Gut health is also key, she says. “Bloating, inflammation, and weight gain often point to gut issues,” she writes. “Supporting my gut with nutrient-dense foods made all the difference.”

And Paid Attention to Metabolic Flexibility

She also implemented a new tactic. “I focused on building metabolic flexibility so I could burn both carbs and fat naturally,” she writes. “This kept the weight off sustainably.”

RELATED: Nutritionist Loses 20 Pounds With These 6 High-Volume Eating Tricks "Without Feeling Hungry"

She Ate More Nutrient Dense Foods

She also paid attention to the type of food she was eating instead of looking just at the numbers. “I stopped counting calories,” she reveals. Instead, she “started focusing on nutrient-dense foods, which helped me feel satisfied and nourished.”

She Looked at “Modern Lifestyle” Factors

Finally, she looked at how “Our Modern Lifestyle Works Against us,” she writes. “Stress, processed foods, and poor sleep disrupt our bodies. Aligning my diet and habits with ancestral principles finally broke the cycle of bloating and fatigue.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

10 Foods That Secretly Burn Fat After 40
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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.

Let's face it—hitting 40 comes with some unwelcome surprises for most of us. Suddenly, those extra pounds seem to appear out of nowhere, and the weight loss strategies that worked in your 30s just don't cut it anymore. But before you throw in the towel, here's some good news: certain foods can actually help kick your metabolism back into gear.

We've dug into the latest research from top medical institutions and talked to leading experts to uncover the foods that can help you burn fat after 40. No fad diets or miracle pills—just real, science-backed nutrition that works.

Why Your Body Changes After 40 (And What to Do About It)

Unhealthy overweight Asian fat woman catching on her big belly and arm close up, woman concerned about her fat and body shape problem.Shutterstock

"It doesn't matter what you've always done before—that doesn't fly anymore," saysDr. Monica Christmas, who runs the menopause program at University of Chicago Medicine. She's seen countless patients struggle with the same story. "When your hormone levels drop, your body starts losing muscle, and that means you're burning fewer calories even at rest."

Dr. Robert Creel from Cleveland Clinic puts it bluntly: "Your muscles are like engines that burn fuel. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn just sitting on your couch." After 40, maintaining that engine becomes job number one.

Ready to refuel your body's fat-burning potential? Let's dive into the foods that can help.

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

1. Lean Proteins

A close-up shot of a grilled salmon fillet on a hot BBQ grill. The fish is seasoned and cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and juicy flesh. For your background business, poster, wallpaper​Lean ProteinShutterstock

Think of protein as your body's ultimate fat-fighting fuel. Chicken, fish, lean beef, tofu—they all help preserve precious muscle mass that naturally diminishes after 40.

Here's something fascinating from Harvard researchers: your body burns 15-30% of protein calories during digestion, compared to just 5-10% for carbs and a measly 0-3% for fats. That extra calorie burn happens automatically, just by choosing protein-rich foods.

Dr. Roger Blumenthal from Johns Hopkins Medicine loves to remind his patients: "Your muscles are literally the engines that burn calories in your body. Feed them right, and they'll work for you around the clock."

How to enjoy it: Start your day with eggs and veggies, grab a grilled chicken salad for lunch, or try a palm-sized portion of wild salmon for dinner. Aim for 25-30 grams of protein at each meal to keep your metabolism humming.

2. Greek Yogurt

Serving of Yogurt with Whole Fresh Blueberries and Oatmeal on Old Rustic Wooden Table. Closeup Detail.

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That creamy container of Greek yogurt in your fridge? It's actually a secret weapon against stubborn fat. With double the protein of regular yogurt and a healthy dose of probiotics, it's a one-two punch for your metabolism.

Dietitians at the Cleveland Clinic have found that the probiotics in yogurt help balance gut bacteria—which might be even more important after 40, when digestive efficiency naturally declines. Plus, the calcium in Greek yogurt has been linked to lower levels of belly fat, which becomes more of an issue with age.

How to enjoy it: Skip the sugary flavored versions and go for plain. Add a drizzle of honey and berries for a satisfying snack, use it as a sour cream replacement, or blend it into smoothies for a protein boost.

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

3. Fatty Fish

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Salmon, mackerel, and sardines aren't just delicious—they're packed with omega-3 fatty acids that fight the inflammation that often increases after 40.

Scientists at the NIH discovered something remarkable: omega-3s can increase your resting metabolic rate by up to 14% and boost fat burning during exercise by a whopping 27%. Talk about a winning combination.

"When we look at heart health after 40, fatty fish really shines," says a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "The same omega-3s that protect your heart are also helping reduce that internal inflammation that makes weight loss so difficult in midlife."

How to enjoy it: Aim for two servings of fatty fish weekly. Try simple grilled salmon with lemon or sardines on whole-grain toast for lunch, or add mackerel to your favorite salad.

4. Whole Grains

Boiled quinoa in white bowl on brown wooden table​30. QuinoaShutterstock

Forget what you've heard about cutting all carbs. Your body after 40 still needs them—just the right kind.

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found something surprising when they studied whole grains in people under 50: those eating whole grains instead of refined ones had three times better blood pressure readings. That's huge for metabolic health, which directly impacts how well you burn fat.

"Whole grains provide steady energy without the crashes," explains a nutrition researcher at Cleveland Clinic. "After 40, those energy crashes can trigger stress hormones that promote fat storage, especially around the middle."

How to enjoy them: Start your day with steel-cut oats, swap white rice for brown or quinoa, and choose whole grain bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice.

5. Eggs

Avocado toast with poached egg on a wooden board. Breakfast concept.​Don’t Skip BreakfastShutterstock

Eggs have made a major comeback in nutrition circles, and for good reason. They're nature's perfect little package of high-quality protein, vitamin D, and choline—a nutrient that helps your body burn fat and is often lacking in our diets.

Research from the University of Connecticut found something interesting: people who eat eggs for breakfast naturally eat fewer calories throughout the day. The protein and healthy fats keep hunger hormones in check—a major win when battling age-related weight gain.

How to enjoy them: A two-egg breakfast with veggies and a slice of whole-grain toast makes a perfect metabolism-boosting morning meal. Hard-boiled eggs also make great portable snacks when you need something satisfying on the go.

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

6. Legumes

Wooden bowl and wooden spoon full of chickpeas on wooden background. Top view.​23. ChickpeasShutterstock

Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas might not be the sexiest foods in your kitchen, but they pack a one-two punch against age-related weight gain: fiber and protein.

Harvard researchers have found that this combination helps stabilize blood sugar—crucial after 40 when insulin resistance becomes more common. When your blood sugar stays steady, you avoid the energy crashes that lead to cravings and overeating.

How to enjoy them: Toss chickpeas into your salad, add lentils to soups, try bean-based pasta, or whip up a quick lunch of black bean and avocado wrap.

7. Green Tea

Close up of green tea being poured from teapot into cupShutterstock

Green tea isn't just a soothing ritual—it's loaded with compounds that give your metabolism a gentle nudge in the right direction.

NIH research shows that the catechins and caffeine in green tea work together to boost metabolism beyond what caffeine alone can do. While no single food or drink works miracles, green tea drinkers consistently show better results in weight management studies.

How to enjoy it: Replace your afternoon coffee with green tea, or start your morning with a cup. For maximum benefits, brew your own rather than buying bottled versions with added sugar.

8. Nuts and Seeds

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"They're calorie-dense, but that doesn't mean you should avoid them," says Harvard Health about nuts and seeds. In fact, people who regularly eat nuts tend to be leaner than those who don't—seemingly contradicting their high calorie count.

The protein, fiber, and healthy fats in almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds create the perfect satisfied feeling that helps prevent overeating. Plus, they require more energy to digest than many other snacks.

How to enjoy them: Stick to about 1/4 cup (a small handful) daily. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to your morning smoothie, sprinkle chopped walnuts on your salad, or grab a small handful of almonds for an afternoon snack

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

9. Leafy Greens

Kale chips on a baking sheet on parchment.​Zucchini or Kale ChipsShutterstock

You've heard it your whole life: eat your greens. After 40, this advice becomes even more crucial.

"When we look at the most successful weight managers after midlife, high vegetable intake is always a common factor," notes a dietitian at Mayo Clinic. "The fiber fills you up, the nutrients support metabolism, and the volume satisfies hunger cues—all with minimal calories."

How to enjoy them: Start meals with a simple salad, add spinach to smoothies (you won't taste it), wrap sandwich fillings in large lettuce leaves instead of bread, or roast kale with a little olive oil for a crunchy snack.

10. Water

Detox water with sliced cucumber in a drinking glass

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It sounds too simple to be true, but researchers at the University of Utah discovered that properly hydrated people burn more calories than those who are even slightly dehydrated. In fact, dehydration can slow metabolism by as much as 3%—and many of us walk around mildly dehydrated without even realizing it.

After 40, our thirst signals often become less reliable, making conscious hydration even more important.

How to enjoy it: Start the day with a full glass of water, keep a refillable bottle with you, add fruit slices or herbs for natural flavor, and eat water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and strawberries.

Putting It All Together: Your After-40 Eating Strategy

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Here's what Dr. M. Regina Castro from Mayo Clinic tells her patients who are struggling with midlife weight changes: "You need to reset your body's metabolic expectations through consistent, gradual changes. Your meals should feature lean proteins alongside fruits and vegetables—this combination supports your changing metabolism."

Cleveland Clinic experts have another crucial tip: when you eat matters too. "Your body processes the exact same food differently depending on the time of day," they explain. "After 40, eating earlier in the day tends to work better for metabolism than late-night meals."

Dr. Christmas cuts right to the chase with her patients: "You can't exercise your way out of a bad diet, and you can't eat your way out of being inactive. After 40, you need both pieces working together."

The Bottom Line

Happy mature woman with arms outstretched feeling the breeze at beach. Beautiful middle aged woman with arms up dancing on beach. Mid lady feeling good and enjoying freedom at sea, copy space.5 Menopause-Soothing Foods for Quick ReliefShutterstock

These 10 foods aren't magical—they work by supporting your body's changing needs after 40. They help maintain muscle mass, reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and keep your energy levels steady—all crucial factors in maintaining a healthy weight in midlife and beyond.

The best news? They're delicious, accessible, and can easily become part of your everyday eating. No extreme diets or bizarre superfoods required—just real, wholesome nutrition that works with your body, not against it.

It’s important to remember that weight management after 40 is about more than just food. Regular strength training, quality sleep, stress management, and staying hydrated all work together with good nutrition to keep your metabolism running at its best. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Laura Try lauratryuk
Copyright Laura Try/YouTube/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.

We spend hours hunched over desks and slouched on couches, rarely challenging our bodies to move the way they naturally should. Digital coachLaura Try, with over 170,000 YouTube subscribers, invites us to reclaim a fundamental human position that many of us have lost: the deep squat. "Modern-day living and this chair-filled life is causing some of us to move less and with less range of motion," Laura explains. Try this simple test to discover where your mobility stands—you might be surprised at what you learn about your body.

What Is the Deep Squat Test?

The deep squat test challenges you to hold a deep squat position for as long as possible, ideally reaching the full 10 minutes. "The deep squat, otherwise known as the Asian or primal squat, is meant to be a resting position," Laura says. The challenge requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. It's not just about holding the position but assessing how your body responds to this natural human posture.

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The Lost Resting Position

What we now consider an exercise was once a normal resting position. Babies naturally squat with ease, and people of all ages in many cultures around the world use this position daily. It's not about age or special abilities—it's about regular practice. Laura points out, "They do it all the time and perhaps we should too." Being able to get into a deep squat is an indicator of total body mobility.

Why We Struggle With Squatting

Modern living has dramatically reduced our need to get low to the ground. "Once upon a time we'd have crouched down to light a fire, prepare our meals or investigate an edible plant growing on the ground. Now we have most things that we need at a convenient height," Laura notes. Our chair-dependent lifestyle has created what fitness expert Kelly Starrett calls "an imbalance between the environment and organism"—the way we live doesn't match what our bodies are designed to do.

Benefits Beyond Flexibility

The deep squat offers more than just improved mobility. "This concertina effect, even though our body is folded over, it kind of untangles the body by unlocking the ankles, hips and back," Laura explains. Regular practice can help with total body alignment, potentially reducing lower back pain and other issues. The position creates a full-body stretching and strengthening effect that counters the tightness from sedentary living.

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Making the Squat Accessible

Not everyone can immediately drop into a perfect deep squat—and that's perfectly okay. "Practicing this doesn't require you to be miserable; it can be enjoyable," Laura reassures. She suggests several modifications: placing something under your heels, using the wall for support, or even sitting on a low block. The goal isn't perfection but spending time in a version of the position that works for your body.

Laura's Personal Journey

Even fitness professionals struggle with this fundamental movement. "Believe me when I say six or seven years ago I could not get into a deep squat let alone stay here," Laura admits. Her ankles were tight, her shins would burn, and her hips and lower back would scream in protest. The position felt completely unnatural to her at first, defying the idea that it could ever be restful. Yet with consistent practice, her body adapted.

The "Use It or Lose It" Principle

Our bodies adapt to the demands we place on them—or don't place on them. "If we don't use our bodies and joints to their full range of motion what happens? They tighten up, use it or lose it," Laura emphasizes. By regularly practicing the deep squat, we signal to our body that this range of motion is important, helping to maintain or restore natural mobility that many people lose over time.

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

Beyond Static Holding

The deep squat isn't just about getting down and staying down. "The thing about doing this is it isn't just about getting down here and staying down here but having the ability to get up from this position too which requires leg strength," Laura explains. This functional movement builds both mobility and strength, supporting everyday movements and potentially reducing injury risk as we age.

Making It Part of Daily Life

You don't need to set aside special time for deep squat practice. "Do a bit of weeding in your garden in this position, do some playtime with your children or grandchildren in this position, watch some TV in this position," Laura suggests. Even short periods throughout the day add up. The key is consistency, not duration—even 10 seconds at a time can help restore this natural movement pattern.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

The Routine That Worked for Laura

Consistent practice yields results, even if progress seems impossible at first. "The routine that really helped me get better at my deep squat over the years is the Ido Portal squat routine," Laura shares. She incorporated a shortened version into her warm-up routine for years, not realizing how much she had improved until suddenly the position felt comfortable. The transformation happened gradually through consistent practice over nine years.

A Test of Mental Resilience

The squat test challenges your mind as much as your body. "I can't say it's particularly comfortable; my hips feel really tight, my lower back is stretched, and my shins are burning a little bit," Laura admits at the nine-minute mark of her demonstration. Yet she persists, showing that mental fortitude is part of the process. The test builds not just physical capacity but also the ability to sit with discomfort.

Start Where You Are

Everyone's squat journey begins at a different place. Laura encourages readers to try the test regardless of their current ability level. "If you're trying this then I'd love to know how you're doing and how it feels," she says, inviting community participation. Whether you can hold the position for 10 seconds or 10 minutes, the key is starting the process of reclaiming this fundamental movement pattern. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Melanie Abeyta harmony aesthetics
Copyright harmony_aesthetics/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.

The bad news? There is no such thing as a fountain of youth. The good? There are foods you can eat to improve longevity. “Our skin reflects our overall health, and diet plays a massive role. The combination of the antioxidant effect manifests in improving the cell barrier, increased collagen production, and the enhancement of the natural oils in the skin, reflected in vibrant, youthful, and luminous skin and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. When skin is unhealthy, these are much more visible,” explainsMelanie Abeyta, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Longevity Coach, and Owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center. She recommends focusing on an anti-inflammatory-based diet with lots of fresh fruit, water, and probiotics, which can help balance your gut, affecting your skin. “Incorporating these foods into your diet should be easy, and a variety of at least four of these foods, if not more, should be eaten daily,” she says.

Almond Milk

Almond milk in glass bottle and jug on beige background. Close up. Healthy vegan eating. Lack of cholesterol.Shutterstock

Almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, a known antioxidant. “Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can often cause irreversible damage to the skin because it contributes to collagen and elastin depletion,” says Abeyta. Collagen and elastin are essential substances that give the skin elasticity and firmness. “The collagen and elastin supply of the skin is depleted after prolonged exposure to free radicals. As you age, your body cannot replenish the depleted supply; this is the primary cause of wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin blemishes. Vitamin E, present in almond milk, protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and this makes the skin healthy and younger-looking.”

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

Avocado

Whole and cut avocados on grey marble table, flat layShutterstock

“Avocado is great because it contains Vitamins C and E and essential fatty acids that decrease inflammation and redness and improve fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains antioxidants that are important to prevent UV damage and help shed dead skin cells on the skin's surface,” she continues.

Blueberries

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Blueberries are high in Vitamins A and C, which have a high antioxidant content to help protect the skin from sun damage. “Vitamin A is a precursor to retinol and has a strong antioxidant and anti-aging effect,” says Abeyta.

Carrots

Harvesting carrots. Female hand with bunches of carrots with tops.​VegetablesShutterstock

Carrots are not only good for your eyes but are also excellent for smooth skin, says Abeyta. “Carotenoids, found in carrots, are your protection from everyday pollutants and will prevent wrinkles. The beta carotene in carrots is a skin-friendly nutrient converted to vitamin A inside the body and can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It also helps repair skin tissues while protecting the skin from harmful radiation,” she explains.

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

Coconut

Glass with fresh coconut water and coconuts on the table.Shutterstock

“Coconut is not only highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but it also helps support the natural chemical balance of the skin to help prevent wrinkles and functions as a protective antioxidant,” says Abeyta. “It's also great for hydrating both skin and hair and helps prevent dehydration when taken by mouth, as it contains loads of electrolytes. Coconut also helps control dandruff.”

Cucumber

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Cucumber is a natural anti-inflammatory vegetable that can calm and soothe skin. “Plus, it is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C and folic acid, which help reduce swelling and puffiness,” she adds. “Vitamin C helps stimulate new cell growth, and folic acid helps fight environmental toxins that can make your skin look tired or age prematurely. When combined, these help your skin look firmer and healthier. Cucumber can also help reduce breakouts as it can help cleanse the skin and tighten pores.”

Green Tea

Japanese green teaShutterstock

Green Tea is high in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, and has anti-aging benefits that help fight free radicals to protect your skin from environmental stressors that can damage and age it. “It also contains Vitamin A, which is known to help improve the skin’s texture, and Vitamin B, which helps reduce redness. Plus, it has soothing properties and will help brighten the skin,” Abeyta explains.

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

Nuts

A variety of nuts in wooden bowls.​NutsShutterstock

Nuts such as walnuts and almonds not only help strengthen the skin cell barrier but also the natural oil barrier of the skin, which ultimately helps prevent sun damage. “Because they contain antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats, they will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and skin pigmentation while improving the overall appearance of the skin,” she explains.

Olive Oil

The moment olive oil is poured into a glass bowl set against a wooden backgroundShutterstock

Olive oil contains four major antioxidants, which allow it to work as a cleanser and moisturizer. “Among these antioxidants are Vitamins A and E. Vitamin E has anti-aging benefits because it helps restore skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles,” Abeyta maintains.

Pumpkin

Cut fresh ripe pumpkin on grey backgroundShutterstock

Pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. “This converts to Vitamin A which helps prevent wrinkles and keep your skin youthful and moisturized. This is the perfect food if you are experiencing dry skin. Pumpkin is also loaded with Vitamin C, another antioxidant that protects collagen and boosts our immune systems,” says the expert.

Spinach

Fresh spinach leaves in bowl on rustic wooden table. Top view.Shutterstock

Spinach is high in Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, and Vitamin A, which is vital for combatting inflammation and promoting cell turnover, which is essential for anti-aging. “Spinach is also rich in beta-carotene, which allows proper moisture retention in the skin to help fight wrinkles while removing dead skin cells for healthier, brighter skin,” Abeyta maintains.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Sweet Potatoes

Organic Asian sweet potatoes holding by hand​Sweet PotatoesShutterstock

“Sweet potatoes contain 200% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin A, which helps promote the growth of new skin cells and increases the rate at which this happens, leaving you with vibrant skin,” says Abeyta. Also, from one sweet potato, you’ll get three grams of fiber, which keeps your digestive tract healthy. “A functioning digestive tract can help keep breakouts to a minimum.”

Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, B, C, K, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. “Lycopene is especially beneficial because it’s a carotenoid with a powerful anti-cancer effect. These are all great antioxidants that help the skin maintain healthy collagen and reduce the risk of skin damage,” she claims.

Turmeric

Close-up,Turmeric,(curcumin),Powder,In,Wooden,Spoon,With,Fresh,RhizomeShutterstock

“Turmeric has brightening and anti-inflammatory properties, which help with melasma and inflamed acne. It will also help soothe and even out the skin, boost collagen production, and help with hyperpigmentation. Because it contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant, it will help neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells and contribute to aging,” Abeyta tells us. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.