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

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This Nutritionist's Simple 3 Ingredient Breakfast Bowl Went Viral Because Everyone Who Tries It Loves It

This sweet and savory bowl is beloved by everyone, one expert claims.

Autumn Bates

Do you want to lose weight while starting the day with a delicious meal? One expert has the right recipe – and it almost broke the internet. Autumn Bates is a Clinical Nutritionist with a Master's in Nutrition Human Performance. She is also a social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers, known for revealing tips on healthy eating, weight loss, and intermittent fasting. “A few years ago, I shared my really simple cottage cheese bow, and the internet kind of lost it. I think this recipe is not only really high quality, healthy, and has high-quality protein, but it is also simple. Literally, anybody can make it, and it is so good,” she says at the start of the clip. “To this day. I still get messages about this specific cottage cheese bowl and how much everybody loves it. So today, I'm going to share the exact cottage cheese bowl recipe so you guys can start whipping it up today.”


It Only Requires 3 Ingredients

One of the best things about Autumn’s meal? You only need a few things to make it. “This recipe is so great because it literally uses three ingredients,” she says in her post. “If you eat cottage cheese, you probably have all these ingredients at home already.”

Ingredient 1: Cottage Cheese

“The first one, obviously, is cottage cheese,” she says, revealing that she prefers full-fat cottage cheese “because it is going to be so much more nutrient-dense. Full-fat cottage cheese has a much higher amount of vitamin K, which is a really important vitamin most people are not getting enough of. It helps get calcium out of our arteries and into our bones. So it's really important for bone and heart health. Plus, full-fat dairy products have actually been found to help keep us more satisfied and, therefore, actually protective against weight gain and obesity.”

Don’t Skimp on Your Serving

“Something really important that a lot of people make the mistake of when it comes to dairy products, in general, is making sure you're actually getting enough for a full meal. You guys know that I'm very big on having meals and not snacks to help support gut health as well as a fat loss goal, but a lot of people just aren't used to how much you actually need to eat in order to make something a complete meal,” she reveals.

Use at Least One Cup

She recommends buying bigger containers. “This is a 16-ounce container, and then I just take half of it as a full serving. That will give roughly 30 grams of complete protein at that meal. But what most people do is they'll actually use the serving size. Here, the serving size is one-half cup, and with that one-half cup, it's only going to be 14 grams of protein. That is not going to keep you very full for very long. So, if you want this to actually be a meal for breakfast, lunch, or whatever, then really aim for at least half of one of these larger containers. Don't even bother with those little single-serve cottage cheese. It's just a waste of money because you're going to have to end up getting two of them anyway. So the first step is to dump this into a bowl,” she says.

Ingredient 2: Frozen Blueberries

The next ingredient, frozen blueberries, “helps to make this cottage cheese bowl so flavorful, so juicy, so delicious, but without having any added sugar and even still keeping the sugar content fairly low,” she says. She uses one-half cup.

Cook Them on Medium Heat for a Few Minutes

She places them in a pan over medium heat. “You don't need to add anything else in. You can add in ghee,” she says. “Vanilla ghee makes it have a little bit of a vanilla-y flavor, but you can literally just throw frozen blueberries into the pan, put it on some heat, and let it just thaw out. This actually works better with frozen blueberries, and it's more economical and easier because frozen blueberries don't really go bad very quickly. So you can pretty much always have this very fast and easy meal on hand ready to go.” You can also mash them a little. “You don't wanna cook it too long,” she notes.

Ingredient 3: Peanut Butter

The last ingredient is peanut butter. “Peanut butter is not really a great source of protein. It technically does have protein in it, but it's not a high-quality source of protein,” she says. However, it’s a good source of fat and will help you be satisfied, and “we're not gonna be hungry very quickly,” she says.

She Uses Two Tablespoons

“I usually like to have about two tablespoons in here, but really, depending on your hunger level and activity level, you can scale up or down,” she says. She recommends just plopping it right on top of the cottage cheese.

RELATED:Woman Lost 180 Pounds (Half Her Body Weight) with These 5 Eating Hacks

You Can Use Other Berries

“Oh my gosh, so good. I like to pour the blueberries right on top of the peanut butter because it helps to melt the peanut butter and just make this all cohesive and delicious and so good,” she continues. And, if you don’t like blueberries, you can use “really any frozen fruit that you like,” she says. “I found blueberries tend to work the best. It really elevates the cottage cheese bowl and makes it feel like a treat, even though it's a high-quality source of protein, fat, and fiber, and it is 100% in line with weight loss and wellness goals.”

You Can Also Use Whole Nuts Instead of Peanut Butter

Another sub you can make? “If you wanted something crunchy, you could actually swap out the peanut butter drooling with whole nuts or seeds instead, so you could use something like almonds or coconut flakes. Coconut flakes are really good on top, especially toasted coconut flakes.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 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.

Do you want to lose weight while starting the day with a delicious meal? One expert has the right recipe – and it almost broke the internet. Autumn Bates is a Clinical Nutritionist with a Master's in Nutrition Human Performance. She is also a social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers, known for revealing tips on healthy eating, weight loss, and intermittent fasting. “A few years ago, I shared my really simple cottage cheese bow, and the internet kind of lost it. I think this recipe is not only really high quality, healthy, and has high-quality protein, but it is also simple. Literally, anybody can make it, and it is so good,” she says at the start of the clip. “To this day. I still get messages about this specific cottage cheese bowl and how much everybody loves it. So today, I'm going to share the exact cottage cheese bowl recipe so you guys can start whipping it up today.”


It Only Requires 3 Ingredients

One of the best things about Autumn’s meal? You only need a few things to make it. “This recipe is so great because it literally uses three ingredients,” she says in her post. “If you eat cottage cheese, you probably have all these ingredients at home already.”

Ingredient 1: Cottage Cheese

“The first one, obviously, is cottage cheese,” she says, revealing that she prefers full-fat cottage cheese “because it is going to be so much more nutrient-dense. Full-fat cottage cheese has a much higher amount of vitamin K, which is a really important vitamin most people are not getting enough of. It helps get calcium out of our arteries and into our bones. So it's really important for bone and heart health. Plus, full-fat dairy products have actually been found to help keep us more satisfied and, therefore, actually protective against weight gain and obesity.”

Don’t Skimp on Your Serving

“Something really important that a lot of people make the mistake of when it comes to dairy products, in general, is making sure you're actually getting enough for a full meal. You guys know that I'm very big on having meals and not snacks to help support gut health as well as a fat loss goal, but a lot of people just aren't used to how much you actually need to eat in order to make something a complete meal,” she reveals.

Use at Least One Cup

She recommends buying bigger containers. “This is a 16-ounce container, and then I just take half of it as a full serving. That will give roughly 30 grams of complete protein at that meal. But what most people do is they'll actually use the serving size. Here, the serving size is one-half cup, and with that one-half cup, it's only going to be 14 grams of protein. That is not going to keep you very full for very long. So, if you want this to actually be a meal for breakfast, lunch, or whatever, then really aim for at least half of one of these larger containers. Don't even bother with those little single-serve cottage cheese. It's just a waste of money because you're going to have to end up getting two of them anyway. So the first step is to dump this into a bowl,” she says.

Ingredient 2: Frozen Blueberries

The next ingredient, frozen blueberries, “helps to make this cottage cheese bowl so flavorful, so juicy, so delicious, but without having any added sugar and even still keeping the sugar content fairly low,” she says. She uses one-half cup.

Cook Them on Medium Heat for a Few Minutes

She places them in a pan over medium heat. “You don't need to add anything else in. You can add in ghee,” she says. “Vanilla ghee makes it have a little bit of a vanilla-y flavor, but you can literally just throw frozen blueberries into the pan, put it on some heat, and let it just thaw out. This actually works better with frozen blueberries, and it's more economical and easier because frozen blueberries don't really go bad very quickly. So you can pretty much always have this very fast and easy meal on hand ready to go.” You can also mash them a little. “You don't wanna cook it too long,” she notes.

Ingredient 3: Peanut Butter

The last ingredient is peanut butter. “Peanut butter is not really a great source of protein. It technically does have protein in it, but it's not a high-quality source of protein,” she says. However, it’s a good source of fat and will help you be satisfied, and “we're not gonna be hungry very quickly,” she says.

She Uses Two Tablespoons

“I usually like to have about two tablespoons in here, but really, depending on your hunger level and activity level, you can scale up or down,” she says. She recommends just plopping it right on top of the cottage cheese.

RELATED:Woman Lost 180 Pounds (Half Her Body Weight) with These 5 Eating Hacks

You Can Use Other Berries

“Oh my gosh, so good. I like to pour the blueberries right on top of the peanut butter because it helps to melt the peanut butter and just make this all cohesive and delicious and so good,” she continues. And, if you don’t like blueberries, you can use “really any frozen fruit that you like,” she says. “I found blueberries tend to work the best. It really elevates the cottage cheese bowl and makes it feel like a treat, even though it's a high-quality source of protein, fat, and fiber, and it is 100% in line with weight loss and wellness goals.”

You Can Also Use Whole Nuts Instead of Peanut Butter

Another sub you can make? “If you wanted something crunchy, you could actually swap out the peanut butter drooling with whole nuts or seeds instead, so you could use something like almonds or coconut flakes. Coconut flakes are really good on top, especially toasted coconut flakes.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 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.

Standing in front of the mirror, feeling frustrated with failed diets and confusing weight loss advice? That used to be my story, too. The turning point came when I discovered that the secret to sustainable weight loss wasn't in complicated meal plans – it was in starting each day with the right breakfast.


Meet Mayra, the creator of LowCarbLove, who transformed her life by losing over 100 pounds through a low-carb lifestyle. "I've been maintaining my weight for over 15 years," she shares. Her secret? A simple yet powerful breakfast combination that has become her go-to solution whenever she needs to get back on track.

The 3-Ingredient Game-Changer

"Eggs, bacon, and tomato – that's what works every single time," Mayra reveals. She alternates between regular and turkey bacon, always ensuring it's crispy and golden brown, while her eggs are typically prepared sunny-side up or poached. Sometimes she adds queso fresco, but the core three ingredients remain her foundation for success.

Why Timing Makes This Breakfast Even More Powerful

"I'm a big fan of intermittent fasting," Mayra explains. She typically breaks her fast around noon or 1:00 PM with this breakfast combination. "It just sets me up really well for the day," she says, noting how this timing helps maximize the breakfast's effectiveness.

RELATED: Burn Fat and Build Muscle in 90 Days With These 6 Pro's Hacks

The Science Behind Why This Works

According to Mayra, this breakfast's success lies in its zero-carb foundation. "The bacon has fats that help you stay full and satiated," she explains. "Then with the eggs, it's a perfect balance of fats and protein." This combination prevents the insulin spikes that typically come with carb-heavy breakfasts.

Breaking the Carb Cycle

"When you have carbs first thing in the morning, you're already spiking your insulin and glucose—you're going to crave more carbs," Mayra notes. Her breakfast solution helps break this cycle. "With bacon, zero carbs; egg, zero carbs – you're setting yourself up for success."

RELATED: Coach Reveals 9 Habits That Helped Him Lose 100 Pounds and Kept It Off

The Truth About 'Healthy' Breakfast Foods

Mayra challenges common breakfast choices: "Yogurt's loaded with sugar. Apple's loaded with sugar." While she acknowledges these foods aren't unhealthy, they might sabotage weight loss efforts. "Yes, they're healthy, but when you are trying to lose weight and live a low-carb lifestyle, that is already going to derail you."

Getting Back on Track

"Every single time I have fallen off the wagon, every single time I have gained weight, I do it and it works," Mayra emphasizes about her breakfast strategy. She recommends this approach especially when you're struggling to regain control of your eating habits.

Beyond Just Weight Loss

"I like to keep health in the forefront versus weight loss," Mayra shares. "If you just focus on being a healthier version of yourself, the weight loss will follow." This mindset helps make better food choices without feeling restricted or deprived.

RELATED: Expert Reveals 5 Hidden Ozempic and Wegovy Mistakes to Avoid Now

Starting Your Own Success Story

To implement this breakfast strategy, Mayra recommends:

  • Start with the core three ingredients: eggs, bacon, and tomato
  • Consider pushing your breakfast time later into the day
  • Stay hydrated throughout the morning
  • Focus on consistency rather than perfection.

As Mayra says, "Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the biggest difference." This straightforward breakfast approach might be exactly what you need to start your own weight loss success story. 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.

Losing weight is one thing - keeping it off is another challenge entirely. For YouTube sensationLiezl Jayne Strydom, the secret to maintaining her 40-pound weight loss wasn't about restrictive diets but rather building sustainable breakfast habits. With over 1.2 million subscribers watching her journey, Liezl has mastered the art of creating protein-rich breakfasts that are both satisfying and simple to prepare. Her approach focuses on nutrient-dense, dairy-free, and gluten-free recipes that keep hunger at bay throughout the morning. Here are the five high-protein breakfasts that help her maintain her results, even on the busiest days.


The 15-Minute Spinach Feta Frittata

"It's so quick to make, and it's high protein," says Liezl about her sun-dried tomato, spinach, and feta frittata. The recipe combines two eggs with 40 grams of feta (she uses dairy-free, though she notes in her post that dairy feta offers higher protein content), wilted spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Master the Perfect Frittata Technique

Technique matters for maintaining satisfying results. "I really like the ones that come in the jar in the oil. They're much softer and there's so much more flavor in them," Liezl explains about her sun-dried tomato choice. She recommends a two-step cooking process: first, wilting the spinach quickly, then combining it with the egg mixture. "Sometimes I cover it with a lid towards the end just to get the top cooking," she adds, ensuring the perfect texture every time.

The Protein-Packed Breakfast Burrito

Liezl's favorite morning burrito combines scrambled eggs, black beans, and vegetables for lasting energy. "I've made it quite a few times in the past few weeks, and it's pretty easy," she shares. The key is layering: start with spinach and cilantro, add scrambled eggs, sautéed peppers, and black beans.

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

Perfect Your Burrito Assembly

"I try to keep everything in the middle as I go," Liezl advises for perfect burrito assembly. She emphasizes the importance of proper seasoning: "I like to keep them quite simple, just a little bit of oil, oregano, salt and pepper, sometimes some cayenne pepper." The final touches make all the difference: "You've got to have salsa," she insists, recommending avocado slices for added creaminess and healthy fats.

High-Protein Oatmeal Without Powder

"I'm going to show you how I make this higher protein without using protein powder," Liezl reveals. Her recipe starts with "half a cup of roll oats" and "about one and a half cups of unsweetened soy milk," adjusting the liquid as needed for perfect consistency.

Create the Perfect Oatmeal Sauce

The secret to making healthy oatmeal crave-worthy lies in the toppings. "I'm just making a little topping on the side here. Inspired by Nutella - two tablespoons of almond butter with about a teaspoon of cocoa powder, a teaspoon of maple syrup," Liezl shares. She emphasizes that "a little pinch of salt just brings out the chocolate flavors."

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

The Power Bowl with Sweet Potatoes

"This is a perfect way to use up leftover roasted sweet potatoes," Liezl explains. She shares a pro tip for perfect eggs: "If you put the egg on a spoon and then lower it into the boiling water, it doesn't crack as easily. So I've been doing that lately. It actually really works."

Master Bowl Assembly and Flavoring

The key to a satisfying bowl is in the details. "A little teaspoon or two of olive oil drizzled over everything really just brings all the flavors together," Liezl explains. She recommends adding pickled onion, noting "I love the pink color of this. And it has really good flavor, really goes nicely with everything surprisingly in this bowl."

The 2-Minute Emergency Protein Fix

For hectic mornings, Liezl has perfected her quick-assembly breakfast. "It's pretty healthy, with no refined sugar, and I can just throw something together really instantly," she explains. The base is puffed brown rice - "there's no sugar in it, there are no other ingredients. It's literally just brown rice that's been puffed."

RELATED: Top Nutritionist Says Stop These 7 Diet Mistakes for Fast Results

Customize Your Quick Breakfast

"With about one cup of unsweetened soy milk and two tablespoons of peanut butter, there's almost 20 grams of protein in this," Liezl reveals about her emergency breakfast. For variations, she suggests different fruit combinations: "It's also good with bananas. Bananas are my second favorite thing to have it with."

Make These Recipes Work for You

What makes these recipes particularly effective for weight maintenance is their flexibility and staying power. Liezl emphasizes that these are everyday solutions: "I hope that you enjoyed seeing all the breakfast that I ate this week," she shares, demonstrating that these aren't just special occasion meals but sustainable daily choices that support long-term success.

Each recipe proves that maintaining weight loss doesn't require complicated ingredients or extensive preparation time. By focusing on protein-rich ingredients and simple preparation methods, these breakfast options can help you stay satisfied and on track with your health goals, just as they've helped Liezl maintain her results. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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.

Emily English (@emthenutritionist) is a Kings College London-trained nutritionist and online influencer. She regularly shares videos about delicious, healthy food, including recipes and meal plans, that will help you lose weight and transform your body and your life. In a recent viral video, she gives her followers an up-close-and-personal look at everything she eats in a day to maintain her own fantastic figure. “What I eat in a day as a registered nutritionist,” she starts the video off by saying. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian to weigh in on her eating plan.


Matcha in the Morning

@emthenutritionist

WHAT I EAT IN A DAY AS A NUTRITIONIST I started off with matcha made with almond milk for slow-release caffeine. A tip is to use organic plant milk as calcium actually binds to the good stuff in matcha and prevents its absorption! After my walk I recipe tested my breakfast oat banana bread loaf which I did drop, classic, BUT it survived. It’s essentially porridge in banana bread form made with oat flour paired with yoghurt, almond butter and frozen raspberries. Post workout I had my protein clear lychee whey which is my current OBSESSION. I had so many DMS about this but its basically 21g of protein in the most freshening form. It tastes like a lychee martini and I add an extra scoop of collagen for the glow. On repeat this summer! Lunch was my air fryer sticky salmon bites tossed in soy, honey, sesame seeds, garlic and a little lime juice. I serve it with precooked quinoa, avocado and chilli salt. This was so quick and so filling that I didn’t actually need an afternoon snack. Dinner was lemongrass chicken with a Vietnamese inspired noodle salad filled with fresh carrot and cabbage. But honestly, this dressing guys.. chefs kiss. Will film both of these to get out on the feed this week! Of course, a little ice cream to seal the deal. #wieiad #whatieayinaday #healthymealideas

Emily enjoys the perks of caffeine. However, she doesn’t rely on coffee to get energy. “A morning matcha to start me off with slow release caffeine and antioxidants,” explains Emily. She specifies that she makes it with almond milk.

Banana Bread Made with Oats

Emily_English_emthenutritionist8emthenutritionist/TikTok

“I recipe tested my breakfast oat banana bread loaf,” she says, showing off a delicious looking slice. It is “essentially porridge in banana bread form paired with yogurt, nut butter, and frozen raspberries,” she explains.

Related: Linn Lowes in Workout Gear Shares Booty-Shaping Glute Workout

Pink Protein and Collagen Drink

Emily_English_emthenutritionist6emthenutritionist/TikTok

She also swears by a pink drink. “I then had my protein,” she says, showing a big container of My Protein Clear Whey Isolate,” adding that it has 21 grams of protein and is “so refreshing” and “tastes like a lychee martini. “I had an extra scoop of collagen for the glow, and it's going to be on repeat this summer,” she says, showing a container of My Vitamins Collagen

Sticky Salmon Bit Bowl with Quinoa and Avocado

Emily_English_emthenutritionist5emthenutritionist/TikTok

“Lunch was my air fryer sticky salmon bite bowl with quinoa, avocado, and chili salt,” she says about her mid-day meal. “This was so quick, so filling that I didn't actually need an afternoon snack.”

Lemongrass Chicken with Noodle Salad

Emily_English_emthenutritionist4emthenutritionist/TikTok

For dinner? “I made a lemongrass chicken with Vietnamese inspired noodle salad. This dressing, guys, chef's kiss,” she says.

Ice Cream Bar

Emily_English_emthenutritionist3emthenutritionist/TikTok

She concludes her day of eating with a sweet treat. “I always need something sweet, so I had a little OPPO ice cream stick,” she said about her low-calorie ice cream bar.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Collingwood Weighs In

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

“Sounds like a very well rounded healthy diet!” says Collingwood. “Protein, whole grains, and fruit or veggies at each meal. She includes healthy fats from Salmon, avocado, and nut butter. She ends the day with a low calorie little treat. Bravo!”

💪🔥Body Booster: Swap your morning coffee with matcha. It gives you energy and is packed with antioxidants. Try it with almond milk.

Ashley_DiGiacomo_Schwartz_the_busy_mom_method11
Copyright the.busy.mom.method/Instagram
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.

Are you trying to lose weight in your forties but aren’t sure what to eat? Ashley DiGiacomo Schwartz is a Fitness & Nutrition Body Recomposition Coach-BA/IMBA who transformed her body by making a few changes to her lifestyle, including her diet. In a recent social media post, she revealed the meals she fueled up with at the start of the day to burn body fat. “Here are five high-protein, low-calorie breakfast ideas, each providing around 30 grams of protein. These recipes are designed to support fat loss and muscle maintenance goals while keeping calories in check,” she says.


Egg White Veggie Scramble with Turkey Bacon

Woman hands breaking an egg to separate egg white and yolks and egg shells at the backgroundShutterstock

  • 1 cup egg whites
  • 2 slices of turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 1 tbsp salsa (optional)

Protein: 30g, Calories: ~230.

Greek Yogurt Protein Bowl

Eating delicious natural yogurt at white tiled table, closeupShutterstock

  • 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup mixed berries
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp honey

Protein: 32g, Calories: ~270.

High-Protein Oatmeal

Tasty oatmeal porridge with toppings served on light grey table, flat layShutterstock

  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter powder
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup blueberries

Protein: 30g, Calories: ~320.

Protein Smoothie

Peanut butter banana oat smoothie with paper straws, on a wood board on rustic table, downward viewShutterstock

  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1/4 cup spinach
  • Ice cubes

Protein: 30g. Calories: ~270

Cottage Cheese and Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bowl

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeupShutterstock

  • 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese (112g)
  • 2 turkey sausage links
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 avocado
  • Salt, pepper, hot sauce to taste

Protein: 30g, Calories: ~330 (with avocado).

Why Breakfast Is So Important

Unrecognizable man preparing fried eggs for breakfast. Close up.Shutterstock

In another post, she explains the science behind healthy breakfast meals. “One of the big things I work with clients on is their overall protein intake. When clients first come to me, they’ll often complain of brain fog, fatigue, poor sleep, irregular periods, and more. And one of the first things we look at is caloric and protein intake!” she says.

“Then incorporate a carb; some of my favorites to pair with breakfast are sourdough, berries, and black beans. Making sure you get food fats in through dairy and meat sources is also helpful, or cooking breakfast with grass-fed butter or olive oil also helps.”

RELATED:From Struggling Mom to Fit Influencer: How I Dropped 40 Pounds with These 3 Simple Habits

Not Enough Carbs or Low Fat Can Harm Hormonal Balance

Fit woman holding frying pan with omlette looking at cameraShutterstock

“I like to ensure that clients are getting well-rounded meals of carbs, proteins, and fats throughout their days,” she says. “Often times women have a ‘no carbs’ or ‘low fat’ approach to their lives after YEARS of chronic dieting. But it actually harms our hormonal balance,” she says.

Breakfast Is the Most Important Meal of the Day

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.Shutterstock

“I find that quite often, my clients aren’t eating enough. Undereating is a bi-product of diet culture. And most aren’t able to consume enough protein throughout the day. Breakfast is always one of the first things we work on, as breakfast truly sets the tone for the day.”

Here Is Why

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

“These are some reasons why starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast is so important for overall health,” she says.

  • Protein at breakfast helps keep blood sugar and energy stable.
  • Eating breakfast lowers cortisol.
  • A high-protein breakfast helps regulate your appetite all day long.
  • Protein is essential for many bodily processes.
  • A breakfast of 30-40g of protein helps clients more easily hit their protein goals for the day, which typically consist of around 150 grams.
  • Aim for at least 30-40g of protein at breakfast.

RELATED:Gillian Ferguson in Two-Piece Exercise Gear Reveals 8 Ways to Lose 40 Pounds

These Foods Are High in Protein

Greek yogurt in a wooden bowl on a rustic wooden table. Selective focusShutterstock

“I personally have cottage cheese, yogurt, and collagen in my coffee most mornings to hit my 30-40g,” she says, revealing a few other foods that are high in protein.

  • 1 egg 6g
  • 1 scoop collagen 10g
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese 12g
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt 15g
  • 1 scoop protein powder 25g

And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Paulina Stein, aka Paulina Hefferan paulinastein
Copyright paulinastein/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.

Swimsuit season is almost here: Are you ready? If not, one expert has some suggestions to help you shape up before slipping into your swimsuit. Paulina Stein, aka Paulina Hefferan, is a celebrity trainer and fitness influencer who boasts over 96,300 followers on Instagram. In a new social media post, she unveils her summer prep plan. “If I wanted to drop 10 pounds before summer, here are 10 wellness habits I’d start doing now,” she writes. “Ready to lose 1.5-2 lbs PER WEEK? Try this!”

Take Probiotics

Her first tip? Take probiotics to restore gut health. “Take 3 Reset Pm Gut cleanse nightly! SUPER IMPORTANT to improve stagnant digestion. Also add in daily probiotic in the AM! Also, gut inflammation can slow down weight loss,” she writes.

Eat in a Small Calorie Deficit

Next, she recommends eating in a slight calorie deficit. “Reduce about 200-300 calories per day (I suggest cutting back on fats that are high in calories like nut butters, oils, or starchy carbs like pasta). Cut out carbs and you’ll drop water weight, not fat!” she says.

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Eat Protein

Amp up your protein intake. “Eat protein at every meal! Eat around 4-6 oz,” 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.

Walk

Walking will also help shape you up fast. “Walk 20-30 minutes per day! This speeds up digestion. BONUS if you can get in 10k + steps daily!” she writes. A 2018 study published in 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

She also recommends strength training. “Add 3 weight lifting days in weekly (Lower body, upper body, full body)” 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

Drink Water

Don’t forget to hydrate. “Drink 1 gallon of water daily! SUPER IMPORTANT! Not 1 Stanley or 2. You need 4!” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Sleep

Don’t sleep on sleep. “Try to prioritize 7+ hours of sleep nightly. Lack of sleep can affect hormones and slow down weight loss,” she writes. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Reduce Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories. “Reduce alcohol to 1x per week (stops fat burn!)” she says. Not only are alcoholic drinks high in calories, but when you drink you are more likely to eat unhealthy food and exercise less.

Reduce Salt Intake and Cut Back on Gas-Causing food.

Don’t overlook sodium. “Reduce salt intake (not cut out),” she suggests. Also, cut back on “gas causing food,” she says. “FODMAPS, including seasonings, onions, garlic, broccoli,” she says.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Drink Coffee After Eating

Another surprising suggestion? She says to drink coffee after eating in the morning “to balance cortisol.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point ou

Don’t Go Overboard on the Weekends

Her last tip? Don’t go overboard on the weekends, because they matter. “If you are great during the week and go ravenous on weekend,” she says, noting that it’s all about “balance.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr. Shannon Ritchey dr.shannon.dpt
5 Strength Training Mistakes That Sabotage Your Weight Loss
Copyright dr.shannon.dpt/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.

Many women fear building muscle because they think it will make them look bulky. Instead, they prefer the concept of “toning.” But is there even a difference between the two? Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and personal trainer who helps people build muscle via “Gentle Consistency,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she tackles the question: What’s the difference between building muscle and toning? You might be surprised by the answer.

This Is What Building Muscle Requires

Dr. Ritchey explains that building muscle requires the following. First, “Using challenging enough resistance and taking each set close to failure,” she says. It also involves diet. “Eating enough protein (the RDs we work with recommend .75-1g per pound of body weight per day)” she reveals.

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This Is What Toning Requires

Toning (body recomposition) requires three things. “Using challenging enough resistance and taking each set close to failure,” she says. It also required “eating enough protein (the RDs we work with recommend .75-1g per pound of body weight per day),” she says, and also “nutrition for fat loss,” with her RDs recommending either maintenance calories or a small deficit.

Toning and Muscle Building Workouts Can Be the Same

“The fitness industry has made us believe that a toning workout looks different than one that builds muscle. This implies that light weights/high reps burn or spot-treat fat, which isn’t true,” she says.

RELATED:The Only 4 Exercises You Need for Total-Body Fitness

You Don’t Have to Lift Super Heavy to Build Muscle

“You don’t have to lift super heavy to build muscle. Studies show that sets as high as 30 taken close to failure can build as much muscle as lower rep/higher weight. But if you’re doing much more than 30 reps, it isn’t shown to build much (if any) muscle for most,” she says.

Here Are Tips to Know If You’re Lifting Heavy Enough

In another post, she reveals 4 tips to know if you’re lifting heavy enough. “Getting close to failure matters most for muscle growth. Any rep scheme from about 6-30/set will work. Focus less on reps and more on your proximity to failure in each set. That’s why we don’t count reps and don’t give you a timer. We give the time frame as a reference, but always say to stop the set sooner or take it longer to reach YOUR failure point,” she says.

Tip One: You Shouldn’t Be Able to Do More Than 30 Reps

Her first tip to know if you’re getting close to failure? “You shouldn’t be able to do more than about 30 reps with that weight. If you can, go heavier,” she says.

Tip Two: You Should Need to Take a Break

“After your final rep, set the weight down and break for a few seconds. You weren’t close to failure if you could easily keep going after a short break. This is because approaching failure recruits larger muscle fibers, which require minutes to recover, not seconds. Smaller muscle fibers can recover within seconds,” she says.

RELATED:8 No-Equipment Moves That Build Strength Like Weight Training

Tip Three: Your Last Rep Should Take Longer

Tip three? “Try to perform your last rep quickly (of course with good form!). A decrease in rep speed is one of the most reliable ways to know you’re close to failure. If you can quickly perform the movement, you aren’t close to failure, and you can either do more reps or go heavier,” she says.

Tip Four: You Feel a Spike in Heart Rate in Last Few Reps

“If you feel a spike in heart rate in your last few reps, you’re likely close to failure. Larger muscle fibers require more energy, which can increase heart rate. Some lifts will more drastically increase heart rate than others, so this isn’t the most reliable test, but it can be helpful,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you trying to lose weight and change your body's shape and composition? One expert claims it all comes down to a handful of diet and fitness habits. Stevie Ann Griffin is a fitness trainer and digital creator who shares tips and tricks on how to get into shape. In a new post, she revealed how she added swerve and definition to her curves. “5 Things That Changed My Physique,” she titled the post, revealing what she did.

Progressive Overload

The first thing that helped change her physique was progressive overload. “Real changes happened when I focused on increasing weights, reps, or sets each week. Strength builds over time, and so do results,” she says.

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Nutrition

She also maintains that nutrition is 80% of the work. “You cannot outwork a bad diet. Prioritizing protein, whole foods, and eating in a calorie deficit (if fat loss is the goal) is non-negotiable,” she writes.

Sticking to a Plan

Next, sticking to a plan is key if you want to transform your body. “Random workouts = random results. Following a 4-5 day strength split, progressively overloading, and staying consistent is what changed my body,” she says.

She Stopped Overtraining

She also stopped overtraining. “More isn’t always better. Training 2-3 hours a day left me inflamed and exhausted. Recovery is just as important as the work itself,” she points out.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Cardio & Strength Go Hand in Hand

What is better for transforming your body: Cardio or strength training? Both.“Cardio keeps your heart strong. Strength training builds muscle. You need both—just don’t overcomplicate it,” she says.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Be Consistent

Her final message? “At the end of the day, results come from simple, consistent habits: eat enough protein, strength train, get your steps in, and fuel your body properly. That’s it.”

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

In another post, she reveals that she is also a fan of high intensity interval training. “There are many opinions on HIIT, but ultimately, it’s about what suits your body. For me, HIIT has been crucial for fat loss. Short bursts of intense activity followed by brief recovery periods keep your heart rate up, enhancing fat burning and calorie expenditure in a shorter time compared to other workouts,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.