Skip to content
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@celebwell.com.

I Dropped From a Size 10 to a 4 by Eating These 10 Foods

One woman reveals the foods that help her drop several clothing sizes.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Tammi_Kuthan1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

If you want to lose weight, you need to focus on your diet. But, instead of restricting yourself, one expert recommends adding some healthy, filling foods. Tammi Kuthan is an influencer who helps women achieve fat loss over 40. In a new social media post, she recommends the nine foods she “ate on repeat” that helped her go from a size 10 to a size 4. “These are the foods that I ate over and over and continue to do so to maintain my results,” she writes in the post.


Sweet Potatoes

Freshly harvested organic sweet potatoes spilling from a burlap bag onto a natural weathered wood table.Shutterstock

Sweet potatoes, “a complex carb that provides sustained energy,” are first on her list. “They’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals. They provide around 6 grams of fiber per medium-sized sweet potato. Enjoy them baked, mashed, or roasted.”

Greek Yogurt

Greek,Yogurt,I,Bowl,Spoons,food,dairy,dietShutterstock

Greek yogurt is number two. “1.33 servings has 20g of protein for 145 calories,” she says. “I love to enjoy this high protein powerhouse by mixing it with muddled-up berries and 1 tsp of honey and topping it with Alyssa’s oat bites. Pair it with 3 Jones chicken sausages for 10 more grams of protein!”

Berries

Ripened blackberry in the palmShutterstock

She also recommends berries. “Besides the fact that fruit is nature’s dessert, berries have tons of fiber! 1 cup of raspberries/blackberries contain 8g of fiber!” she says. “I add them to yogurt bowls, pair them with my egg scrambles, or eat as dessert after my dinner meal.”

RELATED:10 Must-Know Truths About "Nature’s Ozempic" for "Losing Weight Fast”

Lesser Evil Popcorn

Popcorn with remote control on white table.Shutterstock

For a snack, she enjoys Lesser Evil Popcorn. “3 cups of this salty snack has 4g of fiber and just 120 calories,” she says.

Ground Beef

Raw minced beef uncooked meat over boardShutterstock

She also recommends ground beef (93/7). “I love to season mine with spicy taco seasoning and eat it over brown rice with a little Greek yogurt and salsa for a quick lunch. 1 serving contains 20g of protein. I increase the serving size to 1.33 to yield 30g protein,” she says.

Cottage Cheese

Close-up of a bowl of cottage cheese in the hands of a Caucasian woman. Focus on a bowl of cottage cheese.Shutterstock

Cottage cheese is another protein-packed snack. “I toss a 1/2 serving into egg scrambles for an additional 7g protein, add it to pasta sauce for a creamier sauce, or enjoy it as a snack with blueberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 1 full serving pack in 14g of protein!” she says.

RELATED:Emily Ogan in 2 in 2-Piece Workout Gear Reveals “How to Lose 10 Pounds by Thanksgiving”

Lentils

Lentils,In,A,Bowl,On,A,Wooden,Table.,Red,LentilsShutterstock

Want a high-fiber food? Lentils, “tiny legumes are packed with 8g protein and 5g fiber per cooked cup,” she says. “They’re incredibly filling and a great plant-based protein option. Add them to soups or salads.”

Oats

Rolled,Oats,,Healthy,Breakfast,Cereal,Oat,Flakes,In,Bowl,food, oatmealShutterstock

Oats are “packed with 5g of fiber, and they keep me FULL,” she says. “Especially when paired with berries and chicken sausages. This is one of the best carbs to lean into for weight loss!”

RELATED:8 Natural Ways to Lower Stress Levels Now

Shrimp

Frozen, boiled shrimp. Texture King prawns background. Seafood on the counter. Fish market. Close-up shot of seafood. Photo of shrimp in a supermarket. Wholesale of seafood. High quality photoShutterstock

Another protein she recommends is shrimp. “Enjoy a massive serving of this delicious seafood with just 6 ounces, providing an impressive 44g of protein, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Season them up, spray with a little avocado oil, and air-fryer at 400F for 5-6 minutes,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

More For You

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.

Katie Dunlop, a fitness influencer and certified personal trainer, transformed her body and her life by shedding 45 pounds and getting rid of stubborn stomach fat. In a recent YouTube video, Katie shared the key dietary changes that helped her reach her goals. She revealed that her weight loss success wasn’t just about exercise; it involved being more mindful of her food choices and cutting out certain items that were sneaking extra calories and sugar into her daily routine.


Through consistency, dedication, and small, sustainable changes, Katie not only achieved her weight loss goals but also became an inspiration to thousands of others. By cutting out these six specific foods, which she once thought were healthy or harmless, Katie finally saw the results she wanted. Here's a look at the six foods she eliminated and how these small shifts made a big difference.

I Ditched Sugary Coffee Creamers

"I was a huge international delight girl, and this is not just to hate on this brand; it's just that it was my brand. I did international delight, French vanilla coffee creamer in my coffee every day," she says in the video. "So that was an excess of 20 to 25 grams of sugar first thing in the morning before 7:00 AM. I'm like, let's just get a little cup of sugar in here, and 24 grams of sugar is the daily recommended amount of added sugar."

I Cut Out Fiber and Protein Bars

"So I used to eat fiber bars or protein bars every single day. I would use them as meal replacements, thinking that they were healthy, but that wasn't the case," she says in the video.

"The problem with most of these bars is they have so many unnecessary added ingredients. So ideally, I try to keep my bars to 10 grams of protein or more, six grams of sugar or less, and it's hard to find any bars that have that, that also don't have just a bunch of chemicals in the ingredient list or fake sugars and stuff."

I Stopped My Nightly Frozen Yogurt Habit

"In college, we had a yogurt land down the street from us, and this is when frozen yogurt was it. And so we went a couple of times, and then we just kept going and kept going. We ended up going almost every single night we could walk to it," she says in the video.

"Well, in a small, like a cup serving of most of those frozen yogurts, they have 25 grams of sugar. And then on top of it, I felt like it was a gateway drug. I don't know how to describe it. Then you're like, oh, a little gram cracker, a little granola, that's healthy. Oh, a little coconut spread. You just start adding and adding, and all of a sudden, you have 500 extra calories a day that I didn't need."

I Gave Up the Special K Diet

"Does anyone remember the Special K diet? Anyone? Am I dating myself? Okay, so you know the Special K cereal, the brand cereal, they've removed all of this from their website. I went digging, I could find nothing. It was a real thing though," she says in the video.

"It was basically the idea that you were to swap two meals a day with Special K cereal, and they claim that you could lose six pounds and a pant size in two weeks."

RELATED:I Lost 70 Pounds and Beat Binge Eating With These 6 Steps

I Stopped Snacking on Veggie Chips

"I was duped into thinking that veggie chips were so much healthier than potato chips or the hint of lime toss. I was obsessed with it. They were veggies, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. It took me so long to realize that they were not at all healthier," she says in the video.

"The whole process that they have to go through in order to make them into chips basically just takes most of the nutrients out of them. And you are left with just a vegetable-colored shaped potato chip."

I Stopped Eating After 9 PM

"I had to stop eating after 9:00 PM, and let's just say there's not a magical time. So don't think, oh my gosh, 9:00 PM said I stopped eating at seven. This is not a problem for me. It may still be 9:00 PM, which was my time," she says in the video.

"The reason why I had to give myself a time at night to stop eating was because I would just keep going. Those cravings would hit me mentally or physically, and I didn't really know how to control them. The bottom line was I wasn't making healthy choices after 9:00 PM."

RELATED:Top 10 Leafy Greens to Burn Fat You Should Eat Every Day

The Power of Small Changes

"When I did that, those hundreds of excess calories were cut from my diet when I cut out the creamers with all the sugars and fake stuff. When I stopped eating all these fiber bars and cereals and all these little things that I thought were healthy, I actually started getting results," she says in the video.

"Yes, I was moving my body, but I wasn't doing anything crazy. You guys know I started 10 minutes a day and I moved up to, I do 30 to 45 minutes a day now. But it's those little tiny things that add up."

By making these changes and being mindful of her food choices, Katie was able to lose 45 pounds and transform her body. Her story highlights the importance of identifying and eliminating hidden sources of excess calories and sugar in our diets. And if you enjoyed this, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose weight fast and keep it off? Dropping 10 pounds in the next few months is easier than you think. All it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes – and learning from other weight loss warriors who came before you is always a great idea. Here are 20 ways 12 people who lost over 10 pounds in 4 months achieved their weight loss goals.


Gen Cohen Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months by Maintaining a Caloric Deficit

In a recent Instagram post, Gen Cohen, CNC, shared how she lost 10lbs in the first two months of her health journey. “What I would do is eat in a modest caloric deficit, which if you're a woman watching this video means you'll probably be eating an average of 1500 to 2000 calories per day in order to lose weight,” she says.

She Also Used an App

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

Apps also helped Cohen achieve her weight loss goals. “I would download an app like MyFitnessPal and preplan my meals the day before to make sure I was able to hit my calories and my protein goal while still enjoying my social life,” she continued.

And, She Drank A LOT of Water

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water. Smiling caucasian female model holding transparent glass in her hand. Closeup. Focus on the armShutterstock

Another helpful habit in her weight loss was investing in a big water bottle. “I would drink 16 ounces of water before getting out of bed in the morning, which helps regulate your cortisol and stress levels throughout the day,” she says. “And I would also drink 16 ounces of water before each meal. This will help you feel full quicker while you're still learning proper portion control.”

Blake Sanburg Lost 23 Pounds in 2 Months by Hitting the Gym

@thenutritionnarc

10 weight loss tips

Blake Sanburg (@thenutritionnarc) is a diet and fitness influencer with over 415,900 TikTok followers who lost 23 pounds in two months. His number one tip to lose weight? “Start going to the gym,” Blake suggests. “Do weightlifting and cardio. This will help not only burn calories, but it'll also increase your muscle mass, which will make you seem less fat.”

He Also Avoided “Liquid Calories”

Barman prepares exotic cocktails at the night clubShutterstock

“Number two, avoid liquid calories such as sugary drinks, alcohol, soda, and stuff like that instead of diet soda,” Blake continued. “These are scientifically proven to be the easiest calories to cut out.”

He Amped Up His Protein Intake

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

Blake also amped up his protein intake. “The general rule of thumb is one gram of protein per pound of body weight. So if your goal weight is 150 pounds, try to eat 150 grams of protein.”

RELATED:Wegovy vs Ozempic: Pros and Cons for Weight Loss Treatment

He Took Progress Pictures

Portrait of proud bodybuilder boasting his arm muscles taking selfie in gym mirror flexing biceps after working outShutterstock

And, for accountability purposes, “take progress pictures,” he said. “It is very tough to see changes when you're looking at yourself every single day. So go back and look at the first day.”

Cam Jones Lost 10 Pounds in 50 Days by Rigorously Tracking His Eating Habits

Cam Jones, one half of the brother influencer duo who make up Goal Guys, a YouTube account providing “different goals in fitness and productivity,” revealed in a viral video how he lost 10 pounds in 50 days.

“I genuinely do not understand how I've put on so much weight. I eat pretty healthy. I exercise two to three times a week, so what am I doing wrong?” he says in the video, setting a goal of losing 10 pounds of body fat in 50 days. Cam starts with a goal of “paying careful attention” to nutrition.

“The first thing I'm aiming for a daily calorie goal of just 1900 calories, and as crazy as it is to say I actually think my current diet is pretty healthy, so I'm also going to track every food I eat for the next 50 days to figure out where I've been going wrong,” he says

He Also Cut Snacks

Unsweetened,Baking,Block,Chocolate,,Cocoa,Powder,And,Cocoa,Beans,Shutterstock

Cam points out that the little snacks you eat in the day add up. Just three squares of dark chocolate, half a bag of popcorn in one glass of wine total 660 calories. “I was severely underestimating how many calories were in those snacks because I was having those four times a week,” he says, pointing out “that's an extra 2,400 calories per week. That's more than I'm going to eat today. So no wonder I was putting on weight even though I was exercising.”

Melissa Lattari Lost 15 Pounds in a Month by Reducing Sodium Intake

@melissa.lattari

Replying to @A how to lose 10lbs of water #fyp #wateretention #howtofixbloating #weightloss #weightlosshack #viral

Melissa Lattari (@melissa.lattari) dropped 15 pounds in a month, explaining in a viral video how she did it. “Losing 10 to 15 pounds of water weight is easier than you think it is,” she says in the clip. Melissa maintains that dropping the weight is simple. “The easiest way to lose water weight, okay, listen up, is by switching up your diet,” she maintains. “Water retention happens when we're consuming too much sodium in our diet,” she continues. “Therefore, if you're eating a lot of overly processed foods such as pizza, frozen foods, prepackaged foods or going out and eating at a restaurant where they usually cook most foods with vegetable oils, your body is going to obtain more water.”

Sydney St-Aubin Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months by Increasing Her Steps Every Day

@sydneystaubin

19 lbs down since january and still going 👏🏻 here’s what i’ve been doing and what i plan to continue to do to reach my goal by hopefully september 🤍 #weightloss #caloricdeficit #athomeworkouts #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogram

Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months. One of her main recommendations? Not only should you “get your steps in,” but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for?

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.

Jenna Evelyn Lost 20 Pounds in Three Months by Meal Prepping

@jennaevelynnn

How I lost 15-20 pounds after my freshman year of college. 10k steps a day, low-cal, high protein meals, and strength training + pilates! #weightloss #freshman15 #howilostweight #weightransformation #healthylifestyle #mealprep #pilates

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one viral TikTok video, she reveals that meal prepping and using high-quality ingredients were crucial to her weight loss. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high-protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning.

Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Isis Kellier Lost 15 Pounds in 6 Weeks by Intermittent Fasting

Isis Kellier revealed in one TikTok video that she dropped an average of 2.5 pounds a week and 15 pounds in 6 weeks by intermittent fasting, or “OMAD,” she reveals, which stands for “one meal a day. “The Lightly intermittent fasting app helps to keep everything on track,” she added.

In another video, she details what she eats in a day, starting at 2:00 pm with two glasses of green juice followed by a bowl of fruit. For her main meal of the day, “dinner,” she eats at 4:00 pm and enjoys spicy vodka pasta with a grilled chicken breast on top. At 5:30 pm, she drinks two Premiere Protein shakes.

Nour T Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months by Eating Less

@nourrtann

the best weight loss hack, have you heard of it before? #volumeeatinghack #volumeating #volumeeatinghacks #weightlosshacks #sustainableweightlosstips #sustainableweightlosstip #realisticweightlossmeals

Nour T (@nourrtann/) lost a whopping 40 pounds in just five months with one simple habit. In one of her viral videos, she reveals that no matter what diet you want to go on, simply eating less will result in weight loss. “One thing I will say: Keto, paleo, Atkins, high protein, low fat, low carb, whatever it is, they all work. They all work because you're probably eating less,” she continues. “And also, please remember that eating healthy and eating to lose weight are completely different things.”

She Also Started Volume Eating

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

“In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” Nour continues. “You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low-calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. Another example? “Instead of having a whole serving of pasta, you would split it in half and then have zoodles,” she adds, explaining that you would mix in your cauliflower rice with your rice or zucchini noodles with your noodles. “You're eating the same exact amount as you would've, but the calories you're cut in half, and you're allowing yourself to eat much more vegetables, which are good for you,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds Doing the 75 Hard Method

Briana Farnsworth Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months by Interval Training on a Treadmill

@brianafarnsworthx

Replying to @$ I like to implement other workouts everyone now and then but I swear by walks!! #walkingroutine #hotgirlwalks #slimlegs #slimarms #weightloss #modelworkout #modelroutine #modelarms

Briana Farnsworth (@brianafarnsworthx) lost a whopping 30 pounds in three months just by walking. “People literally don't believe me when I tell them that I changed my body from this to this just by walking alone,” she says in the clip. Her key to losing weight with walking is doing interval training on an incline. “So my treadmill has this option here, it's called Fat Burner, and I love this one. It alternates between the incline of 1.5 to 4.5, and then I usually keep my speed between 3 and 4,” she explains, adding that if you don’t have that option, you can manually change the incline and speed accordingly.

Blake Also Amped Up His Fiber Intake

Healthy natural ingredients containing dietary fiber. Healthy high fiber diet eating concept with antioxidants and vitaminsShutterstock

Blake (@thenutritionnarc) offers another weight loss tip that helped him get in shape, “eat more fiber,” he says. This is probably one of the most underrated macronutrients. It's not a macronutrient, but it is one of the most underrated things you can eat. It will not only keep you full, it'll improve your gut microbiome health, and it'll also keep you regular,” he explains.

Keisha Lost 40 Pounds in One Month by Filling Up on Healthy Fats

@kickweightwithkeisha

#grocerylist #kickweightwithkeisha @Kick Weight With Keisha

Keisha (@kickweightwithkeisha) is a diet and fitness influencer who lost 40 pounds in just one month. She claims that amping up her intake of healthy fats was instrumental in her weight loss. “Fats are going to consist of things like avocados, olive oil, avocado oil, butter, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and cheese,” she says.

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

And, by Cutting Out Added Sugar

Coffee blended with ghee butter and MCT coconut oil, paleo, keto, ketogenic drink breakfast.Shutterstock

“Now, the only thing that I drank, water, tea, and coffee,” she continued. However she avoided buying calorie-heavy sweeteners. “Okay, if you're going to do sugar for your tea and your coffee, you want to do a natural sugar substitute, which are things like Stevia, monk, fruit, Truvia,” she says.

Amber Clemens Lost 160 Pounds by Eating Fast Food

@amber_c_fitness

Something I still struggle with after losing 160 pounds ❤️ #weightloss #weightlossstruggle #growingupfat #beforeandafter #fatphobia #thinprivilege

Amber Clemens (@amber_c_fitness) is a weight loss warrior and influencer on TikTok who lost a whopping 160 pounds while still eating fast food. In a viral video, she describes her before meal at Wendy’s: A Four for Four meal with a Junior cheeseburger, four piece chicken nugget, a small fry, “and I would actually order an additional six piece nugget because I wanted 10 and I would get a large root beer and that one meal would be 1,450 calories,” she says, noting “that's not including any dipping sauces that I would get to dip this stuff in, but I couldn't find the nutrition information for that.”

Now, she chooses from two lower calorie alternatives, the apple pecan salad “because it's so filling,” she says. “You get a high volume of food for about 550 calories.” Her other option is a six piece nugget and a small fry paired with a medium light lemonade. “And you can get that meal for 545 calories,” she says. “It's not about cutting things out, it's about finding things that you like equally as much, making swaps in moderation,” she points out. Read about more of her swaps here.

Ilana_Muhlstein2
Ilana Muhlstein
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

As a registered dietitian who lost a hundred pounds and kept it off, I know the struggle of weight loss all too well. It started at a young age, with summers spent at weight loss camps and school years marked by yo-yo dieting. This cycle continued for years, leading me to a point where I was 215 pounds at just five feet two inches tall.


The constant battle with weight took a toll not only on my body but also on my self-esteem. But it was this very struggle that ignited my passion for nutrition and set me on a path to discover a sustainable way to lose weight. Now, as a Registered Dietitian with a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, my ideas have worked for literally thousands of people, through my work as a nutritionist and best-selling author of You Can Drop It!, the book based on my successful 2B Mindset program.

Now, I’ve encapsulated those principles into my new cookbook, Love The Food That Loves You Back, featuring 100 recipes that serve up big portions and super nutritious food. Here's a sneak peek about how the foods can work for you—and a mouth-watering dessert-for-breakfast recipe at the end.

1. You Don’t Have to Give Up Great Taste to Lose Weight

,pan,pot,stove,kitchen,Cooking,Lunch,Preparing,Shutterstock

Love The Food That Loves You Back is filled with recipes that are not just healthy but delicious and satisfying. They reflect my journey and philosophy: you don't have to give up great taste to lose weight. In fact, I believe in eating high-volume, low-calorie foods that allow you to enjoy hearty portions without the guilt. These are the recipes that helped me transition from a lifestyle of takeout and fast food to one where I could still enjoy eating and see progress on the scale. In the cookbook, you'll find an array of recipes that cater to all meals of the day, for all members of your family. These recipes are the embodiment of my weight loss journey and my professional knowledge as a dietitian. They are designed to help you lose weight without feeling like you're on a diet.

Related: 12 Best Foods For Women to Build Muscle

2. How to Eat Food and Lose Weight

love_the_food_that_loves_you_back_book_coverPhoto: Gabriel Mendoza Weiss / Design: Elina Diaz

Losing 100 pounds was just the start of my journey. The real success has been in maintaining that weight loss and helping others do the same. Through my cookbook and the 2B Mindset program, I want to share the joy of eating well and living healthily. I believe that everyone deserves to love the food they eat and to love the way they feel. Here are the cornerstones of Love The Food That Loves You Back in a nutshell:

1. Embrace Healthy Foods and Transform Your Relationship with Food: You can shift from using food as a coping mechanism for emotional distress to celebrating it through healthy, delicious recipes.

2. Eat Smart, Not Less: I advocate for choosing nutrient-rich foods over merely reducing food quantity.

3. Prioritize Vegetables and Proteins: I emphasize the importance of incorporating more vegetables and proteins, often overlooked in the typical American diet.

4. Break Food Myths: Let's debunk the myth that tasty food is unhealthy and show how nutritious food can also be delicious.

5. Recognize the Holistic Impact of Food: Let's acknowledge the profound influence of food on overall health, including gene expression, microbiome, and brain chemistry.

6. Encourage Creative and Mindful Cooking: I hope to inspire creativity in the kitchen and promote mindful consumption with tools and methods for balanced serving sizes. I believe in offering a range of serving size suggestions to cater to different body types and needs.

7. Encourage a Responsive Eating Approach: Unlike other restrictive "diet" cookbooks, I recommend eating more if still hungry, focusing on vegetables and proteins, and introduce the “More? Sure!” Model for smart filling up.

As you can see, the goal of Love The Food That Loves You Back is to help you enjoy your favorite foods and flavors while improving your eating habits and mindset. It’s about learning to crave nutritious foods, not just tolerate them. I want to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen with recipes that taste like comfort food and make you feel amazing. Remember, this is not a weight loss book, but a journey to love the foods that genuinely love your body back.

3. These Meals Were the Cornerstone of My Weight Loss Journey

Ilana_Muhlstein1Ilana Muhlstein

I'm thrilled to share with you the very meals that have been a cornerstone of my weight loss journey. The cookbook kicks off with breakfast – it's not just the first meal of the day; it's a celebration of a fresh start. I've packed in recipes like Chocolate Cream Rolls, Protein Oats, and a game-changing Tempeh BLT. Or try Seasonal Breakfast Boats, featuring the exotic tastes of papaya and sweet potato. Make them a morning ritual that'll have you feeling full, reducing those 11 am cravings.

But wait, there's more! You'll discover a world where veggies become your new best friends. I'm talking about dishes like Thai Peanut Hearts of Palm Spaghetti and Eggplant Sesame Noodles – meals that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about plant-based eating. And for my fellow crunch enthusiasts, the Roasted Wonders section is a treasure trove. You’ll make Eggplant Parm Fries and Air Fried Mini Bell Peppers. This isn't just about eating well; it's about loving every bite along your journey to health and happiness.

Related: 14 Ways to Get Back in Shape

4. Here’s One of My Favorite Recipes From the Book

CHOCOLATE_CREAM_ROLLSCorinne Quesnel / Love The Food That Loves You Back

CHOCOLATE CREAM ROLLS

Who wouldn't want "cake" for breakfast???

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 bananas

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2 percent) or dairy-free “Greek style” yogurt

1 tbsp. cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp. honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit (or use stevia drops to taste)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet or rectangle cooking dish with parchment paper and spray with oil.
  2. Blend bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract in a blender. Pour batter on to the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. In the meantime, whip the yogurt with the cocoa powder, salt, and sweetener of choice in a bowl and set aside.
  4. Allow the sheet pan banana “cake” to cool. When cooled, spread the yogurt topping evenly over the sheet pan. Slice lengthwise down the center and roll. Serve along with berries and enjoy.

Note: Stores well covered in the refrigerator, so you can prep the recipe in advance and enjoy the second serving on the next day.

Love The Food That Loves You Backis available now on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Ilana Muhlstein, creator of the 2B Mindset and author of You Can Drop It!, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Registered Dietitian License, and a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her expertise lies in nutrition and weight management, particularly in pediatric obesity, metabolic syndrome, healthy eating, and lifestyle choices. She also specializes in nutrition education and counseling.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose 44 pounds in three months? It may be as simple as incorporating some healthy habits into your lifestyle. Talia Fawaz is a social media influencer who boasts over 147,000 followers on Instagram, sharing about everything from her lifestyle to how she stays in shape. She recently posted a viral video about her weight loss, revealing how she lost an average of nearly 15 pounds per month. Here are ten changes she made to her lifestyle to lose weight.


I Focused on Changing My Diet

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“First things first is food,” Talia says in the video. “I feel like food is actually super obvious.” She explains that if you don’t eat well and expect to lose weight, “it's not gonna happen.” She adds that she started losing weight by eating healthier.

It’s also “really important to know what you're eating, so I would definitely recommend eating at home and cutting out the outside food,” she says. “I wouldn't say cut it out completely, eat like once in a week, something you like from out, but most importantly is like eating at home because I feel like you really know what's in your food and I feel like, it's like a less likely chance that there are some ingredients there that you don't know that could be like stopping you from your weight loss goals.”

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

I Implemented Volume Eating

Green,Fresh,Vegetable,Broccoli.,Fresh,Green,BroccoliShutterstock

Another one of her tricks? “I did a lot of volume eating,” says Talia. “I ate a lot of broccoli,” she continued. “I had a lot of salads, I had a lot of spinach, I had a lot of lettuce, cauliflower, and so many vegetables that will actually keep me full for a long time.”

I Amped Up My Protein Intake

Grilled sea bass fillet with salad and potatoes on stone tableShutterstock

She also amped up protein, consuming it “with each and every dish of mine,” she says. “Sea bass fish, broccoli, and a salad would be like my lunch. Like that was a truly a daily thing, and I actually enjoyed it so much.” She recommends pairing a protein with “just volume, volume fruits if that makes sense.”

RELATED: How I Lost 30 Pounds in 90 Days on the Mediterranean Diet

I Practiced Self-Discipline

Young sportive woman getting ready to start running workout - Athlete running outdoors at sunset - Attractive girl making sport to lose weight and stay fitShutterstock

“Commitment and self-discipline” are also key, she says. “A lot of people ask me, ‘How are you motivated?’” she says. “Like it's literally a war in your head.” But instead of saying that you will start tomorrow, you have to be unwilling to give up.

I Maintained a Positive Mindset

Portrait of positive inspired girl hipster lick lips spoon look copyspace feel interested about what she will eat breakfast wear white t-shirt isolated over bright shine yellow color backgroundShutterstock

You also need a “positive mindset” towards weight loss. This might involve not listening to your head, or if you do, and decide you want McDonald’s, get back on track the next day without beating yourself up.

I Had a Balanced Approach

Female leg is stepping on white scales at homeShutterstock

It’s also important to have “a balance,” says Talia. ”So it would be more like a lifestyle thing rather than a diet for a short period of time.” You can't have the mindset where you diet for a month and then eat whatever you want. “You have to make it like a lifestyle change.”

I Exercised

Attractive sports people are working out with dumbbells in gymShutterstock

She also started working out. “I did not have access to a gym like when I was trying to lose weight. So I would literally jog around my compound, jog around my area for about an hour or 30 minutes, and it was actually really fun. It wasn't like sprinting or jogging; it was usually like light jogging,” she revealed. She recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day to “slowly progress towards your goals.”

RELATED: 17 Ways Your Body Reacts When You Quit Ozempic

I Made It a Lifestyle Change

fitness, sport, people, exercising and lifestyle concept - happy man and woman doing jumping jack or star jump exercise outdoorsShutterstock

She emphasizes the importance of making it “more of a lifestyle change” and not being overly restrictive. “Just don't, don't restrict yourself and make it more of a lifestyle thing than a temporary thing because that's the only way it's gonna work.”

Finally, “Make this a fun journey,” she says. “You know, I feel like cooking is so therapeutic, so make it fun. If you want a cake, make it a healthy cake. If you want pizza, make it healthy pizza. All the recipes are all online.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Eat plenty of low-calorie, high-volume foods like broccoli, salads, spinach, lettuce, and cauliflower to feel full for longer. These vegetables are great for weight loss as they keep you satisfied without adding many calories to your diet.

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.

Losing weight doesn't have to mean giving up everything you love. Just ask Ana, who goes by @thecertifiedhypegirl on TikTok. She's a weight loss coach who shed almost 100 pounds in a year without sacrificing her favorite foods or lifestyle. Now, she's sharing her secrets with the world.


Ana's journey wasn't about crash diets or extreme workouts. Instead, she found simple, doable ways to change her habits and relationship with food. Her approach is all about making small changes that add up to big results over time.

"I finally lost all the weight because I stuck with something. I found something that I could do that made sense in my life," Ana says in one of her videos. So, are you ready to transform your body and life without giving up the things you love? Let's dive into Ana's weight loss secrets and learn how you can put them into action today.

I Drank a Ton of Water

Young woman jogger resting drinking waterShutterstock

"The first thing I want you to do is drink a … ton of water," Ana says in the video. "Now, I'm not just talking a glass. I'm talking a lot of water, like so much water that you're peeing all day long. Use your bathroom in the morning, get on the scale, and see how much you weigh. Drink half of that in ounces of water. A lot of water."

I Ate What I Love (But Mostly Veggies)

@thecertifiedhypegirl

What are you waiting for?!!!   Get your butt into my bio, click the link, and sign up to get the Black Friday deal of the century!    The last weight loss program you’re ever going to need to buy!     I developed my Weight Loss Mindset Makeover program to help you enjoy the process of losing weight while LOVING your body at every stage!     I’m giving a HUGE discount this Friday and some awesome freebies to help you get started!!!     And if my before and after doesn’t convince you, just wait and see when I do it all over again after Baby #2 arrives in June!     Don’t wait though: this deal will not be available then!!!!     Come join The Certified Hype Crew and build the life of your dreams in the body you’ve always wanted!!!     Who wants to be a Hype Girl?!?! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Drop a 🎉🎉🎉 if you want this for YOU!    #weightloss #howtoloseweight #weightlosstips #weightlosstipsandtricks #motivation #weightlossmotivation #inspiration #weightlossinspo #weightlosscommunity #postpartumweightloss #healthyweightloss #naturalweightloss #postpartum #postpartumbody #postpartumjourney #csectionrecovery #csection #motherhood #mindset #weightlossmindset #nutrition #weightlosscoach #weightlossmentor

Ana emphasizes the importance of eating foods you enjoy but with a focus on vegetables. "You need to eat a lot of foods of what you love that are essentially really low in calories," she says. "Get out that recipe book, get onto Google, and do whatever you need to do to find recipes for vegetables that you love. The more vegetables, the more water, the more weight loss."

I Tracked What I Ate

Athlete using mobile phone app fitness tracker for tracking weight loss progress during running exercise. Fit girl woman touching smartphone texting or playing online games or video workouts.Shutterstock

"Along with the water and along with the vegetables, you need to track what is going into your body so that your mind can be aware of what your body is consuming," Ana advises. "Start writing that … down because it's not enough to say, oh, well, I'll remember what I had. No, you won't."

I Weighed Myself Daily

Female standing on the weight scale in the white bathroom floor with green curtain in backgroundShutterstock

"You're going to wanna weigh yourself every single morning," Ana says. "You wanna see what happened yesterday? You want to see if it worked or if it didn't. And make tweaks as the days go on."

I Built Small, Sustainable Habits

In another video, Ana emphasizes the importance of consistency and building small habits. "I finally lost all the weight because I stuck with something. I found something that I could do that made sense in my life," she says. "You have to choose one thing every single week that you're gonna commit to and do it over and over and over again."

I Focused on Nutrition, Not Just Exercise

"Working out should be extra. It is what accelerates the process, but it's not what actually gets you the results," Ana explains. "It's really in your food. What I would suggest is start small with your food, start by tweaking things in the kitchen so that you can enjoy the foods that you're eating, but also see the results that you want."

RELATED: I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods

I Got Creative with Low-Carb Meals

Green and red peppersShutterstock

Ana shares one of her favorite low-carb lunch recipes in a video. "I'm currently on a mission to get rid of some baby weight. I'm also looking for the best recipes to have for lunch that don't involve making a sandwich with bread, but rather with bell peppers," she says.

I Drank Water Before Meals

Glasses,Of,Water,On,A,Wooden,Table.,Selective,Focus.,ShallowShutterstock

"Before every single meal I want you to have a glass of water, 16 ounces before every single meal," Ana advises. "The reason why is because water will actually fill you up and have you eating less essentially when you're having your meals."

I Stopped Eating 4 Hours Before Bed

Ana recommends, "Stop eating at least four hours before you go to sleep. If you go to bed at 10 pm, you wanna be finished your meal at 6. This is one of the biggest reasons I see such a drop because I actually love my body, have time to digest before I go to sleep and chill for the night."

RELATED:Top 10-Minute Exercises That Will Tone Your Sagging Arms

I Gave Myself Time

"You need to give yourself a year," Ana says. "I know that sounds like a long time, but you need to give yourself time, right? Like it took you all this time to put on this weight, it is not going to disappear overnight."

I Started My Day with Water

Water dispenser from dispenser of home fridge, Woman is filling a glass with water from the refrigerator.Shutterstock

"Every single morning when I woke up, I had 32 ounces of water," Ana shares. "I worked up to it. I didn't just all of a sudden started drinking 32 ounces of water. I worked up to it."

I Changed My Mindset About Weekends

"When I started to change my brain around what the weekend meant for me and just looked at it as an extension to my week, that's what really helped," Ana explains. "I stopped thinking about Friday as the day where I was good all week and then just enjoy whatever I wanted on the weekend."

I Managed Late-Night Cravings

Young woman looking into the fridge, feeling hungry at nightShutterstock

To combat late-night snacking, Ana developed a strategy. "Every time I would sit down at night, I would have my water next to me," she says. "When that craving started to creep in, I would tell myself: if you really want it, you can have it tomorrow."

RELATED:10 High-Protein Hacks That Melt Fat Fast Without Feeling Hungry

I Replaced Scrolling with Productive Habits

"Anytime I caught myself scrolling on my phone, I would stop and go do something that would contribute to my goal," Ana shares. "I went from 235 pounds to 147 pounds, and each action brought me closer and closer to my goal." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Helen Laverick helen_laverick_pt_
Copyright helen_laverick_pt_/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 making mistakes that are preventing weight loss progress? Helen Laverick is an online coach who helps her clients achieve their best bodies without “cutting out the food you love.” In a new social media post, she reveals some fat-burning faux pas she made in the past. “I would never repeat these 5 mistakes if my goal was to lose body fat and tone up,” she writes in the post.

She Wasted Time and Energy on Mistakes

I’ve been there...wasting time and energy on mistakes that only set me back on my fat loss journey,” she writes. Today, I’m done repeating those errors, and I’m determined never to make them again.

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

Here Is What She Has Learned

“I know some of you are still caught up in the same traps, so let’s break down what I’ve learned and make real progress together,” she continued. “I would NEVER repeat these 5 mistakes again if I want to lose body fat. I’ve learned the hard way, and here’s what I’m leaving behind.”

Cutting Calories Too Low

The first mistake is cutting calories too low. “I used to think dropping below 1,200–1,500 kcals was the key to fat loss and toning. Jumping straight into a deep cut isn’t sustainable and only sabotages your progress,” she said.

Relying on Cardio as a Magic Fix

Another mistake? Relying on cardio as a magic fix. “I thought endless cardio was the answer to fast results. The truth is, while cardio has its place, it’s the weights that truly transform your body. Resistance training builds lean muscle and revs up your metabolism,” she writes.

Eliminating Entire Food Groups:

Next, she doesn’t recommend eliminating entire food groups. “Labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and cutting out entire food groups led me straight to bingeing. Balance and moderation are the real keys to lasting change gal,” she says.

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

Training 7 Days a Week

Training every single day is a mistake not to make. “Overtraining isn’t a badge of honor. Rest and recovery are just as important as the workout itself. Your body needs time to rebuild and grow stronger!” she writes.

Treating Carbs as the Enemy

The final mistake? Training every day. “I used to avoid carbs like they were the devil. Now I know that if I want to get toned, I need them as fuel. Carbs are essential for energy and should be part of a balanced diet!” she says.

She Has “Reshaped” Her Approach to Fitness and Nutrition

Her bottom line message? “These lessons have reshaped my approach to fitness and nutrition. Progress isn’t about quick fixes gals it’s about sustainable, balanced habits that support long-term goals. FACTS!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi FitMotherProject
Copyright FitMotherProject/YouTube
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 ever watched someone effortlessly knock out a set of push-ups and wondered why you can't do the same? You're not alone. While push-ups are a fundamental exercise, most beginners struggle with proper form and progression. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project, has helped thousands of people—including those weighing 300-400 pounds—master this essential exercise. Here are the most common mistakes he sees and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-ups

Many beginners start with wall push-ups, but this common approach is flawed. "Wall push-ups are next to useless for your gaining your progression because they don't really mimic the push-up," Dr. Balduzzi says in his post. While they might work your triceps slightly, they fail to engage your core and chest muscles the way a proper push-up should.

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

Mistake 2: Skipping Progressive Steps

Sporty woman doing press ups against a white wall outside.​ Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-upsShutterstock

Jumping straight to floor push-ups is another common error. "You need something that's not so vertical. It needs to be a little more horizontal," Dr. Balduzzi explains. He recommends starting with elevated push-ups using a bench or sturdy surface at hip height, then gradually working your way down to lower heights.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Core Engagement

Fit and attractive young adult woman kneels down on the beach looks to her left with a big beaming happy smile.


Shutterstock

Many beginners focus solely on arm strength, missing a crucial component of proper push-ups. "Push-ups are a full body motion. It's not just arms and chest," emphasizes Dr. Balduzzi. "Feel your core activate and feel your abs and squeeze your butt. Get your whole body involved."

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

Mistake 4: Rushing Through Repetitions

Fitness woman doing feet elevated push-ups on a bench in the city. Sporty girl exercising outdoorsShutterstock

"Form and quality is more important than quantity," states Dr. Balduzzi. "You've seen people do some really sloppy push-ups. It's not creating the tension." Instead of racing through repetitions, focus on controlled movements and proper form.

Dr. Balduzzi recommends a systematic approach to mastering push-ups:

Strength training fitness woman working out core with angled push up exercise on rock. Asian athlete exercising with body weight exercises for toned body. Workout in summer desert landscape.Shutterstock

1. Start with Elevated Push-ups

Begin with a surface at hip height, focusing on engaging your core and maintaining proper form. Practice for 3-4 minutes daily or every other day.

2. Move to Knee Push-ups

"Knee push-ups are absolutely fantastic. Honestly, they're almost as good as regular push-ups," says Dr. Balduzzi. Use padding under your knees for comfort, and maintain the same core engagement as elevated push-ups.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Progress to Full Push-ups

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.Shutterstock

Once comfortable with knee push-ups, gradually transition by lifting one leg, then both. "Over time, you can take one leg up, you can start coming up. Over time, as you play around, you get that second leg up, and now you've done your first proper push-up," explains Dr. Balduzzi.

Training Schedule for Success

Sporty Asian woman doing push-ups outdoorsShutterstock

For optimal progress, Dr. Balduzzi recommends practicing push-ups daily or every other day for about five minutes. "Do a set, rest for a minute, maybe a minute and a half. Do another set, rest for a minute," he advises. Track your progress to stay motivated.

RELATED: Are Your Workouts Making You Store More Fat? 6 Exercises To Avoid

Advanced Progression

Close Up of a Beautiful Fitness Girl in an Athletic Top Doing Push Up Exercises While Using a Stopwatch on Her Phone. She is Training at Home in Her Living Room with Minimalistic Interior.Shutterstock

Once you can perform 10 proper push-ups, introduce tempo training. "A tempo push-up would be... on the way down, we're going to control this descending portion for about three seconds. We're going to do a one second pause at the bottom, then we're going to explode up," describes Dr. Balduzzi.

Remember, there's no shame in starting from zero. "Doing five great knee push-ups are way better than some of those guys you see do sloppy 15 bouncy momentum push-ups," reassures Dr. Balduzzi. Focus on proper form, follow the progression, and you'll be doing push-ups before you know it. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Katie Dunlop Love Sweat Fitness
Copyright lovesweatfitness/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.

Standing in your kitchen, staring at all those meal prep containers, you might feel overwhelmed. The tiny portions, the time commitment, the expense – it can all seem like too much. Katie Dunlop once felt the same way, until she discovered a system that changed everything.

"When I first started my 45-pound weight loss journey, I felt like meal prepping was so unrealistic," Katie shares. "But I realized I was missing out because it makes it so much easier to stay on track with your goals." Now a certified personal trainer, Katie has maintained her weight loss by developing an efficient meal prep system that delivers 100 grams of protein daily while keeping preparation time under an hour.

A Simple Approach to Meal Prep Success

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that eating healthy or eating to lose weight has to be really restrictive," Katie explains. Her approach proves otherwise – preparing four protein-packed meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack, in just 56 minutes.

Essential Tools for Quick Prep

Before starting your meal prep journey, Katie recommends having these basics:

  • Portion-controlled containers (bento boxes or glass containers)
  • Mason jars for dressings and overnight oats
  • A dedicated sheet pan for cooking meat
  • Basic mixing bowls
  • Air fryer and Instant Pot (optional but time-saving).

Meal 1: High-Protein Breakfast Tacos

"These breakfast tacos alone give you 20 grams of protein, which is absolutely amazing for starting your day," Katie notes. Her recipe combines eggs and egg whites for balanced protein and healthy fats. "We're going to do eggs and egg whites, and this is gonna really help balance out so you're not getting too much fat per serving," she explains. She adds turkey sausage and sneaks in spinach for extra nutrients. The tacos can be made with either grain-free or corn tortillas, depending on your preferences. "You can obviously do anything with this, but it's just kind of the easiest way to make a bunch all at once," Katie shares.

Meal 2: Protein-Packed Loaded Caesar Salad

Katie's reinvented Caesar salad starts with perfectly cooked chicken breast. Her secret? "Non-fat Greek yogurt, which is super high in protein. It's going to help lock in a bunch of the moisture for our meal prep chicken," she reveals. The chicken is seasoned with an Italian blend and extra garlic, then baked at 450°F for about 20 minutes. For the dressing, Katie creates a protein-rich alternative: "This is truly the simplest caesar-style dressing you could make without all the fats, but still tasting rich and creamy." The dressing combines Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. She adds chickpeas for additional protein and carrots for crunch instead of traditional croutons.

Meal 3: Quick High-Protein Stir-Fry

The dinner prep focuses on a flavorful ground beef stir-fry. "I'm using 85/15 lean ground beef, so I don't really need to add any oils because it's going to have them in there naturally," Katie explains. Her homemade sauce combines coconut oil, amino acids (or coconut aminos), toasted sesame oil, and sriracha. "I avoid buying teriyaki sauce because they're loaded with sugars," she notes. The rice is cooked in bone broth instead of water: "It's those little sneaky ways you can get in more protein. It's going to add a little bit of calories, but honestly who cares - you're getting good healthy protein, all the nutrients and minerals."

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

Meal 4: Chocolate Chunk Overnight Oats

"What I like about doing overnight oats is you can make it hot or cold," Katie shares. Her protein-rich snack combines oats with chocolate protein powder and almond milk. "You could do chia seeds as well if you'd prefer those," she suggests. For added flavor and nutrients, she tops each portion with banana and peanut butter. "These are actually like a really good size and you're still gonna get a decent amount of protein in them," she explains. The recipe provides about 20 grams of protein per serving.

Time-Saving Strategies

Katie's efficient approach includes:

  • Starting with the longest-cooking items first
  • Using multiple cooking methods simultaneously
  • Preparing sauces while other items cook
  • Immediate portioning into containers.

Storage Tips for Success

"I like dressing them later, not ahead of time," Katie advises about salads. She recommends storing dressings and sauces separately in small mason jars, adding them just before eating to maintain freshness. For the breakfast tacos, she recommends thinking of them like street tacos - smaller portions that are satisfying and protein-rich. With salads, she suggests: "You can go wild obviously with as much greens if you're like I need to pack it in." For the stir-fry, she recommends about a half cup of rice per container, adding the sauce just before eating.

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

Making Healthy Sustainable

Through her journey of losing 45 pounds and keeping it off, Katie has proven that meal prep doesn't have to be overwhelming. "Through my own weight loss journey, I lost 45 pounds, I've kept it off, I like transformed my life," she shares. Her system demonstrates that with the right approach, anyone can prepare a week of protein-rich, weight-loss-friendly meals in under an hour.

Ready to transform your meal prep routine? With these four protein-packed meals and smart prep strategies, you can prepare a full week of healthy eating in under 60 minutes, making weight loss both achievable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week