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I Lost 45 Pounds Using This 3-Step "Trifecta" Method

Influencer and weight loss warrior Kendall Hoyt reveals how she transformed her body and life.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Kendall Hoyt
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Are you trying to lose weight but don’t know where to start? Kendall Hoyt, a New York City-based content creator, lost 45 pounds and got into the best shape of her life. In a viral video, she reveals how she lost the weight and the “physical steps” she took to get there. She explains that at her highest, she weighed 190 pounds and is now 145 pounds.


Sustainable Weight Loss Takes Time

“Sustainable weight loss takes time. This is not going to be one of those videos. How do you lose 10 pounds in a week? No, no. There is no sustainable weight loss where you can lose that significant amount of weight in such a short time. Is it possible? Probably, is it healthy? No, it is not. Weight loss needs to be gradual in order for it to be maintainable.”

“You need to be in a place of privilege to lose weight. Don't be too hard on yourself. We are expected to live in a system designed to fail. Healthy foods are ridiculously expensive. The cost of living is ridiculously expensive. Access to fitness centers is expensive. Not until I allocated money and time to my weight loss journey did I actually lose weight,” Kendall says in her video.

RELATED:10-Minute Workout to Strengthen Your Core Even for Complete Beginners

Number One: Mental Health

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The first part of the weight loss trifecta is mental health, she says. “This is a key piece to weight loss. So much of it is mental. You have to be in the space to endorse change,” she says. “I'm only the best person I can be when I am prioritizing myself. If that means taking a semester off school, taking a break from work, or whatever you need to do to get your mindset in the right space, do it. Your mind, your body, and your life will thank you.”

She explains that she has always been a people pleaser, and has “been through years of therapy working on this exact thing.” It led her to have a “hyper fixation on aesthetics” and too much time worrying about what she looks like instead of how she feels.

Yoga Was Helpful

“For me, yoga has been a great tool for this,” she reveals. She also started taking an antidepressant and is “the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. I am the most clear-headed I have ever been,” she says.

Other alternatives? “Go out in nature, meditate, journal, read self-help books. There are things you can do to improve your mental health on your own,” she explains.

RELATED:10 Superfoods to Boost Your Brain Function You Should Eat Every Day

Number Two: Food

Top down view of a Greek salad bowl with separate bowls of the ingredients.Shutterstock

The second part of the trifecta is food. “You know how some people say, ‘Oh, I forgot to eat today’? That will never be me. Unfortunately, my mind revolves around food. This was a coping mechanism that I developed in childhood and quickly turned into disordered eating in my adulthood,” she says. “I initially decided that I needed to lose weight. I took a hard look at my life, and I knew food was my biggest problem. I was always binge eating, and I just didn't know how to control myself.”

You Need to Be in a Calorie Deficit

“I knew I had to be in a caloric deficit of some sort to start losing weight. If you're not familiar with what a caloric deficit is, it's when you are eating fewer calories than what you are burning in a day. Depending on your height, your weight, your activity level, that number ranges for everyone,” she says, revealing that calorie counting was a “big tool” for her. “I used the app MyFitnessPal, which is a great tool to enter how much you're eating. You can scan labels, and it automatically adds them to your food log diary. It also gives you great analytics into what you're eating, what you need more of, and what you're overeating. It's a great level set to sort of see where you're at and where you could improve and give you new ideas of what you could eat.”

She Had to Eat Clean, Less Processed Food

“I quickly learned, and I think people don't realize how much we are frequently overeating, and processed foods are so calorically dense. So I really tried to focus on eating clean things that weren't processed,” she says. “I'm vegetarian, so it's very easy to slip into processed foods just out of convenience. But the less processed foods you eat, the better. There's tons of oils and chemicals in processed foods.”

She Eats a Lot of Grains, Beans, Veggies, Fruits and She Started Volume Eating

What foods fill her plate now? “The simpler you eat, the better—things like grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, those kinds of things.

“At the beginning of my weight loss journey, as someone who was prone to binge eating, I was used to eating a lot of food, so I sort of had to make up for the amount I was eating,” she says.

“I had to replace the volume I was eating. Which vegetables are going to be your best friend? I know it might sound gross, but hey, it's honest. I would eat an entire bowl of broccoli and sprinkle some cheese on it, keeping me full. There's little life hacks like that where you can make the vegetables a little bit yummier, but they do fill you up.”

She Started Fasting

“I'd also implement other strategies on how to limit how much I was consuming. For example, if I needed some mouth stimulation, I would chew gum. If I were struggling with overeating, I would decide to fast. So, not eat anything past 9:00 PM and not eat anything before 11:00 AM.”

She Amped Up Her Water Intake

“Another thing, which I know you soda lovers are going to be mad at me for, don't drink your calories. Water's going to be your best friend. I was never a huge soda person, so thankfully, this is pretty easy for me. But if you drink sugary energy drinks or caramel coffees, all those things quickly add up, and you would rather eat a food item than be drinking 500 calories,” she says.

She Also Paid More Attention to Protein and Nutrients

“As a vegetarian, it's hard to stay on top of my protein intake and make sure I'm getting all the right vitamins. So more recently, I've tried to be a lot more on top of that so I can build muscle,” she says.

“Food is very hard. I have so much food noise in my mind all the time, but you can get through it by making healthier decisions. Please don't starve yourself. Have a sweet treat. If you want one completely limiting yourself, we'll just lead to more binging. It's all a give and take. It's all about portions. We all have bad days. We all have good days.”

RELATED:He Gave Up Sugar for 30 Days and These 5 Things Happened to His Body

Number Three: Movement

“The final category in this trifecta of weight loss that has been crucial for my weight loss journey is movement. For me, movement is the hardest part. I wasn't a particularly sporty kid. I was always the last to finish the mile. I've held a lot of shame and embarrassment for being bad at exercise throughout my entire life,” she says.

Moving to a City and Walking Was “Transformative”

She explains that moving to a city was “transformative” for her relationship with movement. “Now that I live somewhere where not only is it walkable, but I have to walk to get where I'm going, it has increased my endurance and my heart health astronomically,” she says.

“There are tons of parks I get to walk to and can do laps around, and I love it. The secret to movement is finding what works for you,” she says. She recommends joining ClassPass. “Take a bunch of different classes and find what sticks,” she says.

Yoga Is Her Go-To Workout

“What has worked for me has been yoga. I took a few classes on ClassPass about six months ago. I've done it before but never fallen in love with it. But I pushed myself to try a few studios in my area, and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Not only am I stronger and more flexible, but I also feel so connected to my spiritual side. It is a great mental relief, and somewhere I go to calm down and recenter myself.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

Martin Balcaitis
Copyright Martin Balcaitis

If you've ever felt frustrated with dieting, you're not alone. After 15 years of trying different weight loss approaches, Martin Balcaitis, 45, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lindora in Orange County, California, finally discovered the game-changing mistake that had been holding him back all along. His transformation story proves that sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest results.

The Wake-Up Call

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

"I feel like I've always been trying to lose weight!" Martin tells Body Network. "But now that I'm in my mid-40s, I know that it isn't so much about the number on the scale, but my overall health for longevity – that was my real motivator this time around."

The Crucial Discovery

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.​Understanding True Protein ContentShutterstock

Standing at 5'9" and weighing 222 pounds, Martin thought he had tried everything. Then came the revelation that changed everything: "I thought I was eating a correct portion for myself, but eyeballing wasn't my friend," he admits. "A food scale was crucial to my success."

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

The Transformation

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

The results speak for themselves. In just six months, Martin dropped from 222 pounds to 165 pounds, achieving a remarkable transformation in his body composition. "My overall body fat percentage went from 36% to 15% in 6 months," he shares proudly.

A New Approach to Food

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Unlike previous attempts at weight loss, Martin's new strategy didn't involve cutting out foods entirely. "I haven't eliminated anything – which is great!" he explains. "I simply know how to manage portions and adjust my eating that day if I know I'm going to have something decadent or high-carb during the day."

A Day of Measured Eating

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Martin's daily menu is both satisfying and strategic. "Breakfast is typically one egg, some egg whites and cottage cheese blended in what I call my 'protein eggs' with spinach and some meat," he says. "Lunch will be a salad with a yogurt-based dressing and dinner is roasted vegetables and lean protein – also three Lindora snacks too!"

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

The Workout Strategy

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Time management proved to be another crucial lesson. "Time can always get the best of us so I make sure to workout in the morning," Martin explains. "I make too many excuses to not go to the gym after work." His dedication has paid off: "I can actually see some abs poking through now!"

Dealing with Setbacks

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Martin maintains a realistic approach to challenges. "Sometimes the motivation just isn't there and you have to tell yourself that it's a marathon, not a sprint," he reflects. "Don't beat yourself up if you skip a workout or can't go the distance you wanted to."

The Power of Accountability

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Making the journey public became a powerful tool. "Be vocal about it. I told people I was trying to lose weight to help hold me accountable," he advises. His commitment extended to his wardrobe: "I donated clothes once they were too big for me – I didn't want to buy big clothes again, so I had to keep going!"

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

A Science-Based Approach

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Martin emphasizes the importance of data in his success. "Knowledge is power, so I would encourage everyone to get a body composition analysis done so they have a true understanding of what their numbers are to make a plan of attack," he recommends.

The Path to Success

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For those inspired by his journey, Martin offers encouraging advice: "Just start! You don't have to wait for a certain day, you don't have to have a big goal in mind – just take little steps and once you see some progress it will motivate you to keep going."

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Maintaining Momentum

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His approach to staying motivated remains practical and empowering. "If I am feeling badly about my body – it is 100% in my control to fix it," he states. "Having a plan and solutions is the answer and putting that plan into action is key." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt15
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight and transform your life by changing your routine in small ways? Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok by sharing videos about losing 50 pounds. In a new post, she reveals a few of her go-to habits for weight loss. “3 things that have truly helped me lose weight and transform my life,” she writes in a recent post. “This helped me go from 200 pounds to 150 pounds.”

Find an Activity You Are “Absolutely Obsessed With”

The first thing she did that was a game-changer? “Finding an activity I am absolutely OBSESSED with,” she reveals in the post. “When I was losing weight I did not go to the gym at all it was during Covid so everything was closed. Instead I just walked every single day because I loved it and this can be bikini, running, swimming whatever u love.”

Don’t Focus on the Scale

Next, it’s not all about the numbers. “Don’t focus on the scale,” she says. “Focus on how you feel instead. Don’t weigh yourself each week don’t do any extra things because the scale will flexuate. Instead hide your scale for a month don’t weigh yourself and just focus on feeling your best.”

Don’t Burn Out

Her third habit? “No more BURN OUT,” she says. “Okay hear me out ladies stop with the burn out you don’t have to lift heavy 6x a week if u only have time for 3 that’s great. Stop doing hours of cardio and focus on small changes each day. The secret is consistency.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Walk

In another one of her viral clips, she reveals that her weight loss was primarily the result of a single exercise. “I lost 40 pounds just by walking, and here's how I did it”, she said, “what you're going to do to start losing weight by walking.” She went on to offer a few tips on how to maximize the burn, starting with starting small. “Number one, don't start big. You don't have to go on a two hour walk every single day,” says Alexandra.

Take Shorter Walks Before or After Breakfast and Lunch

She also takes short walks after every meal. “I would go on a 10, 15 minute walk after my big meals,” she explains. “So usually my first walk would be in the morning, like 10 minutes before breakfast. I would eat breakfast, go about my day, and then during lunch,” she continues. “If you're at school, at work, I know you're able to get outside and get your body moving.”

Take a Longer Walk After Dinner

She also walks at the end of the day, after her meal. “This helps your food digest, it helps get rid of bloating, everything,” she says, explaining that “usually after dinner” she would take her “longer walk,” which would be “ a 30 minute walk.” Should you walk before or after meals? According to research, waiting until after your meal is more effective. A 2022 study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that walking as little as two to five minutes after a meal may lower your blood sugar.

Aim for 10,000 Steps a Day

In total, Alexandra tries to aim for “10,000 steps” per day, she says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

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

Cook Double

In another Instagram post, she reveals a few of her best “lazy girl hacks” for weight loss. Alexandra’s first hack is to cook double. She says, “this way you’re gonna have leftovers for lunch for the next couple days & no need to cook!”

Make Healthy Swaps

She also suggests making healthy swaps. “Get the nuts, get the pre-cut veggies instead of having a chocolate bar, have a protein bar on hand,” she suggests.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Invest in an Air Fryer

“Smart kitchen appliances my air fryer is my BFF,” says Alexandra. “I cook frozen foods in there all the time! I put it in and then I go back to the couch with my bubbly water until I hear a beep.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Sade Rigby sadieactive
I Transformed My Body From Flabby to Firm and Here Are My 3 Secrets
Copyright sadieactive/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 trying to lose weight by making many changes to your routine? One top expert says you only need to make three. Sadie Rigby is a social media influencer and personal trainer with over 225,000 followers on Instagram. In a new social media post she unveils the only three steps you need to do to lose weight fast. “Someone asked me if I had 15 lbs to lose, what my plan would be. So here it is!” she writes.

Start Strength Training

“I would stop what I’m doing and start strength training!” she writes. “Don’t be deceived, there is no other special method better optimized for 'toning up' or 'leaning out' than good old-fashioned weight training. It will force your body to maintain/develop your muscle while you shed body fat. There is no better way to get a strong, lean body composition.”

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

Track Calories and Adjust

Next, start being accountable. “I’d track my calories for a few weeks to determine how much I’m eating to maintain my current physique. I would then adjust down by 2-300 daily calories for a couple weeks until progress stops. Then I would adjust down 2-300 daily calories again. You can usually achieve this by simply cutting out a few bad habits or by improving the quality of your diet rather than ‘eating less’,” she weites.

Amp Up Protein Intake

Her third step? “I would eat 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight everyday to fuel muscle recovery. I would also incorporate a few 20-25 minute LISS sessions each week. I like to make this fun by going on walks, hikes or bike rides with my family!” she says.

Fall in Love with the Process

In a previous post she also recommends falling in love with the process. “If you’re only doing it because you want to look good, you won’t be consistent enough or you’ll take an unsustainable approach,” she says. “It becomes a habit when you love the process. Set goals to hit and fall in love with getting your body stronger! You can become addicted to how good it makes you feel with just a little consistency and the right mindset! It feels so good to see what your body can do!”

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Bonus Tip: Use Progressive Overload

Progressive overload, “gradually increasing the stress on our muscles,” is another tactic she approves of. The first way to do it? “Increase time under tension (add a pulse, slow down the exercise, do tempo work)” she says. The second is by increasing the weight lifted, “or add a band,” she suggests. Finally, the third is to increase volume, “add reps and/or sets,” 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.

Do you want to lose weight this year but aren’t sure how? Follow a step-by-step approach from a top expert. Trish Koeslag is a women’s nutrition and fitness coach whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement to lose weight. In a new social media post, she reveals how she lost 23 pounds in a little over half a year. “I went from 130lbs to 107lbs in 7 months, in perimenopause,” she says in the post, admitting it was “hard” and “wasn’t sustainable.”

She Started by Eating in a Calorie Deficit

Her first step? “From March to July, I ate in a calorie deficit,” she writes. “If you need to know your calorie deficit, comment MACROS and I’ll send you my free macro calculator.”

She Lifted Weights

Next, she started weightlifting. “I strength trained 4x/week,” 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.

Walking 12,000 to 15,000 Steps Per Day

She also starting getting her steps in – lots of them! “I walked 12-15K steps every day (not including cardio),” she writes. 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.

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

She Also Did More Cardio

Aside from walking, she did cardio workouts. “I did cardio 4-6x per week ranging from 40-60 minutes,” she writes.

She Drank a Lot of Water

Hydration was also a part of her plan. “I drank 4L of water (with LMNT electrolytes),” she writes. 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.

She Got Enough Sleep

Those weren’t the only healthy habits she incorporated into her routine. “I slept. I kept stress levels low. I prioritized whole foods,” she said. 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.

She Took a Diet Break

Her next stage involved upping her calories. “I took a diet break from July to September. Calories got bumped up to maintenance for 2 months, cardio got reduced, steps stayed the same. Diet fatigue set in hard, and my Coach and I knew that it was time to call it,” she writes.

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

Then, She Started Fat Loss Again in September

After a few months, she was ready to shred again. “In September, I picked up fat loss again and worked my ass off for a photo shoot that I had booked,” she said.

She Achieved Her Goal, Then Reverse Dieted

“I achieved my goal – but that lifestyle was unsustainable. So, we reversed out of my deficit, brought calories back up, cardio back down and now I live happily ever after in maintenance until I want to cut again,” she said.

It Wasn’t Easy, But Rewarding

“Fat loss isn’t easy but the reward for achieving a goal is priceless,” she concludes. She also recommends downloading a macro calculator. “It will tell you how many calories and macros to eat for your goals,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Kiana Monle kianamonle
Copyright kianamonle/Instagram

Are you struggling to achieve your weight loss goals? Kiana Monle is a holistic wellness influencer who dropped over 30 pounds and shares her tips and tricks on social media. In a new post, she reveals a few things she did to drop weight. “Before, I felt heavy. I was uncomfortable in my body and was sick of hovering around the same weight for years on end. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired! So I made some changes. BIG ones,” she says in the post, revealing five things she did to lose 35 pounds.

She Got Into a Calorie Deficit

The first thing she did was get into a calorie deficit. “For the first 6 months, I meticulously tracked my calories. I know this isn't for everyone, but it was so helpful to know how much I was eating, and how much I had left to play around with. IMO, this was the biggest game changer,” she says.

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

She Went “Back to Basics”

Next, she went “back to basics,” she says. “I used to eat a ton of sweets. It became a cycle, and my weight soared. To reset, I went back to the basics--whole foods , no cakes or cookies. Yes, that first few days were tough (almost caved for some insomnia cookies) but it was worth it. After a week or so I stopped craving so many sweets. I also started to enjoy whole foods more. I later re-introduced cakes, cookies, etc!”

She Exercised

She also started to exercise. “I've always been somewhat active when it came to workouts, but as someone who worked from home, I got maaaybe 1K steps in a day. To move more, I worked out 3X a week (doing @heatherrobertsoncom 's 12 week program) and later added walks 5X a week. Once I finished the plan, I did the second one for a bit before ditching, lifting altogether, and focused on cardio (my fave),” she says.

She Treated Herself to “Daily Fun Foods”

Next, she started treating herself to “daily fun foods,” she reveals. “I reset my palate, but I still kept things fun. My daily treat would be popcorn and a chocolate truffle (huge fan of both!).”

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

She Focused on Consistency

Finally, she focused on consistency. “Daily commitment was key. For those first 6 months, when I lost 20 pounds, I would stick to my eating and workout plan. No cheat days, no going off script. I simply built in rest days, and if I ate out, I'd have it fit into my daily calories,” she writes.

She Is Now Focused on Balance

“Now as I maintain my goal weight, it's about finding balance,” she reveals at the end of the post. “It's not always easy, but I'm excited to document it here!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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

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

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

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

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

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Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

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“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

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Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

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Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

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

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

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

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

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

RDLS

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

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

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

Glute Bridges

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

Cable Step Up

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

Seated Leg Curl

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

Core Exercise

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

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