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Exactly What a Nutritionist Eats in a Day for Weight Loss

Jamie Michele unveils her go-to fat burning diet.

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.

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Fact-Checked

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

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

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

You don’t have to starve yourself or stick to boring, bland food in order to lose weight. You can eat delicious, colorful meals and satiate your taste buds, all while staying in a caloric deficit, maintains one expert. Jamie Michele (@jamiemiichele) is an online coach and food and fitness expert whose goal is to help her clients become the healthiest version of themselves without going to extremes. In one of her recent posts, she details the foods she eats when she wants to lose weight. “What I eat in a day for fat loss with mostly whole foods,” she says in the clip. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.


Breakfast: Sweet Potato Egg Bowl

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele4jamiemiichele/TikTok

“For breakfast, I made a sweet potato egg bowl,” she says. “So I started by baking some sweet potatoes, heated up one of these caprese chicken sausages, and then this is the only way I've been able to eat eggs lately,” she says, showing her over easy eggs. “I added some spring mix, my sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, my two eggs, and then some black beans and some avocado, and reduced fat feta. I know this is a really weird combination, but I promise it is so good. My new favorite breakfast, hands down, and it is so filling.” Collingwood agrees that the meal sounds delicious. “I love the combo of flavors and mixing up breakfast so it’s not the same boring choices all the time,” says. “You can make up those sweet potatoes ahead of time and just assemble the rest of the ingredients while the eggs are cooking.”

RELATED: The Biggest Diet Mistake I Made Before Losing 160 Pounds

Snack: Cottage Cheese and Fruit

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele2jamiemiichele/TikTok

Then for a snack, she opted for a little more protein. “I had some cottage cheese and fruit,” she says. Collingwood notes that this meal is a nice combination of “creamy protein and fiber and sweet from the fruit.”

Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad with Egg Whites

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele1jamiemiichele/TikTok

“For lunch, I had a grilled chicken salad, but it's all about what you add to it. So I added three egg whites, some cucumbers, some reduced fat feta,” she continues. “I absolutely love feta.” She finishes it off with Bolthouse Farms honey mustard dressing and a piece of sourdough bread. “This stuff is so good,” she exclaims about the dressing. Collingwood likes the nice crunch of veggies with low calories and fiber to fill. “The protein from the egg whites, chicken, and feta also helps to provide lasting satiety,” she says, also noting the “nice tang” from the feta and honey mustard dressing.

Dinner: Steak and Potatoes

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele5jamiemiichele/TikTok

“And for dinner, I made a very simple steak and potatoes meal,” she says. “I always get the top sirloin from Target specifically because it has the nutrition information. I don't know what it is with meat at the grocery store, it never has the nutrition info, and then you go online and it's always different macros and different calories. So I know this is the same every single time.” She appears to cook her potatoes in an air fryer using avocado oil spray instead of oil. “Steak can feel like you’re cheating on your diet, but a lean steak like the sirloin is actually a lot lower in calories than you think,” says Collingwood. “Fresh meat does not have a food label, but you just need to know the cut of meat and you can easily look it up in the USDA database to get the nutrition facts.”

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

Dessert: Chobani Flip

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele3jamiemiichele/TikTok

She ends her day of eating with a sweet but healthy treat. “And for dessert, I had a Chobani Flip,” she concludes. Collingwood loves Greek yogurt “and the Flip has that little bit of crunchy yumminess to make it a bit more indulgent without blowing the bank with calories,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: When designing healthy meals make sure to select items packed with protein and fiber while adding color and flavor with fruits and veggies.

@jamiemiichele

Testing out a little higher fat and a little lower carbs to see how I feel #whatieatinaday #whatieat #highprotein #highproteinmeals #healthyrecipes #easyrecipe #wholefoods #fulldayofeating #lowcalorie #caloriedeficit

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Fact-Checked

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

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

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

You don’t have to starve yourself or stick to boring, bland food in order to lose weight. You can eat delicious, colorful meals and satiate your taste buds, all while staying in a caloric deficit, maintains one expert. Jamie Michele (@jamiemiichele) is an online coach and food and fitness expert whose goal is to help her clients become the healthiest version of themselves without going to extremes. In one of her recent posts, she details the foods she eats when she wants to lose weight. “What I eat in a day for fat loss with mostly whole foods,” she says in the clip. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.


Breakfast: Sweet Potato Egg Bowl

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele4jamiemiichele/TikTok

“For breakfast, I made a sweet potato egg bowl,” she says. “So I started by baking some sweet potatoes, heated up one of these caprese chicken sausages, and then this is the only way I've been able to eat eggs lately,” she says, showing her over easy eggs. “I added some spring mix, my sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, my two eggs, and then some black beans and some avocado, and reduced fat feta. I know this is a really weird combination, but I promise it is so good. My new favorite breakfast, hands down, and it is so filling.” Collingwood agrees that the meal sounds delicious. “I love the combo of flavors and mixing up breakfast so it’s not the same boring choices all the time,” says. “You can make up those sweet potatoes ahead of time and just assemble the rest of the ingredients while the eggs are cooking.”

RELATED: The Biggest Diet Mistake I Made Before Losing 160 Pounds

Snack: Cottage Cheese and Fruit

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele2jamiemiichele/TikTok

Then for a snack, she opted for a little more protein. “I had some cottage cheese and fruit,” she says. Collingwood notes that this meal is a nice combination of “creamy protein and fiber and sweet from the fruit.”

Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad with Egg Whites

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele1jamiemiichele/TikTok

“For lunch, I had a grilled chicken salad, but it's all about what you add to it. So I added three egg whites, some cucumbers, some reduced fat feta,” she continues. “I absolutely love feta.” She finishes it off with Bolthouse Farms honey mustard dressing and a piece of sourdough bread. “This stuff is so good,” she exclaims about the dressing. Collingwood likes the nice crunch of veggies with low calories and fiber to fill. “The protein from the egg whites, chicken, and feta also helps to provide lasting satiety,” she says, also noting the “nice tang” from the feta and honey mustard dressing.

Dinner: Steak and Potatoes

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele5jamiemiichele/TikTok

“And for dinner, I made a very simple steak and potatoes meal,” she says. “I always get the top sirloin from Target specifically because it has the nutrition information. I don't know what it is with meat at the grocery store, it never has the nutrition info, and then you go online and it's always different macros and different calories. So I know this is the same every single time.” She appears to cook her potatoes in an air fryer using avocado oil spray instead of oil. “Steak can feel like you’re cheating on your diet, but a lean steak like the sirloin is actually a lot lower in calories than you think,” says Collingwood. “Fresh meat does not have a food label, but you just need to know the cut of meat and you can easily look it up in the USDA database to get the nutrition facts.”

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

Dessert: Chobani Flip

Jamie_Michele_jamiemiichele3jamiemiichele/TikTok

She ends her day of eating with a sweet but healthy treat. “And for dessert, I had a Chobani Flip,” she concludes. Collingwood loves Greek yogurt “and the Flip has that little bit of crunchy yumminess to make it a bit more indulgent without blowing the bank with calories,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: When designing healthy meals make sure to select items packed with protein and fiber while adding color and flavor with fruits and veggies.

@jamiemiichele

Testing out a little higher fat and a little lower carbs to see how I feel #whatieatinaday #whatieat #highprotein #highproteinmeals #healthyrecipes #easyrecipe #wholefoods #fulldayofeating #lowcalorie #caloriedeficit

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.

Samuel Emmanuel Dickerson Jr (@betterforyoursociety) is an online fitness coach who lost 30 pounds in 3 months. In addition to offering an online fitness program with tailored workouts and diet plans focused on weight loss, he also shares a lot of videos on TikTok revealing his diet and fitness secrets. In one viral video, he reveals a simple diet plan that will help you lose weight fast. The Body Network also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in on his diet.


Stick to Just Three Meals a Day

@betteryoubettersociety

What To Eat Daily For Fat Loss Breakfast: 1 Cup of egg whites with 2-3 regular eggs. Lunch: 6-10oz of chicken breast with 1.5 cups of mixed veggies. Dinner: 6-10oz of chicken breast, 1 cup of cooked rice & 8oz of broccoli. Snack: Fruit (eat it in moderation) Cheat Day Suggestion: Eat a strict breakfast and lunch. Eat whatever you want for dinner just make sure it has protein in it. 🚨- If you would like to hire me as your fitness coach visit my website. Link in bio. 🚨- Fat Loss meal plan, workouts and workout programs available on my website. Click the link and go to my website. #betteryoubettersociety #bybs

In the video, Sam recommends a few larger meals over lots of tiny ones. “I only want you to eat three meals a day,” he says.

RDN Says: Collingwood is “fine” with a three meal per day eating plan, “but I do think a snack or two can work for most people to prevent them from getting ravenously hungry between meals,” she says. “Snacking can be another good way to get nutrition from fruit, yogurt, nuts, or other nutritious foods.”

Meal One: Eggs with Egg Whites

Fresh chicken eggsShutterstock

For the first meal, “one cup of egg whites with three regular eggs,” he says. In the accompanying photo, he shows a plate of scrambled eggs.

RDN Says: “I love eggs and egg whites, but that is a lot of protein and it is not balanced with any other foods,” Collingwood points out. “Three egg yolks (whole eggs) is a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol on a daily basis.” She recommends following the American Heart Association guidelines of one whole egg (yolk) per day on average. “If you want a three egg omelet one day then have something else for a few days to average about seven whole eggs per week,” she suggests. “Egg whites are pretty much just fat free protein, so those I don’t really limit. However, I do encourage a balance of nutrients at meals.” She suggests eating less of the eggs, but adding in some veggies to the scramble and a piece or two of whole grain toast for some nutritious carbs and fiber. “Or you could add some potatoes in with the eggs for carbs,” she says.

Related: The Rosenberg Sisters Show Off Flat Tummies During “Full Body Burn” Workout

Meal Two: Chicken and Veggies

Marinated grilled healthy chicken breasts cooked on a summer BBQ and served with fresh herbs and lemon juice on a wooden board, close up viewShutterstock

The second meal he recommends is “seven ounces of chicken breast with a cup and a half of mixed vegetables.” He shows his chicken breast with frozen mixed veggies, which appear to be steamed.

RDN Says: Again, there aren’t any carbs at all and a lot of protein, says Collingwood. “Chicken breast is a wonderfully nutritious, low calorie food, but it isn’t necessary to eat seven ounces in one sitting. I would prefer four to five ounces and maybe add some quinoa for some high quality carbs. Love the mixed veggies!”

Meal Three: Chicken with Rice and Broccoli

Healthy Homemade Chicken Breast and Rice with BroccoliShutterstock

And for dinner, “eight ounces of chicken breasts, one cup of rice cooked, eight ounces of broccoli,” he says.

RDN Says: Drop it down to five to six ounces of chicken and you’ve got a nice balanced meal, says Collingwood. “Choose brown rice or a different whole grain like the quinoa, barley, or whole grain pasta to provide some variety instead of white rice all the time,” she adds.

Related: 5-Day Weight Loss Meal Plan for $21

Snack: Fruits

Fresh,Fruits,Nutrition,health,food.Shutterstock

In addition to the three meals, his plan does allow for some in-between treats. “For your snack you can eat fruit,” he says. “You can kind of eat as much fruit as you want, just don't overdo it.”

RDN Says: Collingwood agrees that fruit is excellent, “especially if you are getting berries with seeds or other fruits with skin like apple, pear, peach, etc.,” she says. “I am not sure what ‘don’t overdo it’ means, but I hesitate to say as much as you want because some people may take that too far. I recommend two to four servings of fruit per day.”

It Will “Make You Lose Body Fat Pretty Quickly”

Samuel_Emmanuel_Dickerson_Jr3samuelemmanueldickersonjr/Instagram

“A diet like that will make you lose body fat pretty quickly,” Sam says. “So now you follow that strict diet until you get to your goal. And then once you get to your goal, you can swap out, let's say the dinner for the food your mom makes, or you can swap out your dinner for eating out at a restaurant. Just don't overdo it.”

Related: 12 Powerful Ways to Transform Your Body at Any Age

What the Dietitian Thinks

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

Collingwood’s final thoughts? “If you follow too strict of a diet you will likely lose a good proportion of muscle in the total weight lost,” she says. “If you want to lose mostly fat, slow down the weight loss and make it a sustainable lifestyle instead of a ‘diet’ you go on and off. You can definitely include restaurant food and other favorites as long as you watch total portions.”

💪🔥Body Booster: While you might lose weight fast on a strict diet, it will be harder to keep the weight off than if you lose weight via a less aggressive method that is less of a diet and more of a lifestyle shift.

Expert-Recommended

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

Do you ever wonder what fitness experts and influencers eat to stay fit? Jamie Michele (@jamiemiichele) is an online coach and food and fitness expert whose goal is to help her clients become the healthiest version of themselves without going to extremes. In one viral video, she reveals everything she eats in a day, including a lot of protein. “Here’s a realistic ‘what I eat in a day for fat loss,’ which means no boring chicken, broccoli rice to stay on theme,” she says, revealing her menu, which boasts a whopping 160 grams of protein. You might be surprised by how much she can eat and still burn fat – and what The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian has to say about it.


Breakfast: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

@jamiemiichele

Try putting more calories into the meals and less snacks and it will really help you to stay on track with calories #whatieat #whatieatinaday #fulldayofeating #highprotein #highproteinmeals #macrofriendly #weightloss #fatloss #healthyrecipes #easyrecipe

She starts with a “chocolate-covered strawberry smoothie bowl for breakfast,” which offers 43 grams of protein. Some of the ingredients include Fairlife chocolate protein milk, protein powder, berries, and yogurt. “I've been adding sugar-free jello to my smoothies, and it helps so much with flavor. This is also a really good way to hide your protein powder, and I just topped mine with some strawberries and no sugar-added chocolate chips,” she adds.

Snack: Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese and mint in a wooden bowl on an old rustic table, selective focus.Shutterstock

“For a snack, I had some cottage cheese,” she says, holding up a container of Breakstone’s that has 12 grams of protein. “I know this sounds crazy, but for some reason, this brand tasted like I was just eating a cup of creamy feta cheese. It was so good,” she says.

Related: I Lost 42 Pounds 8 Months with Keto and Weight Lifting

Dinner: Chopped “Sub in a Tub”

Sliced pork ham for sandwiches over boardShutterstock

“Then for lunch, I made a chopped ‘sub in a tub’ grinder sandwich little salad thing,” she says. “I already made a video on this, but this is such a good recipe to make in under 10 minutes, super fresh.” She claims that the mixture, which includes things like ham, pickles, lettuce, and cheese, offers 43 grams of protein. “The only thing that sucks is cleaning the stupid chopper,” she admits.

Dinner: Viral Feta Pasta with Chicken

Chicken and vegetable pasta, a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a satisfying meal.Shutterstock

“Then for dinner, I made the viral feta pasta, except more macro friendly, so higher in protein, lower in fat, and then just grilled some chicken to put on top,” she says about the meal, which offers 49 grams protein. “The best part is always mixing around the feta and the tomatoes, and it's going to seem liquidy, but I promise to keep mixing, and it'll get super creamy. I love this because it is so easy to meal prep, and it heats up amazingly.”

Dessert: Chobani Flips

San Jose, CA - November 28, 2019: Chobani-Flip yogurt pack with Salted Caramel Crunch topping in separate compartment.Shutterstock

“Then, for dessert, I've been loving these Chobani Flips. I just tried them for the first time last week, and this one and the maple are my favorite so far,” she says about the 9 grams of protein sweet treat.

Related: Here’s How to Drop 1 Pound Per Week by Just Walking, Says Camila Cabello’s Trainer

RDN Weighs In

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

Should you follow a diet like this? “Most women are not going to need anything close to 160 grams of protein,” comments Collingwood. “This diet is very high in protein and appears to be pretty low in carbohydrates, especially from any whole grains,” she adds. “I suggest reducing the protein to about 100 to 110 grams and adding more fruits, veggies, legumes, and some whole grains.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Before you put together a diet or meal plan, take time to calculate your caloric and nutritional needs to ensure you are eating the right amount of protein, carbs, and fiber for your gender and body weight.

Amisha Sharma pocketdiets
Copyright pocketdiets/Instagram

Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t sure what foods to eat aside from the usual protein, healthy fats, and unprocessed carbs recommendations? One Indian nutritionist has some tasty and unique recommendations. Amisha Sharma is a nutritionist and founder of Pocket Diets, educating her followers and clients about how to lose weight by cooking meals at home. In a new video, she reveals six delicious foods she added to her diet that helped her lose weight.

Fruit Chia Pudding

Eating fruit on its own can lead to sugar spikes, says Sharma. However, pairing it with chia seeds and nuts changes the game. “This is my favourite combo as I can eat my choice of fruits without worrying about the sugar spikes fruits can cause as the healthy fat content from chia seeds & nuts help lower the spike by slowly releasing the sugar,” she writes.

Steamed Veggies

Fun fact: Eating raw veggies might not be working for your digestive system. This is why steaming them can be helpful. “If you always have to run to washroom after eating a bowl of raw salad, switch to steamed veggies as these are very easy to digest and absorb as compared to raw ones,” she recommends.

Beetroot Curd

Need a probiotic and prebiotic boost for your gut? Try beetroot curd. “Combining beetroot or any vegetable with yogurt / curd gives a perfect combo of pro and prebiotic to feed good bacteria of your Gut,” says Sharma.

Dark Chocolate

Not all sweet treats will derail your diet. Sharma is an advocate of dark chocolate. “Cacao is Loaded with magensium and antioxidants which help you keep electrolyte balanced and inflammation lower,” she says.

Coriander Chutney

One of her favorite Indian delicacies for weight loss? Coriander chutney. “My go to with cheelas , idli, wraps and sandwiches as it is made up of powerful antioxidant ingredients like ginger, garlic & lemon which can enhance your immunity,” she says.

Sourdough Bread

And, you can still eat carbs and lose weight. Just eat the right kind of bread. “I am a bread lover and regular breads with loaded refined sugar and artificial ingredients is a complete NO for me bur sourdough is 100X better option as it is naturally prepped and has low Gi index and natural ingredients and good bacteria which Gut loves,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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 without having to count calories? Try intuitive eating, urges one expert. Jannina Emilia is an intuitive healthy habit expert and coach who lost 22 pounds without calorie counting. In a new post, she reveals exactly how she did it. “Here’s what it actually takes to lose fat without tracking calories from a woman who did 7 years of research, lost 10kg (22lbs) unnecessary weight, never needs to diet again,” she wrote across the Instagram video.


It’s Possible to Lose Weight Without Calculating Anything

She starts by discussing “the science-backed truth” about intuitive eating. “All the time people come to me saying ‘if I just ate freely what I wanted, I would be the size of a tank’ (literally with those words),” she writes. “This brings us to the TRUTH: It is possible to lose that hindering body fat that bothers you (yup, been there too, sis!) while leaving all calculations and meal plans behind. Choosing to embody healthy eating this way has completely transformed my body & mind (and for a reason!!!)” she continues.

RELATED: She Lost 100 Pounds With This 3-Ingredient Breakfast Every Day

Focus on the Type and Amount of Food You Eat

Number one? “Embody the very basics of the correlation between food and body composition,” she writes. “The science: The type AND amount of food we eat have the biggest impact on our body composition (remember your weight is not just weight: it’s water, fat, muscle etc. that’s why using a scale to check your weight is a horrible measure)”

Focus on Quality Nutrition 80 Percent of the Time

Next, focus on quality nutrition 80% of the time. “The science: Providing volume and satiety with fewer (while still enough) calories naturally,” she explains.

Eat Food You Actually Like

You don’t need to eat food just because it’s healthy. “Eat all your fav foods daily,” she recommends. “The science: A balanced, realistic approach to eating that is sustainable for long term without extremes.”

RELATED: Top Nutritionist Says Stop These 7 Macro Mistakes for Weight Loss

Follow Hunger Cues

Next, listen to your body. “Give your body enough break from eating so that the natural cues appear, then act on those cues,” she writes. “The science: Following your body’s physiological signals is the most natural way to eat (HIII INTUITIVE EATING that’s packed with freedom😍).”

Eat Nutrient Dense Foods

She also suggests focusing on foods that will fill you up. “Fall in love with nutrient dense foods,” she writes. “The science: Our brains have the ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to experience and learning: you can rewire your brain to associate nourishing foods with pleasure, making it easier to choose them regularly.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

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

Cold brewed iced latte coffee, Ice coffee latte cup in a plastic glass on. barista hand in coffee cafe.banner background.Cold brew coffee ads.Latte with milk caffeine.plastic ice cup.Arabica roasted.
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

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

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

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.