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I Lost 66 Pounds After Adding These 10 Simple Habits

One influencer reveals the simple hacks that helped her lose weight fast.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 22, 2024
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 22, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Fitness & Workouts

Are you having trouble jump-starting your weight loss journey? Ecem Gundogan is a London-based social media influencer who lost a whopping 60 pounds by ditching some unhealthy habits. “How to lose weight really fast,” she says, revealing that she lost 22 pounds in one month. “This is a game changer.”

She Struggled With Her Weight Her Whole Life

Ecem offers a “little bit of backstory” about herself. “I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Growing up, I was always the bigger girl in the group, and initially, my weight didn't bother me. As I said, as I was always bigger than people my age, I had just accepted that that was my normal, and my friends and family had,” she says.

She Felt Helpless

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“I thought there was nothing I could do. As time went on, I kept gaining more and more weight,” she continues. “I slowly realized that I no longer enjoyed going out with my friends because I didn't wanna have to get dressed up or get out of my PJs.I hated the way clothes looked on me. I was no longer taking pictures with my family because I didn't wanna see myself in them.” However, in January 2018, she decided to make a New Year's resolution.

She Decided to Make a Change

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She stepped on the scale and weighed 174 pounds. “It hit me then, and I knew I wanted to make a change. I remember feeling so guilty that up until that moment, I had treated my body so badly. I knew that six months down the line, I didn't want to think back to that moment in time and say I should have done something,” she says.

She Researched How to Lose Weight Fast

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“Then I get into bed that day, and the first thing I do is whip out my phone and go to YouTube. And yes, initially I was searching things like ‘How to lose weight really fast,’ and ‘How to lose 10 kilos in a month.’”

She Realized That Losing Weight Takes Time

“The more I watched other people's videos about weight loss, the more I heard about their rights and their wrongs. I realized this wasn't going to happen in three weeks. This wasn't going to happen in three months, and that was okay. I needed a lifestyle change to get me to where I wanted to go. So from that day on, every single day, I would go on YouTube or Instagram, and I would look up videos and other things about healthy meal ideas and healthy meal options because I needed to stay motivated,” she explains.

RELATED: The Benefits of Eating Bananas Every Day After 50

Tip 1: Find Motivation

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Her first tip is to find motivation. “Use stuff like YouTube and Instagram and other social media platforms to keep you motivated because motivation is key,” she says.

Tip 2: Portion Control

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“Tip two is portion control, and boy was this hard,” she says. “The whole reason why I had gained weight in the first place was because I just love eating tons and tons of food. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could make me happier than seeing my plate mounted with tons of food.”

She Recommends Calorie Counting

Calories counting , diet , food control and weight loss concept. Calorie counter application on smartphone screen at dining table with salad, fruit juice, bread and fresh vegetable. healthy eatingShutterstock

“Now, for me, the best way I could control my portions was calorie counting. And I know calorie counting is a controversial topic, but like I said, from personal experience, it really was just the best option for me,” she says. “Now, yes, it is important to be in a calorie deficit, but if calorie counting isn't for you, then even keeping a diary of what you're eating in a day really helps with your weight loss journey. I won't be sharing how many calories I stuck to in a day because that is different for everyone. It changes depending on your routine and your lifestyle.”

RELATED: 5 Protein Mistakes Causing You To Gain Weight

She Used an App

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“I would just recommend going on an app or a website and working out your own personal estimate. Tracking my calories really helped me be mindful of how much food I was actually overeating and what I was really fueling my body with.”

Tip 3: Find Alternatives

Her next tip is, “Don't cut out food groups, just find alternatives,” she says. “Now, when I started tracking my calories, I realized how far from balanced my diet was. I literally lived off of carbs. I wasn't going to go then and cut carbs completely out of my life because I would've been miserable, and it wasn't going to be maintainable.”

She Found Healthier Bread

Sliced rye bread on cutting board. Whole grain rye bread with seeds on rustic backgroundShutterstock

She started experimenting and substituting things with healthier options, “which I still really enjoyed,” she says. For example, she swapped out white, thick bread for “these nimble breads that are like 50 calories a slice and still really yummy. That led me to the love of my life, which is corn things. Oh my god, they're delicious, and I love them. My whole family does. And in fact, I don't think we buy bread anymore because everyone just loves them so much,” she says.

She Swapped White Pasta for Brown Rice Pasta

Organic brown rice pasta penne in a bowl in woman's hands. (Gluten Free Product).Shutterstock

“Whenever I craved a muffin or chocolate, I would start going for Fiber One bars instead. They are amazing,” she continues. She also swapped white pasta for brown rice pasta and white rice for brown. “And for those times I would want something sweet, I would go for Halo Tops.” She says that switching Ben and Jerry’s out with Halo Tops “made it feel like I was cheating when I really wasn't. Just experiment and find options that you can substitute that you still enjoy.”

Tip 4: Use a Smaller Plate

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Next, she recommends using a smaller plate. “Now, I know this doesn't sound like anything, but trust me, this is a small but mighty tip. Switching to a smaller plate automatically cuts down how much food you're eating because, come on, how much food can you really fit on a small plate? But the thing is, it still looks like a load of food. So with me, I was still happy because I saw loads of food on my plate, but I was also cutting down the calories I was eating. And in my books, that is a win-win,” she says.

Tip 5: Volume

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Tip five is volume. “Now greens and vegetables have so much more volume and the same amount of calories. So what I started doing was instead of having a big bowl of pasta, I would have a big bowl of salad topped with pasta. So it still looked like I was having a load of food, and I was still really full after my meal, but I was cutting down the calories without even realizing tip water, water, water. Now, yes, I know everyone says this, but I've tested it, and it's true,” she explains.

Tip 6: Drink Water

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“Sometimes when I started to feel like I was hungry or I would get the fidgets to go get a snack, what I would do is have some water, give myself 15 or 20 minutes, and usually that hunger feeling would go down because I was actually just thirsty,” she reveals. “If I was still hungry after the 20 minutes, then of course I'm going to go eat. But like I said, usually I was just thirsty.”

Tip 7: Sharing

Tip seven sharing. “Oh my God, this is a game changer. Now, before, I hated sharing—when someone asked me for some of my food, I would get so angry because I hated sharing my food. It was mine. All this time, sharing was a benefit for me. So, those times when I would crave a tiramisu or a cheesecake, what I would do is yes, I would let myself indulge every now and then, but I would get one, and I would share it with someone, and usually that was my mom. But yeah, sharing just helped me satisfy my sweet tooth while cutting down some of the calories that I would've been having previously,” she says.

Tip 8: Stick to a Schedule

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Tip eight is sticking to a schedule. “Now, this helped me really fix up my eating pattern because before, it was a mess, but I would plan the time of the day when I intended to eat, and every single day, I would usually stick to this plan. Now, this changes from person to person. It depends on your routine. It was different when I was in school, and now that I'm at home, it's different. I usually tend to have breakfast around 12, lunch around 5, and dinner around 7:30, and I have around two snacks a day. I stick to the schedule pretty much every day. Usually, I do stop eating around 8:00 because I found that sticking to a schedule and stopping at eight helps me digest my food much easier, especially my last meal because dinner can be heavier sometimes, and with green tea before bed, I would wake up in the morning feeling so much less bloated and so much more positive,” she reveals.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

Tip 9: Don’t Eat While Standing Up

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Tip nine is don't eat while standing up. “Now I'm pretty sure everyone does this while we're in the kitchen getting something ready. We tend to throw things in our mouths without realizing that this can actually add to quite a lot of calories throughout the day. Even just cutting out this habit of eating while you're standing reduces the calories you're eating a day without you even realizing,” she says.

Tip 10: Exercise

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When she wanted to see more progress, she added exercise to the mix. “You see, I was a very, very lazy person. I hated exercising. I lived 10 minutes from my school, and I would still make my parents drop me off and pick me up, drop me off and pick me up every single day because I wasn't bothered to talk for 10 minutes now. I wasn't then going to go and get a gym membership because was I really gonna go?” she says.

She Started Working Out at Home

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“What I realized was the idea of working out at home didn't really bother me because I could just do my workout quickly, have a shower, then get straight back into bed. So that's what I'd done. I started working out at home. Now, obviously, I began at a very easy level, and I slowly increased the intensity. I personally love doing home HIIT workouts, but you really just have to find something you enjoy doing yourself,” she says.

You Don’t Need a Gym Membership

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“What I'm trying to say here is you don't need a gym membership, especially when the current situation is the way it is right now. It's just finding something you enjoy doing that you can add to your routine that doesn't make exercising feel like a hassle. And that's it, really. That's all I've done. I didn't try and kill myself at the gym trying to burn off calories or stick to a really hard diet that was going to make me feel miserable,” she says.

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Focus on a Lifestyle Change

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Overall, she recommends looking at the big picture. “I just tried to change habits that I already had in my routine that was gonna lead to a lifestyle change that was gonna lead to my weight loss,” she says.

She Lost 66 Pounds in a Year

In one year, she lost 66 pounds. “Honestly, it was the best thing I could have done for myself, both physically and mentally. The outcome is so worth it. So please stick to it, guys. Stay motivated, and I'm pretty sure if I could do it, then anyone can.” 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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Nutrition & Diet

She Lost Over 75 Lbs with These 6 Easy Habits

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 30, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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.

Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to reach your goals? Cassie B of Cassie B Fitness is a coach and influencer who shares her health and fitness journey with thousands of social media followers. In a new post, she reveals her most unpopular advice about how to follow in her footsteps. “I lost over 75 pounds in less than a year. Here’s my unpopular weight loss advice to help you lose weight in 2025,” she writes. “Don’t shoot the messenger. Here’s my unpopular advice that may make some people mad, but following this advice helped me lose over 75lbs and is sure to help you lose weight in 2025.”

Stop Cutting Out Food

Her first tip is to “stop cutting out food,” she writes. “No single food makes you lose weight and no single food makes you gain weight. All food can and should be enjoyed. It all comes down to calories.”

Don’t Do or Eat Anything You Hate

Next, “stop eating foods you hate or doing exercise you dread,” she says. “There’s no reason to!! Eat the things you love while staying in a deficit and move your body in a way that you find enjoyable (walking is the best IMO).”

Stop Trying to Speed It Up

Her third suggestion? Stop trying to speed it up. “Weight loss is slow; but the time will pass anyway! Speeding it up causes you to do unsustainable things, which will cause you to fail!! Slow and steady,” she says.

Stop Looking for Quick Fixes

Fourth, “stop looking for a quick or easy fix,” she says. “There is no magical pill, diet, cleanse, etc.. the right way is the easy way. Calorie deficit.”

Stop Taking Short Cuts

Next, stop taking shortcuts. “Eating in a calorie deficit Monday through Thursday then taking the weekends off won’t get you anywhere!!! You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be consistent,” she writes.

Stop Looking for Excuses

Finally, “stop looking for excuses or a perfect time to start,” she says. “No one can do it for you. You have to be the one to put in the effort, time, and consistency. You just have to START.”

She Also Offers Running Tips

In another post, she offers some of her priceless running tips. “Get proper running shoes! Go to a store and have them record your run so you can get proper shoes!” she writes.

Start Slow

Next, she says to pace yourself. “Start slow!! I ran my first mile at a 4.0mph pace. The slower you start, the longer you can go,” she says.

Focus on Time, Not Distance

Next, focus on time, not distance. “Focus on being able to run 1 minute without walking, then 2, then 5, so on. Once you’re ready, slowly build your speed,” she says.

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

Use the Treadmill

“Don’t be afraid of the treadmill!” she continues. “I LOVE the treadmill for so many reasons. Running on a treadmill doesn’t make you any less of a runner.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Use Training Plans

Another tip is to use training plans as a guide. “They can help you structure how often / far / types of runs you should do to achieve your goals!” she says.

Sign Up for a 5K

She also recommends signing up for a 5k. “This motivates you like no other and helps keep you excited for running!” she points out.

Let Go of Pace

Her last tip? “Let go of pace. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. A mile is a mile whether it takes you 18 minutes or 8. You’re a runner either way,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 20 Lbs After Ditching 6 Bad Habits

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 24, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Follow:
✓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 eating less and exercising more and still can’t seem to lose weight? Lacey Iskra is a health coach who specializes in “root cause healing,” helping “women get to the root cause of their symptoms, lose fat & increase their energy,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a recent video, she reveals some of the habits she had to give up in order to health her gut and lose weight. “6 crappy habits I had to quit to heal my hormones and lose 20 pounds of fat,” she writes in the video.

She Had to Shift Her Perspective From Eating Less and Working Out More

“I also had to give up a massive belief…A belief I had carried for most of my life,” she continues. “That in order to look and feel how I wanted I just had to eat less and move more. The belief was not working for me and also not serving me. Because I did that. I skipped meals, ate salads multiple times a day and refused to eat anything that wasn’t labelled low calorie.

She Wasn’t Losing Weight and Was “Puffy” and “Exhausted”

“And by following and listening this belief i dug my body into a deep hole,” she says. “Where nothing was working and I felt so stuck. I couldn’t possible eat any less or move any more and yet I was still bloated, puffy, overweight and exhausted.”

She Finally Admitted That the Habits Were Hurting Her

“Once I admitted that my daily habits were hurting me more then serving me I promised myself to start making changes and these were the first habits I kicked to the curb!!” she says, going onto to reveal the list.

Here Are the Bad Habits She Quit

  • Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
  • Working out 7 days a week and never taking rest days
  • Doom scrolling on my phone before bed
  • Rushing through everything absolutely as fast as possible
  • Undereating and skipping meals
  • Running multiple times per week.

She Also Recommends Modifying Current Habits

In another post, she reveals how modifying her daily habits and adding to them was also a game changer. “I still relax on the couch every night … now I just wear a castor oil pack,” she writes. “I still drink a litre of water every morning …now It just has two nettle teabags in it.”

She Also Tweaked Her Diet and Workouts

“I still hit 8000-10,000 steps per day….now I just do it outside instead of in. I still eat 4 meals a day ….now I just make sure its mainly whole foods. I still eat breakfast….now I just make it double the size lol,” she continued. The bottom line? Making small changes to you habits can result in a big, positive impact. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

How I Lost 44 Pounds in Over 3 Months by Making These 10 Changes

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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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

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“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.”

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I Implemented Volume Eating

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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

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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I Lost 35 Pounds in 4 Months by Doing These 6 Things

I Lost 35 Pounds in 4 Months by Doing These 6 Things
Instagram.com/@conquering_cortisol_control
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 20, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Do you want to lose weight fast while healing your gut? Amanda Borchardt is a cortisol expert and coach who lost 35 pounds when she finally “cracked the code” to cortisol and adopted certain habits that helped her keep her hormones under control. In a new social media post, she reveals five habits that enabled her to lose weight fast and transform her look. “How to become unrecognizable in the next 6 months,” she writes across the video. “I started with these habits and a cortisol balancing, gut healing supplement that helped me lose 35 pounds in 4 months and gained back all my lost energy from high cortisol!” she added.

Hydrate

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Her first habit has to do with hydration. “Drink your body weight in ounces,” she writes. How much water should you drink? According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters). The Mayo Clinic explains that hydration helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Walk and Lift Weights

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Her second habit is two different workouts. “10,000 Steps per day & lifting,” she says. A 2018 study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes. As for strength training, Mayo Clinic explains that it can help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. It may also help you:

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

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

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Also, amp up your protein intake. “Increase your protein intake to (30 to 40g per meal),” she suggests. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

No Processed Food or Sugar

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When it comes to diet, it’s not just about how many calories you eat, but what types of food, she says. “Cut out processed food/sugar,” she writes. Examples include anything made with white flour or sugar, packaged snacks, candy, or fast food.

Walk Barefoot Outside

Amanda Borchardt conquering_cortisol_control

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Her fifth tip is unconventional. “Walk outside barefoot & daily get sunlight,” she writes. Vitamin D helps cells in your gut absorb bone-healthy nutrients calcium and phosphorus.

Consume Gut-Healing Herbs

Amanda Borchardt conquering_cortisol_control

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Her last tip is to “add in natural herbs that not only heal your gut but help balance your cortisol,” she writes. “When I added it in the correct supplements, my weight loss journey skyrocketed after years of not being able to lose anything!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

Smartnews Feed

She Lost 10 Lbs and Transformed Her Body with These 8 Habits

Monica lifestylewithmon
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 22, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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 by incorporating a few healthy habits into your routine? Monica is a registered nurse and MASM CPT certified personal trainer who shares her body transformation on social media. In a few recent posts, she reveals the simple habits that enabled her to achieve her fat loss goals and transform her body. “After I gained a bunch of weight from unhealthy habits and an antidepressant medication I was on. It was one of the lowest points I’ve been in my fitness journey ever. Although these results did not happen overnight, I started noticing quick and rapid results when I started doing the following,” she writes in one of them.

LISS Cardio

The first habit she incorporated was LISS (low intensity stead state cardio), “the most efficient method of cardio to reduce fat,” she writes. “The idea here is that you keep your heart rate in your “fat burning zone” which is about 65%-75% of your max heart rate. I would do a 45 min brisk walk everyday or a low speed on the stair stepper for example!”

Drink Water

Her next healthy habit? Hydration. “Drink your water! Once I started drinking enough water I felt my false hunger cues start to go away. This is because our bodies sometimes have a hard time differentiating between hunger and thirst. Keep yourself hydrated to be more in tune with when you are actually hungry,” she writes.

Take Progress Photos

Taking progress photos is helpful. “On days you feel like quitting and like you look the same or don’t feel much different, you can look at the pictures from where you started,” she explains. “You will see all the changes that have happened gradually over time. This will prevent you from quitting and ending up back at square one all over again.”

Lift Weights

She also recommends weight training. “But do it right! Time under tension will always beat amount of weight lifted in my person opinion,” she explains. “When you focus on time under tension (slowing down your movements and controlling them) you are putting more stress on the muscle. When you lift so heavy that you can’t slow and control your movements, momentum comes more into play and you may not be getting the max benefits of an exercise. It may also cause the movement to not target the muscles you wanted and engage surround muscles to help compensate for loading too much weight.”

Get Enough Sleep

In another post, she reveals other healthy habits that helped her lose weight. “I started getting enough sleep,” she says. Initially, she was going to the gym 7 days a week and only getting 4 to 6 hours of sleep a week. “Allow your body to rest and recover with a good 7-8 hours of sleep (yes that means sometimes skipping your 5am gym session when you know you need REST),” she writes.

Eat Less Processed Foods

Eating less processed foods also made a big difference. “I dare you to Yuka app half the things in your refrigerator/ pantry. There is so much extra 💩 in our food! I try to eat minimally processed foods now (more lean meats, veggies and fruit),” she writes.

Stop Ego Lifting

“Stop ego lifting,” she continues. “If you are training for aesthetics you need to be slowing down and controlling your movements to really engage the muscles you are targeting in each exercise.”

Find Your Maintenence Calories

And, last but not least, find your maintenance calories before you bulk or cut. “You need to know your body and where you’re starting before you significantly add/ subtract food to your diet. I went from eating probably about 1600-1700 calories a day straight into 2400. NOT SMART. That is not a proper reverse diet. Don’t make my mistake because it did way more harm than good!” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Obesity doc warns against Ozempic microdosing

Dr. Dan Obesity Expert
Copyright Dr. Dan/YouTube/Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 10, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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.

“Microdosing” is a catchy term that is progressively being used by influencers and mainstream media. The overall concept is that lowering a dose of something – ranging from mushrooms to pharmaceutical drugs – somehow makes it healthier and more acceptable. Recently, people have even been discussing microdosing GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. However, according to one doctor, this isn’t a good idea. Dr. Dan Burton (@theofficialdrdan) is a “pharmacist by training and an expert in obesity management and medicine.” In a new YouTube video, he discusses the trend and reveals exactly why you should avoid it.

There Are Lots of Mixed Messages About Weight Loss Drugs

He starts off by explaining that there are a lot of mixed messages surrounding weight loss drugs. “A number of influencers and alternative clinicians first came out and said, Ozempic and Wegovy are dangerous. Then they started marketing various supplements of their own that naturally increased GLP-1 and are actually better than Ozempic and Wegovy. And now some of them have pivoted and are starting to say that, ‘Oh, you know what? You should actually only microdose Ozempic and Wegovy because that means it's, it's safer for you.’” He notes that the “opinions and marketing tactics” have “changed over time as we've got more and more wallets involved.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

The Drugs Mimic the GLP-1 Hormone Naturally Produced by the Body

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levelsShutterstock

He continues to explain how the drugs work. “Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and so on are medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced by our body. GLP-1 naturally helps to regulate our blood sugars as well as our appetite and satiety feelings,” he said. While they have been “revolutionary not only for obesity management but also diabetes management”, there is a “subset of individuals on the internet that will come out ringing the alarm bells to say otherwise.”

Some People Want to Say the Drugs Are “Dangerous” and “Unnatural” and Are Marketing Their Own Alternatives

Valparaiso, IN USA - January 22, 2024: Wegovy semaglutide pens for treatment of chronic obesity, close upShutterstock

Some of them have “quickly labeled these medications as being dangerous, unnatural, and started marketing and pushing their own natural safer supplements,” he says. “But that really didn't last too long because these medications, Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to be so effective that the supplements just don't even touch them in terms of the results and benefits that could be had. In fact, some of the supplements don't do anything at all.”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

And Now, Some Are Recommending Microdosing

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named \u201cozempic\u201d, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

“Now some of them are pivoting and moving away from this,” he said. Enter microdosing, the concept of using just a little bit of the weight loss drug. “So what exactly is being sold? What is this microdosing of Ozempic actually mean?” he asks. He reveals that the usual starting dose of these drugs is 0.25 milligrams once a week. “What these alternative clinicians and such are saying is to take a dose that's much, much lower than that, but it's still the exact same medication just at a lower dose. It's not at a microdose, just a lower dose than what we usually use.”

While It Sounds “Safer and Fluffy” There Is No Science Backing It

Hands,In,Blue,Surgical,Gloves,Holding,Ozempic,Insulin,Injection,PenShutterstock

The smaller dose is “being branded in a different way to make it sound that it's safer and fluffy and everyone's gonna be happy. So it's not a healthier alternative, it's it's just a dosage adjustment. And there's nothing scientifically special about a micro dose. There is no data insights or anything like that that demonstrates the efficacy or better acceptability in that sort of thing of smaller doses,” he says.

Everybody Needs a Different Dose

WARSAW, POLAND-10 JAN, 2025: Ozempic is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management.Shutterstock

He explains that because everybody’s body is different, it’s important to work with your own clinician to determine the proper dose. “Some people are going to get a great response at a very low dose, and it could be less than 0.25 milligrams or whatever the usual starting dose is,” he says. “Some people are gonna need a much higher dose to get a response and get the efficacy that we're trying to get out of the medication. And spoiler alert, that's because everybody is different.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

You Want It to Be Effective Without Side Effects

Never fear, your pharmacist is here. Cropped shot of an attractive young female pharmacist working in a pharmacy.Shutterstock

“Ultimately, these medications have gotten so powerful that we want to figure out what's going to work for you so that we get the balance of the benefit of the medication, but it's not causing you to have horrible, terrible side effects that you can't tolerate and are ruining your life. And unfortunately for some people, they just can't tolerate the medication at all.”

He Says That Microdosing Ozempic Is Just “Marketing Fluff”

Cheerful young sportswoman resting after workout at the beach, taking a selfie, drinking water, sitting on a fitness matShutterstock

“So microdosing as a concept sounds really fancy and such like that, but it's actually just marketing fluff. And really we should be using these medications with your healthcare team and various other resources that help you with lifestyle changes in management to find the dosage, the plan, and the thing that works for you,” he continues, adding that it’s “dicey” when “influencers and alternative clinicians who don't have any expertise with the actual medications or how to properly monitor individuals that are on these medications” start promoting their specific microdosing protocol or coaching program.

Consult with Your Doctor

Female doctor filling patient insurance information

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In conclusion, if you have been prescribed a weight loss drug, “you can skip the microdosing consultation with some alternative clinician. You just need to continue working with your healthcare team and provider in order to find the dose and such that works for you as well,” he says.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

While They Might Lower Doses, It Needs to Be Up to an Expert

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named \u201cozempic\u201d, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

“And yes, as a caveat, we may use lower doses or adjust things as someone gets to their maintenance weight,” he adds. “It might end up being a very low dose of one of these medications. But again, it should be done by clinicians that have the expertise and knowledge to properly monitor and dose adjust things for you.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Nutrition & Diet

Here's How to Drop 25 Pounds by Spring Break

Christine Stines christinestines
Copyright christinestines/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 10, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓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 shape up for Spring Break? Now is the time to get started. Christine Stines is a fat loss coach who helps “women balance blood sugar & burn fat with the help of natural supplements and fat loss plan,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals what to do if you want to be feeling confident in a swimsuit in a few months. “If I wanted to drop 25 pounds so I could rock my bikini by spring break (without weighing spinach), this is exactly what I would do,” she writes.

You Don’t Have to Track “Every Bite of Food”

“Here’s exactly what I’d do to lose 25 pounds by spring break without tracking every bite of food,’ she continues in the post. “First, realize weight loss for women is more than ‘eat less, move more.’ If that worked, it would’ve by now! Fat burning is all about blood sugar balance. Here’s what I’d do.”

Cut Out Sugar and Processed Foods

The first thing she recommends doing is cutting out sugar and processed foods. “This is crucial for balancing hormones,” she says.

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

Load Up on Protein and Fiber

Next, she recommends loading up on protein and fiber. “Key for blood sugar balance and feeling full! Aim for 0.8-1g of protein per pound of body weight and 25g of fiber daily,” she says. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Her third habit? ACV before meals. “Apple cider vinegar helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and may reduce calorie intake,” she says. There is limited research that ACV may help to reduce high cholesterol and regulate blood glucose levels. However, it may damage the teeth or throat due to the acidity of the mixture. The best way to take it is by mixing one tbsp of ACV with water and drinking it through a straw.

Walk After Meals

Go for a walk after meals. “A brisk stroll within 30 minutes of eating lowers blood sugar and cortisol,” she writes.

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

Limit Alcohol

She also discourages drinking your calories. “Limit alcohol,” she says. “Skip or reduce it for 6 weeks.”

Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Bed

When it comes to food, stop eating three hours before bed. “Late eating, especially carbs, promotes fat storage and impacts sleep,” she says.

Get Enough Sleep

Her final tip? Sleep seven to eight hours a night. “Just one extra hour can lead to consuming 162 fewer calories daily!” she says. 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. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

He Lost 100 Lbs Eating These 50 Low-Calorie Foods

Dusty Young Nutrition & Fitness Coach
Copyright dusty.coaches/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 10, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

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

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

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

The age-old weight loss dilemma: How do you satisfy your hunger while cutting calories? Weight loss coach Dusty Young, who shed 100 pounds on his own journey, has cracked the code with a revolutionary approach that's taking social media by storm. The self-described "recovering fat kid" has compiled a game-changing list of 50 nearly zero-calorie foods that could transform your weight loss journey – and the best part? You can eat them virtually guilt-free.

"The math of weight loss is simple: you need to consume fewer calories than you burn," Young explains in his post. "But that doesn't mean you have to go hungry." His viral posts reveal a strategic approach to weight management that focuses on low-calorie, high-volume foods that keep you satisfied while maintaining a caloric deficit.

Young's method isn't just about what to eat – it's about how to eat smart. He advocates for loading up on nutrient-rich, filling foods that won't derail your calorie goals. His three-pronged strategy includes using these foods to bulk up meals, snacking on them between meals to manage hunger, and combining them with protein for lasting satiety.

Ready to transform your weight loss journey? Keep reading to discover all 50 zero-calorie foods (sorted by calories per 100g) that could change the way you think about dieting forever. Your path to sustainable weight loss starts here.

50.Cottage cheese (fat-free): 48 calories

Packed with protein and calcium, fat-free cottage cheese supports muscle maintenance and bone health. It's a creamy, satisfying addition to meals—spread it on toast, mix it into smoothies, or pair it with fruit for a balanced snack.

49.White fish (like cod): 48 calories

Fresh fish, raw cod fillets with addition of herbs and lemonShutterstock

Lean, high in protein, and low in calories, white fish like cod helps build muscle while keeping you full. Try it grilled with lemon and herbs for a light but flavorful meal.

48.Cranberries (fresh): 46 calories

Organic Raw Red Cranberries in a Bowl Ready to Use

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These tart little berries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, great for immune support. Toss them into oatmeal, blend them into smoothies, or add them to a salad for a refreshing zing.

47.Raspberries: 45 calories

Fresh red ripe raspberries. Raspberries background.Shutterstock

With a high fiber content and natural sweetness, raspberries keep digestion in check while satisfying sugar cravings. Sprinkle them on yogurt or enjoy a handful as a low-calorie snack.

46.Blueberries: 45 calories

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Known for their brain-boosting antioxidants, blueberries are also packed with vitamin C. Eat them fresh, frozen, or blended into a protein shake for an easy nutrition boost.

45.Edamame (boiled): 44 calories

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A plant-based protein powerhouse, edamame is rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Snack on them with a pinch of sea salt or toss them into salads for extra protein.

44.Brussels sprouts: 43 calories

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These mini cabbages are loaded with fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support digestion and overall health. Roast them with olive oil for a crispy, caramelized side dish.

43.Blackberries: 43 calories

Girl,Holding,Up,A,Glass,Bowl,Of,Blackberries.,Blackberries,InShutterstock

A fiber-rich berry packed with vitamin C, blackberries help with digestion and immune function. They taste great in smoothies, yogurt, or straight out of the container.

42.Papaya: 43 calories

Fresh ripe papaya fruits on wooden table, closeup​PapayaShutterstock

This tropical fruit is full of vitamin C and digestive enzymes that support gut health. Enjoy it fresh, blended into a smoothie, or sprinkled with a dash of lime juice.

41.Sugar snap peas: 42 calories

Snap peas placed on an old wooden board. Close-up, image of snap peas.Shutterstock

Crunchy, naturally sweet, and full of vitamin C, sugar snap peas make the perfect guilt-free snack. Eat them raw or toss them into stir-fries for extra texture.

40.Grapefruit: 42 calories

Juicy grapefruit pieces with fresh mint in a bowl, close up​GrapefruitShutterstock

Loaded with vitamin C and hydration-boosting properties, grapefruit is known for supporting metabolism. Eat half a grapefruit in the morning for a refreshing start to the day.

39.Carrots: 41 calories

Bunch of carrots in basket. Fresh carrots bunch. Fresh organic carrots.Shutterstock

A top source of beta-carotene, carrots support eye health and provide natural sweetness. Munch on them raw with hummus or roast them for a delicious side.

38.Miso soup: 40 calories

Healthy Japanese Tofu Miso Soup with Green Onions

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Fermented miso paste gives this soup gut-friendly probiotics while keeping calories low. Sip on it as a light starter to curb hunger before meals.

37.Honeydew melon: 36 calories

Fresh whole and cut honeydew melons on white wooden table, closeup

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High in water and vitamin C, honeydew is a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Enjoy chilled cubes as a snack or blend it into a smoothie for a cooling treat.

36.Kale: 35 calories

kaleShutterstock

This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants for overall health. Add it to salads, blend it into smoothies, or bake it into crispy kale chips.

35.Pumpkin puree: 35 calories

Homemade organic pumpkin puree in glass jars and mini pumpkins on dark background close up. Ingredient for autumn or winter recipes. Seasonal cooking concept. Fall time. Macro with shallow dof.

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Low in calories but high in fiber and beta-carotene, pumpkin puree is great for digestion and eye health. Stir it into oatmeal, yogurt, or soups for a seasonal boost.

34.Broccoli: 34 calories

Fresh green broccoli on a dark brown background. Macro photo green fresh vegetable broccoli. Green Vegetables for diet and healthy eating. Organic food.Shutterstock

A nutrient-dense veggie, broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Steam it, roast it, or toss it into stir-fries for a satisfying crunch.

33.Cantaloupe: 34 calories

Whole and sliced \u200b\u200bmelon, honeydew melon or melon cantaloupe and food texture close up. Cantaloupe melon composition and design elements.Shutterstock

This juicy melon delivers vitamins A and C while keeping you hydrated. Eat it as a snack or add it to a fruit salad for natural sweetness.

32.Okra: 33 calories

Farm fresh raw okra slices on wooden rustic aged chopping board. Close up of Lady Fingers or Okra over wooden background.Shutterstock

A unique veggie with gut-friendly fiber, okra supports digestion and heart health. Sauté it, add it to soups, or try it roasted for a crispy treat.

31.Strawberries: 32 calories

Female holding ripe strawberry in hands. Harvest of fresh juicy strawberry on farmShutterstock

Low in calories but high in vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries are a deliciously healthy treat. Slice them over oatmeal, yogurt, or eat them on their own for a naturally sweet snack.

30.Green Beans: 31 calories

Green beans in a steel strainer sieve metal on a white wooden table, selective focus.Shutterstock

A fiber-rich veggie packed with vitamins C and K, green beans support digestion and bone health. Enjoy them steamed, sautéed, or roasted for a low-calorie side dish.

29.Leeks: 31 calories

Macro photo green onion leek. Stock photo lettuce vegetable background

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Mildly sweet and loaded with prebiotics, leeks support gut health and digestion. Use them in soups, stir-fries, or roasted with a drizzle of olive oil.

28.Watermelon: 30 calories

Fresh sliced watermelon wooden backgroundShutterstock

With over 90% water content, watermelon keeps you hydrated while delivering a dose of vitamin C. Enjoy fresh slices on hot days or blend it into a refreshing drink.

27.Red Peppers: 27-30 calories

Red bell peppers on a counter in the supermarket. A large number of red peppers in a pileShutterstock

Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting skin and immune health. Eat them raw with hummus, roast them for a smoky flavor, or add to stir-fries.

26.Turnips: 28 calories

Bunch of purple and yellow turnips on a rustic wooden table.Shutterstock

A low-calorie root vegetable rich in fiber and vitamin C, turnips help digestion and immunity. Roast them like potatoes, mash them, or slice them into soups.

25.Banana Peppers: 27 calories

Banana Peppers Raw Organic Yellow Banana Peppers Ready to Cut

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Mildly spicy and tangy, banana peppers are loaded with vitamin C and add a zesty kick to meals. Use them in salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack.

24.Eggplant: 25 calories

Eggplants and other vegatables on display at farmer's marketShutterstock

Full of fiber and antioxidants, eggplant is a heart-healthy, versatile veggie. Grill it, roast it, or use it in low-calorie pasta dishes for extra texture.

23.Cabbage (Green): 25 calories

young cabbage grows in the farmer field, growing cabbage in the open field. agricultural businessShutterstock

A crunchy, fiber-packed vegetable that supports digestion and heart health. Shred it for slaws, stir-fry it, or add it to soups for a nutrient boost.

22.Cauliflower: 25 calories

Fresh cauliflower on wooden tableShutterstock

A low-calorie alternative to starchy carbs, cauliflower is high in fiber and vitamin C. Roast it, mash it like potatoes, or blend into a creamy soup.

21.Cauliflower Rice: 25 calories

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

A great low-carb swap for regular rice, cauliflower rice is packed with fiber and nutrients. Sauté it with garlic and herbs for a light, flavorful side dish.

20.Arugula: 25 calories

Arugula on a white background. Raw and fresh arugula, green leaves, from above.Shutterstock

This peppery green is rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, supporting bone and heart health. Toss it into salads, add it to sandwiches, or mix it into pasta dishes.

19.Salsa (fresh): 25 calories

Bowl of tasty Pico de Gallo salsa on tableShutterstock

Made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers, salsa is low in calories but big on flavor. Spoon it over grilled chicken, eggs, or salads for a tangy kick.

18.Water Chestnuts: 24 calories

peeled water chestnuts

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These crunchy, water-filled veggies are low in calories and high in antioxidants. Add them to stir-fries, salads, or soups for extra texture.

17.Radicchio: 23 calories

Woman with ripe radicchios on black background, closeup

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A slightly bitter leafy vegetable, radicchio is full of fiber and antioxidants that aid digestion. Grill it, toss it into salads, or pair it with balsamic for a delicious contrast.

16.Spinach: 23 calories

Background from fresh green spinach leaves with water drops. Texture of raw organic baby spinach close up. Food backgroundShutterstock

Packed with iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C, spinach supports overall health. Add it to smoothies, salads, or omelets for a nutrient boost.

15.Spinach (cooked): 23 calories

vegetarian food cooked spinach in black dish

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Cooking spinach enhances its iron absorption while keeping it low in calories. Sauté it with garlic, toss it into soups, or mix it into pasta dishes for a nutritious touch.

14.Mushrooms: 22 calories

Fresh champignon mushrooms on wooden table, closeup. Space for textShutterstock

Low in calories but high in flavor, mushrooms provide important minerals like selenium and potassium. Sauté them, toss them into soups, or use them as a meat substitute in burgers and stir-fries.

13.Asparagus: 20 calories

Asparagus. Fresh Asparagus. Pickled Green Asparagus. Bunches of green asparagus in basket, top view- ImageShutterstock

A natural diuretic, asparagus helps reduce bloating while delivering vitamins A, C, and K. Roast it with olive oil, steam it, or chop it into salads for a fresh crunch.

12.Bell Peppers: 20 calories

Red, Green and Yellow Bell PeppersShutterstock

Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers support immune health while adding natural sweetness to meals. Enjoy them raw, roasted, or stuffed with lean protein for a satisfying dish.

11.Sauerkraut: 19 calories

Homemade sauerkraut with black pepper and parsley in wooden bowl on rustic background. Top view. Copy space.Shutterstock

Fermented and full of probiotics, sauerkraut supports gut health and digestion. Add it to sandwiches, salads, or eat it as a tangy side dish.

10.Tomato: 18 calories

Ripe,Tomato,Plant,Growing,In,Greenhouse.,Tasty,Red,Heirloom,Tomatoes.Shutterstock

Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, tomatoes are both nutritious and hydrating. Eat them fresh in salads, blend them into sauces, or snack on cherry tomatoes.

9.Zucchini: 17 calories

several zucchini isolated on a wooden table

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A versatile, fiber-rich veggie that’s great for digestion, zucchini is perfect for low-carb meals. Spiralize it into zoodles, roast it, or add it to stir-fries.

8.Celery: 16 calories

Bunch,Of,Fresh,Celery,Stalk,With,Leaves.,Studio,PhotoShutterstock

Mostly water but packed with fiber, celery keeps you hydrated and full. Dip it in hummus, add it to soups, or enjoy it as a crunchy snack.

7.Radish: 16 calories

Fresh radish harvest on soil in garden.

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A peppery, crunchy veggie with detoxifying properties, radishes support digestion and hydration. Slice them into salads, eat them raw, or pickle them for extra flavor.

6.Kimchi: 15 calories

Korean,Traditional,Kimchi,On,A,Dark,Background.Shutterstock

This spicy, fermented Korean dish is packed with probiotics that promote gut health. Enjoy it as a side dish, mix it into stir-fries, or top off your favorite grain bowl.

5.Broth (chicken or vegetable): 15 calories

Bone,Broth,Chicken,diet,foodShutterstock

A low-calorie way to add flavor, broth is rich in minerals and helps with hydration. Use it as a base for soups, stews, or sip it warm as a light, savory snack.

4.Lettuce (Iceberg): 14 calories

Chopped iceberg lettuce -ingridient for cooking Studio PhotoShutterstock

Crisp and refreshing, iceberg lettuce is mostly water but still provides fiber and hydration. Use it as a base for salads, in wraps, or as a crunchy burger topping.

3.Cucumber: 12 calories

Portion of fresh and healthy Cucumbers (close-up shot)Shutterstock

With high water content and a refreshing crunch, cucumbers help with hydration and digestion. Slice them into salads, infuse them in water, or snack on them plain.

2.Dill Pickles: 12 calories

Fresh pickled cucumbers in a bowl with garlic and dill on a concrete table, village harvest, homemade pickling recipe, cucumbers and ingredients for pickling, home canning concept,

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Tangy and satisfying, dill pickles add a crunchy, salty kick without many calories. Enjoy them as a snack, chop them into salads, or add them to sandwiches.

1.Sugar-free Jello: 11 calories

Hayward, CA - July 24, 2014: Jello brand gelatin in Black Cherry flavor, sugar free

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A light, guilt-free dessert, sugar-free Jello satisfies your sweet tooth with almost no calories. Enjoy it on its own or mix it with fruit for extra flavor and texture. 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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