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I Lost 100 Pounds by Eating the Meal I Love

One weight loss warrior shares his recipe for bell pepper Philly cheesesteaks.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 12, 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 Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
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benjixavierr/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 12, 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 Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
Nutrition & Diet

Benji Xavier (@benjixavier) is a weight loss warrior and influencer who boasts over 3.6 million followers on TikTok. He regularly shares videos about his weight loss journey, claiming to have lost over 100 pounds by healthy eating and exercise. One of his main tactics? Concocting healthier versions of his favorite meals, so that he can still eat foods that he enjoys. In a recent viral video he shared the recipe of his healthy version of a classic American favorite.

He Created a Healthy Philly Cheesesteak

@benjixavier

An electric kitchen is the future! Check out gasleaks.org (http://gasleaks.org/) for more info! #BreakUpWithGas

Benji claims that you can eat Philly Cheesesteaks and still lose weight. “Ladies and gentlemen, so let's make some lower calorie cheese steaks,” he says in the clip.

He Starts by Cooking Thinly Sliced Steak with Mushroom and Onion

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier9benjixavier/TikTok

“I'm going to be using thinly sliced steak. I'm going to add in our seasonings a little bit of black pepper. Now we're going to fully cook our meat on the stovetop. We're going to add in our steak, some diced mushroom and white onion, and let that fully cook,” he instructs.

Related: 10-Minute Full Body HIIT Exercise That Will Burn Fat Fast

Instead of Bread, He Uses Halved Bell Peppers

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier7benjixavier/TikTok

Benji swaps out the bread with bell peppers. “Pick some bell peppers. I'm going to cut them in half and seed them,” he says. “Now we place our bell peppers on a baking sheet or baking dish.”

He Tops Them with Cheese

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier8benjixavier/TikTok

“Lastly, I'm going to top 'em with half a slice of provolone. These babies are ready, I'm going to throw 'em in the oven and bake at three 50 for 20 to 25 minutes,” he says, giving the final product a “ten out of ten.”

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds by Following a Few Simple Food Rules

Here Are Other Healthy Swaps You Can Make

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian is totally on board with making healthier versions of your favorite foods, offering a number of suggestions for healthy substitutions:

  • Zucchini noodles in place of pasta
  • Cauliflower rice instead of white rice
  • Egg wraps instead of tortilla wraps (EggLife)
  • Bed of roasted veggies as base of bowls instead of rice or noodles
  • Plain greek yogurt in place of mayo or full fat sour cream for dips and sauces

💪🔥Body Booster: By making healthier versions of your favorite meals, you are less likely to overindulge in the real thing.

sustainable weight losshealthy eatingsuccess stories & transformationshiitweight loss

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Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 100 Pounds by Eating the Meal I Love

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier5
benjixavierr/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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.

Benji Xavier (@benjixavier) is a weight loss warrior and influencer who boasts over 3.6 million followers on TikTok. He regularly shares videos about his weight loss journey, claiming to have lost over 100 pounds by healthy eating and exercise. One of his main tactics? Concocting healthier versions of his favorite meals, so that he can still eat foods that he enjoys. In a recent viral video he shared the recipe of his healthy version of a classic American favorite.

He Created a Healthy Philly Cheesesteak

@benjixavier

An electric kitchen is the future! Check out gasleaks.org (http://gasleaks.org/) for more info! #BreakUpWithGas

Benji claims that you can eat Philly Cheesesteaks and still lose weight. “Ladies and gentlemen, so let's make some lower calorie cheese steaks,” he says in the clip.

He Starts by Cooking Thinly Sliced Steak with Mushroom and Onion

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier9benjixavier/TikTok

“I'm going to be using thinly sliced steak. I'm going to add in our seasonings a little bit of black pepper. Now we're going to fully cook our meat on the stovetop. We're going to add in our steak, some diced mushroom and white onion, and let that fully cook,” he instructs.

Related: 10-Minute Full Body HIIT Exercise That Will Burn Fat Fast

Instead of Bread, He Uses Halved Bell Peppers

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier7benjixavier/TikTok

Benji swaps out the bread with bell peppers. “Pick some bell peppers. I'm going to cut them in half and seed them,” he says. “Now we place our bell peppers on a baking sheet or baking dish.”

He Tops Them with Cheese

Benji_Xavier_benjixavier8benjixavier/TikTok

“Lastly, I'm going to top 'em with half a slice of provolone. These babies are ready, I'm going to throw 'em in the oven and bake at three 50 for 20 to 25 minutes,” he says, giving the final product a “ten out of ten.”

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds by Following a Few Simple Food Rules

Here Are Other Healthy Swaps You Can Make

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian is totally on board with making healthier versions of your favorite foods, offering a number of suggestions for healthy substitutions:

  • Zucchini noodles in place of pasta
  • Cauliflower rice instead of white rice
  • Egg wraps instead of tortilla wraps (EggLife)
  • Bed of roasted veggies as base of bowls instead of rice or noodles
  • Plain greek yogurt in place of mayo or full fat sour cream for dips and sauces

💪🔥Body Booster: By making healthier versions of your favorite meals, you are less likely to overindulge in the real thing.

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Coach Reveals 5 Ways She Dropped 100 Pounds

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary
Coach Dropped 100 Pounds After She Stopped Believing These 5 Lies
Copyright balancebyhilary/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 11, 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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Are you struggling to lose weight? You might need to make some lifestyle shifts, says one weight loss warrior-slash-expert. Hilary Carver is a fat loss coach who lost 100 pounds naturally and helps her clients do the same. In a new post, she reveals a few key things she learned on her journey that can help you lose weight as well. “I lost 100 pounds naturally. Here’s what I learned,” she writes.

She Started Taking Action

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number FiveCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

“A decade ago, I stood exactly where you are. I felt stuck in my body. Tired. Frustrated. Overwhelmed by the thought of starting again because, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could follow through this time. But something shifted. I realized that if I wanted my life to change, I had to stop waiting for the ‘perfect time’ and start taking imperfect action,” she says.

She Lost 100 Pounds with No Crash Diets or Quick Fixes

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number FourCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

“Over the next few years, I lost 100 pounds naturally. No crash diets. No quick fixes. I followed the exact framework I teach my clients—and it didn’t just transform my body... it changed my life. Here are the MOST important lessons I learned along the way,” she continued.

You Can’t Outwork a Bad Diet

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Overcoming These 5 Lies Helped Her Lose 100 PoundsCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

First, she learned that you can’t outwork a bad diet. “For years, I thought I could exercise my way to results without addressing what I was eating. Spoiler: It didn’t work. When I finally learned how to make meal prep & planning simple, track my food without obsessing, and eat in a way that didn’t feel restrictive—everything changed,” she writes.

Mindset is the Real Work

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number OneCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

Next, she realized that changing her mindset is the hardest part. “I had to face the excuses, the self-sabotage, and the limiting beliefs that kept me stuck. It wasn’t about motivation—it was about choosing to show up for myself, even on the hard days,” she says.

Your Lifestyle Will Make or Break You

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number TwoCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

Lifestyle is also important. “The secret to losing 100 pounds wasn’t in doing more. It was in building small, consistent habits that worked with my life—not against it. These small changes stacked up into a BIG transformation,” she says.

Nobody Is Coming to Save You

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​Lie Number ThreeCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

She also learned that “nobody is coming to save you.” “This one stings, but it’s the truth: If you want the transformation, you have to take accountability. You have to stop blaming your circumstances and start owning your choices. The moment I stopped making excuses, I started making progress.”

It’s Worth It

Hilary Carver balancebyhilary​You Can Become the Person You Want to BeCopyright balancebyhilary/Instagram

“This journey isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about gaining confidence, energy, and control over your life. It’s about becoming the version of you who feels proud when she looks in the mirror,” she concludes. “I know how overwhelming it feels to start, but I also know what’s waiting for you on the other side of your excuses—and it is SO worth it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

Mom Dropped 100 Lbs With These Simple Meals

Mayra_Wendolyne_LowCarbLove35
Mom Lost 135 Pounds After Fixing These 6 Mistakes She Made Every Day
Copyright Low Carb Love/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 24, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓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.

Staying consistent with healthy eating can feel impossible when you're juggling family responsibilities and work deadlines. For Myra from Low Carb Love, finding a sustainable approach to nutrition changed everything. After losing over 100 pounds through low-carb eating, she's maintained her results by focusing on satisfying, nutrient-dense meals that don't leave her feeling deprived.

The Reality of Maintaining a Major Weight Loss

Myra is refreshingly honest about the challenges of maintaining significant weight loss. "A lot of times we think with getting back on track or a weight loss journey that you are always having to see progress or else you're failing. And it's definitely not the case," Myra says. This realistic approach has helped her maintain her weight loss for years.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Morning Routine: Starting Strong with Protein

Banana and chocolate smoothie in the glass jarShutterstock

Myra begins each day with a protein-focused breakfast. "I personally like to start my day with a smoothie or bone broth, something that has protein in it just because it kind of gets me started on the right foot," Myra explains.

Her current favorite is a pumpkin spice protein smoothie made with dairy-free condensed milk, pure pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, protein powder sweetened with monk fruit, and ice. "I like my smoothies to be nice and thick and kind of icy where they taste like a frappe, like a dessert," Myra shares.

Daily Supplements: Research-Based Support

Composition with nutritional supplement capsules and containers. Variety of drug pills​The Role of Supplements in Your JourneyShutterstock

"If you follow me on Instagram or you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm like a supplement person, but to my defense, I do my research," Myra explains. Her multivitamin contains nine essential nutrients in just two pills, making it convenient for her busy lifestyle.

Personalized Nutrition: Listening to Her Body

Celiac, Gluten,Free Certification,food,labelShutterstock

Myra has adapted her diet based on her body's needs. "I try to keep all my food gluten-free since gluten really messes with my stomach. It's been one of those things where I've had to eliminate like dairy and gluten," Myra explains. This personalized approach demonstrates how she's learned to work with her body rather than against it.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Midday Meal: Veggie-Rich Stir Fry

Stir,Fry,Turkey,Breast,With,Red,Paprika,And,Zucchini,With​4. Beef Stir-FryShutterstock

For lunch, Myra prepares a colorful stir fry loaded with vegetables and protein. "With veggies, you get the fiber. They look beautiful, they keep you nice and full," Myra says. "I feel it adds the bulk to your meals, because if you have just a piece of salmon, your protein and healthy fats are usually going to be a smaller portion, but the veggies is where you could really add that bulkiness to your meals."

She incorporates a variety of vegetables including zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, and cabbage. "Carrots are a little higher in carbs, but again, we're talking like the amount of carbs to the nutrients of the veggie. I feel like it overcompensates for it," Myra explains.

Low-Carb Noodle Solution

Bowl of shirataki noodlesShutterstock

Myra incorporates Shirataki noodles into her meals. "I know everyone has like their either love or hate relationship with them. I'm going to be honest, I used to not be a fan of Shirataki noodles, but over time they've just really grown on me," Myra shares. "I washed them because I know they smell kind of funky. But if you wash them really, really well, you're golden."

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

Flavoring Without Compromise

"I love my food to be nice and seasoned. I need that flavor or else I don't want it," she explains, using gluten-free tamari, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and various spices to create satisfying Asian-inspired dishes. "I ended up topping it with some green onion, a little bit of cilantro, some sesame seeds."

Preparation: The Key to Consistency

Beautiful young couple having fun in the kitchen while cooking.​Plan for Long-Term SuccessShutterstock

"It looks beautiful. It's going to be nice and filling and it's great for lunch, for dinner, leftovers. If you do meal prep, you know you're going to eat healthy. You know you're going to stay on track," she explains. By preparing satisfying meals in advance, she avoids the temptation of less nutritious convenience foods.

Exercise: Beyond Physical Changes

Fit woman talking to her trainer at the gym.​Making Exercise Work for YouShutterstock

"This is like the first time in over two years that I've actually focused on working out," she shares. "I've been super consistent with the workouts."

Myra addresses common misconceptions: "I've always grown up thinking like, no, I don't want to lift weights because I don't want to get bulky or I don't want to get buff, but it doesn't work like that. I've asked my trainer and she's like, 'Myra, in order for you to bulk up or get buff, you need to lift heavy.'"

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Mental Health Benefits

,Fit,Woman,In,Gym,happy,exercise,workout,smile,fitnessShutterstock

"It makes me feel better about my overall energy. I don't even need coffee in the mornings," she shares. "I feel happier. When I'm leaving the gym, I just feel like overall my mood feels better. Working out is the most underused antidepressant."

Navigating Real-Life Challenges

Weight scale 120 kilogramShutterstock

"On the weeks when the team is here, it's really hard because we're snacking and we're cooking and we're making a bunch of delicious foods. And so I eat a lot more than on my weeks where everyone's working remote," she shares honestly.

"I just want you guys to know that if you are on a weight loss journey, you're not always going to see progress every single day or every single week. Sometimes you're going to have weeks where the scale doesn't move. Your measurements don't move. Everything just kind of stays the same."

Measuring Success Beyond the Scale

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"I don't really weigh myself just because it is a little triggering for me. But I can just tell in the way I look like my clothes, my jeans, everything," she explains.

"There's so many things that play into that role. Remember we're also women. We have our menstrual cycle, and that plays a huge part in the fluctuation of your weight and how you're looking and how you're feeling and your cravings throughout the month."

By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, finding exercise she enjoys, and maintaining a realistic mindset, Myra has created a sustainable approach that has allowed her to maintain her impressive weight loss long-term.

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 100 Pounds in a Year and I Didn't Give up a Single Thing That I Like

thecertifiedhypegirl
Copyright thecertifiedhypegirl/TikTok
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 17, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
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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.

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

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

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

I Drank a Ton of Water

Young woman jogger resting drinking waterShutterstock

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

I Ate What I Love (But Mostly Veggies)

@thecertifiedhypegirl

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

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

I Tracked What I Ate

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

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

I Weighed Myself Daily

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

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

I Built Small, Sustainable Habits

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

I Focused on Nutrition, Not Just Exercise

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

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

I Got Creative with Low-Carb Meals

Green and red peppersShutterstock

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

I Drank Water Before Meals

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

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

I Stopped Eating 4 Hours Before Bed

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

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

I Gave Myself Time

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

I Started My Day with Water

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

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

I Changed My Mindset About Weekends

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

I Managed Late-Night Cravings

Young woman looking into the fridge, feeling hungry at nightShutterstock

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

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

I Replaced Scrolling with Productive Habits

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

Nutrition & Diet

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

Nikki Gets Fit
Copyright nikkigets_fit/Instagram
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 10, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
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Nikki (@nikkigetsfit), a popular weight loss influencer and YouTuber, has shared her inspiring journey of shedding 70 pounds through mindful eating and lifestyle changes. In a recent viral video, Nikki, who credits her success to Weight Watchers, opens up about how tackling bad habits and addressing the root causes of her binge eating disorder played a crucial role in her transformation. Here are the six changes she made that helped her lose weight and find freedom from food.

I Acknowledged My Binge Eating Disorder

Nikki has dealt with a binge eating disorder. "I didn't know what it was, and I didn't know I had it or had struggled with it for many years of my life," she says in the video. "When I finally acknowledged that, and I can't even tell you, I don't remember exactly when it was, but I know the relief I felt when I realized that other people deal with this, and it's a lot of other people who deal with this and that I wasn't alone. It was like the biggest weight off my shoulder, and it really helped me tackle more of the issues."

RELATED: 8 Food Swaps That Helped Me Lose 70 Pounds

I Started Eating Throughout the Day

Young woman preparing vegetable smoothie with blender peeling banana at the kitchen.Shutterstock/Krakenimages.com

"For me, if I do not eat breakfast or lunch, I can come home and eat so much. I'll just keep eating all night, honestly, because I feel like, oh, I didn't eat any calories all day. I can just keep eating, keep eating, and I'll just binge like crazy," she says in the video.

"When I eat breakfast, first of all, a filling breakfast, half the time I'm not even hungry by lunchtime. Usually, I'll eat a later lunch if I have a filling breakfast, and then we'll eat a kind of later dinner. And that way, I'm not tempted to snack as much."

I Focused on Making Filling Meals

"Just making really filling meals has helped a lot. And you guys see the meals I eat, I eat very big portions because I load them with vegetables and protein. I try to always incorporate a chicken or a Turkey burger, something like that. And then a lot of veggies. So that has really helped to just fill me up, which has made me less likely to binge as well," she says in the video.

I Tackled the Mental Side of Things

Sad,Wealthy,Woman,Suffering,From,Depression,Hiding,Her,Face,MoneyShutterstock

"I think it has been finding my source of stress, my source of anxiety, depression. It has been finding that and working on that more recently, because I didn't really overcome it in high school and college," she says in the video.

"When I was able to do that and tackle those and continue to work on those, I'm still working on them. It really did allow me to find freedom from food and not feel so attached to getting comfort from food."

I Stopped Eliminating Food Groups

"I also don't eliminate any specific food group, any foods at all. I don't restrict anything. If I were to do that, that would definitely cause me to binge more. If I were to cut out bread or pasta or something, that's all I would crave. And then when I get it, I would just go over the top," she says in the video.

"So for me, just having everything in moderation, having balance or finding even substitutes, I've found lower point pastas that I can have bigger portions of, and that way it satisfies me much more than if I just had the regular pasta, regular serving."

RELATED: I Lost 70 Pounds After Stopping These 7 Things

I Practiced Mindful Eating

Young girl eating a fruit salad after a workout . Fitness and healthy lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

"Another thing that has really helped me is just working on mindful eating. So a lot of times I would just eat and eat as much as I possibly could, and I would do it as fast as I could. I wouldn't even pay attention to how I was feeling," she says in the video.

"Now what I do is I really try to focus on whether I am actually hungry or how this makes me feel. If I eat this, how am I feeling? Do I feel full? Do I need to really keep eating this, or can I just put it in the fridge and have it later or eat slower?"

I Found Healthy Snack Alternatives

"Another thing that has helped me is finding snacks that I can eat in big portions. So if it is nighttime and I feel like I just want to kind of stress eat or just eat something because sometimes out of boredom I just want to eat or I am hungry," she says in the video.

"Having options in the house that are lower points that I can have bigger portions of has been a huge change for me and has really helped on my journey. Having different popcorn or even incorporating fruits and vegetables with the snacks has really helped a lot to keep me more full and satisfied."

RELATED:How I Melted 100 Pounds in 18 Months With My 6 Step Weight Loss Secret

I Prioritized Getting Enough Sleep

"If you get enough sleep and rest, it'll be beneficial for your appetite. And just overall, in general, your health. And I notice I feel more snacky and hungry and just not even healthy. I don't know. I just don't feel great when I don't get enough sleep. And I've noticed that it has had a relation to my binge eating and things like that," she says in the video.

By implementing these changes, Nikki was able to overcome her binge eating disorder and achieve significant weight loss. Her story highlights the importance of addressing both the physical and mental aspects of eating habits for successful, long-term weight management. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

The Simple Habit Helped Nurse Lose 140 Pounds

Jessica Olson findinmyweigh
Wake Up Earlier​
Copyright findinmyweigh/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 30, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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 need a little motivation? One weight loss warrior claims to have a game-changing tip. Jessica Olson is a nurse and social media influencer who dropped a whopping 140 pounds. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one habit that was instrumental in her weight loss success. “#1 success tip helped me lose 140 pounds,” she writes in the post.

Wake Up Earlier

What is her number one tip? “It’s simple…WAKE UP EARLIER,” she writes. “I’m sure a ton of people would disagree with me but if I had to pick ONE thing that I feel like has helped ME on MY journey - this would be it.”

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

She Had Bariatric Surgery But Didn’t Gain the Weight Back

“Sure I had bariatric surgery… and some could say that was the one thing that helped. But so many people put their weight back on after having surgery because they don’t change their habits. I created the habit of waking up earlier,” she continues.

This Habit Helps Her Stick to These Other Habits

She maintains that “one simple thing” has helped her lose 140 lbs but also keep it off by:

  1. Hitting her water goals
  2. Taking her vitamins
  3. Getting in a workout.

“All before most people are getting out of bed in the morning,” she says.

There Are Other Benefits

There are other benefits to being an early riser, per Jessica. “But it’s also helped me in other areas. I’m spending more time with God, my house is cleaner, I feel more organized, so I’m in a much better mood,” she says. “All because…I WAKE UP EARLIER.”

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Also Has a Tip for Those Who Struggle to Sleep

In another post, she offers suggestions to anyone who struggles with falling asleep and shutting their brains off. “After many years of nightshift nursing I have royally messed up my sleep schedule. Some nights I'll lay in bed (mind you I've crawled into bed around 8) and can't fall asleep until after 1-2a,” she says.

She Drinks Mushroom Hot Cocoa at Night

“I have prescribed medication to help with times like that but I really don't like taking it. I decided to try out @ryzesuperfoods mushroom hot cocoa to see if I could tell a difference - and it's been a huge game changer!! For one you can't taste the mushroom part at all, y'all know I have a sweet tooth and this taste just like straight up hot cocoa but the best part is I feel super sleepy within 10-15 minutes of drinking it!” she continued.

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Find What Works for You

“All this to say - find what works for you. Maybe it's changing up your nightly routine. Trying some meditation, stretching, a hot bath, bible reading, journaling -or- incorporating some hot cocoa into your nightly routine... Figure out what helps and stick to it,” she concludes. “Transitioning from a night owl to a morning bird has been a huge part of my journey to better health.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Foods That Can "Wreck" Your Cortisol Levels

Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD mvmntbydrsteph
​When Other Hormonal Imbalances Are In Check
Copyright mvmntbydrsteph/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

You probably know that hormonal disruptions can lead to weight gain and lower energy. But you might not realize that some of your favorite foods are causing this. Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD, specializes in helping women over 30 lose weight and gain energy. In a new social media post, she reveals the foods that will mess up your hormones. “As a medical doctor, here are 5 foods I avoid daily that will wreck your cortisol,” she writes.

“We all know cortisol is our primary stress hormone, but did you know your diet could be making things worse by messing with other hormones too?” she asks, adding that cortisol is intimately connected with insulin and thyroid hormones. “So, some foods that disrupt one can impact them all—and the consequences on your body and metabolism can be significant. Here are 5 foods I avoid because they wreak havoc on cortisol (and other hormones!)”

Refined Sugars

First, avoid refined sugars. “These spike blood sugar, trigger insulin resistance, and raise cortisol. It’s a triple whammy for your metabolism,” she says.

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

Processed Foods

Unhealthy.,Food,Bad,Processed,junk,fries,donut,candy, carbohydrates​Junk Foods: The Triple ThreatShutterstock

Processed foods are next on her list. “High in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, these can throw off your insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalances that elevate cortisol levels,” she says.

Caffeine

black drip coffee in glass cup, Barista making drip coffee by pouring spills hot water on coffee bean. Barista serve holding cup of hot black coffee or americano for serve on wooden table cafe shop​Protein Before CaffeineShutterstock

You might want to think twice before having that second cup of coffee or energy drink. “While it gives you a temporary boost, excessive caffeine consumption can increase cortisol, leaving you more stressed and less likely to burn fat,” says Dr. Dunlop.

Alcohol

Group of people drinking beer at brewery pub restaurant - Happy friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Closeup image of brew glasses - Food and beverage lifestyle concept​4. Excess AlcoholShutterstock

Alcohol is another no-no. “Alcohol disrupts liver function, impacting your body’s ability to detoxify, leading to an increase in cortisol and other hormone imbalances,” she writes.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Artificial Sweeteners

Equal,Artificial,Sweetener,By,Merisant, sugar, sweet​Mistake 3: Relying on Quick FixesShutterstock

Artificial sweeteners may seem like a better idea than sugar, but according to Dr. Dunlop they can also do a lot of damage. “These can mess with your gut microbiome, which has a profound effect on your stress response and cortisol levels,” she writes.

Take a Deeper Look at Your Hormonal Imbalance

Obese Woman with fat upset bored of dieting Weight loss fail Fat diet and scale sad asian woman on weight scale at home weight control.​Not Being Obsessed with Fast ResultsShutterstock

“If you’re struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or emotional burnout, it might be time to look deeper at the root causes of your hormonal imbalance. These are the things that MUST be addressed in any successful weight loss plan, or you risk spinning your wheels and not seeing lasting results,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Nutrition & Diet

Jenny McCarthy Ditches Vegan for Meat

Jenny McCarthy at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Arrivals, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 05-19-13
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓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.

Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her.

Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009

Jenny McCarthy arriving at the Women in Film Annual Crystal & Lucy Awards at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City , CA on June 12, 2009.

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McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."

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

She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”

Jenny McCarthy at the 2012 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, USA on November 18, 2012.

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"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”

LOS ANGELES - SEP 22: Jenny McCarthy at the Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

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She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Works Out Two Hours a Day

LOS ANGELES - FEB 06: Actress Jenny McCarthy arrives for the FOX Winter TCA 2019 on February 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

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In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

She Walks on an Incline

LOS ANGELES - NOV 23: Jenny McCarthy at the 2014 American Music Awards - Arrivals at the Nokia Theater on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA

Shutterstock

As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga

Jenny McCarthy at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Yes Man'. Mann VIllage Theater, Westwood, CA. 12-17-08

Shutterstock

In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” 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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