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This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever

One influencer maintains that ditching a few unhealthy habits enabled her to lose a lot of weight fast.

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.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt15
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 your unhealthy habits preventing you from losing weight? According to one expert, you should take a look at yours. Fitness and nutrition coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about losing 40 pounds. In a recent video, she reveals a few bad habits that she ditched to achieve weight loss success finally. “5 things I stopped doing to lose 40lbs,” she writes in the post.


She Stopped Following Trends

Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it will help you lose weight. “I stopped following trends,” Alex revealed. “These days, whether it’s running, Pilates Princess is all a trend. You can do it all. The secret is finding what works for you and sticking to it,” she says in her post.

She Stopped Snacking on “Everything in Sight”

Snacking isn’t always bad. However, it can be. “I stopped snacking on everything in sight. I used to be the person who would have a bite of everything. Little did I know it adds up quickly,” Alex writes.

She Stopped Being Lazy

Sedentary behavior won’t help you lose weight, says Alex. “I stopped being lazy. I simply began walking everywhere, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc,” she reveals.

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

She Stopped Setting Strict Goals

Are your diet and fitness goals too rigid? “I stopped having strict goals. I used to think I could lose 2 lbs a week consistently. But realistically, your weight will fluctuate, and setting weight goals puts way too much pressure on me,” she writes.

She Stopped Restricting Herself

Crash diets and avoiding food you actually like aren’t the key to losing weight, according to the influencer. “I stopped restricting myself and learned how to have portion control. Enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

She “Ate the Same Meals Every Single Day”

So, what did she eat to lose weight? “For 1-2 months, I ate the same meals every single day. Why? Because I was confused, I didn’t know what to eat or where to start, so I ate the same thing every day,” Alexandra confessed in another post.

RELATED: Health Expert Shares Her 5 Favorite Healthy Food Swaps

Here Is Her Weight Loss Breakfast

On her weight loss journey, Alex had two breakfast options. One “would always be oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and brandy butter,” she reveals. The second? Eggs with turkey bacon, veggies, and a bagel.

Here Is Her Weight Loss Lunch

You don’t have to stick to salads to lose weight, according to Alex. “I’d usually eat some type of wrap/ sandwich. I’d add mayo, turkey, ham, salami, cheese, and a bunch of veggies,” she writes.

Here Are Her Weight Loss Snacks

Alexandra had a few go-to snacks while losing weight. “I’d have a protein bar, protein shake, fruit, yogurt bowls, bagels with cream cheese, snack plates, and anything I was craving that day. I just made sure it was a decent portion,” she says.

RELATED: 9 Ways You're Making Your Belly Fat Worse

Here Is Her Weight Loss Dinner

For dinner, while losing weight, she “would switch things up” and gravitated toward bowls. She would “add a bunch of lettuce, rice and either ground turkey, chicken, ground beef, any kind of protein and I’d add toppings like tortilla chips, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, salsa, cheese ugh they’re so good and so filling,” she says. 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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Lacey Iskra laceeiskk
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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 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.

Woman Lost 40 Pounds at 61 by Making These 4 Habit Changes
Copyright silverandstrong/Instagram

Are you struggling to lose weight after 60? According to an expert, a few habit changes can be game-changing. Ilene Block is the founder of Silver and Strong, a coaching company that specializes in helping women over 50 get into the best shape of their lives. She lost 40 pounds at 61 (and 55 pounds altogether) by making a few simple changes to her routine. “At 61 I was holding most of my weight in my hips and lower belly until I made these 4 changes to my daily habits,” she writes about the Instagram video. “Are you like me and have a hard time losing weight from your hips and lower belly? These foundational changes to your daily habits are the keys to being able to lose that weight and keep it off,” she adds in the caption.

Make Sure You Are Eating Enough

Her first suggestion? Make sure you are eating enough. “Many women of my generation (50+) grew up eating as little as possible to be skinny. I now know that the key is to eat as much as possible of healthy foods to fuel my body,” she writes.

Protein: “Aim for 1 gram of protein per lb of goal bodyweight,” she says.

Complex Carbohydrates: “Eat your largest carb meals before and after your weight training,” she says.

Healthy Fats: “These are more limited since they have 2.5x the cals as protein or carbs, but are important for overall health,” she writes.

Lift Heavy Weights

Next, make sure to lift heavy weights, “heavy for you,” she says, “to achieve muscle hypertrophy. “Most women don’t lift often enough (4-5x a week) or heavy enough to get the maximum benefits from weight training,” she continues. “The goal for women 50+ is building muscle and bone strength which can become an issue after menopause.”

Move Your Body Throughout the Day

Her third habit has to do with movement, specifically moving your body throughout the day to “get the benefits of NEAT,” she writes. ”NEAT stands for nonexercise activity thermogenesis,” she says. Examples include taking a walk, doing housework, and gardening. “Moving throughout the day can give you more benefits in terms of raising your overall calorie burn for the day than a half hour of cardio exercise.”

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Her last healthy habit is taking time to care for your mental health and mindset. “Change your mindset, change your life! At 50+, we are often unaware of our own limiting beliefs. You CAN do this! Awareness is the first step to changing your internal dialogue and how you talk to yourself,” she says. “Be willing to make yourself a priority and honor your boundaries.”

Be Patient

These habit changes won’t rear results instantly. You need to be patient, she says. “These changes take time, consistency and focus. Start with one and add the others over time and imagine where you will be a year from now.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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 your unhealthy habits preventing you from losing weight? According to one expert, you should take a look at yours. Fitness and nutrition coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing videos about losing 40 pounds. In a recent video, she reveals a few bad habits that she ditched to achieve weight loss success finally. “5 things I stopped doing to lose 40lbs,” she writes in the post.


She Stopped Following Trends

Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it will help you lose weight. “I stopped following trends,” Alex revealed. “These days, whether it’s running, Pilates Princess is all a trend. You can do it all. The secret is finding what works for you and sticking to it,” she says in her post.

She Stopped Snacking on “Everything in Sight”

Snacking isn’t always bad. However, it can be. “I stopped snacking on everything in sight. I used to be the person who would have a bite of everything. Little did I know it adds up quickly,” Alex writes.

She Stopped Being Lazy

Sedentary behavior won’t help you lose weight, says Alex. “I stopped being lazy. I simply began walking everywhere, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc,” she reveals.

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

She Stopped Setting Strict Goals

Are your diet and fitness goals too rigid? “I stopped having strict goals. I used to think I could lose 2 lbs a week consistently. But realistically, your weight will fluctuate, and setting weight goals puts way too much pressure on me,” she writes.

She Stopped Restricting Herself

Crash diets and avoiding food you actually like aren’t the key to losing weight, according to the influencer. “I stopped restricting myself and learned how to have portion control. Enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

She “Ate the Same Meals Every Single Day”

So, what did she eat to lose weight? “For 1-2 months, I ate the same meals every single day. Why? Because I was confused, I didn’t know what to eat or where to start, so I ate the same thing every day,” Alexandra confessed in another post.

RELATED: Health Expert Shares Her 5 Favorite Healthy Food Swaps

Here Is Her Weight Loss Breakfast

On her weight loss journey, Alex had two breakfast options. One “would always be oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and brandy butter,” she reveals. The second? Eggs with turkey bacon, veggies, and a bagel.

Here Is Her Weight Loss Lunch

You don’t have to stick to salads to lose weight, according to Alex. “I’d usually eat some type of wrap/ sandwich. I’d add mayo, turkey, ham, salami, cheese, and a bunch of veggies,” she writes.

Here Are Her Weight Loss Snacks

Alexandra had a few go-to snacks while losing weight. “I’d have a protein bar, protein shake, fruit, yogurt bowls, bagels with cream cheese, snack plates, and anything I was craving that day. I just made sure it was a decent portion,” she says.

RELATED: 9 Ways You're Making Your Belly Fat Worse

Here Is Her Weight Loss Dinner

For dinner, while losing weight, she “would switch things up” and gravitated toward bowls. She would “add a bunch of lettuce, rice and either ground turkey, chicken, ground beef, any kind of protein and I’d add toppings like tortilla chips, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, salsa, cheese ugh they’re so good and so filling,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Ruth_Soukup8
Copyright ruthsoukup/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you struggling to lose weight despite dieting? Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who personally lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals a few mistakes she made and then the one thing she did to fix them. “I lost 49 pounds in my 40s when I stopped dieting and started paying attention to this one thing,” she writes in the Instagram video.


She Was Eating Plant-Based, Counting Calories, and Running 3 to 5 Miles Per Day, But Struggled to Lose Weight

“I struggled with my weight for ten long years and failed at more diets than I can count. Even though I thought I was doing all the right things,” she writes in the post. What was she doing? “Eating plant-based,” counting her calories, and “running 3-5 miles every day.”

At 43, She Decided to Do Something Different

She wasn’t getting the results she wanted. “I couldn’t understand why nothing seemed to work or why it felt like my metabolism was just broken. At some point, I started to lose hope. Maybe you can relate. But one day, when I was 43 years old, I finally got so fed up that I decided to do something totally different,” Ruth writes.

She Did Research to Understand “The Science of Weight Loss”

“Instead of dieting, I did real research to understand the science of weight loss, especially for women over 40. I wanted to know why we gain weight as we get older and it’s so hard to lose it. I was shocked to discover that weight loss has almost nothing to do with calories and everything to do with HORMONES. That’s it. That’s the secret. The one thing,” she reveals.

She Lost 49 Pounds and Has Kept It Off

“I totally changed my focus from counting calories to simply balancing my hormones, to eating the foods that would nourish my body, and creating better habits for a sustainable lifestyle. Ultimately, making that shift is what helped me lose 49 pounds and keep it off, and I’ve now helped thousands of other women over 40 do the same,” she says.

She Stopped Calorie Counting

In another post she discusses other healthy habits that helped her lose weight fast. “I struggled with my weight for YEARS, failing at diet after diet, always believing that the problem was ME and my own lack of willpower before I was finally able to lose 49 pounds and actually keep it off. So what was my secret? It was pretty simple, actually. I just focused on my hormones. That meant I committed to stop dieting! No more counting calories—instead focused on nourishing my body,” she writes.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 3 Surprising Foods She Ate to Lose 15 Pounds (Including Dessert for Dinner)

She Quit Sugar and Processed Food

She also majorly cleaned up her diet. She eliminated a few things. “I detoxed from sugar and stopped eating toxic processed food. It’s the first step in balancing your hormones,” she writes.

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

She also refocused her diet. “I started eating a lot more healthy fat and nutrient-dense protein,” she writes. 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.

RELATED: Man Ate Bacon and Eggs for 30 Days and His Blood Work Stunned Doctors

She Switched From Cardio to Strength Training

She also switched up her approach to exercise. “I focused on strength training & building lean muscle mass instead of burning calories through high-intensity cardio,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

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

She Focused on a Healthy Lifestyle

Lastly, she looked at the big picture. “I didn’t give myself a timeline. I just focused on changing my lifestyle,” she writes. “But I still lost more than 40 pounds in six months, have kept it off for more than 3 years, and now I’ve helped thousands of women do the same.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/Instagram

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.

Tara Collingwood dietdivatara
Top 9 High-Protein Snacks That Burn Fat and Keep You Full, Says a Nutritionist
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Expert-Recommended

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

Are you trying to lose weight? It might seem like a good idea to skip breakfast altogether. However, according to our in-house RDN, this isn’t a good idea. “When trying to lose body fat, the key is to eat something in the morning to kick start the metabolism, but make sure it lasts and you aren’t hungry an hour later,” Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, also known as The Diet Diva, Body Network’s Resident Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, explains. “To achieve lasting fullness, focus on protein, healthy fats, fiber, and slower-digesting carbs. This combination helps you stay full longer, curb cravings, and keep blood sugar levels stable,” she continues. Here are some great breakfast options for weight loss, as prescribed by Collingwood.

Greek Yogurt with Berries and Chia Seeds

Chia pudding made from yogurt, chia seeds and strawberries on a light background, horizontal. Useful, healthy eating, diet, self-care. A healthy, easy dessert for breakfast.

The first breakfast she recommends? A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries and chia seeds. “High in protein, antioxidants, and fiber for a filling meal,” she says. Make sure your Greek yogurt isn’t sweetened, as that will add calories to the mix.

Vegetable Omelet

Egg concept.Woman hands broken egg flows into a bowl for making egg menu.chicken eggs for good health high protein the best for Ketogenic diet program.​8. Protein-Packed OmeletShutterstock

Eggs are always a great idea if you're trying to meet your protein goals. Collingwood’s next go-to breakfast for fat loss? An omelet with vegetables. “Low-carb, packed with protein and fiber,” she says. If you want to reduce cholesterol and fat, you can substitute one or two of the yolks with egg whites only.

Oatmeal with Protein Powder and Berries

Healthy,Oatmeal,Served,With,Berries,,Chocolate,Chips,,Almonds,And,Honey.​High-Protein Berry OatmealShutterstock

Another breakfast option if you are craving something sweet is oatmeal mixed with a scoop of protein powder and a handful of berries. “Slow-digesting carbs + protein + fiber = lasting energy,” she says.

Protein Smoothie

Green smoothie. Woman holding green vegetable detox juice outside in bikini in summer sun on beach. Healthy lifestyle with beautiful mixed race Asian Caucasian female model taking a cleanse diet.10 Smoothie Recipes to Lose Weight in 30 DaysShutterstock

Another great sweet breakfast? A smoothie with protein powder, spinach, berries, and avocado. “Quick, nutrient-packed, and customizable,” Collingwood says.

Cottage Cheese Bowl

Cottage cheese with radish and cucumberCottage Cheese​Shutterstock

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein. Collingwood adds cucumber, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of flaxseeds. “High-protein, low-calorie, very filling,” she says about the concoction.

Whole Grain Avocado Toast with Egg

Avocado toast with poached egg on a wooden board. Breakfast concept.​Don’t Skip BreakfastShutterstock

Collingwood’s last breakfast item is a healthier avocado toast, “whole-grain toast with avocado and a poached egg,” she says. “Good mix of fiber, healthy fats, and protein.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Top view of single everything bagel against white marble background.
Shutterstock
Expert-Recommended

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

As a journalist who primarily writes about diet and fitness, I have become well-versed in the topic of nutrition. While I don’t consider myself a total health nut, I try to make thoughtful choices about the food I eat, taking into account various factors. But overall, I have a balanced approach, attempting to follow the 80/20 rule. One of my guilty pleasures? Bagels. I grew up eating a toasted bagel with cream cheese every morning, a habit that I had to retire later in life due to the carb-heavy nature of the item. Recently, Hero Bread sent me a few bags of low-carb, higher-protein bagels to sample. I was skeptical: How good can a low-carb bagel be? So good, I learned.

Hero Everything Bagels Are Packed with Fiber and Protein

Homemade Toasted Everything New York Bagel with Cream Cheese

Shutterstock

I tried the brand’s latest launch: Hero Everything Bagels. Each bagel has just 5 grams of carbs, 20 grams of fiber, and a whopping 17 grams of protein – that’s almost three times the amount of protein from the average egg.

It Was Light, Fluffy, and Delicious

Homemade Toasted Everything New York Bagel with Cream Cheese​Hero Everything Bagels Are Packed with Fiber and ProteinShutterstock

Since I didn’t have any cream cheese in my fridge, I toasted the bagel, then sprinkled shredded cheese on top, and broiled it for a few minutes. It came out perfectly toasted and melty. I was shocked by how delicious the bagel tasted. While not as dense and chewy as my favorite New York City bagels, it has a fluffy and light consistency and very much tastes like a “real” bagel. And the “everything” seasoning, a blend of onion, garlic, poppyseeds, and more, offered a serious boost of flavor.

The Dough Is Made Out of Fava Bean Flour and Plant-Based Ingredients

Broad bean or fava beans (Fave) on the rustic wooden background, close-up. From garden to table: springtime vegetables and legumes for spring recipes

Shutterstock

Like the Classic Plain Bagels, which have 4 grams of carbs, 21 grams of fiber, and 19 grams of protein, the dough is made with a nutrient-rich blend of fava bean flour and other plant-based ingredients.

They are Popular on Social Media

I’m not the only one obsessed with the bagels. Many low-carb eaters and nutritionists, including registered dietitian Diana Francis, have shared information about them on social media. “If you’re looking to increase your fiber and protein intake, I highly recommend these,” she says in a video review.

Make Sure to Freeze Them

young man searching for food in fridge at home​Increased Hunger Throughout Your DayShutterstock

One thing to note: My bags of bagels arrived fresh with an expiration date several months in the future. However, that applies only if you freeze the bagels within seven days after receiving them. So make sure not to skip this step.

Here’s Where to Buy Them

Woodland, CA, USA August 24th 2024 Front entrance facade of a Sprouts Farmers Market supermarket in California

Shutterstock

You can buy Hero Bread products at a retail store near you (use the brand’s store locator to find one) or on the company’s website. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Giuliana Reuschle GoTherex | Strong for Life
Copyright GoTherex | Strong for Life/YouTube/Shutterstock
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.

Many of us starting weight loss medications focus solely on the number on the scale dropping. But what if that weight loss includes precious muscle? Recently, Dr. Matt Reuschle, PT, DPT, CSCS, a Physical Therapist, shared insights with his wife, Giuliana Reuschle, 48, who successfully lost 20 pounds on Mounjaro. Their conversation reveals crucial strategies to ensure you're losing fat, not muscle, while on these medications. Read on to discover how to protect your muscle mass during your weight loss journey.

Weight Loss Shots Don't Discriminate Between Fat and Muscle

Medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic work primarily by reducing how much you eat, but they don't specifically target fat cells. "When we're looking at doing something like Mounjaro or any weight loss shot, what we're looking at more than anything is, are we losing weight that is good weight to lose?" Dr. Reuschle explains in his post. These medications limit your food intake, leaving your body to decide what to use for energy—and that could include your muscles.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

The Dangerous 1:1 Ratio

Tired,Fit,Woman,Locker,Room, depression, depressed,unhappy,upset,gym,fitness,workout​Recognize the Warning SignsShutterstock

Losing equal amounts of muscle and fat creates an unhealthy body composition. "If you lose one pound of muscle per pound of body fat, that ends up really, really bad for you," Dr. Reuschle warns. Even though the scale shows weight loss, your body fat percentage could actually increase relative to your muscle mass. Your goal should be a healthy body composition with significantly more muscle than fat.

Healthy Body Composition Goals

Body fat measurement​The Truth About 10% Body FatShutterstock

What should you aim for? According to Dr. Reuschle, a healthy goal might be "like 25%, 22% body fat." To achieve this, you need to be strategic about your weight loss. "We need to lose a lot more fat than we need to lose muscle," he emphasizes. This means creating conditions where your body preferentially burns fat while preserving or even building muscle tissue.

Protein Is Non-Negotiable

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One of the most important strategies is increasing your protein intake. "We need to stimulate muscle growth and muscle retention through your diet. So, number one, we need to raise your protein," Dr. Reuschle advises. Dietary protein itself signals your body to maintain muscle mass, even when you're in a calorie deficit.

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You Must Eat Protein Even When You're Not Hungry

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One of the challenges with medications like Mounjaro is dealing with suppressed appetite. However, Dr. Reuschle stresses, "even though you're not hungry, you have to eat proteins." This might mean prioritizing protein-rich foods when you do feel able to eat, rather than filling up on other options that don't support muscle maintenance.

Focus on Real Food Protein Sources

Homemade Grilled Chipotle Chicken Breast with Cilantro and LIme​Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime ChickenShutterstock

Supplements aren't enough on their own. "We're talking dietary proteins, not really just like powders and supplements," says Dr. Reuschle. He recommends focusing on whole food sources: "We're talking you need to eat things like chicken and fish and meat and other protein sources." For those with dietary restrictions, plant-based proteins can also work effectively.

Resistance Training Is Essential

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Diet alone isn't enough—you need the right kind of exercise too. Dr. Reuschle explains that you need to "work out in such a way that you're doing resistance exercise that causes your body to have a stimulus to build and retain muscle mass." Weight training creates the physical signals that tell your body muscle is valuable and worth keeping, even during weight loss.

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Why Cardio Alone Won't Work

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Many people assume cardio is the best exercise for weight loss, but Dr. Reuschle cautions against relying solely on it. "Just doing cardio is not going to be a great fit. In fact, cardio is a stimulus for your body to shed mass and muscle mass in general because it's expensive and it's hard to move through cardio." While cardiovascular exercise has many benefits, it should complement, not replace, resistance training during your weight loss journey.

The Winning Combination

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The most effective approach combines increased protein intake with regular resistance training. "We wanted to do resistance training along with raising the protein, which helps to stimulate your body to retain muscle mass while shedding that fat mass at the same time," Dr. Reuschle summarizes. This two-pronged strategy creates the optimal conditions for preserving lean tissue while losing fat.

Planning Your Meals Around Protein

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With a reduced appetite, meal planning becomes crucial. According to Northside Hospital, "For best results, try to consume 20-30 grams of high-quality protein per meal, which will help stimulate MPS [muscle protein synthesis]." Try to incorporate protein in every meal, even if portions are smaller. Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes can all contribute to your daily protein needs. Planning protein-forward meals and snacks ensures you're getting what your muscles need even when eating less overall.

Setting Up Your Resistance Training Routine

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If you're new to resistance training, follow this advice from Cleveland Clinic: "Pushing the muscle to fatigue is a key factor. Choose a weight that is heavy enough to fatigue your muscles in eight to 15 repetitions. As exercise becomes easier, you can progressively increase the amount of resistance." Start with 2-3 sessions per week focusing on major muscle groups. Include exercises like squats, lunges, chest presses, rows, and shoulder presses. You don't necessarily need a gym membership—bodyweight exercises and resistance bands can be effective, especially for beginners.

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Monitoring Your Progress Beyond the Scale

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While the number on the scale matters, it doesn't tell the whole story. Harvard Health research shows that "A combination of resistance and aerobic exercise was more effective in preserving muscle mass and increasing physical function than either type of exercise alone in older obese people on weight-loss diets." Consider tracking body measurements, how your clothes fit, or even getting body composition testing done. These metrics can show if you're successfully maintaining muscle while losing fat, even if weight loss seems slower than expected. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.