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I Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months. Here Is What I Eat in a Day

Here is everything she eats in order to build muscle and burn fat.

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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.

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Nour T (@nourrtann/) is a social media influencer who shares her diet and fitness hacks – specifically about how she lost a whopping 40 pounds in just 5 months. In one of her viral videos, she reveals everything she eats in a day “as someone who believes in a balanced and realistic lifestyle and has seen great results from it.” In total she consumes 176 grams of protein. Here is everything you need to know about her diet.


Salt Water

@nourrtann

the amount of protein i intake without even trying amazes me sometimes, i have mastered how to sneak it into any and everything 🤪 #wieiad #balancedeating #balanceddiet #highproteinmeals #whatieatinaday @Ancient Bliss @Nespresso @canprev @drinklmnt @EarthsOwn @Torani @Oikos

“I always hydrate with salt water. I am loving these flavored ones lately,” she says, holding up LMNT electrolyte packets. “And if you're into drinking alcohol, instead of using pop or juice, mix these in instead because they have tons of electrolytes which will save you from a hangover, and they're so good,” she suggests.

High Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

“Post-workout, I have this high protein strawberry cheesecake ice cream. This has 61 grams of protein, and if you're too lazy to wait for it to freeze, you can literally have it as a smoothie. It is so good and super creamy,” she says.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

“Coffee 24/7”

Woman is drinking coffee , morning routine. Tiny house. First property. Small apartment interior design. Minimalism. Moving in. Living alone. Charming trailer house with the morning sunShutterstock

“I talk about coffee 24/7, so if you're new here, this is the Double Dolce pod from Nespresso. I use it all the time,” she says. “I have it with oat milk and sugar-free vanilla, and then cinnamon Dolce, which I had no idea until recently, is pretty much brown sugar and cinnamon. It is my favorite combo.”

Here Is What She Eats for Breakfast

Nour_T_nourrtann2_ceda6cnourrtann/TikTok

Her “new breakfast obsession” is a mashed up concoction. “I could have this every single day. Half a cup of cottage cheese. If you don't like it, grow up. It has no taste and it just adds so much protein to your meals,” she says. She adds an avocado and two soft boiled eggs, “hard boiled if you're a loser,” she quips. “And then you're going to add your seasoning, some green onion and mash it all up. I also pair it with these mini sweet bell peppers and chicken sausages, and I'm telling you guys, this combo is unreal. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I'm really curious because everyone that I've shown it to has loved it.”

Supplements

Composition with nutritional supplement capsules and containers. Variety of drug pillsShutterstock

Next up, supplements. “It is really important to pair good fats with vitamin D, so I make sure to take that supplement after my first meal with this magnesium complex,” she says, holding up a bottle that also includes vitamin D and K2, which “go hand in hand so please take them together,” she says. “Saffron and L-Theanine are great for moods, especially in the winter.”

Here Is What She Eats for Lunch

Nour_T_nourrtann4nourrtann/TikTok

Next up, lunch. “I also had a Greek salad with my homemade Greek yogurt dressing super high in protein and so good,” she says.

Here Is What She Eats for Dinner

Nour_T_nourrtann3nourrtann/TikTok

“For dinner I had these Big Mac tacos. Now, I don't know who invented this idea, but it is one of the best dinners ever,” she says, showing off the two tacos drenched in beef, a thousand island sauce, and pickles.

More Supplements

spoon with dietary supplements on fruits backgroundShutterstock

“Of course, magnesium glycinate before bed. This is my number one supplement. The benefits are endless. If you're not taking it, you aren't missing out,” she says.

She Practices “Volume Eating”

Nour_T_nourrtann6nourrtann/TikTok

In another viral video, Nour explains that her method of eating is dubbed volume eating. “In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” she says. The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian agrees that no one likes to eat like a mouse, and “if your eyes can see a larger amount of food, it tells the brain that you are getting a decent portion and that it should feel full.”

Related: Denise Austin Shares 3 Simple Exercises to “Lift and Tighten Your Booty”

It Involves Eating Large Amounts of Low Calorie Foods

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

“You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. “Low calorie foods tend to have higher water content (fruits and veggies) and also fiber to keep you full longer. You can eat more volume and fill up without contributing a lot of calories,” explains Collingwood.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are trying to burn fat and build muscle, focusing on eating enough protein will be key. 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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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.

Losing weight and achieving your weight loss goals may seem daunting. However, dropping a few dress sizes can be as simple as making a few changes to your routine. Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, boasts over 126,000 followers on the video-sharing site, where she shares tips and secrets about her weight loss. In a recent video, she revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months, simply by incorporating four easy changes into her lifestyle. “If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again,” she starts explaining in the viral TikTok video. She did it "by making four effortless changes in my life," she told us here at Body Network. "I did things one step at a time so that I wouldn't get too overwhelmed." Here's exactly what she did.


[slidetitle num="1"]Drink Three Liters of Water Per Day[/slidetitle]

Glass,Tap,Water,Faucet,Kitchen,drinkShutterstock

Her first suggestion is to drink three liters of water every day. “That's what your body needs. One and a half of these at the minimum, okay? If you're exercising, drink two at a minimum,” she says, pointing to her water bottle. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. What health benefits can you reap from hydration?

According to the Mayo Clini,c water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues. "There are so many benefits to drinking the amount of water that your body needs, and making this small adjustment to be more intentional with your water can tremendously support your weight-loss journey," St-Aubin tells Body Network.

Related: I'm a Personal Trainer With a Flat Belly and Here's How to Get Yours

[slidetitle num="2"]Amp Up Your Protein Intake[/slidetitle]

Ham,Egg,Omelette,Eggs,Fresh,Herbs,Salad,breakfastShutterstock

While there is no “need to track your food,” Sydney strongly suggests amping up your protein intake. “No counting, no weighing, no measuring. I'm learning that right now. You don't even need to do that. But something that's helped me so, so much in the past four months is just making every single meal protein oriented, just focus on protein,” she says. For breakfast, she suggests an omelet with “eggs for my protein with some added meat in there", and lunch, “some tuna concoction or salad with chicken,” and for dinner, salmon. “When you're prioritizing protein, you're seriously not going to be as hungry. You're going to be saying goodbye to all the snacks. You're not going to feel hungry late at night. Your body can then burn fat while you're sleeping. Trust me, it's so important.”

When we reached out to her, she reiterated this fact: "I started to make every meal protein-oriented. If you make protein the focus in each of your meals, you'll stay full for longer periods of time, and there won't be a need for as many snacks throughout the day. When I felt snackish, I started grabbing things that were higher in protein rather than carbs, so that they would actually tide me over until the next meal."

[slidetitle num="3"]Stay in a Caloric Deficit[/slidetitle]

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

While “you don't even need to count or weigh if you don't want to,” you should choose wisely about what you're putting on your plate and what your portions look like,” she says. “At the end of the day, we're staying in a caloric deficit.”

[slidetitle num="4"]Get Your Steps In[/slidetitle]

Young adult woman walking up the stairs with sun sport background.Shutterstock/siam.pukkato

Not only should you “get your steps in,” says Sydney, but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for? A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of the 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.

"I started parking further away from the places I needed to go. This way, I was getting in more steps and therefore burning more calories without putting too much pressure on myself to do any specific type of exercise," she told us.

Related: 6 Body Changes Caused by Drinking Soda, According to a Diet Expert

[slidetitle num="5"]Final Suggestion: Don’t Overcomplicate Weight Loss[/slidetitle]

Woman,,Balance,Weight,Scale,health,scalesShutterstock

“You don't have to overcomplicate the whole thing. You don't need to feel like you're on this insane diet. You don't need to cut out your favorite foods. Eat everything in moderation. Let me help you because I've finally figured it out. Let's do it,” Sydney says at the end of the video.

Or as she told us: "I started to incorporate exercise by creating a set schedule and routine for myself. I knew that in order to see results, I needed to be consistent, but in order to be consistent, I needed to enjoy the movement. I don't believe in having to lift weights, run marathons, or go to the gym in order to lose weight. I believe that any movement is a good one because the results come from consistency. I love mini trampoline fitness workouts because they're fun and can be done from the comfort of my own home. I love them so much that I teach my own classes online and have built an incredible community of ladies from all over the world. Don't over-complicate the weight-loss process. Do what you can every single day, and the results will follow."

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, increase your protein intake. Proteins like lean meats, eggs, and legumes fill you up while fueling your workouts, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy food.

Denise Kirtley fiftyfitnessjourney
Coach Lost 50 Pounds at 50 by Eating These 6 High-Protein Meals
Copyright fiftyfitnessjourney/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 in your 50s? You may need to try a more flexible dietary approach. Denise Kirtley is a 54-year-old transformation coach who looks half her age after rehabbing her approach to diet and fitness shortly after turning 50. In a new social media post, she reveals the dietary changes she made that enabled her to get her fittest figure ever. “I lost 50 pounds in my 50s and have kept it off for almost 4 years now. Here’s what I ate last year to maintain my weight loss,” she writes in the post.

She Has “Cracked the Code”

Here’s the thing…I love food. I look forward to my meals. Over the past four and a half years, I feel like I have finally cracked the code on how to eat in a way that makes me feel satisfied while fueling my workouts so I can become stronger. And most importantly…without feeling deprived.

Her Meals Are Protein Focused

“I have learned to make balanced meals that work for me. All of my meals have approximately 25g to 35g of protein plus a good amount of healthy carbs for energy and the right amount of fat to maintain my goals,” she says.

Her Meals Are “Balanced” and Even Include Processed Foods

“Whenever I post my meals…there’s always a few that criticize any processed food, any sugar, anything that we are told are ‘bad’ foods. I have learned that for me, it’s really about balance. I don’t look at foods as good or bad,” she says.

The “All Or Nothing” Mindset Backfires

“And I have learned long ago that when I fall into a perfectionist, all or nothing mindset…it backfires.

As a former binger and emotional eater, that mindset doesn’t serve me,” she continues.

She Aims for 80/20

“So, I aim for 80% of my diet to be whole natural foods…I eat lots of lean meats, fish, fruits, veggies and grains. I have developed a love for these foods as a result of loving how eating them makes me feel. But I also allow flexibility with 20% of my diet,” she says.

She Even Eats Bread, Chocolate, Pasta, and Protein Bars

This “includes bread (gasp!). I love bread! And chocolate! (Bigger gasp!) I have had a bit of chocolate every day for the past 4.5 years! Every.Single.Day. And the occasional protein bar, bit of pasta, protein powder, veggie meats, etc, etc,” she says. “On vacation or special occasions I have dessert! And even on a very rare occasion, a glass of champagne (few times per year)”

Flexible Eating Makes Her Diet Sustainable

“My working these more flexible foods into my macros has made this a really sustainable and enjoyable way of life for me. If you’re looking for someone that has given up absolutely everything processed or refined, that’s not me. I admire the people I see on here that say they only eat whole foods 100% of the time,” she says.

Rigidity Doesn’t Work for Her

“But as a food lover and someone who struggled with weight ups and downs most of my adult life, it’s all about balance. I know that a life with rigidity around food choices and a future of only chicken and broccoli doesn’t work for me,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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 and achieving your weight loss goals may seem daunting. However, dropping a few dress sizes can be as simple as making a few changes to your routine. Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, Founder and Program Director of the Bounce N' Burn Rebounding program, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, boasts over 126,000 followers on the video sharing site, where she shares tips and secrets about her weight loss. In a recent video, she revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months simply by incorporating four easy changes into her lifestyle.


"If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which, by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again," she starts explaining in the viral TikTok video. She did it "by making four effortless changes in my life," she told us here at Body Network. "I did things one step at a time so that I wouldn't get too overwhelmed." Here's exactly what she did.

I Started with Nutrition, Not Exercise

"I lost almost 30 pounds so far. So here is part two of the things I would do again and wouldn't do if I were to start all over knowing what I know now. Building on my point in my last video, I would not work out five days a week. Right off the bat, I would kick things off focusing on nutrition because nutrition is like 90% of it," Sydney says in the video.

I Learned About Calorie Deficit

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

"The only way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit, so I know that all of us are thinking that we have to eat fewer calories than what our Apple Watch is telling us we're burning, right? Well, the Apple Watch is only telling us our active calories burn, and we actually burn a lot of calories at rest," Sydney says.

I Calculated My BMR

"This means that the first thing I would suggest doing if you're starting a weight loss journey is looking up a BMR calculator online, putting in your height, weight, your statistics, and seeing how many calories that you burn at rest. So if you were to just sit in bed all day watching Netflix, with no exercise, nothing, how many calories are you burning by just living, breathing, and existing that information?" she says. You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

I Made Small, Sustainable Changes

"Making small, sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes will make a big contribution over time," Sydney says in another video.

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

I Found Exercise I Enjoyed

"The only way to lose weight for you is to find a movement that you enjoy no matter what it is, because the only way to lose weight is when you're consistent in doing something. So when you find something you love, you're going to be consistent, and that's when you're going to find the results that you've been looking for," she says.

I Focused on Sustainable Habits

"If you're not enjoying the process, then how are you supposed to keep the weight off at the end of it? Think about that. If you want something to be sustainable, you have to enjoy it. You can't do all these crazy diets that you're just going to give up once you reach your goal. You need to find healthy habits that are sustainable long-term, and make healthy lifestyle changes so that you can be the best version of who you are," Sydney says.

Here's What I Eat in a Day: My Breakfast

hard,Boiled,Eggs,protein,breakfastShutterstock

"I'm starting the day off with two hard boiled eggs cut in half, then some Turkey bacon and a little baby bell. I'm all about just not complicating it. This was super easy. I prepped the eggs in advance and threw some Turkey bacon in the air fryer. Iced coffee isn't ready to roll," she adds.

My Lunch

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

"It's time for lunch. Today I'm having ice cream that I prepped and I have to let defrost for a little bit, but what I did was I put a Fairlife vanilla protein shake with six grams of fat-free jello, and I'm going to use Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a topping," Sydney says.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Fit as a Pear Body Type

My Dinner

Hummus with olive oil, paprika, lemon and pita breadShutterstock

"Alright, it's dinner time. I'm at 8,300 steps, and I'm on my fourth liter of water. I'm going to have the same dinner as yesterday because reminder, I don't like to overcomplicate things for this. I'm just going to be mindful about the Taki and the hummus and measure the amount of chicken so I can see about my protein. But everything else is pretty much vegetables, and I'll punch in my pita," she says.

My Tips for Better Sleep

"A fun tip that I like to share is that if you're having trouble sleeping, have your heaviest carb meal for lunch instead of for dinner because heavier carbs interrupt your sleep if you have them too close to bedtime," Sydney says.

I Keep Track of My Steps and Water Intake

Trail runner athlete using her smart watch app to monitor fitness progress or heart rate during run cardio workout. Woman training outdoors on mountain rocks. Closeup of tech gear.Shutterstock

"Okay, I'm having 112 grams of chicken. Alright, now we start building it. So I'm starting with the pita. This is what I mentioned. I'm not too worried about, I'm going to punch in a tablespoon of hummus, but I'm actually having probably a little bit less than that and Taki good. Now we got our all the leftover veggies from yesterday, so we got some cucumbers, good onions and tomatoes, finishing it off with some feta cheese," she says.

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

Here Is What She Would Do Next Time

Sydney shares more insights on her weight loss journey: "If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again," Sydney says.

I Drink Plenty of Water

Young athletic woman drinking water in gym.Shutterstock

"That's what your body needs. One and a half of these at the minimum, okay? If you're exercising, drink two at the minimum," Sydney says, referring to her water bottle.

I Focus on Protein

Roasted or seared chicken breast sliced on a cutting board with herbs and spicesShutterstock

"No counting, no weighing, no measuring. I'm learning that right now. You don't even need to do that. But something that's helped me so, so much in the past four months is just making every single meal protein oriented, just focus on protein," Sydney adds.

I Increase My Steps

"Try to get a little bit better," Sydney says, encouraging viewers to increase their daily step count.

RELATED:3 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bananas Every Day to Burn Fat

I Keep It Simple

"You don't got to overcomplicate the whole thing. You don't need to feel like you're on this insane diet. You don't need to cut out your favorite foods. Eat everything in moderation. Let me help you because I've finally figured it out. Let's do it," Sydney says at the end of the video. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

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.

Nour T (@nourrtann/) is a social media influencer who shares her diet and fitness hacks – specifically about how she lost a whopping 40 pounds in just 5 months. In one of her viral videos, she reveals everything she eats in a day “as someone who believes in a balanced and realistic lifestyle and has seen great results from it.” In total she consumes 176 grams of protein. Here is everything you need to know about her diet.


Salt Water

@nourrtann

the amount of protein i intake without even trying amazes me sometimes, i have mastered how to sneak it into any and everything 🤪 #wieiad #balancedeating #balanceddiet #highproteinmeals #whatieatinaday @Ancient Bliss @Nespresso @canprev @drinklmnt @EarthsOwn @Torani @Oikos

“I always hydrate with salt water. I am loving these flavored ones lately,” she says, holding up LMNT electrolyte packets. “And if you're into drinking alcohol, instead of using pop or juice, mix these in instead because they have tons of electrolytes which will save you from a hangover, and they're so good,” she suggests.

High Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

“Post-workout, I have this high protein strawberry cheesecake ice cream. This has 61 grams of protein, and if you're too lazy to wait for it to freeze, you can literally have it as a smoothie. It is so good and super creamy,” she says.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

“Coffee 24/7”

Woman is drinking coffee , morning routine. Tiny house. First property. Small apartment interior design. Minimalism. Moving in. Living alone. Charming trailer house with the morning sunShutterstock

“I talk about coffee 24/7, so if you're new here, this is the Double Dolce pod from Nespresso. I use it all the time,” she says. “I have it with oat milk and sugar-free vanilla, and then cinnamon Dolce, which I had no idea until recently, is pretty much brown sugar and cinnamon. It is my favorite combo.”

Here Is What She Eats for Breakfast

Nour_T_nourrtann2_ceda6cnourrtann/TikTok

Her “new breakfast obsession” is a mashed up concoction. “I could have this every single day. Half a cup of cottage cheese. If you don't like it, grow up. It has no taste and it just adds so much protein to your meals,” she says. She adds an avocado and two soft boiled eggs, “hard boiled if you're a loser,” she quips. “And then you're going to add your seasoning, some green onion and mash it all up. I also pair it with these mini sweet bell peppers and chicken sausages, and I'm telling you guys, this combo is unreal. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I'm really curious because everyone that I've shown it to has loved it.”

Supplements

Composition with nutritional supplement capsules and containers. Variety of drug pillsShutterstock

Next up, supplements. “It is really important to pair good fats with vitamin D, so I make sure to take that supplement after my first meal with this magnesium complex,” she says, holding up a bottle that also includes vitamin D and K2, which “go hand in hand so please take them together,” she says. “Saffron and L-Theanine are great for moods, especially in the winter.”

Here Is What She Eats for Lunch

Nour_T_nourrtann4nourrtann/TikTok

Next up, lunch. “I also had a Greek salad with my homemade Greek yogurt dressing super high in protein and so good,” she says.

Here Is What She Eats for Dinner

Nour_T_nourrtann3nourrtann/TikTok

“For dinner I had these Big Mac tacos. Now, I don't know who invented this idea, but it is one of the best dinners ever,” she says, showing off the two tacos drenched in beef, a thousand island sauce, and pickles.

More Supplements

spoon with dietary supplements on fruits backgroundShutterstock

“Of course, magnesium glycinate before bed. This is my number one supplement. The benefits are endless. If you're not taking it, you aren't missing out,” she says.

She Practices “Volume Eating”

Nour_T_nourrtann6nourrtann/TikTok

In another viral video, Nour explains that her method of eating is dubbed volume eating. “In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” she says. The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian agrees that no one likes to eat like a mouse, and “if your eyes can see a larger amount of food, it tells the brain that you are getting a decent portion and that it should feel full.”

Related: Denise Austin Shares 3 Simple Exercises to “Lift and Tighten Your Booty”

It Involves Eating Large Amounts of Low Calorie Foods

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

“You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. “Low calorie foods tend to have higher water content (fruits and veggies) and also fiber to keep you full longer. You can eat more volume and fill up without contributing a lot of calories,” explains Collingwood.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are trying to burn fat and build muscle, focusing on eating enough protein will be key. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Losing weight and achieving your fitness goals can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it's entirely possible. Denise Hamdam, a fitness enthusiast who successfully lost 30 pounds and completed a body recomposition, shares her weight loss journey and the key strategies that helped her transform her physique in a new TikTok video. From calculating macros to following a high-protein diet and implementing an effective workout routine, Denise's experience offers valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on their own fitness journey. Let's dive into the methods she used to achieve her impressive results.


I Started by Calculating My Macros

@denisehamdan

Replying to @Alex E. • ive had lots of people ask me nuitrional questions so I hope this clears it up!! •The Macro Calculator link is below⬇️ https://www.katyhearnfit.com/macro-calculator #fyp #highprotein #highprotiendiet #macros #macrocalculator #diet #highprotiendiet

"The first thing I did when I realized that I wanted to change the way I look was I used a macro calculator, and for those who don't know what a macro calculator is, it's basically when you just put your weight, height, activity level and gender into this calculator and it gives you an amount of calories and protein to eat to get the body you're looking for," Denise says in the video.

I Tracked My Calories

"The next thing I did on my weight loss journey was to track calories. A lot of people might find this controversial and say that you should eat intuitively, which basically means just eating depending on what your body needs. However, as a beginner or someone who wants to ensure that they see results, I do recommend tracking calories just because it makes us very aware of the things we consume daily that may not be the best for us," Denise says in the video.

I Focused on Single-Ingredient, High-Protein Foods

"After I got the eating right and I figured out what I needed to eat every day to get the body that I wanted, I had to develop a nutritional plan. It consisted of a single ingredient: high protein and low calories. Often, what I mean by single ingredient high protein options is that I do not mean a Quest protein bar. I do not mean a Fairlife protein shake. I mean eggs, Turkey, chicken, just single ingredient things that contain a higher amount of protein with a lower calorie," she says.

I Created a Workout Plan

"Next, the very important thing I did on my weight loss journey was construct a workout plan that had me in the gym five to six days a week. A workout split consisted of cardio and abs twice a week, eggs and glues twice a week, upper body one day and a free cardio day, and then a rest day," Denise says.

I Used Progressive Overloading

"What do I mean by progressively overloading? Good question. That means when you are over time, increasing the weights on the workouts that you're doing. So, let's say I'm doing bicep curls, and I start at age 15. Let's say I'm a month in, and I'm like, oh my God, this kind of feeling a little light. Then I move to 17.5 for another month. Now, I am moving into my twenties. You're progressively getting heavier, and that causes your muscles to grow," she says.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds and This Is the Only Tip You Need to Do the Same

I Followed the 80/20 Rule

"Lastly, a big thing that helped me on my weight loss journey is following the 80/20 rule. What is the 80/20 rule? That's another really good question. The 80/20 rule is a nutritional thing, and it's basically the concept that 80% of the time, you are eating foods that are high protein, low calorie, healthy, and will help you achieve your goals, and 20% of the time, you're eating whatever … you want," Denise says in the video.

I Aimed for a Calorie Deficit with High Protein

"So in the video, it says to eat plenty of protein, but overall eat less food, and with that, it just means to be in a calorie deficit and within that deficit eating a lot of protein. The tricky part is knowing how much protein to eat every day," she says.

Here's What I Eat in a Day

"To start my day, I had my skinny iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks. When I got home later, I made a yogurt bowl and a Turkey bacon sandwich…. Later in the day, I made a Turkey wrap using the Chitter Joe's Buttermilk Ranch dressing, and it's literally my new favorite thing," Denise says in another video.

"After that, I took my creatine, and I take two tablets twice a day. Later, I had the Core Power chocolate shake. I've never had it before, but it's low-key my new favorite flavor. For dinner, I had the beef and broccoli stir fry from Trader Joe's. The sauce that came with it was kind of fattening, so I used the teriyaki sauce from PF Chang's instead. And finally, for dessert, I had some ice cream and a fiber bar. I ended my day with around 1,700 calories and 123 grams of protein," Denise says.

RELATED: 10 Drinks That Will Ward Off Hunger Without Breaking Your Fast, and 6 You Should Avoid

Another Day of High-Protein Eating

"I was super busy today and did not have a lot of time to make breakfast, so I quickly made some protein iced coffee and topped it off with some cold foam. For the actual food, I made two eggs and some turkey sausages. For lunch, I decided to make a tuna salad sandwich. I don't know about y'all, but I do not let the texture of plain tuna by itself, so I decided to chop up some celery to make it more crunchy. It actually ended up being super good, though, and I added some light mayo as well. With that, I had a Greek yogurt bowl, some granola, and honey," Denise says.

"For a pre-workout snack. I had some of my favorite Himalaya popcorn because I've been so obsessed with this stuff to feel my workout. I had an oxy-shredded energy drink, and I've never tried this stuff before, but I literally had the best workout ever because of it. For a post-workout snack, I had a chocolate Fairlife shake. And finally, for dinner, I decided to make some protein spaghetti because I was trying to search for a protein spaghetti recipe and literally found nothing, so I made it myself. And lastly, for dessert, I had some Halo Top because I could not end the day without a sweet treat," she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast

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

Lunch

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

Green Smoothie

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

Pre-Workout Snack

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

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

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

Protein Bar

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

Dinner

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

Dessert

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

RDN Weighs in

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

Copyright Tara Collingwood

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

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

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

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

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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

Too Much Sugar

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

Ultra-Processed Foods

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

High-Fat Foods

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

Sitting All Day

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

Not Hydrating

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

Too Much Alcohol

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

Be Mindful of Portions

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

Be Mindful of Coffee

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

Don’t Skip Meals

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

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

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

Protect Your Health

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

Carbonated Beverages

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

Long-Term Goals

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

Refined Carbohydrates

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

Watch Out For High Fiber

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

Junk Food

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

Spicy Foods

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

Always See a Medical Professional

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

Fried Foods

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

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

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
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Evidence-Based

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

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

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

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

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

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

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

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

RDLS

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

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

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

Glute Bridges

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

Cable Step Up

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

Seated Leg Curl

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

Core Exercise

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

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