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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.

I Dropped 4 Sizes in a Year by Eating Sandwiches and This Is How

Sandwiches are a diet food? And RDN weighs in on.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Kols_healthkols
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Kols (@healthkols) is a CPT, health coach, and social media influencer whose goal is to “help normal people lose weight in a normal way without being super restrictive or without giving up the foods” they “already love eating.” In one of her many viral videos, she reveals an unlikely food that can help you lose weight. “Sandwiches are a weight loss food, and whoever told you otherwise is lying to you,” she says. “I've lost four pant sizes over the last year, and I eat at least four sandwiches a week. Count 'em four. Let me show you how I make my sandwiches to stay in my calorie deficit.” The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian agrees that sandwiches can definitely fit into a weight loss plan. “The idea that all bread is bad and you can’t have carbs is not correct,” she says.


She Starts with “Good Bread”

@healthkols

YOU CAN EAT SANDWICHES AND LOSE WEIGHT BABE🤍🤍🤍 #weightlossforbeginners #weightlossforwomen #weightlosstipsandtricks #caloriedeficitforweightloss #caloriedeficitforwomen #caloriedeficitdiet #lowcalsandwich #lowcalorieswaps #lowcalorielunch

Kols starts with a good piece of bread. “I bought these two baguettes from Costco. They were literally warm when I bought them,” she says. “Incredible people are so scared of bread. Bread is not the enemy.” She cuts off a piece and places it in the oven, “but that piece is only about 250 calories worth of bread. I'll eat good bread if it means I can enjoy a yummy sandwich,” she adds. “You need carbohydrates and bread is a good source of complex carbs. If it is whole grain then it has more fiber and protein than a white version of the bread. However, if there is a white baguette that really satisfies your craving and you can truly enjoy every bite then go for it!” says Collingwood. “Putting the bread in the oven to toast it and eat it warm can be a really enjoyable way to eat the bread.”

Related: Fitness Pro Chanel Delisser Flaunts Six-Pack and Fat Loss Tips

She Loads It with Veggies

Chopped iceberg lettuce -ingridient for cooking Studio PhotoShutterstock

Next up, veggies, including “red onions, sliced pickles, and shredded lettuce,” she says. “We're not even going to count the calories in those because there's not enough for it to matter.” Collingwood agrees that loading up with veggies is a great idea. “Red onions are high in flavor and essentially have no calories. The lettuce also provides a nice crunch and provides some volume to the sandwich. The pickles have sodium, but just a few pickles can really make a difference in adding a lot of flavor. Feel free to pile on other veggies like peppers tomatoes, mushrooms, and more,” she says.

And, Tofurky

Edmonton, Canada - June 24, 2023: Packages of different flavours of Tofurky plant based deli slices and tempeh on display on a store shelfShutterstock

Next, Tofurky Deli meat. “Five slices is a hundred calories. I think I only have one left in here, but five slices for a hundred calories,” she says. “I never use five. This is the knockoff brand from Ralph's. Four slices for a hundred calories.” Collingwood loves Tofurkey deli meat. “It is plant based yet high in protein,” she explains. “If you are a meat eater, regular deli turkey is also very low in calories and high in protein and can be an excellent choice as well.”

Related: 5 Foods to Ditch for Fat Loss, Says Weight Loss Coach

And, Even Provolone

Provolone cold cut cheese slices on red serving platter on tableShutterstock

She then adds Sargento provolone cheese. “I use one slice for 70 calories. You can find lower calorie cheese. I just prefer this cheese. It's my favorite,” she says. “Cheese has protein and calcium and can add a lot of flavor and texture to a sandwich,” says Collingwood.

Now, It’s Condiment Time

Close-up of mayonnaise on a spoon on a bright table.Shutterstock

Now she adds condiments. “I put half a tablespoon of mayo on the bread that's toasting right now. Mayo is pretty high calorie, so I don't use a lot, but if you like mayo, you're welcome to use mayo. Mustard is zero calories per teaspoon, so I don't know, maybe 10 calories are the amount that I put on. Who cares? It's not enough to care,” she says. “But the star of the show is this light balsamic vinaigrette. 60 calories for two tablespoons. I don't use two tablespoons. I probably use about half of that.” Light salad dressings can be an excellent flavor enhancer, says Collingwood. “I agree with mustard…use as much as you want! Very low in calories and high in flavor. Mayo is high calorie as she states, but Light mayo has a lot fewer calories and it’s hard to tell the difference in flavor.”

She Assembles the Sandwich

Kols_healthkols2healthkols/TikTok

“The knockoff lunch meat is thicker than the Tofurky one, so I'm just going to be using two slices, which is only 50 calories,” she says. “Splitting my piece of cheese in half. Layering that on. Then I'm going to add some onion. I love red onion. It's literally my favorite. I'm adding two pickles because at the end of the day, I'm a pickle girl. Okay, I'm a pickle girl. Okay, doing a little bit of shredded lettuce. Hello. This is when it becomes a mess,” she continues. “Adding my balsamic. Am I measuring? No, I'm measuring with my heart. I don't really know how much this is. We're guessing. I don't really care. Mustard."

Related: The Biggest Weight Loss Mistake I Made, and What I Did Instead to Lose 60 Pounds

She Says It Adds Up to 450 Calories

Kols_healthkols3healthkols/Instagram

The end product is a delicious looking sandwich. “It's about 450 calories, which to me this is a big sandwich for 450 calories,” says Kols. “A sandwich at 450 calories that has good protein, veggies, and flavor is nice and filling!” agrees Collingwood.

She Eats It with Popcorn and Pickles

Homemade Kettle Corn Popcorn in a BagShutterstock

“You guys already know I'm going to be having it with some popcorn because this is my favorite thing in the world. 42 pieces for 160 calories. Unreal. I don't even need 42 pieces. And then my favorite thing in the world, more pickles because I'm a pickle girl and this is the best thing to eat with a sandwich,” she says. “Light popcorn is a great choice for lots of volume without a lot of calories,” says Collingwood. Fun fact: “Popcorn is actually a whole grain!” However, if you want to have something sweet, a piece of fruit would be more nutritious, she adds.

The Meal Is 600 Calories

Calories Nutrition Food Exercise ConceptShutterstock

“In total, this whole meal with the pickles and the chips is going to be around 600 calories, which for me is a great calorie range for lunch, especially for the amount of food I'm going to be able to eat,” Kols Says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

RDN Weighs In

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

“A 600 calorie lunch can be a good amount for someone on a weight loss plan. Or you could keep it at 450 calories and save the other 150 calories for a snack mid-afternoon,” says Collingwood.

💪🔥Body Booster: Opt for light popcorn for a low-calorie, high-volume snack. Remember, it’s a whole grain! Craving something sweet? Choose a piece of fruit for added nutrition.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

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

Kols (@healthkols) is a CPT, health coach, and social media influencer whose goal is to “help normal people lose weight in a normal way without being super restrictive or without giving up the foods” they “already love eating.” In one of her many viral videos, she reveals an unlikely food that can help you lose weight. “Sandwiches are a weight loss food, and whoever told you otherwise is lying to you,” she says. “I've lost four pant sizes over the last year, and I eat at least four sandwiches a week. Count 'em four. Let me show you how I make my sandwiches to stay in my calorie deficit.” The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian agrees that sandwiches can definitely fit into a weight loss plan. “The idea that all bread is bad and you can’t have carbs is not correct,” she says.


She Starts with “Good Bread”

@healthkols

YOU CAN EAT SANDWICHES AND LOSE WEIGHT BABE🤍🤍🤍 #weightlossforbeginners #weightlossforwomen #weightlosstipsandtricks #caloriedeficitforweightloss #caloriedeficitforwomen #caloriedeficitdiet #lowcalsandwich #lowcalorieswaps #lowcalorielunch

Kols starts with a good piece of bread. “I bought these two baguettes from Costco. They were literally warm when I bought them,” she says. “Incredible people are so scared of bread. Bread is not the enemy.” She cuts off a piece and places it in the oven, “but that piece is only about 250 calories worth of bread. I'll eat good bread if it means I can enjoy a yummy sandwich,” she adds. “You need carbohydrates and bread is a good source of complex carbs. If it is whole grain then it has more fiber and protein than a white version of the bread. However, if there is a white baguette that really satisfies your craving and you can truly enjoy every bite then go for it!” says Collingwood. “Putting the bread in the oven to toast it and eat it warm can be a really enjoyable way to eat the bread.”

Related: Fitness Pro Chanel Delisser Flaunts Six-Pack and Fat Loss Tips

She Loads It with Veggies

Chopped iceberg lettuce -ingridient for cooking Studio PhotoShutterstock

Next up, veggies, including “red onions, sliced pickles, and shredded lettuce,” she says. “We're not even going to count the calories in those because there's not enough for it to matter.” Collingwood agrees that loading up with veggies is a great idea. “Red onions are high in flavor and essentially have no calories. The lettuce also provides a nice crunch and provides some volume to the sandwich. The pickles have sodium, but just a few pickles can really make a difference in adding a lot of flavor. Feel free to pile on other veggies like peppers tomatoes, mushrooms, and more,” she says.

And, Tofurky

Edmonton, Canada - June 24, 2023: Packages of different flavours of Tofurky plant based deli slices and tempeh on display on a store shelfShutterstock

Next, Tofurky Deli meat. “Five slices is a hundred calories. I think I only have one left in here, but five slices for a hundred calories,” she says. “I never use five. This is the knockoff brand from Ralph's. Four slices for a hundred calories.” Collingwood loves Tofurkey deli meat. “It is plant based yet high in protein,” she explains. “If you are a meat eater, regular deli turkey is also very low in calories and high in protein and can be an excellent choice as well.”

Related: 5 Foods to Ditch for Fat Loss, Says Weight Loss Coach

And, Even Provolone

Provolone cold cut cheese slices on red serving platter on tableShutterstock

She then adds Sargento provolone cheese. “I use one slice for 70 calories. You can find lower calorie cheese. I just prefer this cheese. It's my favorite,” she says. “Cheese has protein and calcium and can add a lot of flavor and texture to a sandwich,” says Collingwood.

Now, It’s Condiment Time

Close-up of mayonnaise on a spoon on a bright table.Shutterstock

Now she adds condiments. “I put half a tablespoon of mayo on the bread that's toasting right now. Mayo is pretty high calorie, so I don't use a lot, but if you like mayo, you're welcome to use mayo. Mustard is zero calories per teaspoon, so I don't know, maybe 10 calories are the amount that I put on. Who cares? It's not enough to care,” she says. “But the star of the show is this light balsamic vinaigrette. 60 calories for two tablespoons. I don't use two tablespoons. I probably use about half of that.” Light salad dressings can be an excellent flavor enhancer, says Collingwood. “I agree with mustard…use as much as you want! Very low in calories and high in flavor. Mayo is high calorie as she states, but Light mayo has a lot fewer calories and it’s hard to tell the difference in flavor.”

She Assembles the Sandwich

Kols_healthkols2healthkols/TikTok

“The knockoff lunch meat is thicker than the Tofurky one, so I'm just going to be using two slices, which is only 50 calories,” she says. “Splitting my piece of cheese in half. Layering that on. Then I'm going to add some onion. I love red onion. It's literally my favorite. I'm adding two pickles because at the end of the day, I'm a pickle girl. Okay, I'm a pickle girl. Okay, doing a little bit of shredded lettuce. Hello. This is when it becomes a mess,” she continues. “Adding my balsamic. Am I measuring? No, I'm measuring with my heart. I don't really know how much this is. We're guessing. I don't really care. Mustard."

Related: The Biggest Weight Loss Mistake I Made, and What I Did Instead to Lose 60 Pounds

She Says It Adds Up to 450 Calories

Kols_healthkols3healthkols/Instagram

The end product is a delicious looking sandwich. “It's about 450 calories, which to me this is a big sandwich for 450 calories,” says Kols. “A sandwich at 450 calories that has good protein, veggies, and flavor is nice and filling!” agrees Collingwood.

She Eats It with Popcorn and Pickles

Homemade Kettle Corn Popcorn in a BagShutterstock

“You guys already know I'm going to be having it with some popcorn because this is my favorite thing in the world. 42 pieces for 160 calories. Unreal. I don't even need 42 pieces. And then my favorite thing in the world, more pickles because I'm a pickle girl and this is the best thing to eat with a sandwich,” she says. “Light popcorn is a great choice for lots of volume without a lot of calories,” says Collingwood. Fun fact: “Popcorn is actually a whole grain!” However, if you want to have something sweet, a piece of fruit would be more nutritious, she adds.

The Meal Is 600 Calories

Calories Nutrition Food Exercise ConceptShutterstock

“In total, this whole meal with the pickles and the chips is going to be around 600 calories, which for me is a great calorie range for lunch, especially for the amount of food I'm going to be able to eat,” Kols Says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

RDN Weighs In

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

“A 600 calorie lunch can be a good amount for someone on a weight loss plan. Or you could keep it at 450 calories and save the other 150 calories for a snack mid-afternoon,” says Collingwood.

💪🔥Body Booster: Opt for light popcorn for a low-calorie, high-volume snack. Remember, it’s a whole grain! Craving something sweet? Choose a piece of fruit for added nutrition.

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 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.

Katie Dunlop, a fitness influencer and certified personal trainer, transformed her body and her life by shedding 45 pounds and getting rid of stubborn stomach fat. In a recent YouTube video, Katie shared the key dietary changes that helped her reach her goals. She revealed that her weight loss success wasn’t just about exercise; it involved being more mindful of her food choices and cutting out certain items that were sneaking extra calories and sugar into her daily routine.


Through consistency, dedication, and small, sustainable changes, Katie not only achieved her weight loss goals but also became an inspiration to thousands of others. By cutting out these six specific foods, which she once thought were healthy or harmless, Katie finally saw the results she wanted. Here's a look at the six foods she eliminated and how these small shifts made a big difference.

I Ditched Sugary Coffee Creamers

"I was a huge international delight girl, and this is not just to hate on this brand; it's just that it was my brand. I did international delight, French vanilla coffee creamer in my coffee every day," she says in the video. "So that was an excess of 20 to 25 grams of sugar first thing in the morning before 7:00 AM. I'm like, let's just get a little cup of sugar in here, and 24 grams of sugar is the daily recommended amount of added sugar."

I Cut Out Fiber and Protein Bars

"So I used to eat fiber bars or protein bars every single day. I would use them as meal replacements, thinking that they were healthy, but that wasn't the case," she says in the video.

"The problem with most of these bars is they have so many unnecessary added ingredients. So ideally, I try to keep my bars to 10 grams of protein or more, six grams of sugar or less, and it's hard to find any bars that have that, that also don't have just a bunch of chemicals in the ingredient list or fake sugars and stuff."

I Stopped My Nightly Frozen Yogurt Habit

"In college, we had a yogurt land down the street from us, and this is when frozen yogurt was it. And so we went a couple of times, and then we just kept going and kept going. We ended up going almost every single night we could walk to it," she says in the video.

"Well, in a small, like a cup serving of most of those frozen yogurts, they have 25 grams of sugar. And then on top of it, I felt like it was a gateway drug. I don't know how to describe it. Then you're like, oh, a little gram cracker, a little granola, that's healthy. Oh, a little coconut spread. You just start adding and adding, and all of a sudden, you have 500 extra calories a day that I didn't need."

I Gave Up the Special K Diet

"Does anyone remember the Special K diet? Anyone? Am I dating myself? Okay, so you know the Special K cereal, the brand cereal, they've removed all of this from their website. I went digging, I could find nothing. It was a real thing though," she says in the video.

"It was basically the idea that you were to swap two meals a day with Special K cereal, and they claim that you could lose six pounds and a pant size in two weeks."

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

I Stopped Snacking on Veggie Chips

"I was duped into thinking that veggie chips were so much healthier than potato chips or the hint of lime toss. I was obsessed with it. They were veggies, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. It took me so long to realize that they were not at all healthier," she says in the video.

"The whole process that they have to go through in order to make them into chips basically just takes most of the nutrients out of them. And you are left with just a vegetable-colored shaped potato chip."

I Stopped Eating After 9 PM

"I had to stop eating after 9:00 PM, and let's just say there's not a magical time. So don't think, oh my gosh, 9:00 PM said I stopped eating at seven. This is not a problem for me. It may still be 9:00 PM, which was my time," she says in the video.

"The reason why I had to give myself a time at night to stop eating was because I would just keep going. Those cravings would hit me mentally or physically, and I didn't really know how to control them. The bottom line was I wasn't making healthy choices after 9:00 PM."

RELATED:Top 10 Leafy Greens to Burn Fat You Should Eat Every Day

The Power of Small Changes

"When I did that, those hundreds of excess calories were cut from my diet when I cut out the creamers with all the sugars and fake stuff. When I stopped eating all these fiber bars and cereals and all these little things that I thought were healthy, I actually started getting results," she says in the video.

"Yes, I was moving my body, but I wasn't doing anything crazy. You guys know I started 10 minutes a day and I moved up to, I do 30 to 45 minutes a day now. But it's those little tiny things that add up."

By making these changes and being mindful of her food choices, Katie was able to lose 45 pounds and transform her body. Her story highlights the importance of identifying and eliminating hidden sources of excess calories and sugar in our diets. And if you enjoyed this, 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 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

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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

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"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

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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

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"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

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"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

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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.

YouTube starJeff Hoogland lost a massive 40 pounds in just five months by switching up some very specific things in his lifestyle. “I got on the scale at a physical in February this year and clocked in over 220 pounds, which is the heaviest I'd ever been,” he says. “So after making some lifestyle choice changes here, about five months later, I am down 40 pounds, hitting the 180-pound goal that I initially set out for. I'm right around six foot, so that's a relatively healthy weight.” So, how exactly did he do it? Here are the three things Hoogland did to shift the weight and take control of his health.


Eating Less, Overall

Hoogland acknowledges that what works for him may not work exactly the same way for everyone—but he did keep weight loss as simple as possible. “There are a lot of great professionals and resources out there that you can reach out to if you're struggling to make changes yourself. That being said, what I did to find success in changing my weight really wasn't that complicated. At the core of it, I just made sure to start eating less. While that sounds really simple, there were three primary changes that I made that enabled this to be possible for me.”

Not Drinking Calories

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Hoogland stopped drinking his calories. “Basically, the only thing I drink these days is good, regular old-fashioned zero-calorie water,” he says. “I enjoy unsweetened tea and then occasionally, I drink a very nominal amount of calories in these Bai waters that I enjoy. They have a little bit of caffeine to help me stay awake and about ten calories per bottle, which is very different than the hundreds of calories that sugar-laden drinks often have.”

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

No More Snacking

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Hoogland stopped snacking between his meals. “So, our household where I come from where we're constantly grazing out of habit,” he says. “Anytime I was even a little bit hungry or even, let's be honest, bored, I would throw something that tasted delicious in my mouth, and those calories really add up over the course of the day.”

Portion Size

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Hoogland was careful about portion sizes, especially when eating at a restaurant. “The last thing I did that I think was the most important of the three was I started just eating smaller portions at the meals when I was actually eating,” he says. “If you're someone like my family who goes out to eat quite often in America, restaurant meals and even fast food meals often have 2x or 3x. The amount of calories the average human being should be eating in a healthy sitting when they're consuming food.”

To-Go From Restaurant

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Hoogland immediately puts some of his food in a to-go container when he eats at a restaurant. “I take it and split it in half or a third right away, and I'm eating just a more regular reasonable amount,” he says. “It also saves me some money because the other half of that meal goes into my fridge, and then I get two meals out of everything that I buy, which is kind of nice.”

RELATED: Top 7 Low-Carb Snacks to Boost Energy Your Body Needs Every Day

Final Thoughts

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Hoogland wanted to be healthier for his kids and family, and he hoped his story would inspire others. “I also think one other thing to call out that I remember feeling when I was starting this at my 220 plus pounds earlier this year was that when I initially started eating less, I felt very bloated at the start, which Google searching said was very common. When you start eating less food, your stomach generates acid, expecting a certain amount of volume going into it. When you change that volume, it can cause that at the start. So I wanted to share that experience as well.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Liezl Jayne Strydom
4 Meals I Ate to Lose 30 Pounds in 12 Weeks
Copyright Liezl Jayne/Facebook
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.

There's nothing quite like the moment when you've reached your weight loss goal and realize the real work is just beginning. YouTube sensationLiezl Jayne Strydom is familiar with this journey, having successfully lost 30 pounds in just 12 weeks and maintained her results long-term. "It's not about being perfect," she states repeatedly. Her philosophy centers on consistency rather than perfection, focusing on nutrient-dense, protein-rich meals that keep her satisfied throughout the day.

Getting Out of the Winter Rut

"To get out of my rut, get out of the winter rut, I like to do just a few simple things," Liezl explains in her recent post. "I like to change up my routine so things feel fresh, change up my meals and my workouts a bit so that I can just feel like I'm working towards some new goals." This refreshed mindset helped her stay motivated during her weight loss journey and continues to serve her well during maintenance.

Protein-Packed Breakfast Smoothie

"I've been making this breakfast every single day this week. This week, it's my favorite. It's just really simple," says Liezl. Her recipe combines one cup of frozen mango, half a cup of frozen raspberries, and half a cup of frozen strawberries. She adds about three-quarters to one cup of coconut yogurt, one small scoop of vanilla protein powder, and water to blend. "It's like a giant strawberry milkshake for breakfast," she explains.

RELATED:Coach Lost 90 Pounds by Getting Brutally Honest with Herself About These 10 Things

Morning Movement Matters

"I just finished a workout. So I'm a little bit sweaty, a little bit hot, ready for my breakfast," Liezl shares. For her, exercise isn't about punishment but rather a consistent part of her routine that complements her nutrition. This balanced approach helped her lose weight in a sustainable way and now helps her maintain her results.

Nutrient-Dense Lunch Bowl

"It's a perfect lunch for me—quick, very healthy, and full of protein," Liezl explains about her midday meal. She starts with arugula, adds roasted sweet potatoes, and two seven-minute boiled eggs. "I always like to add something really filling to my salads like sweet potato or rice or quinoa," she notes. A drizzle of olive oil and coconut aminos brings everything together, with sunflower and pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Prioritizing Meal Prep

"I've got these roasted sweet potatoes. I cooked them yesterday," Liezl explains. This simple habit of having healthy options ready makes maintaining her weight loss easier. "All the work of these fruits, or the melons, is just cutting it up. But if you've got it cut up, then you can just have it ready to go in the fridge," she adds when discussing her afternoon snack.

RELATED:I Lost 100 Pounds in 18 Months With Walking and 3 Simple Food Changes

Refreshing Afternoon Treat

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"I prepped some chia pudding the other day. And I also prepped this little fruit salad," Liezl shares. Her afternoon pick-me-up features chia pudding topped with watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, and pecans. "That makes a very good after lunch snack," she notes, showing how simple combinations can satisfy sweet cravings naturally.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

Tea time. Beautiful blonde woman holding ceramic cup of tea or coffee enjoy closeup. Looking at window and drink tea. Good morning with tea. Selective focus. Pretty young girl relaxing. Happy concept., green tean, coffee​Green TeaShutterstock

"I love coconut yogurt, but any kind of plain yogurt will actually work," Liezl explains. For her afternoon coffee, she shares, "What I've really been liking in my coffee lately is I use just coconut milk in a can, light coconut milk. It's like so creamy, a little bit sweet, just naturally sweet. It's dairy-free, obviously."

Quick 10-Minute Dinner

"This is something that I make when I don't have a lot of time or when I just want something super quick," says Liezl. "This is a five to 10 minute dinner. So fast." She steams green beans while cooking ramen noodles, then adds pre-cooked chicken. "After I drain the noodles, I actually just put them right back in the pot with the stove turned down to low. And I just throw all the chicken pieces in there," she explains, adding oil and coconut aminos before covering to heat everything through.

Mindful Evening Indulgence

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"I'm not trying to lose weight at the moment, so I don't count my calories. I only do that when I'm trying to lose weight," Liezl explains. Her evening ritual includes ginger tea paired with a small piece of dark chocolate. "And it's chocolate time. A little bit of chocolate," she says simply. "I'm going to go enjoy my chocolate and my tea and just relax a little bit this evening."

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

The Protein Priority

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"I am trying to eat quite a lot of protein at the moment. I try to get roughly a hundred grams of protein a day," Liezl notes. "I'm not like counting it. I just kind of have learned what kind of things have protein in them. So just having the eggs for lunch, having some protein powder in my smoothie for breakfast, having the chicken in my dinner. All those proteins accumulate."

Understanding Your Calorie Needs

"I'm not trying to lose weight at the moment, so I don't count my calories. I only do that when I'm trying to lose weight," Liezl explains. "But I thought some of you guys might want to know how many calories that I'm eating. So it says that I ate 2,227 calories today and 95 grams of protein. That's pretty good."

Flexible Framework, Not Rigid Rules

"It's not about being perfect. It is not about being perfect," Liezl emphasizes twice. "I have found that when I am putting in a little bit of effort, taking care of myself, I just feel so much better," she says. "When I don't [take care of myself], it really affects my confidence. And then I'm like thinking, oh, I need to change all these things about myself."

RELATED:She Walked in a Weighted Vest For 30 Days & Built Strength Without Going to the Gym

Summer-Ready Confidence

"Getting summer ready really just means feeling healthy, strong, confident in my skin," says Liezl. "You know, comfortable showing a little bit more skin after winter. In winter I get like, feel like a bit scruffy after winter, like I've just been bundled up so much." Her approach focuses on making small changes that yield big results in both physical appearance and mental well-being.

Finding Inspiration, Not Perfection

"I hope that you enjoyed this video. I hope that it just gives you a bit of motivation, a bit of inspiration, maybe a recipe or two to try," Liezl says. By sharing her realistic day of eating, she demonstrates that sustainable weight management doesn't require extreme restriction. As she puts it, it's about "just getting out of the rut a bit, just changing up a few things, doing some exercise, eating some healthy meals." 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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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 not sure what to eat? You probably know that to burn body fat, you need to follow a high-protein, low-calorie diet. Some foods are better than others when it comes to meeting these criteria. Regina Trakhtman is an influencer and weight loss coach who dropped 7% body fat after kids at 39 and helps other women do the same. In a new social media post, she shares some of the foods she eats to lose weight quickly. “When I need more protein without extra calories, these are 6 things I eat,” she writes. “Here are my high protein, low calorie go-to’s!”

Egg Whites

Woman hands breaking an egg to separate egg white and yolks and egg shells at the background​ A Day of Measured EatingShutterstock

The first food she recommends? Egg whites. “Pure protein, zero fat, low calorie. Add them to oats, make an omelet, or mix into shakes for a protein boost!” she says.

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

Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

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Not all yogurt is healthy. Many have added sugars. However, non-fat Greek yogurt should be a staple in any fat loss diet. “15-20g of protein per cup with barely any fat! Perfect as a snack, in smoothies, or even as a creamy sauce base. It’s the most versatile ingredient!” she says.

Protein Powder

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Another item to add to your menu if you are trying to lose weight? Protein powder. “A quick and easy way to boost protein without extra fat or carbs. Mix it with water, almond milk, or even coffee!” she says.

Canned Tuna (in Water)

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She also eats canned tuna, in water, often. “Lean, high-protein, and low-calorie. Great in salads, wraps, or straight from the can with mustard. There’s one at Trader Joe’s that I’ve been obsessed with!” she says.

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

Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

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Most health experts maintain that low-fat cottage cheese should be an essential in your fat loss diet. “Packed with casein protein (slow-digesting) to keep you full longer without excess calories,” she writes.

Deli Turkey or Chicken (Low-Sodium)

A view looking into a package of processed turkey deli meat slices.​Processed Meats: The Cancer ConnectionShutterstock

Not all deli meat is healthy but she does recommend turkey or chicken. “Easy grab-and-go protein with barely any fat. Roll it up with mustard or eat it straight for a snack! My fav? Roll it in a crispy piece of lettuce 🥬 or in an @egglifefoods everything wrap,” she says.

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

BONUS: Sugar-free Jello with Greek Yogurt + Protein Powder

Hayward, CA - July 24, 2014: Jello brand gelatin in Black Cherry flavor, sugar free1. Sugar-free Jello: 11 caloriesShutterstock

Sugar-free Jello with Greek yogurt + protein powder is the perfect high-protein dessert hack. “You’ll thank me later,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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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, but aren’t sure what to eat? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it fuels your body for fat loss and muscle growth. Body Network spoke with Elaine Morrison, a pilates instructor and nutritional therapy practitioner who helps women look their best from the inside out, and asked her: What do you eat for breakfast when you want to lose weight? Her answer may surprise you.

Make Sure Your Breakfast Is Balanced

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

“Eating a satiating breakfast that includes enough protein, healthy fat, and fiber will help you maintain steady energy (balanced blood sugar) and make better food choices throughout the day,” says Morrison. “It will help you to feel full and cut down on unnecessary snacking. You'll also have better energy and less brain fog. Balancing blood sugar is key to supporting fat loss.”

Aim for 30 Grams of Protein

Unrecognizable man preparing fried eggs for breakfast. Close up.Shutterstock

Morrison recommends starting by choosing protein and aiming for 30 grams of protein.

Some examples:

  • 2 eggs (1 egg = 6 grams of protein) + 2 chicken sausage
  • 2 eggs + 1/2 cup of cottage cheese (scramble the cottage cheese into the eggs for a creamy texture)
  • 1 serving of protein powder + 2/3 cup of greek yogurt.

Here’s What to Do When Traveling

NEW YORK CITY - MAY 2015: Starbucks store. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world.​StarbucksShutterstock

“When traveling, most airports have Starbucks,” Morrison says. “I tell clients to purchase two servings of the egg white bites (a total of 4), which will give them 24 grams of protein. Purchase an apple if they have it, or bring one with you, and you will have a well-balanced meal.”

Then, Choose a Healthy Fat

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

Next, make sure you have a healthy fat. “Eggs contain 5 grams of fat/egg, so you'll get enough from eating eggs,” she says. “Choose cottage cheese or Greek yogurt that are low to full fat and that will give you your healthy fat. If you're using protein powder and Greek yogurt to make a smoothie, depending on how much fat is in the yogurt, you can also add a tablespoon of nut butter.”

Amp Up Your Fiber Intake

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Next, choose non-starchy vegetables or fruit to add fiber to your meal. “Fiber helps keep you feeling full and supports healthy blood sugar levels,” she says.

Non-starchy vegetables: Saute, roast, or steam broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, spinach, carrots, asparagus.

Fruit with fiber: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, pears. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat