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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.

Sarah Mackay liftwsarah
I'm a Fitness Expert and Here Are 3 Tips to Get Shredded in 60 Days
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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.

We've all been there—trying diet after diet only to end up back where we started. Fitness coachSarah Mackay knows this struggle all too well. Once a gym-avoider battling an eating disorder, Sarah transformed her life through fitness and discovered what really works for long-term results. "After 60 long days of dieting, I'm finally shredded and it was so much easier than I thought it was going to be," Sarah shares. Keep reading to discover her three key principles that will help you not just lose weight, but keep it off for good.

Why Most Diets Fail

The world is full of fad diets promising quick results, but statistics show they rarely work long-term. "According to a 2007 review of weight loss studies, sustained weight loss after a period of dieting is actually the exception, not the rule," Sarah explains in her video. The problem isn't you—it's how these diets are designed. Quick fixes lead to quick losses, but without a maintenance strategy, you'll likely bounce back to old habits once the diet ends.

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

Understanding Calorie Deficit

Weight loss comes down to one simple principle: calorie deficit. "Weight loss isn't actually as hard as many people make it out to be and it all comes down to a calorie deficit, where you just eat fewer calories on a daily basis than your body burns," Sarah says. Your body burns calories through resting, exercise, non-exercise activities, and digestion. Creating a deficit means eating less than your body burns daily.

Finding Your Maintenance Calories

Before starting any weight loss journey, you need to know your starting point. "Calculating your maintenance calories is actually nowhere near as hard as it may sound," Sarah points out. Your maintenance calories are simply how much you need to eat to maintain your current weight. Once you have this number, you can create your deficit by eating less than this amount each day.

Choosing Your Weight Loss Rate

You need to decide how quickly you want to lose weight. "A slower, more sustainable rate of weight loss means losing around 0.5% of your body weight each week," Sarah recommends. For faster results, you can aim for 1% weekly loss, but this requires a larger calorie cut. For a 135-pound person eating 2,500 maintenance calories, a 0.5% loss means reducing to 2,150 calories, while 1% requires cutting to 1,825 calories daily.

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Why Slower Is Often Better

The temptation to lose weight quickly is strong, but patience pays off. "A more sustainable rate of loss allows you to have a little bit more flexibility in your diet and enjoy free meals without completely derailing your progress," Sarah explains. This balance isn't just more enjoyable—it's actually the key to long-term success rather than yo-yo dieting.

Adjusting As You Go

As you lose weight, your body adapts by burning fewer calories. "After a few weeks of dieting, your initial deficit probably won't be much of a deficit at all," Sarah warns. This explains why many people hit plateaus despite doing everything "right." The solution is simple: periodically drop your calories down a bit more or increase your activity level to maintain your deficit.

The Exercise Factor

While diet alone can create a deficit, exercise gives you more flexibility. "Including exercise into your plan gives you a way to burn calories and means you don't have to aggressively cut your food in order to stay within your calorie deficit," Sarah shares. Plus, working out is what gives you that toned, shredded look once the weight comes off.

Finding Exercise That Works For You

Not all workouts are created equal when it comes to calorie burn. "Exercises that are higher intensities, such as running or HIIT, will burn much more calories within a small time frame in comparison to lower intensity exercises such as walking," Sarah points out. The best workout plan is one you can maintain long-term, whether that's daily walks or intense HIIT sessions.

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

Sarah's Personal Sweet Spot

Everyone's ideal exercise routine is different. "Personally, getting in around 8,000 to 15,000 steps each day and doing a light to moderate form of cardio two to five times a week seems to be the sweet spot for me that I can maintain in the long run," Sarah reveals. For a more shredded look, she recommends weight training about three times weekly plus eating around one gram of protein per pound of body weight.

The Consistency Factor

Weight loss isn't about perfection—it's about persistence. "A consistent calorie deficit, no matter how long it takes you, inevitably will lead to weight loss," Sarah emphasizes. Consistency turns healthy eating into a routine, helping you avoid weight gain rebounds after dieting. Don't worry about slip-ups; what matters is getting back on track quickly.

The Post-Diet Plan

Most diets fail because they don't address what happens after you reach your goal. "Without a plan to maintain our weight once it's off, it is inevitable that we go back to old eating habits and rebound on the weight that we've just lost," Sarah cautions. The key is having a concrete strategy for maintenance from day one.

RELATED:20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Transitioning To Maintenance

Once you reach your goal, it's time to shift gears. "You're going to need to come out of your deficit straight away and shift immediately to your maintenance calories for your new weight," Sarah advises. This direct approach lets your body recover from the stress of dieting while preventing the urge to binge that often happens after restriction ends.

Finding Your New Maintenance Level

Your new maintenance calories won't be the same as before you lost weight. "Finding your sweet spot for your new maintenance calories will take a little bit of trial and error," Sarah says. Start by adding about 200-600 calories to your diet intake, then monitor your weight. If it remains stable for a week, you can gradually add more calories until you find your maximum maintenance level.

The Freedom Factor

The goal of maintenance is to eat as much as possible while keeping your weight stable. "The more food that you are able to eat, the less you will feel restricted and the more likely you are able to stick to a healthy eating plan that allows you to maintain your new body weight," Sarah explains. This freedom is what makes your results truly sustainable for life.

Conclusion

Following these three principles—smart dieting, appropriate exercise, and having a maintenance plan—is the key to not just getting shredded, but staying that way. Sarah's approach proves that weight loss doesn't have to be miserable or temporary. By focusing on these fundamentals and avoiding quick fixes, you can transform your body and keep it that way for good. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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I'm a Dietitian and These 5 Foods Actually Lower Blood Sugar Levels
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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 your blood sugar levels high? While there are drugs that stabilize blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet is also an effective tool for lowering it. Sophie Lauver of Aeroflow Diabetes, a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, spoke to Body Network about the best foods to reduce blood sugar levels. “Unfortunately, one food alone won’t reduce blood sugar levels. But, a well-planned diet including lots of nutrient-dense foods (and the inclusion of physical activity) can play a huge role in improved blood sugar levels,” she says. According to Lauver, below are some foods that, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, will help lower blood sugar.

Berries

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The first food you should eat to reduce blood sugar? Berries. “Berries are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates and can slow glucose absorption into the bloodstream,” says Lauver. “They’re rich in antioxidants and can reduce and repair stress put on our bodies.” Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all great options.

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

Lentils

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Lentils are an excellent lean protein that contains carbohydrates. “This mighty pairing of lean protein + carbohydrate can keep you full and mitigate the impact of glucose spikes into your bloodstream, stabilizing your blood sugar,” she says. How should you eat lentils? Add them to soups, cook and eat as a side, or throw them in salads.

Quinoa

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Quinoa is a whole grain, “meaning the grain has not been stripped of its natural vitamins, minerals, and nutrients,” she says. “Whole grains have more fiber than refined grains and have a lower glycemic index.” Eat quinoa instead of white rice, or even add into a soup for some texture.

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

Nuts and Seeds

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Nuts and seeds are another great blood sugar-lowering food. “Healthy fats, like those from plant-based nuts and seeds, when paired with carbohydrates, can slow the absorption of carbohydrates and allow for less of a spike in blood sugar,” she says.

Flaxseed

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Also, infuse your menu with flaxseed. “Flaxseed is a powerhouse that is rich in Omega 3s, fiber, and antioxidants, and may help lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, reduce the risk of some cancers, help digestion, and improve insulin sensitivity,” she says. “Omega 3s may aid in glucose control, and research is ongoing.” Not sure how to eat flaxseed? It makes a great addition to a smoothie or smoothie bowl. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Danielle Pashko thesoulhakker
Copyright thesoulhakker/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.

Everyone knows that eating an abundance of fast or calorie-rich food – or skipping exercise – can cause you to pack on pounds. However, there are a lot of habits that will also make you gain more weight that are a little more undercover. Are you making any avoidable mistakes that can make you gain more weight? Body Network asked Danielle Pashko, Functional Nutritionist, health coach, and author of Breaking Your Fat Girl Habits: weight loss mistakes even healthy chicks make! to reveal some of the most common missteps people take that lead to weight gain.

1. "I Can Eat Whatever I Want If I Exercise."

If you think you can eat whatever you want if you exercise, “think again,” says Pashko. “Over-exercising can trigger intense hunger, leading you to consume more calories than you burned. Without mindful eating, workouts won’t cancel out overeating,” she explains.

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

2. "Gluten-Free Means Healthy."

Gluten-free does not mean healthy, according to Pashko. “Many gluten-free products—like breads, pastas, and cereals—are higher in carbs and calories than their traditional counterparts. They may be free of gluten, but that doesn’t make them a weight-loss-friendly choice,” she says.

3. "Adding MCT Oil or Butter to Coffee Boosts Metabolism."

Adding MCT oil or butter to coffee doesn’t necessarily boost metabolism. “If you’re following a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting, this might work. But if you’re also consuming moderate to high carbs, adding extra fat can quickly lead to weight gain,” Pashko explains.

4."Sushi Is Just Rice and Fish."

Sushi isn’t always the best choice for weight loss. “Many sushi rolls are loaded with hidden sugars, sauces, and fried ingredients. Even seemingly healthy dishes like chicken teriyaki can be packed with hidden calories and additives,” says Pashko.

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

5. "It’s From a Health Food Restaurant, So It Must Be Good for Me."

Health food restaurants don’t always serve diet foods. Pashko points out that many “healthy” restaurant dishes—like oversized salads or grain bowls—can easily exceed 1,000 calories. “I’ve analyzed menus firsthand and was shocked at the sneaky ingredients hiding in so-called health foods.”

6. "Intermittent Fasting Helps With Weight Loss—No Matter What."

Intermittent fasting isn’t a foolproof plan for losing weight. “While fasting can be effective, some people become so ravenous at their first meal that they overcompensate by eating double. Portion control is still essential for success,” says Pashko

7. "Trendy Supplements Like Creatine Enhance Every Diet."

Trendy supplements might seem like a quick-fix for weight loss, but they aren’t. “Creatine and other trendy add-ins can cause water retention and unintended weight gain. Before following the latest TikTok wellness hack, consider whether the benefits outweigh the side effects,” she says.

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

8. "Eating a Big Meal Before a Workout Fuels Performance."

No, eating a big meal before exercise won’t necessarily fuel your performance at the gym. “A light snack can help stabilize blood sugar, but a full meal before exercise often leads to post-workout hunger—resulting in two full meals and undoing the calorie burn,” says Pashko.

9. "Strength Training Alone Is Enough to Slim Down."

Strength training is hyped as the best workout for fat loss. However, lifting might not be enough if you want to lose weight. “Resistance training is essential for metabolism and muscle health, but weight loss is difficult without incorporating some form of cardio,” Pashko maintains.

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

10. "Healthy Snacks Are Unlimited."

Just because a snack is healthy, doesn’t mean you can eat unlimited amounts. “Snacking is only beneficial when it stabilizes blood sugar and prevents overeating at meals,” Pashko points out. “Keep snacks under 200 calories, with less than 5g of sugar and 30g of carbs, plus protein and fiber to keep you full. Munching on an entire bag of organic popcorn or gluten-free pretzels? That’s a disguised way of eating junk food and marketing it as healthy. Stick to real food like hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, or a few turkey slices.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.