Skip to content
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.

10 Micro Habits Made Her Lose 20 Pounds While Being a “Busy Worker Mom"

These small lifestyle tweaks help one expert stay on track.

Grace_Macena_nutritionwith_grace1
Copyright nutritionwith_grace/Instagram

Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to get your habits in check? According to one expert, making tiny changes to your lifestyle can make a major difference on the scale. Grace Macena is a social media influencer and “macro-focused” nutritionist who promotes sustainable weight loss. In a new post, she unveils“10 micro habits that I do to help me stay on track. Simple and realistic as a busy ‘worker’ mom,” she writes across the video. “Small things I do to keep me going,” she adds in the caption.


She Starts the Day Off “Mentally Sane”

Grace recommends getting centered first thing in the morning. What does she do? “Read a devotion in am,” she says in her post. “Keeps me mentally sane, reading awaken and small steps for a Catholic mom.” If you aren’t religious, consider meditating in the morning. “When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress,” says the Mayo Clinic. Benefits include:

  • Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
  • Building skills to manage your stress
  • Increasing self-awareness
  • Focusing on the present
  • Reducing negative emotions
  • Increasing imagination and creativity
  • Increasing patience and tolerance
  • Lowering resting heart rate
  • Lowering resting blood pressure
  • Improving sleep quality.

She Wakes Up Early

Next, Grace makes sure to wake up early. She tries to “get up before” everyone else in her house “pretty much 90% of the time,” she writes. “Helps me not wake up to needing to help others, “ she says, adding that it’s the perfect time for “me time.”

RELATED:51-Year-Old Trainer Reveals 6 Exercises for a “Sezzy” Back

Meal Planning

Meal planning is another micro habit that helps her stay on track. “Plan dinners like 2-3 days out,” she explains. She also tries to “eat similar breakfast, lunch, and snacks to reduce decision fatigue.” There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies show that the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. One study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

She Preps Ingredients on Sunday

Part of her meal planning? Making sure she has everything needed and chopped up for the week. “Prep ingredients for the week on Sunday,” she writes.

She Has a Running Grocery List

One way Grace ensures she isn’t grabbing unhealthy food at the grocery store? She writes down everything she needs. “Keep a Running grocery list - easier,” she says.

RELATED:6 "Healthy" Foods a Nutrition Coach Says Are Secretly Adding Calories

She Warms Up by Walking

Grace prioritizes movement, starting with meeting her step goals. “Walk 5 mins before my workout to get steps in,” she writes. Another way she slips in her steps? “Walk a few minutes every few hours,” she says.

She Time Blocks Her Day

Grace plans her day in advance to be more time-efficient. “Time block my day in the am,” she writes. She also sets a running list of things to do. “Helps me see that I have time, and I do not feel so overwhelmed,” she says.

She Sets Out Clothes at Night

Another way she maximizes efficiency is to “Set my clothes out the night before, and set the kids' uniforms out. " This is another great way to keep things calm in the morning.

RELATED:She Lost 49 Pounds at 43 Without Dieting, Here Are 10 Foods She Buys to Keep It Off

She Doesn’t Watch TV in Bed

When it comes time to unwind, Grace keeps distractions at bay. “Once kids are in bed, I stay upstairs. There is no TV, so I sleep,” she says. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

She Unloads Dishwasher

Her final habit? “Unload dishwasher in am. So it’s ready,” she says. One more bonus habit? “Bring clothes to change in for after work- usually I go from work to track, so changing allows me to feel there is a break in my day,” she writes. “My list may look different from yours but look at the little things you do, are they helping or sabotaging you.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

Lacey Iskra laceeiskk
Copyright laceeiskk/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you eating less and exercising more and still can’t seem to lose weight? Lacey Iskra is a health coach who specializes in “root cause healing,” helping “women get to the root cause of their symptoms, lose fat & increase their energy,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a recent video, she reveals some of the habits she had to give up in order to health her gut and lose weight. “6 crappy habits I had to quit to heal my hormones and lose 20 pounds of fat,” she writes in the video.

She Had to Shift Her Perspective From Eating Less and Working Out More

“I also had to give up a massive belief…A belief I had carried for most of my life,” she continues. “That in order to look and feel how I wanted I just had to eat less and move more. The belief was not working for me and also not serving me. Because I did that. I skipped meals, ate salads multiple times a day and refused to eat anything that wasn’t labelled low calorie.

She Wasn’t Losing Weight and Was “Puffy” and “Exhausted”

“And by following and listening this belief i dug my body into a deep hole,” she says. “Where nothing was working and I felt so stuck. I couldn’t possible eat any less or move any more and yet I was still bloated, puffy, overweight and exhausted.”

She Finally Admitted That the Habits Were Hurting Her

“Once I admitted that my daily habits were hurting me more then serving me I promised myself to start making changes and these were the first habits I kicked to the curb!!” she says, going onto to reveal the list.

Here Are the Bad Habits She Quit

  • Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
  • Working out 7 days a week and never taking rest days
  • Doom scrolling on my phone before bed
  • Rushing through everything absolutely as fast as possible
  • Undereating and skipping meals
  • Running multiple times per week.

She Also Recommends Modifying Current Habits

In another post, she reveals how modifying her daily habits and adding to them was also a game changer. “I still relax on the couch every night … now I just wear a castor oil pack,” she writes. “I still drink a litre of water every morning …now It just has two nettle teabags in it.”

She Also Tweaked Her Diet and Workouts

“I still hit 8000-10,000 steps per day….now I just do it outside instead of in. I still eat 4 meals a day ….now I just make sure its mainly whole foods. I still eat breakfast….now I just make it double the size lol,” she continued. The bottom line? Making small changes to you habits can result in a big, positive impact. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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.

Have you been struggling to lose weight but aren’t sure where to start? One expert has some game-changing advice on how to do it. Cara Peterkin is a fitness professional and YouTuber who weighs 250 pounds. “Now I'm 140 pounds, and I'm gonna tell you exactly how I lost the weight,” she says, revealing that the process took two and a half years, “and I've maintained my weight for the past year.”


Childhood Eating Habits Shaped Her Relationship with Food

Cara reveals that she grew up with unhealthy eating habits. “Quick backstory: my parents were all about ease, easily getting food to us, which meant minimal cooking. We go to Chick-fil-A, we'll go to McDonald's, we'll go to the Mexican restaurant, quick box mac and cheese, whatever was easy. That's what they did. And that set the tone for my relationship with food for the rest of my life,” she says in her post.

She Gained a Lot of Weight During Her First Two Pregnancies But Lost It

Weight Gain. Desperate Black Girl Crying Standing On Weight-Scales Slimming, Not Losing Weight On A Diet At Home. Copy SpaceShutterstock

Cara first struggled with her weight when she got pregnant at 15 and went from 150 to 192 pounds. “Typically pregnant women should only gain about 20 to 25 pounds, according to Google, but I gained 42 pounds,” she says. However, she lost it pretty easily because she was young, following a calorie deficit and exercising. When she went to college, the “food inconsistency” and “unhealthy patterns really started to return,” she says. “I definitely gained the college 30, so I went from 150 to 180. Her senior year of college she got pregnant again and went from 180 to 225 pounds.

“That was tough. I definitely looked at myself differently, and I had to adjust. I tried to adjust to the weight and just said, ‘Hey Karen, you may be that girl over 200 pounds, and you need to accept it.’ But I was so uncomfortable. I tried different weight loss methods, and I started with Weight Watchers, which got me down to about 200 pounds.”

She Ended Up 250 Pounds After Her Last Pregnancy and Couldn’t Lose It

High Angle View Of A Human Foot On Weighing ScaleShutterstock

She then “had to kick it in high gear “ and tried to clean her diet and eliminate processed foods. “With diet, exercise, plenty of strength training, and walking, I was able to get to about 160 pounds, which was amazing. Of course, life happened. What does that mean? I went through a depression, I went through different things in my life, and I ended up gaining weight a little bit, a little bit, a little bit, a little bit until it was a lot of it and ended up at about 190 pounds average. And it was tough. I would do different yo-yo diets, try different methods, get down to 180, but always would creep back up to that 190.” During her last pregnancy, she started at 190 pounds and went up to 250 pounds. “I could not even fathom being at that number, but I was there. I will tell you that it was probably the hardest thing for me to accept, but I just made it work.” Then COVID happened, and she remained at 250, battling postpartum depression.

She Hit Her Breaking Point

Overweight unhappy asian woman extra heavy body cellulite sitting on bed at home. Upset oversized lady worry diet weight loss suffering from extra weight. Obesity unhealthily concept.Shutterstock

Cara’s “breaking point” and “aha” moment happened when she had an interview and couldn’t fit into her size 16 pants. “I immediately ran to the store to buy that bigger size. But once I saw the size 18 and that number, it hit me like, Kara, what's going on? You've never been this size. What are you gonna do differently? I did not let myself buy those size 18 pants, and that was my breaking point. I knew I had to make a change because I couldn't buy that bigger size.”

She Lost Her First 35 Pounds with Weight Watchers and OrangeTheory

Lafayette - Circa April 2017: Weight Watchers Meeting Location. Oprah Winfrey is a Weight Watchers Spokesperson and Stockholder IVShutterstock

In March of 2021, she tried Weight Watchers again, pairing it with OrangeTheory, losing 35 pounds and getting down to 215. “I still had a long way to go,” she said, revealing that according to her BMI, her healthy weight range is 140 to 160. You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

Then, She Eliminated Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugarShutterstock

In 2022, she really changed the game. “That's where the real change began. I eliminated all processed foods and only shopped the outside skirts of the grocery store. So protein, dairy, fruits and veggies. That was my main diet,” she said.

She Also Tracked and Measured Her Food

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

“I tracked everything I ate with my Fitness Pal. I measured everything I ate. I prioritized getting that water in, and I minimized fast food or eating out because of the amount of sodium that they put in the food. Once I implemented that change, my weight just started to fall off,” she continues.

The First Month Was Hard, But It Got Easier

Handmade chocolateShutterstock

“Now, I will say it wasn't easy. I'm not going to lie to you. It is the hardest thing I ever had to do, and it took me about a full month of getting through the diet change for me to really accept it. After that, I stopped craving chocolate or candy or ice cream, and I was able to just go with the flow on average. I was losing about a pound and a half to two pounds a week, and it just started to fall off,” she says.

RELATED:She Lost 9 Pounds in 4 Weeks With This Simple 1,600 Calorie Meal Plan

She Also Started Walking 30 Minutes a Day

Group of unrecognized people exercise active walking on riverside boardwalk at sunset. Summer outdoor commuting fitness concept.Shutterstock

“Another thing that I did that helped me lose the weight was walking 30 minutes a day. That was huge,” she admits. “I thought I had to go kill myself in another OrangeTheory class or maybe at a boot camp. But walking truly helped me, along with some YouTube videos, like different weights that I could use or different strength training videos that really helped, too. But I didn't have to pay for a gym membership. I just got outside and walked and changed my diet, and the weight started to fall off. “

She Has Maintained the Weight Loss

Smiling Black Female Jogger Checking Running Time On Smartwatch After Outdoor Training, Happy Young African American Woman Drinking Water And Checking Fitness Tracker Data On Watch, Copy SpaceShutterstock

She has managed to keep it off by maintaining the same eating habits, “still walking 30 minutes a day, along with definitely having my treat meals and trying to balance them out, and so far it's kept the weight off beautifully,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Have you tried everything to lose weight but can’t seem to get in shape? Richa Prasad, along with her partner Lucy, is a nutritionist and ex-engineer with a psychology degree turned weight loss coach who helps people get into their best shape ever. In a viral YouTube video, she discusses her own weight loss struggles. “The one habit that got me to my dream body when I had failed for seven years before then was sticking to a system that bridged the journey from past me to dream me,” she says in the clip. “And I have taught the same system to hundreds of my successful weight loss students. So I know the system will work for you if you use it correctly.” Here is everything you need to know about the game-changing habit.


Her “Flawed Ideas, Thoughts, and Beliefs” Kept Her From Losing Weight

Weight Gain. Desperate Black Girl Crying Standing On Weight-Scales Slimming, Not Losing Weight On A Diet At Home. Copy SpaceShutterstock

She starts off by explaining the background of the habit. “The problem is when I just straight up explain the system, people always end up using it wrong. I want to save you my seven painful trial and error years by sharing my cautionary tale of flawed ideas, thoughts, and beliefs so that when I reveal the system, you grasp how to use it correctly and can do so immediately after this video ends,” she says.

She Grew Up Believing That “Adulthood and Being Overweight” Was Synonymous

Overweight unhappy asian woman extra heavy body cellulite sitting on bed at home. Upset oversized lady worry diet weight loss suffering from extra weight. Obesity unhealthily concept.Shutterstock

“I grew up believing that adulthood and being overweight are synonymous,” she admits. “As kids, we look at the world around us and without a doubt believe that what we're seeing is all there is to life,” she said, adding that “every adult around me was overweight. So that's what would happen to me too. I made peace with that inevitability.”

However, She Was Shocked When It Happened

Close up overweight woman measuring her hip with tape measure.Shutterstock

“And yet when it happened, I wasn't ready,” she says, recalling a time when she was shopping and noticed that a shirt didn’t fit right. “I made my way home and googled how to lose weight, and the first thing that popped up was something called the GM Diet. I lasted one and a half days on it. Looking back, this makes sense because it's essentially a starvation diet, but I did not know that back then.”

She Concluded That Weight Loss Had to Be a “Painful Process”

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

She concluded that “losing weight must be a painful process. So naturally, when I saw weight loss programs that called for replacing all of my current eating habits in one go or working out for six days a week when currently my main workout was making it to the kitchen and back, ‘Oh, hey, could you bring me some popcorn too?’ sometimes I didn't question it. I figured weight loss is painful, so this is how it must be.”

She “Bought Into the Dream” of Marketing Programs Used by the Diet and Health Industry

“It also didn't help that I bought into the dream sold by the marketing of these programs. They featured chiseled abs and mesmerizing body weight stunts. I figured this is what ultimate health and fitness look like, so of course, I want that. All of these beliefs kept me committed to program after program, all of which felt unsustainable, but I figured that's the sacrifice needed for being healthy and fit.”

She Had the Best Intentions But Would Always Fail

Depressed woman sitting alone on the bed with hands on head feel stress, sad and worried in the dark bedroom and low light environmentShutterstock

She explained that she would start her weeks “with the intention to prep all my breakfast and lunches,” but by day three, she would be eating junk food. She would also spend lots of money on expensive, rigorous workouts, “only to find myself so sore by day eight that my hamstrings groaned with every step.”

She Thought Accountability Was the Issue

Group,,Sporty,Women,,Men,Training,,Exercise,Bikes, class, instructor,trainerShutterstock

She thought maybe her problem was accountability. “I just need to find a trainer, nutritionist, or a group fitness class to keep me consistent,” was something she believed. “It turns out spending thousands of dollars is still not enough to keep me consistent. I think I showed up to my trainer sessions maybe half the time.”

RELATED:I Lost 25 Pounds in 2 Years with the Help of Journaling

Her 50 Percent Consistency Would Leave Her Vowing to Be More Consistent

Young woman sitting on the bed with hard stomach pain.Shutterstock

“This 50% consistency would lead me to two types of reactions,” she says. When her weight was up, she would “acknowledge that I was only half consistent” and “vowed to be more consistent, which I would be for two weeks until I fell back to my old patterns,” she says.

She Also Experienced “Distorted Reality” and Would Chase One Weight Loss Program After Another

“The second was the fun house mirror type where I'd fall into a distorted reality because my mind could remember all the uncomfortable soreness after workouts and the times I exhausted my willpower,” she explains. “I would see my weight go up and think, ‘I'm doing so much. Why am I not losing weight?’ This would spiral me into chasing new weight loss programs one after another.”

She Was Stuck in the Cycle for Years

Silhouette of young woman in international airport, looking through the window at planesShutterstock

“All of this made my first two beliefs stronger and stronger. I was stuck in the cycle for years until a fateful flight from Seattle to Boston. I remember trying to down a ham bagel sandwich while running for the gate. I got onto the flight, and suddenly, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I called for the air host, who put it down to flying anxiety. Now, I've flown since I was four and been skydiving, so flying anxiety is not a problem I have. When I landed in Boston, still miraculously alive, I figured that was a one-off look, but then it happened again,” she says.

She Couldn’t Breathe and Went to Doctors

Doctor,,Patient,hospital,medical,healthShutterstock

“I visited cardiologists who hooked me up to a 24/7 heart monitor. The results were that there was nothing wrong, and yet I can't breathe. Episodes kept happening again and again and again. I felt helpless.”

She Decided to Change Her Way of Looking at the Cycle

tired business woman sleepy and bored from sitting at a desk for a long time and has office syndromeShutterstock

“I looked at the cycle with new somber eyes, and the first thing I decided was that I was not going to tell myself stories that didn't serve me. How does it benefit me to think that adulthood is synonymous with being overweight? What do I gain from believing that being healthy and fit means sacrificing taste, a social life, and joyful movement? Instead, I detached myself from these stories,” she explains.

She Decided to Focus on “Systems Over Goals”

Lose 10 PoundsShutterstock

She decided to trend “toward habits I believe are healthy,’ she says. “Essentially, I decided to focus on systems over goals. Detaching from timelines naturally led me to question my goal as well. I didn't care anymore for 21 pounds in 21 days, toned in 30 days, or how she lost 50 pounds in three months.”

She Shied Away From “Get Fit Quick” Programs

She shied away from “get fit quick” programs. She focused on health and fitness, “and if I continue on the path to word it en route, my breathing problems would get solved,” she says.

But Her Motivation Kept Dying

Blonde young woman give up workout in gym, fail.Shutterstock/sakkmesterke

“However, my motivation kept dying every few weeks despite using that very same system that eventually worked for me. It was only months later I realized that bodyweight skills don't compel me in my soul kind of way. I realized I had been blindly trying to achieve goals laid out by society and media.”

She Started Lifting Her Own Bodyweight

Barbel weights in gymShutterstock

“When my goal was to do mad bodyweight skills, the targets boil down to better nutrition to lose excess fat. So lifting my own body weight is easier resistance training that's focused on calisthenics and mobility.”

She Started Focusing on Fueling Her Dream Life

Competitive swimmer racing in poolShutterstock

“And then, once I realized my actual dream life, my targets changed to better nutrition with choices geared toward fueling my travels work and adventures resistance training, but the mix focused on endurance building for long walks, bikes, and swims cardio because my dream life involves a lot of hiking, biking, and swimming and make time for hobbies, sleep and rest. Without them, I would burn out and probably won't be as prolific in my old age as my inspirations.”

RELATED: Top 12 Foods You Should Eat Every Day to Lose Fat

After Achieving Her Targets She Narrowed Them Into Keystone Habits

Once she had her targets, she “further narrowed them into habits,” she explains. “The most important thing is to prioritize one to two new keystone habits for a month. A keystone habit is one in which if you don't get it right, the chances of other habits happening drops drastically.”

Her First Keystone Habit Was Sleeping and Waking at the Same Time Daily, and Second, Not Checking Her Phone After Work

,Brunette,Waking,Morning,,Stretches,sleep,bed,bedroom,wake,up,yawn,sleepingShutterstock

“During some honest self-interrogating, I admitted to my tendency to cancel everything if I feel I'm falling behind at work. Accordingly, my first keystone habits were sleeping and waking up at the same time daily,” she continues. “If I don't do this, I start off my day feeling behind, which makes doing my habits difficult. Second, I will not check my phone until after work. This stops me from procrastinating and falling behind on my tasks, which in turn stems from my tendency to cancel exercise and meal plans in order to catch up on work.”

While Unrelated to Weight Loss, It Helped Her Lose Weight

overweight woman on scale at homeShutterstock

“My starting keystone habits weren't even directly related to weight loss. No wonder my chasing weight loss programs wasn't working because the problem was how my life around my nutrition and exercise habits squeezed out any possibility of being consistent at any weight loss habit,” she points out.

She Broke the Habits Into Smaller Chucnks

Pleasant young woman laying in bed and putting eye mask on before going to sleepShutterstock

“Then, in my habit sheet, I further broke down these two keystone habits into smaller chunks: retired to bed by 8:30 PM, left phone outside bedroom for proper rest, got out of bed by 6:30 AM. didn't check phone until after work.”

RELATED: 10 Ways to Lose Weight Fast, According to Top Doctor

She Also Added an Optional Habit, Walking 6,000 Steps Three Times a Week

Woman using daily activity tracking app on phone showing 10 000 steps daily goal achievementShutterstock

“Since my keystone habits turned out to not be weight loss specific, I decided to also add an optional habit that I felt 10 out of 10 confident about meeting: Walk 6,000 steps three times a week. Note that this is optional, meaning that if I'm unable to meet it, I will drop this one without mental fuss or guilt,” she explains.

She Then Set Up Her Environment Accordingly

,Woman,Sleeping,,Bed,,Night,rest,Shutterstock

“Next is setting up my environment to maximize my chances of meeting the habits to help me retire to bed,” she says. “By 8:30 PM, I set up an alarm on my Amazon Echo for 8:15 PM, and then again at 8:30 PM, I left my phone charger in the living room instead of my bedroom. I also throw my phone under the couch since out-of-sight, out-of-mind really works for me. I set an alarm at 6:15 AM and 6:30 AM and bought a lamp that mimics sunrise,” she says.

She Also Made It Impossible to Make Excuses

Woman walking cross country and trail in autumn forestShutterstock

“And finally, I plotted a route around my neighborhood that adds up to 6,000 steps. This may sound ridiculous because I could just go out for a walk and get 6,000 steps, but I'm gonna be straight with you. My ability to find excuses to not start something is astounding, and the only way to combat it is to plan so that when it is time to do my habit, I can be mindless.”

She Set Up a Tracking Habit Sheet

Workout,Training,Exercise,Plan,And,Daily,ScheduleShutterstock

“Next comes tracking in the habit sheet. At the end of every day, I enter one. If I made the habit, I would enter a zero. The gray blocks are where I'm not targeting to make that habit for that day. If I don't meet all my targets for that day, I enter a note with a reflection for the day on what happened and what I'll do tomorrow. For example, there were times when I didn't make it to bed by 8:30 PM, so I installed a Chrome extension that blocks all of the internet at 8:30 PM, no matter what I was doing. This brought me right back on track. Next day onward to meeting my goals, and finally, at the end of every month, I reflect on what happened last month and what to do next month to start.”

RELATED: 7 Tips to Build Muscle After 50 and Keep You in the Best Shape Ever

She Reaccesses Her Goals and Dream Life

my goals - setting goals concept - blank flowchart sketched on a cocktail napkin with a cup of coffeeShutterstock

She then reaccesses her goals and her dream life, deciding if she wants to “add, remove, or edit anything.” If there isn't a change “in a way that changes my targets, I look at my habits from last month with less than 80% completion rate. That's right. I don't expect a hundred percent completion on any habit because that's impossible,” she says.

She Aims for 80 Percent Completion

Resistance band exercise at home. Woman doing pilates workout using elastic strap pulling with arms for shoulder training on yoga mat indoors.Shutterstock

“I'm not a machine, but I do expect a completion of more than 80% on each habit. As an example, here's my reflection from October: five out of 11 of my targeted habits had less than an 80% completion rate. Resistance training was 44%, but that was because I injured myself, so I kept the same targets for November, but for walks, I didn't see a good reason for the lack of consistency, so I decided to reduce the frequency to four times a week instead of seven times a week in October, and it goes on for my other habits.”

She Continued Improving It

Fitness man and woman giving each other a high five after the training session in gym. Fit couple high five after workout in health club.Shutterstock

“All of that time in the past, I spent chasing the best workout or meal plan, and that wasn't even the issue. It was the rest of my life I needed to change, and here is proof,” she says. “In November, you can see strength completion rate went up to a hundred percent, walks to 88%, and even the habits that are less than 80% are still way closer to the 80% threshold. And since I'm doing well on most of my habits in November, I could choose to add a new habit or I could continue to first get all my habits to over 80% completion rate for the next month.”

The System “Changed” Her Life

Silhouette,Happy,Joyful,Woman,Jumping,beach,sunset,ocean,sea,celebrateShutterstock

“The system has changed my life. Some examples of how, after seven years of being stuck, I reached my dream body within a year and have maintained it without tracking for eight years now, I used to burn out all the time from overworking. I haven't crashed into burnout in a long time. My addiction to mindlessly consuming media has reduced drastically, making room for hobbies and creative projects,” she says.

RELATED: The 7 Foods I Eat Every Day to Lose Weight and Feel Great

Start By Figuring Out Targets

“The steps in the system can take some time, like identifying the right targets toward your dream life, but it's so worth it,” she says. “The first thing to figure out is where to start with your targets. Hint: nutrition is 80% of weight loss,” she says. “In fact, my co-coach Lucy took it to the next level, where she lost a hundred percent through nutrition alone. So that's right, zero exercise.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Monica lifestylewithmon
Copyright lifestylewithmon/Instagram

Do you want to lose weight by incorporating a few healthy habits into your routine? Monica is a registered nurse and MASM CPT certified personal trainer who shares her body transformation on social media. In a few recent posts, she reveals the simple habits that enabled her to achieve her fat loss goals and transform her body. “After I gained a bunch of weight from unhealthy habits and an antidepressant medication I was on. It was one of the lowest points I’ve been in my fitness journey ever. Although these results did not happen overnight, I started noticing quick and rapid results when I started doing the following,” she writes in one of them.

LISS Cardio

The first habit she incorporated was LISS (low intensity stead state cardio), “the most efficient method of cardio to reduce fat,” she writes. “The idea here is that you keep your heart rate in your “fat burning zone” which is about 65%-75% of your max heart rate. I would do a 45 min brisk walk everyday or a low speed on the stair stepper for example!”

Drink Water

Her next healthy habit? Hydration. “Drink your water! Once I started drinking enough water I felt my false hunger cues start to go away. This is because our bodies sometimes have a hard time differentiating between hunger and thirst. Keep yourself hydrated to be more in tune with when you are actually hungry,” she writes.

Take Progress Photos

Taking progress photos is helpful. “On days you feel like quitting and like you look the same or don’t feel much different, you can look at the pictures from where you started,” she explains. “You will see all the changes that have happened gradually over time. This will prevent you from quitting and ending up back at square one all over again.”

Lift Weights

She also recommends weight training. “But do it right! Time under tension will always beat amount of weight lifted in my person opinion,” she explains. “When you focus on time under tension (slowing down your movements and controlling them) you are putting more stress on the muscle. When you lift so heavy that you can’t slow and control your movements, momentum comes more into play and you may not be getting the max benefits of an exercise. It may also cause the movement to not target the muscles you wanted and engage surround muscles to help compensate for loading too much weight.”

Get Enough Sleep

In another post, she reveals other healthy habits that helped her lose weight. “I started getting enough sleep,” she says. Initially, she was going to the gym 7 days a week and only getting 4 to 6 hours of sleep a week. “Allow your body to rest and recover with a good 7-8 hours of sleep (yes that means sometimes skipping your 5am gym session when you know you need REST),” she writes.

Eat Less Processed Foods

Eating less processed foods also made a big difference. “I dare you to Yuka app half the things in your refrigerator/ pantry. There is so much extra 💩 in our food! I try to eat minimally processed foods now (more lean meats, veggies and fruit),” she writes.

Stop Ego Lifting

“Stop ego lifting,” she continues. “If you are training for aesthetics you need to be slowing down and controlling your movements to really engage the muscles you are targeting in each exercise.”

Find Your Maintenence Calories

And, last but not least, find your maintenance calories before you bulk or cut. “You need to know your body and where you’re starting before you significantly add/ subtract food to your diet. I went from eating probably about 1600-1700 calories a day straight into 2400. NOT SMART. That is not a proper reverse diet. Don’t make my mistake because it did way more harm than good!” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

If you have a lot of weight to lose, it can seem hopeless and impossible. However, Samantha Costa, a 23-year-old influencer, lost a whopping 60 pounds in 3 months. In a viral YouTube video, she explains exactly how she did it, and a lot of it had to do with shifting her perspective and overall approach to weight loss.


Losing 60 Pounds in 6 Months with PCOS

Samantha_CostaSamantha Costa/YouTube

She starts with her backstory: In 2018 she was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which resulted in weight gain. “I fluctuate weight a lot and it also affects my periods. With that being said, because I was diagnosed with PCOS, I put on a lot of weight very fast, and it wasn't a type of weight that was healthy,” she said. Costa, who is five-foot-one, topped the scale at around 200 pounds. “Being in a place where I knew I wasn't healthy was really scaring me.” At the time she was able to drop 50 to 60 pounds in “five to six months” by going to Orangetherory and eating right. “I think I weighed around 196 pounds and I got down to around 135,” she specified.

Related: #1 Way to Flatten Your Stomach for Women, According to a Pelvic Floor Expert

The Power of Whole Grains

Wholemeal,Fusilli,Pasta,Whole, GrainsShutterstock

Her main dietary change at the time involved swapping out white carbs with whole grain and whole wheat. “I literally had grilled chicken, pasta, grated cheese, and tomato sauce every single day because that's what made me happy,” she said. After graduating from college in May 2022, “and I honestly was a very steady weight of around probably 129 pounds to 140 throughout all of my senior year of college,” she felt like she was at a healthy weight for herself around 135 pounds. She spent the summer lifeguarding. “I was having a really fun time, and honestly everything was going very well,” she continued.

A Stressful Job Ruined Her Health and Happiness

Samantha_Costa2Samantha Costa/YouTube

However, in August she started her “big job at a big four company” and it was “the downfall of everything,” she claims. “I'm not going to talk too much about it, but the stress of that job, which I am no longer working in, was very, very hard for me.” She stopped working out and spent most of her free time isolating. Over a period of about 7 months she probably gained 60 to 70 pounds, and was “very, very sad,” she says. “I wasn't happy with how I looked and I was having a hard time with it, but it was more that I knew I wasn't healthy and I knew I needed to get healthy because of this. I would always tell myself, ‘You know what? You did it once. You can definitely do it again.’”

From 10,000 Steps to 500

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

She couldn’t motivate herself to go to fitness studio again, “something that I used to love going to do,” she says. While she used to walk 10,000 steps a day, she “was lucky if I hit probably 500 steps a day because I was always at my computer, always doing something for work, and there was really just no time for me to do it.”

She Lost 10 Pounds in a Week and Kept Going

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

Every day she looked in the mirror and told herself “in three months from now, you will look so much better. You'll feel so much better, which is the most important, and you will want to do things because you started.” Eventually she started seeing progress, claiming that she lost 10 pounds in one week, which she knew was water weight. Within a few weeks she noticed a “little bit of a difference” and once she started to see that difference, “it was a lot easier to believe in myself and notice that there was real progress happening and that there was change happening, which allowed me to keep going within my journey.”

Related: 11 Shoulder-Sculpting Workouts for Impressive Definition

The Secrets to Her Success

Healthy,Eating,Food,Low,Carb,Keto,Ketogenic,Diet,Meal,Plan,salmon,avocado,egg, broccoliShutterstock

She revealed that she did keto, which is “very hard to sustain,” she admits. “It was very hard for me to eat a certain amount of carbs every single day, and it was very hard for me to cut out sugar. I'm someone who loves sugar, but I knew that in order to be in a healthy place again, and in order to get to my goal in the most efficient way, especially with summer coming up, I needed to do something that would really change and really allow my body to adapt.” She also emphasizes the importance of protein. “Eating carbs is something that obviously we all need. I am not saying don't eat carbs. Please eat your macros. Please eat carbs. Please allow yourself to have the energy that you need. I'm just saying what I did was I lowered the amount of carbs that I ate, but I was still eating enough to feel energized to be able to go to the gym and to give my body what it needs.”

She Increased Intake of Proteins and Exercised

ChickenGrill,grilled,bbq,breast,meat,proteinShutterstock

Amping up your protein intake may help you lose weight. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets. She also went back to fitness studio four to five times a week, starting with gentle workouts and working her way up to more intense ones. She also recommends taking rest days.

Stay Motivated and Positive on Your Journey

Samantha_Costa5sam.costaa/Instagram

“In the beginning, you're probably going to feel like you can't do it and it's probably going to feel impossible, and if you are someone who doesn't feel like that, I give you so much credit because I've been there so many times and I felt like it was impossible every single time,” she adds. “The number one thing I want to tell you is to prove yourself wrong. Prove every single person that may have doubted you wrong. The only thing that matters is that you believe in yourself. The only thing that matters is that you have the mindset that will allow you to feel better, and every single time you question yourself, make one of those videos, take progress pictures, tell yourself that you are so much better than you were even one day ago, and if you are really having trouble starting, just try for one day.”

Related: Fitness Expert's $5 a Day Meal Plan for Fat Loss

💪🔥Body Booster: Increasing your protein intake and decreasing your carbohydrates is a scientifically backed tactic for weight loss. However, you still need a sufficient amount of carbs to stay energized.

Brittney Blanco
​Greek Chicken Wraps
Copyright bylt.by.britt/Instagram
Evidence-Based

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

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

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

Are you unsure what you should be eating to lose weight? One expert has the answer. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. “If you want to lose 5 to 10 pounds by Easter, these are the foods I would eat daily,” she writes.

Fuel Your Body the Right Way

,Couple,,Fitness,Gym,muscles,bodybuilderShutterstock

According to Brittney, she understands the ratio of what you should be eating to lose weight. “Want more energy, muscle, and balanced hormones? It all starts with your plate! Here’s how to fuel up the right way,” she says.

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

Prioritize Protein

Fresh chicken eggs​7. EggsShutterstock

First, prioritize protein. “Protein keeps you full, builds muscle, and boosts metabolism. Aim for 0.8-1g per pound of body weight (or at least 100g daily)” she writes. The best sources? Eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, salmon, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, and tuna. Why? “Helps burn fat, maintain muscle, and curb cravings!” she says.

Eat More Fiber

,Kale,Cabbage,leafy,greens​The Power of Green GuardiansShutterstock

Next, eat more fiber, mostly veggies and fruit. “Fiber supports digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Aim for 25g daily,” she says. The veggies she recommends are broccoli, green beans, kale, asparagus, and zucchini, and fruits, berries, banana, mango, kiwi, and oranges. Why? “Keeps you full and supports a healthy gut!”

Carbs

Boiled quinoa in white bowl on brown wooden table​30. QuinoaShutterstock

Next up carbs, which equal energy. “Carbs fuel your body and workouts. Choose quality sources,” she writes. Best options: Potatoes, quinoa, farro, bulgur, rice. Why? “Prevents energy crashes and supports muscle recovery,” she writes.

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

Healthy Fats

Chia,Seeds.,Chia,Word,Made,From,Chia,Seeds.,Selective,FocusShutterstop

Amp up your healthy fats intake for hormone balance. “Fats help with hormones, brain health, and nutrient absorption,” she says. Best sources: Egg yolks, avocado, cheese, olive oil, chia seeds, almonds, nut butters. Why? “Supports metabolism, mood, and glowing skin!” she writes.

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

Build a Balanced Plate

Sock eyed salmon with green beans and lemonShutterstock

Using these sources, build a balanced plate. “Keep it simple,” she urges. Why? “Provides balanced nutrition, steady energy, and prevents cravings!” Here is the plate she recommends.

¼ plate protein 🥩

¼ plate carbs 🍚

Thumb-size healthy fats 🥑

½ plate veggies 🥦

And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Chef Zigga chefzigga
Copyright chefzigga/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.

Looking to manage your weight but can't get your hands on Ozempic or Wegovy? You're not alone. With waitlists growing and prices soaring, many are searching for alternatives. Celebrity Chef Zigga, a Certified Nutritionist, recently shared some game-changing information on FOX 29 - many everyday foods naturally contain or stimulate GLP-1, the same hormone that makes these medications effective. "Right now only Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. Ozempic is supposed to be used by type 2 diabetics only," explains Chef Zigga, who then revealed that "GLP-1 is in a lot of food." Read on to discover which kitchen staples might help you feel fuller longer without needing a prescription.

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

1. Omega-3 Rich Salmon

Salmon stands out as a top natural source of GLP-1-stimulating nutrients. "GLP-1 is basically food that have a lot of fatty acids, so omega-3s," Chef Zigga explains while presenting a salmon dish during the segment. This fatty fish provides high-quality protein along with those essential omega-3s that can help regulate appetite and slow digestion. Chef Zigga specifically highlights salmon when discussing foods with "more fats, more omega-3s" that support the body's natural GLP-1 production.

2. Creamy Avocados

Lots of avocados with halved avocado with seeds in a pile, vegan foodShutterstock

Avocados earn their place on this list thanks to their healthy fat content that supports natural GLP-1 production. Chef Zigga specifically mentions avocados when discussing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, noting, "If you're looking for something with more fats, more omega-3s, then you have salmon, then you have stuff like avocado." These versatile fruits provide the satisfying fats that help trigger hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, similar to how Ozempic works in the body.

3. Surprising Brussels Sprouts

Brussels,Sprouts,Roasted,vegetable44. Brussels sprouts: 43 caloriesShutterstock

Don't underestimate these little green powerhouses! "Brussels sprouts actually have more omega-3s than avocado does," Chef Zigga reveals during the segment, highlighting their impressive nutritional profile. These cruciferous vegetables not only contain unexpected levels of omega-3s but are also packed with fiber that helps slow digestion and prolong feelings of fullness. Chef Zigga specifically included brussels sprouts under the salmon in their demonstration, creating a GLP-1 boosting power plate.

4. Fiber-Rich Asparagus

Fresh,Green,Asparagus,On,Grey,Concrete,Background.,Flat,LayShutterstock

Asparagus makes the list thanks to its impressive fermented fiber content that supports digestion and satiety. Chef Zigga specifically mentions that "fermented fibers, that's what helps you stay fuller longer," highlighting vegetables like asparagus in this category. This spring vegetable works in your digestive system much like GLP-1 medications do - slowing food movement and helping you feel satisfied longer after meals.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

5. Lean Bison

Traditional fried dry aged bison beef rump steak served as close-up in a rustic old wooden board​2. BisonShutterstock

Bison offers a red meat alternative that supports natural GLP-1 production without excess fat. "Bison is a lean meat," Chef Zigga explains while presenting bison meatballs. During the segment, they specifically recommend that "if you're trying to lose weight, you want to stay with 90-10 ground beef, you want to stay with lean meats like bison." This protein-packed option helps trigger satiety hormones naturally while providing satisfying flavor with less fat than traditional beef.

6. White Fish Varieties

Fresh fish, raw cod fillets with addition of herbs and lemon49. White fish (like cod): 48 caloriesShutterstock

White fish varieties deserve space on your plate when looking for natural GLP-1 supporters. Chef Zigga specifically mentions "white fish" among the foods rich in "high fat content, high omega-3s, fermented fibers." These lighter fish options provide lean protein that helps trigger satiety signals while offering healthy fats that support hormone production. They're versatile enough to prepare in countless ways, making them an easy addition to your meal rotation.

7. Lean Chicken

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

Everyday chicken earns its spot on this list as a practical protein source that supports natural GLP-1 function. Chef Zigga specifically lists chicken among recommended "lean meats" that support weight management, alongside bison and venison. The lean protein in chicken helps trigger satiety hormones naturally, helping you feel full longer after meals - similar to the effects of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

8. Versatile Shrimp

Frozen shrimp. Seafood on the counter. Fish market. Close-up shooting of seafood. Box with shrimp. Photo of shrimp in the supermarket. Wholesale of fish. Peeled shrimp.Shutterstock

Seafood lovers rejoice - shrimp makes the list of Ozempic-mimicking foods. "If you're looking for something, even shrimp, honestly," Chef Zigga mentions when discussing lean protein options during the segment. This versatile seafood provides high-quality protein with minimal fat, helping to trigger those important satiety signals naturally. Shrimp cooks quickly and can be incorporated into countless dishes for an easy GLP-1-supporting meal.

9. Filling Oats

Rolled,Oats,,Healthy,Breakfast,Cereal,Oat,Flakes,In,Bowl,food, oatmealShutterstock

Start your day with oats to naturally support your body's GLP-1 system. "Oats are a fermented fiber. They help keep you fuller longer," Chef Zigga explains while demonstrating how to make overnight oats. This breakfast staple slows digestion and provides steady energy, helping you avoid hunger pangs between meals. Chef Zigga specifically highlighted overnight oats as an effective way to incorporate this GLP-1-supporting grain into your diet.

10. Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt in a potShutterstock

Greek yogurt earns its place on this list as a versatile, protein-rich food that supports satiety. Chef Zigga includes it as a key component in their overnight oats recipe, recommending "a half cup of Greek yogurt" as one of the "main components" in this GLP-1-supporting breakfast. The combination of protein and probiotics in Greek yogurt supports digestive health while helping to trigger satiety hormones naturally.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

11. Trilogy of Seeds: Flax, Hemp & Chia

Flax,Seeds, diet, food, FlaxseedsShutterstock

Small but mighty, this seed trio packs a powerful GLP-1-supporting punch. Chef Zigga showcases what they call "Trilogy" - a combination of flaxseeds, hemp, and chia seeds. "Flaxseeds for every tablespoon is 1.6 grams of omega fatty acids, but then it's very high in fiber. Hemp is for every tablespoon is a thousand milligrams of exactly a fiber also, and then as well as the chia seeds," they explain. These tiny powerhouses deliver concentrated doses of the same omega-3s and fiber that help GLP-1 medications work.

12. Tropical Papaya

Fresh ripe papaya fruits on wooden table, closeup​PapayaShutterstock

Complete your GLP-1-boosting diet with papaya, a fruit that directly supports hormone production. "Papaya also activates your GLP-1 secretions as well," Chef Zigga specifically notes during the segment. This tropical fruit not only adds natural sweetness to meals but contains enzymes that support digestion and help regulate appetite naturally. Chef Zigga demonstrates adding papaya to overnight oats, creating a breakfast that mimics the effects of weight loss medications.

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines

These Foods Will “Help You Stay Fuller Longer”

Young beautiful hispanic woman eating at the restaurant​You Eat Out Too MuchShutterstock

While medications like Wegovy and Ozempic have proven effective for weight management, Chef Zigga demonstrates that many everyday foods naturally contain or stimulate the same GLP-1 hormones that make these drugs work. As they explain, these foods "help you stay fuller longer" and "activate your GLP-1 secretions" - the same mechanisms behind prescription weight loss medications. By incorporating omega-3 rich fish, lean proteins, fiber-filled vegetables, and strategic seeds into your diet, you may be able to naturally boost your body's GLP-1 production. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or stopping any prescribed medications. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey
Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Have you been struggling to lose weight most of your life? Even though it may seem impossible, especially if you have over 100 pounds to lose, seeking inspiration from other people’s stories and learning what worked for them can be the push you need. Lindsey Subrinsky, owner of Shot Bar MedSpa in Chicago, Illinois, struggled with her weight for most of her life – until she made some life-changing choices that helped her lose 140 pounds and keep it off. She recently told her story to Body Network, and it’s very inspiring.

Her Mom Took Her to Weight Watchers When She Was 10

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Lindsey’s mother took her to her first Weight Watchers meeting in 1993 when she was just 10 years old. “It was a group just for kids, and the rooms were always full of parents who feared their child would be fat. That was my first forced experience by my mom to lose weight,” she recalls. “I knew I was successful at losing the 10 pounds I was asked to lose when my mom gave me the approval of two thighs that no longer touched. I had no idea how this was going to shape my life, and neither did my mom who believed she was doing the right thing after struggling with her weight in her youth.”

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

She Struggled Throughout Her Youth

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

The next few years would be brutal. “In the 7th grade, I was forced once again to try a liquid diet program by an MD who thought that was healthy,” she says. For days on end, she would only drink protein shakes while her little brother ate mac and cheese and Doritos. “One year, I got two clementines for my birthday with candles in the middle instead of cake. I know now, as an adult, that my mom believed she was doing the right thing for me. It's taken a lot of therapy and self-healing to forgive, but I know she was well-intentioned.

She Hit Bottom at 272 Pounds

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Fast forward to the year 2018. “I had lost an immense amount of pounds over the years and would gain them right back, 50 off, 75 on. Fad diets, starvation diets, phentermine diets, you name it, I tried it. What is the feeling beyond hopeless? Whatever that word is could have described how I felt when I stepped on the scale to see 272 pounds one morning after the inability to roll over in bed one evening without losing my breath. That morning was the last time I’d ever see that number,” she says.

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

She Lost 100 Pounds in Less Than 10 Months with a Science-Based Approach

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

She took a science-based approach to weight loss. “I am a medical professional who believes in science and data to influence decisions. I took my knowledge and decided to make some changes that launched me to a 100lb weight loss in less than 10 months. I needed graphs and to notate linear changes.”

She Also Used a Smart Scale, Food Tracking Apps, and Activity Tracker

Healthy diet. Male hands holding a smartphone and keeping track of the calories of his food with a fitness appTrick 2: Strategic Food Tracking for SuccessShutterstock

“I bought a smart scale, downloaded a food tracking app (that I still use to this day and request my weight loss patients do the same), got an Apple Watch to track health data, and a food scale,” she tells us. “It became a mission of knowledge. I began to weigh all of my food and stay within a certain macronutrient range that I learned how to calculate. I liked weighing everything because I believe knowledge is power. It took the guess and check out of the equation.”

She Followed a Low-Carb Diet Then Keto-Style

Keto picture.Flat lay of Keto diet food ingredients on white table.Ketogenic mean Low carb and High fat.Healthy food Concept.Shutterstock

She started with a primarily lower-carb diet and transitioned to a keto-style diet later on “so I had room for change as the pounds began to fall off,” she says. “This journey was all about changing my relationship with food, and learning to say no to myself. It became a game and I was going to win this time.”

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

She Lost 140 Pounds Naturally, and Another 15 with a GLP-1

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

Jump to 2024. “I have kept off a 140-lb weight loss since 2019,” she says, revealing that she lost her last 15 lbs with a GLP-1 in 2022. “My habits have remained the same.

She Weighs Herself Daily

Female leg is stepping on white bathroom scales at home, weight​You Will Lose Weight FastShutterstock

“I know some weight loss ‘experts’ will balk at what I am about to say, but I weigh myself daily. It keeps me self-aware, and I believe that knowing these numbers dictates my behavior. I have rules about what the numbers mean throughout the week and around my cycle, and I have learned that one bad night of eating will not completely derail my success. It’s just the opposite.”

She Also Takes a Day Off Every Few Weeks

Fit woman doing yoga relaxing and breathing exercises on beach at sunset. Freedom, relax and harmony in nature. Female stretching arms alone.​Your Path to ReliefShutterstock

This leads to another piece of advice she has for anyone trying to lose and/or maintain. “Take a day off every couple of weeks,” she suggests. “Your body is a machine that gets used to whatever you do every day. Have a day that, if you are craving something, enjoy it without feeling guilty. We are humans who also have to ‘live.” Occasionally, one ice cream cone and a couple of pieces of pizza are okay.”

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

She Didn’t Exercise During Most of Her Weight Loss Journey

READING, UK - DECEMBER 25, 2021: Feet pedalling on a Peloton Bike in Reading, Berkshire, UK.Shutterstock

She gets asked a lot about her fitness routine. “Truth is, I did not exercise for a single moment during 2018-2019,” she confesses. “I bought a Peloton early in 2020, right before the pandemic, and started a fitness routine then. My reasoning for that was I was always a perfectionist who crashed and burned and tried to do too much and change too much at one time.”

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

She Doesn’t Use Food As Comfort Any More

Lindsey Subrinsky shotbar_lindsey

Copyright Lindsey Subrinsky

“This part of my story was about learning to say no to myself. It is still something that I work on every single day, as food was my reward and emotional outlet. Not using food for comfort has become easier, but it is still often my first instinct. I have just trained my mental muscle to know that I am stronger than my thoughts and I hate food remorse. I love being healthy, fitting into anything I want to wear, and knowing I can win against my biggest demon, my fat self who is still ever-so-present, I’ve just learned other ways to ‘feed’ her,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.