Proven Ways to Melt Fat Fast, Says Celebrity Nutritionist

There are a million fad diets, trendy workouts, and gimmicky supplements, shakes, and gadgets that promise to melt fat away. However, losing weight and getting into great shape shouldn’t be that complicated, says Serena Poon, certified nutritionist and celebrity chef. In fact, all you need to do to melt fat away is make these 11 healthy habits part of your daily routine. Read on to see 11 healthy habits that will help you melt your fat away—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. Drink Water

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Poon, who works with several celebrities, including Kerry Washington, maintains that hydration is really important for optimal health. “Your body is made up of about 60 percent water and every single system operates better if you are hydrated. Drinking an ample amount of water will help you feel great and better connected to your body and your hunger signals,” she says. Plus, researchers have found that drinking water before a meal can help you reduce your calorie intake, she adds. How much water should you drink? There is no universal amount. “I recommend that most people drink their body weight in ounces of water every day,” she suggests.

2. Eat Apples

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An apple might not keep the doctor away, but it may help burn fat. “Apples are a wonderful food to eat every day. Not only are they rich in fiber, which will keep you feeling full for longer, they also contain a powerful antioxidant, quercetin. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, which can help you ward off the signs of aging,” says Poon, adding that “it really is a win-win in terms of satiety and protecting your body from oxidative stress.”

3. Snack On Raw Veggies

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Snacking on raw veggies is another great way to increase your fiber intake, says Poon. “Plus, raw veggies contain an array of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that support overall health,” she says. “Everything I do in my Culinary Alchemy® programs revolves around increasing vegetable intake. Carrots, celery and broccoli make wonderful snacks, and also deliver a satisfying crunch that can make them a go-to when your cravings might be instigated by boredom rather than hunger.”

4. Amp Up Your Protein Intake

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Protein is the most filling macronutrient, so eating high-quality options with every meal and snack can help you manage your appetite, notes Poon. “As a plant-based eater, I opt for meals and snacks that include tofu, tempeh, beans and nuts. Though they are healthy, and have appetite suppressing qualities of their own, make sure to moderate nut consumption simply because a little goes a long way in terms of calories and fat content,” she says.

5. Drink Green Tea

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Not only does green tea deliver a powerful antioxidant that supports optimal health, it can also help you lose weight. “Research has found that green tea supports improved metabolism and fat mass reduction,” states Poon. However, she maintains that it’s important to note that green tea alone won’t help you move the needle that much, but drinking green tea as part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes nourishing food and exercise can be helpful. “Choose organic, fair trade green tea for the best quality,” she suggests.

6. Infuse Spices Into Your Food

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Spice up your life and give your metabolism a boost! Poon explains that certain spices have metabolic powers. For example, cayenne pepper might help you develop brown fat, which can protect fat accumulation, ginger can support fat metabolism, and turmeric can support weight loss in certain populations. “Spices are also a wonderful way to increase the flavor of a dish, which can help you feel more satisfied by your dining experience,” she says.

7. Get Your Nutrients

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Poon also suggests consuming nutrient dense foods and taking supplements when needed. “Research demonstrates that foods that are nutrient dense can help keep your hunger at bay,” she says. “Foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower), berries, nuts, and whole grains will keep your body feeling satisfied.” She also recommends that people go to their doctor to get their vitamin levels checked. “This can help you determine if you have a need for supplements and ensure that you have everything you need to feel your best.”

8. Take Probiotics

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According to Poon, “gut health is really at the foundation of optimal health. Not only does a healthy gut microbiome guide digestive function, immune function and mental health, it can also help you lose weight,” she says. Researchers have found that probiotics can impact weight loss significantly.

9. Avoid Processed Foods, Added Sugar, and Alcohol

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Avoid or limit processed foods, added sugar and alcohol, suggest Poon. “Weight loss isn’t just about what you eat, it’s also about what you don’t eat. Processed foods, added sugar and alcohol offer the opposite of nutrient dense calories that can add up easily. These foods also cause inflammation, which is a precursor for chronic disease, something you definitely want to avoid regardless of the number on the scale,” she says.

10. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

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Similarly, weight loss isn’t just about what you eat and don’t eat, it’s actually mostly about how you think and feel about food. “Incorporating mindfulness into your meal times by really tuning into how food is fueling your body and how it makes you feel can set you up with eating habits that will support feeling good for a long time and longevity,” Poon states. “Researchers have found that combining mindfulness with good dietary habits can support weight loss.”

11. Get Enough Sleep

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Finally, get your z’s. “If you are trying to lose weight, it is also absolutely necessary to consume sleep— lots of it,” says Poon. She cites research finding that sleep deprivation may increase hunger and appetite, specifically for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods. “Aim for getting eight (or more!) hours of sleep each night to keep your body feeling its best.”

Kelly Clarkson is dishing on her recent weight loss. In a new interview with People, the American Idol winner and talk show host opens up about how she recently “dropped weight” after a big move with her children from Los Angeles to New York. And, you might be surprised by how making a few simple changes to her lifestyle resulted in a major body transformation. Here are the habits responsible for the 41-year-old’s weight loss.

1. Walking

After moving from Los Angeles to New York City, Kelly found that she spent a lot more time walking around the city with her children. “We go walk the dogs a few times at the park,” she told People. “Walking in the city is quite the workout.” Going for a daily walk can be a game changer in terms of exercise, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

2. Infrared Saunas

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Kelly also revealed that she indulges in self-care. She is “really into infrared saunas right now,” she told People. According to the Mayo Clinic, an infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to make heat. “A regular sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you,” they write. According to research, they may help with high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis.

3. Protein-Centric Diet

“I eat a healthy mix,” Kelly told People. “I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor — a couple years I didn’t. And 90 percent of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat — sorry, vegetarians in the world!”

4. Cold Plunges

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Another self-care ritual that Kelly is into? “And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down,” she told People. There is limited research supporting the benefits of cold plunges, which may include easing sore muscles, bringing body temperature down, increased focus, improved sleep, and decreased inflammation, per the Cleveland Clinic. However, a 2021 study found that cold water immersion therapy promotes basic post-sport recovery.

5. The Plant Paradox Diet

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When Kelly lost 40 pounds in 2018 she attributed it to Dr. Steven R. Gundry’s book, The Plant Paradox. “It’s basically about how we cook our food, non-GMO, no pesticides, eating really organic,” she told Extra, adding that she did it for medical reasons.“I literally read this book, and I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had, and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up. I’m not on medicine anymore because of this book,” she explained to the outlet.

6. No Weight Loss Drugs

Kelly has also denied using weight loss over the years. “Other fake news that’s going around about me is that I’ve been taking weird pills 4 weight loss or doing weird fad diets. All of this is not true. I ain’t got time 4 all that. I eat the same stuff I always have. It’s all just made w/different flours/sugars/ingredients,” she tweeted in May 2019.