1. Prioritize Protein
Rizzo reminds us that a high-protein diet is a game-changer when it comes to controlling appetite. "Anybody that tells you you do not need a high protein breakfast, I want you to run in the other direction," she says. "When I was a freshman in college I thought all I needed was a fruit smoothie in the morning and I’d be good to go. But I literally wouldn’t make it through my first class. I’d be starving still." The fix? Building meals around protein. "As I got more into breakfast and really started prioritizing protein…it kept me way fuller for longer. Now this goes for every meal. We base everything around protein." Got it!
2. Focus on High-Volume Eating
Eating more foods with lower calories—aka high-volume eating—is a great way to keep snacking without putitng on extra pounds. "These are foods you can eat a lot of for a little bit of calories," Rizzo explains. Think fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed options that allow you to fill your plate without going overboard on calories. This strategy helps you eat satisfying portions while still creating a calorie deficit for fat loss.
3. Swap Cardio for Strength Training
While cardio burns calories in the moment, Rizzo says building muscle is what really moves the needle for long-term fat loss. "I used to think cardio is what got you skinny, but it’s not," she says. "If you wanna look nice and thin and toned, strength training will be your best friend." By adding lean muscle mass, Rizzo puts it, "It will increase your metabolism naturally, meaning you’ll be able to eat more calories in a day than you were before, and you will still be losing weight."
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it: If you’re someone with a big appetite, the solution isn’t eating less. It’s eating smarter! By prioritizing protein, loading up on high-volume, low-calorie foods, and focusing on strength training instead of endless cardio, you can feel fuller, boost your metabolism, and still lose weight.