How I Lost 30 Pounds AND Kept It Off for A Year Without Counting Calories

Get your copy of the Low Calorie Density Weight Loss Handbook, here: melissaalexandr...
In this video, I'm sharing how I lost weight by eating MORE food, without counting calories or measuring portions. This is a low calorie density diet and it really is the "secret" to losing weight and keeping it of for good without being hungry.
To learn more and get some low calorie density meal ideas, watch the videos in this playlist, here: • Weight Loss
Low Calorie Density Meal Plan with recipes and printable grocery list: melissaalexandr...
My amazon store where you can find my favorite blender, the stevia I love, and more vegan products: www.amazon.com...
Use the hashtag #lowcaloriedensity to share your healthy, tasty meals!
/ melissaalexandria01
FREE RESOURCE: 25 Item Grocery List:: www.lowcaloried...
Webinar with Dr. Anthony Lim and Dr. Gustavo Tolosa that I mention in this video: • Live Webinar with Dr. ...
Starch Solution Book by Dr. John McDougall : amzn.to/3paj1QO
Thank you for watching, Thank you for giving me a "thumbs up" and Thank you for subscribing to my channel - it means a lot to me. :)

[@ClaudiaB.4266]

I lost 4 pounds in two weeks. And I made the experience that I am not hungry in the evening anymore. Best way of eating ever! Thank you Melissa! Greetings from Germany!

[@melissaalexandria01]

Wow! I’m so happy for you, Claudia. :) Sending lots of love your way.

[@AnnaSmith-b9p]

Me personally, I started losing the most weight after reading the book Woman’s weight loss secrets: the unspoken truth, a few things you are mentioning in this video are also in the book

[@ms.beltran8895]

This is way first week eating potatoes with cauliflower broccoli and have lost 2 1/2 pounds and ate some fruit . So happy

[@melissaalexandria01]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Virtual high five! x

[@ms.beltran8895]

@@melissaalexandria01 thank you. I was so surprised about the weight loss . Honestly didn’t think this would work out for me.

[@TinaMarieVlogs]

who else is so inspired by this video?! from a fellow vlogger!

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you, Tina-Marie! :)

[@Rjanisse]

I am finally reaching my weight loss goals and I’m eating the yummiest food

[@melissaalexandria01]

Amazing!!! :)

[@plant-basedpuertorican7272]

The best reason for eating this way is health and energy! ❤

[@stephaddiction]

My favorite channel! Highly recommend this way of eating for life 🖤

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thanks, Stephanie! You’re the best. :)

[@gelbsucht947]

You make a very good point about how we are neuro-adapted to sugar, salty convenience food and how that can make plant-based food taste bland at first. I would recommend a book by Michael Moss called ‚Sugar, Salt, Oil‘ which explains how the food industry hijacked our taste buds. Meanwhile you can make bland seeming food more interesting with herbs and spices, chilli, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, garlic and salt powders and nutritional yeast.

[@marymintz9147]

The title is actually "Salt Sugar Fat"

[@gelbsucht947]

@@marymintz9147 yes, Sorry, it is! Thanks for that. 😊

[@annesmith5757]

Love your videos Melissa! Just recently discovered you and am so impressed by how well you’ve distilled the concept of calorie density and combined it with relatable, easy examples of meals. I have known about food calorie density for years and have watched many videos by other plant based, whole food youtubers but really like the way you communicate the information and encourage eating large volumes of the low calorie dense foods! For weight loss, as you say, that really is the key and I so appreciate that you stress that point in all your videos. It’s so obvious that you put a lot of time and effort in making your videos because the information you present is simple, to the point and logically sequenced. Thank you for producing such great content that is so inspiring and helping so many of us! And love your sweet pup!

[@mirnasnewlife4108]

Hi sweet Melissa🤗 I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all your encouragement, love and support that you give us. 💕 Your caring heart is truly felt when you speak.💕 Blessings to you💕

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you, Mirna! You are so kind. :)

[@mirnasnewlife4108]

@@melissaalexandria01 You are welcome.💕 🙏 Have a great weekend!💕🤗

[@lorenaluzi404]

Thank you so much Melissa for all the work and time you put in your videos, it is highly appreciated. I can always learn so much from you and love the way you explain everything in detail. Also love your calming voice. :-) Love from Switzerland

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you so much! I love Switzerland. I went to Jungfrau mountain, it was beautiful. :)

[@kklc4]

what I think sounds the most amazing with this way of eating, is the freedom . Starting this tomorrow. I love your videos Melissa 🙏🏻💕 thank you

[@Eattherainbow427]

I hope you love it! I’m 6 months in and couldn’t be happier💜

[@annejones3716]

Melissa... I see other KZbin WFPB contents providers suggesting a 50/50 plate of half non-starchy vegetables and half starch. However I see you eat without regard to that limitation. I was just wondering if you actually were able to lose your 30 lb without that restriction of the non-starchy vegetables at each meal? I love your content.😘

[@kimdowning8736]

I have been binge watching your videos. Your are so pretty and so inspiring. I have worked hard all my life and never had to worry about my weight until the last few years. I'm 58 and figuring out how to deal with this older, slower metabalism me.

[@ursulamelia7136]

Totally in the same boat!!!! But this seems a great way of doing things!

[@hula62]

I am amazed! It works. And, I am not vegan, but I ate a vegan day. It takes a day or two to kick in. I now eat oatmeal and berries in the evening. It stops my hunger in the evening. It is like a dessert. I made a brown rice and wild rice bowl and I made a bean soup because I thought the rice wouldn't be enough. I was stuffed with the rice bowl. I put bean soup back for tomorrow. Lost two pounds over night. Thanks.

[@kazzyh5913]

Would love if you would do a video to help with prep and meals to take to work daily, and tips and tricks on how you managed that. Including what to have for early morning before work breakfasts would be great. Thanks! 😊

[@melissaalexandria01]

Will do! :)

[@kazzyh5913]

@@melissaalexandria01 Awesome! Thank you for the reply. 😊

[@tracy8062]

Yay! So happy to find u through chef AJ I watch all u beautiful wfpb girls everyday over and over it’s working and keeps me soo motivated!!! I’m not alone💕 this way of eating is truly a blessing!

[@melissaalexandria01]

Wonderful! Thank you :)

[@Sandrashideaway]

🥰 Lots of great tips! 👍 I'm so glad I don't like eating out-saves me tons of money and I can stay on track easier at home. 🤩

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you, Sandra! Yes, you can save a lot of money not dining out, as well - added benefit! :)

[@doright9681]

You are so great Melissa. Thank you for sharing your knowledge/experience

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@sweetlyprincesss]

You look so beautiful and healthy! I love your pink sweater and lip gloss color! May I ask where you got your lipstick?

[@beckidani]

I just found out theres a poke bowl restaurant right up the street from my house!! On busy days its always so tempting to just go get some unhealthy fast food but this will be my new option. Thanks for the tip!

[@melissaalexandria01]

Enjoy! I hope you like it :) I ask for extra rice so that it fills me up - because just veggies isn’t enough for me.

[@beckidani]

@@melissaalexandria01 Yes good point, thanks!

[@marisagalea4912]

I just subscribed to your channel because you gave me an idea that was so simple BUT ingenious!!! My hard time of day is night time after dinner when I crave something sweet, satisfying and filling. Well, it has always been a struggle and that is when I would go off of my plan (whatever it would be at that time!!). I am so strong all day till than and I love my WFPB but I mess up than. OMG! This morning you suggested that I have my oatmeal bowl at night!!! (Well, not really but I felt like you were talking to me!!!) I can't tell you what a great day I've had so far knowing that I could have something yummy after dinner!!! I got a whole bunch of greens in my smoothie this morning and if I have a second banana tonight, so what?!? Thank you so much, Melissa. You are awesome!!!

[@Eattherainbow427]

I always go online and decide what I’m gonna order way before I go to a restaurant. It was hard at first so I didn’t go out (also pandemic🤷🏻‍♀️) and it was so much easier on me. The bloat is REAL! Beans, broccoli, Brussels and rice were my enemies for a while but I added them slowly and focused on potatoes and less gassy veggies and now I can eat them with no gas. Do absolutely make sure to rinse everything really well and cook it fully and that will take it down too. I got oil in a meal on accident once and the second it him my mouth I almost threw up. It’s so amazing how my pallet is now and I do NOT miss the oil in the slightest. Thank you for always sharing your info with us 💜💜💜

[@michellesweightlossjourney6599]

I love your channel! You are so relaxing to listen to and I love your recipes! 😍😍😍💗💗💗

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you, Michelle! :)

[@shondaet]

This was my first video!! I love your approach and friendly way you share your ideas. I've been watching lots of your videos. You are very helpful.

[@marceali5381]

Hey Melissa, such a great and honest video,, love it , you are my favorite youtuber ❤️ I love your videos and suggestions 🙏🏻🙃✌🏻❤️❤️🦋

[@ursulamelia7136]

Thank you so much for all the great advice. Just found you today and am really keen to try this out because eating as much as i like sounds brilliant!!! You are a very clear snd honest communicator and very well structured. And you look a lot like a niece of mine. The blue Arizona skies are just soooo beautiful looking. Wish i was there! It’s a tad grey, cold snd horrible in the Northwest of England in January. Sending many good wishes your way! Enjoy the blue skies for me as well a little bit!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🌼🌼🌼🌼🌸🌸🌸💕💕💜💜

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you very much! :)

[@carrieg9232]

Thank you Melissa so informative and helpful you really break it down

[@sopallad6754]

You are the best!! Thank you for the information!!! ❤🙏

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you :) I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great weekend.

[@jenniferhand5410]

Thank you for these tips. I always look forward to your videos. I am enjoying this way of eating and have been for a couple of weeks so far. My biggest problem is in the evening. What can I have as a snack at night?

[@jocelynfoley6201]

I love to snack on frozen cherries! Or fresh fruit too!

[@luluandmeow]

a lovely carrot or an apple (which you can also bake or microwave)

[@gliz5611]

I just bought a bunch of dried figs and dates trying to get myself off of a brief candy addiction. I know you suggest no dehydrated foods... I don’t know what I’m going to do with them now I will feel so guilty every time I eat one.

[@melissaalexandria01]

No need to feel guilty. That is certainly a healthier choice than candy. Dates and figs have health benefits - they just aren’t optimal for weight loss.

[@ruthdennisKnits]

If you ever make a green smoothie add the date to it, this is what I did to get rid of my dates. One a day or one a week shouldn't hurt... It's better than candy

[@layla.corell]

Great tips! I’m at the beginning of my journey, having started three months ago xox

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thanks, Layla :)

[@Marsolan]

Many great tips. Thank you!!! I think it's a wonderful way of eating. My major challenge is giving up crusty bread and chocolate. I have no idea how to even do this...

[@luluandmeow]

Don't keep it in the house!

[@Marsolan]

@@luluandmeow agree, but there are 3 more people who love bread and chocolate and everything I should not eat. Oh boy

[@weevil8025]

My scale goes down but I still feel guilty after eating the third meal in the day, It feels wrong to eat so many meals. It's frustrating because I know I'm losing weight but I feel like I'm being greedy at the same time. I guess that's what doing OMAD and fasting for years does to you.

[@DK-hy6hn]

You are an inspiration 💯💫👑

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you :)

[@leem200]

Eat before you meet with your friends. Then the salad or veggie dishes you request feels better. Yep you will have gas because your body has to cleanse the food stuck in your system from walls. Lentils are good to start with because they are easier to digest. You can also buy the stuff from pharm in pill form to help your body make the bacteria in the gut to digest the beans. Its why people think they can not tolerate beans. When your gut makes the critters to digest the beans no gas or very little. It takes a while though.

[@marystone]

Your videos are real and helpful. Thank you! Overall, I eat healthy and have a good base of 1500-1600 calories a day. I am now taking out animal protein. 😊 I’m guessing my calories won’t go down much. Would you still expect to see weight loss based on removing animal protein?

[@feliciatrujillo5673]

Im just starting and need to loose 20 like for ever.. what can you suggest me? by the way just join your channel, thank you're so beautiful & so gracious to help us!

[@TheArtOfJerry]

i am starting to go less meat. Interesting LOW CALories Density. I want to have a slim tummy... a dream. Most likely to slim down 10kg+ .

[@myrnaguerrero8291]

Awesome I now I can follow your way of eating

[@briannawilliams3473]

Hi! Do you have any ideas for restaurants menu items in Phoenix you recommend? Thank you!

[@melissaalexandria01]

There’s a chain called ‘ahipoke’ - it’s quite easy to order oil free there. Also, sushi restaurants: cucumber roll, veggie roll, mango roll, edamame, bowl of rice. :)

[@briannawilliams3473]

@@melissaalexandria01 Thank you!

[@haileeh.9272]

Hey Melissa, I’m not trying to be nosy but I’m wondering how tall you are? I’m just wondering when I saw your before and after and I saw a video when you said your high and low weight and I’m trying to picture what 30 lbs lost would look like on my frame. Knowing how tall you are would help me visualize what I want to lose to feel light and healthy

[@melissaalexandria01]

5’ 2.5

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

Great information thanks 🙂👍👏

[@scottberger6728]

30 day challenge. heh, this video came out right before the 365 day challenge of covid lockdown. what an opportunity!

[@sandypluss5017]

VERY HELPFUL!!!!! thank you so much! I sent some further questions via instagram messages Thank you for all.you do 💗

[@melissaalexandria01]

Happy to help!

[@ropampofu2977]

What was your starting weight?

[@JenniferHernandez-vh4iw]

So I started whole food plant based going on 2 years. I still need 15 more pounds I want to lose and it's frustrating because for the life of me I can't lose it. I've tried everything even starch solution very frustrating to. So I jumped in doing dr Fuhrman again to see if that helps(less starch) but nope same. It's horrible I do work out and super busy so idk what it is. My body is holding on to weight for whatever reason. I'm one of those stubborn cases haha

[@melissaalexandria01]

Chef AJ’s videos on KZbin may be helpful for you.

[@zeldamorgan9260]

I was in the same boat a year and a half ago, my doctor suggested cutting all fruit for a week. It got me losing again and I kept it off until covid lockdown when I went off plan. I was able to add blueberries and cantaloupe after that week and kept losing

[@JenniferHernandez-vh4iw]

@@zeldamorgan9260 thank you

[@NextLevelFitness7]

Jennifer if you aren’t losing weight you are not in a calorie deficit. Review what you are consuming and evaluate how you can change the calorie density.

[@renatajurak7512]

looks like i am gaining weight...I don't trust my fullness hunger cues....i could eat every 2h...and eating this way unfortunately doesn't allow me to keep cal deficit...i would need to add more veggies but can't look at those huge amounts of veggies or additional bowls of vegg lol...I will try to eat every 3/4 h otherwise I eat waay too much and actually gain as not controlling cal ehhh 😫any advice?

[@user-fw5wb4rt2n]

What do you think about tofu and tempeh, are they suitable for this method?

[@melissaalexandria01]

I eat tofu usually 2-3 times per week now but I don’t recommend it during the weight loss phase.

[@Tania689]

Do you know if parboiled rice is similar to brown rice as a calorie dense or would it be classified as white rice.

[@salubaba05]

Hi there! I recently become a vegan and started following this way of eating. It's been 10 days and I haven't lost any weight. I have been eating outside food which I believe can have lots of oil..do you think that is why I haven't lost any weight? Thanks for the video!

[@heeeeyjai]

For sure! I highly suggest you read the book the starch solution and be easy on yourself with your weight loss. There’s so many factors to weight loss. ❤️ I have been vegan for 20 years and in the past 2 years I’ve definitely gained weight and can completely attribute it to eating more processed food and vegan “junk” food.

[@ruthdennisKnits]

If you are eating processed vegan food you can be sure there is oil in it. For 30 days try eating only Fresh and whole foods... Think " if it's in a box or carton then its processed" . Eat potatoes,rice, fresh or frozen veggies where the first and only ingredient is the veggie. I have rice and beans with veggies, or potatoes and veggies every day. I cook potatoes ahead in a batch and refrigerate them. I steam a pot,of veggies and refrigerate them.

[@salubaba05]

Thank you!

[@CarlosCastro-oj4xd]

Nice ! Do you eat any seeds for omega 3s?

[@flowgood123]

I wish you could get to the point quicker good information but time is short.

[@melissaalexandria01]

You can click to speed it up in the settings and watch it in half the time. Or go to the website and read about it there.

[@user-dn7bg6rh4s]

Did you workout?

[@melissaalexandria01]

10,000 steps per day. No strenuous workouts.

[@user-dn7bg6rh4s]

@@melissaalexandria01 thank you

[@621jfox]

i have a question. how much of Beans, Chickpeas can i eat? cause they are having much calories and what is about oatmeal? and also what is about fruit im really confused. i read the book starch solution and he recomended to eat as less fruit as possible but i just love fruits

[@kapilazielinski9105]

Fruits are healthy and many are low calorie. If you reduce your calories, you will lose weight.

[@sammysko8273]

I usually eat pumpkin seed butter by the teaspoon. Should I the raw pumpkin seeds and mix them in with the oat meal. I also place some pecans on to of the oatmeal. About three with a tablespoon of unsweetened Greek yogurt. I'm just wondering what you would recommend?

[@courtneyblue15]

Is the yogurt plant based?

[@sammysko8273]

@@courtneyblue15 Its not plant based.

[@interestsbr7636]

@@sammysko8273 To follow closely "the starch solution" you should avoid eating seeds and nuts, and use plant based yogurt (the lowest in fat you can find). That way you'll see results quicker. When you have reached a point that you dont want to lose weight you can incorporate nuts and seeds again.

[@luluandmeow]

Don't make your oatmeal into a "cake", as Dr Klaper said in one of his videos. Lots of KZbinrs add way too much stuff to their morning oats, remember, calories still count, keep it simple! Have the oats on their own so you can actually taste them, they're delicious!

[@DC-ef8op]

I don’t need big meals I need fat satiation

[@melissaalexandria01]

Do what works for you :)

[@gourijc9689]

Very well explained for someone just starting on this journey for the nth time and feeling overwhelmed and as if it's the end of days. I've been addicted to food and I only made a serious dent in my cravings after a pretty difficult 5 day fasting mimicking diet (Prolon... Highly recommend if one can afford it). Going to forward this to my sis, who's feeling much as I did when I started out. Thank you so much for your empathy 🙏🏼

[@TheArtOfJerry]

can we use air fryer? no oil use?

[@melissaalexandria01]

Yes. Air fryer without out to cook potatoes, veggies etc.

[@TheArtOfJerry]

@@melissaalexandria01 thanks 😊.

[@scarlettwinters5642]

How long did it take you to lose the 30?

[@cynthiapowelson2442]

Do you have a video or tips on eating out on this diet?

[@luluandmeow]

A plain jacket potato is a good choice and quite easy to find

[@kapilazielinski9105]

I would do some research on the calorie content of different foods. Looking at labels in the grocery store helps me. I dont count calories exactly, but I am aware of the calorie content of the food I eat. This helps me make the best choices.

[@ninahill6768]

Soooo, how long would you say it takes the bloating to regulate? 1 month, 2 months or more like 6 months. My stomach bloats so bad after meals🤪🤪

[@nisargab19]

Remove all the refined foods like white flour, white rice, sugar, with whole grains and natural sweeteners. They will disturb you digestion. Also try reducing the quantity of food you eat to not feel bloated.

[@zeldamorgan9260]

I also tried drinking lemon water, and eliminated all raw foods until I adjusted. I still can't handle much raw food, some people just struggle with gas. Good luck!

[@ezell8311]

27:05

[@jitka5154]

you made a very similar video 4 years ago... what made you gain weight in between those years?

[@melissaalexandria01]

Not having systems set up in my life to stick with it. I thought I could go back and eat junk foods in moderation and it led me to gaining the weight back and more. There’s a video on my channel where I explain how I gained it back.

[@fatimahd1267]

This is crazy because I would have thought you were naturally thin