The best diet for 2025!

You’ve probably heard that eating more protein makes it easy to get leaner and healthier.

- ALLISON NEMETZ

The good news: Scientists say the nutrient lives up to its hype. Better yet, research reveals a simple hack that makes a proteinfocused diet up to seven times more effective for weight loss. The secret? “Getting the right amount of fiber to go with your protein,” reveals doubleboard certified integrative medicine physician Taz Bhatia, M.D., bestselling author of Super Woman Rx. “If you’re trying to decide how to begin a weight-loss journey in 2025, protein plus fiber is the way to go.” Jamie Leiss, 59, agrees. After years of failed slimdown efforts, a friend turned the Pennsylvania grandmother on to a plan that basically doubled her protein and fiber intake. She dropped 80 pounds and can’t believe how good she feels. Read on for Jamie’s inspiring story and to learn how protein + fiber can help you.

Let’s start by talking about what protein does on its own. First, its amino acids are the building blocks our systems use to heal and maintain everything from tiny cells to entire organs and metabolism-boosting muscle, says Dr. Taz. Protein also triggers mechanisms that help normalize blood sugar, soothe inflammation and release anti-hunger hormones, “naturally mimicking Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs.”

So why does the doc have patients complain they’re loading up on protein but not losing? One reason: They’re often relying on protein chips and beef sticks, highly processed protein-rich foods that are “full of inflammatory ingredients like chemicals and saturated fat,” she says. Turns out, inflamed tissues secrete chemicals that can block fat burning and cancel some of protein’s benefits.

Then there’s the lack of fiber. Whether you eat processed food or natural foods without much fiber, “if you’re only getting, say, 8 grams of fiber a day, you may gain weight,” says Dr. Taz. Here’s why…