Weight loss hacks: 'I shed 5st 7lb in 5 months - one food group changed everything for me'

One factor many dieters agree on, however, is that upping protein intake makes a major difference by curbing cravings.

This was the case for TikToker Sharon Rodrigues, who managed to shed an incredible 5st 7lb in just five months after making protein her secret weapon.

The social media star recently opened up about her weight loss journey in a video posted to her channel, revealing the dietary changes that completely transformed her body.

For Sharon, the answer wasn't complicated gym routines or restrictive fad diets – it was all about making sure everything she ate was packed with protein.

She said: "Here is the real secret: everything I put into my mouth is protein-dense."

The approach, she explained, changed everything from her cravings to her energy levels.

Sharon revealed that she consumes more than 1.5 times her body weight in protein every single day, a habit she credits with curbing her hunger and boosting her energy.

She said: "That changed everything for me, my cravings, my energy, my hunger, my body."

Keeping things simple is key for her, so she preps her meals once every three days and takes them with her wherever she goes.

This routine helps her stay on track and ensures her body knows exactly when food is coming.

When she fancies a snack, Sharon reaches for protein-rich options like cottage cheese, babybel, protein yoghurt, berries, pineapple, or oranges – as long as it supports her goals.

Sharon also sticks to a strict eating window, always finishing her last meal before 7 pm and drinking three litres of water daily.

Her mornings kick off with a warming cup of tea made with lemon, ginger, cinnamon and honey, followed by her pre-workout supplement before hitting the gym.

After her workout, she refuels with a protein shake.

Her first proper meal doesn't come until midday, when she tucks into protein overnight oats topped with yoghurt and berries.

By 5 pm or 6 pm, she's having dinner – always a chicken salad to keep things consistent.

On her way to work, Sharon grabs some fruit as a light snack, and she absolutely has to have her morning cappuccino before starting her shift.

Come 3 pm, she's ready for her second coffee of the day. If she's craving something sweet after dinner, Sharon has a brilliant solution – homemade protein brownies served with protein pudding.

She noted: "If I crave dessert, I have the easiest homemade protein brownies with protein pudding."

To wind down each evening, she enjoys a soothing cup of green tea before bed.

And then? She does it all over again the next day – a routine she credits with completely transforming her life.