Man loses 15 stubborn pounds after age 50 without giving up pizza or donuts

Maintaining weight loss in midlife doesn’t necessarily require strict dietary bans or extreme fasting protocols.

Carl Daikeler, co-founder and CEO of the fitness and nutrition company BODi, says a simple routine earlier in the day has helped him manage his weight while allowing more freedom at dinner.

Los Angeles-based Daikeler, 63, who has led the health brand formerly known as Beachbody for 28 years, openly admits that he doesn't have an affinity for healthy foods.

10-MINUTE FITNESS HABIT CAN HELP ADULTS OVER 40 MAINTAIN MUSCLE AND STAY STRONG "I eat like a third-grader, okay? Pizza's a food group," Daikeler joked in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"I'm just constantly trying to figure out how can I hack my way without having to overturn my life to become one of those diehard health and fitness people, because I'm never going to become that." When Daikeler turned 57, he found himself unable to lose 15 pounds he had gained around his waistline.

Rather than adopting a strict diet, he adjusted two specific meals during the day while leaving his evening schedule unrestricted, he shared.

For breakfast, Daikeler replaced standard options with a nutrient-dense shake containing protein, fiber, prebiotics, probiotics and greens, totaling roughly 250 calories.

NIGHTLY GLASS OF WINE MAY NOT BE AS HARMLESS AS MANY PEOPLE THINK, STUDY SUGGESTS "I got rid of breakfast, or I changed my breakfast to this shake that we've got called Shakeology," Daikeler said.

"I put some spinach in there and I put a banana in there." For lunch, Daikeler prepares a large salad loaded with baby spinach, carrots and chicken, mixed with toppings that mask the taste of the greens.

"I hide it with some cheese, some nuts, some sliced strawberries, and it's delicious, and I put chicken in there ...

I don't feel like I'm eating a bowl of vegetables, but I am." By keeping breakfast and lunch relatively structured, Daikeler gives himself more flexibility at dinner.

BEER, WINE OR LIQUOR? MASSIVE STUDY REVEALS WHICH WAS LINKED TO LOWER DEATH RISK "Now I've got a 'day pass' for everything else ...

I eat whatever I want at dinner." He does, however, follow a single guideline regarding alcohol intake .

"I'm careful not to drink too much," he said.