Ree Drummond, known for her mouthwatering comfort food and warm personality, has captured the hearts of many as The Pioneer Woman. But behind her delicious recipes, Drummond has undergone a personal transformation of her own—losing over 50 pounds as of March. In an updated blog post, the Pioneer Woman opened up about her weight loss, sharing the simple yet effective changes she made to her diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle. To help break down her approach, we spoke with weight loss experts about how you can incorporate similar habits without sacrificing the good stuff.
What motivated the Pioneer Woman to lose weight
Drummond’s decision to focus on her health wasn’t about getting “skinny,” but about feeling better and gaining more energy. As she shared in her blog post, she recalled in January 2021 feeling “tired, puffy and desperate” and knew it was time for a change. Chronic inflammation and blood sugar imbalances can manifest as feeling ‘tired and puffy’. Drummond later explained that being surrounded by food, including hosting a cooking show and owning a restaurant, meant “the weight had crept up through the years.”
Drummond didn’t prioritize exercise; “My exercise/activity level had all but slowed to a stop…I had pretty much given myself permanent permission ‘not to have time’ to exercise because of work.” More than one in five adults are sedentary. A sedentary lifestyle can slow metabolism and compromise overall health.
What the Pioneer Woman didn’t do for weight loss
Drummond made it clear that she didn’t rely on trendy diets, weight loss medications, or supplements. Instead, she emphasized simple, sustainable changes rather than quick fixes.
How Ree Drummond used calorie counting and food precision
One of Drummond’s first steps was to track her calorie intake using online calculators. She also used a digital food scale to measure portions, ensuring a precise intake. Drummond chose to eat foods she loved but in smaller amounts, focusing on more nutritious options.
Why the Pioneer Woman cut back on sugar and alcohol
Drummond cut back on sugar and alcohol, going several months without either. Alcohol is calorie-dense without nutritional value, while added sugars contribute unnecessary calories that can lead to weight gain.
What was Ree Drummond’s exercise routine for weight loss?
Drummond incorporated regular exercise, walking with her dogs, using a rowing machine, and practicing floor Pilates, working out six days a week. However, it’s important to emphasize consistency over intensity when it comes to exercise.
How Drummond overcame a weight loss plateau
After hitting a plateau, Drummond began incorporating strength training exercises into her routine to build muscle, thereby increasing her metabolism. She also increased her protein intake, which helped her feel satisfied and energetic.
The Pioneer Woman’s weight loss journey today
Drummond emphasizes that her journey isn’t just about the numbers on the scale but about feeling good overall. She continues to focus on maintaining her energy and health, recognizing the ongoing battle with weight management.
Ultimately, Drummond’s journey highlights the importance of individualized approaches to weight loss, stressing the need for personalized guidance when undertaking such a significant change.
Source: Woman’s World
