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Celebrity Weight Loss Transformations: What Dietitians Love About Them

BistroMD dietitians unveil the secrets behind celebrity weight loss transformations and the valuable lessons we can learn from them.

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When you hear the names Kelly Clarkson, Mindy Kaling, and Post Malone, where does your mind wander?

I hear the powerhouse vocals of Kelly. I find myself chuckling at Mindy’s unique comedic genius. I raise my brows to the raw lyrics of Rockstar rapper Post Malone.

Their award-winning talents may capture your imagination as well.

But beyond celebrity status, each star has sparked significant public interest in their weight loss journeys. While their incredible talents undoubtedly deserve the spotlight, their experiences with weight loss offer valuable insights.

The bistroRD team is eager to delve into some of the top esteemed celebrity stories, starting with a closer look at Kelly Clarkson's weight loss journey. Join us as we explore these celebs’ physical transformations and what we can learn from them.

Kelly Clarkson’s Weight Loss Transformation

“What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger” singer may just be standing a taller after her incredible and inspiring weight loss journey. But as she shared with Hoda on the Today Show in 2018, it's about more than just shedding pounds.

“I know the industry loves the weight gone, but for me it wasn’t really the weight,” Clarkson said at the time, a period when she was prediabetic. Although it took a couple of years to do something about it, she’s now taking her wellness seriously.

So, how did Kelly Clarkson lose weight? A peek into Kelly Clarkson's weight loss regimen reveals a balanced approach.

Starting with Kelly’s diet, which she calls a “healthy mix,” especially including protein-rich meats as a Texan girl. “But I still splurge. The other night I had a frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical!”

Kelly’s exercise routine isn't just confined to the gym, revealing to ExtraTV her divorce sparked a fresh start and more steps in New York City. She incorporates everyday activities like walking in the city, whether in a dog park or a leisurely walk to get ice cream with her daughter.

What the bistroRDs Love About Kelly Clarkson’s Weight Loss Journey

• Adequate protein intake: Protein is so important for weight loss, and a reason why it’s the foundation of bistroMD menus. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1 shows that higher-protein diets (1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily) and protein-rich meals (with at least 20 grams) improve appetite, weight management, and cardiometabolic risk factors.

• Movement beyond structured exercise: Physical activity isn’t confined to the recommended 150 minutes of cardio and 3 strength training sessions weekly. To improve your health, you can incorporate simple, enjoyable activities—what we call “exercise snacks”—into your daily routine, whether dancing, walking, or taking the stairs. This flexible approach makes wellness accessible and fun, transforming fitness into a natural part of your day.

• A balanced approach: Weight loss does (and should) not be an all-or-nothing mindset, nor cycling between fad diets. Achieve weight loss through a balanced lifestyle that combines nutritious eating, enjoyable physical activity, and a positive mindset. This holistic approach promotes sustainable health improvements and a deeper self-connection.

• Taking the focus off weight: Although weight loss is often a shared goal by many, Kelly removed the focus off weight and channeled it into improving her health and wellbeing. Embracing a journey of health that values how you feel, your strength, and your vitality over mere numbers encourages sustainable habits, self-appreciation, and a deeper understanding of health beyond weight. Celebrate your body’s capabilities and the progress not measured by the scale, paving the way for a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.

Mindy Kaling’s Weight Loss Success

Mindy Kaling, known for her role in “The Office,” recently opened up to PEOPLE about her newfound body confidence, a feeling she admits hasn't always been present. Mindy’s physical and mental transformation involved a significant mindset shift in her approach to diet and exercise, moving away from weight loss for purely aesthetic reasons.

Mindy shed 30 pounds in just two months by cutting her meals in half and forgoing dessert in high school, with these restrictive patterns following her into her acting career. However, the self-proclaimed foodie now embraces moderation as her mantra for maintaining weight. She firmly believes that a balanced diet, not limited to just salmon and spinach, is key to her weight loss success.

Her perspective on exercise has also evolved profoundly, letting go of rigid notions of what constitutes a workout, like punishing 45 minutes on the treadmill filled with hatred. Instead, she now focuses on activities she genuinely enjoys, such as hiking, jogging, yoga, pilates, and weightlifting.

Mindy’s holistic and enjoyable exercise approach is a significant part of her journey toward body positivity and overall well-being she partnered with Propel Fitness Water for the Joy of Working Out (JOWO) Campaign. As a multi-city tour, the JOWO movement emphasizes that fitness doesn't need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Instead, it's about doing what's best for you, which can change daily.

What the bistroRDs Love About Mindy Kaling’s Weight Loss Journey

• Her mindset shift: From Mindy’s restrictive high school days to her journey as a strong and thriving mom, her mindset shift is worth celebrating. Changing our mindset can make the journey to a healthier lifestyle more enjoyable and effective. Moving away from aesthetic goals unlocked Mindy's true potential.

• Finding enjoyment with exercise: Mindy transformed her relationship with exercise, moving away from viewing it as punishment and towards finding enjoyment. Exercising from a place of self-love sparks joy, enriches your fitness journey into a celebration of well-being, and establishes a habitual routine.

• Leaving restrictive behaviors behind: Imposing food restrictions can lead to a scarcity mindset, causing the brain to obsess over what it lacks and potentially leading to overeating. Allowing oneself to enjoy treats without guilt, while maintaining a balanced diet like Mindy does, can diminish the appeal of “forbidden” foods.

Post Malone’s Weight Loss Simplicity

No, Post Malone—whose real name is Austin Richard Post—wasn’t running “Circles” to drop 55 pounds. According to a Today feature, Post can credit his weight loss transformation to two words: soda and shows.

In an Instagram post, Austin shares, “I guess dad life kicked in, and I decided to kick soda, and start eating better so I can be around for a long time for this little angel.”

And in a People interview, Post shares, “I'm excited for this next chapter in my life. I'm the happiest I've ever been, and for since I could remember I was sad. Time to take care of my body and my family and friends and spread as much love as we can every day.”

What the bistroRDs Love About Post Malone’s Weight Loss Journey

• Simplicity: Although cutting out soda can significantly reduce calories, sugar, and chronic health risks, we don’t want to shame soda intake. We do, however, want to praise his simple approach for his weight loss journey—limiting one Coke at a time (yet still enjoys an icy one after a great show)!

• Motivation for his daughter and family: Heartwarming, isn’t it? Staying on track lies in clinging to our “why” or purpose, especially when internal motivation wanes. Post's deep commitment and love for his family highlight how our deepest connections fuel our journey, even in the absence of fleeting motivation.

Takeaways From These Celeb Weight Loss Transformations

Although these celeb weight loss transformations are impressive, they’re equally humbling. Let’s take a peek at the key takeaways from these journeys:

• Focus beyond weight: The driving force behind their weight loss isn’t merely shedding pounds; it's about enhancing their health for personal and family reasons.

• Sustainable habits over fads: These celebrities have exchanged fleeting diet trends with sustainable habits. Their strategies often include a balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients, enjoyable physical activities, and relishing treats in moderation.

• Each journey is unique: Celebrity weight loss narratives underscore that everyone’s path is distinct, marked by its own challenges and triumphs, albeit under the public eye. While we often idolize celebrities, these stories remind us of their humanity and the shared struggles we all face.

In essence, these celebrity weight loss stories teach us that true transformation lies in prioritizing health, embracing sustainable habits, and acknowledging the uniqueness of each journey. They offer valuable lessons in resilience and self-care that extend far beyond the glitter of fame.

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