Ree Drummond Recommits to Health Goals After Weight Fluctuations

Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond has recently shared her decision to revitalize her health journey, which she first embarked on with notable success back in 2021. In her most recent blog entry on April 30, Drummond reflected on her experiences over the past four years.

At 56 years old, Drummond candidly discussed her battle with weight gain after a year-long hiatus from her previously established regimen. Now, she aims to re-establish the strategies that once effectively supported her in shedding over 50 pounds.

A Reflective Journey

During her blog post, Drummond expressed her thoughts about the natural weight fluctuations that many face. She acknowledged, “Boy has it been an adventure since then! I am, after all, a woman and a human person, and as such, I’ve had natural fluctuations since this original post was written — but much more so in the past year-plus.” She explained that at the end of 2023, she stopped exercising and became less attentive to her eating habits.

However, in February of this year, Drummond made the decision to return to the plan that had previously proven successful. She described her approach as not quite as intense as during her first attempt, but still effective. “Long story short, I have found that it all still holds true, and FOR ME, it is working again like clockwork or science or whatever the word is,” she wrote.

Revisiting Successful Strategies

Drummond highlighted the challenges she faced as she resumed her health journey. The initial week proved to be particularly difficult, but she noted that she now finds it rewarding as her health improves. She remarked, “Today it’s not that hard at all, and in fact, it’s actually rewarding as I’m feeling better and better all the time.”

Since her last successful weight loss effort, Drummond has made a few adjustments to her strategy while maintaining core elements of her previous approach. Notably, she shared two major shifts that have significantly impacted her results.

Building Muscle and Protein Intake

Drummond indicated that her new approach involves a focus on muscle building, which she identifies as essential. Her regimen now includes exercises like lunges, squats, deadlifts, and floor routines using ankle weights. By incorporating strength training into her routine, she believes she is solidifying the foundation for long-term health.

In addition to strength training, she is consuming a higher percentage of protein in her diet. This shift in nutritional focus has played a vital role in her renewed weight management. She remarked, “The game changer for me is two-fold: First, I’m building muscle again, which is crucial. Second, I’m eating more protein and keeping it a higher percentage of my calories.”

Mindful Eating Practices

Another aspect of Drummond’s revised plan is her approach to food measurement. In her earlier journey, she meticulously weighed her portions and counted calories. After reflecting on her past practices, she emphasized the importance of portion awareness, stating, “I feel that after doing that for four or five months back in 2021, it really gave me more of an awareness of portion sizes and general calories.” Now, she opts for a more intuitive eating style while maintaining the knowledge gained from keeping track of her intake.

A Balanced Approach to Alcohol

Drummond once abstained from alcohol entirely during the early phases of her weight loss initiative in 2021, opting for a dry period of four months. This time around, she embraces moderation, relishing the option of enjoying a glass of white wine mixed with sparkling water, which she describes as a light and refreshing spritzer.

As an ongoing part of her fitness journey, she has reintroduced the Happy Scale app, which monitors weight changes. After a year of diminished use due to weight gain, she found that the app still provides valuable insights. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to build muscle and how important protein is as a part of that goal,” she asserted.

Moving Forward with Resilience

In her recent writings, Drummond encourages her readers to focus on muscle building, particularly during challenging phases of their health journeys. The celebrity chef asserted that implementing effective leg and butt exercises significantly impacted her weight management, stating, “Within a week, it kicked in.” Her story serves as a reminder that commitment to health can lead to positive change, even amid setbacks.

Drummond’s experience resonates with many individuals seeking to maintain or manage their weight. By sharing her insights and outlining her renewed commitment to fitness, she not only inspires her audience but also exemplifies resilience and self-awareness in the face of life’s unpredictable challenges.

Ultimately, Ree Drummond’s journey reflects a balanced approach to health that prioritizes both physical activity and mindful eating. As she forges ahead, her story continues to motivate others on similar paths, reinforcing the idea that health is a lifelong pursuit filled with learning and growth.