Ree Drummond, known for her open and candid discussions about her weight loss journey, first embarked on this transformative path in January 2021. Nearly three years later, she’s chosen to share her ongoing commitment to diet and lifestyle changes aimed at not only looking great but, more importantly, feeling great.
In an exclusive interview with TODAY.com, Drummond, who has successfully shed 50 pounds, emphasizes that there’s no secret to her achievements. Instead, she attributes her success to a combination of moderate dietary adjustments and exercise. “I tackled it from different directions,” she notes.
“The most significant lesson, which I don’t always adhere to, is trying not to waste calories. I could savor a plate of delectable food, filled with diverse elements, colors, and flavors, or I could indulge in a donut,” Drummond explains. She consciously asks herself what would better serve her body: a balanced meal rich in protein and nutrients or something delicious but less nourishing. “Sometimes, it’s the donut,” she quips. “But it’s just a good thing to keep in mind.”
Drummond’s realistic approach to weight loss is what makes her journey relatable. She didn’t opt for elaborate weight loss programs, experiment with extreme crash diets, or stock her fridge with fat-free, sugar-free substitutes. Her approach was straightforward: regular exercise, increased consumption of protein and vegetables, abstaining from alcohol, and monitoring her sweet intake.
While daily walks with her dogs contribute to her active lifestyle, she credits a rowing machine for sculpting her muscles. “I’m an impatient home exerciser, so the rowing machine was probably my favorite,” Drummond admits with a playful reference to her recent cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Dinner’s Ready!: 112 Fast and Fabulous Recipes for Slightly Impatient Home Cooks,” released on October 24.
Drummond openly acknowledges that, like many, she occasionally veers off the exercise path. “Right now, the rowing machine is a clothes rack,” she humorously admits.
With the holiday season fast approaching, Drummond also shares how she enjoys indulging in sweets and seasonal cocktails while staying mindful of her health goals. “Over the past two years, I’ve learned that I don’t want to shun or deny myself food,” she says. “I’ve increased my activity level a bit, taking extra walks with the dogs each week. I ensure I get on the rowing machine at least once a day, particularly during November and December.”
Maintaining her weight while surrounded by tempting dishes isn’t about complete deprivation for Drummond. “One slice of pecan pie is every bit as delicious as three slices of pecan pie,” she muses.
In the end, Drummond refrains from placing excessive pressure on herself to maintain a calorie deficit or commit extra hours to her rowing machine during the holiday season. She encourages others to adopt a similar approach, emphasizing that the holidays are meant for enjoyment, eating, and having fun.
