Ree Drummond Just Shared Her Weight Loss Plan

More and more celebrities (like Jelly Roll and Kathy Bates) are being candid about their weight loss journeys, which takes a lot of courage in a world of critical comments and assumptions. And recently, Food Network star Ree Drummond shared her current weight loss plan, noting that she’s had “natural fluctuations” since starting her journey in 2021.

In a recent post on her The Pioneer Woman blog, Drummond says that she’s been following a healthy weight loss plan since February and has seen positive results so far. While her 2021 plan was a bit more strict, Drummond wrote that she made some modifications to help her stay consistent and meet her goals.

Here’s the plan that has The Pioneer Woman “feeling better and better” every day, plus a dietitian’s thoughts on it.

First, Drummond emphasizes that incorporating exercise into her routine is critical to her journey.

“I’m building muscle again, which is crucial,” she wrote. “I do lunges, squats, deadlifts and floor exercises with ankle weights.” We love that her go-to exercises are approachable forms of movements that can be done at home. As the gym may not be the most accessible for all lifestyles, it’s an important reminder that at-home workouts and even walking around the neighborhood are legitimate ways to exercise for weight loss.

Plus, instead of removing foods from her eating plan—she now lets herself enjoy a drink or two instead of completely cutting out alcohol—Drummond says she focuses on specific nutrients that help keep her satisfied for the long term. “I’m eating more protein and keeping it a higher percentage of my calories,” she says. Focusing on protein is a great way to both build and sustain muscle while aiding with weight maintenance, two things that Drummond is prioritizing.

We asked dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RD, for her thoughts on the food star’s weight loss plan, and here’s what she had to say. 

“When it comes to dieting, it’s easy to fall into the pattern of following a diet for a month or two, only to revert back to old habits,” Nguyen says. “I love how Ree is building habits like incorporating strength training, being aware of portion sizes and enjoying a little drink occasionally for sustainable weight loss. Plus, on a high-protein diet, she is fueling herself to build muscle mass and also helping her feel full and satiated.”

Something to keep in mind is that weight loss is not “one size fits all,” so what works for Drummond may not work for everyone.

“Remember, weight loss is different from person to person,” Nguyen emphasizes. “Weight loss is complex. What works for one person may not work for another due to lifestyle and individual needs.” 

But overall, we love that Drummond has a healthy approach to her weight loss goals by including nutrient-dense foods and simple workouts in her day-to-day routine. If you’re on your own weight loss journey, consider speaking with a registered dietitian or other health professionals for a personalized plan to help meet your specific goals.