Trisha Yearwood's Weight Loss: From Yo-Yo Diets to What Works

It hasn’t been easy for the country musician to shed the pounds; Some approaches worked on Trisha Yearwood’s weight loss journey and some didn’t. Find the details.

Sanchari Bhattacharya
Written by Sanchari Bhattacharya , Health & Fitness Expert
Updated on Jul 10, 2023 | 04:38 PM IST | 920.7K
trisha yearwood weight loss
trisha yearwood weight loss

Trisha Yearwood, the beloved country music sensation, has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. In addition to her musical talents, Yearwood has also embarked on a remarkable weight loss journey that has inspired fans worldwide. With determination and dedication, she has successfully shed pounds, transformed her physique, and embraced a healthier lifestyle. 

Central to Yearwood's weight loss success is her revamped diet and exercise routine. Join us as we delve into Trisha Yearwood's weight loss journey, uncovering the strategies and lifestyle changes that contributed to her remarkable transformation. Discover her valuable tips, inspiring mindset, and lessons learned along the way, all of which can empower and motivate anyone striving for a healthier and happier life.

Who Is Trisha Yearwood?

trisha yearwood weight loss

Trisha Yearwood is an American country music singer, actress, author, and television personality. Born on September 19,1964, in Monticello, Georgia, Yearwood rose to fame in the 1990s with her powerful and emotive vocal performances. Trisha Yearwood has garnered immense success in her music career, achieving a string of chart-topping hits and earning numerous prestigious accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Yearwood has released numerous successful albums, including Trisha Yearwood, Hearts in Armor, and Songbook: A Collection of Hits

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Apart from her music career, Yearwood has also made notable appearances on television. She hosted a cooking show called Trisha's Southern Kitchen, which aired on the Food Network. Her passion for cooking also led her to release several best-selling cookbooks, showcasing her love for Southern cuisine. 

Her influence reaches beyond the realm of music, as she continues to motivate others with her resilience and dedication. Yearwood's ability to excel in various aspects of life showcases her versatility and serves as a shining example of how passion, hard work, and a focus on well-being can lead to success and personal fulfillment.

Trisha Yearwood has an extensive discography filled with memorable songs such as:

  1. "She's in Love with the Boy"
  2. "Walkaway Joe" (featuring Don Henley)
  3. "How Do I Live"
  4. "The Song Remembers When"
  5. "XXX's and OOO's (An American Girl)"
  6. "Believe Me Baby (I Lied)"
  7. "In Another's Eyes" (duet with Garth Brooks)
  8. "Perfect Love"
  9. "Georgia Rain"
  10. "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love"

These are just a few examples of Trisha Yearwood's songs that have resonated with audiences over the years. Her versatile vocal abilities and heartfelt performances have made her a beloved artist in the country music industry.

Trisha Yearwood Profile

trisha yearwood weight loss

Real Name: Trisha Yearwood

Birthday: September 19,1964

Age in 2023: 58

Occupation: Country music singer, actress, author, and television personality

Weight Before: 245 pounds

Weight Loss: 30 pounds

Reduced Weight: 215 pounds

How Did Trisha Yearwood Gain Weight?

trisha yearwood weight loss

Trisha Yearwood's struggle with obesity traces back to her early years, and her journey was further complicated when she launched her culinary career. 

Trisha started dieting when she was just fifteen — which spiraled her into a yo-yo cycle of losing weight then gaining it back, with a few extra pounds every time. She tried Scarsdale, Weight Watchers, and Atkins, but couldn't  stick to any of them. Even if they worked initially, if she gave up a food group, it's all she wanted to eat. She would later end up binging on the restricted foods and fall off the wagon. This tendency to try fad diets is common among youngsters, but they cause a lot of harm in the long run. In fact, fad diets don't work at all for long term weight loss (1). They may even cause individuals to gain weight, which is precisely what happened in the case of Trisha.

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Moreover, spending a significant amount of time cooking and perfecting recipes played a significant role in Trisha Yearwood's weight gain. The combination of her love for cooking and the accessibility of enticing food contributed to her weight struggles. Yearwood openly acknowledged the temptation she faced, stating, "Often I can talk myself through that moment and simply acknowledge that I want something because I see it on the counter." This sentiment reflects the challenge of being surrounded by delicious food and the difficulty of resisting temptation. Yearwood also admitted to occasional overindulgence, particularly with her weakness for sea salt chocolates. 

trisha yearwood weight loss

High-calorie foods are often delicious and satisfying, providing a quick burst of pleasure and comfort. However, they tend to be dense in calories and offer little in terms of essential nutrients. Common examples include fast food meals, sugary snacks, processed desserts, and high-fat dishes. When individuals frequently give in to their cravings for high-calorie foods, it can have a significant impact on their weight (2). High-calorie foods tend to be rich in fats, sugars, and unhealthy additives, which can contribute to excess calorie intake. Consuming these types of foods regularly without considering portion sizes or nutritional balance can lead to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, resulting in weight gain over time.

Weight gain occurs when the body consistently consumes more calories than it burns through physical activity and daily metabolic processes. Excess calories are stored as fat, leading to an increase in overall body weight. Regular indulgence in high-calorie foods not only contributes to weight gain but can also negatively impact overall health.

While Yearwood's culinary pursuits and exposure to delectable dishes played a role, other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and personal circumstances may have also contributed to her weight gain. In her own words, she comes from a family that "is genetically and habitually predisposed to be heavy", and as we all know, genes play a great role in determining one's weight (3).

How Did Trisha Yearwood Lose Weight?

 

trisha yearwood weight loss

Trisha Yearwood achieved her weight loss through a combination of a balanced diet and a consistent workout routine. 

Trisha Yearwood Diet

Trisha initially started her weight loss journey with a month long crash diet that she knew was not sustainable in the long run. However, she followed it up with what she hoped would be a more maintainable approach called the "90/10 plan." This plan involved eating "lean" or healthy foods 90% of the time and allowing herself to indulge in whatever she wanted for the remaining 10%, within reasonable limits. She realized that all diets can be effective if two fundamental principles are followed: eating less and exercising more. Conversely, if these principles are not adhered to, no diet will yield positive results. 

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She made a significant adjustment to her eating habits by starting to have breakfast. Trisha used to believe that skipping it would save her calories. However, she discovered that this mindset led to feeling ravenous later in the day and subsequently overeating.

Research suggests that eating a filling breakfast consistently is associated with lowered risk of obesity (4). 

Portion control was an important aspect of her approach, even on indulging days. Potion control is a very effective method for losing weight (5). Unfortunately, after the Academy of Country Music Awards, Trisha struggled to stick to her 90/10 plan consistently. She started following a 60/40 ratio, meaning she indulged a bit more than intended, but managed to avoid gaining weight while not making progress towards further weight loss either. This was a great maintenance strategy.  

Trisha Yearwood's diet also focused on incorporating nutritious whole foods. She emphasized the importance of making wholesome choices and mindful eating. Yearwood has shown her affection for Southern cuisine and her quest to create healthier adaptations of their traditional high-fat and high-calorie dishes.

To combat obesity, Trisha Yearwood implemented a strategic meal plan aimed at reducing her consumption of processed foods. She strictly stuck to fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Also, instead of relying on takeout or indulging in restaurant fare, Yearwood prioritized cooking nutritious meals at home. 

Trisha implemented a weekly routine where she meal prepped all her dishes and snacks in advance using a selection of nutritious foods that she truly enjoys. These "good" foods included sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, grapefruit, apples, and grilled chicken. By prepping these meals ahead of time, she ensured that she had healthy options readily available throughout the week. This approach likely provided her with convenience, portion control, and the ability to stick to her dietary goals (6). 

Conquering her nighttime snacking habit proved to be a significant challenge for Trisha, even more so than expected. To overcome this challenge, Yearwood employed a straightforward strategy: avoidance. She physically distanced herself from the kitchen. Additionally, she kept herself occupied by engaging in the activity of crocheting with great enthusiasm. This diversion likely helped her redirect her focus away from late-night snacking and contributed to her success in breaking that habit.

Overall, this shift allowed her to have greater control over her calorie intake and make healthier choices. Not only did she limit her consumption of high-calorie and unhealthy options, but she also avoided the temptation of indulging while appearing on her cooking show.

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Trisha Yearwood Workout Plan

Another specific aspect that changed on Trisha Yearwood’s weight loss journey was her approach to exercise. She started attending Zumba classes three times a week, which aided her transformation from a size 14 to a size 10. She also began training for a marathon, and focused on circuit training with an improved attitude. 

  • Zumba

 Zumba is a popular dance fitness program that combines energetic Latin and international music with dance moves and aerobic exercises. It is often seen as a fun and engaging way to get active and burn calories. When it comes to weight loss, Zumba can be an effective component of a comprehensive fitness routine.

Here's how Zumba can contribute to weight loss:

1. Cardiovascular Workout: Zumba involves continuous and dynamic movements that raise your heart rate and keep it elevated throughout the session. This leads to increased calorie burn and improved cardiovascular endurance. Regular participation in Zumba classes can help create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.

2. Full-Body Workout: Zumba incorporates various dance styles and movements that engage different muscle groups in the body. It includes both lower body movements like lunges and squats, as well as upper body movements like arm swings and punches. By working multiple muscle groups simultaneously, Zumba helps to tone and strengthen your body.

3. High Energy and Fun: Zumba classes are known for their lively atmosphere and enthusiastic instructors. The upbeat music, choreographed routines, and group environment can make the workout enjoyable and motivate you to keep moving. The positive experience can lead to increased adherence and consistency in your fitness routine.

4. Calorie Burn: The number of calories burned during a Zumba session varies depending on factors like intensity, duration, and individual characteristics. On average, it is estimated that a one-hour Zumba class can burn between 400 to 800 calories. However, individual results may vary.

  • Circuit Training 

In addition to cardio, Yearwood probably included strength training exercises in her routine. Strength training helps build lean muscle mass, which can increase metabolism and assist in burning more calories even at rest (7). By incorporating exercises like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, she could tone her muscles and enhance her overall physique. Her trainer  made her do rigorous circuit training which is a form of exercise that combines cardiovascular activities with resistance training in a structured and efficient manner. It involves performing a series of exercises back-to-back, targeting different muscle groups or areas of the body, with minimal rest periods in between. These exercises can include a mix of bodyweight exercises, weightlifting, cardio exercises, and functional movements.

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Circuit training is known for its versatility and ability to provide a full-body workout while improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall fitness. It can be tailored to various fitness levels by adjusting the intensity, duration, and difficulty of the exercises, making it suitable for beginners as well as more advanced individuals.

Trisha expresses her desire to lose an additional 15 pounds to reach her weight loss goal. To achieve this, she has incorporated several strategies into her routine. Firstly, she is sticking to Zumba. Additionally, she mentions peer-pressure running, indicating that her friends have been encouraging her to train for a half marathon. This form of social support and motivation can be beneficial in maintaining an active lifestyle (8).

Before

trisha yearwood weight loss

After

trisha yearwood weight loss

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Trisha Yearwood's weight loss journey is an inspiring example of determination, perseverance, and prioritizing health. Yearwood's approach to weight loss involved making healthier choices in her diet and incorporating regular exercise into her routine. By reducing processed foods, cooking nutritious meals at home, and practicing portion control, she was able to manage her calorie intake and create a healthier eating pattern. Regarding her dietary approach, she now follows the 80/20 plan. This means that approximately 80% of the time, she focuses on eating in a balanced and healthy manner, adhering to the general guidelines that most people are aware of. This approach allows her to enjoy her meals without feeling completely deprived. The remaining 20% likely allows for more flexibility and indulgences, allowing her to satisfy cravings or enjoy occasional treats. By following this plan, Trisha aims to continue her progress towards her weight loss goal while still maintaining a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.

Through her commitment to making positive changes in her lifestyle, Trisha Yearwood has successfully achieved significant weight loss and transformed her body and mind.

ALSO READ: Sam Smith Weight Loss: A Sustainable Diet And Workout Plan

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About The Author
Sanchari Bhattacharya
Sanchari Bhattacharya
Health & Fitness Expert

Sanchari, a certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach

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Credits: Instagram : @ trishayearwood
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