For many, Adam Sandler remains the perpetually youthful and energetic comedic figure from classics like Happy Gilmore and Waterboy. However, in reality, Sandler is navigating the changes that come with age, leading to adjustments in his lifestyle and approach to health. This article explores Adam Sandler's journey with weight loss, his evolving perspective on aging, and the lifestyle changes he's embraced.
Sandler's Recent Weight Loss and Motivation
Adam Sandler, 57, debuted a slimmer physique at the New York City premiere of his Netflix comedy special, Adam Sandler: Love You, on August 20th. He revealed to People Magazine that he had lost 25 pounds for his role in Spaceman, which was released in February. Sandler credited his daughters, Sadie, 18, and Sunny, 15, as a primary source of motivation for his health journey. According to Sandler, his daughters consistently encourage him to prioritize his health. “They always look out for me and my health just like I used to with my dad,” Sandler told the outlet.
Daughters' Influence
Sandler humorously recounted his past dedication to working out, stating, "I used to take working out so serious … and now I can't f-g do it." He also jokingly laments the cycle of playing basketball and then indulging in food, questioning his own actions. Sadie has been particularly encouraging, urging him to revisit the training regimen he used for You Don't Mess with the Zohan. While Sandler acknowledges the effort required, he considers her advice.
Intermittent Fasting and Pandemic Weight Gain
In 2020, Sandler shared that he began intermittent fasting after a doctor's appointment revealed he had gained weight during the pandemic. He recalled the experience of weighing himself, stating he "was very sad" with himself after seeing the number on the scale. Sandler described his experience with intermittent fasting: "I did the intermittent fasting… I allowed myself six hours a day to eat and just get so excited during those six hours that I ate a lot of pizzas."
Shifting Priorities and Acceptance of Age
In an interview with AARP Magazine, Sandler discussed his perspective on aging and how it has changed him both emotionally and physically. “I’m getting older. That doesn’t mean I feel old,” he explained. “I mean, I do when I’m on the basketball court and an 18-year-old kid hears I’m 56 and says, ‘Wow! I thought you were younger than that!’ But I like my age, and it’s fun to play my age.”
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Sandler noted that aging is “freeing,” allowing him to be more authentic in his choices. “I don’t have to be true to anything other than what I look like and what I think and what I do in life,” he said. This authenticity extends to his eating and exercise habits. “There hasn’t been one movie where I’ve stayed the same weight throughout a three-month shoot. I used to worry about it. Now I’m OK. Let’s have a prime rib, man!” he said.
Mental Well-being and Self-Reflection
Sandler admitted to feeling "calmer" and attributed this to seeing a therapist, who has helped him to pause before speaking impulsively. “He’s given me a plan. Sometimes just holding in a sentence, taking a beat for a minute before saying something stupid. When I do that, I realize it wasn’t that important to say it in the first place, and I don’t spend two hours making everyone around me feel weirdness for no reason,” he explained. He also reflected on past behaviors, acknowledging his tendency to be quick-tempered and selfish. “Looking back on relationships, I could be an ass. I was selfish.”
Health Challenges and Recovery
Sandler has also faced physical challenges, including hip surgery in September following a groin injury on the set of Hustle. He told Entertainment Tonight in June, “It’s been a year already and I’m still limping around like a fool… it’s horrible.”
Intermittent Fasting in More Detail
Adam Sandler mentioned using intermittent fasting as a method to manage his weight. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and voluntary fasting on a regular schedule. It's more about when you eat, rather than what you eat. There are various approaches to intermittent fasting:
- Time-Restricted Eating: This involves eating during a specific window of time each day, such as 16:8 method (eating for 8 hours and fasting for 16).
- Alternate-Day Fasting: This involves alternating between days of normal eating and days of fasting or severely restricted calorie intake.
- Whole-Day Fasting: This involves fasting for one or two non-consecutive days per week.
The potential benefits of intermittent fasting include weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, cellular repair, and potential brain health benefits. However, it's important to note that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, and it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or eating pattern.
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Exercise
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Sandler discussed his efforts to stay active during quarantine. He described using an app that tells him how many pushups to do and doing pushups on the street. He also mentioned a chest muscle injury that prevented him from going all the way down during pushups. In addition to structured exercise, Sandler enjoys playing basketball.
Diet
Sandler joked about his tendency to order takeout frequently, which he attributed to restrictions and challenges during the pandemic. He also mentioned his love for prime rib.
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