Ben Napier, celebrated for his role on HGTV's "Home Town," has inspired many with his remarkable weight loss transformation. This article delves into his journey, exploring the motivations, methods, and lifestyle changes that led to his impressive results, addressing common questions and dispelling rumors along the way.
The Spark: Family, Health, and a Button That Wouldn't Stay Closed
Ben's weight loss journey wasn't about vanity; it was fueled by a desire to be a healthier and more present father and husband. With two daughters, Helen and Mae, Ben wanted to ensure he would be around for them as they grew up. Erin shared, “I just want him to be alive as long as I’m alive. And I want him to be there for my girls when they’re adults.” This motivation was deeply personal and family-centered.
Health concerns also played a significant role. Doctors wanted to put him on blood pressure medication. Ben mentioned he wanted to change his diet to prevent sleeping badly on his back and stop having high blood pressure, two ailments that often afflict people who are too overweight. High blood pressure is a common issue that Ben has tackled with the help of medication. His approach to managing this condition involves regular check-ups and following a treatment plan prescribed by his doctor. Apart from medication, he maintains a lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. These habits support the effectiveness of his treatment.
Another wake-up call occurred before his shoulder surgery in 2022. “I was like, ‘I’m too young.’ At the time, I wasn’t even 40,” Ben explained. This realization further solidified his commitment to making a change.
Adding a touch of humor to the narrative, Ben recalled a day when his shirt wouldn't button during an interview. "I started just [because I knew] I needed to take some weight off. And then we did an interview … and my shirt wouldn’t stay buttoned, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s a bad look." This incident served as a lighthearted yet poignant moment that underscored the need for change.
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The Transformation: Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle Overhaul
Ben's weight loss wasn't a quick fix but a gradual transformation achieved through consistent effort and lifestyle changes. He lost an impressive 95 pounds, catching the attention of fans and friends alike. His journey involved regular exercise and dietary changes that were crucial for shedding the extra weight.
Dietary Adjustments
Changing his eating habits played a big role in Ben’s transformation. He focused on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into his meals. Planning meals ahead helped him manage portions better. By preparing dishes in advance, it was easier to avoid compulsive eating and make healthier food choices.
Erin also explained how Ben changed his diet, revealing, "I only eat ‘girl dinner,’ which is basically crackers for two meals a day. I just crave crackers and maybe a little cheese, charcuterie, a little fruit, maybe a crunchy carrot." She added, "He has one big meal. He eats a good, healthy, big lunch… Last night, for supper, he ate some dates."
Ben also adopted a strategy of cutting carbs, stating, “I’ve always done well with cutting carbs. I try to stick to a low-carb diet until Thanksgiving every year and I try to do a good mix of cardio and weights five days a week."
It’s important to note that while Ben found success with a low-carb approach, experts emphasize that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. As sports performance dietitian Destini Moody explains, "There’s nothing wrong with carbs; you do not have to cut them entirely or go on a low-carb diet to lose weight. However, choosing the suitable types of carbs and displacing some of them in your diet with protein can make a world of difference in your weight."
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Intermittent fasting was another strategy Ben employed. As Moody notes, "For someone like Ben, who likely has a very long working schedule that may force him into eating snacks that aren’t great simply because that’s all that’s available, it may be a better idea to fast. For IF, I find that people do best on a 16:8 fast, which means you fast 16 hours a day and give yourself a ‘feeding window’ of 8 hours."
The most challenging part has been the craft services (the snack table on set) at work and catered lunches. As Moody says. “Craft services are like the apple in the Garden of Eden,” Moody says. “You usually don’t even want it until you see that it’s there, and then once you partake, disaster strikes. This results in you eating more calories than you probably should. Moreover, I’ve seen what they hand out at craft services, and it’s never precisely celery sticks and hard-boiled eggs. Usually, you end up stuck with low-quality, non-nutritious foods like chips, cookies, and bars with tons of added sugar.
Exercise Routine
Ben found setting up a home gym to be essential in his daily routine. Having exercise equipment at home made it easier for him to stay committed and maintain a consistent workout schedule. He included equipment like free weights and resistance bands. These allowed for diverse exercises targeting different muscle groups. Working out at home also meant fewer distractions. This enabled him to focus more on personal goals and tailor routines to his preferences.
Staying active is vital when trying to shape up and one way the master woodworker got fit is by playing basketball. As USAW National Coach Jarrod Nobbe says. “Playing basketball is an excellent activity for weight loss,” USAW National Coach Jarrod Nobbe says. “Especially paired with a solid workout routine and a healthy diet, watch out.
In a video clip aired by PEOPLE, Napier shared that he can bench press as he showed off his skills. According to Nobbe, “Bench press provides you with a challenging upper body strength movement. Where the squat and deadlift are the kings of lower-body strength training, the bench press is often regarded in the same light as the upper body. We receive an increase in strength, stability, and muscle size when incorporating the bench press into our fitness plan.
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He tries to do a good mix of cardio and weights five days a week. Most weeks, it ends up only being four days,” he shared.
Medical Interventions
Ben Napier has also faced challenges with his shoulder, which required surgery. Recovery from shoulder surgery is a substantial process. Ben followed a structured rehabilitation program that included physical therapy.
The Impact: A Healthier Life and a Role Model
Ben’s dedication to weight management aligns closely with his professional role as a television personality on “Home Town.” The demands of his career encourage him to maintain energy levels and focus on his health priorities.
Home renovation is at the core of Ben’s professional life, involving physical activity that naturally complements his health goals. Tasks such as lifting, moving materials, and navigating construction sites all contribute to his fitness.
Erin proudly shared his transformation on social media, highlighting the dedication required to achieve such results.
Ozempic Rumors: Setting the Record Straight
Recently, rumors have swirled around the internet speculating whether his impressive weight loss involved the use of Ozempic, a drug often associated with aiding weight management. However, Ben has made it clear that his approach is rooted in sustainable changes to diet and exercise, not relying on medication for a quick fix.