When you think of Brooke Williamson, the first thing that comes to mind might be her impressive culinary skills and her victory on Top Chef. But recently, it’s her incredible weight loss journey that’s making headlines. Known to millions as the confident, innovative winner of Top Chef, Brooke spent years perfecting recipes for others while neglecting her own health. Today, at age 46, she radiates a completely different kind of energy-leaner, stronger, and visibly more confident.
A Turning Point: Recognizing the Need for Change
In a candid conversation about her weight loss journey, Brooke opens up about the struggles, the triumphs, and the important lessons she learned along the way. Her journey was not about extreme diets or quick fixes, but rather a long-term commitment to healthier habits. From battling food-related challenges to learning how to embrace balance in her life, Brooke’s story is one of perseverance and self-love. Brooke admits that her weight had always fluctuated over the years, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that she decided to take control of her health. Many people might assume that being a professional chef would make weight loss a particularly difficult feat. After all, chefs are constantly surrounded by delicious food, and the temptation to indulge is always present.
She reached a turning point in her life when she realized that the stress from her career and the demands of her busy lifestyle were taking a toll on her health. From running restaurants to appearing on national TV, her career was booming. But her body was telling a different story-chronic fatigue, fluctuating energy levels, and creeping weight gain. “I wasn’t taking care of myself. Weight gain was a symptom. I was burning myself out, mentally and physically," Brooke explained. This realization led her to make a commitment to herself: to prioritize her well-being, starting with her diet and exercise routine. She didn’t want a quick fix; she wanted lasting change that would improve her physical health and mental well-being.
The Dietary Transformation: Balance, Not Deprivation
One of the most significant changes Brooke made was to her diet. That’s when she started making changes to her eating habits, moving away from processed foods and focusing on whole, nutritious meals. As a chef, she was used to cooking rich, flavorful dishes, but she learned to modify her recipes to be both healthy and satisfying. “I wasn’t about depriving myself. I was about finding balance,” she explains. Her love for cooking didn’t disappear; instead, she learned how to cook with a focus on nutrition. “I found joy in preparing meals that nourished my body, not just my cravings,” she says.
Brooke didn’t follow keto, paleo, or vegan diets. She made sure every meal was satisfying, colorful, and high in fiber. Brooke’s approach included eating more plant-based meals, cutting back on processed foods, and incorporating smaller, more balanced portions. A balanced, whole-foods approach-50% veggies, 25% protein, 25% healthy carbs. “I never wanted to feel restricted,” Brooke explained. For example, she replaced creamy pasta with spiralized zucchini, tossed in garlic olive oil and grilled shrimp. Gone were the late-night pastries.
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Embracing an Active Lifestyle: Finding Joy in Movement
For many, weight loss isn’t just about eating right; it’s also about staying active. Brooke found that her workouts became a vital part of her journey. “I was lucky to work with a fantastic trainer who helped me mix things up and keep it fun. It’s important to find something you enjoy so you can stay committed,” she says. Brooke’s routine included a mix of strength training, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and yoga. For Top Chef star Brooke Williamson, working out is a non-negotiable, no matter how busy her life gets.
“At first, it felt overwhelming. I wasn’t used to dedicating that kind of time to fitness,” Brooke admits. “But gradually, it became something I looked forward to. Exercise became a mental release for me." Brooke started with regular cardio sessions, including walking and cycling, before incorporating strength training. The combination of aerobic exercises and weight training not only helped her lose weight, but it also gave her the confidence to tackle other challenges in her life. “After losing the first 30 pounds, I started seeing real muscle tone, and that was a game changer for me.
Williamson loves her Peloton bike for convenient at-home workouts. “It’s also a fun way to connect (and compete) with my chef friends,” she told The 9 List. “[An ice bath] totally resets your mood and energy for the whole day. Post-workout, it ups your calorie burn for hours after you’re done. To de-stress, sometimes I’ll run from our home to the restaurant with one of our dogs Rio, which totals about 6 miles.
The Mental Game: Shifting Mindsets and Breaking Habits
For Brooke, weight loss wasn’t just physical-it was deeply mental. “I had to let go of old habits and mindset patterns that no longer served me,” she says. Brooke found that the biggest challenge was changing the way she saw herself. “I had to stop criticizing my body and start appreciating everything it does for me,” she shares. “Being a chef, I had a lot of emotional attachments to food,” Brooke admits.
One of the most profound aspects of Brooke’s journey was the mental shift she experienced. Losing weight wasn’t just about changing her body-it was about changing her mindset. “I had to let go of the idea that my worth was tied to a number on the scale,” she reveals. Through therapy, mindfulness, and journaling, Brooke worked on overcoming her emotional triggers related to food. She focused on developing a healthy, positive relationship with herself.
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The Importance of Support: Leaning on Loved Ones
Throughout her weight loss journey, Brooke leaned heavily on her family and friends for support. Her husband and fellow chef, Nick Roberts, was her biggest cheerleader. “Nick has been amazing. Brooke also connected with a community of like-minded people, including fitness enthusiasts and fellow chefs who shared her passion for health and wellness. “It’s so important to surround yourself with people who support your journey and hold you accountable,” she says.
Maintaining Balance: A Sustainable Lifestyle
Looking back on her weight loss journey, Brooke says that the key to her success was learning how to maintain balance. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing the best you can with the tools you have,” she reflects. “I don’t want anyone to think that weight loss is easy or that I had it all figured out from the start. There were ups and downs, but I stayed focused on the bigger picture,” Brooke says with a smile. "There were days when I wanted to give up, when the scale didn’t move as quickly as I hoped, or when I felt like I wasn’t seeing results. But I had to remind myself that this wasn’t a race; it was a lifestyle,” she explains.
“I’m still on my journey. I still have cravings, I still skip workouts. But now I bounce back.
By the Numbers: Brooke's Transformation
Over the course of 18 months, Brooke shed 60 pounds-averaging about 3 to 4 pounds per month. Brooke Williamson’s weight loss story is not just about losing 60 pounds-it’s about gaining confidence, strength, and a deeper sense of self-love. Yes, she dropped 60 pounds, going from 180 to 120.
Her skin glows. Her posture is straighter. Brooke’s transformation didn’t go unnoticed. “You look radiant!
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More Than Just Weight Loss: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Brooke’s weight loss wasn’t just about shedding pounds-it was about embracing a healthier lifestyle. Brooke Williamson’s weight loss is about more than numbers. Brooke’s weight loss journey became a symbol of resilience and perseverance. She was no longer trying to fit into a mold or live up to external expectations. Instead, she embraced the power of consistency, balance, and self-compassion. As of 2025, Brooke Williamson has not only transformed her body but also her life. She is healthier, more confident, and more connected to herself than ever before. But perhaps the most remarkable part of her story is her willingness to share it with others.
"My hope is that people see me as more than just a chef or a weight loss success story. I want them to see me as someone who was willing to do the hard work, the emotional work, and the physical work to become the best version of myself,” she says. Brooke’s story is a reminder that true transformation comes from within. It’s about making decisions that align with your values, your health, and your happiness.
Inspiration and Advice: Brooke's Message to Others
Brooke’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, support system, and dedication, anyone can achieve their health goals, no matter where they start. This gives me hope. “Don’t chase skinny. Chase strong, calm, and energized. She also urges others not to compare their Day 1 to someone else’s Day 365.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Southern California
Williamson says her cooking is based on nostalgia. “I’m a native Southern Californian so I cook with the ingredients around me and with what feels like it’s inspiring to me,” she told La Marzocco Home. “I would say that ninety nine percent of the creativity or the designing of a new dish on my menu happens in my head. I do a lot of gardening. I grow tons of vegetables and tons of fruits. Williamson always starts her day with a good cup of espresso. “My first memory of my first taste of coffee was at a sleepover at a friend’s house probably in third or fourth grade,” she told La Marzocco Home. “Her parents were big coffee drinkers. Growing up my parents were not big coffee drinkers in the morning, so the fact that I woke up to this, sort of, aroma of coffee was a new smell for me and something that I very much liked. It’s something I crave in the morning. It’s something that starts off my day. It is kind of more ritual than it is necessity for me.
Williamson is known for her beautiful braids, which is a way for her to style her hair without using heat. “I work out regularly, so I wash my hair more often than I really should,” she told Alterna Haircare. “I just leave a touch of conditioner in and throw it into a top knot most of the time. However, if there is any reason to look presentable, I’ll jump at the chance to blow dry it with a beachy wave or braid it. I’m a sucker for a good French braid… The abundance of hair is a love-hate. Williamson is grateful for every experience that brought her to this stage of life. “All the stuff I’ve learned has brought me to this stage of my life,” she told Food & Wine. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I hadn’t gone through those things. I’m grateful for understanding the value of having $7 to spend in a grocery store. And I am grateful for the experience of losing my first restaurant because now that I know what it feels like, I never want to go through that again. I understand the value of trying really hard.
Brooke Williamson: A Culinary Icon
Brooke Williamson, an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and culinary innovator, has become one of America’s most celebrated chefs. A Los Angeles native, Brooke’s cooking draws deeply from the bounty of Southern California’s ingredients and her own sense of nostalgia. Her vegetable-forward culinary approach takes center stage in her highly anticipated first cookbook, Sun-Kissed Cooking: Vegetables Front and Center. In this debut, she reimagines the role of produce in everyday meals, elevating it from a supporting role to the star of dishes full of bold flavors and vibrant creativity.
Brooke’s culinary journey began at just 17 years old, taking her from the Epicurean Institute of Los Angeles to honing her skills under Michelin-starred Chef Ken Frank and at iconic restaurants like Michael's of Santa Monica. She refined her craft further at Daniel in New York City before becoming Executive Chef at Boxer and later Zax, where she met her future business partner, Nick Roberts. Together, they launched celebrated ventures like Amuse Café, Beechwood, and Playa Provisions-a multifaceted dining destination featuring King Beach Café, Small Batch ice cream shop, Dockside restaurant, and Grain whiskey bar.
A winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 14 and Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, Brooke’s dynamic presence has made her a television favorite. She currently is one of three Culinary Titans on Food Network’s Bobby’s Triple Threat and has served as a judge on culinary shows like 24 in 24, Chopped, and Guy’s Grocery Games. Beyond the screen, she is a sought-after personality at food festivals and an advocate for philanthropic causes like No Kid Hungry.
When she’s not crafting innovative menus at Playa Provisions, Brooke enjoys gardening, running, playing tennis, and spending time with her son, Hudson.
In Conclusion: A Holistic Transformation
Brooke Williamson’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of dedication, balance, and self-love. By prioritizing her health and well-being, she has not only transformed her body but also her life. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking to make lasting changes and achieve their own health goals.
Key Takeaways from Brooke Williamson's Journey
- Focus on Balance: Avoid restrictive diets and instead focus on incorporating whole, nutritious foods into your meals.
- Find Joy in Exercise: Choose physical activities that you enjoy to stay motivated and committed.
- Shift Your Mindset: Develop a positive relationship with yourself and let go of negative self-talk.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with loved ones who will encourage and support you on your journey.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Remember that weight loss is a journey, not a race. Stay focused on your goals and celebrate your progress along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight did Brooke Williamson lose?
Brooke Williamson lost 60 pounds.
What diet did Brooke follow for weight loss?
Brooke followed a balanced, whole-foods approach, focusing on 50% veggies, 25% protein, and 25% healthy carbs.
Did Brooke Williamson undergo any weight loss surgery?
No, Brooke did not undergo any surgery. There was no surgery. No fat burners. No crash diets.
What type of exercise did Brooke Williamson do?
Brooke’s routine included a mix of strength training, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and yoga, as well as activities like walking, cycling, and running.
How did Brooke Williamson stay motivated?
Brooke stayed motivated by working with a trainer, finding activities she enjoyed, connecting with a supportive community, and focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of her journey.
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