Drew Barrymore, the beloved actress and talk show host, has captivated audiences not only with her talent but also with her openness about her personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle. At 49, Barrymore's commitment to fitness and well-being is evident, and she frequently shares her experiences with fans, offering insights into her diet, exercise routines, and the mental strategies that have supported her transformation.
The Beginning of a Transformation
Drew Barrymore has always been candid about her wellness journey, and more specifically, how hard she’s had to work to maintain her good health, confidence and energy. The 49-year-old Drew Barrymore Show host famously shed 20 lbs after giving birth to her daughters Olive, 11, and Frankie, 10, and credited both diet and exercise with the weight loss. Balancing being a mom with a multifaceted career as a talk show host, actress, producer, author and businesswoman hasn’t always made it easy to stick to a robust fitness regimen. And yet, it’s during this busy phase of life that Barrymore is her best self! “I go up and I go down,” she wrote in the caption. “The rollercoaster of my body is a challenging, but beautiful ride. I made two kids. The single most important purpose for me being on this planet is for them! It is a true miracle I was able to have these two girls. So whatever the aftermath on my body, well bring it on! That said, there have been times I have stood in my closet and just cried. Hated getting dressed. Didn’t feel good! It takes so much for me to look decent.
Drew's Diet: A Balanced and Realistic Approach
Drew Barrymore's weight loss journey has been marked by a balanced and realistic approach to nutrition. Drew’s success stemmed largely from a personalized approach to her diet. Transitioning to a more plant-based, nutrient-dense routine helped her maintain a healthy balance and avoid processed foods, known for being calorie-rich and nutrient-poor. Her plan emphasized whole foods and minimized processed options. By prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, she ensured her diet was both satisfying and effective.
What Drew Barrymore Eats
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of what Drew typically consumes throughout the day:
- Breakfast: Drew likes to start her day with a glass of lemon water. She often enjoys avocado toast with red pepper flakes, olive oil, and sea salt. She also likes mixing it up and eating things like eggs and fruit, and even treats herself to pancakes or French toast when she's eating with her daughters or friends.
- Lunch: For lunch, she opts for something quick and simple such as a grain bowl, sushi, a veggie burrito, or even a salad.
- Dinner: Her dinners are just as healthy, with Drew previously explaining that she regularly follows plant-based influencer and Recipes for Your Perfectly Imperfect Life author Kimberly Snyder's vegan recipes. But she doesn't always stick to the recipes 100%, as she confessed that she sometimes adds chicken to them for extra protein.
Kimberly Snyder's Influence
In 2017, Barrymore revealed she had lost upward of 20 pounds while preparing to film her Netflix series, The Santa Clarita Diet. Barrymore told Us Weekly at the time that she had been loosely following the approach of vegan nutritionist Kimberly Snyder.
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Snyder emphasizes the importance of nourishing the gut, incorporating strategic foods like ginger, drinking her Glowing Green Smoothie (GGS) every morning, avoiding dairy, and practicing ongoing cleansing. She advises reducing refined sugars, cutting out difficult-to-digest foods, like dairy and gluten, meditating and/or bringing in mindfulness practices to help you handle stress (this is as important as what you eat, in my opinion, as everything affects everything else), and taking probiotics. Snyder also highlights that lemons are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress, boost the immune system and keep our cells functioning efficiently.
The Role of Exercise in Drew's Fitness Journey
Drew Barrymore’s fitness journey revolves around a blend of effective exercise routines and steadfast commitment. Drew incorporates a variety of exercises to keep her routine exciting and effective. By embracing a mix of cardio and strength training, she maintains a well-rounded fitness plan. Strength training is another key component, helping to build muscle and improve overall metabolism. Activities such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises form a crucial part of this approach, ensuring muscle endurance and strength. Consistency is at the heart of Drew’s fitness success. She makes working out a regular part of her lifestyle, highlighting the importance of routine in achieving fitness goals.
Cardio and Strength Training
Drew has made cardio a cornerstone of her fitness routine. She incorporates activities such as running, cycling, and swimming, which are not only effective for weight loss but also offer mental benefits. Barrymore also posted a video of herself in 2020 after sweating it out during a yoga class to share a revelation she had during her session. “Stillness is as powerful and thought-provoking and emotionally compelling as hurling yourself around, throwing yourself to music, working out your anger, working through things,” she explained.
Marnie Alton: A Guiding Force
Drew Barrymore worked closely with her trainer Marnie Alton during her transformative fitness journey. Drew Barrymore teamed up with Marnie Alton over 15 years ago. Their long-term partnership flourished as they developed a friendship based on trust and understanding. Marnie’s dedication to her clients’ health and fitness aligns perfectly with Drew’s goals. Marnie played a significant role in helping Drew shed 20 pounds, which Drew proudly shared on Instagram. The methods employed by Marnie Alton are a blend of physical exercise and mental well-being, crucial to Drew’s weight loss success. Her approach is not just about losing weight; it’s about healing and rejuvenation.
The Mental Game: Mindset and Emotional Well-being
Drew Barrymore’s weight loss journey highlights the significant link between mental health and physical transformation. Mental health can greatly influence weight loss outcomes. For Drew Barrymore, a crucial part of her success was her shift in mindset. Instead of viewing weight loss as a task, she approached it as a positive lifestyle shift. Mindful practices like meditation and positive self-talk were integral in reducing stress and promoting a healthier relationship with food.
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Balancing Mental and Physical Health
Achieving balance between mental health and wellness was crucial in Drew Barrymore’s transformation. By setting realistic goals and accepting that perfection isn’t necessary, she fostered a sustainable routine. Incorporating regular physical activity not just as a means to lose weight but as a way to feel good was part of her approach. Exercise became a tool for both physical and mental health, creating a positive feedback loop that fueled her journey.
Drew's Openness on Social Media
Drew Barrymore has embraced social media, especially Instagram, to openly share her weight loss journey. Her posts often provide glimpses into her daily routines, highlighting the workouts and dietary habits she’s adopted. One significant post drew attention for its candidness, showing her sweaty and smiling after a workout. This transparency allows followers to feel connected, contributing to a supportive community that rallies around her progress.
Career and Fitness: The Santa Clarita Diet Inspiration
While playing Sheila Hammond in the hit comedy series Santa Clarita Diet, Drew Barrymore found herself deeply inspired by her character’s energy and transformation. The show’s demanding nature required physical preparedness and resilience. The comedy series not only required her to maintain energy levels for frenetic scenes but also sparked an increased interest in overall wellness. This proactive approach thrived in her daily life, advocating a balance of exercise and nutrition.
Embracing Balance and Realism
There are lots of wise nuggets that Barrymore has learned over the years when it comes to staying sane while juggling a career, a personal life, and the desire to stay fit. Barrymore has addressed her weight loss (and gain) over the last few years via Instagram. But she also acknowledged that her own plight is no walk in the park. "There have been times I have stood in my closet and just cried. Hated getting dressed. Didn't feel good! It takes so much for me to look decent," she also shared. Barrymore said that the trainer helps her nourish her spirit during workout classes. "Her classes are always booked up and we all love to run to her for her spirit and leadership for all things healthy," Barrymore said. "We hope the people in the wellness world are actually healthy in their hearts and minds. It's not all about being terminators! It's about how to find yourself…. How to be your best self. But we need guidance and we hope our teachers are smart and wise and sane!"
She explained that she doesn’t buy into the stick thin ideal and is a champion of “embracing your own genetics,” rather than focusing on being super-skinny. She relies on a simple 80/20 rule where she eats healthy 80 percent of the time and then lets herself splurge 20 percent of the time.
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Key Habits Drew Barrymore Embraced
Drew often shares her favorite recipes, which play a significant role in maintaining her health. One staple is her beloved hot water with lemon, a drink that’s refreshing and hydrating. Another favorite dish includes salads loaded with greens, nuts, and a variety of colorful vegetables. Some healthy habits she embraced include eating more vegetables, reducing sugar intake, and prioritizing meals rich in nutrients. Drew has shown support for several fitness and wellness initiatives, focusing on programs that foster long-term health benefits. Her lifestyle changes, including diet adjustments and increased physical activity, contributed to marked improvements in her energy levels and mood.