When you think of Gabriel Iglesias, you likely picture the beloved comedian known for his infectious laugh, lighthearted humor, and larger-than-life persona. But behind the jokes, Gabriel’s weight loss journey has been just as compelling as his comedy career. It's a story of perseverance, dedication, and making healthier choices, proving that sustainable lifestyle changes are the key to lasting well-being.
A Wake-Up Call
Gabriel’s path to weight loss wasn’t a straightforward one, and it didn’t happen overnight. In an interview with Today, Gabriel revealed a pivotal moment that changed everything. “I remember the doctor telling me that if I didn’t make some serious changes, I had maybe two years left to live,” Gabriel shared. This sobering news came after years of struggling with his weight, which had peaked at 445 pounds. At this point, Gabriel wasn’t just battling his weight; he was facing the harsh realities of Type 2 diabetes. For Gabriel, this wasn’t just about appearance-it was about life or death.
Beyond the Scale: A Holistic Approach
While many might assume weight loss surgery was the primary solution, Gabriel emphasized that his real success came from adopting a healthier lifestyle. The surgery alone wasn’t the magic solution. By focusing on sustainable changes rather than quick fixes, Gabriel was able to shed an impressive 135 pounds.
The Power of Diet: Low-Carb, High-Protein
Gabriel’s weight loss journey was also fueled by a commitment to a low-carb, high-protein diet, which he credits for a lot of his success. Cutting out gluten and dairy, he focused on nourishing his body with wholesome foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats became staples of his daily meals.
Gabriel loves Chipotle: "My favorite thing in the world is to eat Chipotle. I don't feel restricted when I eat one of those. I'll have triple chicken, with barbacoa on it, a little bit of sour cream and cheese. No carbs. No sugar. Take out the rice, take out the beans, don't put corn (the corn will mess you up, too), and I eat this every single chance I can."
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As a stand-up comedian, Gabriel is constantly traveling from city to city. Because of this, healthy food options are limited. So he adapts fast food to fit into his healthy lifestyle: "If I go to Jack in the Box and I order a grilled chicken sandwich, I won't eat the bread. But I'll eat the grilled chicken itself. I could order four of those sandwiches, and as long as I don't eat the bread, that's four pieces of chicken that I can kill."
The Role of Exercise and Friendship
Because of his knee issues, Gabriel took up DDP Yoga - a type of yoga developed by former wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. "DDP Yoga worked out in the beginning because I was pushing 450, and so it's very low-impact. There's not a lot of hitting on the joints. Your own body weight is the workout. At 450, it was hard for me to go to the floor and then get back up without using a table, or a chair, or something. So when the workouts would start, I needed to put a chair next to me so I could grab it to get myself up.""Eventually, I could go straight to the ground and then get right back up.
Gabriel spoke about his friend Martin, a fellow stand-up comedian and travel companion, who's helped him maintain a healthy lifestyle. "It's one of those things where we help each other out. … We pushed each other. He doesn't get enough credit for that." [When we're on the road], our goal is to find a gym. We'll get ourselves to go to the gym together and once we're in there, we go off and do our own thing. Because everybody has their own way and their own level of working out. Martin is all about lifting. He's got that penitentiary body. I can't keep up with him. But he'll get me into the door. And once I'm inside the gym, I'm like, all right. I'm here. I'm not just gonna sit down. As a big man, Gabriel is cautious when trying to do any type of cardio: "With my weight, I can't hang. In the [promo for the show], you'll see me sprinting, but only for that day and that day only… It takes its toll on my knees."
Maintaining Balance: The Occasional Treat
While Gabriel is conscious of what he puts in his body, he still has the occasional cheat meal: "I like going to The Hat. They have the best grilled cheese sandwiches, with the sourdough bread, and they put like four pieces of cheese in it. So freakin' good. I also like The Hat's chili cheese fries with pastrami. So good, man!
While Gabriel’s story is incredibly inspiring, maintaining weight loss can be a constant challenge. So, how does Gabriel stay on track? “I don’t deprive myself, but I make sure I’m mindful of what I’m eating,” Gabriel explained. He’s quick to mention that it’s not about following the latest fad diet or extreme weight loss trend-it’s about finding balance. And let’s not forget the role of exercise in Gabriel’s ongoing transformation. While he no longer hits the gym with the intensity he did in his younger years, staying active is still an essential part of his routine.
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A Ripple Effect: Inspiring Others
Gabriel’s weight loss story isn’t just about looking better-it’s about feeling better and living a fuller life. His transformation has had a profound impact not only on his health but also on his comedy career. Moreover, Gabriel’s journey has inspired countless others to take control of their health. As he continues to share his story with his fans, Gabriel encourages people to take their health seriously and prioritize their well-being.
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