Heather Rae Young, the "Selling Sunset" star and HGTV personality, has openly shared insights into her wellness journey, inspiring many with her dedication to health and fitness. Her approach encompasses a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a positive mindset. This article delves into the specifics of Heather Rae Young's weight loss secrets, drawing from her interviews, social media posts, and expert opinions.
Embracing a Vegan Lifestyle
Heather Rae Young has been vegan since her early twenties, a dietary choice that plays a significant role in her overall health and weight management. She emphasizes eating "very clean" and limiting processed foods. This involves consuming whole, plant-based foods that are naturally lower in calories and rich in nutrients.
Upping Protein Intake on a Vegan Diet
Since Heather is vegan, she has had to learn how to up her protein intake without increasing the amount of soy she consumes.
Plant-Based Living
Heather Rae shares her love of plant-based living, cooking, and all the tips she’s amassed in her 12 years being vegan to her more than 2.8 million Instagram followers.
Vegan-Friendly Meals
Heather loves to cook-I’m the queen of 20-minute, healthy meals. My go-tos are gluten-free pasta with vegan meatballs, broccoli, mushrooms, pasta sauce, fresh herbs and spices, and Bitchin’ Sauce. I also make burgers with baked potatoes and vegetables. The kids love the way I make veggies-I use vegan butter and cook them to where they are almost crispy.
Read also: Heather Sanders' weight loss: A tale of transformation.
Gradual Transition
I would never want people to feel discouraged, so I encourage making small changes to start.
The Importance of Regular Exercise
Heather doesn't have to force herself to exercise. She actually enjoys it. “I’m really into fitness and running-I love kickboxing and dancing,” she told Super Street. “For big health benefits, aim for these numbers: 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate aerobic activity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. Want to do more than that? You’ll get more health benefits. Heather makes sure to move on a daily basis. “Fitness makes me so happy,” she added to Women Fitness. “I never look at it like….ugh I have to workout today. I get excited to do it. Right now I do a strength training HIIT class 3-4 times a week.
Weight Training
For the reality star, weight training was a game-changer. "I was never a weights girl," she admitted. "I was always like Pilates or running and cardio… I restricted carbs… I was really strict with what I ate. And after I started lifting weights and after I had Tristan, I really just needed - I wanted - to nourish my body… I just needed calories. I wanted healthy calories… I wanted to feel strong and empowered."
A Balanced Workout Routine
"I have 3 meals and 2 snacks, all with some sort of protein," she shared in the caption. "Smoothies are my [go-to], or I love rice cakes with avocado and hemp hearts! I eat a [balanced] diet with healthy carbs.""I have 3 meals and 2 snacks, all with some sort of protein." - Heather Rae El Moussa, She also noted that her workout involves "doing a combo of strength, pilates, and pelvic floor 3x per week. I do full routine once per week for cardio, I walk daily (sometimes twice) plus I’m also chasing a toddler around!"
Enjoyable Activities
Heather has been outdoorsy since she was a kid. “I had a national forest as my backyard. How many people can say that? I would hike down to the creek and swim, go sledding in the winter, and I had a handful of ski resorts to choose from.
Read also: Inspiring weight loss transformation
Dietary Habits and Meal Planning
Heather sets herself up for dietary success by bringing her own food with her. She also loves protein smoothies. “Lunch is usually quinoa salad or veggie salad. I snack in between on nuts or a vegan protein bar (which has little ingredients) And I drink tea in between meals. No coffee, I actually have never tried a cup.
Three Meals and Two Snacks
El Moussa says her diet includes "3 meals and 2 snacks, all with some sort of protein."
Protein at Every Meal
Paulina also encourages amping up protein consumption. "Eat protein at every meal for satiety," she says.
Reducing Snacking
"Reduce snacking and eat actual meals," she suggests. Collingwood elaborates, recommending three meals per day and using snacks as a bridge between those meals. " But remember that snacks are small and should just provide enough to give you satiety for about an hour or two," she says.
Hydration
"Drink 1 gallon of water per day," she writes in the post. "Water can suppress appetite." Hydration also helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues, reveals the Mayo Clinic.
Read also: Beyond Weight Loss: Heather Tom's Approach
Limiting Processed Foods
“I try and limit processed foods.
Supplements
Heather is one of the many stars who uses supplements alongside a healthy diet. “I take fish oil and vitamins daily,” she told Women Health. “Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from food. They can’t be manufactured in the body. Fish oil contains two omega-3s called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Dietary sources of DHA and EPA are fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and trout, and shellfish, such as mussels, oysters and crabs.
Magnesium
"Take magnesium nightly to help sleep and improve digestion," she says.
Mindset and Motivation
The "Selling Sunset" star and HGTV personality gave fans a glimpse into her wellness routine as she proudly showed off her bikini body. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 37-year-old opened up about the transformation of her mindset and body after welcoming her son, Tristan, with husband Tarek El Moussa.
Prioritizing Health
"I’ve worked really hard to have this body. And I really prioritize health now."
Body Positivity
"He’s almost two and a half… I’m proud of my body and what I’ve built," she said. "Not every day do I have abs. Some days I’m so bloated. Some days, mentally, physically, I’m just not feeling good … I’ve worked really hard to have this body. And I really prioritize health now."
Overcoming Post-Pregnancy Challenges
"After Tristan, it took me a little bit to get back into my workout routine, having a newborn and figuring out the balance of that," she explained. "I would walk a lot. And then I met my trainer, Paulina, and she started coming to my house. We would do workout routines at home. We added in weights."
The Biggest Loser Success Secrets
Contestants and trainers from the hit NBC program "The Biggest Loser" share their tips for devising a winning weight-loss strategy. Here's an excerpt from "The Biggest Loser Success Secrets":
The Inspiration to Make a Change
You may be surprised to learn that one of the most important components of a weight-loss strategy isn't grit-your-teeth willpower or having the latest, greatest exercise machine. It's not even coming into this world with the right genes. It's being motivated to make lasting changes in your life. A lot of people refer to this as their "moment," and every single Biggest Loser on NBC's mega-hit show has had one. For each of them, it was the kicking-off point for losing weight and staying dedicated to their goals.
Triggering Event
This moment - which researchers call a "triggering event" - could be the result of a frightening medical diagnosis, an emotional struggle, or a sudden, life-changing event. Whatever form it takes, your moment is something that causes you to reevaluate your life and your choices from a new perspective and motivates you to take charge of your own destiny. So the next time someone makes a rude comment about your weight or your doctor warns you that your health is in danger, be grateful. Their words may be just what you need to get started.
Steps to Get Started
Maybe you've experienced your own life-changing moment, or perhaps one of the stories in this chapter clicked with you. Just knowing that you're ready to get started is an important accomplishment. If you feel that fire in your belly, here are a few guidelines from The Biggest Loser for getting started now.
Admit You Have a Weight Problem
If you're overweight, fess up! Denial can prevent you from taking action and pounds will keep piling on, leading to health problems and more weight that will have to come off down the road. Says Kelly Fields, Season 5: "When I saw pictures of myself, I realized how heavy I had gotten. I had to face the music."
Don't Make Excuses
There's never a "good" time to start a weight-loss program. Just ask the contestants, who leave their jobs and families for several months to be at the ranch. The time to start living healthfully is now - whether it's convenient or not.
Learn from Your Past
Most people have been on umpteen diets. Okay, maybe you failed in the past, but use this as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. What worked for you before? What didn't work? What did you like about one diet or hate about another? Incorporate your strengths into your new diet plan and try to avoid things that tripped you up in the past.
Make a Clean Sweep of All Junk Food
You can't eat it if it's not there! Rid your environment - home, office, car - of foods that aren't nutritious or that will cause you to overeat. Replace problem foods with healthy choices such as those recommended on The Biggest Loser diet, including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and poultry, and low-fat dairy products.
Build Your Team
"Everybody's got to have a really strong support group if they're going to get healthy," says David Griffin, Season 4. "There has to be at least one person who is willing to go that mile with you. For me, that's my wife."The research shows clearly that people who lose weight and keep it off have good support systems to help them along. So start recruiting a team to help keep you on track. This could be your family, your co-workers, a personal trainer, an exercise partner, a running or hiking club, an online support group on www.biggestloserclub.com, or a weight-loss group. No matter what form it takes, having support will help you stay on track and strengthen your resolve.
Set Realistic Goals
You've heard it a million times, but if your goals aren't realistic and attainable, you'll get frustrated and most likely quit. Set small goals that you can meet each week to maintain your enthusiasm and momentum. If you need help setting appropriate goals for your age and body weight, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Make Daily Resolutions Toward Reaching Your Goals
Early in a program to change your lifestyle, it's helpful to make daily resolutions that are manageable rather than focusing on far-off end goals. Your daily resolutions should be a cinch to pull off. Focus on small steps, like eating two extra servings of vegetables, learning a new exercise, walking for an extra 30 minutes, and playing an active game with the kids. If all you do is concentrate on what you need to do today, achieving your end goal - like losing 50 pounds or fitting into size 6 jeans - will take care of itself. That's exactly what the Biggest Losers do every day at the ranch - concentrate on what they must do that day.
Set Your Calorie Budget
On the show, each cast member's calorie limit is determined by a formula that considers his or her starting weight, body-fat percentage, and goal weight. Kae Whang, Season 4, for example, first weighed in at 230 pounds and follows a 1,200-calorie-a-day diet, while Isabeau Miller, Season 4, who started at almost 300 pounds, eats between 1,500 and 1,600 calories daily.
Plan to Be Active for at Least 60 Minutes a Day
"Before I got here, I imagined we'd start with 20 minutes one day, maybe 40 minutes the next," laughs Isabeau. "Ha!" Biggest Losers jump right in, with cardio training lasting for hours at a time. Should you do the same? No. Contestants are pushed to work out harder than average, but only because they are under the close supervision of trainers and a medical staff. What you can do safely to reach your own fitness goal is to shoot for 60 minutes of physical activity a day at a moderately intense level. (If you're over age 50 or have a chronic disease or are at risk of developing one, consult your doctor before starting any plan.)
Expect to Have Setbacks
Cheryl Forberg, R.D., nutritionist to The Biggest Loser cast, says that change doesn't come without setbacks. "If you slip up today, jump back in the game tomorrow by eating less, exercising more, or both. With a little motivation and dedication, you'll find yourself fit and full of energy this year. Losing weight may be just a bonus."Adds Bernie Salazar, Season 5: "Love the small steps forward you're taking, and love the small steps backward you're taking because that's what makes you, you. Don't let those discourage you. Tomorrow is a new day."
Tips to Drop 10 Pounds in 3 Weeks
Paulina Hefferen, a trainer and nutritionist, recently helped Selling Sunset star Heather Rae El Moussa get back into shape after having a baby. Paulina has helped hundreds of women lose weight and transform their bodies and lives via healthy habits, and according to her, losing weight shouldn't be hard. "10 tips to drop 10 pounds in 3 weeks," she writes in the post. Keep reading and learn about the easy changes you can make to your lifestyle that will enable you to lose weight fast.
Hydration
"Drink 1 gallon of water per day," she writes in the post. "Water can suppress appetite." Hydration also helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues, reveals the Mayo Clinic. "Water alone will not produce weight loss, and it will only very temporarily suppress appetite," notes Collingwood.
Eat Breakfast!
Paulina doesn't encourage intermittent fasting. "Eat breakfast!" she says. "This will help balance blood sugar." Collingwood is "a huge believer in breakfast to get the metabolism started for the day," she says.
Don't Drink Caffeine on an Empty Stomach
While coffee offers health benefits (the Cleveland Clinic maintains it helps improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function), "Don't drink caffeine on an empty stomach to avoid cortisol spike," Paulina says. "Every individual is different in their response to caffeine, but in general, caffeine will cause a rise in cortisol regardless of whether it is consumed on an empty stomach," adds Collingwood.
Eat Protein at Every Meal for Satiety
Paulina also encourages amping up protein consumption. "Eat protein at every meal for satiety," she says.
Move 30 Minutes Per Day, This Can Be a Walk
Exercise is key if you want to lose weight, says Paulina. "Move 30 minutes per day, this can be a walk," she writes. "We are increasingly sedentary as a population, so getting up and moving at least 30 minutes each day is necessary," agrees Collingwood. "The good news is that you don't need to do all 30 minutes at one time. You can do 10 minutes at a time a few times per day to add up to 30.
Start Measuring Your Oils, Nut Butter, and Coffee Creamers
When it comes to fats, pay attention to how much you are consuming. "Start measuring your oils, nut butter, and coffee creamers," she says. While we do need some fat in our diet, oil, butter, nut butter, creamers, and more can add up very quickly in calories," says Collingwood.
Lift Weights 3-4 Days Per Week. Muscle Burns Fat at Rest!
Don't forget about strength training. "Lift weights 3-4 days per week. Muscle burns fat at rest!" says Paulina. "If we don't continue to use our muscles, they will atrophy, and we can easily lose muscle mass as we age," adds Collingwood. "The more muscle you have on your body, the more calories you burn at rest and the higher your overall metabolism.
Reduce Snacking and Eat Actual Meals
When it comes to food, focus on breakfast, lunch, and dinner. "Reduce snacking and eat actual meals," she suggests. Collingwood elaborates, recommending three meals per day and using snacks as a bridge between those meals. " But remember that snacks are small and should just provide enough to give you satiety for about an hour or two," she says.
Sleep a Minimum of 7 Hours Per Night. This Helps Recovery and Hormones
"Sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night. This helps recovery and hormones," says Paulina. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation sleep is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.
Take Magnesium Nightly to Help Sleep and Improve Digestion
As for supplements, "Take magnesium nightly to help sleep and improve digestion," she says.
Have a Plan and Accountability Coach! This Will Help Your Motivation and Success
She also offers an extra tip: "Have a plan and accountability coach! This will help your motivation and success," she says. "Having a plan is key to success so you know what you are doing each day in terms of your exercise plan and food choices. 💪🔥Body Booster: Sleep is a fundamental part of weight loss. If you are having trouble getting at least 7 hours of sleep, try taking magnesium supplements.
Heather Rae Young's Vocal Chord Surgery
Heather Rae Young is reveling over the difference a day can make. “Hard to believe less than 24 hours ago I was soaking in the sun by the water in Cabo, and now I’m laying in bed recovering from vocal chord [sic] surgery,” she writes in her latest Instagram post, alongside a south of the border snap of herself in a swimsuit. “Grateful to have such good doctors, amazing husband taking care of me, and all of my sweet friends for sending me flowers!! I appreciate all of the love from all of you during this time. It was a long time coming for me as I’ve been battling vocal stress for years. After resting for 3 months I was never going to be 100% so surgery was my only route. Some may have noticed the my voice issues when watching #Sellingsunset and #flipping101 but on the road to recovery.”