Carrie Underwood, the celebrated singer and mother of two, has become an inspiration for many women navigating the challenges of post-pregnancy weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At 36, she openly discussed the difficulties of shedding post-baby weight and emphasized the importance of dedication to both diet and exercise. This article delves into Carrie Underwood's diet and workout routines, offering insights and inspiration for those on a similar journey.
The Challenge of Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss
Losing weight after childbirth can be particularly challenging. Recognizing that many women struggle with this issue, Carrie Underwood's journey serves as a source of motivation. It's crucial for new mothers to be patient with themselves and understand that regaining their pre-baby body takes time.
Carrie Underwood's Diet
Underwood describes herself as "95% vegan," prioritizing the source of her food. She avoids meat due to feeling and looking better without it, but isn't overly strict about adhering to a completely vegan diet when eating out.
Breakfast
Carrie Underwood emphasizes the importance of breakfast as fuel for the brain. Her go-to breakfasts include:
- Vanilla Smoothie: Made with pea protein powder, half a banana, a cup of berries, almond milk, and ice. You can add 2 teaspoons of honey or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour.
- Tofu Scramble: Prepared with spinach, onions, peppers, and salsa.
- Additional Items (if working out): An orange or grapefruit, and black coffee for a caffeine boost.
Lunch
For lunch, Carrie Underwood often opts for mock chicken stir-fry with pre-cut veggies like broccoli, carrots, and broccoli slaw, seasoned with Bragg Liquid Aminos and served with brown rice. This meal is high in volume but low in fat and calories.
Read also: Foods for a Healthy Pregnancy Breakfast
Snacks
Carrie Underwood enjoys snacking on protein bars. However, she advises being cautious when selecting protein bars due to their potential high calorie content and additives. Homemade protein bars made with granola, dates, flaxseeds, black sesame seeds, and organic jaggery are a healthier alternative. Other snack options include popcorn or kale chips.
Dinner
Dinner for Carrie Underwood often consists of a vegan burger, either all vegetables or with tofu. Alternatively, grilled fish or tofu with grilled veggies are good choices. A cup of mushroom soup or clear chicken soup can also be satisfying.
Pre-Event Diet
Before events, Carrie Underwood avoids starches, focusing on fruits and vegetables. She emphasizes that she is "not a fan of the no-carb thing; you’re going to get yourself in trouble that way."
Hydration:
Carrie Underwood prioritizes hydration by drinking ample water throughout the day and consuming electrolyte-rich beverages post-workout to replenish lost minerals.
Carrie Underwood's Workout Routine
Carrie Underwood has been consistent with exercise for several years. She burns calories by playing cards:
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- Each suit is assigned to a body area (diamonds for arms, hearts for legs, spades for core, and clubs for cardio), and exercises are written down for each suit.
- The number on the card determines the number of repetitions. For example, the six of hearts means six squats, and the ace of diamonds equals 14 push-ups.
- Spades are sometimes designated as boxing, where she punches a bag.
- A joker in each half of the deck means a mile run on the treadmill.
- A 15-minute warm-up on the elliptical is included.
Pre-Event Workout
Before events, Carrie Underwood focuses on cardio and uses fewer weights than usual to avoid looking too muscular. She recommends stretches and a healthy meal to enjoy the pre-workout effect before an important event.
Key Takeaways
- Carrie Underwood's diet is 95% vegan, featuring protein-rich breakfasts and lunches, vegetables, and mock chicken.
- Her pre-event diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
- She incorporates fun into her fitness regimen by playing cards to determine her exercises.
- Her workouts include less weight and more cardio.
Additional Insights into Carrie Underwood's Diet and Fitness Philosophy
Finding a Sustainable Routine
Early in her career, Underwood followed what she considered to be an extreme diet and exercise regimen that proved unsustainable. With the help of trainer Eve Overland and nutritionist Cara Clark, the singer found a healthier, more sustainable routine that works for her. Today, Underwood carefully tracks her calories and macronutrients, or the amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat she consumes daily.
Healthy Swaps and Indulgences
When craving classic comfort foods, Underwood swaps certain ingredients for healthier versions. She enjoys a little dark chocolate and unwinds with a glass or two of red wine.
Pregnancy Workouts
During her pregnancy, Underwood was cleared to workout by her doctor and maintained realistic goals. Her workouts included planks, jump roping, and lighter weights to maintain definition and tone. She incorporated small bursts of cardio to keep her heart rate up. Certain moves she couldn't do. Things on her back, things like that are not recommended.
Activewear Line
Underwood teamed up with Dick's Sporting Goods to create her affordable activewear line called Calia. She created a workout clothing line because she noticed a big gap in what was in the store…what things I could go buy. Either things seemed to be super technical and unattractive, or…I don't know, just not feminine.
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