Julie Chrisley, known for her role on "Chrisley Knows Best," has inspired many with her open and honest approach to health and wellness. Her weight loss journey is not just about shedding pounds; it's a story of overcoming challenges, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and finding strength in partnership. This article explores Julie's experiences, the methods she used, and the impact her journey has had on her life and those around her.
Early Challenges and a Turning Point
In 2012, Julie faced a significant health challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This led to a double mastectomy and subsequent treatments that triggered early menopause. As Julie told People, "I'm a breast cancer survivor and because of that I also went through menopause early." These experiences presented unique obstacles to maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Post-surgery medications led to weight fluctuations, adding another layer of complexity to her health journey.
Despite these challenges, Julie was determined to rewrite her story. Instead of opting for quick fixes or trendy solutions, she chose a path of healthy eating, portion control, and regular physical activity. As she shared with HollywoodLife in April 2022, she didn't turn to quick fixes or trendy pills like Ozempic, but instead embraced a more sustainable approach.
Nutrisystem: A Game-Changer
Julie credits Nutrisystem as a pivotal element of her transformation. Starting in January 2018, she incorporated Nutrisystem's portion-controlled meals into her daily routine. "I tell people Nutrisystem was truly a game-changer for me," Julie shared with HollywoodLife. These pre-portioned meals eliminated the guesswork from healthy eating, making it easier for her to stay on track.
Julie also appreciated the variety and convenience that Nutrisystem offered. She particularly enjoyed the new chocolate shake, especially the chocolate fudge flavor with a probiotic. “I love the new chocolate shake. It’s the chocolate fudge, I believe, and it’s with a probiotic,” Julie told HollywoodLife. “It’s kind of twofold healthy there and I love it." She emphasized how easy it was to prepare, which was especially helpful when she was busy with work. She also kept Nutrisystem snacks on hand, like lemon cookies and popcorn, to avoid unhealthy impulse decisions. "I love the lemon cookies, I love their popcorn. And those are things that I can grab that I don’t have to say, ‘okay, I need to measure this out and see how many I can have’ … They do all that work for me."
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By April 2021, Julie had lost 20 pounds on the program and was feeling great. “I’ve lost 20 pounds on the program and am feeling great,” she wrote. By January 2022, she had lost a total of 30 pounds.
Julie emphasized that Nutrisystem fit into her lifestyle because the food’s great, because it works and because it’s easy and it’s convenient. She also appreciated that the program allowed for flexibility, acknowledging that it's okay to go out to dinner or have a cheat day and then get right back on it.
Exercise and Physical Activity
While diet played a significant role in Julie's weight loss, she also incorporated exercise into her routine. However, she didn't opt for intense workouts. Instead, she focused on activities she enjoyed and that felt sustainable. "I like to walk and do Pilates," she told Women’s Health in 2018. Walking kept her active, while Pilates helped her strengthen her core and improve her balance. She emphasized that most of her weight loss was still due to her improved diet.
The Power of Partnership
Julie's weight loss journey became a shared experience when her husband, Todd Chrisley, joined her. Together, they became ambassadors for Nutrisystem's Partner Plan and dropped a combined 48 pounds.
Julie and Todd found that working together provided them with accountability and motivation. "I think Todd and I consider ourselves partners in everything we do," Julie told The List in January 2022. Todd added, "I’ve always been the most fabulous of the family anyway, so when I saw Julie kind of encroaching upon my lane, I was like, no, I’m gonna get on this partner plan."
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Todd acknowledged that he had gained about 18 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to get back to his high school weight. He also joked that it turned into a game of who’s down this week, who’s cheating with a slice of pie?, as Todd told Page Six.
The couple’s shared journey not only helped them achieve their weight loss goals but also strengthened their bond. They supported each other, teased each other, and celebrated each other's successes.
More Than Just Weight Loss
For Julie, her weight loss journey was about more than just shedding pounds. It was about feeling better, both physically and emotionally. [It’s] not just about the pounds, but seeing, knowing how I feel,” she said. “I feel better on the inside. I feel better." She also noted that losing weight made her knees and legs feel better.
Julie also emphasized the importance of self-care and putting herself first. Todd noted that Julie was starting to place herself at the front of the line, which had a positive impact on her confidence and overall well-being.
Overcoming Scrutiny and Embracing Self-Acceptance
As a public figure, Julie has faced scrutiny and criticism regarding her appearance. However, she has remained resilient and focused on her own goals. She acknowledged that people will see what they want to see and that her journey was not about shrinking for the spotlight.
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Julie’s daughter, Savannah, also spoke about her own body issues when she stopped by the HollywoodLife podcast. Savannah added that she also went public with the struggle because she faced a lot of “hateful” comments about her body, and she wanted to instill some humility into her haters.
Julie’s weight loss journey has been about embracing self-acceptance and prioritizing her health and well-being.
Lessons and Inspiration
Julie Chrisley's weight loss journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for others seeking to improve their health and well-being:
- Start small: Julie didn't overhaul her life overnight. She made gradual changes to her diet and exercise routine.
- Find your why: Julie's motivation came from wanting to feel better and be there for her family.
- Get a buddy: Julie and Todd's partner plan kept them accountable and provided support.
- Focus on balance: Julie didn't give up all her favorite foods. She found a balance between healthy eating and occasional indulgences.
- Be patient and persistent: Weight loss is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but it's important to stay focused on your goals.