Kristin Cavallari, celebrated for her acting prowess and professional dedication, has also garnered attention for openly sharing her experiences regarding mental and physical well-being. Her journey, marked by struggles with body image and a subsequent jaw-dropping transformation, serves as an inspiration. Cavallari embraced a balanced approach to life, prioritizing her overall well-being, which ultimately led to her remarkable physical change.
From 114 to 102: The Impact of Stress
The Laguna Beach alum dealt fearlessly with mental stress due to her unhappy marriage with former NFL player Jay Cutler. The American television personality nourished her body and prioritized mental and emotional health. Fans noticed her slim-down figure in Very Cavallari and commented on how “thin” she looked. She went from 114 to 102 lbs due to stress and unhappiness.
Who Is Kristin Cavallari? A Glimpse into Her Career
Kristin Cavallari rose to prominence through reality television, notably in Get This Party Started and Laguna Beach's spin-off series, The Hills, which aired in 2006. Her career expanded to include appearances in competition shows like Dancing with the Stars, and guest roles in various other programs. In 2013, she married Jay Cutler; however, after a decade together, the couple announced their divorce in 2020, finalized by 2022. They now share custody of their three children. In 2016, Cavallari, at 37, released her lifestyle-oriented autobiography, Balancing in Heels. She has also authored two cookbooks, True Roots and True Comfort, both of which achieved New York Times bestseller status. Her appearance in the 2018 show Very Cavallari sparked numerous comments regarding her noticeably leaner figure. The show aired for three seasons, from 2018 to 2020, after which she acknowledged being thinner.
Unveiling the Weight Loss: Stress and its Impact
Amidst the commentary on her weight, Kristin Cavallari revealed that she weighed 114 lbs with a height of 5’3”. During the filming of Very Cavallari, her weight decreased to 102 pounds. She also mentioned that she has been eating the same quantity of food then and now. Cavallari attributed her significant weight loss to the stress and unhappiness stemming from her marriage. Research indicates that stress has wide-ranging effects on physiology and human behavior (1). Looking back at photos from that period, she admitted to appearing "extremely skinny," attributing the weight loss to stress and an overwhelming number of responsibilities. Stress can lead to abnormalities in food intake and fat storage, which subsequently causes weight changes (1). Cavallari has since emphasized her improved well-being and increased focus on self-care.
A Closer Look at Kristin Cavallari's Diet
Kristin claimed that her eating habits didn't change at all but still lost weight. Her marriage problems and subsequent stress toned her down naturally. In her book, Balancing in Heels, she discussed her past struggles with body image, recalling instances of food deprivation followed by weekend binges. She had tried every diet including the Zone Diet, the low-carb high-protein diet, and the grapefruit diet. Research states that all diets consist of reductions of some proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fats (2). She also mentioned experimenting with various diets, including the Atkins diet, even justifying eating only a block of cheese by claiming it aligned with the diet’s principles. The Atkins diet is a variant of the original ketogenic diet that started without a fast and any restrictions on calories, fluids, or protein. It is a diet that encourages the consumption of high-fat food (3). During her high school years, she also used to deprive herself of certain foods like sweets and carbs. She also limited calories to attain the body of her dreams. Cavallari used to be super strict with what she used to consume for five days a week. She limited herself to about 1,800 calories per day and ended up feeling hungry and unsatisfied. As per a research study, on average, a female should eat 2,000 calories daily to maintain her weight and limit her caloric intake to 1500 or less to lose 1 pound per week (4). On weekends, her diet included items such as grilled cheese, fries dipped in ranch dressing, ice cream, and red velvet cupcakes. This cycle did not result in weight loss and led to issues like acne and low energy.
Read also: How Kristin Cavallari manages stress and weight
A Shift in Perspective: Post-Pregnancy Wellness
After giving birth to her first child, she changed her mindset. She became more serious about her health after getting pregnant. Before pregrancy, she believed that zero-calorie food was good, however, her eating habits were not really helpful. She was under pressure to become thin and considered herself the worst critic. Moreover, she thought that counting calories might help her body, but post pregrancy, what she ate actually had an effect on her baby. Counting calories and increasing exercise has a noticeable effect on weight loss (4). She realized the importance of nourishing her body with wholesome foods.
The Importance of a Consistent Workout Routine
Kristin works out four to five days per week for an hour. One of those days she works out with a trainer to lift heavy weights and gain more muscle. She emphasizes consistency in her fitness regimen. Research states that a consistent fitness regimen and regular physical activity can help one stay healthy, energetic, and independent. Plus, it also plays a pivotal role in preventing health diseases and stroke (5). Even with a busy schedule, she ensures she works out at least two to three times a week. Research claims that increased physical activity is an essential component of a comprehensive weight-reduction strategy (2). While she acknowledged feeling guilty about past unhealthy habits, she now prioritizes rest as a crucial element of her overall health.
Read also: Sustainable Weight Loss Options