Laura Prepon, known for her roles in Orange Is the New Black and That '70s Show, has embarked on a journey into the world of nutrition and wellness. Her experiences with weight gain, digestive issues, and fatigue led her to co-author The Stash Plan with nutritionist Elizabeth Troy, R.D. The book aims to empower individuals to take control of their health through mindful eating and meal preparation.
Prepon's Personal Struggles and the Quest for a Solution
Prepon's struggles with weight and body image began in her 20s. She experienced unexplained weight gain, inflammation, and a lack of energy. She spent considerable time and money seeking answers from doctors, but no one could identify the root cause of her problems. This led her down a path of crash diets and frustration.
"I was the queen of crash diets," Prepon admits. She even resorted to extreme measures, such as injecting herself with HCG, a hormone secreted by pregnant women, in an attempt to trick her body into burning fat. This dangerous and ineffective method only led to hormonal imbalances and further weight gain.
The Turning Point: Meeting Elizabeth Troy and Embracing a New Philosophy
The turning point in Prepon's journey came when she met Elizabeth Troy, an integrative nutritionist, yoga instructor, and practitioner of Chinese Meridian Theory. Troy's philosophy centered on supporting the liver and gallbladder, the two organs responsible for burning fat and detoxifying the body.
Troy identified Prepon's liver and gallbladder as "stuck" and unable to process nutritious food effectively, hindering her weight loss and health goals. Together, they developed a new eating strategy that focused on minimally processed, organic, non-GMO foods.
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The Stash Plan: A Practical Approach to Healthy Eating
The core principle of The Stash Plan is meal prepping. Prepon and Troy advocate for preparing meals twice a week - on Sundays and Wednesdays - to ensure a steady supply of healthy, homemade food. This allows individuals to "stash" their meals and maintain control over their diet, even when on the go.
"We teach you to stash at home and bring your food with you so you’re in control of what you’re eating and how it’s going to make you feel," Prepon explains.
The meal plans emphasize a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates (such as brown rice and sweet potatoes), and vegetables. Bone broth is also a regular component of the plan.
The 80/20 Rule: Flexibility and Moderation
While the plan emphasizes healthy eating, it also incorporates the "80/20 rule," allowing for occasional indulgences. Prepon believes that it's important to enjoy life and not be overly restrictive with food.
“I put brown sugar in my tea. There’s nothing wrong with sugar. You have to be able to have fun and live your life," she says.
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Beyond Diet: The Importance of Exercise and Stretching
In addition to diet, The Stash Plan emphasizes the importance of exercise. However, instead of high-intensity workouts, Prepon and Troy recommend a combination of light cardio, such as running, biking, or walking, and Troy's Stretching Muscle Meridian Method, a 20-minute daily routine detailed in the book.
Prepon replaced her high-intensity gym sessions with stretching workouts. “I’m in the best shape of my life,” she told PEOPLE. “Once we had the breakthrough with the stretching in combination with the food, it legitimately changed everything for me. I worked out more than anyone I knew!
Prepon's Current Lifestyle: A Testament to the Plan's Success
Today, Prepon, at 44, is a testament to the success of The Stash Plan. She maintains a healthy lifestyle through mindful eating, regular exercise, and a focus on overall well-being.
She often shares her fitness routines on social media, encouraging her followers to prioritize their health. In one post, she shared a video of herself doing low-impact strength training exercises, writing, “I always try to get in a sweat before work… what gets you ready for the day?🏋🏻♀️ #GetYourPrepOn #PrepOn.”
Prepon also relies on tools like her Vitamix blender and slow cooker to simplify meal preparation. She uses her Vitamix to make soups and smoothies, and her slow cooker to prepare bone broth, a staple in her diet.
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Key Takeaways from Laura Prepon's Weight Loss Journey
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: Prioritize minimally processed, organic, non-GMO foods to support your liver and gallbladder.
- Meal prep for success: Prepare meals in advance to maintain control over your diet and avoid unhealthy choices when you're busy or on the go.
- Embrace the 80/20 rule: Allow for occasional indulgences to maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to eating.
- Incorporate gentle exercise: Combine light cardio with stretching to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and support overall health.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how different foods and activities make you feel, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
- Kitchen Confidence: Anybody can cook.
- Mindful Eating: Eat in a way that supports your liver and gallbladder.
The Dangers of Extreme Dieting: A Cautionary Tale
Prepon's experience with the HCG diet serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme dieting. The FDA has ruled over-the-counter diet products containing HCG illegal due to their ineffectiveness and potential health risks. Very low-calorie diets, like the one Prepon followed, can lead to gallstone formation, electrolyte imbalances, and irregular heartbeats. Furthermore, introducing unnecessary hormones into the body can disrupt hormonal balance.