Mariah Carey, a five-time Grammy Award-winning artist and a living legend, has always been in the public eye, not only for her groundbreaking music career but also for her openness about her personal life. This includes her marriages, her twin children, Monroe and Moroccan, and her journey with postpartum weight loss.
Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss
In November 2011, approximately seven months after the birth of her twins, Carey appeared on The Rosie Show, discussing the challenges she faced during pregnancy and her subsequent weight loss. She described her pregnancy as "really tough," noting that she was supposed to be on bed rest, but even that was painful.
One of Carey's primary discomforts during pregnancy was swelling and water retention. She explained that she experienced significant edema, with swelling affecting more than just her feet, a common issue for many pregnant women.
The Jenny Craig Diet Plan
After breastfeeding her twins until July, Carey embarked on the Jenny Craig diet plan. This program provided prepackaged, portion-controlled meals and snacks. Carey reported losing 40 pounds in the first week, which she attributed to the loss of water weight.
It's important to note that postpartum weight loss is a common and normal phenomenon. Immediately after delivery, women typically lose 10 to 13 pounds due to the expulsion of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. In the weeks following birth, the body continues to shed water weight, resulting in an additional loss of five to eight pounds.
Read also: How Mariah Carey Lost Weight
Focusing on Health, Not Just Weight Loss
Carey emphasized that her weight loss journey was primarily about health. She stated that she learned the importance of health when she felt helpless and vulnerable during her pregnancy. She also mentioned that she made sure to snack and wasn't restricting herself too much.
Eschewing the Scale
Carey revealed that she avoided using a scale, relying instead on how her clothes fit and how she felt. She explained that she would gauge her progress by whether she could fit into a dress she had worn three years prior.
Medical experts agree that relying on the fit of non-stretchy clothes can be a more holistic and effective way to track progress. The number on the scale can fluctuate due to various factors and can negatively impact one's mood.
Dietary Preferences and Habits
Carey has shared several insights into her dietary preferences and habits over the years.
High-Protein Diet
In an interview with E! News, Carey mentioned that she tries to adhere to a high-protein diet. She jokingly lamented that she mostly eats salmon, which can become monotonous, but she acknowledged that it "works." Consuming protein-rich meals can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Prioritizing Diet Over Exercise
Carey stated in a 2012 interview that her diet is primarily responsible for her ability to stay in shape, attributing 90% of her weight loss to her dietary choices.
Avoiding Processed Sugar
According to sources, Carey avoids excessive consumption of processed sugar. This has been a significant factor in her success. While natural sugars found in fruits and milk are acceptable and often accompanied by essential nutrients like fiber, added sugars in candy, cookies, and cereals should be limited due to their potential to cause energy crashes and weight gain.
Consulting a Nutritionist
When Carey decided to get in shape, she sought guidance from a nutritionist. Consulting a professional can help individuals develop healthy eating habits for long-term well-being.
Fruit as a Sweet Craving Substitute
Carey reportedly replaced chocolate and other sweets with fruit when cravings arose. She would opt for small portions of blueberries or mangoes.
Emphasis on Whole Foods
A source revealed that Carey focuses on eating clean, whole foods, with a strong emphasis on vegetables.
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Carb Restriction
When aiming to lose weight, Carey reduced her carbohydrate and bread intake. While this approach may not be suitable for everyone, it can be a component of a weight loss strategy.
Wine in Moderation
Carey enjoys a glass of red or white wine at the end of a long day, considering it a guilty pleasure she is unlikely to give up.
Frequent Small Meals
Instead of consuming three large meals daily, Carey aims for several smaller meals throughout the day.
Organic Foods
Carey prioritizes organic vegetables, meat, and fish in her diet.
Fitness Routine
Carey incorporates specific exercises into her routine to maintain her physique.
Regular Walks
Despite not being a fan of gyms, Carey makes an effort to take a brisk walk every day, even if it's on a treadmill.
Swimming
Carey enjoys swimming, which she considers an effective workout due to the water's resistance. She told Oprah that working out in the pool is exercising twice as hard without feeling it.
Varied Workouts
Carey told Oprah that her workouts typically last 60 to 90 minutes and include a combination of cardio and resistance training.
Toning Specific Body Parts
To tone specific body parts, such as her arms, Carey utilizes her body weight and stretches to create long, lean lines.
Minimizing Oil and Butter
Carey's chef-slash-nutritionist, Patricia Gay, tries to cook her food without using oil and butter.
Embracing Her Shape
Carey has expressed the importance of loving oneself, inside and out. She once told Oprah Winfrey, "I think people expecting everybody to be this thin is ridiculous. It just isn't reality."
Sex as Exercise
Carey has jokingly mentioned that sex is her favorite form of exercise.
Weight Fluctuations and Surgical Intervention
Six years after giving birth to her children, Mariah Carey experienced weight gain again. In 2017, sources reported that she underwent gastric sleeve surgery. The decision was influenced by online criticism about her weight.
Following the surgery, Carey reportedly lost over 30 pounds with the help of the procedure and a diet that included salmon and chicken broth.
The Celebration of Mimi and Ongoing Fitness
In early 2024, Carey announced "The Celebration of Mimi" residency in Las Vegas. She shared photos on Instagram, showcasing her toned figure in body-hugging dresses. The success of the residency led to an extension and a worldwide tour.
Early Career Fitness
In 2008, Carey released her album "E=MC²" and revealed that she had lost 20 pounds. She emphasized that it was a significant accomplishment, even if it only meant going from a size 8 to a size 2.
Carey credited her body transformation to discipline and a portion-controlled diet devised by her trainer and nutritionist, Patricia Gay. The diet consisted of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 calories per day, with restrictions on butter and a focus on drinking up to three liters of water daily. She also engaged in up to one and a half hours of exercise, sometimes every day, including Pilates-based mat moves and water aerobics.
Post-Twins Weight Loss in Detail
After giving birth to twins in 2011, Carey lost 30 pounds with the help of Jenny (formerly Jenny Craig). She started with a 1,500-calorie-a-day menu and thrice-weekly workouts in July, gradually decreasing to 1,200 calories a day a month later.
Carey emphasized the importance of portion control and making healthy choices, such as opting for popcorn and cheese curls as snacks and limiting herself to one S'mores Bar instead of five. She also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of the advising sessions and the importance of nutrition.