Rachel Keller's story is one of transformation, both internal and external. It's a narrative that goes beyond simple weight loss, encompassing career changes, self-discovery, and a powerful message about body positivity.
From Food Truck to Fargo: A Career Transformation
Before landing her breakout role in the second season of "Fargo," Rachel Keller was juggling three jobs in Los Angeles: nannying, hostessing, and serving juice at a food truck. A Minnesota native, she instinctively knew that the role in "Fargo" was meant for her. The role prompted her to quit all three jobs to fully embrace the opportunity to play a femme fatale in Noah Hawley’s Emmy-winning limited series.
After "Fargo," Keller transitioned to another Hawley project, the X-Men drama "Legion," showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her interest in comics began and ended with Calvin and Hobbes, which didn’t pose an issue for Hawley, who encouraged his actors not to read the Marvel source material. Starring opposite Downton Abbey alum Dan Stevens in the mind-bending thriller, Keller plays a scrappy, optimistic woman with mysterious abilities.
Embracing Imperfection and Redefining "Lead"
Keller's perspective on her body image is refreshingly honest. “When I look at my body, I’m like, ‘I’m a lead of a TV show?’ ” she says, embracing her "girl-next-door" image. This statement challenges conventional Hollywood standards and celebrates a more relatable and authentic portrayal of women on screen.
In "Legion," Keller plays Sydney "Syd" Barrett, a mutant whose power is both a gift and a curse: she cannot touch another human being without switching bodies with them. Keller sees Syd's reluctance to use her powers as a reflection of how women aren't always encouraged to express themselves fully. She explains that when Syd uses her power, it's often out of necessity, in a dire situation where she has something to offer.
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Unveiling the Layers of Syd: A Reflection of Societal Attitudes
Keller views Syd's character as a reflection of societal attitudes towards women, who she believes aren't always given the space to be messy, complicated, and imperfect. In the show, Syd grapples with the implications of using her body and giving it up to get something done. This internal conflict mirrors the challenges women face in asserting themselves and navigating a world that often imposes limitations on their self-expression.
Keller emphasizes that moments where young women are assertive often arise because they're forced to be. Syd's journey is one of experimentation, trying, and desperately hoping to help her friends and David be safe.
The Complex Relationship Between David and Syd
The relationship between David and Syd in "Legion" is a unique love story, two people on a journey of self-exploration while navigating extraordinary circumstances.
Keller describes them as young mutants who have been told something about themselves that has defined who they are. They are at a turning point where they need each other to ask questions about themselves: Who am I? What am I good for? How do I live a happy life with this gift I've been given?
Keller believes that the healthy aspect of their relationship is that they are learning to trust themselves, and therefore trying to trust each other.
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Legion's Unconventional Structure: A Call for Surrender
Keller acknowledges that "Legion's" unconventional structure may be off-putting to some viewers. However, she hopes that those who can observe that the storytelling is different will experience a sense of letting go, a surrender to the idea that what they thought was most important isn't.
She encourages viewers who feel uncomfortable to close their eyes and sit with themselves for a moment, suggesting that the show's challenging narrative can lead to introspection and a reevaluation of priorities.
Rachel's Weight Loss Journey: A Patient Spotlight
Beyond her acting career, Rachel's personal journey with weight loss is equally inspiring. Having lost over 100 pounds since August 2012, she emphasizes that her motivation was not to conform to societal standards but to achieve personal happiness and health.
Rachel's turning point was seeing herself in pictures and realizing that her perception of her appearance didn't match reality. She also recognized the potential health problems associated with being overweight.
She avoids discussing specific numbers, maintaining that her focus is on being at a healthy weight for herself.
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Key Strategies for Success
Rachel highlights the importance of consistent hydration and protein intake. She always ensures she has access to water and has become more aware of the vital role protein plays in her diet.
Inspired by coworkers who had lost weight through WeightWise, she sought their expertise and found a supportive environment with the doctors and staff.
The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition
Rachel Keller, MS, RD, a clinical dietitian at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, advocates for a plant-based diet for cancer prevention and treatment. She emphasizes that good nutrition alone could prevent nearly 25% of all cancer cases.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the New American Plate recommends vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans to make up at least two-thirds of each meal, with animal protein making up the rest.
Keller notes that a plant-based diet is high in dietary fiber, which improves bowel movements. She also debunks the misconception that plant-based diets lack protein, explaining that adequate protein intake is crucial for people undergoing cancer treatment.
She clarifies that vegetarian or vegan diets aren't necessarily better than a plant-based diet and may even create nutrition gaps. Keller recommends starting with small changes, such as reducing meat portions, making Mondays meatless, adding extra vegetables to meals, and experimenting with different grains.
It’s essential to monitor your protein intake, especially if you have cancer. The current recommended daily allowance for protein for most adults is 46 to 56 grams per day, and people with cancer may need more.
Supporting Cancer Patients Through Nutrition
Keller's work at Winship Cancer Institute focuses on educating people with cancer about the impact of nutrition on their health. She provides outpatient nutrition screenings, guidance on healthy eating, and personalized diets to manage treatment side effects.
She also hosts a monthly nutrition support group for patients, survivors, and their families, covering topics such as bone health and hydration during cancer treatment.
Little People and Body Liberation
Rachel Keller also participates in events like "Little People and Body Liberation," which promotes body positivity and inclusivity for people of all sizes. These events, hosted by organizations like the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), aim to change perceptions of fat and end size discrimination.