Reba McEntire, the reigning Queen of Country, has captivated audiences for over four decades with her powerful voice and charismatic presence. From her debut single in 1976 to her current role as a coach on "The Voice," McEntire has maintained a remarkable career across music, film, television, and even fashion. At 68, she continues to inspire fans with her energy and glamour, leading many to wonder about her health and fitness secrets.
Reba's Approach to Fitness
McEntire emphasizes a holistic approach to health, incorporating both exercise and mindful eating. She told "Extra's" Mario Lopez that there is no one method to her success. Instead, she focuses on morning workouts that include push-ups, sit-ups, and stretching to get her "body and blood pumping."
Reba's Daily Diet
Fruits and Vegetables
Reba understands the importance of incorporating enough fruits and vegetables into her diet. In a 2015 interview with WebMD, she mentioned her commitment to healthy eating, including a daily dose of fruits and greens. The American Heart Association recommends four to five servings of each per day, and Reba strives to meet this goal.
Ginger Smoothies
Ginger is a staple in Reba's diet. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for digestion, ginger is a key ingredient in her smoothies. "Ginger is good for everything!" she told First For Women. "We do a lot of smoothies with ginger, protein powder, vitamins, carrots, and beets. The benefit is quick; you don't have to wait for a pill that's in your stomach to dissolve. Smoothies absorb quickly and leave me feeling great."
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are another essential component of Reba's diet. These healthy fats, found in nuts, seeds, plant, and fish oils, are known to lower blood pressure, reduce plaque buildup in arteries, and support a healthy heart rhythm. In her 2015 WebMD interview, McEntire noted that she gets her omega-3s from salmon and supplements.
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Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and skin vitality, and Reba prioritizes water intake. She also incorporates aloe vera juice and coconut water into her hydration routine. In a 2014 social media post, she shared that her mother enjoys coconut water, suggesting it as an alternative for those who don't like plain water. Coconut water provides the same hydration as regular water, but has nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and antioxidants.
Reba's Culinary Indulgences
Mexican Food
Despite her focus on healthy eating, Reba enjoys her cheat meals. Mexican food is her top choice for a decadent meal. She told People that she loves Mexican food. She not only enjoys dining out for Mexican cuisine but also prepares her own Southwestern-style meals at home, including her famous Mexican cornbread. "I make a bean dish with turkey meat and corn and green beans and pinto beans, and then I make a Mexican cornbread, which is kind of spicy," she told Parade. "I love that, and if you put a little fried potatoes in there and a big old glass of iced tea, I'm a happy camper."
Cracker Barrel
As an Oklahoma native, Reba has a fondness for Cracker Barrel, known for its Southern-style comfort food. "It's feel-good food," she commented. "Probably not a place you go when you're on a diet, but I always find something to eat there no matter what my weight level. If I'm doing really good, I can have the chicken and dumplings. And if not, I'll have the veggie plate." Her clothing line, Rockin' R Reba, was even available at Cracker Barrel stores.
Sonic Drive-In
Reba has a soft spot for Sonic Drive-In. When asked about her "death row meal" by Country Music Television, she immediately answered, "Sonic #1 cheeseburger." She also mentioned Sonic when asked about a recipe for tater tots on "Late Night With Seth Meyers," joking that the best way to get them is to drive to the nearest Sonic.
KFC
In 2018, Reba became the first female Colonel Sanders in a series of KFC commercials. She enthusiastically embraced the role, stating, "Who wouldn't want to be the Colonel Sanders?" She told reporters at the 2018 Grammy Awards that she had grown up with Kentucky Fried Chicken all her life. She even posted a photo of herself in a sparkling jumpsuit holding a container of fried chicken, captioned "Winner winner chicken tender!!!"
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Reba embraces her cravings and doesn't deprive herself of simple pleasures. After what she called "a rough day," Reba posted a photo of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "Don't be jealous," the description read, "And don't judge me! I had a rough day."
Reba's Recipes
Cornbread
Reba's love for food is evident in her cookbook, "Not That Fancy," released in 2023. The book features stories from her life and career, along with many of her favorite recipes. Cornbread is a staple in her kitchen, reflecting her Southern roots. "This is hands-down my favorite food," she says in the book. "I've loved pinto beans and cornbread forever. And I still love them. This is the 'fancy' version we make at the restaurant, but you don't need a fancy occasion to enjoy them." This dish has even appeared on the menu at her restaurant, Reba's Place.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Reba's Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is one of her most well-known recipes. She unapologetically names sweet potatoes as the superior Thanksgiving side dish, sharing this traditionally Southern dish with the world.
The "Fit for Life" Diet
In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, Reba shared that she followed the "Fit for Life" diet in the early '90s. This diet involves several key principles:
- Don't mix carbs and protein: McEntire explained that one of the basic principles of the Fit for Life diet is to not mix carbs and protein.
- Avoid sugar: McEntire avoids sugar.
- Avoid white foods: McEntire avoided eating white foods like rice, pasta, and bread.
- Pair carbs with veggies: When McEntire does have carbs, she pairs them with veggies.
Reba's Current Approach: Portion Control
These days, the country singer takes a different approach to staying healthy. “Portion control works best for me now,” she said adding, “I do like to go on vacations and that’s when I really splurge. I love Mexican food - chips, salsa, and guacamole. And then chicken enchiladas and a really neat dessert.
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