Sara Rue's journey is not just about shedding pounds; it's a testament to the power of self-love, perseverance, and a holistic approach to health. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of weight loss and body image. Since she dropped 50 pounds and became a Jenny Craig ambassador in 2010, Sara Rue's stunning weight-loss transformation has been inspiring others. Rue has been active in the weight-loss world ever since and even developed a weight-loss initiative with Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Early Struggles and Body Image Issues
Sara Rue's weight loss journey didn’t begin with a sudden decision to change; it started with years of battling body image issues and struggling to accept herself. Like many others, Sara had long been in the spotlight, where her appearance was scrutinized by the public. At her heaviest, Sara weighed around 200 pounds, and she openly admits that her weight was a source of insecurity. “I’ve struggled with body image my whole life. I didn’t like the way I looked, and I let that hold me back,” Sara shared in an interview.
The pressure to look a certain way was overwhelming, and Sara often turned to food for comfort. She recalls how her relationship with food wasn’t always healthy, and at times, she ate to fill an emotional void. “Food became a source of comfort for me,” she admitted. This emotional eating led to weight gain, and Sara found herself in a cycle of losing weight only to gain it back. “I would lose weight and feel good about myself for a short time, but then the old habits would creep back in,” she said.
The Turning Point
In 2009, Sara’s weight loss journey took a serious turn when she decided to make her health a priority. She was tired of feeling stuck and knew that her relationship with food and her body needed to change. “I knew I had to make a change,” Sara said. “It wasn’t about fitting into a certain dress size-it was about how I felt. I wanted to be healthy and feel confident in my own skin. Sara made the decision to join Jenny Craig, a weight-loss program that focuses on portion control and healthy eating. “I realized that I needed to do this for myself,” Sara explained. “I wasn’t doing it for anyone else.
Embracing a Balanced Diet
One of the key components of Sara’s weight loss journey was her shift to a balanced, sustainable diet. As part of the Jenny Craig program, she learned to focus on healthy eating, with an emphasis on portion control and eating foods that nourished her body. Her diet primarily consisted of lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. “I didn’t want to deprive myself. I still ate the foods I loved, but in moderation,” she shared. In addition to following a structured eating plan, Sara focused on being more mindful about her food choices. “I learned to eat slowly and savor every bite,” she said.
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Integrating Exercise as Self-Care
In addition to changing her eating habits, Sara also committed to regular exercise. However, unlike many people who jump into intense workout routines, Sara took a gentler approach to fitness. “I wasn’t about to kill myself at the gym. I wanted to move my body in a way that felt good,” she explained. “I started with walking and then worked my way up to more intense exercises. But the key for me was consistency. As her fitness journey progressed, Sara found that she enjoyed activities like Pilates and yoga, which helped her build strength and flexibility while also calming her mind. “Exercise became a form of self-care for me,” she said. Sara’s commitment to regular exercise helped her build muscle, increase her metabolism, and maintain her weight loss. “Exercise made me feel better physically and mentally.
Addressing Emotional Eating and Mental Health
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Sara’s weight loss journey was her work on mental health. “I had to confront the reasons behind my emotional eating,” Sara said. Sara sought therapy and began practicing mindfulness techniques to help manage her emotions in healthier ways. She also worked on building her self-esteem and learning to love herself at every stage of her journey. Through self-reflection, journaling, and therapy, Sara was able to break free from the emotional eating patterns that had held her back for so long. “It wasn’t just about losing weight-it was about healing from the inside,” she explained.
The Transformation and Lasting Impact
After months of hard work and dedication, Sara Rue successfully lost 50 pounds. The physical transformation was visible, but the most significant change came from within. Sara no longer felt weighed down by insecurity or emotional eating. “I feel so much more confident and in control of my life,” she said.
Sara’s weight loss journey also had a profound impact on her family life. She became a role model for her daughter, teaching her the importance of body positivity, healthy eating, and self-care. “I want my daughter to grow up with a healthy relationship with food and her body,” Sara shared. To encourage a healthy relationship with food, Hallmark actor Sara Rue told Yahoo! Entertainment that she avoids using negative language about specific foods. "I never say, 'This is good for you, this is bad for you' - ever," she said. "There's a lot of diversion. I can still get away with, 'Hey, look at this pretty butterfly,' which I do sometimes [laughs]. But it's all positive. 'Yes, that does look yummy, but you know what else looks yummy? This apple. In addition to positive reinforcement through her word choices, Rue teaches her daughter how to eat healthily by example. The "Impastor" actor said she'll opt for "fun" veggie choices, like multi-colored heirloom carrots, to keep healthy eating exciting for her young daughter. "I'm not going to say there aren't nights where she has mac and cheese," the actor admitted. "There are. I'm a working mom. I live in reality. I don't have a personal chef. Just as actor, producer, and weight-loss ambassador Sara Rue inspires her daughter, Talulah Rue (pictured here with her stepfather, Kevin Price, and adopted sister, Adelaide Price), to make mindful, healthy choices, Talulah also serves as her mother's source of inspiration. "I'm more motivated than ever to stay on course because I'm now a mom," Rue said in an interview with Cosmopolitan. The former "Shedding for the Wedding" host told Cosmopolitan that she'll use Talulah as encouragement on days where committing to her health journey proves extra difficult. "If I have a bad food day, I look at my daughter, and I'm like, 'I made this beautiful, perfect creature.
Rue told Yahoo! that she opts for a non-diet approach to eating, choosing to focus on conscious, mindful eating as opposed to intense restriction. Still, maintaining a healthy body weight and diet is challenging for many people - Rue included. "It's hard. It's a struggle," Rue told People.
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Sara Rue's Initiative with Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Deerfield, Ill., October 12, 2015 - In the United States, approximately 66 percent of women aged 20 and older are estimated as overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Obesity, which is a chronic disease, raises the risk of serious conditions, such as morbidity from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. When asked who they turn to for support during their journey to lose weight, only 4% of women surveyed said they turn to their doctor. Like many others, Sara Rue has struggled with her weight throughout her life, and it wasn’t until she was in her 30s that she decided to make a long-term change. “We all have that moment when we sit back and think about where we want to be in 5 to 10 years. I saw a certain image of myself - one that was healthy and comfortable in my own body, but that wasn’t my reality at the time. I knew I had to take action,” said Rue. “I’m partnering with Takeda on Resolve Now: Stay Ahead of the Curve to be an advocate for these women who are struggling with their weight. We want to encourage them to get a jump start on the temptations associated with the holiday season, and resolve now to stay ahead of the curve by talking with their doctor and beginning or continuing their journey to lose weight, rather than waiting for the New Year.”
“Obesity is a very personal struggle, and it’s not always a matter of not trying,” said Dr. Holly Wyatt, an endocrinologist and Medical Director of the Wellness Clinic at the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. “In my practice, I’ve found that what works for one woman might not work for another. While diet and exercise are core elements of every weight loss plan, sometimes they aren’t enough and it might be time to consider talking with your doctor.”
Sara Rue encourages women to visit iResolveNow.com to enter a contest to share their personal story about their journey to lose weight. Two runners-up will also receive a wireless fitness tracker and a gift card to a sports and fitness store. The Weight Loss Resolutions Survey was conducted via telephone in the United States with 305 women, age 18 or older, who self-reported as overweight or obese. Participants were asked up to 12 questions delving into their weight loss resolutions, motivations, challenges, support systems and discussions with healthcare providers about making a weight loss plan. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to strive towards better health for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. The company has a commercial presence covering around 70 countries, with particular strength in Asia, North America, Europe and fast-growing emerging markets including Latin America, Russia-CIS and China. Takeda is ranked 15th globally. Areas of focus include cardiovascular and metabolic, oncology, respiratory and immunology, central nervous system, general medicine, and vaccines. Through the integration of Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Nycomed, Takeda has been transforming itself, broadening its therapeutic expertise and geographic outreach. marketing and sales organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
Lessons and Inspiration from Other Celebrities
Sara Rue is not alone in her weight loss journey. Many other celebrities have also shared their experiences, offering inspiration and practical advice.
- Rebel Wilson: After declaring 2020 her “Year of Health,” Rebel Wilson lost 60+ pounds by adopting a new diet and fitness routine. She reportedly started the Mayr Method, which cuts down on dairy, gluten, sugar, and caffeine. The actress also hits he gym six to seven days a week focusing on cardio, strength training, HIIT, and mobility. Previously, Wilson opened up about battling emotional eating. Now that she's reached her goal, she subscribes to the sentiment that “nothing is forbidden” when it comes to food. “I'm just trying to go for overall balance,” she told People.
- Adele: Adele is very private about her personal life, which makes it unsurprising that she hasn’t publicly addressed her weight loss, aside from a slight joke about her “different” appearance while hosting Saturday Night Live in October 2020. According to Us Weekly, the British singer hired a personal trainer and has been doing 60-minute workouts that involve cardio, circuit training, and Pilates. The star is reportedly following the Sirtfood diet as well. “She really wants to be healthy and set a good example for her son,” a source close to Adele told Us.
- Ree Drummond: In a candid post on The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond revealed that “skinny has not been my primary goal,” but she was motivated to feel better and gain energy. She firmly expressed that she didn’t rely on fad diets like keto or even use a personal trainer. Instead, she simply focused on eating fewer calories, weighing out her portions, exercising with daily walks, Pilates, and her rowing machine to build muscle, and loading up on protein instead of sugar and alcohol. After losing 43 pounds, she insists that “feeling good is really all that matters… the weigh-ins are becoming less and less important to me.”
- Tim McGraw: In 2008, after Tim McGraw’s daughter showed concern for his health, the country star decided to make some changes by giving up alcohol and hitting the gym. He told Men’s Health that he initially started exercising with light walks in the morning, which then progressed into 20-minute runs and eventually turned into lifting weights. “It wasn’t like I was trying to lose 40 pounds, I was just wanting to get healthy,” he told People. “For me, it is more about feeling good and being where I want to be physically and on stage.”
- Ayesha Curry: As a celebrity chef, Ayesha Curry knows a thing or two about cooking delicious food, and the star explained on Instagram that she follows a mindful diet. “I’m really into portion control over any kind of diet, and try to stick to nourishing, delicious food in moderation,” she said. Curry also partnered with Fitbit to level up her fitness, focusing on cardio, strength training, and HIIT bodyweight workouts. The result? Curry revealed in September 2020 that she lost 35 pounds.
- Christina Aguilera: The Liberation singer and former Voice judge lost 50 pounds in 2015. Her secret: Taking time off from her hectic schedule. “Without the grueling production hours, Christina can focus on her music and her son and most important on herself,” a source told People. “It’s amazing what having some personal time can do, not only for the body but also for the mind and the spirit. She has been trying new types of foods and exploring new methods of exercise. Not for diet or weight, but more for her mind and well-being and overall sense of good health.”
- Jessica Simpson: In September 2019, Jessica Simpson shared on her Instagram that she lost 100 pounds six months after giving birth to her daughter, Birdie Mae. She worked with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, who gave the 40-year-old singer five things to focus on every day to help her stay accountable. Those things included walking 12,000 steps per day, getting at least seven hours of sleep, enjoying three full meals and two snacks daily, and doing circuit training workouts three to four days a week.
- Andy Cohen: Watch What Happens Live! host Andy Cohen revealed that he lost 12 pounds in three months after he stopped drinking alcohol and made some changes to his diet. So if you think limiting your alcohol intake won’t make a difference in your weight loss, think again. Cohen said he was inspired to change his lifestyle in summer of 2019. “I had a moment where I was like, I really felt like my suits were getting tight and it was beach season and I was wearing like button-downs to the beach,” Cohen said while co-hosting Today with Hoda Kotb. Since he lost the weight, Cohen says he’s been more mindful about what he eats.
- Simon Cowell: In 2019, Simon Cowell revealed that he lost about 20 pounds in an effort to be healthier, which was inspired by a scary fall he took in 2017 due to low blood pressure. Since then, the America’s Got Talent judge stopped eating dairy, wheat, and sugar, and became a vegan. “I cut out a lot of the stuff I shouldn’t have been eating and that was primarily meat, dairy, wheat, sugar-those were the four main things,” he said in an interview with The Sun.
- Drew Barrymore: In February 2020, Drew Barrymore shared with her Instagram followers that she lost 20 pounds and “trained like a mother” with trainer Marnie Alton, who helped overhaul her diet and exercise routine. In a “Wellness Week” Instagram post, Barrymore said she focuses on full body workouts that target cardio, abs, bands, weights, and stretching. Despite her hard work, the actress admitted on Instagram that her weight fluctuates-and she’s fine with it. “I go up and I go down. The rollercoaster of my body is a challenging, but beautiful ride,” she said, adding that her true purpose is to raise her daughters. “So whatever the aftermath on my body, well bring it on!”
- Al Roker: Gastric bypass surgery helped Al Roker lose over 150 pounds, and now, the Today host eats mostly a high-protein and low-carb diet. “I used to look at a pint of Häagen-Dazs and call it a serving size. News. “I’m more in control-and I’m controlling food.” He also told Runner’s World he began running in 2010 and ran the New York City Marathon that same year.
- Drew Carey: As someone who has diabetes, Carey learned that giving up alcohol was his fast-track to getting healthier and losing weight. Now, he’s fulfilling the life-long decision to cut back on drinking as well as carbs, and hit the gym on a regular basis for 45 minutes of cardio, according to People. Because of that choice, he’s lost 100 pounds since 2010.
- Gabourey Sidibe: Another actress who decided to go for bariatric surgery, Gabourey Sidibe, 37, said her decision to get the surgery came down to her diabetes diagnosis and struggles with years of trying to lose weight. “I’m glad that I finally realized that the surgery wasn’t the easy way out,” she told People. “I wasn’t cheating by getting it done. I wouldn’t have been able to lose as much as I’ve lost without it.”
- Jennifer Hudson: Former American Idol contestant, singer, and actor, Hudson has stunned on the red carpet and across award shows for years. She lost 80 pounds post-Idol and has maintained the weight loss. According to Good Housekeeping, she pays close attention to what she puts in her body, with a focus on portion control.
- Jimmy Kimmel: Intermittent fasting is certainly a trendy diet right now, but it’s also the way talk show host Kimmel maintains his weight. He follows the 5:2 method, meaning two days a week he eats less than 500 calories, he told Men’s Journal.
- Jordin Sparks: Jordin Sparks lost 50 pounds in 18 months after snagging the American Idol title. She explained to Redbook that it came down to focusing on healthier choices rather than trying to become a certain size. She started walking more (and eventually started exercising with a trainer) and keeping an eye on portion sizes.
- John Goodman: Goodman experienced significant weight fluctuations throughout his career, and has leveled out a bit over the last 10 years. His first step to weight loss was cutting out alcohol. Then, he overhauled his diet, focusing on lean meats, fruits, veggies, and protein shakes, and eventually hired a personal trainer. He’s lost (and kept off) more than 100 pounds.
- Kelly Clarkson: Kelly Clarkson has been open about her 37-pound weight loss, which she credits to following The Plant Paradox by Steven R. Gundry, which is pretty controversial. Clarkson says she started following the diet for medical reasons, though, and not specifically to lose weight. “I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up. I’m not on medicine anymore because of this book,” she told Today.
- Janet Jackson: Going on tour takes a certain level of fitness-and Janet makes it look easy, even at 54. Her trainer, Paula Sybliss revealed to E! News that they started prepping for life on the road (with a goal to shape up) just six weeks after Janet gave birth to daughter Eissa in January 2017.
Overcoming Shame and Embracing Self-Acceptance
"I can sympathize with women who avoid the beach because they don't want to put on a bathing suit," said Rue. "That was me for most of my life. I missed out on so many fun experiences because I was ashamed and embarrassed of how I looked in a swimsuit, but eventually I got to the point where I didn't want my weight to define me anymore, so I did something about it. Now I feel like there's nothing holding me back. "If you would have told me one year ago that I would be in a national commercial in a bikini, I would have thought you were crazy," laughed Rue. "But now, I feel so confident and comfortable. What woman doesn't want to feel comfortable in a swimsuit? To prepare for the bikini shoot, Rue focused on achieving a balance of being healthy, happy and fit, while exercising in moderation approximately four days a week. "Any God-fearing woman preparing to get into a swimsuit for a national commercial would of course be more diligent about her diet and exercise, but I always work out in moderation and eat a healthy diet thanks to what I've learned on the Jenny Craig program," said Rue. "I strongly believe that it's not about being thin; it's about being comfortable in my skin. I love my curves, and I don't want to lose them by overdoing it. Rue looks forward to embarking on her honeymoon after her May 2011 wedding. "Before the weight loss, I dreaded wedding dress shopping because I was worried about my size," said Rue. "Now, I am standing in front of America in a bikini, and I feel so liberated. A self-described "emotional eater," Rue struggled with the cycle of losing and gaining weight, slimming down with various fad diets throughout her teens and twenties, only to regain the weight she lost. "Losing 50 pounds and maintaining it for eight months is the greatest feeling," said Rue. "There were times throughout my journey when I wasn't sure if I could do it because I had never been successful in the past. As I kept going, my perspective changed and I learned that Jenny Craig really is sustainable. You have a personal consultant who gives you a foundation to build your eating habits on, including a plan B if you slip up occasionally.
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The Importance of Professional Guidance
*Jenny Craig clients, on average, lose 1-2 pounds per week. With its tailored YourStyle® program, Jenny Craig is committed to a personalized approach to weight loss by offering each client a one-on-one weekly consultation and a customized weight management plan designed to optimize individual success.
Sara Rue: Actress and Advocate
Sara Rue is a critically-acclaimed actress best known for the roles she played as Claudia Casey on the sitcom Less Than Perfect and Carmen Ferrara on the comedy-drama Popular. Born and raised in New York City, Sara spent most of her childhood backstage with her parents, who were very active in the Broadway theatre community. Sara's acting career began at age nine, when she was cast as Kevin Spacey's daughter and Burt Lancaster's granddaughter in the film Rocket Gibraltar. Rue has guest-starred on TV shows Will & Grace as Joyce, the sister of Grace Adler (Debra Messing), in Two and a Half Men, alongside Charlie Sheen and in The Big Bang Theory as Dr. Stephanie Barnett, the love interest of Leonard (Johnny Galecki). Apart from her roles on TV, Rue has also acquired work on the big screen. She starred as Sigourney Weaver's cellmate in A Map of the World and appeared as a scene-stealing social misfit in Can't Hardly Wait alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt. Sara was also cast in Pearl Harbor as a tough-talking nurse. Originally there was no role for the young actress, but she so impressed Michael Bay that he flew her to Hawaii, threw her in the scenes with the nurses, and told her to "improvise and be funny," which she did.