Shannon Beador, known for her role on "The Real Housewives of Orange County," has openly shared her weight loss journey with the public. Her experiences offer insights into the challenges of weight management and the various strategies one can employ. This article delves into Shannon's weight loss tips, examining their validity and providing a balanced perspective on achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Shannon Beador's Weight Gain and Motivation
During season 12 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," Shannon revealed that she had gained 40 pounds due to marital issues. "That stress caused me to eat more, caused me to drink more, and that’s a huge part of why I gained my weight,” she explained. A visit to a holistic specialist further revealed that her body-fat percentage had risen to 40 percent, a concerning figure considering the healthy range for women is between 20 and 25 percent.
Driven by a desire to regain her health and well-being, Shannon committed to losing the extra weight. Her journey has been marked by various approaches, some of which have been met with skepticism from health professionals.
Shannon Beador's Diet and Exercise Routine
Shannon's daily diet is relatively flexible. Her day typically starts with water, hormone pills, and a protein shake. Lunch, which consists of a salad topped with protein, is consumed whenever she feels hungry. Dinner follows a similar pattern, featuring protein, vegetables, and a small amount of starch. Shannon has also admitted to drinking tequila with dinner.
In addition to her diet, Shannon incorporates exercise into her routine.
Read also: The Truth Behind Shannon Beador's Transformation
A Critical Look at Shannon's Weight Loss Tips
While Shannon Beador has shared numerous weight loss tips, it's important to evaluate their effectiveness and scientific backing. Dr. Holly Lofton, director of the medical weight-management Program at NYU Langone Health, has analyzed Shannon's Instagram feed, offering valuable insights into the legitimacy of her methods.
1. Exercise
Shannon exercises for 30 minutes a day. Dr. Lofton supports regular physical activity, recommending at least 150 minutes of exercise per week for weight loss. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in workouts that elevate the heart rate into the "aerobic" zone, which is beneficial for both weight loss and overall health.
2. Supplements
Shannon takes supplements. Dr. Lofton advises against relying on supplements for weight loss. She asserts that "there's no evidence that taking vitamins and supplements increases weight-loss results.” Instead, she recommends obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet consisting of whole foods, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The only exception is for individuals with specific nutrient absorption issues, in which case a doctor-recommended supplement routine may be necessary.
3. Detox Teas
Shannon drinks detox tea. Dr. Lofton strongly advises against detox teas or juices for weight loss, noting that their sugar content can hinder weight loss efforts. Furthermore, she points out that the body has its own natural detoxification systems, and over-reliance on fluids for nutrients can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
4. Sweat Belts
Shannon uses a sweat belt. Dr. Lofton clarifies that "sweat belts cause water loss, not weight loss." Any weight reduction observed while using a sweat belt is temporary and will be regained upon rehydration.
Read also: Sharpe's Diet and Exercise Plan
5. Cupping Therapy
Shannon undergoes cupping therapy. Dr. Lofton suggests that cupping therapy may aid in muscle recovery after workouts but is unlikely to have a significant impact on weight loss. "My understanding is that it helps with inflammation over muscle areas-not that it has weight-loss benefits,” says Lofton.
6. Workout Buddy
Shannon has a workout buddy. Dr. Lofton highly recommends having a workout buddy, as it increases adherence to a healthy routine. Research supports the notion that social support can positively influence weight loss efforts.
7. Meal-Replacement Shakes
Shannon drinks meal-replacement shakes. Dr. Lofton is cautiously optimistic about meal-replacement shakes, advising that they should contain vitamins and minerals rather than excessive sugar or chemicals. She suggests ensuring that the shake provides at least 30% of the daily B-Complex vitamins. While adding fruits and vegetables may seem beneficial, it can lead to weight gain if carbohydrate intake exceeds protein intake. "Getting more carbs than protein increases fat-storage hormones and can make you hungry sooner,” says Lofton.
Additional Insights into Shannon's Weight Loss Journey
Shannon Beador's weight loss journey has been intertwined with her personal and professional life. Her separation from her husband and subsequent concerns about supporting her family have added to the pressure. She shared, “I’ve had an internal rollercoaster of a weight issue,”
Shannon's efforts to launch a career with QVC have also been a factor. She participated in a training program where she had to describe food products on television, highlighting the challenges of conveying taste and smell through visual media.
Read also: Skalla's Weight Loss Journey
Maintaining Weight Loss
Shannon Beador revealed how she maintains her 24-pound weight loss. Her approach includes a combination of diet and exercise. She typically starts her day with egg whites, followed by a lunch of salad with lean protein, and a dinner of vegetables and protein.