Simon Cowell, the renowned music mogul and television personality, has captured public attention not only for his sharp critiques and talent scouting but also for his remarkable physical transformation. Over the past few years, Cowell has embarked on a journey of weight loss and lifestyle changes, inspiring many with his dedication and results. This article delves into the specifics of Simon Cowell's diet and exercise routine, exploring the motivations, methods, and impact of his transformation.
Motivation for Change
Cowell's decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle was significantly influenced by his son, Eric. As he shared with Us Weekly, his then six-year-old son's boundless energy motivated him to keep up and participate in activities like football and go-karting. Cowell recognized the need to maintain his energy levels as he approached his 60s.
Dietary Changes
Cutting Out Key Food Groups
One of the most significant aspects of Cowell's transformation has been his commitment to dietary changes. In April 2022, he told The Sun that his weight loss was due to a revised diet, eliminating dairy, sugar, bread, all gluten, and red meat. He emphasized that "Cutting all that out is what has made a difference, genuinely."
Cowell also acknowledged that he used to indulge in less healthy options. The X Factor creator told the publication that while he "used to binge on sausage rolls, hamburgers and his favorite jam tarts made by his personal chefs," he now has been able to "drop four waist sizes" by removing these foods from his intake.
Plant-Based Diet
Initially, Cowell adopted a predominantly vegan diet in 2019, which led to an initial weight loss of 20 pounds, according to The Mirror. This move towards plant-based eating further supports his commitment to healthier choices.
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Current Diet
According to The Express, Cowell continues to avoid the previously mentioned foods and frequently consumes lean proteins like chicken and turkey, along with plenty of salads and vegetables.
Limiting Alcohol
As part of his dietary overhaul, Cowell also limited his alcohol intake, following his doctor's advice. He previously told Extra TV: "My first thought was 'what about the alcohol?' The doctor said, 'Maybe not quite as much as you had before' and I've stuck to it and it's easy."
Beans on Toast
Cowell has admitted that he’s occasionally opted not to eat when going out to dinner. "I'm not a big eater," he said, according to The Sun. "I don't enjoy it that much. I'd rather have a beer than eat, any day of the week." "Sometimes when we are going out for dinner because I know I'm going to hate the food, I have baked beans on toast before I go, then eat nothing."
Exercise Routine
Cycling
Exercise has been an integral component of Simon Cowell's weight loss journey. He told the Mirror that he was out on his bike as his exercise. He shared, "I did ten or 11 miles every day." He also mentioned, "Even though it's an electric bike I'd have it switched off until I needed it. It's the best way to exercise because it's fun. It's a combination of all that stuff. It gives you energy and makes you feel better."
Walking and Swimming
Following a back injury sustained in August 2020, Cowell incorporated swimming and walking into his recovery routine. An insider shared that "Being able to do things like swimming and taking long walks is big steps forward after an injury like this but he's doing really great."
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Reactions and Comments
Public Observations
Simon Cowell's transformation has not gone unnoticed by the public. Fans and media outlets have frequently commented on his slimmer physique. In April 2023, The Express noted his "staggering" weight loss transformation.
Teasing and Banter
Cowell's colleagues have also playfully commented on his weight loss. David Walliams jokingly suggested that Cowell had undergone plastic surgery and had a gastric band. Cowell responded, "I haven't had a gastric band." David added: "I'm not saying you have, you've obviously lost weight naturally - but the person who is Simon's double needs it to lose a bit of weight. Simon looks very well. He looks younger and younger every year, I don't know how he does it." Simon explained: "It's called exercising and eating well, David."
Concerns
Some fans have expressed concern about how thin Cowell has become. Comments on social media have ranged from concerns about his health to suggestions that he may have taken his weight loss too far. As one user wrote, "You would think with all his money he would buy some trousers that fit! Far too thin and doesn’t look well!"
Additional Celebrity Transformations
Simon Cowell is among several celebrities who have undergone significant weight loss transformations. Others include:
- John Goodman: The "Roseanne" alum has slimmed down, dropping 200 pounds in recent years.
- Drew Carey: "The Price is Right" host lost 80 pounds by cutting carbs and doing cardio.
- Kevin Smith: The "Clerks" director lost 20 pounds in 13 days after suffering a near-fatal heart attack.
- Chris Pratt: "The Terminal List" star lost 60 pounds in six months for his "Guardians of the Galaxy" role through diet and exercise.
- Randy Jackson: The former "American Idol" judge maintained a 114-pound weight loss by eating healthy and prioritizing gut health.
Mental Health and Therapy
In addition to his physical transformation, Cowell has also been open about his mental health journey. He confessed to seeing a therapist for his depression, which he said was worse than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the podcast, he said: “Fortunately I met some friends who had benefited from therapy, and that’s when I thought, ‘You know what? I’ve kind of looked after my body through diet and exercise pretty well over the years, but what have I done about my brain and my mind?'”
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