Carrie Underwood, the country music superstar, has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and stunning figure. Her dedication to health and fitness is evident, and she has openly shared her journey, inspiring many along the way. This article delves into Carrie Underwood's weight loss secrets and her holistic approach to well-being.
Early Influences and Initial Struggles
Underwood's commitment to healthy living began early in life. At the age of 13, she became a vegetarian, driven by her love for animals. "Animals were my pets, and the thought of eating my pets freaked me out," she told Women's Health in 2010.
However, her passion for working out didn't ignite immediately. After winning "American Idol" in 2005, she faced increased scrutiny regarding her appearance. This led to unhealthy habits as she became overly focused on her weight. "I was tired, and I kept buying bigger clothes. I knew I could be better for myself, and I let my haters be my motivators," she shared with Women's Health in 2020.
In 2006, Underwood started a food journal, but her approach was far from balanced. "I'm slightly obsessive-compulsive about what I eat, more than I should be," she admitted to Glamour in 2007. During this time, she also turned to weight loss supplements containing ephedra, admitting to People in 2015, "I was taking things with ephedra in it. It wasn't the best way." Exercise wasn't her priority at the time.
Finding Balance and a Sustainable Routine
Over time, Underwood realized the importance of a balanced lifestyle. By 2010, she was more invested in being healthy, not just losing weight. She exercised with a trainer twice a week and independently on other days. She also focused on learning more about nutrition, telling Women's Health, "I'm very health conscious."
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Underwood hired personal trainer Eve Overland to maintain her fitness routine while on tour. "I can get up and have a workout, which makes me feel awesome for the rest of my day," she explained. She also recognized performing on stage as a form of exercise. "There's just something sexy about feeling strong," she said.
Overland, speaking to E! News in 2015, recalled that Underwood wanted "to tone up and not get winded while singing and dancing." Their sessions were tailored to Underwood's specific needs and body. "Carrie's workouts change every time we work out!" Overland emphasized.
Fitness and Diet: Key Components of Underwood's Lifestyle
Underwood's workouts often include circuit training, which involves rotating through various exercises that target different parts of the body. This approach combines strength, resistance, and high-intensity cardio, with short intervals in between. "I feel like at the end of the day or at the end of my workout, my whole body has got gotten something,” says Underwood. She appreciates that circuit training is customizable and easy to modify based on time and equipment availability.
Music plays a crucial role in keeping her motivated during workouts. "I feel like it can definitely change your mood and help you get in a few more reps or move a little faster, and kind of give you that extra energy that you need," she says.
Underwood's favorite leg exercises, as revealed by Overland to Shape magazine in April 2022, are squats, lunges, and deadlifts. "She likes to stick with the basics because they work," Overland explained.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Nutrition is equally important to Underwood. She follows a primarily plant-based diet, with an ideal daily breakdown of 45% carbs, 30% fat, and 25% protein. She emphasizes eating whole, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and eggs. "I love veggies and fruit," says Underwood, who is a longtime vegetarian. She often enjoys a tofu scramble for breakfast, smoothies, and vegetarian burritos.
Underwood also makes simple swaps for healthier versions of classic comfort foods. She avoids ultra-processed foods and tries to choose options with as few ingredients as possible. "Things that are very simple and nutritious, you'll never go wrong with that," says Underwood.
Staying hydrated is another key element of her routine. "One thing that I feel is so neglected in our lives is staying hydrated," she told Women's Health. "It seems so simple. If you find yourself cranky … you need to drink more water!"
Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Fitness
As a busy artist and mother of two, Underwood has learned to adapt her fitness routine to fit her schedule. "I mean, just like everybody else, you fit it in. You fit in fitness wherever you can, right?" she told Today.com. "Some mornings I get to have a good long workout, some mornings it's a quick walk and some mornings, it's nothing," says Underwood.
She emphasizes the importance of finding ways to move, even when time is limited. "The most important thing is just to get moving," says Underwood. "It's all about just doing anything you can, you know whether it's going for a walk or even playing outside with your kids - then it's double duty: you get to play with them, they get to play with you and you get to be active," says Underwood.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Evolving Perspective on Health
Underwood's perspective on health has evolved over the years. She shared with People in 2023, "I feel like earlier in my career I was working out more to be a certain size or fit into a certain aesthetic that I thought I wanted to be." Now, her focus is on how she feels, prioritizing movement and healthy choices to meet her fitness goals.
In 2022, Underwood launched her Fit52 brand and released the book "Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life," which features workout advice and her favorite recipes for a healthy, balanced diet.
Key Takeaways from Carrie Underwood's Weight Loss Secrets
- Consistency is key: Underwood's trainer, Eve Overland, has praised her consistency and dedication to her health and fitness routine.
- Balance is essential: Underwood has learned to strike a balance between diet, exercise, and rest.
- Listen to your body: She tailors her workouts to her body's needs and adjusts her routine based on her schedule.
- Make it enjoyable: Underwood incorporates music and activities she enjoys into her workouts.
- Focus on feeling good: Her priority is on feeling healthy and strong, rather than just achieving a certain size.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is a crucial part of her routine.
- Eat whole, nutritious foods: She prioritizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and eggs in her diet.
- Don't be afraid to indulge: Underwood allows herself occasional treats, like dark chocolate and red wine, in moderation.
- Find what works for you: Her fitness journey is unique, and she encourages others to find a routine that suits their individual needs and preferences.