Wendy Williams, the dynamic talk show host, has openly shared her lifelong struggles with weight and her journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Her story is not just about weight loss; it's about self-acceptance, prioritizing health, and finding a balance that works for her. This article delves into the details of Wendy's diet and exercise plan, highlighting the changes she made and the motivations behind them.
Early Struggles and Unhealthy Habits
Wendy Williams' battle with weight began in her childhood. She recalls her parents, who did not have weight issues themselves, pointing out her weight. Her mother's attempts to control her diet, such as using mustard instead of mayonnaise in tuna fish, were well-intentioned but perhaps not the most effective. As a teenager, Wendy developed unhealthy habits, including secretly eating fast food like McRibs and using diet pills and laxatives. In her late 20s, she even resorted to making herself throw up after eating.
"I grew up in a house where my mother and father never had weight issues. And my own parents called me fat," Wendy shared. "Once I got my driver’s license, I could go to McDonald’s and eat a couple of McRibs and then go home for dinner and act like it never happened."
The Turning Point: Motherhood and a Desire for Change
The catalyst for change came when Wendy became a mother. Weighing around 200 pounds before pregnancy and gaining over 100 pounds during bed rest, she realized she needed to make a change. She wanted to set a good example for her son and decided to get into the best shape of her life. Her husband, a "gym rat" who watches his weight, also served as a source of inspiration.
"I really think that everything changed when I became a mother," Wendy explained. "After giving birth, I realized that this just wasn’t right for me. The goal was to be a great example for my son and decide to get in the best shape I can ever be."
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Exercise Routine: Cardio, Yoga, and Strength Training
Exercise became an integral part of Wendy's life. She committed to going to the gym at least two to three times a week, working with a trainer for an hour each session. Her routine primarily focuses on cardio and some yoga, with a particular emphasis on arm exercises.
"I go to the gym at least two or three times a week and work out with my trainer, Ann, for an hour each time," she said. "It’s mostly about cardio, and some yoga. I do work with some weights, but it’s all about my arms. The upper arms start to fall like snow when you reach a certain age."
Wendy enjoys using the elliptical machine because it works both her arms and legs simultaneously, allowing her to watch TV and talk to her trainer. Finding a trainer who was a good psychological fit was crucial for her. She found that working with Ann, a fellow mother, created a good rapport and made the time pass quickly.
Dietary Changes: Embracing a Pescatarian Lifestyle
Wendy made significant changes to her diet, focusing on eating clean and healthy foods. While she doesn't restrict herself from any particular food group, she is mindful of her choices. Cheese is her "kryptonite," and she monitors her intake. She opts for healthier alternatives like kale chips instead of potato chips and egg whites instead of full eggs. Wendy also enjoys sardines, despite their appearance, and drinks plenty of water.
"I try my best to eat clean. There is nothing I don’t eat: pork, beef, chicken and fish. Cheese is my kryptonite, and I have to monitor it," Wendy shared. "I like kale chips instead of potato chips and poured egg whites instead of full eggs. I love sardines, as long as you don’t look at them because they’re so ugly. I’m a foodie. And I drink a lot of water."
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Wendy follows a pescatarian diet, consuming fish as her primary source of animal protein while avoiding meat from land animals. She emphasizes the importance of eating breakfast, often choosing a vegan sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin. She also incorporates green juices and fruits into her morning routine.
The Importance of Self-Monitoring and Medical Support
Wendy only weighs herself during visits to her endocrinologist. She is on medication for her thyroid condition and takes vitamin D, Caltrate, fish oil, a multivitamin, and B12 daily. This highlights the importance of medical support and monitoring for individuals with underlying health conditions.
"Another thing is that I get on the scale only when I go to see my endocrinologist," she explained. "My doctor has me on Levoxyl for my thyroid condition and taking vitamin D. I also take Caltrate to keep my bones strong, plus fish oil, a multivitamin and B12 each day."
Motivation and Self-Acceptance
Wendy's primary motivation for living a healthy lifestyle is to take care of herself and feel viable and attractive. She emphasizes that her desire to look good is primarily for herself and her husband. Her son's involvement in fitness and basketball has also contributed to a family-oriented fitness lifestyle.
"I want to keep myself together first and foremost for me. I want to be viable and attractive. And my husband is right on board with this," Wendy said. "My son is into working out too, and playing basketball. Really, the three of us have a fitness lifestyle."
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At 48, Wendy felt she had her health under control. She acknowledges that she is not meant to be skinny, but she can be healthy. Comfortable with her height and body, she embraces her physique.
"Now, at 48, I have it under control. I’m not meant to be skinny, but I can be healthy. I’m 5 foot 11 and weigh 175 and feel fit as a fiddle. I’m very comfortable with my height now and with who I am. I own it," she stated.
Recent Weight Loss and Changing Relationship with Food
In recent years, Wendy has experienced further weight loss. During the pandemic, she lost 25 pounds without intentionally trying to do so. She revealed that food became "disgusting" to her, leading her to cut back on her portions and lose weight.
"I've lost 25 pounds - look!" she told the audience. "And I didn't do it on purpose. It's just that food became disgusting to me."
She had initially indulged in cooking and eating various foods, but eventually, she grew tired of it and lost interest in food. This change in her relationship with food led to a new appreciation for her waistline.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle at 50+
At 50, Wendy reflected on her health and wellness journey. She realized that she wanted to maintain her vitality and continue to enjoy an active life. She emphasized the importance of making healthy choices and prioritizing self-care.
"When I reached 50, it was like an equator to my life," Wendy explained. "And once I turned 50, I was like: Now hold on, I can still do knee-bends? There’s still a wiggle in my walk? I’m not an old-lady grandma when I pick up my son in the school line? And I got a successful career? Let me keep this going."
Wendy's approach to nutrition includes incorporating plenty of vegetables, such as spinach, kale, avocado, and cauliflower, into her diet. She also enjoys meat substitutes and prefers to eat her burgers in raw green cabbage instead of a bun.
Wellness Tips and Advice
Wendy shared her wellness tips, emphasizing the importance of moisturizing the entire body, drinking plenty of water, and putting the right things into your body. She encourages people to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diet and to be mindful of their choices.
"Moisturize your entire body. You can use something as simple as Aveeno," she advised. "The most important thing is that you have to do it while your skin is still moist… The other thing is, people need to put the right things in their body."
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Focused
Wendy has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including health issues and personal struggles. Despite these obstacles, she has remained committed to her health and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on her goals.
"Wendy loves working out as it takes her away from her issues with alcohol," a source revealed. "Having gotten treatment at her sober house the last few months has really reinvigorated her to get into and remain in great shape."
Wendy's commitment to her health has paid off, both physically and mentally. She serves as an inspiration to others who are striving to improve their lives and overcome challenges.
Pilates and Its Benefits
Wendy incorporates Pilates into her workout routine. Pilates is known for improving flexibility, muscle tone, and posture while promoting weight loss. It is also beneficial for reducing back pain, a condition that Wendy has dealt with.
"I like Pilates. That’s the most I can do," Wendy said. "I’m not going to run on your track and I’m not going to balance on your ball, but Pilates raises your heart and keeps you limber."
She prefers to work with a trainer who can distract her with conversation during the workout, making the time pass more quickly.
Wendy's Daily Routine and Diet
Wendy starts her day early, taking a fistful of supplements and drinking plenty of water. She moisturizes her skin and enjoys two green juice shots and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit or a breakfast sandwich from a vegan spot.
"I wake up at 5:30 and then I give the house another half hour to still sleep - that would be our dog, my husband, and my teenage son," Wendy explained. "So from 5:30 to 6 it’s all me. I take a fistful of supplements and drink a lot of water. I moisturize a lot."
She follows a pescatarian diet, incorporating fish, vegetables, and plant-based foods into her meals. She also prioritizes gut health, inspecting her stool before flushing and consulting with a holistic doctor.