Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Reveals Her 'Biggest Takeaway' During Her Wellness Journey and 50-Lb. Weight Loss

Ree Drummond reflects on her health — and shares advice for the holiday season

Ree Drummond has maintained a 50-lb. weight loss for nearly three years since beginning a health journey in Jan. 2021.

The Pioneer Woman star, 54, told Today on Tuesday that her strategies were straightforward. “The biggest takeaway, which I don’t always adhere to, is trying not to waste calories,” Drummond said. “I could eat a plate of delicious food with different elements and colors and flavor, or I could eat a donut.”

She explained that she has “tackled [her health] from different directions.” She cut out alcohol, stated eating more protein and vegetables, and introduced daily exercise into her routine, like walking her dogs and using at-home gym equipment.

“I’m an impatient home exerciser, so the rowing machine was probably my favorite," said Drummond, who admitted her relationship with exercise isn't perfect. “Right now, the rowing machine is a clothes rack."

In general, Drummond’s routine emphasizes a forgiving diet and exercise plan that doesn’t omit entire food groups or adhere to strict workout schedules.

“I think what I’ve done over the past two years is knowing that I don’t want to push things away or say no to foods. I upped my movement a bit. I take a couple extra walks with the dogs each week. I make sure to get on the rowing machine at least once a day, especially through November and December,” she said.

Drummond's advice for the holiday season? “I’d say just move a little more and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be that good. The holidays are about eating and having fun.”

The mother of five, who released her cookbook Dinner's Ready! on Tuesday, has spoken about her fitness journey on social media and in blog posts since changing her diet and exercise routines in 2021. From the beginning, Drummond has emphasized that while weight loss was part of her goal, it wasn't the driving factor for her.

"What motivated me the most was just wanting to feel better and have more energy," she said in a blog post from June 2021. "In January, just before I bit the bullet and took the leap, I was tired, puffy, and desperate...and I knew I shouldn't be feeling that way."

The Pioneer Woman recently praised fellow Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli for sharing her health journey in an honest Instagram post.

Earlier this month, Bertinelli posted a video on Instagram after finding the outfit she wore in her very first “before photo" as a Jenny Craig spokesperson.

Related: Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Shares Hilarious Throwback Photo of Her Daughters: ‘They Have Almost Forgiven Me'

“I thought I was fat the last time I wore these clothes,” she said in the caption. "I’ve never felt more beautiful, more at peace, more mentally and emotionally stable than I do today and I’m wearing my ‘fat clothes.’ That’s f---ed up.”

Drummond was touched by Bertinelli’s bravery and self confidence, sharing a sweet sentiment in the comments section.

“Valerie, your honesty is so beautiful and you won’t ever know the extent of the positive ripple effect these posts will have on the women, both young and not-so-young, who see them,” Drummond commented.

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