Ree Drummond Embarks on Renewed Health Journey: Sharing Tips and Insights

Ree Drummond, the beloved star of "The Pioneer Woman," is once again prioritizing her health and well-being. In a candid blog post published on April 30th, Drummond reflected on her fitness journey, revisiting the strategies that led to her significant weight loss in 2021 and sharing how she’s adapting them to her current lifestyle. Drummond, known for her comforting recipes and down-to-earth personality, has always been open with her audience, and this latest update is no exception.

Four years ago, Drummond shared her secrets to shedding over 50 pounds, inspiring many with her practical approach and dedication. However, like many, she experienced fluctuations in her weight and fitness levels. After a year-long break from her established regimen, Drummond decided to recommit to the principles that had previously proven successful.

"Boy has it been an adventure since then! I am, after all, a woman and a human person, and as such, I’ve had natural fluctuations since this original post was written — but much more so in the past year-plus," Drummond wrote, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining consistency over time.

She admitted that towards the end of 2023, her exercise routine waned, and her dietary habits became less mindful. Recognizing the need for a change, Drummond decided to revisit her 2021 plan in February of this year, albeit with a slightly less intense approach.

"Well, around February of this year, I decided to jump back the plan I’d found success with in 2021, just not quite as high a gear as the first time," she explained.

Drummond emphasized that the core principles of her original plan remain effective for her. "Long story short, I have found that it all still holds true, and FOR ME, it is working again like clockwork or science or whatever the word is," she shared.

Drummond is committed to a sustainable and enjoyable approach to health. "The very hardest part was the first week to ten days," Drummond admitted, highlighting the initial challenge of re-establishing healthy habits. "Today it’s not that hard at all, and in fact, it’s actually rewarding as I’m feeling better and better all the time."

Drummond detailed several modifications she has made to her initial plan, while maintaining the essence of her successful strategy. Two significant changes have been instrumental in her recent progress.

"The game changer for me is two-fold: First, I’m building muscle again, which is crucial. I do lunges, squats, deadlifts, and floor exercises with ankle weights. Second, I’m eating more protein and keeping it a higher percentage of my calories," she explained.

She underscores the significance of strength training, as building muscle mass not only boosts metabolism but also contributes to overall strength and well-being. By incorporating exercises like lunges, squats, deadlifts, and floor exercises with ankle weights, Drummond is actively working to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

In addition to strength training, Drummond emphasizes the importance of prioritizing protein in her diet. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, making it a crucial component of any weight management plan.

While Drummond initially relied on strict calorie counting and food weighing, she has now adopted a more intuitive approach. "I feel that after doing that for four or five months back in 2021, it really gave me more of an awareness of portion sizes and general calories," she wrote.

Having developed a better understanding of portion control and calorie content, Drummond now trusts her instincts and focuses on making healthy choices without obsessively tracking every calorie.

During the initial phase of her weight loss journey in 2021, Drummond abstained from alcohol for four months. This time, she has opted for a more moderate approach, allowing herself to enjoy a little white wine topped with Topo Chico sparkling water.

"I still LOVE the Happy Scale app," she wrote, highlighting the tool’s effectiveness in tracking her progress. "During the year I was gaining weight, I didn’t use it very often. I’m using it again and forget how helpful it is!"

Drummond’s openness about her weight fluctuations and her willingness to share her strategies is relatable. She isn’t striving for perfection but aiming for a sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle. She reiterates, that building muscle is so important, "I can’t emphasize enough (just to repeat) how important it is to build muscle," Drummond added. "And how important protein is as a part of that goal. In February, the scale was pretty stubborn until I bit the bullet and started doing all the leg/butt exercises. Within a week, it kicked in."

Ree Drummond’s latest health update serves as a reminder that fitness is a journey. Her willingness to share her experiences, both the successes and the setbacks, is an inspriation to us all.