In his pursuit of better health, Buddy Valastro, the renowned baker and television personality known as the “Cake Boss,” has recently garnered attention for his remarkable weight loss of nearly 40 pounds over nine months. Valastro’s journey was not without its challenges. It was not a story of crash diets or extreme measures but rather a testament to the power of gradual lifestyle changes and moderation. He shed the excess weight through intermittent fasting, portion control, and staying hydrated, and he is now dedicated to maintaining healthier habits. Let’s explore the key lessons from his weight loss journey.
Key Takeaways:
- A Steady Marathon: Valastro’s weight loss journey was not a race but a steady marathon. He embraced a gradual approach, incorporating intermittent fasting and portion control strategies. He dropped around 35-40 pounds over nine months by making mindful choices and being disciplined during the week. This underscores the power of sustainable lifestyle changes, offering hope and inspiration for those seeking long-term health improvements.
- Mindful Eating and Portion Control: Coming from a traditional Italian background where meals were often abundant, Valastro had to reevaluate his relationship with food. He learned to prioritize quality over quantity and became more conscious of portion sizes. By limiting his intake and stopping when he felt satisfied rather than full, he was able to make significant progress in his weight loss journey. This highlights the power of mindful eating and its impact on overall health.
- Hydration and Healthy Habits: One key aspect of Valastro’s weight loss success was staying hydrated. He emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the day, which helped him control his appetite and avoid overeating. Valastro prioritized hydration by aiming to consume seven or eight bottles of water daily, supporting his weight loss goals. This underscores the significance of staying hydrated as a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
Table of Contents:
- ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro Reveals the Small Changes Behind His Weight Loss
- What Motivates Buddy Valastro to Lose Weight? Shedding Nearly 40 Pounds
- Buddy Valastro Reveals the Diet Behind His Success
- Conclusion
‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro Reveals the Small Changes Behind His Weight Loss
Buddy Valastro has been looking slim lately, and he’s keen to reveal the little lifestyle changes that helped him drop almost 40 pounds in the last nine months.
The “Cake Boss” star adopted a gradual approach to weight loss, telling PEOPLE that he relied on intermittent fasting and portion control to trim down. He shed around 35-40 pounds and is now motivated to maintain healthy habits.
“It took me nine months to lose weight, and I’ve been maintaining it now because I lost it nice and slow. It wasn’t a crash diet or anything like that,” he told PEOPLE. “I just tried to be more disciplined during the week.”
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In 2020, Valastro, the owner of Carlo’s Bakery, suffered a hand injury that required five surgeries. These medical challenges, along with the increased time spent at home during the pandemic, caused him to put on some extra weight.
“After COVID, I was just home — doom and gloom — and eating. I mean…COVID was just miserable in that way,” he explained.
Fast forward to March 2022, Valastro felt motivated to regain his fitness. He realized he was nearly at his heaviest weight when he woke up one morning. While he still indulges in his favorite foods, such as his wife’s pasta, he’s now mindful of portion sizes. Additionally, he aims to conclude eating each day by 6 p.m.
“Growing up in an old-fashioned Italian house, you didn’t eat until you were full; you ate until you couldn’t even move. And you were gorged,” Valastro shared. “And that’s the way I would eat all the time. And once I started to shrink my stomach and stop when it’s time to stop, you feel better.”
Valastro also revealed that drinking plenty of water helps him control his appetite, which he considers “the real trick” to his weight loss success. He mentioned that he aims to drink seven or eight bottles of water each day to maintain hydration and support his weight loss goals.
“If you drink a lot of water, you can’t eat as much. So it’s kind of just changing your habits, and you make it your job,” he said.
What Motivates Buddy Valastro to Lose Weight? Shedding Nearly 40 Pounds
Valastro had a wake-up call when a severe hand injury almost derailed his career. On September 20, 2020, the renowned baker’s right hand became trapped and crushed in a bowling pinsetter at his home bowling alley.
A metal rod pierced his hand three times, between his ring finger and middle finger. He underwent his fifth surgery to repair the damage. While recovering at home, he noticed that he was feeling sluggish and overeating, habits he had developed long before his accident.
People have noticed that Valastro looks slimmer these days. He’s currently hosting “Legends of the Fork,” a show where he travels across the country searching for famous American restaurants. Additionally, he’s starring in “Buddy Valastro’s Cake Dynasty,” which follows his family’s journey to expand Carlo’s Bake Shop.
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Valastro mentioned that it took him approximately a year to shed 40 pounds. He admitted that the first month was harsh as he adjusted to portion control, initially feeling quite hungry. From a traditional Italian family, Valastro believed you should eat until you couldn’t move.
Valastro mentioned that he’s become more disciplined with his eating habits while still enjoying his favorite dishes. He’s also learned when to decline food.
“Listen, I’m never going to live in a world where I’m not going to have a cookie or a slice of pizza,” he said. “I mean, that’s just not living to me. But I don’t have to eat a pie. So if I order a pizza at lunchtime, it’s a slice. It would not be more.”
Valastro told People magazine that he now limits himself to “one or two” large spoonfuls of pasta instead of his previous “four big scoops.” He expressed contentment with his progress, noting that he no longer feels tempted to overindulge, even during work hours. Currently, he prioritizes staying active, whether inside or outside the kitchen.
Buddy Valastro Reveals the Diet Behind His Success
Valastro posted a photo on Instagram alongside his wife, Lisa, and opened up about the weight loss program he’s been following. In the caption, he mentioned receiving numerous inquiries about his recent slimming down and decided to share that he’s been using the Optavia program.
He added, “I’m not being paid to say this and it should be noted that I think every body is different and you should do whatever suits you but this is what I’m doing and I’m very happy with the results so far!”
Optavia, as stated on its website, aims to integrate health into the lives of its clients seamlessly. Interested individuals can complete a questionnaire and discuss their goals with a coach. From there, they can customize a meal plan that aligns with their lifestyle goals.
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The meal plan typically includes snacks and recipes tailored to support their objectives. Optavia’s approach revolves around consuming six small meals daily to initiate weight loss. Their methodology includes principles such as portion control, incorporating nutritious snacks, and preparing meals featuring lean proteins.
Valastro, renowned for his intricate cakes and baked treats, shared with PEOPLE that he frequently prepares meals at home. He ensures convenience by keeping a fully stocked refrigerator in his garage, ready for any impromptu family dinner plans.
“Honestly, I don’t like to go out,” he said.
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Conclusion
Buddy Valastro’s journey to a healthier lifestyle is an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication. By embracing gradual changes, practicing mindful eating, and prioritizing hydration, he successfully lost weight while still enjoying his favorite foods. His story highlights the importance of sustainable habits and emphasizes that small, consistent steps can lead to remarkable transformations. Through his experience, Valastro motivates others to prioritize their health and well-being, demonstrating that anyone can achieve their goals with determination and the right approach.