Drew Carey, the beloved game show host and comedian, has been a household name for decades, captivating audiences on The Drew Carey Show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and The Price Is Right. While his career continues to thrive, Carey has achieved another major milestone in his personal life—shedding 80 pounds.
What inspired Carey to begin this incredible transformation? It was a wake-up call from his doctor who told him, “If you don’t do something, your life’s going to be shorter, and you’ll have these bad things to look forward to.” This conversation helped Carey face his health struggles head-on, ultimately leading him to lose 80 pounds and reverse his Type-2 diabetes.
Here, we break down the five key habits Drew Carey adopted to drop the pounds and keep them off, proving that small lifestyle changes can make a huge impact.
How Drew Carey Lost 80 Pounds
While Drew Carey didn’t undergo any weight-loss surgery, his transformation was the result of simple yet effective diet and exercise changes. Let’s explore the methods that helped him achieve his weight loss:
1. He Cut Back on Carbs
One of the major changes Drew Carey made to his diet was cutting out carbs. “No carbs,” he told People, explaining that he avoided bread, pizza, corn, beans, and starchy foods altogether.
While eliminating carbs might work for some people, nutrition experts advise caution. Lena Bakovic, M.S., R.D.N., emphasizes, “Cutting out carbohydrates can lead to weight loss, but it isn’t sustainable long term and could cause nutrient deficiencies.”
However, Carey didn’t stick rigidly to this plan forever. “I’ll have cake and stuff every once in a while,” he added, acknowledging that occasional indulgence was still part of his approach. The key takeaway is that he made significant changes, but kept room for balance.
2. He Made Fruit a Key Part of His Diet
Despite cutting back on carbs, Carey didn’t eliminate all sources of healthy carbohydrates. He incorporated fruit into his diet, especially as part of his breakfast. One of his go-to meals included fruit with Greek yogurt, a choice packed with fiber and protein.
Bakovic explains, “Fruits are complex carbs full of fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and can keep you feeling full longer.” So while Carey limited refined carbs, he made room for nutrient-dense fruits, which aided in his weight loss without causing blood sugar spikes.
3. He Ate Egg Whites for Breakfast
Another essential part of Carey’s morning routine was egg whites—a protein-packed, low-calorie food choice that helped keep him feeling full without adding unnecessary calories. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one large egg white contains only 17 calories but an impressive 4 grams of protein.
Protein plays a crucial role in weight loss because it helps build muscle mass and curb hunger. Carey’s emphasis on protein-rich breakfasts helped fuel his body for the day while promoting fat loss.
4. He Switched to Water and Ditch Soda
Perhaps one of the most impactful changes Carey made was cutting out soda. The comedian made it a point to drink only water, completely eliminating sugary beverages from his diet.
Bakovic explains, “Sugary drinks like sodas are high in calories and added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and higher blood sugar levels. By cutting them out, Carey likely contributed significantly to his weight loss.”
Drinking water instead of soda also helps curb unnecessary calorie intake and supports hydration, which is vital for overall health and effective weight loss.
5. He Committed to Regular Cardio Workouts
Exercise played a key role in Carey’s weight loss success. He made it a habit to do at least 45 minutes of cardio, focusing on activities that helped burn calories and improve his cardiovascular health.
“Lots of cardio,” Carey said in an interview with People in 2010. “At least 45 minutes of cardio. I’ve been kind of lazy lately, but I’ll be back on track soon.”
Cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or brisk walking are excellent for burning fat and boosting metabolism. In fact, Ronny Garcia, C.P.T. at Blink Fitness, recommends mixing up cardio intensity to avoid plateaus and keep the body challenged. Carey’s commitment to regular cardio helped him stay in a calorie deficit, accelerating his weight loss.
How Drew Carey’s Mindset Shift Led to Permanent Change
Drew Carey’s weight loss journey wasn’t just about changing his diet or exercise habits—it also involved a mindset shift. He realized that in order to maintain a healthy weight and manage his Type-2 diabetes, he had to love himself enough to make these changes.
Carey shared, “It’s better being like this and having my blood sugar at these levels. I love myself enough now to want that for myself. It’s a whole kind of change of mindset that you have to have about your life…but once you do, it’s so freeing.”
This shift in self-perception and commitment to his health is something many can relate to on their own journeys to better health. When you make lasting changes for yourself, you’re more likely to see results and maintain them over time.
How Drew Carey’s Weight Loss Transformed His Life
Carey’s weight loss has had more than just physical benefits—it has given him a new sense of freedom and energy. He’s now living with healthier blood sugar levels, improved stamina, and a more active lifestyle, showing that his commitment to his health was worth it.
His transformation proves that small, consistent changes in both diet and exercise can lead to impressive, lasting results. Drew Carey is living proof that with discipline and a positive mindset, anyone can achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall quality of life.
FAQ: Drew Carey’s Weight Loss Journey
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How much weight did Drew Carey lose? Drew Carey lost an impressive 80 pounds through dedicated changes in his diet and exercise routine.
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Did Drew Carey have weight-loss surgery? No, Drew Carey did not undergo weight-loss surgery. His transformation was achieved through dietary changes and increased physical activity.
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What diet did Drew Carey follow? Drew Carey followed a low-carb diet, cutting out most starches and refined carbs but still incorporating healthy options like fruit and Greek yogurt.
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What type of exercise did Drew Carey do to lose weight? Carey committed to 45 minutes of cardio most days, emphasizing consistent physical activity to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
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What is Drew Carey’s mindset regarding his weight loss? Drew Carey credits his weight loss to a shift in mindset, realizing that he needed to love himself enough to make lasting changes for his health.
Drew Carey’s Path to a Healthier Life
Drew Carey’s weight loss success is a story of transformation, discipline, and self-love. By making simple changes to his diet, cutting out sugary drinks, incorporating more protein, and committing to regular exercise, Carey was able to not only lose weight but also improve his overall health. His journey shows that with the right habits and mindset, anyone can achieve their health goals and enjoy lasting results.