Tracee Ellis Ross, the celebrated actress known for her roles in “Black-ish” and her unapologetic sense of style, has long been an inspiration to many. But in 2024, she surprised fans not just with her stunning performances but with a remarkable transformation—losing 30 pounds and revealing a new side of herself, both physically and mentally. So, what was the story behind her weight loss journey, and how did she achieve this incredible feat?
A Personal Journey: Motivation Beyond the Scale
“I wanted to make a change, but not for anyone else. It was for me, for my health, and for my peace of mind,” Tracee Ellis Ross said, as she reflected on her personal transformation. Like many of us, Tracee’s path to weight loss wasn’t just about dropping pounds. It was about reclaiming a sense of control over her body, prioritizing her health, and fostering a deeper connection with herself.
In 2024, at the age of 51, Tracee decided to take a step back and re-evaluate her approach to wellness. At the time, she was at 190 pounds, and while she had always maintained a fit and active lifestyle, she felt like she wasn’t operating at her optimal level of health. The tipping point came when she realized that her body deserved more than just passing attention—it needed care, nurturing, and focus.
“My body had carried me through so much over the years. From acting, to doing yoga, to traveling the world—it was time for me to show it some love. Weight loss was just one part of the bigger picture,” Tracee shared.
The Diet: Clean Eating Meets Balance
Tracee’s approach to diet has always been centered around balance. She made a conscious decision to adopt healthier eating habits that aligned with her body’s needs. Her diet wasn’t about drastic changes, but about making mindful, sustainable choices.
“I don’t believe in restrictive eating or extreme diets. It’s about moderation and fueling your body with the right foods. For me, that meant cutting back on sugar and embracing whole foods,” Tracee said. She focused on a diet rich in greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats, all while staying hydrated and nourishing herself with a variety of plant-based meals.
Her daily meals included nutrient-dense options like smoothies packed with fruits, veggies, and protein, as well as meals featuring quinoa, avocado, and grilled fish. “I eat a lot of colorful foods—foods that feel alive and vibrant. It’s important to enjoy the process of nourishing yourself,” she explained.
One of the most significant changes Tracee made was cutting back on dairy and gluten, which she realized had been causing inflammation in her body. She embraced a plant-based diet but allowed herself flexibility, focusing on what made her feel best.
Fitness Routine: Strength, Sweat, and Empowerment
While diet played a vital role in Tracee’s weight loss journey, her fitness routine became the foundation of her transformation. A longtime fan of the Tracy Anderson Method, a high-intensity workout that combines dance and muscle-toning exercises, Tracee found that it provided not just a physical challenge, but also a mental one. “The Tracy Anderson Method has been a game-changer for me. It’s challenging and dynamic, which is what I love most,” she said.
For Tracee, working out wasn’t about burning calories—it was about building strength, gaining energy, and increasing her mental resilience. “It’s about my body becoming more powerful, more grounded. It’s not just about fitting into a pair of jeans; it’s about feeling strong and confident in my skin.”
Tracee also added blood flow restriction training to her regimen, which helped her build muscle without overtaxing her body. By applying bands around her limbs, she could maximize the benefits of lighter weights, helping her gain lean muscle mass while maintaining a low-impact routine that supported her joint health.
“I’ve learned that fitness doesn’t have to be about extremes. It’s about consistency, enjoying the movement, and listening to my body,” she emphasized.
Mental Health and Emotional Growth
Mental health played an equally important role in Tracee’s journey. “There’s no point in achieving a certain weight if you don’t feel at peace mentally. It’s all connected,” Tracee reflected. While physical changes are often celebrated, Tracee knows that true transformation is mental as much as it is physical.
One of the biggest breakthroughs for Tracee was learning to embrace self-love and practice gratitude for her body’s ability to carry her through each day. “I used to focus so much on my outer appearance, but I’ve realized that how I feel inside is just as important,” she said.
She credits meditation and mindfulness practices as essential tools in her emotional growth, helping her deal with stress and anxiety. Tracee also shared how journaling and therapy have helped her reconnect with her true self, allowing her to approach her health journey with a mindset of compassion rather than criticism.
The Results: 30 Pounds Lost, But Gained So Much More
By the end of 2024, Tracee Ellis Ross had successfully shed 30 pounds, bringing her weight down to 160 pounds. But, as she emphasized, the weight loss was just a bonus. The real transformation had been internal.
“I feel healthier, stronger, and more confident than ever. But the real gift has been realizing that it’s not just about what I see in the mirror—it’s about feeling empowered and at home in my body,” Tracee shared with a smile.
Her new physique was a reflection of her hard work, but her new perspective on health and wellness was the most powerful change of all. “I didn’t lose weight to fit into a certain mold or to meet society’s expectations. I did it because I deserve to feel my best.”
Tips for Anyone Looking to Start Their Own Journey
Tracee’s transformation wasn’t a quick fix or a diet fad—it was a journey. Here are a few key takeaways from her experience:
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Start with Self-Love: Before making any physical changes, Tracee recommends learning to love your body as it is. “Your body is your ally—it deserves love and respect, not punishment,” she says.
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Embrace Balanced Eating: There’s no one-size-fits-all diet. Focus on eating whole, nutritious foods that make you feel good. “I eat foods that support my body’s needs, not the trends,” Tracee advises.
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Move in a Way That Feels Good: Find an exercise routine that you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, yoga, or weight training. “Fitness is about building strength, not just burning calories,” she says.
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Mind Your Mental Health: Emotional well-being is key to any transformation. “Meditation, therapy, and journaling have been essential for my mental health,” Tracee reveals.
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Be Patient with Yourself: Transformations take time. Celebrate small wins along the way and trust the process. “Health isn’t just about the end goal—it’s about the journey you take to get there,” Tracee says.
Embracing a Healthier, Stronger Self: Tracee Ellis Ross’s Empowering Journey
Tracee Ellis Ross’s weight loss journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Through balanced eating, a challenging fitness regimen, and a focus on mental well-being, she not only achieved her weight loss goals but also embraced a healthier, more confident version of herself. Her story is a testament to the fact that true transformation is about more than just losing weight—it’s about gaining self-love, strength, and peace of mind.
FAQs:
1. How much weight did Tracee Ellis Ross lose? Tracee lost 30 pounds in 2024, going from 190 pounds to 160 pounds.
2. What is Tracee Ellis Ross’s workout routine? Tracee follows the Tracy Anderson Method and incorporates blood flow restriction training, along with other fitness routines focused on strength and endurance.
3. What diet does Tracee Ellis Ross follow? Tracee follows a balanced, plant-based diet with an emphasis on whole foods, cutting back on dairy and gluten, and prioritizing lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
4. How does Tracee Ellis Ross take care of her mental health? Tracee practices mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and therapy to support her mental well-being throughout her health journey.
5. What advice does Tracee Ellis Ross have for those starting a weight loss journey? Tracee advises focusing on self-love, embracing balanced eating, finding enjoyable exercise, and being patient with the process. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.