Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved TV star best known for her role on One Day at a Time and as a host on the Food Network, has always been a familiar face to fans. However, her latest transformation—losing 50 pounds—has been nothing short of inspiring. But what makes Bertinelli’s journey even more remarkable is her shift away from restrictive dieting and weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, and her embrace of self-love and mindful living.
In this exclusive look at Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss journey, we’ll explore how she prioritized confidence over the number on the scale and how her holistic approach to health can inspire others to embrace a positive relationship with their bodies.
Valerie Bertinelli’s Motivation: Health Over Numbers
Bertinelli’s weight loss journey didn’t start with an obsession over losing weight—it started with a desire to feel better and take control of her health. In an emotional moment, she shared how her mother’s health struggles and her own diagnosis of pre-diabetes pushed her to prioritize self-care. “Mum said to me: ‘If you can, sort out your weight, Alison,’” Bertinelli recalled, speaking about her mother’s concern before her passing. “That really set it in my head,” she said, explaining that she wanted to live a long, healthy life for herself and her family.
When Bertinelli began her weight loss journey, she wasn’t fixated on fitting into a smaller size. Instead, she wanted to feel more energized and break free from the weight gain that came with years of emotional eating. “I started feeling tired, and I knew how much more I wanted to do and that I didn’t want to feel held back,” Bertinelli shared in a blog post. “But it’s not about the weight. It’s about being healthy and strong.”
Why Valerie Bertinelli Avoided Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic
In the age of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, Bertinelli was asked if she had ever tried them. While she acknowledged that these drugs might work for some, she has chosen a different path. “If it helps, use it,” she told People in 2024, adding that she supports those who find success with these medications. “I’m not here to judge how anybody wants to release weight from their body.”
However, Bertinelli made it clear that she did not rely on medication or extreme diets. “I never did keto. I didn’t do intermittent fasting. For me, the simple, boring truth is that when I set out to lose weight, I just changed my eating habits,” she explained. Instead of seeking quick fixes, Bertinelli focused on sustainable habits that focused on nourishment, mindful eating, and healthy movement.
Emotional Eating and Mindful Eating: How Valerie Bertinelli Healed Her Relationship With Food
For Bertinelli, part of the process of losing weight was recognizing and overcoming her struggles with emotional eating. In past years, food had been a way to cope with difficult emotions, and she often found comfort in quick, unhealthy meals like frozen pizza and grocery store sushi. But rather than viewing food as the enemy, Bertinelli shifted her focus to understanding why she was eating.
“It’s not the food that’s bad for us. It’s how, or why, we’re eating it,” Bertinelli shared with The Washington Post in 2024. She realized that her weight gain wasn’t just about what she ate, but how she used food to numb her feelings. “What changes your jean size is how you use food to deny and numb your feelings, period,” she said.
Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani, a board-certified physician in Family and Obesity Medicine, notes that emotional eating often leads to overeating or restrictive behavior. “Healing involves understanding our triggers and developing healthier ways to process emotions rather than relying on food,” she says. For Bertinelli, learning to eat mindfully, addressing her emotional triggers, and embracing self-love were all integral to her transformation.
Eliminating “Good” vs. “Bad” Food Labels: A New Way of Thinking
For many people who struggle with their weight, food is often labeled as “good” or “bad.” Bertinelli, however, has let go of this mindset, which she believes leads to feelings of guilt and shame. “I used to be afraid of apples and peanut butter because I was told they were bad for me,” she said with a laugh. “It’s an apple, for Christ’s sake. It’s peanut butter. Stop.”
Bertinelli also rejects the idea of “cheat days” and believes that indulging in foods you love is part of a balanced lifestyle. “Food is a big, important part of my life,” she shared, emphasizing that moderation is key. “We need to allow ourselves the pleasure of our lives,” Bertinelli said, advocating for a more positive, realistic approach to food.
Dr. Jennifer Habashy, Assistant Medical Director at Claya, agrees, adding, “Eliminating moral labels like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ food can be incredibly transformative. When we label food as ‘bad,’ it creates guilt, which often leads to overeating or restrictive behaviors.” Bertinelli’s new approach to food has allowed her to enjoy her meals without the guilt that once accompanied them.
Sustainable Habits: How Valerie Bertinelli Prioritizes Health Over Perfection
One of the most important aspects of Bertinelli’s weight loss success is her shift in mindset. She has learned that sustainable habits, not crash diets or quick fixes, are the key to lasting health. “I’ve learned patience,” Bertinelli shared with People. “Stop with the ‘lose 10 pounds in a week’ mindset. If you take care of your emotions, your head and your heart, the weight will take care of itself.”
Bertinelli’s approach focuses on small, realistic goals that can be maintained for the long term. “Setting realistic goals is important for long-term success,” says Dr. Habashy. “Drastic changes are often short-lived and unsustainable. When we set attainable goals, we are more likely to experience lasting progress.”
In addition to her diet, Bertinelli has adopted a realistic fitness routine, including Pilates, walking, and occasional treadmill sessions. “Exercise is not just for your body. It can also soothe your soul,” she shared in a 2023 TikTok post.
How Valerie Bertinelli Maintains Her Weight Loss Today
Today, Valerie Bertinelli’s focus isn’t on the scale but on how she feels. “The way I feel today, it isn’t about the weight loss,” she said. “Feeling good is really all that matters.”
She has embraced a balanced lifestyle that incorporates mindful eating, moderate exercise, and self-love, without obsessing over perfection. “I’m a real person who realizes I’m always going to be prone to weigh-in ups and downs,” she admitted. Despite the ups and downs, Bertinelli’s positive attitude toward her health and well-being has helped her find peace with her body.
Key Takeaways from Valerie Bertinelli’s Weight Loss Journey
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Mindful eating and emotional awareness – Understanding the reasons behind your food choices can help prevent emotional eating and promote healthier habits.
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Self-love and body positivity – Shifting focus from weight to feeling good and embracing your body as it is fosters a sustainable relationship with food and self-worth.
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Moderation, not deprivation – Bertinelli encourages enjoying life’s pleasures in moderate portions, without guilt or shame.
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Patience and consistency – Realizing that lasting change takes time and focusing on gradual improvements leads to long-term success.
Valerie Bertinelli’s Health Journey is About More Than Just Weight Loss
Valerie Bertinelli’s journey is a testament to the power of self-love, mindful eating, and sustainable habits. By focusing on her emotional well-being, avoiding quick fixes, and embracing a balanced lifestyle, Bertinelli has not only transformed her body but also her relationship with food and herself. Her journey is a powerful reminder that health isn’t just about numbers on a scale—it’s about feeling good in your body and embracing the process of self-care.