When Joey King, best known for her role in The Kissing Booth, was preparing for her intense role as Halina Kurc in We Were the Lucky Ones, her transformation wasn’t just about mastering the character’s accent or learning her lines. It was about a physical and emotional metamorphosis that would shape her entire approach to health and well-being. Losing 30 pounds in six months was not an easy feat, but for Joey, it became an integral part of the preparation for her role as a Jewish woman passing as non-Jewish during World War II.
Joey didn’t just lose weight—she went through a psychological journey, which included navigating self-image, body perception, and how the process of transformation affected her mentally and emotionally. This isn’t just a story of shedding pounds; it’s a story of shedding layers of self-doubt, finding inner strength, and facing insecurities head-on. In this candid conversation, Joey opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the mindset shifts that helped her achieve her goals.
The Catalyst: A Role That Demanded Change
Joey had always been comfortable with her body, but when she got the role of Halina Kurc in We Were the Lucky Ones, the character required her to undergo significant physical change. “I knew I had to look different for this role,” Joey explains. “Halina is a woman who goes through a lot of trauma, and part of her transformation was physical. She becomes very, very thin. The way I approached it wasn’t about looking unhealthy—it was about understanding my character and the role that this transformation would play in telling her story.”
At the time, Joey weighed around 160 lbs, a weight she felt comfortable with. But in order to portray Halina’s hardship and emotional turmoil, Joey needed to look the part. “I realized that the change needed to be authentic, so I really embraced the challenge. I wanted to do it the healthy way.”
Diet Changes: A Mindful Approach to Weight Loss
Joey’s approach to weight loss wasn’t about drastic dieting or extreme restrictions. Instead, she focused on mindful eating, gradually adjusting her meals to fit her body’s needs while maintaining a healthy, sustainable plan. “I didn’t want to go on some crash diet,” she says. “That’s never been my thing. I wanted to make changes that would last.”
Her diet included a balance of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, but she paid particular attention to reducing her salt intake. “I have poor circulation, and I knew that eating too much sodium would make it harder for me to reach my goal,” she says. “So, I made small, consistent changes, like cutting back on processed foods and eating more whole, nutritious meals.”
While Joey’s weight loss was gradual, she was careful not to focus too much on the number on the scale. “I didn’t track calories obsessively or anything,” she admits. “It was more about listening to my body and feeling good about what I was eating.”
Fitness: Strengthening the Mind and Body
Diet alone wasn’t enough for Joey. She needed a workout routine that would complement her eating habits and help her achieve the physical transformation required for her role. But exercise wasn’t just about weight loss—it became a way for Joey to clear her mind and build confidence.
“I started incorporating strength training into my routine,” she says. “I loved the idea of getting stronger. It wasn’t just about burning calories; it was about feeling empowered and capable.”
Her fitness routine also included cardio, and Joey found that running or doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) not only helped her shed weight, but also boosted her energy and mood. “Exercise became a huge part of my mental wellness as well. It was a way for me to focus, clear my head, and just get into a rhythm,” she says.
The Emotional Struggles: A Mental Journey Alongside the Physical
The physical transformation was challenging, but the emotional side was where Joey experienced the most growth. Losing weight for a role meant that Joey had to confront her body image head-on. “It was hard at times because the process wasn’t always linear,” she admits. “There were days when I felt frustrated, when I didn’t see the results I wanted. But I had to remind myself that it wasn’t just about the weight—it was about the character and how I felt in my body.”
Joey emphasizes the importance of mental health in weight loss. “I think it’s easy to get caught up in the external stuff, like how much you weigh or how you look in clothes,” she says. “But true health is about how you feel inside. I had to make sure I was mentally strong, too.”
There were moments when Joey’s self-doubt crept in, especially when her appearance started to change rapidly. “It’s natural to have moments of insecurity, but I worked on it. I reminded myself why I was doing this and that it was for something bigger than just my appearance.”
Support System: The Importance of Loved Ones and Mentorship
Throughout her weight loss journey, Joey found a strong support system that helped her stay on track. Her friends and family, especially her co-stars, played a big role in keeping her grounded. “I had a lot of people around me who were there for me. They kept me motivated and reminded me that I was doing this for the right reasons,” she says.
One of the people who was particularly supportive was her friend and former co-star, Taylor Zakhar Perez. However, as Joey’s weight loss became more noticeable, Taylor expressed concern. “He was worried I was losing too much weight. And I really appreciated that,” Joey says, smiling. “It made me realize that people care about you beyond just how you look.”
This caring relationship and the balance between support and concern kept Joey focused on the importance of staying healthy while also achieving her goal.
Achieving the Goal: From 160 lbs to 130 lbs
After six months of consistent effort, Joey had shed 30 pounds, bringing her weight from 160 lbs to 130 lbs. But as Joey explains, the transformation wasn’t just physical. “I felt so much stronger—not just in my body, but in my mind,” she shares. “It was about knowing that I had the strength to take on something hard and finish it. It was about resilience.”
Joey reflects on how much her mindset shifted during this process. “I think the hardest part is starting,” she says. “Once you commit to a goal, it’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency. And that was key for me.”
Maintaining Balance: Joey’s Approach to Long-Term Health
As Joey’s transformation continues, she’s learned that balance is key to maintaining both physical and mental health. “I’m not focused on weight loss anymore,” she says. “Now, it’s about feeling good in my body, staying strong, and keeping up with my fitness. The weight is just a number—it’s how I feel that matters most.”
Joey is now focused on a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and, most importantly, self-care. “I don’t restrict myself. I eat what makes me feel good, and I work out to feel strong—not because I have to,” she explains.
Joey King’s Advice for Others on a Weight Loss Journey
Joey has learned valuable lessons throughout her weight loss journey, and she shares her tips with others who might be on a similar path:
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Set Realistic Goals: “Start with small, achievable goals. Don’t expect perfection from day one.”
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Listen to Your Body: “Your body will tell you what it needs. Trust it.”
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Focus on Mental Health: “Don’t forget that mental strength is just as important as physical strength.”
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Find a Support System: “Having people who support and encourage you is essential. Don’t try to do it alone.”
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Don’t Obsess Over the Scale: “It’s about how you feel. The number on the scale doesn’t define your worth.”
FAQ
Q1: How much weight did Joey King lose? A1: Joey King lost 30 lbs during her weight loss journey, dropping from 160 lbs to 130 lbs.
Q2: Why did Joey King lose weight? A2: Joey lost weight for her role in We Were the Lucky Ones, where her character underwent a physical transformation as part of her storyline.
Q3: How long did Joey King’s weight loss take? A3: Joey’s weight loss took about six months of consistent effort, including mindful eating and exercise.
Q4: What kind of diet did Joey King follow? A4: Joey followed a balanced diet, focusing on whole foods and reducing her sodium intake, while avoiding restrictive dieting.
Q5: Did Joey King exercise to lose weight? A5: Yes, Joey incorporated strength training and cardio into her workout routine to help with her transformation.
Q6: What advice does Joey King have for others trying to lose weight? A6: Joey advises starting small, listening to your body, focusing on mental health, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.