Ree Drummond, known to millions as The Pioneer Woman, has spent years serving up comfort food, cowboy-friendly dinners, and sweet treats on her Food Network show. But in 2022, the celebrity chef took on a personal transformation behind the scenes and revealed that she had lost an impressive 55 pounds.
Unlike many celebrity weight loss stories, Ree’s journey is refreshingly honest and grounded. She didn’t turn to fad diets, injections, or a personal trainer. Instead, she relied on portion control, smart food swaps, regular movement, and a lot of self-compassion.
Let’s explore how Ree reshaped her habits, maintained her progress, and embraced a realistic approach to health and fitness.
How Ree Got Started with Her Weight Loss
Like many women in their 50s, Ree reached a point where she was feeling tired, sluggish, and uncomfortable in her body. She knew something had to change but didn’t approach the process with harsh discipline. She simply began making small, intentional choices.
In her own words, Ree said, “I am, after all, a woman and a human person.” She shared that by the end of 2023, she had stopped exercising and wasn’t paying much attention to her diet. That all changed in February when she decided to recommit to her routine.
She wasn’t aiming for perfection. She just wanted to feel good again.
The Power of a Calorie Deficit and Protein
One of Ree’s main strategies was maintaining a calorie deficit. That means she burned more calories than she consumed. She used online calculators to find her ideal daily intake, then slightly undershot that number on most days.
But this wasn’t about restriction. Ree made sure to eat satisfying meals built around protein. In fact, she said her daily diet now consists of 30 to 40 percent protein. This shift helped her feel fuller, longer and gave her the energy to stay active.
Here are some of her favorite high-protein foods:
- Low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Lean meats like chicken, turkey, salmon, and cod
- Egg whites
- Raw almonds
- 1% milk
- Swiss cheese
- Homemade protein balls
- Plenty of veggies like spinach, kale, and carrots
- One apple a day
Ree shared that eating more protein helped her push through weight plateaus and feel more satisfied throughout the day.
Ree’s Approach to Portion Control
Another major change? How much she ate. Ree admitted that food portions often got the best of her, so she began weighing her meals in grams. This gave her a new perspective and helped her become more mindful of how much she was eating.
She didn’t cut out foods she loved. Instead, she learned to eat less of them. Her goal was to get more nutrition out of fewer calories and enjoy what she was eating at the same time.
Today, Ree no longer weighs her food or counts calories. But those habits taught her what works for her body and gave her the tools to stay balanced.
No Diet Gimmicks or Medication
Unlike some celebrities who use weight loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro, Ree made it clear that she went the natural route.
“I did not take Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medications,” she wrote in her blog. She also didn’t try keto, intermittent fasting, or detox programs.
Her entire transformation happened at home, on her ranch, with the foods she already cooked for her family.
Simple Fitness That Gets Results
Exercise played a big role in Ree’s weight loss, but her workouts were practical and accessible. She wasn’t spending hours in a gym or following a boot camp plan.
Instead, she:
- Walked her dogs every day
- Used her rowing machine in the living room
- Practiced mat Pilates
- Focused on strength training, especially for the lower body
Some of her go-to strength moves included squats, lunges, calf raises, and straight leg lifts. She emphasized how important it is to build muscle, especially as we age.
In fact, when her weight stalled for a bit, adding strength training to her routine helped break the plateau and get results back on track.
Ree’s Mindful Relationship with Alcohol
In her first round of weight loss, Ree avoided alcohol for more than four months. This time around, she’s been a little more relaxed. She occasionally enjoys a small glass of white wine mixed with sparkling Topo Chico, creating her own version of a light spritzer.
It’s a way to enjoy life without overdoing it.
Using a Weight-Tracking App for Motivation
To help track her progress, Ree turned to a weight loss app called Happy Scale. This tool allowed her to see weight trends over time instead of focusing on daily fluctuations.
She admits that during the year when she started regaining a few pounds, she stopped using the app. But once she returned to it, it helped keep her accountable and motivated.
She still loves the app today and says it plays a key role in her healthy routine.
Embracing Imperfection and Finding Peace
Ree has been open about the fact that her weight fluctuates. She said she has gained a few pounds back but now accepts that ups and downs are normal.
“I still love food. I still cook the same food for my family and me,” she wrote. While getting back into her weight loss routine wasn’t easy at first, she now finds it rewarding. And most importantly, she feels better every day.
Final Thoughts
Ree Drummond’s 55-pound weight loss journey is more than just a success story. It’s a testament to the power of small, consistent changes and a reminder that you don’t need expensive plans or dramatic measures to feel better in your own body.
Her approach is refreshingly real. She didn’t aim for perfection. She didn’t chase quick fixes. She focused on self-awareness, balance, and giving herself grace.
Whether you’re just starting your own health journey or picking it back up like Ree, her story proves that steady progress and self-kindness are always worth it.
