Valerie Bertinelli, a beloved actress, and Food Network star, has had a tumultuous relationship with weight loss. Over the years, she has tried numerous methods to achieve her goals, and her journey has been anything but easy. So, how did Valerie Bertinelli really lose weight? Let’s dive into her transformation, her ups and downs, and the reality behind those eye-catching headlines.
Valerie’s Battle with Weight and Emotional Eating
If you’ve followed Valerie Bertinelli over the years, you probably know that her weight loss journey has been deeply intertwined with her emotional well-being. In interviews, Valerie has candidly shared how emotional eating played a significant role in her struggles with weight. In a recent interview with The Washington Post, she opened up about her struggles with emotional eating and how she has learned to develop a healthier relationship with food and her body. Valerie admitted, “It wasn’t just about the food, it was about everything I was feeling.”
In 2023, Valerie posted on Instagram to give her followers an update on her journey. She mentioned, “I started really concentrating on my emotional health.” This focus on emotional well-being seems to have made a huge difference for her, not just in terms of the numbers on the scale but also in her overall sense of self-worth and happiness.
Ditching the Scale and Embracing Body Positivity
One of the most interesting aspects of Valerie’s journey has been her decision to stop weighing herself. She revealed that she ditched the scale because of how it made her feel. According to Valerie, stepping on the scale was often an exercise in self-criticism rather than self-love. As she told USA Today in February 2024, “I used to weigh myself constantly, and if I wasn’t seeing the numbers I wanted, it would ruin my day.”
Instead, she has shifted her focus to how her clothes fit and how she feels in her body. Valerie proudly shared how she re-wore some of her old clothes from the Jenny Craig days, noting that she was excited to feel comfortable in them again without letting a number define her progress.
Valerie and Jenny Craig: Losing Over 40 Pounds
Valerie’s affiliation with Jenny Craig is well-known. Back in 2007, she became a spokesperson for the program, and it became a significant part of her public weight loss story. During this time, she lost over 40 pounds and even posed in a green bikini for People Magazine after nine months on the program. Valerie once said, “There’s a lot of pride and a lot of shame associated with my weight loss journey,” highlighting the complex emotions that often accompany such a transformation.
The Jenny Craig program helped Valerie adopt healthier eating habits and provided the structure she needed at the time. In a 2010 interview with Good Housekeeping, she said, “People come up to me and tell me how I changed their life, and I’ve inspired them.” It’s clear that her openness has had a positive impact on many people looking for motivation in their own weight loss journeys.
Not About the Numbers: Valerie’s New Approach to Weight Loss
At 63, Valerie has made it clear that her weight loss journey is no longer about hitting a certain number on the scale. Instead, it’s about feeling good in her own skin. In her own words, “I am done with the scale. I just want to feel healthy and happy.” Valerie’s transformation wasn’t just about the physical changes—it was also about finding peace with herself.
In a 2024 interview with Eating Well, Valerie shared that she has incorporated therapy and meditation into her routine, which has been instrumental in helping her maintain a positive mindset. She emphasized that these practices helped her overcome the negative self-talk that had plagued her for years, adding, “It wasn’t just about diet and exercise; it was about changing my mindset.”
Did Valerie Use Ozempic? The Truth Behind the Headlines
There have been plenty of rumors swirling around Valerie’s weight loss, especially when it comes to popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic. In an interview with Prevention in April 2024, Valerie addressed these rumors directly. She acknowledged that while Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight loss drug, she wanted to focus on more sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying on quick fixes. She mentioned, “Losing 10 pounds in a week might sound great, but it’s not something I wanted to chase.” Valerie has always been open about her belief in the importance of long-term health over short-term gains.
Valerie’s Favorite Foods: Yes, She Still Eats Pasta!
One thing that might surprise you is that Valerie didn’t give up all her favorite foods. In fact, she has spoken about how she managed to lose weight while still enjoying foods like pasta. In an April 2024 interview with Daily Mail, Valerie said, “I didn’t want to give up pasta—I just learned how to enjoy it in moderation.” This approach reflects her commitment to making her lifestyle changes sustainable. Rather than depriving herself, she learned how to make healthier choices that still allowed her to enjoy the foods she loves.
Valerie’s ability to enjoy her favorite foods while still losing weight sends an important message: weight loss doesn’t have to be about deprivation. It’s about balance, moderation, and making choices that make you feel good in the long run.
The Role of Exercise and Staying Active
Valerie’s weight loss wasn’t just about changing her diet—it also involved getting more active. She has often emphasized the importance of finding an exercise routine that you enjoy. For Valerie, this meant incorporating activities that fit her lifestyle and that she could stick with. “I’m not someone who loves going to the gym every day,” she said. “But I love walking, and I love yoga.” These low-impact exercises helped her stay active without feeling overwhelmed.
In her Closer Weekly interview from November 2024, Valerie shared how important it was for her to stay consistent. “It wasn’t about going hard every day. It was about showing up, even if it was just for a short walk,” she explained. This consistent, gentle approach to exercise helped her maintain her progress and stay motivated without feeling burnt out.
Why Valerie Bertinelli’s Journey Inspires So Many
Valerie’s weight loss journey is inspiring not just because of the number of pounds she has lost but because of her honesty and vulnerability throughout the process. She has never shied away from sharing the highs and lows, and her journey is a testament to the fact that weight loss is not a linear process. Valerie lost over 40 pounds, but more importantly, she gained a healthier perspective on her body and her worth.
Her journey resonates with so many because it is deeply relatable. We’ve all experienced moments of insecurity, and many of us have struggled with our relationship with food. Valerie’s openness about these struggles makes her an authentic and comforting figure for those who are on their own weight loss journeys.
Valerie’s Advice for Anyone Looking to Lose Weight
So, what advice does Valerie have for those looking to lose weight? According to her Yahoo Lifestyle interview, she emphasized that it’s about taking it one step at a time. “Don’t try to do it all at once,” she advised. “Start with small changes, and be patient with yourself.” She also stressed the importance of self-love and acceptance, reminding her followers that they are more than a number on a scale.
Valerie’s weight loss journey is ultimately about finding balance—both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s ditching the scale, enjoying her favorite foods in moderation, or focusing on her mental health, Valerie has shown us that true transformation comes from within. As she continues her journey, her message remains clear: it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and finding joy in the process.