Love Your Diet

How Leann Rimes Slimmed Down:

How Leann Rimes toned up by embracing self-care!

After rising to stardom at age 13, singer-songwriter Leann Rimes has spent much of her life in the spotlight. The two-time Grammy winner is also an actress — Leann made a cameo in the movie Logan Lucky this summer, appeared in the TV films Reel Love and Northern Lights and starred in the VH1 reality series Leann & Eddie with husband Eddie Cibrian — as well as the author of two novels and two children’s books. Over the years, her weight has fluctuated considerably as she transformed from chubby teenager into svelte country music star.

BALANCED AND CENTERED

One of the biggest changes she made: In her 20s, Leann started working out instead of turning to food for solace or stress relief. Leann, now 35, also embraced a metta ( loving-kindness) meditation practice, which helps her stay centered and compassionate toward herself. To slim down, she made a habit of eating mostly plant-based foods before dinner, then incorporating lean fish or chicken in her evening meals. While she sticks with healthy eating habits six days a week, she allows herself one free day per week so she can have the foods she loves most ( like pizza and fried chicken). Though she didn’t work with Leann, Bonnie Taub-dix, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant in New York ( Betterthandieting.com), praises her eating style. “She seems to consume a healthy balance of nutrients — 55 percent protein, 25 percent carbs and 20 percent healthy fats — which is like having three legs on a stool to support the best energy, feelings of well-being and satiation.” To stay fit and toned, Leann does circuit training as well as boxing, Pilates and yoga. “She works out like a maniac for stress relief and to be in shape,” Taub-dix says. “I like that it’s not just about losing weight for her. It’s about being strong and shapely and getting to a better place physically and emotionally.”