The Doing-it-my-way Plan

How Actress Nia Vardalos Lost More Than 40 Pounds:

Several years ago, actress/writer/director Nia Vardalos went the DIY route to lose weight, and she has kept it off. Over the course of a year, Nia (who is best known for My Big Fat Greek Wedding) lost more than 40 pounds at her doctor’s urging because she had a blood sugar problem. How’d she do it? “I broke up with cheese,” she often jokes. Her real secrets: She followed the Sunday- to-thursday cooking rule (with homemade healthy meals, especially soups), gave up diet foods and diet soda, put an end to mindless snacking and began walking regularly. These days, Nia, 55, who is set to star in the new dramedy series Suburbs Famous on Bravo, looks trim, radiant and stunning.

IN STEP WITH PREP

Registered dietitian Joy Bauer, the health and nutrition expert for NBC’S Today, didn’t work with Nia but ap- plauds her for giving up diet fare and focusing on fueling up with satisfying, wholesome foods. Bauer also likes Nia’s habit of planning and making appointments with herself. “Planning her schedule, which includes meal prep and exercise, seems to help her feel organized and in control,” says Bauer, author of From Junk Food to Joy Food. “Cooking can be daunting if you’re not well organized. Nia takes advantage of downtime and front-loads cooking for the week, which is so smart and productive. I also love that she cooks with her daughter — it’s great quality time together.” Nia also became more physically active, starting with regular walks then adding Cardio Barre workouts. Not only did this help her slim down and improve her blood sugar levels, but “exercising also boosts your mood and resolve to make smarter food choices,” Bauer notes. That’s a quadruple win!