Ree Drummond Says She 'Stopped Exercising,' Lost Focus on Diet—But Has Been Back on Track Since February

After years of letting her fitness habits slide, The star of "The Pioneer Woman" has pressed reset. She candidly admitted to putting a pause on exercise and losing focus on her diet before wanting to make a change.

Ree Drummond once proudly shared the results of her 2021 weight loss journey through her blog. However, she recently revealed that towards the end of 2023, she'd let go of her routine and stopped paying close attention to her diet.

"I am, after all, a woman, and a human person," she admitted. By February 2025, Drummond decided it was time to get back on track.

She revisited her original weight loss plan and found that it still works. Though the first week to ten days was the most challenging, she pushed past the hurdle and the process is now more manageable.

Drummond's plan consists of two things: building muscle and eating more protein. "I do lunges, squats, deadlifts, and floor exercises with ankle weights," she shared.

When Drummond first began her wellness journey in 2021, she took a stricter approach – carefully weighing her food and counting calories. But after four to five months of consistency, she had developed a strong awareness of portion sizes and calories, allowing her to maintain her progress with more flexibility.

While her original plan still works, the author has made a few adjustments. During the most intensive phase of her weight loss, she avoided alcohol entirely. Now, she occasionally enjoys a glass of wine spritzer, striking a balance that fits her lifestyle.

To stay on track, she uses the Happy Scale app, which she finds helpful in monitoring her progress over time. She encourages others to push through the toughest stretch — the first week or so — when change feels hardest, but the payoff is just around the corner.

Drummond's approach to weight loss is both effective and natural, relying on mindful eating and sustainable exercising habits. Unlike more extreme methods such as surgery, which can carry serious risks, her journey highlights the power of consistency and self-awareness.

Her message is especially timely in light of recent headlines, including the sudden passing of a 30-year-old beauty influencer following weight loss surgery.