Melissa Joan Hart recently shared in an interview that she managed to shed almost 20 pounds by removing two simple items from her diet.
Famous for her roles in “Clarissa” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” Hart noted she lost roughly 18 pounds by cutting out sugar and alcohol in what she describes as a “longevity journey.” She mentioned this during Steven Tyler’s Grammy Awards reception in Los Angeles on February 1, explaining, “I just wanted to feel good. It had nothing to do with losing weight.” At 49, she expressed surprise at her ability to lose weight, especially during middle age and perimenopause.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the hormonal shifts experienced during perimenopause can lead to weight gain, often shifting fat to the abdomen. Yet, experts suggest maintaining an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, limited alcohol and added sugars, and prioritizing sleep can help mitigate weight gain during midlife.
Hart emphasized her focus was on how she felt rather than the scale, stating that she feels stronger and healthier now than she has in a long time.
She attributed her weight loss efforts to working out more rigorously and becoming more mindful about her lifestyle. Along the way, she discovered intermittent fasting and decided to eliminate sugar and alcohol from her diet. Hart mentioned that giving up alcohol was a simple choice for her, saying, “I don’t even like drinking, so why bother?” It seems her decision brought about positive changes, as she noted, “In doing so, I lost a lot of weight and felt kind of better.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that cutting back on added sugars and alcohol can decrease overall calorie intake, lowering risks for weight gain, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver damage, and certain cancers.
Hart also shared that she has struggled with staying hydrated over the years, humorously mentioning her husband’s observations about her dislike for drinking water. “When I drink a glass of water, I look like I’m the most disgusting thing in the world,” she joked, reflecting on her challenge with hydration.
Instead of water, she often opts for club soda with lime or a variety of teas, stating, “I drink hot tea, cold tea, green tea, peppermint tea, any kind of tea.” As she approaches her 50th birthday, Hart joins a rising number of celebrities who are crediting lifestyle changes, particularly avoiding alcohol, for notable health improvements and weight reduction.
Last year, Russell Crowe mentioned that reducing alcohol played a significant role in his impressive weight loss, while Jonathan Van Ness discussed similar benefits from cutting down on drinking. Country artist Jelly Roll attributed his weight changes to long-term support for his health and mental well-being, and Matt Damon shared that removing gluten-containing foods helped him slim down for a movie role.
