“This isn’t about fitting into a dress. It’s about feeling alive again.” These were the words Ricki Lake shared in a candid interview when discussing her 35-pound weight loss journey—a journey not just of numbers on a scale but of rediscovery and self-love. At 55 years old, the former talk show host has become an inspiring figure for anyone navigating the complexities of weight loss, aging, and health. Let’s dive into how Ricki achieved her transformation through intermittent fasting, hiking, and a keto diet—no shortcuts, no gimmicks, and certainly no medications like Ozempic.
A Wake-Up Call: The Beginning of Ricki Lake’s Journey
When Ricki first stepped on the scale in October 2023, the number staring back was a sobering 170 pounds. It wasn’t just about her physical appearance—Ricki recalls feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and disconnected from the vibrant energy she was known for. “I knew something had to change,” she said. But rather than resorting to quick fixes, she decided to approach her weight loss journey with mindfulness and sustainability at the core.
The decision was deeply personal. For Ricki, this was about regaining control, especially after years of fluctuating weight and the emotional toll it had taken. “I wasn’t doing this for anyone else—not for the cameras, not for the headlines. It was for me.”
The Key Strategies: How Ricki Lake Lost 35 Pounds
1. Intermittent Fasting
Ricki embraced intermittent fasting, a popular eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. She adopted a 16:8 routine, meaning she would fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. “At first, it was tough,” she admitted. “I’m not a morning person, but skipping breakfast felt strange. Then I noticed how much better I felt—lighter, more focused.” Studies back up Ricki’s claims, showing that intermittent fasting can improve metabolism and aid weight loss without requiring extreme calorie restrictions.
2. The Keto Diet
Paired with fasting, Ricki followed a ketogenic diet, which focuses on high fats, moderate proteins, and low carbohydrates. Her meals consisted of avocado, leafy greens, salmon, and olive oil. “It’s about eating foods that make your body feel good, not deprived,” she explained. The keto diet helped stabilize her energy levels and reduced the cravings that often derailed her previous attempts at weight loss.
3. Hiking and Pilates
Ricki’s approach to exercise was refreshingly simple: do what you love. She and her husband, Ross Burningham, turned hiking into a regular part of their routine. “We started with short trails and eventually worked our way up to longer hikes. Being in nature was so healing,” she said. Ricki also embraced Pilates for its low-impact, full-body benefits. “It wasn’t about burning calories—it was about building strength and feeling aligned in my body.”
Mental Health: The Silent Partner in Weight Loss
Beyond diet and exercise, Ricki prioritized her mental well-being. She credits regular therapy, mindfulness practices, and good sleep hygiene for playing pivotal roles in her success. “If your mind isn’t in the right place, no amount of dieting will work,” she said. Ricki also emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals: “I wasn’t aiming to be 25 again. I just wanted to feel like the best version of myself.”
By May 2024, Ricki had shed 35 pounds. But the transformation was far more profound than physical. “I feel like I’m living my best life,” she told fans on Instagram, sharing a radiant photo in a dress she hadn’t worn since 2007. Her energy levels skyrocketed, and she described feeling “healthier and fitter than ever.”
Her followers flooded her comments with messages of support, many sharing their own weight loss struggles. “You’re such an inspiration, Ricki,” one fan wrote. Another said, “Seeing you embrace this journey gives me hope that I can too.”
Debunking the Quick Fix: Why Ricki Refused Medications
Amid growing buzz around weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Ricki revealed that her doctor had suggested the medication early on. But she declined. “I wanted to do this naturally,” she said. “I didn’t want to rely on something artificial to make me feel good about myself.” Ricki’s decision has resonated with many who seek sustainable and drug-free approaches to weight loss.
Ricki’s transformation is a masterclass in self-awareness, discipline, and balance. Here are her top takeaways:
- Start with Small Changes: “You don’t need to overhaul your life in one day,” Ricki advises. Her journey began with minor adjustments to her eating habits and activity levels.
- Prioritize Mental Health: For Ricki, emotional well-being was the foundation of her success. She encourages others to address stress, anxiety, and negative self-talk.
- Find Joy in the Process: Whether it’s hiking with loved ones or experimenting with healthy recipes, Ricki believes the journey should be enjoyable.
- Ignore the Scale: “Focus on how you feel, not the number staring back at you,” she said.
- Be Patient: Ricki’s weight loss didn’t happen overnight—it took months of consistent effort. “Good things take time,” she reminds fans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ricki Lake Weight Loss
1. How much weight did Ricki Lake lose?
Ricki Lake lost an impressive 35 pounds through intermittent fasting, a keto diet, and regular exercise.
2. Did Ricki Lake use medications like Ozempic?
No, Ricki achieved her transformation naturally and chose not to rely on medications.
3. What was Ricki Lake’s workout routine?
Her routine included hiking, Pilates, and other low-impact exercises that promoted strength and flexibility.
4. What motivated Ricki Lake to lose weight?
Her primary motivation was to feel healthier, more energetic, and aligned with her best self—not external pressures.
5. What is Ricki Lake’s diet plan?
She followed a ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting, focusing on nutrient-dense foods like avocados, salmon, and leafy greens.
6. How long did it take Ricki to lose 35 pounds?
Her weight loss journey spanned several months, beginning in October 2023 and continuing into mid-2024.
Closing Thoughts: A Journey of Resilience and Joy
Ricki Lake’s weight loss journey is more than a story of shedding pounds—it’s a testament to the power of self-love, patience, and commitment. At 55, Ricki has shown that it’s never too late to prioritize health and reclaim your vitality. Her journey offers inspiration for anyone looking to make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. As Ricki herself puts it, “If I can do it, so can you.”