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Virginia Willisloves to cook. She’s been doing it since she was knee-high to her grandma. Even more, Willis loves to eat. That’s not shocking given she’s a French-trained Southern chef who’s written eight cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning,Lighten Up, Y’all: Classic Southern Recipes Made Healthy and Wholesome.“I’m not one of those people who’s like, ‘Oh, I can’t eat that!’ I’m like,bring it!“laughs Willis. What is astonishing, however, is that Willis managed to lose roughly 65 pounds starting in 2019—all while testing recipes nearly nonstop and dealing with the breakup of a 10-year relationship, a herniated disc, a big move from Massachusetts back home to Georgia and, of course, a global pandemic.The Best Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off Long Term, According to ExpertsWillis, a self-proclaimed “sturdy woman,” wasn’t looking to transform into a skinny person. Instead, she wanted her clothes to fit a little better; she wanted to move a little better. “And, honestly, I didn’t want to feel ashamed of my size anymore,” she says. Those drivers were enough…for a while.The thing is, even at her heaviest, Willis' diet wasn’t terrible. She was eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. And she was going to the gym. “But I was also drinking and eating too much. I might have been using too much butter and cream, too! But mostly, I just wasn’t being kind to myself,” says Willis.Willis lost almost 40 pounds in 2019, thanks to regular workouts and WW-style points-counting. And while she has never been to a Weight Watchers meeting, she has taken a shine to the idea that every food has a number and relies on their app. “It makes for super-easy math that helps me stay within my guidelines,” says Willis.Then, her motivation began to shift.In March 2020, a long-scheduled procedure that would’ve eased Willis' back pain was abruptly canceled thanks to the pandemic. Her physical therapy facility closed. Her gym did too. Heck,coronaviruseven made it more difficult to get fresh, nutritious food at the grocery store. “With all of this going on, I just kept thinking to myself:What do I need to do to keep myself healthy?” says Willis.
Virginia Willisloves to cook. She’s been doing it since she was knee-high to her grandma. Even more, Willis loves to eat. That’s not shocking given she’s a French-trained Southern chef who’s written eight cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning,Lighten Up, Y’all: Classic Southern Recipes Made Healthy and Wholesome.
“I’m not one of those people who’s like, ‘Oh, I can’t eat that!’ I’m like,bring it!“laughs Willis. What is astonishing, however, is that Willis managed to lose roughly 65 pounds starting in 2019—all while testing recipes nearly nonstop and dealing with the breakup of a 10-year relationship, a herniated disc, a big move from Massachusetts back home to Georgia and, of course, a global pandemic.
The Best Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off Long Term, According to Experts
Willis, a self-proclaimed “sturdy woman,” wasn’t looking to transform into a skinny person. Instead, she wanted her clothes to fit a little better; she wanted to move a little better. “And, honestly, I didn’t want to feel ashamed of my size anymore,” she says. Those drivers were enough…for a while.
The thing is, even at her heaviest, Willis' diet wasn’t terrible. She was eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. And she was going to the gym. “But I was also drinking and eating too much. I might have been using too much butter and cream, too! But mostly, I just wasn’t being kind to myself,” says Willis.
Willis lost almost 40 pounds in 2019, thanks to regular workouts and WW-style points-counting. And while she has never been to a Weight Watchers meeting, she has taken a shine to the idea that every food has a number and relies on their app. “It makes for super-easy math that helps me stay within my guidelines,” says Willis.
Then, her motivation began to shift.
In March 2020, a long-scheduled procedure that would’ve eased Willis' back pain was abruptly canceled thanks to the pandemic. Her physical therapy facility closed. Her gym did too. Heck,coronaviruseven made it more difficult to get fresh, nutritious food at the grocery store. “With all of this going on, I just kept thinking to myself:What do I need to do to keep myself healthy?” says Willis.
Smothered Chicken Breasts in Onion GravyJacob FoxSmothered Chicken Breasts in Onion GravyInstead of feeling daunted, Willis rose to the challenge. “I kept a list of anti-inflammatory foods for spine health on my fridge that were really ones I already ate, like red fruits and veggies, soy, flaxseed, nuts, olives—but having that reminder made me more cognizant,” says Willis.Willis also relegated red meat to a once-a-week (tops) treat and traded most starchy side dishes for veggies. “I didn’t have the gym or PT anymore, but I could walk—and boy, did those walks help relieve pandemic stress,” says Willis, who still clocks 3 1⁄2 miles a day with a rotating roster of friends. “Walking has moved far past simple weight loss for me. It’s my mental health now.“6 Health Benefits of WalkingAnd when morning strolls replace dinner and drinks as one’s social lifeline, other things tend to change, as well—like alcohol intake. Willis says she spent most of the pandemic alcohol-free. At first, it was because booze and her back meds didn’t mix. But all that walking and produce-eating helped her lose enough weight to be able to ditch the pain medication altogether. “Essentially, I was free to return to more indulgent drinking and eating when I got off the meds, but I didn’t want to,” says Willis. “I wanted to keep those guardrails and continue to succeed.“And she has. “If you had told me that I would feel this good as a result of losing 65 pounds, I would not have believed you,” says Willis. She no longer needs that spinal procedure. She’s never been able to get into child’s pose quicker. And her blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers are better than they were a decade ago. “That’s exciting stuff!” says Willis.
Smothered Chicken Breasts in Onion Gravy
Jacob Fox
Instead of feeling daunted, Willis rose to the challenge. “I kept a list of anti-inflammatory foods for spine health on my fridge that were really ones I already ate, like red fruits and veggies, soy, flaxseed, nuts, olives—but having that reminder made me more cognizant,” says Willis.
Willis also relegated red meat to a once-a-week (tops) treat and traded most starchy side dishes for veggies. “I didn’t have the gym or PT anymore, but I could walk—and boy, did those walks help relieve pandemic stress,” says Willis, who still clocks 3 1⁄2 miles a day with a rotating roster of friends. “Walking has moved far past simple weight loss for me. It’s my mental health now.”
6 Health Benefits of Walking
And when morning strolls replace dinner and drinks as one’s social lifeline, other things tend to change, as well—like alcohol intake. Willis says she spent most of the pandemic alcohol-free. At first, it was because booze and her back meds didn’t mix. But all that walking and produce-eating helped her lose enough weight to be able to ditch the pain medication altogether. “Essentially, I was free to return to more indulgent drinking and eating when I got off the meds, but I didn’t want to,” says Willis. “I wanted to keep those guardrails and continue to succeed.”
And she has. “If you had told me that I would feel this good as a result of losing 65 pounds, I would not have believed you,” says Willis. She no longer needs that spinal procedure. She’s never been able to get into child’s pose quicker. And her blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers are better than they were a decade ago. “That’s exciting stuff!” says Willis.
Soup Beans with Cornbread & Kraut
The best part is, she did it while eating the foods she loves. “I don’t want to have bland chicken or plain celery sticks,” says Willis. “I wantdeliciousfood.”
For instance, Willis is an unabashed chocolate lover, so when she saw a “diet” dessert recipe that called for combining fat-free chocolate pudding mix with a can of zero-sugar soda, she frowned. “That’s just sad,” she says. “When I want an after-dinner treat, I dip slices of Honeycrisp apples into a bittersweet chocolate sauce I make.”
In the end, the secrets to her success are straightforward. Willis believes in ditching deprivation, exercising daily, keeping an eye on portions and calories and embracing the notion that one small, healthy behavior leads to another—and another. “The good spreads like a beautiful web,” says Willis. “Hippie-dippie? Maybe. But it’s true!”
1. Be Realistic
Instead, her mindset was that progress is progress no matter how small. Going from sometimes-walks to several-times-a-week walks? Progress! Swapping a glass of wine for kombucha? Progress!
And being kind to yourself when you feel you’ve slipped up is imperative. A 2020 study in theBritish Journal of Health Psychologysuggests that dieters who have self-compassion when they experience a lapse during dieting, are better able to pick back up and keep going. Experiencing guilt, on the other hand, seems to have the opposite effect.
Chicken Stew with Collard Greens & Peanuts
2. Get Those Veggies
“It’s all about eating more vegetables. Period,” says Willis. Yes, they’re full of good-for-you vitamins and minerals, but they’re also low in calories and fiber-rich, which keeps you feeling fuller longer—both of which can help the pounds come off. In fact, a 2020 report published in the journalNutrientsconcluded that upping produce intake can be a chief contributor to weight loss and maintenance.
Buying veggies that are local and in-season is often key to landing the tastiest stuff. But if you need an additional flavor boost, Willis suggests (wait for it) bacon. “A little bit goes a long way,” she says. “It’ll get people to eat Brussels sprouts!” And that’s the ultimate goal, really—to have lots and lots of veg. Not into bacon?Try a dab of miso, suggests Willis. “It adds a delicious, salty, umami quality.”
3. Turn Meals Upside-Down
This is another strategy to increase your veggie intake—while surreptitiously cutting calories. “Instead of making beef and broccoli, make broccoli and beef, letting the vegetable take the lead,” says Willis.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
“Water is my first line of defense with hunger,” says Willis. “I start every meal with a glass. When I think I want a snack, I drink. And if I’m still hungry,thenI’ll have the snack.”
Water takes up space in your belly, which helps you feel full. For example, a 2021 study in theJournal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorderssuggests that drinking water before a meal can decrease how much you eat and assist in greater weight loss. Plus,being well-hydratedis important for overall health, too.
And when water gets boring, Willis sips a mug of vitamin-packed potassium broth. “That’s what spas call it, but it’s really vegetable stock,” she says. Willis makes her ownwith bits and bobs of vegetables from meal prep and some aromatics. “I strain it and keep it in a pitcher in the fridge. I drink it warm when it’s chilly out and have it cold in the summer,” says Willis.
Gingery Vegetable BrothJacob FoxGingery Vegetable Broth5. Scale UpBe careful touse the scale for good, not guilt. “The number on the scale should never be some big shock that you freak out about,” says Willis, who steps on the scale weekly. “Up, down or the same, I need to remember that my weight reflects only one piece of my story.“And no matter the digits, there are lessons to learn. “If I’m down, it shows that what I did the prior days was effective. If there’s no change, it’s still progress, in my mind. Flat is the new down!” she laughs.And if she’s up, that’s OK too. “I think I’ve gained 5 pounds in the past month and a half, but I’m not stressed about it,” says Willis. She allows for small fluctuations and uses the scale to keep tabs on her overall weight trends. Smart.6. Take Care of All of You"I put face lotion on every night. I rotate my ankles 10 times in bed before I go to sleep. It soothes and prepares my feet for the next day’s walk. I no longer keep my phone on my bedside table. And I write in my gratitude journal too,” says Willis. “These things have nothing to do with my weight loss and everything to do with my weight loss.“Why? Because mindfulness and self-care lead to more of the same—and are key ingredients for success. According to a 2019 study published in theJournal of Experimental Social Psychology,regularly writing about feelings of gratitude spurred healthier eating—specifically, the grateful folks ate less fast food and more vegetables each week. The researchers note that’s because appreciation likely fosters motivation.7. Be Accountable"No one needs to try to lose a bunch of weight or get healthier on their own. That’s too much for one person,” says Willis. “That’s why the whole accountability and support piece is tremendously helpful.“For Willis, walking buddies help keep her on track. “Before the pandemic, I’d walk with friends, but it was random. Now I’ve got a daily appointment, so it’s my routine.“Having others who support you—and to whom you are accountable—can be hugely impactful. In a 2020 report based on two studies published in theJournal of Medical Internet Research, researchers found that having accountability, even if just over the phone, increased participants' adherence to weight management behaviors and healthy dietary choices. They also had more positive coping strategies when they ran into weight management challenges.8. Dial Back the Booze"In my experience, it’s nearly impossible to lose weight and drink alcohol,” says Willis. “That’s not to say that I don’t drink at all, I’m just much more mindful about it now.“That means instead of having a glass or two of wine while making dinner, then more while eating it, she often opts for water or tea. “For the most part, I save my alcohol for dinner with friends, making it part of a celebration,” she says.This makes sense. First, alcoholic drinks pack a surprising number of calories, and that’s on top of whatever you’re eating with them. And then there’s the lowering-of-inhibitions issue that can easily turn a sliver of pie into a slab.
Gingery Vegetable Broth
5. Scale Up
Be careful touse the scale for good, not guilt. “The number on the scale should never be some big shock that you freak out about,” says Willis, who steps on the scale weekly. “Up, down or the same, I need to remember that my weight reflects only one piece of my story.”
And no matter the digits, there are lessons to learn. “If I’m down, it shows that what I did the prior days was effective. If there’s no change, it’s still progress, in my mind. Flat is the new down!” she laughs.
And if she’s up, that’s OK too. “I think I’ve gained 5 pounds in the past month and a half, but I’m not stressed about it,” says Willis. She allows for small fluctuations and uses the scale to keep tabs on her overall weight trends. Smart.
6. Take Care of All of You
“I put face lotion on every night. I rotate my ankles 10 times in bed before I go to sleep. It soothes and prepares my feet for the next day’s walk. I no longer keep my phone on my bedside table. And I write in my gratitude journal too,” says Willis. “These things have nothing to do with my weight loss and everything to do with my weight loss.”
Why? Because mindfulness and self-care lead to more of the same—and are key ingredients for success. According to a 2019 study published in theJournal of Experimental Social Psychology,regularly writing about feelings of gratitude spurred healthier eating—specifically, the grateful folks ate less fast food and more vegetables each week. The researchers note that’s because appreciation likely fosters motivation.
7. Be Accountable
“No one needs to try to lose a bunch of weight or get healthier on their own. That’s too much for one person,” says Willis. “That’s why the whole accountability and support piece is tremendously helpful.”
For Willis, walking buddies help keep her on track. “Before the pandemic, I’d walk with friends, but it was random. Now I’ve got a daily appointment, so it’s my routine.”
Having others who support you—and to whom you are accountable—can be hugely impactful. In a 2020 report based on two studies published in theJournal of Medical Internet Research, researchers found that having accountability, even if just over the phone, increased participants' adherence to weight management behaviors and healthy dietary choices. They also had more positive coping strategies when they ran into weight management challenges.
8. Dial Back the Booze
“In my experience, it’s nearly impossible to lose weight and drink alcohol,” says Willis. “That’s not to say that I don’t drink at all, I’m just much more mindful about it now.”
That means instead of having a glass or two of wine while making dinner, then more while eating it, she often opts for water or tea. “For the most part, I save my alcohol for dinner with friends, making it part of a celebration,” she says.
This makes sense. First, alcoholic drinks pack a surprising number of calories, and that’s on top of whatever you’re eating with them. And then there’s the lowering-of-inhibitions issue that can easily turn a sliver of pie into a slab.
Crispy Small-Batch Chocolate Chip CookiesJacob FoxCrispy Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crispy Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Eat the Cake"If I want a piece, I’m going to eat it—and I’m not going to go for something that’s mediocre,” says Willis. “It’ll be delicious and just enough cake to feel luxurious, but not so much that it kills my healthy-eating game plan.“This approach, says Willis, works better than renouncing any one food altogether. “Deprivation doesn’t work for me,” she insists.In fact, it doesn’t work for most people. Not only is this habit unsustainable, but a 2022 study in theInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healthfound that rigid dieting strategies—like swearing off certain eats—were associated with higher levels of uncontrolled eating, which in turn could lead to weight gain (and guilt). Interestingly, rigid eating rules were also associated with lower life satisfaction, lower optimism and lower self-esteem.Instead of deprivation, Willis is conscious of serving sizes. When she makes cookies, for example, she does a tiny batch so there’s less temptation hanging around. Generosity helps too. “I’m always sharing food, whether baked goods or dinners, with my neighbors,” she says.And sharing food with family and friends is a good reminder that life—and food—are to be celebrated and enjoyed. Cheers!
9. Eat the Cake
“If I want a piece, I’m going to eat it—and I’m not going to go for something that’s mediocre,” says Willis. “It’ll be delicious and just enough cake to feel luxurious, but not so much that it kills my healthy-eating game plan.”
This approach, says Willis, works better than renouncing any one food altogether. “Deprivation doesn’t work for me,” she insists.
In fact, it doesn’t work for most people. Not only is this habit unsustainable, but a 2022 study in theInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healthfound that rigid dieting strategies—like swearing off certain eats—were associated with higher levels of uncontrolled eating, which in turn could lead to weight gain (and guilt). Interestingly, rigid eating rules were also associated with lower life satisfaction, lower optimism and lower self-esteem.
Instead of deprivation, Willis is conscious of serving sizes. When she makes cookies, for example, she does a tiny batch so there’s less temptation hanging around. Generosity helps too. “I’m always sharing food, whether baked goods or dinners, with my neighbors,” she says.
And sharing food with family and friends is a good reminder that life—and food—are to be celebrated and enjoyed. Cheers!
Originally appeared: This article first appeared in EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2022.
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