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Drew Barrymore has always been refreshingly honest about her struggles, including weight, wellness, and self-image. As a mother of two and a multi-hyphenate professional, she’s never pretended her journey has been easy. But that’s exactly what makes her story so empowering. From emotional lows to uplifting wins, here’s how Drew reshaped her relationship with health and finally found balance at age 45.
A Rollercoaster Ride of Body Acceptance
In a heartfelt 2020 Instagram post, Barrymore shared side-by-side photos of her body before and after giving birth. She described the challenges and triumphs of navigating postpartum changes while being in the public eye.
“The rollercoaster of my body is a challenging, but beautiful ride.”
Key Takeaways
- Gave birth to daughters in 2012 and 2014.
- Struggled with self-esteem and body image after pregnancy.
- Emphasized self-compassion and gratitude for what her body has achieved.
- Normalized the emotional toll of trying to look good under pressure.
Finding the “B” Word—Balance at 45
Barrymore says that finding balance was life-changing, and it didn’t come quickly. It took years of trial and error, but she’s finally found a rhythm that honors her health without punishing her spirit.
“NOW I have found that elusive B called BALANCE.”
- She let go of comparison culture, especially around postpartum weight loss.
- Embraced a middle ground—no more extremes.
- Choose joy, nourishment, and consistency over crash diets.
Protein-Powered, Plant-Focused Eating
When preparing for The Santa Clarita Diet in 2017, Barrymore adopted a mostly plant-based eating plan with guidance from vegan nutritionist Kimberly Snyder—but she didn’t go 100% vegan. She made sure to include enough protein to support her lifestyle and goals.
What Her Diet Focuses On
- Mostly plant-based meals for nutrient density.
- Adequate protein intake for muscle and energy.
- Real, whole foods that are easy to prepare and stick with.
Morning Workouts Are Her Secret Weapon
As a working mom with a tight schedule, Drew swears by early-morning exercise to stay on track. She’s a big fan of The Class by Taryn Toomey—a blend of movement, cardio, and mindfulness.
“If I don’t get it done in the morning, it’s not getting done.”
Why Morning Workouts Work for Her
- Eliminates excuses later in the day.
- Boosts mood and energy to start the day strong.
- Combines physical challenge with emotional release.
- Keeps her consistent while traveling or working long hours.
Yoga: Her Emotional Reset Button
Barrymore turns to yoga not just for flexibility, but for healing. She posted about a particularly emotional class, sharing how stillness can be just as transformative as motion.
“Being quiet and still can bring some of the most powerful things to our bodies.”
- Helps process emotions in a non-verbal way.
- Encourages body awareness and deep relaxation.
- Serves as a balancing act to high-intensity workouts.
- Promotes emotional resilience and mental clarity.
Simple, Sustainable Wellness Habits
Drew doesn’t believe in fads. Instead, she incorporates small daily practices that support her health without stress or overwhelm.
Key Wellness Habits She Follows
- Lemon water every morning – boosts hydration and digestion.
- Colorful, whole food meals – filled with antioxidants and fiber.
- Flexible eating mindset – avoids guilt and restriction.
- Moderation over extremes – consistency is her long game.
Expert Insight
Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, RD, notes that lemon water:
- Supports metabolism and fat-burning.
- Contains vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Enhances cell function and detoxification.
A Journey Rooted in Self-Love
Drew’s transformation isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional and spiritual. She’s found a way to accept herself, prioritize her joy, and let go of the pressure to be “perfect.”
- Embraces vulnerability and imperfection.
- Uses her platform to inspire honest conversations about health.
- Values how she feels more than how she looks.
- Proves that it’s never too late to find what works for you.
Drew Barrymore’s weight loss journey is about much more than diet and exercise—it’s about reclaiming joy, balance, and self-worth. Through protein-rich meals, mindful movement, and emotional self-care, she’s built a lifestyle that reflects who she truly is. Her story is proof that you don’t need to be flawless to feel fantastic—you just need to be real, kind to yourself, and consistent.
