Kevin Smith's Weight Loss Journey: His Diet Plan

In February 2018, actor, director, and comedian Kevin Smith suffered a near-fatal heart attack. This brush with mortality led to a dramatic shift in his lifestyle and diet, inspiring his weight-loss journey. Smith's new diet and exercise routine helped him lose 50-58 pounds, improving his health and energy levels.

Smith's new diet was initially potato-based, resulting in a loss of 17 pounds in nine days. He then adopted a broader plant-based, vegan diet, inspired by his daughter, Harley Quinn Smith. This, combined with daily hour-long walks with his dog, Shecky, helped Smith lose a further 25 pounds.

Smith's new vegan diet included fresh fruit or green smoothies, sugar-free iced tea, and meals prepared by chefs, including potatoes, salads, and fruit and vegetable juices. He also ate roasted or boiled chickpeas as a high-protein snack.

Kevin Smith's diet after his heart attack

Kevin Smith's diet changed drastically after his heart attack in February. The Clerks director was told by doctors that he needed to lose 50 pounds, and he has since become a Weight Watchers ambassador, losing 51 pounds in the process.

Smith kickstarted his weight loss journey by following a "mono diet", eating only potatoes for the first few weeks. This was inspired by Penn Jillette's book, Presto: How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear, in which Jillette details his own weight loss journey. Smith's daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, also inspired him to adopt a vegan lifestyle, although he has stated that he doesn't eat many vegetables. Instead, he consumes plant-based foods such as beans, chickpeas, and peanut butter and jelly.

Smith has credited his weight loss to a total lifestyle change, rather than just a diet. He has also shared that he avoids the craft services table on set, which used to be a "delicious, sugary snack buffet". Instead, he focuses on getting his 10,000 steps a day by remaining on his feet as much as possible.

In addition to Weight Watchers, Smith has also credited comedian Penn Jillette and NASA scientist-turned-nutrition and weight loss specialist Ray Cronise for encouraging him to stick to a plant and potato-based diet.

The potato diet

Smith ate only potatoes—mashed, boiled, or steamed—for two weeks, claiming that he lost 17 pounds in just nine days. He then phased in vegetable stews, as outlined in Jillette's book. Smith's goal was to lose 50 pounds, as recommended by his doctors following his heart attack.

While Smith's initial weight loss may be attributed to the potato diet, he also made broader lifestyle changes, eventually adopting a vegan diet. He emphasised that his weight loss was not due to a short-term diet but rather a permanent shift to eating solely plant-based foods.

Veganism

Kevin Smith's veganism came about as a result of a heart attack and subsequent doctor's orders to lose 50 pounds. Smith's daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, had been vegan for about two years at that point and encouraged her father to adopt a plant-based diet as well.

Smith's version of veganism does not include vegetables, which he dislikes. Instead, he eats a lot of beans, chickpeas, and peanut butter and jelly. He also started his weight loss journey with a mono diet, eating only potatoes for the first few weeks. This was inspired by Penn Jillette's book, Presto: How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear, in which Jillette describes eating only potatoes for two weeks and then phasing in vegetable stews.

Smith lost 17 pounds in nine days on the mono diet, and 51 pounds in total over six months. He has said that his veganism is not a diet but a total lifestyle change.

Weight loss and cholesterol

Cholesterol and its Types

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood and is essential for building cells. However, high cholesterol levels, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol," can lead to health issues. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good cholesterol" helps remove LDL from arteries. Obesity is a condition characterized by excess body fat, which can cause and exacerbate high cholesterol.

Health Problems Associated with High Cholesterol

High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. This is because LDL can build up in artery walls, causing atherosclerosis, which blocks and narrows arteries, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Impact of Weight Loss on Cholesterol

Losing weight is an effective way to lower cholesterol levels. It helps reduce the amount of fat in the body, decrease LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol, improving the overall cholesterol ratio. Weight loss can also lead to improved blood pressure, which is often linked to high cholesterol.

Strategies for Weight Loss and Cholesterol Management

Adopting a healthy diet and active lifestyle are key to achieving weight loss and managing cholesterol. Consuming less saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sugar, while increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help lower LDL levels. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking for at least 150 minutes a week, can aid in weight loss and improve cholesterol levels.

Bariatric Surgery as an Option

In cases where diet and exercise are insufficient, bariatric surgery may be considered. This involves making changes to the digestive system to facilitate weight loss. It is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher or those with a BMI of 35 and obesity-related issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss plays a crucial role in improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of associated health problems. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, individuals can effectively manage their weight and cholesterol, leading to improved overall health and well-being. Kevin Smith's transformation is a powerful example of the positive impact of weight loss and cholesterol management.

Exercise and walking

Kevin Smith's exercise routine is surprisingly simple. He walks for an hour every day with his dog, Shecky, to the top of Runyon Canyon near his home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. This daily habit helped him lose an extra 25 pounds.

According to research, walking daily may lead to significant reductions in overall body weight and fat mass. It can also cause improvements in the biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risks and enhance the effects of serum insulin.

Smith's routine is a reminder that simplicity may work wonders for your body. He also plans to start a more rigorous exercise regimen after filming Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.

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