James Corden has never shied away from talking about his struggles with weight, admitting to growing up a “chubby kid” with little incentive to exercise or eat well. “Where I grew up, you don’t run unless you’re being chased,” Corden once admitted during an appearance on Alan Carr’s talk show. However, now a married father of three, Corden has made it his mission to get healthier and embark on a weight loss journey, not just for himself, but to serve as a role model for his children and to live a longer life.
During a recent interview with Oprah for WW (formerly Weight Watchers), Corden revealed that he’s lost 16 pounds in his first five weeks on the WW plan—and there’s been one factor that’s completely changed his outlook, enabling him to shed the weight easier than he ever thought possible. The change? Giving up the all or nothing mentality he once had about weight loss.
“Every year for the past decade—probably even 15 years—on January 1st, I’ve told myself and anyone who would listen, that this is it, this is the year I’m going on a diet, I’m going to lose a load of weight—I’m fed up with the way I look, I’m fed up with being unhealthy,” Corden explained, noting that he would frequently “eat everything in the fridge” in the weeks leading up to embarking on a new weight loss plan.
However, since starting WW, Corden has come to the realization that doing the same thing every year and hoping for different results is “the definition of madness.” Instead, he’s taken five crucial steps toward a healthier life. Read on to discover the essential changes Corden has made to help him achieve his goals.
And if you want to make this the year you slim down for good, check out these 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.
One of the most important lessons Corden says he’s learned on his weight loss journey is that he can’t do it all alone.
“My wife has been incredible with this, with my whole journey with food,” Corden explained. “I’m on the start of a journey I’m determined to finish, and I’m certain I can.”
In fact, Corden has recruited other family members to join the plan with him. “All my family are on WW now…My sisters are on it and they’re doing great, my parents are on it,” he added.
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Part of adapting his weight loss approach has included making room for the occasional treat. Corden says he’s now planning his weekly eating habits around the occasional indulgence, and finding balance in doing so.
Corden explained that, for his wife Julia’s birthday, “We got takeout from our favorite restaurant, and I knew we were getting this takeout, so I planned what I was eating that day accordingly. I had a really good meal…and then the next day, I picked up where I was, and I carried on.” And for more celebrity weight loss tips, Shay Mitchell Shows How She Got Fit in Four Weeks Doing This One Workout.
While Corden may have access to tons of great food, whether he’s backstage at work or eating at one of the five-star restaurants in his adopted hometown of L.A., he’s found that cooking for himself has made sticking to his weight loss goals significantly easier.
His favorite recipe? A WW chickpea pizza that he says his whole family loves. “Chickpea base with a little marinara sauce and not too much cheese, then we put broccoli and red onion on it…Oh my word, it was sensational.” And if you want to turn your kitchen into a weight loss zone, check out the 100 Easiest Recipes You Can Make.
Corden admits he’s not a big fan of hitting the gym, but he’s been trying to get more active, nonetheless.
“I’ve been doing some exercise, which I hate. I just can’t bear it,” he admitted. However, he says his wife has motivated him to make it a regular priority. “My wife is so good at it. My wife is actually planning a little circuit for us after this, so we do it together, and we do some weights and these little runs, and I moan about it constantly, and then I have to begrudgingly say, later that afternoon, that I do feel better about myself…Again, it’s about support.”
While Corden didn’t disclose how much weight he wants to lose in total, he said he’s got an initial goal that’s keeping him motivated.
“I’d really love to experience a day underneath 200 pounds,” he told Oprah. “I’d like to be the weight [singer] Ciara was when she started the diet. That would be a dream for me.”
And for more celebrity weight loss news, Kim Kardashian Just Revealed Her Go-To Gym Equipment That Keeps Her Toned.