Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved 64-year-old Food Network star, has been turning heads in 2025 after shedding 45 pounds, dropping from 175 to 130 pounds. “I’m finally free to love myself,” she says, beaming with confidence. This isn’t just about a slimmer figure—it’s about breaking free from decades of emotional eating and body image struggles. Her journey, sparked by a tough divorce and fueled by self-love, is inspiring fans everywhere. Ready to hear how she did it? Let’s dive in!
The Heavy Years: Valerie’s Struggle
Valerie’s been in the spotlight since she was 15, starring in One Day at a Time. But fame came with pressure. “I felt obese next to my costar,” she recalls, comparing herself to Mackenzie Phillips. That comparison stuck, and by her 20s, she was overeating. “It wasn’t one food; I just had no stop button,” she admits. Her 2001 divorce from Eddie Van Halen piled on more weight. “I was soothing my grief with food,” she says. By 2022, during her split from Tom Vitale, she hit 175 pounds. “I wasn’t happy with myself,” she confesses. The scale wasn’t the issue—it was the emotional weight. Something had to change.
The Turning Point: A New Mindset
After her 2022 divorce, Valerie hit a low point. “I was pretending everything was okay,” she says. But 2023 brought clarity. “I started focusing on my mental health,” she shares. Therapy, journaling, and meditation became her lifeline. “I’ve learned patience,” she says, ditching the “lose 10 pounds in a week” mindset. She stopped numbing pain with food or alcohol. “It’s not the food that’s bad—it’s why we’re eating it,” she explains. Her goal? Feel good, not just look good. “Health is not a body size,” she stresses. This shift wasn’t about fitting into old jeans—it was about healing. And that’s when the pounds started melting away.
Eating Smart: Valerie’s Food Plan
Valerie didn’t jump on a crash diet. “I can still eat pasta,” she laughs, emphasizing moderation. She worked with a nutritionist to build a balanced plan. “I focus on what makes me feel good mentally,” she says. Breakfast might be eggs with veggies or oatmeal with berries. Lunch and dinner lean on lean proteins—think grilled chicken or fish—with heaps of greens. “I don’t deny myself anything,” she adds, enjoying small portions of faves like pizza. Cutting alcohol was huge. “The older you get, the less you want that in your body,” she told followers on X. Hydration and mindful eating kept her energized. No starvation here—just smart choices.
Moving with Joy: Valerie’s Fitness Vibe
Valerie’s workouts are about feeling strong, not punishing herself. “Exercise soothes your soul,” she says, sharing a 2023 TikTok of her Pilates session. She mixes strength training, yoga, and cardio—nothing extreme. “I’m not embarrassed to start over,” she says, reflecting on her 2010 Boston Marathon days. Long walks and power walks became staples. “You gotta start somewhere,” she encourages. In 2024, she hopped back on the treadmill, posting, “Day 1!” on Instagram. Her routine’s sustainable, not grueling. “I feel lighter, even if the scale hasn’t budged much,” she says. It’s about moving with joy, not chasing a number.
The Emotional Win: Loving Herself
Valerie’s biggest victory? Her mindset. “I’ve never felt more beautiful,” she says, even wearing her old “fat clothes” from her Jenny Craig days. She ditched the scale after being called “overweight” at 150 pounds. “It’s stupid, and I believed them too long,” she wrote on Instagram. Therapy helped her tackle emotional eating. “I used food to numb feelings,” she admits. Now, she processes emotions head-on. “My heart is lighter,” she says. In December 2024, she posted a mirror selfie in underwear, embracing “every lump, bump, and saggy part.” “I love my body as it is,” she declares. That confidence? It’s contagious!
The Results: A New Valerie
By 2025, Valerie was down to 130 pounds—and glowing. “I feel healthy, strong, and happy,” she says. Fans on X went wild, with one posting, “Valerie looks happier than ever!” Her 2024 Oscars party appearance in a creme pantsuit showed off her slim frame. “I’m not obsessed with the scale anymore,” she says. Her cookbook Indulge reflects her new vibe—enjoy food without guilt. “It’s about living fully,” she explains. Unlike her 2007 Jenny Craig 40-pound loss, this feels permanent. “I’m not faking it anymore,” she says. From 175 to 130 pounds, Valerie’s transformation is physical and emotional. What a win!
Valerie vs. Others: How She Stands Out
Valerie’s journey differs from other stars. Unlike Sheryl Underwood’s 90-pound loss with Zumba, Valerie leaned on therapy and mindfulness. “I don’t need a dance class to feel good,” she says. Compared to Shemar Stewart’s 23-pound cut for the NFL, Valerie’s focus was longevity, not performance. “I’m not rushing for a deadline,” she notes. Matt Damon’s 35-pound drop for The Odyssey used structured training, but Valerie’s approach is looser. “I’m doing this for me,” she says. While Adele’s 100-pound loss was gradual, Valerie’s 45-pound shed in two years shows mental health as the driver. Her story’s unique—rooted in self-love, not just aesthetics.
Your Turn: Valerie’s Tips for You
Want to follow Valerie’s lead? She’s got advice. “Be kind to yourself,” she urges. Start with small changes—more veggies, less alcohol. “You don’t need to give up what you love,” she says, nodding to her pasta obsession. Find movement that feels good, like walks or yoga. “It’s not about perfection,” she adds. Therapy or journaling can help with emotional eating. “Feel your feelings, don’t eat them,” she advises. Celebrate tiny wins, like looser jeans. “You are enough,” she reminds fans. Take it slow, and focus on feeling good. Ready to start your journey? Valerie’s rooting for you!
People Also Ask: Your Valerie Questions Answered
How Did Valerie Bertinelli Lose Weight in 2025?
Valerie shed 45 pounds by focusing on mental health and balanced eating. “I can still eat pasta,” she says, emphasizing moderation. Therapy, journaling, and cutting alcohol helped, along with Pilates, yoga, and walks. “It’s about feeling good, not a number,” she adds. Her sustainable approach prioritized self-love over quick fixes.
What Diet Did Valerie Bertinelli Follow?
Valerie didn’t follow a strict diet. “I focus on what makes me feel good mentally,” she says. She ate lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats, with small portions of faves like pizza. “I don’t deny myself anything,” she shares. Cutting alcohol and mindful eating were key.
How Much Weight Did Valerie Bertinelli Lose?
Valerie dropped from 175 to 130 pounds—45 pounds—by 2025. “I’m not obsessed with the scale,” she says. Her focus was on feeling healthy and happy, not just numbers. This transformation, unlike her 2007 40-pound loss, feels lasting.
What’s Valerie Bertinelli’s Workout Routine?
Valerie mixes Pilates, yoga, strength training, and walks. “Exercise soothes your soul,” she says. Her 2024 treadmill comeback showed her starting fresh. “You gotta start somewhere,” she encourages. It’s sustainable, not extreme, keeping her strong and energized.
Did Valerie Bertinelli Use Weight Loss Drugs?
No, Valerie didn’t use drugs like Ozempic. “If it helps, use it,” she says, supporting others’ choices. Her loss came from therapy, mindful eating, and exercise. “I’ve learned patience,” she adds, rejecting quick fixes for sustainable health.
How Did Valerie Bertinelli’s Mindset Change Help?
Valerie’s mental shift was huge. “I’ve never felt more beautiful,” she says, even in her “fat clothes.” Therapy helped her stop emotional eating. “Health is not a body size,” she stresses. Focusing on self-love, not the scale, drove her 45-pound loss.
The Final Bite: Valerie’s Legacy
Valerie Bertinelli’s 2025 weight loss—from 175 to 130 pounds—is more than a physical transformation. “I’m finally free to love myself,” she says, and that’s the heart of it. From emotional eating to embracing self-love, her journey’s a beacon for anyone struggling. Unlike stars chasing quick fixes, Valerie’s story is about patience and healing. “You are enough,” she reminds us. Her Indulge cookbook and social media posts scream joy, not restriction. Ready to ditch the scale and love yourself? Valerie’s showing the way—one mindful bite at a time.
