Hollywood star John Goodman followed 'easy' diet plan to shed massive 200lbs

John Goodman has been open about his weight struggles in the past but the Hollywood legend shed 200 pounds by making a number of drastic changes to his lifestyle

Hollywood heavyweight John Goodman has opened up about his 200-pound weight loss.

In a chat with Rolling Stone, the Roseanne and Monsters, Inc. star credited a strict exercise regime and diet overhaul for his new look. Goodman, now 72, told People Magazine back in 2010 that he first kick-started his health journey in 2007. At his heaviest, the actor was 400 pounds, or 28 stone. He sought the expertise of Mackie Shilstone, the celebrated fitness guru known for sculpting sports icons like Serena Williams and Peyton Manning. The star's weight began to plummet after he ditched booze and sugar and committed to a rigorous six-day-a-week workout schedule.

By 2010, the star had already halved his peak weight, losing 100 pounds. And his pursuit of fitness didn't stop there, as Shilstone told the New York Post in 2015. "This didn't happen overnight," said the trainer, reports the Daily Record. Fast forward to 2023 and Goodman has doubled his weight loss tally to 200 pounds. He credits boxing, leisurely dog walks, and sticking to a Mediterranean diet as key factors in his remarkable turnaround.

What exactly is a Mediterranean diet and how can it benefit your health?

The Mediterranean diet is often celebrated as a top-tier choice for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Research has shown that sticking to this diet can slash the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, certain cancers and even depression. For the older generation, it's been linked to a lower chance of becoming frail and boosts in mental and physical health. The traditional Mediterranean diet is inspired by the typical fare found in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, emphasising plant-based foods and healthy fats.

Whole grains, fruit and vegetables, seeds and nuts and olive oil are all big parts of the eating plan. Sweets, sugary foods and butter are limited. A recent study unveiled a link between the Mediterranean diet and living longer. Over a 25-year period, scientists had kept an eye on the wellbeing of more than 25,000 women. Those who were dedicated followers of the Mediterranean diet saw their odds of dying from any cause plummet by up to 23 per cent throughout the duration of the research.

What exercise did John Goodman do?

Shilstone shared that Goodman committed to a six-day-a-week workout routine. The personal trainer highlighted that the actor made use of both an elliptical bike and a treadmill, clocking in an impressive 10,000 to 12,000 steps each day. In his chat with Rolling Stone, the 72 year old actor credited dog walking as a significant part of his fitness regime. He also took up boxing, getting a kick out of "hitting the mitts", though he never stepped into the ring for a bout.