Al Roker, 71, has prioritized his health for more than two decades, famously losing over 150 pounds through a combination of surgery, regular exercise and long-term lifestyle changes.
The TODAY star completely turned his life around for the better and continues to keep up the good work in order to maintain his weight loss.
In 2002, Al weighed over 340 pounds and then he underwent gastric bypass surgery.
That operation helped the star get a head start on losing a huge amount of weight, being that it decreased his stomach size, which kicked his wellness journey into high gear.
Al’s life post-surgery
© Getty ImagesAfter recovering, the TV personality slowly introduced sustainable changes into his daily routine.
He cut down his portions and still enjoyed his favorite foods such as red meat and dessert, but in rarer moments.
The journalist also focused on eating more protein, alongside increasing his intake of fruits and vegetables.
© Getty ImagesFitness soon became a non-negotiable part of his lifestyle. Al previously revealed he starts his mornings with 10 minutes of weight training, followed by 20 minutes on the treadmill, while aiming to hit 10,000 steps each day.
During the spring and summer months, he also enjoys taking 30 to 45 minute-long walks in Central Park.
How Al maintains his weight loss
© GettyLosing weight is only the first challenge, however, maintaining the same weight is the second.
The journalist continues to put his wellbeing first, and he credits much of his success to maintaining a positive and realistic mindset.
He revealed: “My mantra is ‘something is better than nothing.’ Maybe you’ll be running marathons or entering weightlifting contests, but I think most people just want a level of fitness that improves their quality of life,” per People.
© Getty ImagesAl continued: “It’s not so much to bulk up, but to keep your bones strong, keep your flexibility, which is important as you age.”
Al’s other big inspiration for his healthy lifestyle is his granddaughter Sky, as he shared: “But you know, in a couple of years, she’s going to be a bigger load. So ‘grampa’ wants to be able to carry her up and down the stairs.”
Al’s weight loss advice
© InstagramAl strongly believes that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss.
He shared: “Moderation rather than deprivation is better in the long run. If you deprive yourself of stuff that you like, eventually you’re going to snap and go crazy,” via People.
The journalist expressed: “There’s no magic bullet. You’re still going to have to put in the work.”
© InstagramHe concluded: “Sometimes you have to push yourself to do the things you need to do.”
Al has also revealed that he weighs himself daily because he believes it helps keep him accountable and grounded throughout his fitness journey.
No fitness journey is ever perfect, however, and Al candidly admitted: “No one’s perfect — you’re going to screw up. Lord knows I have. But you just gotta say, ‘That was then. And now we’re here. What are we gonna do now?’ You have to have that chat with yourself.”
