Melissa Joan Hart's Secrets to Losing 40 Pounds
Melissa Joan Hart's body transformation is an inspiring journey of weight loss, healthy living, and reclaiming confidence. The actress, best known for her roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clarissa Explains It All, shed 40 pounds over two years through a combination of balanced eating, fitness routines, and healthy lifestyle changes. Here's how she did it, and how you can do the same.
She Used Nutrisystem for Meal Support
After gaining weight during pregnancy, Hart struggled to return to her pre-pregnancy body. She reportedly dropped 30 pounds by herself but sought additional support through Nutrisystem, a meal delivery service, which helped her shed the remaining 40 pounds.
According to First for Women, Hart found that Nutrisystem's portion-controlled meals gave her a structured approach to eating that didn't leave her feeling deprived. Her meals were high-protein and lower-calorie, designed to keep her full and satisfied without overindulging. "You can't out-train bad nutrition. I love that saying," Hart shared in a 2020 PEOPLE interview.
Nicole Davis, CPT, a certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews, says, "Stick to mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods, keep portions in check, and aim for a small calorie deficit—nothing drastic." She adds that weight loss requires consistency, not drastic fixes.
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Portion-Controlled Eating Was Essential to Her Weight Loss Success
Hart's success with Nutrisystem largely stemmed from portion control. She could enjoy delicious meals, like pasta and soups, without the extra calories.
"They do healthy versions of the foods you like," Hart told Us Weekly. She also indulged in treats like almond-coconut bars and red velvet whoopee pies, which helped her satisfy cravings without overdoing it.
The actress became a spokesperson for Nutrisystem to share her weight-loss success story with others wanting to achieve the same results.
"There's no magic trick—it comes down to consistently eating well, strength training, and being patient," Stephen Sheehan, CPT, a certified personal trainer at BarBend, tells Celebwell. "Prioritize protein, whole foods, and a sustainable calorie deficit."
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She Incorporated Strength Training with Her Husband
For Hart, working out with her husband Mark Wilkerson helped her maintain her weight loss, according to PEOPLE. They dedicated one hour three times a week to strength training, which helped Hart build lean muscle while boosting her fitness.
Plus, the couple's joint workouts also gave them quality time away from their three kids, keeping the experience enjoyable and meaningful. "Since he's such an avid workout guy, I wanted to have him train me to see how my body could shift and change," Hart shared with PEOPLE.
"Strength training three to four times a week, plus daily movement like walking, is a great balance," Davis tells us. "Cardio is definitely beneficial for overall health, but you don't need to spend hours a day doing it—building muscle will help your metabolism work for you."
Cardio Classes Helped Her Stay Consistent
Hart complemented her strength training with two cardio classes per week, PEOPLE reports. She's a fan of spin classes in particular, which helped her stay consistent with exercise while burning fat.
"I make it a social event. I chitchat with friends on walks or run with my husband," Hart told Us Weekly.
"Low-impact options like incline walking or cycling help burn fat without beating up your body," says Sheehan.
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She Prioritized Reset and Recovery and Rest
As crucial as it is to put in the work and eat a well-balanced diet for weight loss, rest and recovery are just as important. That's why Hart didn't just push her body to the limit, but allowed herself enough time between workouts to recover.
In her interview with PEOPLE, the mom-of-three shared that "staying in shape and staying fit is so important in my life just because of all the things I want to do."
Sheehan explains, "Prioritizing sleep, proper nutrition, mobility work, and rest days helps prevent injury and keeps performance high."
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She Still Treated Herself
Though Hart focused on healthy eating habits, she also knew the importance of treating herself occasionally for mental well-being. She's been candid about indulging in the occasional treat with her husband. This flexible approach helped her avoid the feeling of deprivation that often accompanies restrictive diets.
"You need to get enough sleep, eat whole foods, hydrate appropriately, and listen to your body's signals to help prevent burnout," Davis says.
You Can Do It, Too
Melissa Joan Hart's weight-loss journey is a testament to the power of consistency, balance, and self-care. Hart was able to lose 40 pounds sustainably by eating portion-controlled meals, combining strength training and cardio, being flexible, and having a positive mindset. She now maintains her weight loss by staying committed to her health, fitness routine, and mental well-being. With the expert advice and strategies she followed, anyone can adopt a similar approach to their own weight-loss journey.
