Maria Bartiromo is one of the most recognizable faces in American financial journalism. As the host of Mornings with Maria on Fox Business, she has long captivated audiences with her sharp insights, confidence, and unparalleled expertise in the world of business. But recently, Maria has gained attention not just for her journalistic prowess, but for something personal—her impressive weight loss journey. Over the course of 2024, Maria has shed 25 pounds, and in doing so, she has opened up about the transformative experience that has changed both her body and her mind.

Maria’s weight loss journey was not born out of a single quick-fix method but rather a holistic approach to health and well-being. “This has been a long-term commitment,” Maria has said in multiple interviews. “It wasn’t just about looking better; it was about feeling better—mentally, physically, and emotionally.” And that journey has been anything but easy. From making adjustments in her diet to incorporating new fitness routines, her transformation highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle—one rooted in balance, consistency, and self-care.

In this exclusive deep dive, we explore Maria Bartiromo’s weight loss journey, focusing not just on the physical changes she’s made but also on the emotional and mental transformation that has accompanied her progress. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and expert insight, we break down what worked for Maria, how she navigated the challenges, and what advice she has for others looking to make lasting changes.

The Beginning of the Journey: Acknowledging the Need for Change

Like many people, Maria’s weight loss journey began with a realization. For a long time, her demanding career as a top news anchor and journalist left little room for self-care. Long hours, the pressures of public life, and a fluctuating work-life balance made it easy to neglect her own health. But as the years passed, Maria came to terms with the need for a significant lifestyle change.

“It wasn’t one moment,” Maria has said of her decision to embark on this transformation. “It was a culmination of everything—from the physical toll of my busy schedule to the mental toll of constantly being in the public eye. I just felt like I needed to take control of my life again, in all aspects.”

Maria’s acknowledgment of the need for change was pivotal. It wasn’t about following the latest diet fad or rushing to lose weight for a specific event. It was about understanding that her health—both mental and physical—needed to be prioritized. This moment of clarity became the foundation for the changes that would follow.

The Plan: Clean Eating, Exercise, and Stress Management

With a clear goal in mind, Maria set out to approach her weight loss with a holistic plan. Unlike many celebrities who rely on crash diets or extreme workout regimens, Maria adopted a balanced approach, focusing on sustainable, long-term habits that would improve her overall well-being.

1. Clean Eating: Nourishing the Body

One of the first changes Maria made was to her diet. Clean eating became a cornerstone of her routine, and she worked with a nutritionist to build a plan that focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Maria shared that she made a point of eating more vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while cutting back on processed foods and excess sugar. “I wanted to eat foods that were good for my body and gave me energy,” she said. “It wasn’t just about cutting things out; it was about adding the right foods in.”

Her typical meals now include fresh salads with lean proteins like chicken or fish, as well as plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats like avocado. Maria also shared that she embraced more plant-based meals, although she didn’t completely eliminate animal products. “It’s about balance,” she notes. “You can’t just be strict. You have to enjoy food. But I started to make better choices.”

Her focus on whole, unprocessed foods helped her not only lose weight but also feel better overall. Maria reported feeling less sluggish, more focused, and more energized throughout her day. The combination of healthy foods and regular meal times has allowed her to maintain her weight loss without feeling deprived.

2. Exercise: Finding What Works for You

Exercise was another key element of Maria’s weight loss plan. While she didn’t immediately dive into an intense workout routine, she gradually incorporated physical activity into her daily life. She began with moderate exercises like walking and yoga, both of which helped her build strength and flexibility without overwhelming her.

As her fitness level improved, Maria added more challenging routines to her schedule. She started doing strength training exercises and even embraced high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which she says has helped her boost her metabolism and burn fat efficiently. “Exercise is essential to keep the weight off,” Maria says, reflecting on her journey. “But it has to be something you enjoy. That’s why I focused on routines that made me feel good, not something I dreaded.”

Her fitness journey was marked by progress, not perfection. Maria embraced the idea that consistency, rather than perfection, was key to her success. Over time, she became more committed to her workouts, and they became a regular part of her daily routine. “There were definitely days when I didn’t feel like exercising, but I pushed through. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.”

3. Stress Management: The Silent Contributor

What sets Maria’s weight loss journey apart from many others is her focus on stress management. As a high-profile journalist with an incredibly demanding career, Maria had long struggled with the effects of stress. She openly admits that stress had been a contributing factor to her fluctuating weight over the years.

Incorporating stress management techniques into her daily routine was one of the most important changes Maria made. She began meditating regularly, taking time each morning to clear her mind and focus on gratitude. “I found that when I managed my stress, I made better decisions about my health,” Maria explained. “When you’re calm, you’re more likely to make better food choices and stick with your fitness routine.”

Additionally, Maria has focused on work-life balance. She actively schedules time for herself, ensuring that she has moments of rest and relaxation, away from the demands of her job. “It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but taking breaks is essential. You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of others.”

The Results: A New Maria

Maria’s weight loss journey has been nothing short of transformative. In just under a year, she lost 25 pounds, a result of her dedication to clean eating, regular exercise, and stress management. But the changes have gone beyond just the physical.

Maria has shared that her mental and emotional health has also improved significantly. “I feel more confident, not just in my body, but in my ability to maintain this lifestyle. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a commitment to living a healthy life,” she says. Her transformation has also inspired others to take control of their health, encouraging them to focus on sustainable habits rather than drastic measures.

Practical Advice for Others:

Maria Bartiromo’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to embark on their own weight loss journey. Here are a few tips she offers based on her experience:

  1. Start slow: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once. Focus on making small, sustainable changes that will fit into your lifestyle.

  2. Eat whole, nutritious foods: Prioritize nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid crash diets and instead focus on creating balanced meals.

  3. Exercise regularly: Find an activity you enjoy. Whether it’s yoga, walking, strength training, or HIIT, find something that motivates you to move consistently.

  4. Manage stress: Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, whether it’s meditation, journaling, or simply taking time for yourself.

  5. Be patient: Weight loss is a journey, not a race. Focus on making lasting changes and give yourself time to adjust.

Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle

Maria Bartiromo’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of consistency, balance, and self-care. While the path wasn’t always easy, she has embraced it fully, achieving not just weight loss, but a complete transformation in her lifestyle. Her story is one of empowerment, showing that with the right approach, anyone can make meaningful changes to their health and well-being.

In her own words, Maria sums up her journey: “This is about living my best life, feeling my best, and being the healthiest version of myself. And it’s a lifelong commitment. It’s not about looking a certain way—it’s about feeling good inside and out.”