This Gut-Healthy Diet Plan Helped Drew Barrymore Lose 25 Pounds

Prioritizing our gut health may not be the first thing we concern ourselves with when trying to lose weight, but it could prove beneficial for weight loss and our overall health. Kimberly Snyder, Drew Barrymore’s long-time nutritionist, shared her secrets to helping Barrymore lose 25 pounds without feeling deprived or hungry.

The importance of gut health and feeding the “good bacteria” in our bodies has been trending for a few years, but it is still a relatively new concept to Western medicine and nutrition. Poor gut health has shown to cause digestive issues, bloating, constipation, and even inhibit weight loss. It can also lead to other long-term health problems. Snyder advises prioritizing your gut health by eating anti-inflammatory foods, trying to lower stress in your life, and taking probiotics (which our dietitian advises consuming through food.)

While Barrymore wasn’t put on a vegan diet, it was certainly plant-centric and fiber-heavy. Fibrous foods are prebiotics, which promote the growth of “good bacteria” in the body. Ginger and cilantro were also common ingredients in her daily diet to promote “detoxification” (while your body does a fine job of detoxing without any extra help, ginger and cilantro are zero-calorie, sodium-free ways to spice up healthy meals.)

Barrymore also kicked off her day with what Snyder calls a “Green Glowing Smoothie,” full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Snyder said consuming natural, whole foods like this helps promote natural satiety and keep Barrymore powered all day. Here’s how to make it at home.

Green Glowing Smoothie (serves 4)

• 7 cups chopped spinach
• 6 cups romaine lettuce (about one small head)
• 2 cups cold, filtered water
• 2 medium stalks celery
• 1 medium apple, cored and coarsely chopped
• 1 medium pear, cored and coarsely chopped
• 1 medium banana, peeled and cut in thirds
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Parsley and cilantro, optional

In sync with promoting a healthy gut, Snyder advises reducing the amount of refined sugars in one’s diet, and eliminating gluten and dairy. Snyder attributes dairy, specifically, to helping Barrymore slim down.

Want to learn more about eating for gut health?

• Reboot Your Gut Microbiome With Our 3-Day Gut Health Makeover
• This Pantry Staple Could Do Wonders For Your Microbiome, Study Says
• 6 Food Combinations That Will Boost Your Gut Health

Unless you have a gluten-related illness or intolerance, most health authorities don’t advise eliminating gluten entirely from your diet. However, emphasizing whole grains instead of refined, enriched options provides you with better nutrition and better overall health. As for refined sugar, too much has shown to put you at risk for chronic diseases and other health issues, and it should be seen as and indulgence rather than a diet staple. While some people can’t tolerate dairy well, consuming high-quality, protein-rich sources can still be healthy components of a balanced diet.