Joey Fatone has always been known for his curves. The former American Idol contestant and current host of the Shorty Awards regularly shows off his fit physique in his Instagram posts. But the 51-year-old singer and actor isn’t just showing off his abs – he’s also actively engaging with his fans about how he manages to stay so fit.
In a new interview with Marie Claire, Fatone opens up about his diet and lifestyle. He also details the many workouts and supplements he uses to maintain his youthful appearance.
An Evolution In Eating
You might be familiar with Joey Fatone from his time on American Idol. If not, then you know who he is: that chubby kid with the big voice who went on to become one of the most recognizable faces in American pop culture. Now, as he approaches his second marriage in 20 years to Jennifer Lopez and focuses on his career as a host and singer, Fatone has a new outlook on life and food.
Speaking with Marie Claire, Fatone says embracing his larger size has been a learning experience. “I’ve always been a little heavier than everyone around me, which I think is normal for big men,” he says. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to embrace it more than fight it. That’s really changed my life. It’s allowed me to be more open with my feelings, which has helped me connect with my audience in a way I never could’ve dreamed of.”
While growing up in New York, Fatone would regularly eat ice cream and chocolate, which he attributes to his bigger size. But after competing on America’s Got Talent and discovering a passion for performing, he began to change the way he ate. “I started cooking my own food and avoiding anything processed,” he recalls. “Eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight is a way of life I’ve embraced.”
According to Fatone, one of the main reasons he’s been able to stay fit all these years is because he’s avoided most of the fad dieting trends that sweep the industry. “I don’t do diets. I never have and I never will,” he says. “I believe in a happy, healthy lifestyle that lets you be your best self – which is always going to be a bit chubby.”
A Throwing Steel Mill Workout Routine
If you thought Joey Fatone was just an actor and singer living his best life, then you’d be wrong. The New York native has also always been an active guy, so much so that he has his own workout routine which he calls “Throwing Steel Mill.” The workout focuses on leg strength and developing a six-pack. Sounds like something you’d find at the Mecca of workout videos, Fitocracy.
The routine features a lot of barbell squats, burpees, and high squats, with the intensity of the workout increasing as you go up in weight. “I do it every other day, usually right after I shower,” he says. “It feels amazing. I’ve had people come up to me and tell me how much it helped them – even people who say they don’t like working out say this is the type of workout they love because it’s so energizing.”
Since publishing his workout routine in December 2017, Fatone has gained a huge following on social media. But he doesn’t just do workouts – he’s also an enthusiastic promoter of weight loss and wellness, engaging with his followers regularly about diet and fitness, and sharing useful information and helpful links.
Useful Tips For Eating Healthy
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, Fatone says another important factor in staying fit is taking the time to properly digest his food. To do this, the singer gets plenty of sleep and avoids consuming foods with a low nutritional value. “I also make sure to chew my food well so it gets broken down properly before my body can use it,” he says. “I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of chewing food well – it makes a huge difference in how your body digests it and how much you enjoy the experience of eating.”
This approach has helped Fatone lose a lot of weight. A year and a half after publishing his workout routine, the singer dropped 50 pounds and kept it off. “I’d say my overall health and well-being have improved a lot since then,” he says. “I feel more relaxed and at peace with myself and the world. It’s truly been a journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Along with his new wife, Fatone has also been actively promoting a plant-based diet which he credits for his weight loss. “I love animals, and I think we’ve all connected somehow with nature and the planet,” he says. “I’m hoping that going green will help save the earth.”
As our dependency on fossil fuels grows, more and more people are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2022 alone, the global vegan market value is expected to hit US$22.9 billion.
But while most people associate veganism with animal welfare, Fatone sees it as a means of saving the planet. “Plant-based diets aren’t just about animals,” he says. “We need more people willing to look at food as a way of saving the environment. There are so many different aspects to veganism, and it’s more than just a diet.”
As a vegan, Fatone drinks almond milk and uses moisturizer with SPF 50+, and he avoids all animal products, not just for veganism but as a general principle. “The beauty industry has shifted towards veganism, and I’ve started noticing a difference in my skin,” he says. “I feel like I’ve got brighter eyes and a more radiant glow. And my nails are stronger. I’ve noticed that when I eat healthier, I feel better at all times – it doesn’t just improve how I look.”
For those interested in veganism, Fatone suggests trying out apps like MyPlantVoice or Meatless Monday so they can keep track of what products they’re using and avoiding, and make healthier choices in the future.
The Importance Of Sleep
Sleep is an important part of our daily routine, but we often put it off until last. In reality, sleep is vital to our health, happiness, and well-being. While we might not always feel like sleeping when we’re awake, sleep does a lot more for us than just let us get out of bed. Here’s a short guide to the importance of sleep and why sleeping more helps you achieve your goals.
Why Is Sleep Important?
It’s important because without it, we’d be a lot less functional. In fact, sleep impacts a number of areas in our lives, from our physical appearance to our mental health. Studies have also shown that a lack of sleep can impact the quality of our relationships. It even has the potential to increase our risk of obesity and diabetes.
Our bodies need time to restore and repair themselves. During this process, various organs and tissues in our bodies are given the opportunity to repair and restore themselves. In order to do this, the body needs to eliminate various toxins, such as alcohol and food waste. Additionally, the brain eliminates additional toxins while we sleep.
As part of our detox process, we sometimes get rid of toxins through our noses. This process is called rhinophyma. While this is a harmless occurrence, it’s one that many people experience regularly. If you experience rhinophyma, you know it’s a major irritation and it can keep you up at night.
How Much Should I Sleep?
Everyone needs different amounts of sleep. While some of us might be able to function on four hours of sleep a night, others need a lot more. The general recommendation is to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
The thing is, we don’t always feel like sleeping. When this happens, we feel like crap the next day even if we got enough sleep. For this reason, it’s important to set a bedtime and stick to it even if you don’t feel like sleeping. This will help ensure you get the rest your body needs and wants.
Sleeping Better Makes Me Feel Better
It’s important to note that having better sleep also makes us feel better. Sleep, to a large extent, is a state of mind. We often have bad dreams while sleeping, but these aren’t actual messages from the psyche. They’re simply products of our subconscious.