How did CC Sabathia lose weight post retirement?

By Oliver Wiener April 08, 2024 12:42

Photo by Getty Images

Former professional baseball pitcher CC Sabathia's weight loss journey post-retirement has been an inspiring transformation.

After retiring from Major League Baseball, Sabathia committed to getting into the best shape of his life, and he has been successful in shedding significant weight through a combination of lifestyle changes, physical activities, and dietary modifications.

Embracing Physical Activities

Sabathia's weight loss journey began with his commitment to an active lifestyle. He immersed himself in golfing, which became a critical part of his new physique.

By playing golf multiple times per week, he engaged in low-impact workouts in the form of walking and golf strokes.

This physical activity not only contributed to burning calories but also provided him with a sustainable and enjoyable way to stay active.

Following the Mediterranean Diet

During the quarantine period imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabathia adopted the Mediterranean diet, which played a pivotal role in his weight loss journey.

The Mediterranean diet is renowned for emphasizing plant-based food sources and minimizing the intake of protein, carbs, and dairy without completely eliminating them.

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet, known for being one of the healthiest eating plans globally, is characterized by its heart-healthy slate of plant-based whole foods.

It includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. This natural eating pattern, prevalent in regions where people live to advanced ages, has numerous health benefits and is endorsed by medical professionals.

Weightlifting and Consistent Exercise

In addition to golfing and following the Mediterranean diet, Sabathia incorporated weightlifting and consistent exercise into his routine.

He frequented the gym, focusing on weightlifting and other exercises to maintain his physical fitness. His commitment to regular exercise, including weightlifting, has been a key component of his weight loss and muscle gain journey.

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Sustainability and Enjoyment

A crucial aspect of Sabathia's successful weight loss journey is his focus on activities that he genuinely enjoys and finds sustainable.

By engaging in physical activities such as golfing and weightlifting that genuinely interest him, he has been able to sustain his commitment to an active lifestyle.

The Role of Previous Diets in His Career

Throughout his career, Sabathia experimented with various diets to manage his weight and physical performance. He previously lost weight before the 2012 season and even switched to a vegan diet to expedite his recovery process from knee surgery before the 2018 campaign.

Notably, his lone Cy Young Award came during a season when he was well over 300 pounds, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between weight and athletic performance in his career.

CC Sabathia's weight loss journey post-retirement exemplifies the power of embracing an active lifestyle, following a balanced diet, and finding sustainable ways to maintain physical fitness.

By incorporating the Mediterranean diet, golfing, weightlifting, and consistent exercise into his routine, Sabathia has achieved a remarkable transformation, shedding significant weight and gaining muscle.

CC Sabathia's weight loss journey serves as an inspiring example of the impact of lifestyle changes and dedication to physical fitness in achieving significant weight loss and overall well-being post-retirement.