Kelsea Ballerini, the Grammy-nominated country music sensation known for hits like “Peter Pan” and “Miss Me More,” has long been admired for her powerhouse vocals and relatable songwriting. But beyond the stage lights, Ballerini has navigated a deeply personal path toward body positivity and health, marked by a profound weight loss journey. In recent years, particularly highlighted in 2025, she’s shared glimpses of her toned transformation, shedding approximately 30 pounds while emphasizing sustainability over extremes. This evolution wasn’t just physical—it’s a testament to overcoming eating disorders, reshaping mindset, and finding joy in movement and nourishment.
Early Struggles: Battling Bulimia and Seeking Control
Ballerini’s story begins in her teenage years, a time when many grapple with self-image amid life’s upheavals. Following her parents’ divorce, the then-12-year-old turned to food as a form of control, which spiraled into bulimia. She recounted in her 2021 poetry book Feel Your Way Through how a high school bully nicknamed her “kangaroo” for her belly and legs, intensifying her insecurities. Desperate for change, she turned to diet pills and excessive workouts, but these only deepened the cycle.
By age 18, the toll became undeniable. “I passed out several times,” Ballerini revealed, prompting her to seek professional help. This marked the start of her “never-ending” recovery, a phrase she uses to underscore the ongoing nature of healing. In a candid interview, she reflected, “I’m in a much healthier spot, and I’m much more gentle with how I talk to myself and my body,” though she admits to occasional setbacks: “There are still days where I revert back to being that 12-year-old, and I have to catch myself.”
Her vulnerability in sharing these experiences has resonated widely, fostering connections with fans facing similar battles. As she poignantly stated, “When you’re able to talk about things… you’re going to air it out and be vulnerable and connect with people and take the sting away from it and heal together.” For those tracking such health shifts medically, resources like ICD-10 codes for weight loss can provide structured guidance in consultations with healthcare providers.
The Turning Point: From Punitive Habits to Balanced Wellness
Fast-forward to her mid-20s, and Ballerini began redefining fitness on her terms. Early on, her routine was grueling—four to five strength-training sessions per week—that left her feeling “exhausted” and viewing exercise as punishment. A pivotal shift came when she adopted a more compassionate approach, prioritizing health over aesthetics. “I don’t work out to get skinny, I work out to be healthy. I don’t eat a salad to be skinny, I eat a salad to be healthy,” she affirmed.
This mindset fueled her 2025 glow-up, visible at events like the Grammy Awards, where her sculpted figure turned heads. Consistency and self-compassion became her cornerstones, proving that sustainable change stems from within. Ballerini’s journey echoes that of other celebrities, such as Keely Shaye Smith’s remarkable weight loss, who also prioritized holistic health amid public scrutiny.
Diet Secrets: Fueling the Fire with Protein and Pleasure
At the heart of Ballerini’s regimen is a protein-rich, intuitive diet tailored to her high-energy lifestyle. Advised by her physician to boost protein and salt after experiencing fatigue, she now starts her day with scrambled eggs topped with chimichurri, paired with cottage cheese and blueberries. She washes it down with electrolyte water mixed with LMNT powder and her signature Ballerini Blend coffee or a latte.
Lunch keeps it simple and satisfying: a turkey and cheese sandwich loaded with sprouts, tomato, avocado, and aioli. Evenings bring variety—pasta for comfort, grilled salmon with zucchini for lightness, or skirt steak with asparagus for that red meat boost she swears by. “I find cooking meditative,” she shares, often tuning into podcasts or Rat Pack tunes while chopping. On tour, she treats her body like an athlete’s, loading up on caffeine and protein to support breath control during performances.
This isn’t about restriction; it’s about enjoyment. By incorporating more red meat and salts, Ballerini has sustained energy without the crashes of her past.
Exercise Evolution: Low-Impact Power Moves
Gone are the days of burnout-inducing lifts. Ballerini’s current go-to is the Lagree Method, a low-impact, high-intensity workout on the Megaformer—a souped-up Pilates reformer that targets every muscle with slow, controlled moves. She hits it three to four times a week, blending strength with cardio for that enviable tone.
Complementing this are daily dog walks, which double as mental resets. “Walking my dogs is my therapy,” she notes, emphasizing how low-key movement keeps her grounded. During tours, she adapts by sneaking in quick sessions to maintain momentum without overdoing it.
For more on her early revelations about eating disorders, check out this in-depth People magazine feature.
Mindset Mastery: The True Weight Lifted
What sets Ballerini’s story apart is her emphasis on mental resilience. Weight loss, she insists, is 80% mindset. From journaling affirmations to surrounding herself with supportive circles, she’s cultivated a practice of grace. “It’s a journey, and it’s never-ending,” she reminds us, encouraging others to celebrate progress over perfection.
In a world quick to judge celebrity bodies, Ballerini’s authenticity shines. Her 30-pound drop isn’t the headline—it’s the freedom from shame that is.
Lessons for Your Own Path
Ballerini’s blueprint? Start small: Swap punitive workouts for joyful ones, fuel with whole foods that excite you, and speak kindly to your reflection. Consult pros if needed, and remember—health is the goal, not a scale number. As she continues headlining arenas and dropping albums, her transformation inspires us all to feel our way through.
For workout inspiration, explore the Lagree Method official site to try it yourself. Ballerini’s not just singing about empowerment—she’s living it.
