How Penn Jillette Lost over 100 Lbs and Still Eats Whatever He Wants | Big Think

Summary

In this inspiring journey, the speaker shares their transformative weight loss story, shedding over 100 pounds after undergoing a stomach sleeve surgery. Motivated by health risks rather than vanity, they embraced an extreme mono-diet of only potatoes for two weeks, resetting their taste buds and breaking free from unhealthy food habits. Through commitment, they lost nearly a pound a day, transitioning to a plant-based diet while occasionally indulging. Now, 17 months later, they feel healthier, happier, and more energetic, with a new outlook on food, no longer craving processed or unhealthy options.

Takeaways

• 😀 Losing over 100 pounds was driven by health concerns, not vanity, despite the initial contentment with being overweight.
• 😀 The speaker had a high blood pressure reading of 220 even while on medication, leading to a doctor's recommendation for weight loss surgery.
• 😀 The weight loss journey was approached as a challenge rather than a diet, fueled by a desire to ‘brag’ about achieving something significant.
• 😀 The speaker embraced extreme dietary changes, such as the mono diet (eating only potatoes) for two weeks, which helped reset their taste buds and habits.
• 😀 The mono diet led to a 14-pound weight loss in two weeks and reset the speaker's taste preferences, making previously enjoyed foods like corn taste much sweeter.
• 😀 After the potato diet, the speaker transitioned to a whole plant-based diet with no animal products, refined grains, or added sugar, salt, or fat.
• 😀 The weight loss was rapid but sustainable, with the speaker losing an average of 0.9 pounds per day over several months and maintaining the weight loss for 17 months.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of not exercising during weight loss, suggesting that the body should rest and 'hibernate' to lose fat effectively.
• 😀 The speaker’s taste preferences radically changed after the dietary overhaul, and they no longer crave foods like donuts, pizza, or ice cream. In fact, they now find chicken and eggs disgusting.
• 😀 Despite the highly restrictive diet, the speaker is now able to indulge occasionally, eating pizza or hot fudge sundaes on special occasions, but without cravings or guilt.

Q & A

What motivated you to lose over 100 pounds?

The primary motivation for losing weight was not vanity, but health. The speaker's blood pressure was dangerously high, and their life expectancy was decreasing. They wanted to be around for their young children, particularly because they were an older father.

Why did you choose the mono diet (eating only potatoes) as your starting point?

The mono diet was chosen because it allowed for a complete reset of eating habits. The idea was to eliminate all food cravings and reset taste buds. Potatoes were selected because they are simple, inexpensive, and effective at resetting the body’s habitual cravings for salt, sugar, and fat.

What were some immediate physical effects of the mono diet?

In the first two weeks, the speaker lost 14 pounds and noticed a significant change in their taste preferences. After completing the mono diet, they found that foods like corn tasted sweet and flavorful without needing added butter or salt.

What changes did you make to your diet after the mono diet?

After the mono diet, the speaker transitioned to a whole plant-based diet, avoiding animal products, refined grains, and excess salt, sugar, and fats. This shift continued for several months, and they lost an average of 0.9 pounds per day.

Did you exercise while losing weight?

No, the speaker did not exercise during the weight loss process. They focused on eating the right foods and allowing their body to naturally shed excess fat. They considered exercise to be a separate goal for after reaching their target weight.

How long have you kept the weight off, and what’s your goal moving forward?

The speaker has maintained the weight loss for 17 months. Their goal is to keep the weight off for a full two years, as it is widely considered a significant milestone for long-term weight maintenance.

What role did your mentor, Ray Cronise, play in your journey?

Ray Cronise, a friend and mentor, encouraged the speaker to take on the challenge of losing weight. His advice and belief in the speaker’s ability to succeed were pivotal in transforming the weight loss journey into a personal challenge rather than just a health issue.

How has your mindset changed throughout this process?

The speaker’s mindset shifted dramatically. They went from not minding their physical appearance to prioritizing health and longevity. The process also taught them the importance of moderation and how challenging it can be to make lasting habit changes.

Do you still crave unhealthy foods like pizza or donuts?

No, the speaker no longer craves foods like pizza, donuts, or fried chicken. Their tastes have changed profoundly after the dietary reset. Foods like chicken and eggs now disgust them, and they no longer feel the urge to indulge in unhealthy foods, even when given the option.

What is the 'punchline' or key takeaway from your weight loss journey?

The key takeaway is that after going through a restrictive diet and making drastic changes, the speaker now enjoys eating whatever they want, but their desires have changed. They no longer crave unhealthy foods, and their new way of eating is something they enjoy and can sustain long-term.