Shania Twain is a Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the biggest stars in country music history (Wikipedia). With hits like “Any Man of Mine” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” Twain became the best-selling female artist in country music, selling over 100 million records worldwide (Britannica). She achieved crossover pop success as well, becoming one of the most popular female musicians of her time (Canadian Music Hall of Fame).
Struggles with Lyme Disease
In 2003, Shania Twain was bitten by a tick while horseback riding and contracted Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through infected ticks. Twain said her symptoms were “quite scary” before being diagnosed. She experienced symptoms like dysphonia, which affected her ability to sing, as well as fatigue, dizziness, and muscle weakness. The disease took a major toll on her physically for years.
Weight Gain from Illness
Shania Twain gained a significant amount of weight as a result of contracting Lyme disease, which impacted her ability to maintain an active lifestyle. According to this article, Twain gained nearly 40 pounds while battling the chronic illness, as the fatigue and pain made it difficult for her to exercise and be as active as she once was.
Lyme disease wreaked havoc on Twain’s body, causing her to lose muscle tone and gain weight rapidly. At her heaviest, the singer weighed 138 pounds, which was unusual for the normally fit and active performer. The rapid weight gain took a toll both physically and mentally, but Twain remained determined to regain control of her health.
Motivation to Lose Weight
After being diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2003, Shania Twain developed dysphonia and lost a significant amount of weight due to the illness. Twain has said that after her voice and health started to recover, she was motivated to get back in shape and into a regular fitness routine in preparation for her Las Vegas residency show.
“I was too thin from being sick, so I wanted to get strong andbuild more muscle mass and look like a proper, healthy person again,” Twain explained. Getting back on stage and performing her high-energy shows again was a major motivation for the singer to return to peak physical fitness.
Her Weight Loss Plan
Shania Twain credits her weight loss to sticking to a strict diet and exercise routine. According to EatThis.com, Twain’s diet consists mostly of protein shakes and raw greens. She drinks homemade smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, protein powder, and healthy fats. Twain also enjoys one full meal per day, avoiding dairy products.
For exercise, Twain does a mix of cardio and strength training. She often shares videos on Instagram of her workouts, which include lifting weights and doing circuit training. Twain also loves being active outdoors, going hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
In addition to diet and exercise, Twain has said that finding joy in life again contributed to her weight loss journey. After struggling with Lyme disease for years, she feels healthier and happier now. Twain stays motivated by setting goals and having a supportive social circle. Her weight loss transformation took time, patience and determination.
Sticking to Her Routine
Shania struggled with staying motivated and on track with her new diet and exercise routine at first. She credits her supportive husband Frédéric Thiébaud with helping keep her motivated. He encouraged her daily and cheered her on as she worked out. Having an accountability partner made all the difference for Shania.
She also focused on making small, sustainable changes instead of attempting a complete diet overhaul all at once. Shania gradually eliminated inflammatory foods and reduced sugar and carbs week-by-week. This made the lifestyle change feel less intimidating. She celebrated small wins along the way which kept her motivated.
Shania recommends adding enjoyable forms of exercise like dancing, yoga, or walking outdoors. This makes sticking to a routine more sustainable long-term. She says not to be afraid to modify exercises to work within your current fitness level. Checking things off her written workout plan each day also kept her on track towards reaching her goals.
Total Weight Lost
According to an exclusive report from Life and Style magazine, Shania Twain lost as much as 30 pounds overall by sticking to her strict diet and exercise routine. The country singer slimmed down significantly through her dedicated weight loss efforts, dropping several clothing sizes in the process.
Though she hasn’t publicly confirmed the exact number of pounds shed, sources close to Twain estimate she lost between 20-30 pounds total. Her substantial weight loss transformation was hard-won after committing to major lifestyle changes.
Impact on Her Career
Shania Twain’s weight loss had a significant impact on her career as a musician and performer. After gaining nearly 50 pounds due to her battle with Lyme disease, Shania was determined to get back in shape before embarking on her Las Vegas residency and comeback tour in 2023.
The weight loss gave Shania renewed confidence on stage. She said she felt more energetic and comfortable performing with her slimmer figure: “I’m much more comfortable on stage when I am physically strong…I feel more joyful and expressive when I’m fit and healthy”.
Shania’s dramatic weight loss transformation allowed her to wear sexy, figure-hugging outfits during her live shows again. This revamped stage look matched her fun, flirty country pop image. Fans and critics took notice of her slimmer, fitter physique and acclaimed her impressive comeback.
Overall, losing weight helped Shania regain control of her career after illness sidelined her. She was able to deliver dynamic concerts and headline major tours once more. Her weight loss renewed her performance abilities and freed her to fully express herself on stage again through song and dance.
Advice to Others
Shania Twain has shared advice for people wanting to lose weight based on her own weight loss journey. She recommends finding an eating and exercise plan that works for your lifestyle and sticking to it. Twain sticks to a primarily liquid diet with one solid meal per day, but notes that doesn’t work for everyone. She suggests making smoothies packed with raw greens and protein as meal replacements.
Twain also emphasizes the importance of exercise, doing a mix of cardio and strength training regularly. Most importantly, she advises having patience and not giving up when trying to lose weight. Twain says it took consistency over time to reach her goal [1]. She encourages people to find what works for their body and stick to it.
Conclusion
Shania Twain’s weight loss journey is inspiring. After struggling with Lyme disease and gaining weight, Shania was determined to get healthy and lose the extra pounds. She stuck to a strict diet and exercise routine, losing over 20 pounds in total. Her dedication to eating healthy meals and liquids while allowing herself one full meal per day led to a remarkable transformation.
Shania regained control of her health and her career blossomed once again. Her story shows that with motivation and commitment, significant weight loss is achievable. Shania Twain is a role model for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the face of adversity.
