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Melissa McCarthy Wins 75-Lb Weight Loss War With Special Diet, Puts ‘Icing’ On ‘Gilmore Girls’

By Joanne Eglash
Published on: 03:06 PST, Nov 16, 2016

When the Gilmore Girls reboot was first announced, fans eagerly waited to see which stars would return for the revival, including Melissa McCarthy. Now it’s been confirmed that the actress, 75 pounds slimmer, is among those starring in Gilmore Girls. Also, having McCarthy back has put the “icing” on the tasty revival cake, says one of her co-stars.

Lauren Graham chatted with ET about the Netflix four-part Gilmore Girls revival, which will debut on November 25. Both she and Alexis Bledel dished up some of the specifics about what will be happening with Rory, Lorelai, and of course Sookie.

It took months of maybe-she-will, maybe-she-won’t speculation before the confirmation that Melissa would return in her role as Lorelai’s pal and business partner, Sookie St. James.

Melissa McCarthy glows in “Gilmore Girls.” [Image by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images]

“It’s so incredible to have this opportunity and to creatively go back to these interactions,” exclaimed Bledel. “We’ve got the same dynamics, the same relationships, but eight years later.”

For Lauren, having McCarthy back is comparable to putting the “icing on the cake.” The actress emphasized that Melissa is “so busy” that it was “just great” to work with her again on the set and spend time together.

“[McCarthy is] so busy. Then we all were together on set and it was just great. [We] got to hang out after,” revealed Graham.

“You have a foundation with these people, so anything else is just icing on the cake.”

Melissa provided “the final piece of the puzzle to make sure that the show felt whole,” added Lauren.

Viewers will see a much slimmer McCarthy when she reprises her role as Chef Sookie in the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life revival. Melissa turned to a special diet that was high in protein and low in carbohydrates to shed 75 pounds, according to Foods4BetterHealth.

McCarthy, who reportedly once weighed 236 pounds, used a low-carb diet combined with exercise. She also allegedly sipped green tea, which is a metabolism booster. Melissa’s high protein diet didn’t just consist of protein such as eggs, fish, and turkey, however. She also consumed certain fruits along with vegetables and healthy fats such as nuts, according to the media outlet.

Melissa McCarthy flaunts her weight loss on the red carpet. [Image by Jason Merritt/Getty Images]

When it comes to her exercise plan, Melissa’s personal trainer reportedly shared that the actress’ regime includes martial arts and kickboxing. She also uses a “full-body resistance training routine that includes squats, walking lunges, machine chest press, and barbell deadlift,” revealed the media outlet.

As for the specifics of how a high protein diet may help with weight loss, Medical News Today reported on a new study that indicated how these types of diets increase levels of a hormone that signals the body when it is full, resulting in a reduction in food intake.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that digesting protein produces. It’s that amino acid which raises the levels of a specific hormone that tells the body it is full. While prior research has shown that high protein diets containing foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and poultry can boost weight loss by reducing the appetite, the new study focused on the specific way in which protein reduces hunger.

Lead author Mariana Norton noted that the new research “highlights the potential use of phenylalanine or other molecules which stimulate CaSR… – like drugs or food components – to prevent or treat obesity.” The researchers also shared that future studies could further help to uncover new ways to shed pounds.

Life & Style talked with celebrity trainer Joselynne Boschen to get her tips based on how McCarthy has won her weight loss war.

“When it comes to making incredible changes in appearance, like Melissa has, consistency is key.”

For those who want to try a diet like McCarthy’s, Joselynne described the initial two weeks as the most challenging, offering suggestions to help achieve a “consistent routine.”

Keeping A Log

The celebrity trainer recommends logging workouts, meals, and even sleep. To “set yourself up for success,” she also suggests taking along healthy snacks when you’re on the go.

Create A Meal Planner

Boschen recommends creating a meal planner to use when shopping. What to eliminate?

“Steer clear of the white stuff, (bread, chips, etc.), and avoid too many pre packaged things.”

Take “Baby Steps” When Setting Fitness Goals

If you’re just starting a workout plan, begin with “baby steps,” urged the celebrity trainer.

“Always remind yourself that any step in the right direction is progress,” she added.

[Disclaimer: The Inquisitr strongly recommends you consult your physician before beginning any diet or exercise program. The Inquisitr does not endorse any of the diets or diet techniques mentioned in this article.]

[Featured Image by Mark Davis/Getty Images]

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