I never expected to be writing a post about Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets. I didn't even know Dolly Parton had a weight problem or secrets to share. I was just minding my own business, checking out the cookbooks at Good Will recently.
Somehow out of the corner of my eye, I caught the cover of her book, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, lying there right beside the cookbooks. Before I knew what was happening I had picked it up and randomly opened to page 254...
The first words I saw were, "The Dolly Diet." I'm not kidding! So, I spent the next several minutes reading about her weight struggles and how she had solved them.
She had me laughing out loud so I decided then and there to buy the book, bring it home and write up her "Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets" to share. And those few pages were so funny and engaging, I've decided to start at the beginning and read the rest of her life story.
Are you ready to discover Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets?
Okay, but first a little background…
She says she tried every diet in the book and some that weren't in the book: Scarsdale, Stillman, Optifast, Juicefast and Waterfast and even took shots that she thought were made from cow pee. (Could she be talking about HCG?) She said that she "endured every form of torture anybody with a white coat and a clipboard could devise for a fat girl who really liked fried pork chops." (Can you relate? I sure can.)
One night while in the midst of another liquid diet, she was out with a group of friends at a Howard Johnson's. Some of them were eating fried clams and the smell drove her crazy and made her feel sorry for herself. She went off the diet and had some of the fried clams. Then she went home and wrote one of her biggest hits, "Two Doors Down." (Talk about a silver lining. Have you ever had a positive experience after going "off" your diet?)
She continued to struggle. And there were times she thought about giving up. She'd say, "I'm just gonna eat everything and go ahead and weigh five hundred pounds and have to be buried in a piano case." She would binge on a few donuts or some other decadent delight and then jump right back on the "diet" bandwagon.
She even read a diet book that told her to pretend there are angels eating with you and that you want to save some for them. (A diet book I somehow missed) But there were times, even though she loved angels and liked the idea that she, "would slap those angels out of the way and have their part too. A true hog will do that."
Finally, she came up with her own diet, "The Dolly Diet." She said that the concept was so simple, she didn't know how it took her so long to think of it…
Are you ready???
Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets #1
1. She eats whatever she has a craving for in VERY SMALL Quantities. She says that the only good diet is the one you can stick with. This was the compromise that "Dolly the movie star was able to make with Dolly the pig that has kept both sides reasonably satisfied."
She will go out to dinner and order two or three entrees and then have just a few bites from each one. She leaves the rest for anyone who wants it. Wasteful? Yes. But, as I like to say, "Better to waste than to waist."
She includes a strong disclaimer that she is not suggesting this method for anyone else. Only that you figure out what works for you and as long as it's not detrimental to your health and you can afford it, to just do it. Great advice, don't you think?
She says, "The inescapable truth about any diet is: If you're going to lose weight you're going to have to eat less food."
Okay, she has one more piece of wisdom to share, but I warn you, you may be shocked and/or disgusted, so continue reading at your own risk…
Click Here for More Inspirational Weight Loss Success Stories!
Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets #2
2. She sometimes chews without swallowing. She says, "Our taste buds are all in our mouths. Once we swallow, we don't really taste the food. The pleasure and satisfaction is in the tasting and chewing." Which means, that sometimes Dolly Parton chews and then spits out the food. Disgusting? Maybe. But, "What's more disgusting? Spitting our food or being a lardass?" (Her words, not mine.) Dolly immediately clarifies by saying she is not suggesting bulimia or throwing up, just spitting out. She says that a lot of stars chew and spit. Did you know that? I guess I'd never really thought about it.
So, there you have it . She learned to EAT LESS in a way that didn't cause her to feel deprived.
Could anything be more simple? Why do we make this weight loss thing so complicated?
What do you think about these Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets? Are you surprised? Sad? Shocked? Disappointed? Disgusted?
Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets - My Take Aways:
- She took responsibility for her weight.
- She gave herself permission to do what she needed, even if it seems crazy or wasteful to everyone else.
- She trusted herself and found the solution inside herself, instead of relying on someone else's "diet."
- She found her own unique way to live happy, healthy and slim.
Once you get honest, decide to change and then commit to doing what you need to do, anything is possible!
If you liked this post about Dolly Parton Weight Loss Secrets, you might also like:
- Trisha Yearwood's Weight Loss Story
- Weight Loss Success Stories
- Best Healthy Weight Loss Books
- 10 Easy Weight Loss Tips for People Who Are Done with Diets
- Essential Weight Loss Ingredient
- Diet to Go Meal Delivery: Healthy Eating Made Easy
Source: Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business
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This post contains affiliate links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links or Craftsy links, I receive a small commission that helps support this site. Thanks for your purchase!
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mike539
the secrets mentioned above are very inspirational to every person who want to lose weight.But to achieve your goal a well scheduled customized diet and exercise plan is required to find it have a visit to adulthealthcarepro.com
katmac
LOVE Dolly, think this a horrible article though. (Not directed at you OP!)
Maybe I don't understand, as I've never had a weight issue, (until relatively recently, I was always painfully thin, hit 40 and had what everyone told me would happen come true, I can't eat everything I want anymore, it IS sticking a bit more than it used to but, I've only put on an extra 10 pounds or so, that DOES bother me, but no one else. Doesn't matter though, weight loss is weight loss), but I DO have a medical background.
While it's true your taste buds are only in our mouth and we don't taste what we swallow, NOT swallowing means not feeding your body, which needs those nutrients more than your buds do.
'Dolly immediately clarifies by saying she is not suggesting bulimia or throwing up, just spitting out.'
Umm, yes, 'spitting out' would still a form of bulimia and frankly, bulimics would probably be healthier, at least the body had SOME time to absorb SOMETHING.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Katmac,
Yes, I think it's safe to say you missed Dolly's point. I don't think she was suggesting not feeding herself or giving herself the nourishment she needed. I think she was talking about tasting and chewing foods and then spitting out foods her body didn't really need but her taste buds did, like doughnuts, cookies and the like. Clearly there is no one way to lose weight. Only the way that works best for you. For me that's paying attention to calories and/or Weight Watchers points plus and trying to live in healthy balanced moderation.
Kate
I totally agree with the "dolly diet" - both parts of it, esp. The chew & spit part. It may be too difficult for me to eat small amounts, but the second one is something I could do
Women have two sticks against us...1 We are expected, by society, to be stick thin; 2 It is harder for us to lose weight. I think individualizing a diet plan, including the chew and spit method, is only fair!!!!!
If people, such as men - and women without eating disorders can judge all they want, but they are being 1000% unfair - until they "walk a mile in our shoes"!!!!!!!!
Martha McKinnon
Thanks, Kate! I think you're right. The only path to lasting weight loss is to figure out what works for you and then do it, knowing that it's all a process and perfection is unachievable. There's no one right way to lose weight. Only the right way for you!
SJW
I don't find what Dolly did disgusting. She knew she had a weight problem and found a solution which worked for her. I can't tell you how many diets I've tried....and failed at....so i would never criticize anyone who lost weight, their way. She ate, did not starve herself but ate small amounts and yes at times spitting.....but not all the time. Everyone is an individual and must find their own solution...me? I'm still searching.......and why this article caught my eye.
Cindy Searcy
I absolutely agree. I have thought several times about chewing and spitting out in fact I've done it with certain things. Like fat from the steak and gave it to the dogs. I've been so busy that I haven't focused. I've been exercising working hard like getting on the tractor lifting heavy things Etc eating healthy 1200 calories a day. Just gained 2 lb! I think your tummy gets bigger because of the amount you eat and if you eat less it will go down. I agree fully with both points and I think the article is very well-written! I am going to start this today. I think I remember an interview with her also that says she ate every 2 hours small portions. This prevent you from getting hungry. Whatever she's doing she's doing a great job. She is an example to me.
Louise
No no no no....I've spent years trying to overcome 'chew and spit' which in my opinion is an eating disorder and ought to be recognised. You get to the point where everything in your mouth has to be spat out again. And that makes you uncomfortable eating with your friends. I used to take little bags or bottles with me in my bag to spit all my food out again. And I reckon many others could testify to this disorder, there just isn't enough recognition for it. I lost weight initially but ended up putting more on. My cheeks became all swollen - it's called chipmunk cheeks and it's caused by chew and spit. I got serious amounts of holes in my teeth which cost lots to fix up. There's a lot more you could say but I totally disagree with promoting this practice, it's a terrible affliction to have to get rid of. I've been free for only 6 months after battling with it for 6 years. Any comments are welcome, would love to raise more awareness for this.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Louise, thanks for taking time to point out the dangers of extreme use of a 'chew and spit' approach to eating. I think what Dolly was describing was a much more occasional use of it. It's important to understand that something used occasionally or in moderation can be come dangerous when taken to the extreme.
rosanna mendez
well i'm a huge Dolly fan and honestly even if you're not how can u deny the womans incredible talent? Even without her songwriting and guitar playing skills, just her singing alone is outstanding. Really amazing. And when she acts she just lights up any film she is ever in...again, very natural at it. Truly multi talented. And she is so gorgeous to look at even now. You can't deny any of this.I love her style and her figure is so beautiful but the chew and spit thing is a bit of a worry. I've never heard of it and don't claim to be an expert but it does reek a tad of eating disorder. I think that if i saw a friend or my daughter doing this, I'd b very concerned. Even if they did it very occasionally. Having said that, there doesn't seem to be too many ways to keep that immaculate figure. One way or another, u either pretty much deprive yourself and have a great figure or you don't deny yourself and don't have such a great figure. End of.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Rosanna, I agree. I'm a huge Dolly fan. She is a woman of incredible talent. I think the chew and spit thing, like anything is a matter of degrees. And only she can decide if it's a healthy habit that prevents her from gaining weight or sign of disordered eating. Even "healthy eating" can be problematic when taken to the extreme as this article shows: http://www.orthorexia.com/healthy-eating-vs-orthorexia/
Thanks for your comments.
Mata
Oh my gosh that is the funniest thing I've read and just makes so much common sense! Love it! Chewing and spitting isn't nearly as disgusting as chewing, swallowing and vomitting into a toilet - blech! Very funny, inspirational and a definite try. She's right, you've got to do it for yourself and figure out a way to make yourself happy doing it. Following someone else's diet is a waste of time, I'm definitely going to give this serious consideration but yes make it work for me. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Martha McKinnon
Hi Mata, Glad you found Dolly's unique approach to weight loss success helpful!
Cheryl Coldiron
I lost 90 pounds eating 5 smalls meals a day. I never felt deprived and or the need to binge. It took me 2 years to lose it but I've kept it off for 5 years. It took about a month for the weight to start coming off but was totally worth it.
If I had drank more water, walked a little and not ate after 5pm, I'm sure it would have came off faster. What I liked most about it is that I got to eat what wanted.
Hope this helps.
Have a great day?
Martha McKinnon
Hi Cheryl, Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your impressive success!!
Suzanne
I found this article very interesting and something I would try with caution! I'm only 4'11" like Dolly and every ounce shows on people like us! I lost weight on Weight Watchers but need to get 15 pounds off asap that I gained after I retired from nursing! I'm actually going to meet Dolly in a few months and I don't want to look like a cow in pictures!! So chew and spit....why not?
Martha McKinnon
HI Suzanne, have fun when you meet Dolly! She's such a positive light in the world 🙂
Cass
I enjoyed this article. I've heard that Dolly would try to eat sensiblly, and only allow herself three bites of any "treat" and then throw the rest away, like a cookie or donut. I also heard that she rides her stationary bicycle half an hour each day, whether she feels like it or not. These make sense to me, and I they have helped me over the years.
Lauren
I want to lose weight so desperately. I have tried throwing up but couldn't follow through. I have tried laxatives, water fats and now I will try the chew and spit. Thanks for informing me that it existed. PERFECT!
SJW
I don't find what Dolly did disgusting. She knew she had a weight problem and found a solution which worked for her. I can't tell you how many diets I've tried....and failed at....so i would never criticize anyone who lost weight, their way. She ate, did not starve herself but ate small amounts and yes at times spitting.....but not all the time. Everyone is an individual and must find their own solution...me? I'm still searching.......and why this article caught my eye.
Suzanne
Dolly and my mother must be related. All these "tricks" are exactly what my mother started doing in the early 80's.
Maybe they read the same book, or went to the same program. Who knows?
Chew and spit seems wasteful (better to waste than to waist - one of mama's favorite diet sayings), but it works.
Barb
My husband was interviewing a man for a position in the company he worked for. The informal interview took place in a very nice restaurant and the man chewed and spit out every bite into his napkin. My husband didn't know what to think, nor did the man mention why he was spitting his food out. He didn't get the job.
Linda Carbone
I'm not sure what to think about what our lovely Dolly has to say about weight loss ? ? What i can say is if we can have will power and drink lots of water, an much smaller portions of the foods we crave i believe that would work for most of us.I don't believe in diet's of any kind as the 1st3 letters about say it all.
Bev
Chew and spit was created by a weight loss franchise called "Shick"some 44 years ago.
Each week you brought one of your favorite high calorie foods in a large quanity ( ie,loaf of bread)and you had to take a large mouthful and chew it for like 35 times and spit out and repeat,all the while you had a little irritating device on your wrist tapping irritatingly the whole time. I didn't eat bread for 4 years. Haha