Daytime talk show hosts are always competing for the entertainment television crown, but here at Health Fitness Revolution, we’re grading them on a different scale- more specifically, the health and fitness scale. If you’ve ever wondered how these famous television personalities are able to keep up with their A-1 appearances, the answer lies within their lifestyle habits. The daytime television hosts on our list maintain healthy and active lifestyles that their viewers can appreciate and follow.
Samir Becic says of these hosts: “The talk show hosts on this list ROCK because they are leading by example in terms of healthy lifestyle and are great role models for the future generations of our children. Our younger generations are plagued with many ailments due to obesity and having healthy individuals to look up to is necessary. I’m asking every single individual on this list- please let’s motivate Americans to live a healthy lifestyle! Considering you have millions of viewers on a daily basis and 70% of Americans are overweight, your impact will be a game changer.”
Now Samir Becic and the HFR institute have poured over all the data on daytime talkshow hosts to rank the top fittest of 2017, you can also look over our 2016 list. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 15 years as a fitness industry expert coupled with his experience as a four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the world. We started with over 70 hosts, narrowed it down to 50, 25, and then these final 15.
Here’s our list of the fittest daytime television talk show hosts of 2017:
Rachael Ray, 50
Rachael Domenica Ray, or simply- Rachael Ray, is an American television personality, entrepreneur, celebrity cook and author. She’s most known for her popular television talk show: Rachael Ray, as well as a few of her Food Network series’.
This well accomplished foodie keeps her body in shape by working out six days a week:
“I USUALLY GO TO THE GYM SIX MORNINGS A WEEK. I’D ALWAYS BEEN A NIGHT OWL AND DREADED MORNINGS, BUT I’VE BECOME THAT PERSON WHO POPS OUT OF BED EXCITED TO GO TO THE GYM AT 6:30 A.M. EVEN WHEN I HAVE AN EARLY TV GIG, I STILL GO. I’LL WAKE UP AT 4:45, WALK A BLOCK TO THE GYM, AND BE THERE AT FIVE O’CLOCK WHEN IT OPENS.”
Rachael controls what goes into her body by making sure to cook all of her meals. She has stressed the importance of controlling sodium intake, as well as moderation.
Ellen DeGeneres, 61
This energetic and bubbly talk show queen remains youthful and radiant with the help of her vegan diet and soothing yoga. Ellen does 60-90 minutes of yoga every morning to keep her calm and collected for the busy day ahead of her. Ellen loves yoga so much, she replaced her unhealthy snack cravings with it. She admitted to opting for yoga before snacking her nerves away.
“FOOD USED TO BE REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME. I LOVED STEAK, I LOVED HAMBURGERS, I LOVED ALL THAT STUFF. I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW IRRESPONSIBLE I WAS, EATING WHAT I ATE. I WANT TO BE ON MY TOES; I WANT TO HAVE ENERGY. AND AS MUCH AS THE [VEGAN] DIET SEEMS LIKE A SACRIFICE, IT’S HELPING ME.”
When it comes to her diet, Ellen and her wife Portia Degeneres both decided to go Vegan for their love of animals. And as it turns out, her switch benefitted her beyond measure. Her energy levels are high and thriving- at 58- making Ellen the perfect role model for longevity.
Gayle King, 64
“FOR THE MOST PART, I EAT HEALTHY, BUT IF I GO ON VACATION, I’M GOING TO ENJOY IT; THEN I WORK EXTRA HARD TO GET BACK TO WHERE I WAS.”
Gayle King, at 61, is here to prove that it’s never too late to transform your body. This Weight Watcher’s lover and advocate commends the program for showing her how to improve the way she eats- improving her overall quality of health. She has lost nearly 20 pounds on the program, and documented the entire process on Instagram- to encourage both herself and fans.
But that’s not all. Gayle also upped the cardio. She’s admitted to exercising 5-6 days a week for up to an hour. She allots the time to both cardio and various strength training workouts- with either resistance bands or free weights.
Tamera Mowry, 40
The Real host, Tamera Mowry kicked absolute butt to get her pre-baby body back. After gaining nearly 60 pounds during her pregnancy, Tamera decided to create a “Mommy Makeover Journey” on her very own blog, allowing her fans to follow her on this transformative process.
“I try to work out four days a week, doing two days of interval training, one day of pilates, and one day of cardio.”
This busy mommy first eased into exercise by taking up yoga, pilates, and strolls with her family. But when it comes to staying fit, Tamera lives by the 80/20 rule. She believes losing weight is 80% what you eat, and 20% working out. She also admits to being a clean eater- which means eliminating all and any processed foods from your diet.
Steve Harvey, 62
“I CAN WHIP SOMEBODY’S A**”
This self-proclaimed ‘king of comedy’ reclaimed his body at 50-years old, and isn’t afraid to prove it. His newly transformed body is a walking testament that men- ages 40 and older- can tone up and slim down if they set their minds to it. Harvey launched his very “50 and Fly” campaign, documenting his weight loss journey on his DVD, book and website. By exercising, eating healthy, and remaining self-motivated, anyone can transform the way their body looks and feels.
“WE CAN MAKE SOME BETTER FOOD CHOICES, WE CAN GET ON A WORKOUT PROGRAM THAT’S SMART OF A GUY OUR AGE… ALL YOU NEED IS A WEIGHT BENCH AND A SET OF DUMBBELLS AND YOU CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK.”
Kelly Ripa, 48
Kelly never misses a day at the gym.
“THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT DON’T HAVE TO WORK OUT, AND I AM HAPPY FOR THEM, BUT I HAVE TO WORK OUT FOR MY BODY TYPE… IT’S PART OF MY ROUTINE. IT’S PART OF MY RITUAL. IT DOESN’T JUST MAKE ME LOOK BETTER, BUT IT MAKES ME EMOTIONALLY FEEL BETTER.”
This pleasant and breezy Live with Regis and Kelly host likes to mix up her workouts to prevent from plateauing or getting bored. Her cardio workouts include dance cardio classes, SoulCycle, and running.
Ripa also swears by the high-alkaline, low-acid diet. And while she doesn’t follow it strictly, she is a conscious eater who goes on regular cleanses.
“I LIKE TO DRINK COFFEE. I OCCASIONALLY WILL HAVE FISH. THE ALKALINE DIET IS PRIMARILY A VEGAN DIET, BUT I LIKE CREAM IN MY COFFEE. I LIKE TO HAVE A GLASS OF WINE. SO I DON’T ADHERE TO IT STRICTLY, BUT WHEN I DO A CLEANSE, IT WILL BE SEVEN DAYS, AND THEN I GO BACK TO MY NORMAL LIFE. BUT MY NORMAL LIKE IS NOT THAT DIFFERENT THAN THE ALKALINE CLEANSE.
Michael Strahan, 47
Former football player and tireless T.V. host, Michael Strahan, trains twice a day, three days a week. Michael’s mornings are focused on high-endurance sessions- while his second workout session is focused primarily on weight-training. While this Good Morning America co-star takes his diet and exercise seriously, he doesn’t believe in denying oneself
“I DO INDULGE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, BUT YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO DENY YOURSELF ENJOYMENT… WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF WORKING OUT AND DOING ALL OF THESE THINGS IF YOU CAN’T HAVE A REWARD AT THE END OF THE DAY? IT’S ABOUT A LIFESTYLE, AND I THINK THAT MY LIFESTYLE ALLOWS ME TO DO THAT. I DON’T LOOK AT IT AS A DIET OF ANY SORT, IT’S JUST THE WAY I LIVE.”
Michael Symon, 49
Chef Michael Symon of ABC’s The Chew is in incredible shape. He even claims to be in better shape than notorious Food Network chef- Bobby Flay.
“I WORK OUT MOST DAYS… I LIFT PROBABLY FOUR DAYS A WEEK AND DO CARDIO THREE OR FOUR DAYS A WEEK, WHICH IS WHY I AM IN BETTER SHAPE THAN BOBBY.”
Natalie Morales, 46
Marathon runner, mother of two, wife, and anchor of Today- Natalie Morales- juggles it all while looking smoking hot. Natalie is an avid runner who has participated in a whopping six marathons, seven half-marathons, and a few triathlons. Although she has an incredibly busy schedule to keep up with, this stunning co-anchor is able to fit in her exercise routine by planning her week ahead and sticking to it. This dazzling news anchor clears her schedule everyday at 2 p.m. for an invigorating run. But if something comes up, preventing her from going on her daily run, she isn’t utilizes her favorite workout app. Natalie also encourages everyone to know their limits.
“USE A TRAINING PLAN AS A GUIDE, BUT LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.”
Natalie stays healthy on the go with nutrient-packed power smoothies- made of spinach, mango, mint, ginger, avocado, and coconut water.
Dr. Phil, 68
“FIRST, YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO STOP USING FOOD FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN NUTRITION. YOU CANNOT CONTINUE TO USE FOOD TO CELEBRATE, OR AS A COMPANION, OR FOR ENTERTAINMENT, OR COMFORT. YOU CANNOT MEDICATE YOURSELF, YOUR MOOD, OR PAIN WITH FOOD.”
Dr. Phil shows everyone how to transform their bodies in his 2014 book: The 20/20 Diet: Turn Your Weight Loss Vision Into Reality. This top trending diet-search made headlines because of it’s unique take on dieting. The 20/20 diet consists of eating 20 powerful foods that require an elevated metabolism to break down. Along with a list of these foods, Dr. Phil’s diet also provides recipes proved to enhance satiability and metabolism. This diet eliminated all refined sugars and carbs from the diet, which can restructure and improve the way your body metabolizes macronutrients.
Julie Chen, 49
Emmy nominated daytime talk show host, Julie Chen, stays slim and shape by reminding herself of the hassle that comes with gaining weight.
“I STAY FOCUSED ON EATING WELL AND EXERCISING BY THINKING OF ALL THE TIME AND MONEY IT WOULD COST TO ALTER MY PANTS BIGGER AND LONGER.”
Julie exercises six days a week. Three of those days are dedicated to doing CrossFit with her trainer. Two days of those days are devoted to yoga, and one day to Pilates. Julie maintains a healthy diet, and staves off any unhealthy food cravings with ice-cold water.
Robin Roberts, 58
ABC’s Good Morning America anchor, and Cancer survivor- Robin Roberts is in the best shape of her life. Her new approach on health and fitness was inspired by her battle with Cancer, which enhanced her appreciation for health.
“I’M SOUTHERN, WE WOULD FRY WATER IF WE COULD, BUT IT’S A CHANGE AND I’VE ACCEPTED IT. I KNOW THAT IF I TAKE BETTER CARE OF MY PHYSICAL BEING, IT’LL LESSEN THE CHANCES OF THE CANCER RETURNING.”
After her diagnosis, Robin stopped eating fried food and red meat- and started doing more yoga and Pilates. This brave and courageous talk show host showed the world that living a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in treating and preventing chronic diseases.
Hoda Kotb, 54
Even at 52, co-host of NBC’s Today show- Hoda Kotb still finds time to workout and stay active. She makes exercise a priority each and every week. By 4 a.m. she’s up and ready to take on the world. She begins her day by walking her dog, and then later hits the gym. This toned and sleek host’s key to never skipping a workout is preparing ahead. Before going to sleep, she makes sure to pack her gym bag for the next day.
“USUALLY, I HAVE THE COFFEE CUP OUT SO I DON’T HAVE TO GET IT OUT OF THE CUPBOARD.
I PACK MY GYM BAG THE NIGHT BEFORE AND PUT IT BY THE DOOR. I JUST SCOOP IT UP AND GO!
MY JOURNAL AND A PEN ARE ALWAYS ON MY TABLE, SO I DON’T HAVE TO FIND ANYTHING. I JOURNAL EVERY DAY. I WRITE 3 THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR AND ONE GREAT THING THAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS.”
Hoda prepares for the show by reading over producer notes on the StairClimber.
Wendy Williams, 54
Wendy Williams recently lost 50 pounds- and she credits it to her newly vegan lifestyle. This bright and bubbly T.V. personality is on a vegan diet- free of refined carbs. She now works out 5 days a week and enjoys cardio workouts as well as resistance training.
“I GO TO THE GYM BECAUSE IT’S NOT ABOUT ME LOSING WEIGHT AT THIS POINT, IT’S ABOUT ME TRYING TO FIGHT HEART DISEASE.
SLOW AND STEADY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME. IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. I NO LONGER BELIEVE IN FAD DIETS, CRASH DIETS…YES, I DID HAVE A JUMP-START BECAUSE YEARS AGO I DID GET THE LIPOSUCTION AND TUMMY TUCK, BUT I HAVE TO SAY THAT, IF THERE IS A POSTER CHILD FOR PLASTIC SURGERY AND THE JUMP-OFF TO A NEW LIFESTYLE, IT WOULD BE ME.”
Dr. Oz, 58
Dr. Mehmet Oz is one the biggest health experts on national television. And while he may have his own health and fitness regimen down to a T, that doesn’t stop him from spreading health awareness to his viewers and fans.
Dr. Oz has introduced a variety of different diet plans- suitable enough to meet the needs of his diverse audience. These diets include “The Mediterranean Diet,” “The Fasting Diet,” and our favorite, “Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Diet Plan.”
“Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Diet Plan” shows viewers how to reboot their system and form healthier habits in as little as two weeks. This 13 step process takes begins with cleaning out your fridge, dumping out anything ‘un-clean,’ and ends with walking 10,000 steps a day.
“YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY BEGINS WITH 10,000 STEPS A DAY- THAT’S ROUGHLY THE EQUIVALENT OF WALKING FIVE MILES. IF YOU’RE ALREADY EXERCISING, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR ROUTINE INCLUDES BOTH CARDIO AND STRENGTH TRAINING.”
This detailed diet plan also includes small and overlooked factors, such as changing your flatware, in order to encourage smaller bites.
