What did Joe Cross do to lose weight?
Losing weight can be a challenging journey for many people. However, with the right mindset, plan, and commitment, it is possible to reach your goal weight. One inspiring weight loss story is that of Joe Cross, who lost over 100 pounds by juicing and making lifestyle changes. Here is an in-depth look at how Joe Cross lost weight and improved his health.
Joe Cross’ Weight Loss Journey
Joe Cross is an Australian entrepreneur, author, and documentary filmmaker. In 2005, at age 40, Joe weighed 310 pounds and was obese and struggling with an autoimmune disease. After realizing he needed to make drastic lifestyle changes, Joe decided to embark on a 60-day juice fast to regain his health. This experience became the basis for his documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead.
Over the course of his juice fast and continued juicing, Joe lost over 100 pounds. He dropped down to 210 pounds, a loss of over 100 pounds. This transformation restored his health and changed his life. Joe now advocates a plant-based, whole foods diet focused on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.
Joe’s Juice Fast
The core of Joe’s weight loss program was an initial 60-day juice fast, followed by continued juicing as part of his lifestyle. During his juice fast, Joe consumed 6-8 homemade juices per day made from a variety of fruits and vegetables. He abstained from solid food entirely during the fast.
Here are some key details about Joe’s 60-day juice fast:
- Drank only fresh fruit and vegetable juices, no solid foods
- Consumed 6-8 juices per day
- Juices included green vegetables like spinach and kale plus fruits like apples and oranges
- Drank one glass of water immediately upon waking up
- Exercised lightly, mostly walking
- Took supplements like omega-3s, probiotics, and multivitamins
By strictly adhering to his juice fast, Joe was able to kickstart his weight loss and start improving his health rapidly.
Joe’s Diet After the Juice Fast
Once Joe ended his 60-day juice fast, he transitioned to a whole foods, plant-based diet that still involved drinking fresh juices every day. Here are the characteristics of Joe’s diet after his fast:
- Lots of fruits and vegetables
- Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, chard
- Moderate amounts of nuts, seeds, beans, lentils
- Limited amounts of whole grains like quinoa, brown rice
- Healthy fats from avocados, olives, nuts, seeds
- 1-2 fresh juices per day
- Herbal teas and lemon water
- No processed foods
- No added sugar
- No meat, dairy, eggs, or processed foods
This nutrient-dense, plant-focused diet provided Joe with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber. It enabled him to lose weight and keep it off long-term.
Joe’s Exercise Routine
Along with his juice fast and diet changes, Joe also increased his physical activity to support his weight loss. Here are some key points about the exercise routine that helped Joe lose over 100 pounds:
- Walking – Joe walked for around 1 hour daily during his juice fast
- Rebounding – Joe started rebounding (jumping on a mini trampoline) for up to 30 minutes per day after his fast
- Resistance training – After losing weight, Joe started light strength training and resistance exercises
- Yoga – Joe practices yoga regularly to increase flexibility and mindfulness
Walking was Joe’s primary exercise during his juice fast, along with some light stretches and resistance training. After losing weight, he incorporated more strength training and yoga into his routine. Joe emphasizes that exercising consistently was a key factor in his weight loss and maintaining his results.
Joe’s Inspiring Advice on Losing Weight
Having succeeded in losing over 100 pounds and keeping it off, Joe Cross has a lot of wisdom to share around sustainable weight loss. Here is some of his best advice for losing weight effectively:
- Focus on adding in healthy foods, not restricting foods – Add more fruits, veggies, leafy greens, and cut back on processed foods
- Hydrate with water and unsweetened drinks – Drink a lot of water and limit sweetened beverages
- Reduce stress – Find healthy ways to manage stress rather than emotional eating
- Get quality sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours per night for optimal health
- Exercise consistently – Make exercise a habit by walking, strength training, etc.
- Eat mindfully – Pay attention to your hunger/fullness cues and eat slowly without distractions
- Find an accountability buddy – Share your goals and progress with a supportive friend or family member
Joe emphasizes developing sustainable, long-term healthy habits over quick fixes or fad diets. Small consistent changes to your nutrition, activity level, and lifestyle can produce amazing results over time.
Results of Joe’s Weight Loss
Joe Cross’ dramatic weight loss transformation resulted in some impressive health outcomes:
- Lost over 100 pounds, going from 310 to 210 pounds
- Lowered his body mass index (BMI) from overweight to normal range
- Reduced his body fat percentage from over 30% to under 15%
- Eliminated chronic uticaria (hives) and other autoimmune symptoms
- Resolved type 2 diabetes and stopped all medications
- Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol to healthy levels
- Increased energy levels
- Improved sleep quality
Clearly, Joe’s dedication to juicing and a healthy plant-based diet paid off! By losing over 100 pounds, he completely transformed his health and reduced his risk for many chronic diseases.
Conclusion
Joe Cross’ weight loss journey demonstrates the incredible power of juicing, diet, and lifestyle changes. By embarking on a 60-day juice fast and transitioning to a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet, Joe lost over 100 pounds and improved his health from a chronic disease state to thriving wellness. With commitment and consistency over time, Joe’s inspiring story shows that permanent weight loss is achievable. Implementing Joe’s strategies for juicing, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle can get you on the path to sustainable weight loss success.