‘I Made Myself Hate Processed Foods, and Now I’ve Lost 60lbs in 12 Months’ Matty Matheson’s 60-Pound Weight Loss Journey: How He Ditched Fast Food and Found Health Through Real Food

Matty Matheson, the charismatic chef, restaurateur, and The Bear star, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 12 months. While he’s always had a passion for food, his journey toward better health began with one major shift in his eating habits, and he’s shed 60 pounds (27kg) as a result. But it wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about reclaiming his health and vitality.

Here’s how Matty Matheson did it, and how he’s maintained his transformation while continuing to work and travel around the world.

The Wake-Up Call: How a Holiday Led to a Major Change

A year ago, Matty Matheson was on vacation with his family, indulging in fast food after fast food. By the end of the trip, he was fed up with how he felt. “I was done with fast food, done with unhealthy eating, and done with being a massive dude who couldn’t run around and have fun with my kids,” he admits.

This was a pivotal moment. He made a commitment: no more fast food, no more sugar, no processed foods. Instead, he focused on eating what he calls “real” food: vegetables, meat, and just enough carbohydrates to fuel his body.

For someone like Matheson, whose life revolves around food—owning 11 restaurants, hosting a popular YouTube channel, and having a line of cookware—this shift wasn’t easy. But he was determined to follow through.

The First 3 Months: Strict Discipline and Clean Eating

Matheson’s diet for the first three months was simple but effective: eggs, steak, chicken, salmon, and vegetables. He stuck to fewer than 2000 calories a day and drank only water. His food was whole, unprocessed, and free of any “bullshit,” as he puts it. There were no shortcuts, no excuses. “No fast food, no sugar, no processed foods,” he says firmly.

This was the foundation of his weight loss. The results were immediate. He began to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, and he wasn’t just losing weight—he was reclaiming a healthier relationship with food.

Incorporating Exercise: Adding Movement to His Routine

After those first three months of clean eating, Matheson took his transformation to the next level by adding movement into his daily routine. At first, it was simple walking. Then, he slowly integrated workouts into his hectic schedule. Matheson even teamed up with Jeremy Allen White, his co-star from The Bear, to work out together. He jokes that White is a “little Jack Rabbit,” constantly pushing him to do more.

Matheson didn’t rely on a personal trainer, choosing instead to experiment and figure out what worked for him. “If I pay a trainer, I can tell them to f* off. I’m paying them,”** he laughs. But in all seriousness, his success has come from his own determination and the consistency he’s found in his daily routine.

A Year Later: Losing 5-7 Pounds Per Month and Staying Strong

Now, 12 months later, Matheson has consistently lost between 5-7 pounds (2-3kg) per month. His workouts are a mix of strength training, walking, and functional exercises, and he continues to work out three to four days a week. Despite the challenges of his busy life—traveling, running restaurants, and promoting his work—Matheson has made fitness a priority and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

Even while on tour to promote his new cookbook, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches: A Cookbook, Matheson ensures that his healthy habits stay intact. “If I’ve got a cable machine and a rowing machine, I’m happy. If I’m in my hotel room, I can do 30 to 50 push-ups, air squats, lunges, and dips. I don’t care about where I am,” he explains.

From Addiction to Health: Drawing Parallels Between Recovery and Lifestyle Changes

Matheson’s journey toward better health is not just physical—it’s deeply personal. Having struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, he made the decision to get clean over 11 years ago. His addiction led to a heart attack at just 29 years old, a wake-up call that pushed him toward recovery. The process of overcoming addiction taught him discipline and the power of choice—and these lessons have translated into his approach to food and fitness.

“I made myself hate drugs and alcohol, and now I made myself hate processed foods and sugar,” Matheson reflects. “If I don’t put it in my body, I don’t have to worry about it. So it’s my choice every day. I just have to choose to not put it in my body.”

Matheson draws strength from the same mindset that helped him overcome addiction: making healthier choices every day and refusing to let temptation derail his progress.

Indulgence with Moderation: Keeping the Passion for Food Alive

Despite his newfound commitment to health, Matheson hasn’t lost his love for food. He admits he still enjoys indulging every now and then. “If I go to Italy, I’m going to eat some friggin’ pasta. It’s like, make it worth it,” he says with a grin.

For Matheson, the key is balance. He’s found a way to enjoy food without it sabotaging his goals. It’s about making better choices day-to-day and indulging when it feels right, without feeling guilty.

A 60-Pound Weight Loss and a Healthier Future

Matty Matheson’s journey from a fast-food-loving, 42-year-old chef to a healthier, more active man is nothing short of inspiring. His 60-pound weight loss is a result of commitment, discipline, and a focus on whole, unprocessed foods.

But Matheson’s transformation isn’t just about the weight he’s lost—it’s about the mindset he’s gained. He’s made choices that support his long-term health, his love for food, and his desire to live a fuller life with his family.

As Matheson continues his health journey, he proves that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes—and that with the right mindset and determination, anyone can make a transformation that lasts.