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Al Roker Lost 100 Pounds and Here's What He Eats in a Day to Stay Lean at 71

The celeb maintains anti-inflammatory eating habits.

When it comes to inspiring weight-loss transformations, Al Roker instantly comes to mind. The beloved weather anchor and TV personality lost an impressive 100 pounds and has maintained his weight loss for over two decades. Instead of following fad diets or seeking quick fixes, Roker adopted healthy lifestyle habits to keep the excess pounds at bay. The 71-year-old revved up his workouts and optimized his diet. We learned some of Al Roker's go-to meals that keep him healthy and feeling his absolute best.

1

He Prioritizes Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Al Roker on stage for NBC Today Show Concert Series with Elvis Costello, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY, July 22, 2005
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Roker includes many anti-inflammatory foods in his diet. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, many common foods can cause inflammation, including processed meat, red meat, pasta and bread made with white flour, commercial baked goods, deep-fried foods, and sugar-sweetened drinks. Inflammation can wreak havoc on the body, causing chronic conditions like obesity, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.

An anti-inflammatory diet helps combat these issues and prioritizes omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamin C, and gut-friendly foods.

2

He Has Bananas and Yogurt for Breakfast

LOS ANGELES - JAN 16: Al Roker arrives at the 12th Annual WB-In Style Golden Globe After Party on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, CA
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Roker usually kicks off the day with some yogurt and banana for a nutrient-packed breakfast, according to EatingWell. This meal is chock-full of protein and fiber, both of which promote satiety.

3

He Sips Cold Brew Coffee

LOS ANGELES - JAN 7: Al Roker at the HBO Post Golden Globe Party 2018 at Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2018 in Beverly Hills, CA
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The weatherman's go-to beverage in the a.m.? Cold brew coffee.

"It could be decaf, it could not be decaf, I don't worry about it that much; it's more about hydration," Roker told EatingWell.

4

He Brews His Own Mint-Ginger Iced Tea

Al Roker at The Cable Show 2010: An Evening With NBC Universal, Universal Studios, Universal City, CA. 05-12-10
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Roker also enjoys iced tea throughout the day—a refreshing sip he brews himself.

"I make mint-ginger iced tea to drink during the day. Just boil a bunch of fresh mint and sliced-up ginger," Roker told EatingWell.

5

He Eats Sushi for Lunch

NEW YORK - MAY 19: Al Roker onstage during NBC's "TODAY" Show at Rockefeller Plaza on May 19, 2022 in New York City.
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One of Roker's go-to lunches includes sashimi or sushi at the NBC commissary (via EatingWell). Fatty fish like salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that omega-3s can keep inflammation at bay and help reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and more.

6

He Has a Protein-Packed Dinner

LOS ANGELES - JAN 14: Al Roker at the Hallmark TCA Winter 2017 Party at Rose Parade Tournament House on January 14, 2017 in Pasadena, CA
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Roker packs protein—like chicken thighs—into his dinners.

He told EatingWell, "[For] dinner tonight, I already know what I'm making: chicken thighs with vegetables, probably some delicata squash."

7

He's Balanced

New York, NY - February 17, 2022: Al Rocker attends The Blue Jacket Fashion show in support of research for prostate cancer at Cadillac House
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Roker keeps things balanced and enjoys the occasional treat.

"If I want to have a cookie, I'm going to enjoy a cookie," he told the publication. "Every day is different. Are you going to be 100% healthy every day? No, but I think there are levels."

For more weight-loss success stories, check out Jennifer Hudson Lost 80 Pounds Without Ozempic and Here Are 5 Daily Habits She Still Swears By.

Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in Greenwich, CT. She has 11+ years of experience covering wellness, fitness, food, travel, lifestyle, and home. Read more