Vince Wilfork is an American former professional football player who shed 80 pounds post-retirement. Standing 6’2″ and weighing 325 pounds during his playing days, Wilfork dominated the gridiron as a New England Patriot.
But since leaving the NFL in 2017, he’s undergone a remarkable transformation, now weighing 245 pounds. Join us as we explore the inspiring story behind Wilfork’s weight loss journey and its impact on fans worldwide. What drove this change? And how did he do it?
Why Did Vince Wilfork Gain Weight?
Vince Wilfork gained weight for two main reasons. Firstly, he has always been on the heavier side since the start of his football journey. In an interview with ESPN, he mentioned being naturally large, weighing around 308 pounds in high school, and maintaining that weight into his professional career. Apart from his natural build, another factor contributed to his weight gain.
Discussing the consequences of gaining weight, Dr Thanu Jey, Medical Director and Founder of Medibrace, explains that obesity and being overweight put significant strain on the body, increasing the risk of various health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and certain cancers. It also affects mental health, potentially leading to depression and low self-esteem.
When Wilfork joined the New England Patriots in 2004, playing in the NFL required him to meet certain fitness standards, especially as a defensive tackle. To fulfill his role effectively, he needed a sturdy physique to bear the weight of opposing players and play a strong defensive game.
Consequently, he adopted a diet aimed at bulking up and exercising to gain weight. Before retiring, he indulged in foods like sausages, BBQ ribs, ice cream, burritos, and pizza without restriction.
As a result of his efforts, Wilfork’s weight gradually increased from 308 to 325 pounds. However, this weight gain raised concerns about potential health issues in the long run. Thus, after retiring from football, he shifted his focus to his health, embarking on a self-directed weight loss journey and program.
How Did Vince Wilfork Lose Weight?
After leaving professional football, Vince Wilfork wasn’t required to stay at a certain weight or keep a specific body shape. So, to shed those additional 80 pounds, he chose to embrace a healthier way of living. This involved sticking to a balanced diet and a consistent exercise regimen after retiring from the sport.
What Is Vince Wilfork’s Weight Loss Diet Plan?
The key to Vince Wilfork’s well-known weight loss isn’t a mystery: he simply focused on eating nourishing, balanced meals throughout the day. Much of his diet revolved around green leafy vegetables prepared in various ways like steamed broccoli, sautéed collard greens, kale salad, and spinach shakes.
Research shows that these veggies are rich in vital nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds, offering numerous health perks such as lowering the risk of heart diseases, aiding in weight management, fighting type 2 diabetes, and even possessing antimicrobial properties.
In addition to embracing these veggies, Wilfork also practiced portion control, which played a significant role in his weight loss journey. His former wife, Bianca Wilfork, played a crucial role by structuring his diet into six smaller meals a day, boosting his metabolism and making the process more enjoyable.
Here’s a rundown of the foods he typically chose for his six daily meals:
- Black beans and rice
- Grilled chicken breast with spinach salad
- Baked salmon
- Sugar-free peanut butter
- Special K cereal with low-fat milk and strawberries
- Steamed turkey breast
- Smoothie made with pineapple, honeydew, orange juice, cantaloupe, and banana
- Grapefruit
- Almonds
- Banana
- Plain peanuts
Alongside this wholesome diet, Wilfork stayed hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Research suggests adequate water intake is crucial for basic bodily functions, including cell hydration, nutrient transportation, and toxin elimination.
In Wilfork’s case, staying hydrated was instrumental in shedding excess weight. Studies even indicate that drinking water may help reduce overall energy intake, leading to a calorie deficit, and, consequently, weight and fat loss. Keeping well-hydrated has undoubtedly been his secret weapon for achieving his remarkable body transformation.
Also read: Ashley Graham Weight Loss Journey
What Is Vince Wilfork’s Weight Loss Workout Routine?
While adopting a nutritious diet rich in green leafy vegetables and staying hydrated aided his weight loss journey, Vince Wilfork also integrated a modest exercise regimen for enhanced results. His workout routine encompassed leisurely walks, cardiovascular exercises, and weightlifting.
Wilfork initiated his day with an hour-long walk. Research indicates that moderate walking can reduce weight, decrease fat mass, and improve cardiovascular health markers.
Dr. Thanu Jey, Medical Director and Founder of Medibrace, elucidates the disparity between walking and running, stating that while running burns more calories per minute, walking is gentler on the joints and can be sustained for longer durations. Both activities are effective for weight loss, but running yields quicker results.
Subsequently, Wilfork engaged in cardiovascular exercises, with swimming as his preferred weight loss activity. He attests to swimming’s efficacy as a low-impact workout that offers numerous benefits, including calorie burning, musculoskeletal enhancement, and alleviation of anxiety and depression.
On days when his energy levels were high, Wilfork incorporated weightlifting into his routine, favoring exercises such as deadlifts, weighted squats, and power lifts. This form of resistance training aids in reducing body fat while preserving lean muscle mass, facilitating his journey towards fitness alongside a balanced diet.
Also read: Ree Drummond’s Weight Loss Transformation
FAQs
How much does Vince Wilfork weigh today?
Vince Wilfork now weighs 245 pounds after losing around 80 pounds since his retirement.
What was Vince Wilfork’s heaviest weight?
Vince Wilfork attributes his weight loss after retiring from the NFL to eating more broccoli and drinking water. Throughout his 13 seasons in the NFL, Wilfork was a powerful force on defense. He weighed 325 pounds and skillfully disrupted opposing teams’ plays, acting as a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense. However, after retiring, his body underwent a noticeable transformation.
