From Vegetarian Past to Rancher's Reality
For many who know Ree Drummond as 'The Pioneer Woman,' host of a Food Network show featuring hearty, ranch-style cooking, the idea of her ever being a vegetarian seems contradictory. Yet, it's a well-documented part of her history. In a 2019 interview, her husband Ladd revealed that she was indeed a vegetarian when they first met, playfully suggesting it "could have been a deal breaker" given his love for steak. Her adherence to this diet was short-lived, however, as evidenced by the fact that the very blog post that catapulted her to fame was titled "How to Cook a Steak".
This early dietary phase reflects a significant transition in her life—from growing up with ballet lessons and suburban life to becoming a rancher's wife in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The culinary landscape of the Drummond Ranch is deeply rooted in cattle, a far cry from a plant-based menu. This lifestyle shift necessitated a change in her cooking, and her recipes soon became famous for celebrating comfort food and ranch-raised beef, chicken, and pork.
A Modern Approach: Beyond Restriction
In recent years, Ree has spoken candidly about her relationship with food and a significant 55-pound weight loss. Her journey has provided insight into her current diet, which is far from vegetarian but also not focused on deprivation. She emphasizes that she did not follow restrictive fad diets like Keto or Paleo, nor did she use weight loss drugs.
Instead, her success was built on several foundational principles:
- Calorie Awareness and Deficit: Ree focused on consuming fewer calories than she burned, initially tracking her food intake with an app to gain awareness.
- Prioritizing Protein: She made a conscious effort to increase her protein intake at every meal, with options like Greek yogurt, chicken, salmon, and lean beef. This helped her feel fuller for longer and supported muscle growth.
- Portion Control: Rather than eliminating her favorite comfort foods, she learned to enjoy them in smaller, more sensible portions.
- Mindful Eating: Ree emphasized that she "valued the calories more" and made sure she ate things that offered more "nutritional bang for the buck".
- Consistent Movement: Exercise, including using a rowing machine, walking her dogs, and incorporating strength training, was a key part of her routine.
The Pioneer Woman's Culinary Spectrum
Ree's modern recipe repertoire showcases her omnivorous diet, featuring a wide array of meat-centric dishes, but she still includes vegetarian-friendly meals. For example, her show has highlighted episodes dedicated to 'Meatless Marvels,' featuring dishes like Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes and Greek Grilled Eggplant Steaks. This demonstrates her ability to create delicious meals across the dietary spectrum, not limiting herself to just one type of cuisine.
Here are some examples of the types of recipes Ree Drummond cooks, illustrating the breadth of her culinary style:
- Meat Recipes: Examples from search results include a peach whiskey BBQ chicken and various slow-cooked beef dishes. Her famous blog post on cooking a steak also stands out.
- Vegetarian Recipes: She has featured recipes like veggie-filled panzanella salads and meat-free options, proving her flexibility.
Comparing Ree's Diet Phases
| Aspect | Early Ree (Vegetarian) | Modern Ree (Omnivore) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Plant-based sources like lentils and beans. | Both plant-based and animal-based protein, including lean beef, chicken, and dairy. |
| Favorite Recipes | Focused on meat-free options. Specifics not widely documented, but likely involved creative use of vegetables. | Famous for hearty, ranch-style meals, including steaks, mac and cheese, and other comfort foods. |
| Dietary Philosophy | Strict adherence to a plant-based diet, abstaining from meat. | Moderate and balanced approach, emphasizing portion control and mindful eating over restriction. |
| Weight Management | Not a publicly documented concern during this phase. | Documented successful weight loss journey achieved through calorie management, increased protein, and exercise. |
The Verdict: No Longer a Vegetarian
To reiterate, Ree Drummond is not a vegetarian. She openly eats and cooks meat, which aligns with her life on a working cattle ranch. Her food philosophy has evolved from a brief vegetarian phase to a balanced, moderate approach that includes all food groups, emphasizing portion control and prioritizing protein. This has allowed her to lose weight and feel healthier without giving up the comfort foods she and her family enjoy. Her cooking today is a testament to this balanced lifestyle, celebrating food while remaining mindful of health.
To explore more of Ree's culinary journey and get insight into her recipes, you can visit her official website thepioneerwoman.com.
Conclusion
Ree Drummond's journey is a powerful reminder that dietary choices are not static. While she was once a vegetarian, her path led her to embrace an omnivorous diet that better suits her lifestyle. Her recent health transformation highlights a sustainable approach to eating—one that doesn't rely on elimination but on mindfulness, balance, and consistent effort. Her story demonstrates that you can still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals while making healthier choices for long-term well-being.
