Megyn Kelly’s Initial Approach: The F-Factor Diet
In her 2016 autobiography, "Settle for More," Megyn Kelly revealed her focus on diet over intense exercise for weight management. She specifically cited adherence to the F-Factor diet, a program developed by dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot. The F-Factor is a high-fiber plan designed to promote satiety and aid in weight loss. The core principle is that fiber, being a zero-calorie, non-digestible carbohydrate, adds bulk to food and swells in the stomach, which helps people feel full longer and consume fewer calories overall. The diet also claims that fiber helps absorb and excrete fat and calories.
Core Principles of the F-Factor Diet
For followers of the F-Factor diet like Kelly, the strategy involved more than just adding fiber. It emphasized pairing high-fiber carbohydrates with lean protein at every meal to maximize fullness and regulate blood sugar. The program outlines several phases, with the goal of eating up to nine servings of high-fiber carbohydrates daily. A key part of this strategy also involved staying well-hydrated, as high fiber intake without sufficient water can lead to constipation. Another notable aspect of Kelly's approach at the time was her admission that she did not prioritize gym routines, choosing instead to focus primarily on dietary choices for her transformation.
An Evolving Strategy: Incorporating Intermittent Fasting and Whole Foods
More recent reports suggest that Megyn Kelly's wellness approach has become more holistic and balanced, moving beyond the specific F-Factor protocol. A significant addition to her regimen is intermittent fasting (IF), a popular eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. This shift highlights an evolution in her understanding of sustainable health. She has publicly stated that IF helped her "reset [her] body and eat with more intention," giving her more structure around her eating habits. Her fasting periods are reportedly between 12 and 16 hours, followed by a window for healthy, mindful meals.
The Whole Foods and Mindful Eating Focus
Alongside intermittent fasting, Kelly shifted her dietary focus towards a broader whole-foods approach. She concentrated on nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods and cut back on sugary snacks and refined carbs.
- Lean Proteins: Sources like chicken and fish are a staple for satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Vegetables: Abundant vegetable consumption is central to her plan, providing essential nutrients and fiber.
- Whole Grains: Rather than eliminating carbs entirely, she consumes whole grains like quinoa and brown rice.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados and nuts are included to provide healthy fats.
She also adopted mindful eating, listening to her body’s hunger cues rather than eating out of habit or stress. This mindful approach helped her manage portions and develop a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food.
Comparison of Megyn Kelly's Diet Approaches
| Feature | Early F-Factor Approach | Later Holistic Approach (IF + Whole Foods) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Philosophy | High-fiber food pairings for satiety, reduced overall calories. | Intermittent Fasting for metabolic health and structured eating, coupled with nutrient-dense whole foods. |
| Exercise | Minimally emphasized; focus primarily on dietary control. | Acknowledges the importance of consistent, sustainable activity, even if not intense. |
| Food Focus | Pairing high-fiber carbs with lean protein at every meal. | Whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats; minimizing processed foods. |
| Meal Timing | Eating 4 smaller meals daily at intervals to keep metabolism high and prevent hunger. | Cycles between eating and fasting periods (typically 12-16 hours). |
| Motivation | Diet-driven weight loss based on a structured program. | Mindset shift focusing on long-term health, not just appearance; self-love and accountability. |
The Role of Mindset and Balance
Megyn Kelly's journey underscores the significance of a holistic mindset shift for lasting weight management. She emphasizes progress over perfection, embracing self-compassion during setbacks, and cultivating a lifestyle that prioritizes overall well-being. This mental and emotional component was just as critical as the dietary changes. For her, it was never solely about the number on the scale but about feeling better in her own skin, more energized, and more confident.
Conclusion: A Shift Towards Sustainable Wellness
Megyn Kelly's diet journey serves as a powerful example of how a sustainable approach can lead to meaningful, long-term results. She initially found success with the high-fiber F-Factor diet, which emphasized pairing high-fiber carbohydrates with lean protein. Over time, her strategy evolved to incorporate intermittent fasting and a broader, whole-foods focus. Ultimately, her success was not just about the specific foods she ate but also about a crucial mindset shift towards consistency, moderation, and prioritizing long-term health over short-term fixes. Her story proves there is no one-size-fits-all diet, but rather a personalized wellness journey built on balance and self-care. You can hear more of her health perspective on her show: The Megyn Kelly Show.
