Here's How Katie Maloney-Schwartz Got "Fully Back on Track" With Food & Exercise

Katie Maloney-Schwartz has made some major lifestyle changes over the last year, but the Vanderpump Rules cast member has no interest in following a plan filled with food or drink restrictions. When it comes to her own healthy routine, she declared to Bravo Insider: "Diets don’t work."

In April 2020, Katie shared with her Instagram followers that after learning her glucose levels were "pretty high," she began working with a nutritionist who helped her "understand how to eat" for her metabolism, "especially with being insulin resistant or insulin-sensitive." 

"Once I got it, I was like, 'Oh, now I understand how to apply it and have a better understanding of nutrition, how my body uses and processes food, and the kinds of food I should be eating,'" Katie explained to Bravo Insider. Additionally, she learned about "combinations of food, like slow carbs, fast carbs, proteins, and healthy fats in every meal and how they work together."

"You know that portion sizes are important," she added. "But [I learned] how important they actually are."

Working with a professional has also changed the way Katie starts each day. "In the morning, it’s really important that you either start moving or you have something to eat within an hour of waking up," she said. "Because that’s when your clock starts and when you want to get everything sort of moving."

In addition to going on "lots of hikes," she and Tom Schwartz have been able to do much of their daily exercise from the comfort of home in the last year. "We were fortunate enough to have a treadmill here, that was really nice," Tom explained. "We got a [Peloton] bike, too! Super grateful that we have both of those. They’ve been our saviors throughout all of this. Tom Sandoval has a full gym in his house, which I’ve been utilizing as well."

Extra time at home (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) allowed Katie to focus on her health as well as get "a little bit more skilled in the kitchen" while making homemade meals. However, after California issued a second regional stay-at-home order in December 2020, maintaining those habits became more challenging for both herself and her love. "We were fairly balanced in regards to indulging and eating healthy. We struck a nice balance. Well, at least the first round of quarantine," Tom explained. "The second round things fell apart at the seams. So did our pants. "

"I definitely kind of dropped the ball on it," Katie admitted. "When we went back into lockdown the second round...I felt way more isolated, the seasonal depression started to set in, it was a little tough. I definitely got a little bit off course and did fluctuate a little bit. I was just over it."

In the moments when it has felt more challenging to maintain her routine, Katie is careful not to put pressure on herself. "It’s fine to give yourself the freedom and space to do what you gotta do at times," she said. 

Now "fully back on track," Katie emphasized the importance of maintaining balance when it comes to her health. "I just like to listen to my body, be 80/20 with it all. [I always try to] be active and moving my body, getting steps in. 80% of the time, I’m being very on top [of it] and consciously eating the kinds of food I should be eating that my body knows how to digest, eating healthy. Then 20% [of the time, I am] indulging in the things I love. That’s the approach I’m trying to take to it all."

Although Tom noted that he and Katie are "obviously not doctors," Katie is happy to share what she has learned from a dietician and what has worked for her as an individual. "I think most importantly it’s always about intuitive eating," she said. "Listening to your body and what your body is telling you it needs." 

As Tom quickly chimed in to tease, "What did your body tell you it wanted this morning?" Katie replied with a laugh, "It said it wanted In-N-Out. Because it's hungover."

"But guess what? I did move my body. " she added. "It’s the balance."

Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.

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