Charlize Theron’s Post-Tully Weight Loss: The Diet and Fitness Plan That Worked

Charlize Theron gained about 50 pounds (around 23 kg) for her role in the 2018 movie Tully, where she played a mother dealing with postpartum depression. Losing that weight afterward was much harder than she expected — even more so than when she had transformed for Monster (2003).

Here’s what Charlize Theron has shared about her weight loss journey after Tully:

🥦 1. She Returned to a Clean, Balanced Diet

After filming, Charlize went back to her normal eating habits — whole, unprocessed foods with a focus on:

Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs)
Lots of vegetables and fruits
Whole grains and healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil)
Avoiding sugar and refined carbs

She mentioned that during the Tully weight gain, she had eaten processed foods and high-calorie snacks to gain weight quickly — and it took a toll on her metabolism and mood.

🕒 2. She Practiced Portion Control and Regular Meals

She focused on small, balanced meals rather than restrictive diets. Charlize reportedly ate every 3–4 hours to keep her metabolism active and prevent overeating.

🧘‍♀️ 3. She Worked Out Consistently

Charlize has always been known for her fitness. After Tully, she worked with her longtime trainer, Ben Bruno, to gradually rebuild strength and burn fat.
Her workouts included:

Strength training (especially resistance bands and weights)
Cardio like hiking, cycling, and circuit training
Yoga and Pilates for flexibility and balance

She trained 5–6 days per week, focusing on consistency rather than intensity at first.

😴 4. She Focused on Sleep and Recovery

She said that as she got older, it was much harder to lose weight. Her metabolism had slowed, and she had to get enough sleep and manage stress to support fat loss and hormonal balance.

🧠 5. She Avoided Extreme Diets

Charlize emphasized that her goal wasn’t just to “get thin” — it was to feel healthy and strong again. She didn’t use crash diets or cleanses, instead focusing on long-term, sustainable habits.

💬 Charlize’s Own Words

“I was just eating way too much processed food, and I felt depressed. I wasn’t just feeling physically ill — I was emotionally down too. It took me about a year and a half to lose the weight.”