Ariel Winter grew up before our very own eyes. The first time we saw this brunette was in 2010 on Modern Family, where she started off as a nerdy and lovable tween. She’s always been confident and active against anti-bullying, even creating a PSA for GLSEN’s safe space campaign. And although she came of age and blossomed into a young woman on the sitcom.
Since her evolution has been in the public eye, fans and critics alike were tuned in and paying attention when Ariel Winter started to undergo her dramatic weight loss journey. While many celebrities try to hide their changes in appearance, Winter took it in stride like the confident queen she is. She’s extremely transparent when it comes to any matters surrounding her body, and when it comes to interviews with publications and being honest on social media, Ariel is a total rockstar.
30 pounds shed
She told her millions of Instagram friends the deal behind her weight loss. Ariel said that she had been on anti-depressants for many years, and when she changed her medication she lost a lot of weight. Her previous meds caused her to hold onto that weight, even though her activity levels and work she put in remained the same. In her words. “It was always frustrating for me because I wanted to get fit and feel like the work I was doing was paying off, but it never felt that way. I had accepted it and moved on. The change in medication instantly made me drop all the weight I couldn’t lose before by just giving me back a metabolism.”
After her metabolism came back, her body started responding better to her workouts, and the weight loss has also created a generally healthier lifestyle, in terms of both her mental and physical health. It’s created overall higher energy levels, and the conscious knowledge that loading up on greasy carbs and cheese isn’t the way to treat your body like a temple.
A social media transformation
Many noted that the star looked drastically different in her pictures, and while her waist is definitely more snatched, confidence is a hell of a drug. Just the fact that Ariel Winter carries herself so differently is proof that she’s really undergone a transformation, inside and out.
A shift in mental health
Her weight loss journey, caused by new antidepressants, has also been a way for Winter to cope with her anxiety and depression. Just like she’s proud of her body, she’s never ashamed of talking about her mental health struggles. She’s openly discussed the importance of therapy, which she’s been doing for nearly a decade. In an interview with Woman’s Health Magazine, she stated: “There’s nothing shameful about seeing a therapist or being on medication… I’m hoping the discussions will keep us progressing in the right direction with mental health check-ups.”
Bye, haters
As a celebrity who’s undergone any form of transformation, the haters have of course come out in full fledge. Fortunately, her fans outnumber the body-shamers. People used to say mean things about her being a bit on the thicker side, but after she lost weight, many trolls criticized her for being “too thin” and losing weight in an unhealthy manner. But the 22-year-old took these ridiculous comments in stride with sarcastic responses like “My psychiatrist switched me from my previous antidepressant that didn’t work and made me gain weight, to coke/meth!! Definitely not a new one that worked and regulated my metabolism. Coke/meth was a controversial decision, but she stands by it.” Truly epic.
The journey still continues
She looks stunning, but still has body goals. And she’s not here to listen to what anyone thinks about. After all — her body, her choice. Her goals nowadays include growing a bigger booty, and working on getting “Michelle Obama arms.” The actress also wants to work on her midsection and carve out some abs. She said that understanding your body type is key to curbing unhealthy and unrealistic expectations. She loves her curves and rather than over-doing the cardio, is looking to sculpt through building muscle.
An important note? She doesn’t weigh herself. A number on a scale is just that — a digit. If you want to monitor your journey more closely, consider investing in a smart body fat scale rather than one that only offers a reading of pounds or kilograms.
An inspirational queen
This voyage through womanhood has been a rollercoaster so far for Ariel Winter. But through it all, inspiration has been key; both feeling personally inspired, and inspiring others. She wants us to be grateful for our differentness, and is become a body-positive icon that we all stan.
