Chaka Khan’s 60-Lb. Weight Loss Started With a Liquid Diet—See Why You Should Skip It
See the healthier habits that helped her manage her diabetes and hypertension
When singer-songwriter Chaka Khan (born Yvette Stevens) became guardian of her granddaughter, she decided longevity was a top priority. In an effort to restore her health, the I’m Every Woman singer lost 60 pounds naturally between 2011 and 2012. Here’s everything Chaka Khan has shared about her weight loss, plus expert insights on her methods.
Chaka Khan’s weight loss journey: what worked for her
While the “Queen of Funk” began turning heads after noticeably slimming down in 2012, she explained in a 2013 interview with Essence that her weight loss occurred in tandem with lifestyle changes aimed at being able to be able to take care of her young granddaughter.
“I had [type two diabetes] and high blood pressure,” she told the publication. “I adopted my 10-year-old granddaughter last year. I have to be there for her. I knew I couldn’t go out like this.”
Woman's World Answers
She went on a liquid diet
During a 2012 appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Khan said she first began adjusting her health habits a year earlier. “When I first started last year, for two whole months I didn’t chew a thing,” said Khan. “Me and my Vitamix were there, and it was my best friend.” She explained that she blended and drank everything she consumed for that time in an effort to jump-start her results.
A liquid diet can contribute to weight loss primarily by reducing overall calorie intake, explains Pamela Tambini, MD, Medical Director at Engage Wellness. Since these diets often eliminate processed and high-calorie foods while maintaining hydration, they create a calorie deficit, which leads to weight loss. Additionally, blended meals can be easier to digest and may reduce bloating for some individuals.
One caveat: A liquid-only diet should typically not last more than a few days to a few weeks unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional, notes Dr. Tambini.
“While these diets can benefit certain medical cases, such as post-surgery recovery or digestive issues, they are not a long-term solution for healthy, sustainable weight loss,” she says. “The body requires solid food for optimal digestion, muscle maintenance and metabolic regulation. Prolonged reliance on blended foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss and a slower metabolism.”
If someone wants to follow a liquid diet for weight loss, it’s crucial to ensure it is nutritionally balanced and avoid extreme calorie restriction, Dr. Tambini cautions. After a short period, transitioning back to solid foods is necessary to maintain proper digestion and muscle mass.
She follows a vegan lifestyle
In her interview with Essence, the singer offered some insight to her vegan lifestyle, explaining that she “went off meats and all dairy and anything with eyes.”
“If I have a craving for a little baked fish or something, I might eat it. But that’s about it,” she continued. “I’ve mostly been doing a lot of high-protein foods and a lot of vegetables and exercise.”
Khan said she had been periodically avoiding meat and dairy since age 20.
“I’ve never been a fan of meat, dairy and sugar,” she told Essence. “And when I developed diabetes last year, I said, ‘Oh okay I’m not going to be here long. A change is coming.’ So I started getting my mind set, then I started fasting.
According to Dr. Tambini, a vegan diet can be effective for weight loss because it is typically high in fiber and lower in calories compared to diets that include animal products. Whole, plant-based foods such as vegetables, legumes and whole grains are nutrient-dense and promote satiety, which helps regulate appetite and reduce overall calorie intake.
“High-protein vegan options include legumes like lentils, chickpeas and black beans, which provide protein and fiber,” she says. “Tofu and tempeh are excellent plant-based protein sources that contain all essential amino acids. Quinoa is another complete protein source that is easy to incorporate into meals.”
She made time for low-impact exercise
Khan also got candid with Essence about her physical activity, admitting: “I don’t like exercising at all.” However, she said if she had to choose a favorite form of exercise it would be walking. “I do not run and I’m losing, like, on average, about five pounds a month. I’ve lost 60 pounds since October,” she revealed at the time.
Walking is an ideal exercise for weight loss due its ability to increase energy expenditure and calorie burn. It also puts less stress on our bodies than higher-impact exercises, which allows our bodies to burn more stored fat as fuel. What’s more, walking helps build muscle, which boosts metabolism as a body with more lean muscle mass will burn more calories both during and after exercise.
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