Welcome to Lose Weight By Eating! I’m a weight loss blogger, healthy recipe developer, and bestselling cookbook author. And I can’t wait to tell you my (celebrity filled!) story!
My name is Audrey Johns and I am a 4 time best selling cookbook author of healthy cookbooks. You may have even seen me on TV!
As a regular on The Rachael Ray Show I often showcase healthy versions of food that you crave. But that’s not where I started… here’s my story.
Audrey Johns’ Weight Loss Story
I struggled with my weight all my life. I was always the heaviest girl in the room, and I never felt confident, and more importantly, I never felt healthy!
In 2011, I was at my heaviest weight. I was 275 lbs and a size 20. I was a new mom and had lost my job, and was bored and unhappy.
Having tried every diet out there, and sometimes I would lose a little weight, but it always came back on, plus more.
I started reading every blog, book and website about losing weight I could find. And I came across the Clean Eating Lifestyle.
Clean Eating is all about eating all natural foods with no processed ingredients, fake sugars and dyes. All the foods I had been eating for years. I never met a drive though I didn’t like, or a diet soda I wouldn’t try.
I started cooking 3 meals a day and actually enjoyed the ritual of cooking and taking better care of myself. And within 11 months I had gone from 275 pounds to 120 pounds.
I had given up all processed foods, fake sugars, and dyes. And I broke up with diet sodas… for good!
I’ve kept the weight off for over 10 years, and have shared my story on countless TV shows and magazines.
I’ve written 4 best selling healthy cookbooks, and been lucky enough to meet and work with some of my idols: Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain, Rachael Ray, Kathie Lee Gifford, and my mentor Marcus Samuelsson. Just to name a few.
I’ve taught healthy cooking on the Today Show, and cooked with Kathy Lee! I’ve shared my weight loss story on The Doctors.
I was even a chef contestant on Season 2 of The Taste. But nothing has compared to working with Rachael Ray every season! Often with Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser!
I’ve run into supermodels, movie stars, and a slew of celebrities in the studios I’ve been in.
Most of these chance meetings are all thanks to my cookbooks, and the opportunities I’ve had cooking with celebrities, and for them.
Audrey Johns’ Cookbooks
With 4 bestselling cookbooks you can say I know a thing about cooking healthy. And working with the US’s oldest and most prestigious publishing house (HarperCollins) has been a dream.
You know the Sex and The City reboot… when Carrie walks into her publishing house? That’s HarperCollins… I was screaming “that’s my publishing house, I’ve been there” when watching Carrie walking though the lobby.
It was almost as exciting as filming in the offices with the help of my editor and publicist.
My cookbooks can be found in bookstores, from Barnes and Noble, to small independent book stores.
I’ve even had a quick sellout in Costco with my best selling Instant Pot Cookbook. We couldn’t keep them stocked!
From comfort food made healthy (pizzas, pastas, BBQ recipes) in my first cookbook. To detox recipes (smoothies, salads, detox waters) in my second book.
Plus a blockbuster Instant Pot cookbook, and my new baby a Easy Dinner cookbook there’s 100’s of low calorie and health recipes to choose from.
All 4 of my cookbooks are filled with healthy recipes that can help you lose weight or maintain weight.
Or just give you a healthy version of the foods you crave.
But I wanted to make sure those who did not have my cookbooks, could also benefit from all my healthy recipes. And that’s where this website comes in.
Audrey Johns’ Free Recipes
For over 10 years I have been posting healthy and low calorie recipes to the Lose Weight By Eating website.
From comfort food made healthy, to detox recipes, more smoothie recipes than I can count. And even meal prepping recipes, tips and menus can all be found here, on the website. For FREE!
You can find vegan, gluten-free, and even meat lovers meals in the website. All come with nutritional information, stunning photos, printable recipe cards (you can make your own free cookbook from them) and more.
As dieting has changed, Lose Weight By Eating has always been there with healthy recipes that are timeless and nutritious.
From low carb and high protein recipes, to Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian recipes. You’ll be sure to find 100’s of recipes that suit your specific needs here at Lose Weight By Eating!
Lose Weight By Eating Diet Plans
Originally started as a weight loss blog, Lose Weight By Eating has lots of weight loss tips and tricks.
I believe weight loss should be done in a healthy way, and starvation is never the answer!
You can easily trim down, by eating MORE! Just more of what your body craves and needs.
Try my 3 Free Weight Loss Plans… or just start cooking from my recipes to feel and look your best no matter what your goals are.
Where is Lose Weight By Eating Going?
Always evolving, Lose Weight By Eating is embracing the body positivity movement.
Every body is beautiful at every weight. But if your doctor needs you to lose a couple pounds. Or if you just want to reduce the bloat after a weekend of eating out, we are here with low calorie, fat burning recipes to help.
I think you can bring the self care movement into the kitchen, feeding your body food that both tastes good, but also makes you feel good.
So as the world evolves, we will too. Expanding our website to fit all healthy eating needs and goals.
What to Read Next:
I updated the plugin and the website and I can see it’s working for me. If you are still having the issue I recommend clearing your browser history as (browser) cookies will keep showing you the same version you looked at last and not an updated version. I hope that is helpful and thank you for alerting me to the issue.
I’m having trouble changing the recipe to the serving amount that I want. Nothing happens when I click on the serving number that’s there. Anyone else having this problem?
🙂🙂🙂
I have been reading your story and was curious about your nerve condition. I kept looking for it but was afraid to ask. I also have CRPS. Its not very common but 75 % of people with it are female. Its a long story, but I have had it almost 6 yrs now. I have gained weight and exercise is hard for me. I would really like to take the weight off and I can’t believe I stumbled on this blog, and that you have the same condition I do. I almost cried lol.
So thank you….
I have CRPS, also known as RSD. I hope this plan helps, I also have a post on foods that help with nerve pain that may help you as well:
HAPPY COOKING!
Audrey
Audrey,
What is the nerve disorder that you have? I’m curious because I have CMT which limits my mobility.
I’ve gained about 40 pounds over the last year and it’s finally time I nip it in the butt! After a little research I found your recipes and I LOVE them!
Thank you so much!
Nicole
You are beautiful! Congratulations on your healthy body!
If you look at the dinners you will see a BIG difference in them and the lunches. My husband too is a meat and potato guy too, so I mostly do just a lean protein and veggies for dinner, I am NOT a short order cook and he and my daughter do NOT get special food, don’t do that to yourself it will never end if you start it! Have your salad for lunch and make something you both can love for dinner.
Last night I made stuffed steaks (recipe coming soon) and grilled asparagus, the night before I made a whole chicken and roasted veggies. I eat salads (he calls them “chick food”) at lunch and then make a simple delicious dinner… all recipes under “dinners” are “man (and kid) approved.”
HAPPY COOKING!
Audrey
I love your blog and you have helped me to know I can lose the weight without becoming a gym rat, or follow the fad diets. My q question is, you have a husband I’m guessing from the pictures. He likes all the recipes? My boyfriend is a meat and potato kind of guy, and I’m happy with a good salad for dinner. did you have t o cook two meals, one for you, one for him?
Thank you so much for posting and sharing your story! I’m looking forward to trying your recipes and losing weight!!!
You are adorable and using your information like its a ministry! I tooHAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. i WANT TO BE HEALTHY AND VITAL. i LOVE LIFE AND FOOD, BUT i KNOW THAT THE WAY TO LOSE IS BY EATING. Thank you for INSPIERING me. Fingers crossed, getting started. Wish me luck!
Definitely consider that that you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the
internet the easiest factor to bear in mind of.
I say to you, I definitely get irked even as
other people think about issues that they plainly do not realize about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as outlined
out the whole thing without having side-effects , other people could take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
Here are all my water recipes:
https://tonetiki.com/category/flavored-waters-and-coffee-drinks/
HAPPY COOKING!
Can u send me your recipe for the cinnamon apple drink?
Tx
Hello Best Cooking 🙂
I am swamped , my blog has taken off and now I write for 2 publications so I have a lot of work and it is difficult to really go into it. Here are a few tips then message me on my facebook page, it is easier to respond for me there and I am on that site more.
1. Pick something you are passionate about and write with honesty, there ARE other people out there just like you and that is who you want to reach.
2. Have a Mission Statement. Mine is: To teach the world what I learned in my weight loss journey. It will help keep you on topic
3. Comment Comment Comment! Comment on other people’s posts so they will look at yours.and answer as many comments as you can. It is one big popularity contest.
Message me here with any other questions:
https://www.facebook.com/loseweightbyeating
GOOD LUCK!
Thank you so much!
Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about
making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks
Your blog have inspired me and therefore I am passing the Inspiring Blog Award. Please visit https://cookingwithmamamiyuki.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/inspiring-blog-award/ to see the rules
Hi Danielle,
Thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your story! Check out my facebook page, I am on there all the time and am really fast to respond to any questions:
https://www.facebook.com/loseweightbyeating
I hope to see you there and hear more about your adventures in the kitchen 🙂 I taught myself how to cook an you can too!
HAPPY COOKING!
I am so thrilled to have found your blog via Pinterest. I had brain stem surgery back in Feb of this year. It was a traumatic experience and I lost the ability to swallow. I was on a feeding tube for about two months. I feel as though it has really messed up my relationship with food even worse than it was before. I have always been a bigger girl and struggled with my weight since childhood. I was not raised around the best eating habits.. or even good, for that matter. I find your story to be a total inspiration to me. I’m so excited to follow your blog and try your great recipes. I just got married last month and I am in the learning to cook mode. I’m very inspired by you. I can’t wait to start cooking. I also bought the “Pretty Delicious” cookbook based on your recommendation alone. Thanks! P.S. I look forward to your published book coming out, too! My best to you, Audrey. Thank you!
Hi Kay,
I am still working on the book and looking for a publisher, in the mean time you can get all my recipes here:
https://tonetiki.com/links-to-my-recipes-and-weight-loss-tips/
HAPPY COOKING!
Hi, so glad u posted. Where can I find the book n how much is it? Thank u again n good luck to u.
Hi Denise!
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy the recipes. I want to tell you I have not had pain since I left your studio! It’s 7:30 am the next day 🙂
Hugs,
Audrey
Hi Audrey, You have inspired me as well. Such a charming woman and what a pleasure to meet you today. And now ……what a treat to get into your blog. Exactly what I need. Somehow our paths have crossed. No coincidences here ! Isn’t life interesting ! Looking forward to more shares and visits with you.
Happy Day 🙂
Thanks! I love your Marilyn pic up there 🙂
HAPPY COOKING!
I just subscribed to your blog…Love your work! You have such a healthy relationship with food: no crazy gimmicks or restrictions, and you still enjoy to eat! I can’t wait to read more!
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your story with me, you are right YOU CAN DO THIS! One woman lost 6 lbs in 4 days and another who lost 7 lbs in 6 days, just cooking off my blog!
Thank you so much for your kind words, it is for people like you who I write for and messages like this keep me going!! HUGS!
Have you read this post yet? I think it will help you get back on track:
https://tonetiki.com/2012/03/12/create-a-diet-that-will-work-for-you-heres-how/
Send me a message anytime if you have questions, recipe requests or if you just need a weight loss cheerleader. Keep me updated on your progress, I would LOVE it if you were my weight loss superstar!!!
HAPPY COOKING!
Hi Audrey, I just stumbled upon your blog through a pin on pinterest. You have such an amazing and inspiring site! This is exactly what I needed right now.
I am a 32 year old mom of three children ages 5,3 and 2. After having my babies, I found myself weighing in around 185 pounds. I felt embarrassed, disappointed, and hopeless – thinking that my “skinny” days were gone forever. The past two months I have been counting calories and exercising. I quickly dropped 20 pounds, but have hit a plateau. I haven’t lost anymore weight and have actually gained a couple pounds. That hopeless feeling was beginning to show itself again…..but now….
I’ve spent the last hour pouring over every part of your blog and with every minute that past I found myself saying “I CAN DO THIS!” I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to try some of your recipes!
I thank you for sharing your story and hope you realize just how many hearts you’re touching and lives your changing!
Jennifer
Hi Mel,
WOW! What a wonderful comment to start my weekend 🙂 It is people like YOU that I write this all for!
If you ever have any questions or recipe requests let me know. Take a “before” picture so you can be on my Testimonials Page, maybe you will be my weight loss STAR!
Check out my “How To” videos at the link below, we are shooting more this weekend…. can you say “Home Made Skinny Pizza”? 😉
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrVRzRA0CPMu-Q-zzs7_ddQ/videos
HAPPY COOKING!!
Hi Mel,
WOW! What a wonderful comment to start my weekend 🙂 It is people like YOU that I write this all for!
If you ever have any questions or recipe requests let me know.
Check out my “How To” videos at the link below, we are shooting more this weekend…. can you say “Home Made Skinny Pizza”? 😉
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrVRzRA0CPMu-Q-zzs7_ddQ/videos
HAPPY COOKING!!
Hi Audrey!
Am I inspired? oh yeah. Not only do i want to lose the weight, but you’ve showed me that it’s about eating healthy. Hmm why didn’t i ever think of that?!
I love everything about your blog and all the recipes. I think, hey,she’s a real person and she did it, I can too!
Huge thumbs up on the yummy water recipes! The first thing on my list 😀
I look forward to learning more and trying out your recipes!
-Mel
Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy! If you ever have any questions or recipe requests let me know. Everything on the site is all natural and besides some of the soft cheeses in some recipes everything is PERFECT for a pregnancy diet. Your baby will be starting off right will all natural foods rather than chemical filled foods.
HAPPY COOKING! (Pun intended, your bun in the oven and your chicken)
🙂
Hi Audrey. I LOVE your site! I too have always struggled with my weight. At my heaviest I was 190 (2010) and up until April of this year I was 153. I recently became pregnant so my numbers have gone up some. But all that to say is that the enemy is the processed foods. You hit it square on the nose! I started with all those diet foods and once I started to look more into food ingredients and what they “really” were, the more I started making things from scratch. Anyway, will be following you and hope to learn something from you. Take care!
How is the weight loss journey going? I am making a testimonial page on the blog and would love to brag about you and your success.
Let me know, and if you need a weight loss cheerleader I am here for you 🙂
I counted calories for the first few months just to get acclimated with the food I was consuming, and if I gain a few lbs I go back to counting calories but that is about it.
If you hit a “Plateau” count calories, you may find out where you are going wrong and get back on track. But that is no way to live 100% of the time!
Check out my post “Create Your Own Diet”:
https://tonetiki.com/2012/03/12/create-a-diet-that-will-work-for-you-heres-how/
Happy Cooking!!
Lovee your story and blog! I myself have lost 40, but still have about 50 more to go, and love the approach of just whole foods eating. Did you count calories while doing that?
Thank you!
Hi Becca,
Thanks for stopping by! Check out this post about cheap healthy eating:
https://tonetiki.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/smart-swaps-3-preservatives-and-processed-foods-are-bad/
Happy Cooking!
Any thoughts for a college student with limited time and money?
I would love to! Will check out your website 🙂
Happy Cooking!
Inspiring & Encouraging! Would love for you to share your story with our website. We started our website to pay it forward as well, after losing over 200lbs combined as a couple.& having kept it off for over 2 years..
Just an update, now at 150 lbs down in 12 months 🙂
Check out more on how I did it:
https://tonetiki.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/from-fat-to-skinny-in-one-year/
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy some of my recipes 🙂
Happy Cooking!
Great blog you have here! I too share your thoughts on “having your cake and eating it too” :), nutrient-dense and delicious all the way!
You are so welcome!! I hope it gets easier for you. 🙁 I’m sorry about your injury.
OMG! NO WAY! Thank you so much! I have been exhausted and having a hard time getting each post out lately. I had an injury that left me with only one working hand, so you can imaging cooking and writing are difficult.
You made my day!
Audrey
Love your blog! 🙂 I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger award. https://afternoonpopcornsnack.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/the-versatile-blogger-nominations-nominees/ 🙂
Thanks so much for visiting 🙂 Diet fads are just marketing crap! Glad to hear I am not the only one who feels that way 🙂
If you ever have a request let me know.
Happy Cooking!
Awesome! I think many people go about dieting wrong because the media teaches us totally wrong views and theories on how to loose weight and we have to search to teach ourselves correctly.
(PS love the pin-up look)
Thanks for visiting!! Please share any of the recipes you like 🙂
Happy Cooking!
Thanks so much for the pins. 🙂 I’ve already seen some of your recipes and posts that will be on my boards very soon. 🙂 Have a great day!
It’s funny, I’m reading YOUR blog as you are commenting on mine 🙂 I am so excited to hear about your success, that is SO GREAT!!!! Please keep me updated on your last 5-10 lbs, I love to hear these stories!!!
Happy Cooking!
Love your blog! I too am a SAHM & have lost 70-lbs with about 5-10 more to go, all without dieting. IMO, dieting is a vicious cycle. Creating a pattern of making healthy choices & exercise is the answer.
I love being skinny again! Thanks for sharing your life and recipes. 🙂
Hi Rob,
Glad to hear from you. What has been your success and how did you accomplish it? Any new goals or recipe requests?
Happy Cooking!
Audrey
Hi Audrey,
Glad to see your sharing your success. I’ve walked the road myself. Would love to hear back from you:-)
Rob
Thanks everyone, I want to give back to all of you and teach you what I learned about eating and cooking. The fad diets are all marketing ploys, if you just eat real food, cut down your portions slightly and move your body a little more the weight will come off! I know you all can do it, hugs!
Yeah! I can’t wait to learn from you 🙂 I am your biggest fan…Love you!
Sign me up!
I, too, am completely inspired and I am soo excited to follow this blog. I am already a HUGE fan!!! 🙂
Im completely inspired. Thank you for having this blog.