Magician Penn Jillette discussed his jaw-dropping 120-pound weight loss on the “Dr. Oz Show,” where he revealed his diet and workout secrets.
Jillette adopted a grain-free, mostly vegan diet and lost 120 pounds in 120 days between December 2014 and April 2015.
“No animal products, no refined grains, low sugar, salt, and oil,” Penn told Dr. Oz of his diet. “Then you can eat all you want.”
The 6-foot-6 Jillette slimmed down from about 330 pounds to 210 pounds and lost 10 inches off his waist without exercise, TheImproper reported.
What’s more, he was able to get off six medications he took for high blood pressure, thanks to his amazing weight loss.
Contrary to what most people think, Penn said he doesn’t starve himself and gets to eat large quantities of food.
But Jillette said he doesn’t feel tempted to cheat on his mostly vegan diet because he feels so satisfied and nourished.
The weight loss and health benefits of a vegan diet are no surprise to Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center.
“A diet of minimally processed foods close to nature — predominantly plants — is decisively associated with health promotion and disease prevention,” said Dr. Katz, author of Disease-Proof.
Dr. Neal Barnard agrees. “Studies suggest that free radicals [toxic molecules that form in the body] contribute to aging,” said Barnard, author of 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart.
“A vegan diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is full of antioxidants which help protect the body from damage by free radicals.”
One crucial tool Penn Jillette used to lose weight was a body analyzer scale called the Withings Smart Scale, which he purchased at the suggestion of his friend, former NASA scientist Ray Cronise.
Whenever he weighed himself, the Withings Smart Scale uploaded his weight to Cronise’s phone. This accountability motivated Penn to stick to his diet.
Jillette, who was once depended 6 different blood pressure medications to get through the day, is now drug-free.
Jillette — who looks a lot younger than his age (60) — now has the energy to perform five nights a week in Las Vegas and still enjoy his down time with his family.
Penn, the father of two young children, said his weight loss has totally transformed his life. “I have so much energy and I feel so good,” said Jillette.
Penn Jillette shared his weight loss, diet and exercise secrets in his book, Presto! How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear.
Related: John Goodman lost 100 pounds: Diet and workout tips