British talent show judge and producer Simon Cowell is known for his no-nonsense and tough to please attitude. Staying true to his reputation, the 59-year-old television personality has also taken a serious stance on his health leading to a 20-pound weight loss.
And, of course, the media took notice of his hard work with many publications complimenting the judge's slimmer physique. This is the story behind why and how he lost weight.
Wake Up Call
Cowell also serves as a judge for the latest season of the reality talent show, 'America's Got Talent'.
Apparently, Cowell's drive to be healthier began when he suffered from a fainting spell. According to the star, he woke up feeling unwell and went downstairs in his home to get some milk. But on the trip back up, he felt dizzy and fainted. He woke up with paramedics on the scene and was forced to take a short leave from his post as a judge on 'The X Factor UK'. The incident was attributed to him having low blood pressure.
That was when he started becoming more proactive when it comes to his health. Describing the event as a 'huge shock', Cowell said that it was also a reminder that he isn't invincible.
Lifestyle Changes
A before and after of Cowell's weight loss over the past two years.
After fainting, Cowell reportedly got tested for food allergy. Since then, he has also turned to veganism when it comes to his diet. Saying how he isn't a fan of fad diets because they contradict each other, Cowell has cut out dairy and taken to consuming almond milk in his tea. Cutting out meat and veering away from carb-loaded comfort foods were also conscious changes he made.
While he no longer eats burgers and spaghetti, Cowell admits that he still misses pizza time and again. In the end, though, the hardships he initially went through in his diet proved to be worth it. He already reports having better memory and said that things eventually have become easier as he gets used to his new lifestyle. What more, Cowell said that he could still drink beer and so, he's happy overall.
Doing It For Eric
Cowell with his only child Eric born on Valentines Day of 2014. The boy's mother is socialite Lauren Silverman, who's been with the British personality since 2013.
Another reason for the judge's drastic lifestyle change is his five-year-old son Eric Cowell. As a dad, he said that he now has more responsibility than he ever did before. In fact, he actually began making changes soon after the boy was born.
What more, Cowell even compares his diet with that of his son's. Saying that he's on the Eric Cowell diet, the father of one reveals that the boy likes eating raw vegetables and drinking water, too.
Eric was named after the judge's own father Eric Selig Phillip Cowell, who was a music executive and property developer.