"Some people measure getting older as a losing proposition," she writes in her new book, To The Fullest (published by Rodale, which also publishes Prevention). "I believe that your third act is a time of change, not a series of reductions. This period of your life is not a gap or a lack but an opportunity. Things will be different, but you don't have to resign yourself to less of anything."
We caught up with Bracco to hear more about her wake-up call, her new approach to food, and what it's like being a new grandmother.
On losing her parents and gaining the inspiration for her book:
It's making lemons into lemonade. It was a terrible time. They were in and out of the hospital. I was oblivious to my weight gain. I really thought the cleaners were shrinking my clothes. I never realized I had piled on a good 35 pounds—but women do that, don't we? The caretaker is always last on the list. Anyone at my age—going through menopause and caring for ill parents—it's a very difficult situation. But it was a big lesson on how I don't want to die. I want to do everything I can in my power while I'm living to prevent any kind of illness.
I cried to Lisa Davis: "I don't know what happened to me! Who am I? I'm an orphan!" I knew I had to get my life back together. I have two kids. I don't want to die like that. I don't know what God's got in store for me, and what will be will be, but as long as I'm breathing I'm going to do everything I can to get my health back and to enjoy this last part of my life. I only have a little more to go, but I'm not dead yet!
To the Fullest: The Clean Up Your Act Plan to Lose Weight, Rejuvenate offers readers a 14-day cleanse followed by pages of ultra-tasty, clean-eating recipes.
On her new approach to healthy eating and exercise:
I look at food in a very, very different way now. I ask how food is going to help me. I used to just shove food in my mouth and didn't care. Now, I look at food and think: "Are you going to benefit me? Are you going to help me grow old? Are you going to make me have energy?" If not, I'll find a substitute.
I'm not an exercise freak, but I know when I walk, when I work out, when I do something, I feel better. I feel more powerful and I feel strong—and I want to feel strong. I'm not a big believer in "lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks." To me, it's a slow and steady race. I believe in eating closest to the source. I believe in limited portions. I believe in eating food that prevents me from getting sick.
On becoming a grandmother:
It takes a lot of energy to have a little kid like that running around the house! I need energy! I remember being thrilled that my parents were able to see my children graduate college. I want to be around as long as I can.
On who should read To The Fullest:
Any woman—or man—who has put themselves on the back burner. It's time to reclaim yourself. I think women will survive on the scraps that are left on the dinner table. Well, I'm not OK with that. Women are the most incredible, powerful voice of reason and wisdom, especially women of a certain age. We are not to be counted out. We are not invisible.
