Beverly Johnson, a trailblazing figure in the modeling industry, has recently shared insights into the extreme measures she took to maintain her physique during her early career. Her experiences, detailed in interviews and her one-woman show, "Beverly Johnson In Vogue," shed light on the pressures faced by models in the 1970s and the dangerous methods employed to stay thin. Beyond her modeling career, Johnson has become an advocate for body positivity, mental health, and overall well-being.
The Dark Side of the Catwalk: Diet and Drug Use in the 70s
Johnson's career took off when she became the first African American woman to grace the cover of Vogue in August 1974. However, this achievement came at a personal cost. She revealed that maintaining a supermodel figure required her to severely restrict her diet, sometimes consuming as little as "maybe a bowl of brown rice and an egg a week."
In an interview with Page Six, Johnson admitted to using cocaine to suppress her appetite, a practice she said was common among models at the time. "Everyone used drugs back in the day, but that particular drug for models was used because we did not eat," Johnson explained. She and other models were under the impression that cocaine was not addictive. She recalls eating only two eggs and a bowl of brown rice per week. The pressure to be "chiseled to the bone" was immense, and models were often congratulated for their shrinking bodies.
She remembers instances where she would be riding in a cab and would have to stop to buy a bag of M&Ms because she was shaking so badly from not eating.
A Mother's Intervention: Seeing the Bones
Johnson credits her mother with helping her realize the danger she was in. One night, her mother "literally dragged me out of the bathtub and she stood me in front of a three-way mirror," forcing Johnson to confront the skeletal figure she had become. "It was the first time I saw my bones looking back at me," she told Page Six.
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This experience served as a "major" wake-up call, prompting Johnson to seek help and eventually get sober in the late seventies. However, the trauma of those years left lasting scars, including body dysmorphia, PTSD, anorexia, orthorexia, anxiety, and depression, conditions she has battled throughout her life.
Beyond Modeling: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Johnson's life has been marked by both professional success and personal struggles. She has been open about her experiences with abusive relationships, including one with actor Chris Noth, and her allegations against Bill Cosby, who she claims drugged her in the early eighties.
Despite these challenges, Johnson has found strength in sharing her story and advocating for change. Telling her Cosby story was “a defining moment” for her, and she felt that she was no longer just a ‘face,’ but that she had a voice. She included the accusations in her memoir the following year.
In recent years, Johnson has focused on building her beauty business and promoting inclusivity in the modeling industry. She is also celebrating 50 years of sobriety and is appearing in a WeTV reality show, "Sims," with her daughter Anansa Sims.
The EPIC Academy: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Drawing on her own experiences and the lessons she has learned, Johnson has created The EPIC Academy, a program designed to help individuals achieve lasting health and well-being. The academy emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing the mind, body, and spirit.
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Johnson recognizes that many people struggle with the cycle of starting and stopping their healthy lifestyle journeys. She aims to provide a supportive and effective program that targets individual needs, offering customized fitness and wellness plans without relying on pills, supplements, or cookie-cutter solutions.
The EPIC Academy addresses common challenges such as emotional eating, lack of time, and hormonal changes. Johnson believes that self-care is essential for overall well-being and that taking care of one's spirit is crucial for personal growth.
Key Principles of The EPIC Academy
- Customized Plans: The program develops sound strategies and sustainable routines for lasting results and success.
- Holistic Approach: Addressing the mind and spirit are HUGE to overcoming mental and physical roadblocks, which play a vital role in your transformation.
- Accountability and Support: It’s important to have a great coach who is willing to support you and hold you accountable, especially on those days when you “don’t feel like it”.
- Effective and Efficient: You need an effective program that targets your needs in a reasonable time frame, preferably less than an hour.
- Understanding and Empathy: When dealing with hormonal changes, aging, and body changes, you need a source that understands your circumstances.
Taking the Next Step
For those interested in learning more about The EPIC Academy, Johnson offers Information Calls to assess individual needs, goals, and circumstances. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to health and wellness, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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