Cecily Strong, the witty, sharp, and ever-charismatic comedian, has long been adored for her standout roles on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Born on February 8, 1984, in Springfield, Illinois, Cecily captured America’s attention as a standout performer on SNL. Now at 41, she has emerged not just as a comedy queen but as an inspiration for those grappling with body insecurities. Her weight loss journey, which saw her reportedly shedding close to 30 pounds, is not just about numbers on a scale. It's a testament to her dedication to holistic well-being and self-acceptance.
The Beginning: A Desire to Feel Good
Cecily's journey wasn't about chasing a fleeting ideal. “I wanted to feel good in my skin again,” she confessed. This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the core of her transformation. In an interview before an SNL premiere, Cecily joked, “We called it ‘fake fat camp.’” But it was more than just losing weight.
The Method: Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
Cecily didn’t obsess over the latest boutique fitness trends or crash diets. Her approach was rooted in sustainable lifestyle changes and mindful choices. “Bulletproof protein, half a banana, frozen strawberries, almond butter… It’s not rocket science. No crash diets. No fads."
Nutrition as a Way of Life
Cecily focused on incorporating healthy foods into her daily life, replacing less nutritious staples with options that supported her well-being. “I didn’t want a fad ‘do this for a month and then all your weight comes right back’ type of program. I wanted something that could teach me foods that I could eat on a daily basis and replace those foods that became staples because of time and convenience."
Exercise as a Form of Self-Love
For Cecily, exercise wasn't just about burning calories; it was about self-love and peeling off layers of insecurity. The goal? “Every bead of sweat felt like me peeling off a layer of insecurity,” Cecily shared.
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The Emotional Landscape: Navigating Mental Health
Cecily's journey wasn't without its challenges. She has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression since high school, taking Wellbutrin and Xanax when needed, and attending years of therapy. She acknowledged that her weight loss journey wasn't linear, with days when she felt like quitting. “I still have them,” she laughed. “I’m human."
Coping with Anxiety and Depression
During a particularly difficult time, while in quarantine, Cecily faced immense anxiety and low spirits. “I’m in the middle of my two-week quarantine in my tiny apartment in New York." She described her fears and anxieties during this period: “I’m scared about Jack. I’m really scared. He has had a bad fever for a week. He didn’t answer his phone yesterday. I text a doctor friend who suggests a police welfare check."
She also expressed her struggles with needing reassurance from loved ones: “I’m upset with him for not understanding why I constantly need to know he’s okay. I’m upset with myself for needing to constantly know he’s okay."
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Cecily's willingness to share her struggles with mental health makes her journey even more relatable and inspiring. She demonstrates that it's okay to not be perfect and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
The Role of a Coach: More Than Just Nutrition
Cecily's experience highlights the importance of having a supportive coach who understands the connection between mind and body. According to one testimonial, “Cecily has expansive knowledge about all aspects of health including the connection of the mind and body."
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A Holistic Approach
Cecily's approach is not just about nutrition; it's about empowering individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes and fostering a healthy relationship with themselves. One person stated, “Cecily gives many options, but not in a way where she is trying to ‘fix’ me. It’s empowering. She is facilitating my lifestyle changes, but I don’t turn her into a crutch, which I can do with people. It’s a healthy relationship.”
Addressing Emotional Challenges
Cecily helps individuals explore their emotional world and develop self-acceptance. “I’m able to explore the depths of my emotional world that I didn’t know how to reach. Cecily has given me the opportunity to be supported and guided in a non-directive manner to help me become more accepting of myself on an even deeper level.”
Shifting from Fear to Love
Cecily helps individuals transform fear into love for themselves and their lives. “Usually the things we are working together on are coming from fear. That energy base…the fear of something, fear for something…it just gets turned on its head when we work together. That fear becomes love. Love for my life, love for myself, just love.”
The Results: Empowerment and Self-Acceptance
Cecily's weight loss journey has had a profound impact on her life, both physically and emotionally. Today, she beams with confidence both on and off screen.
Improved Physical Health
Since starting with Cecily, many have experienced significant weight loss and improved eating habits. “Since starting with Cecily at the end of 2017, I have lost 30 pounds and have shifted my eating habits to a whole food plant based lifestyle. I have never felt better in my body in my whole life.”
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Increased Empowerment and Reduced Anxiety
Working with Cecily has empowered individuals to make healthy choices and manage their anxiety. “Since working with Cecily, I feel more empowered when it comes to food choices, movement choices and managing my own anxiety."
Self-Forgiveness and Acceptance
Cecily helps individuals cultivate self-forgiveness and acceptance. “Since working with Cecily, I find it much easier to make healthy choices, and when I don’t, I can find my way to forgiveness and acceptance toward where I am."
A Nurturing and Supportive Approach
Cecily's kind, intuitive, and gentle approach has been instrumental in helping individuals achieve their goals. “I love Cecily’s kind, intuitive, gentle but clear approach. She seemed to know what I needed before I did. She was not prescriptive but let me find my way and she simply guided and supported me the whole way.”
Cecily's Wisdom: Key Takeaways
Cecily's journey offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to improve their health and well-being.
Don't Wait for the Perfect Moment
“Don’t wait for the perfect Monday. Start on your worst day." This emphasizes the importance of taking action, regardless of circumstances.
Focus on Sustainable Changes
Avoid fad diets and quick fixes. Instead, focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes that you can maintain over the long term.
Embrace Self-Love and Acceptance
Your worth is not defined by your weight. Focus on loving and accepting yourself as you are.
Seek Support
Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a qualified coach.