Issa Rae, the creator and star of HBO's "Insecure," has become an inspiration for her wit, confidence, and relatable portrayal of everyday life. Beyond her professional achievements, Issa's journey with weight loss and wellness has resonated with many. This article explores Issa Rae's approach to health, exercise, and the mindset that has helped her achieve her goals.
The "New Money Weight" Revelation
Issa Rae's weight loss journey began with a realization that her newfound success had inadvertently led to unhealthy habits. As she explains, "When the Web series started, I was very, very broke. Then more opportunities began to come. I was gaining 'new money weight.'" With increased financial freedom, Issa found herself indulging in restaurant meals more frequently, which contributed to weight gain. "When you get a good job, you’re like, ‘I can afford to eat at restaurants all the time!’ That adds up in weight."
Seeing herself on screen further motivated her to prioritize her health. "Time to work out is so limited, but when I first started seeing myself on TV, I was like, 'I gotta make time.'" This marked a turning point for Issa, prompting her to incorporate exercise into her busy schedule.
Overcoming Excuses and Finding a Routine
Like many, Issa initially struggled with consistency in her fitness journey. "I was a big excuse person when it came to exercising and eating right," she admits. "I'd have spurts of trying to work out and be good. Then once I fell off, I'd be like, 'Well, there's always next year. Let me make it my New Year's resolution.' But even then, I would still be eating wrong while exercising vigorously."
Eventually, Issa discovered a routine that suited her lifestyle. "I exercise for, like, an hour each day. My neighborhood has a bunch of hills, so it's walking up hills," she shares. "Then I alternate between walking and jogging. I hate jogging-you’re going in circles, but I recognize that it helps.” She found a simple yet effective way to incorporate physical activity into her daily life by utilizing the hilly terrain of her neighborhood for walking and alternating between walking and jogging.
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The Paleo-Leaning Diet
In addition to exercise, Issa has also made changes to her diet. She describes herself as "paleo-leaning," indicating a preference for the principles of the Paleo diet, which emphasizes lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while minimizing processed foods, grains, and sugars. After being a vegetarian for 15 years, she rediscovered bacon. Issa also shared, "I started just eating right. I stopped eating all of the things and started eating less of the things."
Mental Health and Creative Inspiration
Issa Rae's weight loss journey isn't just about physical transformation; it's also about mental well-being. She discovered that exercise provides an opportunity for introspection and creative thinking.
"You know those earbuds that you put in your ears? I was running, and one fell. It was dark outside and I couldn’t find it," she recounts. "So I was forced to just be alone with my thoughts, and I was like, ‘Oh, I need to do this more often.’ Those moments are the most creative. I think finding those moments while also nurturing your body is important."
This experience highlighted the importance of disconnecting from distractions and allowing herself time for reflection, which ultimately enhanced her creativity.
The Influence of Black Women Mentors
Issa credits the black women mentors in her life for reinforcing the importance of self-care. She recalls receiving check-in calls from Debbie Allen and Ava DuVernay, who emphasized the need for black women to prioritize their well-being.
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Issa recalls the Selma director telling her after she tried to laugh off a mysterious out-of-the-blue allergic reaction that left her face completely swollen. Issa wasn’t planning on going to the doctor unless it happened again. DuVernay’s incredulous response of “Sis, if it happens again?! Are you kidding me?” was the kick she needed. That encouragement to make the time for herself and get to the doc was a crucial reminder.
Vanity and Self-Acceptance
Issa is candid about her motivations for weight loss, acknowledging the role of vanity and self-acceptance. "I've been trying to lose weight since I was 12. That's just it," she says. "For me, this actually gave me a reason to do it and it really just is about how I feel I want to look. And it's all vanity. I want to look good in a bathing suit in the summertime. I want to look good to me naked. That's it."
Her honesty about wanting to feel good in her own skin is refreshing and relatable.
Fresh Starts and Cleanses
Issa Rae also embraces the concept of fresh starts and incorporates cleanses or diets into her routine as a way to reset. “I thrive off fresh starts,” she said. “I will do a cleanse or diet-I need a reset button.
Key Takeaways from Issa Rae's Weight Loss Journey:
- Acknowledge the "New Money Weight": Recognize how lifestyle changes associated with success can impact health.
- Find a Routine That Works: Experiment with different forms of exercise to discover what you enjoy and can sustain.
- Embrace a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods and mindful eating habits.
- Prioritize Mental Health: Use exercise as an opportunity for introspection and stress reduction.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with mentors and friends who encourage self-care.
- Be Honest with Yourself: Acknowledge your motivations and strive for self-acceptance.
- Embrace Fresh Starts: Utilize cleanses or diets as a way to reset and refocus on your goals.
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