Jay Pharoah, the acclaimed comedian and former Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member, has always been candid about his life, both on and off the stage. While he's widely recognized for his spot-on impressions and comedic timing, Pharoah's journey with health and fitness is equally compelling. From battling weight issues in his youth to discovering the confidence that came with stand-up comedy, and most recently, shedding 20 pounds in just three weeks, Pharoah's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and dedication.
Early Struggles and Finding Confidence
Pharoah has openly discussed his struggles with weight and depression during his younger years. He described himself as "massively overweight" as a child, leading to a "constant state of depression." This difficult period was marked by negative experiences with peers who made fun of him. However, he found solace and support in his bond with his mother, who helped him through those challenging times.
At the age of 12, Pharoah faced a particularly dark moment, but his mother intervened and helped him through it. He eventually achieved a healthy weight at 17, which coincided with his introduction to live comedy. This marked a turning point in his life.
The Power of Comedy
Stepping onto the stage became a release for Pharoah. He realized that people were listening to what he had to say and appreciating him for his talent, rather than judging him on his appearance. This newfound acceptance and appreciation fueled his passion for comedy and helped him build confidence.
Through his experiences, Pharoah learned the importance of self-compassion. He shared that there was a time when he hated his reflection, but eventually, he cultivated self-love and confidence, which he continues to nurture.
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Maintaining Fitness Amidst a Busy Career
After six seasons on SNL, Pharoah has had to learn to balance his career with his health. In an interview with Men’s Health, Pharoah revealed his strategies for staying in shape, even with a demanding schedule.
Despite the challenges, Pharoah prioritizes his health and fitness. He emphasizes that he's "all about health, man."
The Quarantine Transformation
Like many, Pharoah admits to having gained weight during the quarantine period. He confessed to indulging in fried food and loosening his dietary habits. However, he took proactive steps to get back on track.
Pharoah invested in setting up his own home gym system and embraced juicing as a way to shed the extra pounds. He proudly announced that he had dropped 25 pounds through these efforts.
The Role of Juicing and Diet
Juicing plays a significant role in Pharoah's health regimen. He enjoys a variety of juices, including watermelon, ginger, and grapefruit. His go-to drink consists of beets, apples, limes, and lemons, all processed through his trusty juicer. He complements his juicing with a diet that is primarily focused on protein and vegetables.
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The "Timeshare" Approach to Dieting
Pharoah acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining a strict diet, especially when filming schedules disrupt his routine and limit his food choices. However, he has developed a balanced approach that allows for occasional indulgences without derailing his progress.
He allows himself a cheat day every couple of weeks, where he might enjoy a burger and fries. However, he emphasizes the importance of getting back on track afterward. He refers to this approach as a "timeshare," where he enjoys the indulgence temporarily but doesn't allow it to become a permanent fixture. "Enjoy it while we’re here, but we’re not going to stay here.”
Workout Routine and Motivation
Pharoah grew up being the "fat kid," and now he works out about five days a week and is constantly switching up his workout routine to help build muscle. While working out at a home gym can get tough, the actor said he leans on his family and meditation to stay motivated and keep his mind fit. But when he needs a little extra push, he has another secret weapon: what he calls "warrior music."
To stay motivated, Pharoah relies on his family, meditation, and a specific type of music. He refers to this music as "warrior music," which helps him get into the right mindset for his workouts. "When you come in my gym, you’re not going to hear Drake playing all the time," he said. "No offense, I love Drake’s music, but when I come in here, I’m trying to be a warrior, so I listen to warrior music.”
The Recent 20-Pound Weight Loss
In a recent social media post, Pharoah revealed that he had lost approximately 20 pounds in just three weeks. He attributed this accomplishment to intentional effort and even joked about teaching a class on his methods.
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A Glimpse into Pharoah's Tour Rider
Pharoah's commitment to health extends to his tour rider as well. He is very particular about the items he requests, prioritizing his well-being and dietary needs.
One item that will never be found on his tour rider is anchovies, due to his severe allergy. He also enjoys an assortment of wasabi almonds and shelled pistachios. He believes that "when you eat spicy things, they really do make your metabolism quicker - along with exercise."