Mercedes "MJ" Javid, the star of Shahs of Sunset, has been on a transformative journey, not just in terms of weight loss, but also in embracing motherhood and rediscovering herself. Her story is one of setting realistic goals, prioritizing health, and finding strength in self-care.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle Post-Baby
Following the birth of her son, Shams Francis, in April 2019, MJ embarked on a mission to reclaim her health and well-being. She openly discussed her post-baby weight loss goals, aiming to shed 45 to 50 pounds. At the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center’s Eternal Beauty event on September 26, 2019, benefiting the American Heart Association, Javid told Us Weekly she had already lost about six to ten pounds. "I want to lose, like, 45 to 50 pounds, and I think I’ve lost like six or so - it might be 10,” she said, “But I’m really feeling like I’m just getting started.”
Crucially, MJ reframed her approach to food, shifting away from the restrictive mindset of a "diet" and towards a focus on nourishing her body. “I really don’t want to see it as a diet. I really want to see it as like, the foods that I’m eating give me so much more energy,” she explained. This change in perspective was driven by her need to keep up with her baby. “I need to keep up with the baby, so it’s like, I gotta stick to it.”
The Role of Exercise and Self-Care
Beyond diet, exercise played a vital role in MJ's journey. She emphasized the importance of physical activity for both her physical and mental well-being. “I need to pick myself up and show up and move my body, because I’m really sticking to it. I’m really into the bootcamps.”
MJ also understood the significance of self-care, particularly for new mothers. She shared that her first act of self-care after welcoming Shams was a simple yet impactful one: cutting her hair. “Well, I cut my hair, that’s the first thing,” she told Us in August 2019, highlighting the power of small changes in boosting confidence and self-esteem.
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Pandemic Positives: A Focus on Routine
The COVID-19 pandemic, while challenging, inadvertently provided MJ and her husband, Tommy Feight, with an opportunity to establish healthier routines. Appearing on The Daily Dish podcast on August 1, she revealed how they had cut out most of the unhealthy foods from their diet and eliminated white wine, a significant source of sugar. “The positive thing about the pandemic for us has been a really healthy routine with food and exercise. We’ve cut… most, if not all, of the bad food out,” she explained, adding that she completely stopped drinking white wine, “Which is huge because of all the sugar.”
Acknowledging Progress and Staying Motivated
MJ openly celebrated her progress, using social media to share her journey and inspire others. An October 12 Instagram post, featuring her with her glam team, prompted followers to comment on her weight loss. In response to a comment suggesting the photo was a throwback, MJ wrote, “I saw it and thought, oh shit, I really have lost weight,” adding, “Pictures show you what the mirror does NOT, am I right?” She confirmed in another comment, “YES!” she has lost weight.
She also shared an inspirational message after a Sunday morning workout on August 30, emphasizing the positive impact of exercise on her energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. “My energy is up, my mood is up, my nutrition is going to be in check, and I just all around feel like my day has started off in the best way possible, so that’s it. Let’s do this together,” she said in the video, adding the caption, “Get what you want.”
Celebrating Milestones and a Fierce New Look
MJ proudly flaunted her weight loss, which included a stylish new haircut, at a cancer charity event, Babes For Boobs bachelor auction, in Los Angeles. She shared on Instagram that she was "5lbs away from 20, so far. Been through a lot the past year, part of the journey is discipline," highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving her goals.
Overcoming Challenges and Focusing on Growth
MJ's journey has also been marked by personal challenges, including fertility struggles and the emotional aftermath of undergoing a hysterectomy after Shams' birth. In an emotional Instagram post in July, she shared a maternity photo and revealed that she would not be able to carry another child. "Since I can never carry a baby again, I’m extremely grateful to those who made sure I had this shoot, and keep this memory forever. My body is still healing from pregnancy, my heart is fragile and vulnerable. I wish I had the compassion I have now, as a new mom, all of my life. But now I am learning to have a deeper appreciation about why growth in life is such an important gift. I want to be better, and stronger. Lately, most days are a challenge."
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Despite these challenges, MJ has remained committed to personal growth and using her experiences to inspire others.
Reconciliation and Renewed Friendships
Amidst her personal journey, MJ also navigated a complex reconciliation with her Shahs of Sunset co-star, Reza Farahan. Their friendship, which had spanned three decades, had fractured due to personal attacks and hurtful revelations.
Reza acknowledged his regrets, telling ET, "Obviously, [I have] nothing but regret," regarding his comments, including claims about MJ's medical history. He credited the pandemic with providing the space for self-reflection and forgiveness. "And I'm so grateful because I was able to see her value and not see what had happened and really, for me, forgive and want better."
MJ initiated the reconciliation, inviting Reza to her house for a private conversation. "We sat in the grass in her neighborhood and we just reconnected," Reza recalled. He also noted how writing his memoir, Memoirs of a Gay Shah, helped him realize the significance of MJ's role in his life. "When I wrote down all the things that MJ was a part of in my life, I realized the tapestry was really big and vivid and beautiful," he continued, "and, yeah, there were a few things on it, but you don't throw this mother-fking antique-a, 30-year-old tapestry out because this one corner survived a fire. You fking fold the b*h over and do a little hem and you call it, like, oblong. Whatever. You work it out."
Their reconciliation, while not fully restored to its former state, represented a significant step towards healing and rebuilding their bond. "It's not anywhere like it was before, and it's not perfect. I'm not sitting here trying to tell you that, oh, MJ and I are, like, going to The Abbey, doing Sunday fun day. But I have to tell you, from where we were to where we are now, oh my god, I have so much gratitude."
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Navigating New Dynamics and Family Tensions
The reconciliation between MJ and Reza also brought new dynamics and challenges, particularly concerning their respective spouses, Tommy and Adam. Tommy's animosity towards Reza, stemming from past conflicts, created tension and prevented Reza from meeting Shams. This led to an emotional moment where Reza expressed his hurt at being excluded from this significant milestone in MJ's life.
Reza acknowledged the complexities of the situation, stating, "I bless their home. And I hope that the temperature today or tomorrow is cooler than what we saw on the show. I really hope. It seemed a little too warm for my taste, but I prayed that time has brought it down since then."
Embracing Motherhood and Supporting Friends
MJ's journey into motherhood also fostered deeper connections with her other Shahs of Sunset co-stars, particularly Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi, who also became a mother. Reza noted the positive transformation in GG and the joy of witnessing her embrace motherhood. "To see Golnesa go from [throwing] knives to baby Elijah, and have growth? To get to enjoy watching her through the stages of motherhood? It's beautiful. It's also, at times, very sad for me, because I get to do those things with Golnesa, but I don't get to do them with MJ. And so, it's bittersweet."
GG and Destiney Rose also played a crucial role in supporting Reza during his reconciliation with MJ, offering friendship and understanding.
Redefining Priorities and Future Plans
Witnessing his friends embrace parenthood led Reza to reconsider his own plans for having children. He and Adam ultimately decided against it, prioritizing their own well-being and lifestyle. "Watching my friends and family with kids at home, and Zoom school, and hair loss and weight gain, and crow's feet and teeth grinding and nail biting, and just how much it affected my friends and family? I have to tell you, you just asking the question, made my stomach feel like I had a visceral reaction to it," he confessed. "So with all due respect, I want to be the best uncle, guncle, munty/auntie, whatever [The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Marlo Hampton] said."