Actress Gabourey Sidibe has been open about her health journey and weight loss. If you’re curious about her approach, this article will reveal details about her diet and workout routine. We’ll explore her strategies for making healthy choices, including portion control, food preferences, and exercise.
WHO IS GABOYREY SIDIBE?
Gabourey Sidibe is an American actress best known for her breakout role as Precious in the 2009 film “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” The role earned her widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Since then, she has appeared in various film and television projects, including “Tower Heist,” “American Horror Story,” and “Empire.” Sidibe is also an author, having published her memoir “This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare” in 2017. She’s known not only for her talent but also for her outspokenness on issues such as body positivity and racial equality.
WHY DID SHE DECIDE TO LOSE WEIGHT?
Gabourey Sidibe, like many women, has faced bullying and societal pressure about her weight. In our current culture, women often endure shame and criticism for not conforming to unrealistic beauty standards. The entertainment industry can be particularly harsh, with actresses facing discrimination based on their size.
Sidibe herself experienced this negativity firsthand. An actor once told her to leave the industry entirely, suggesting her appearance disqualified her.
Instead of letting these comments define her, Sidibe chose to prioritize her health and well-being. She embarked on a journey of healthy lifestyle changes, focusing on overall wellness rather than fitting into a narrow mold.
GABOUREY SIDIBE BEFORE AND AFTER WEIGHTLOSS PHOTO
GABOUREY SIDIBE WEIGHT LOSS DIET
AVOIDS EATING JUNK FOOD
Sidibe readily admits her childhood diet was heavy on junk food. But when she committed to weight loss, she made a clean break from those indulgences. Pizza, burgers, sugary cookies, and salty chips – anything laden with trans fats and high sodium – were banished from her plate. Instead, she embraced healthier alternatives, finding enjoyment in snacks like hummus, veggie chips, and nuts.
AVOIDS DRINKING SODA
Sidibe acknowledged that her childhood was filled with sugary sodas and greasy burgers and fries, major contributors to her weight gain. Embarking on a weight loss journey, she knew the first step was to ditch these indulgences. Carbonated drinks were swapped entirely for refreshing ice-cold water flavored with lemon slices. Staying hydrated became a priority, and according to nutritionist Mary Sabat, while lemon water alone doesn’t directly cause weight loss, it promotes healthy hydration and provides a boost of Vitamin C.
EATING AT THE RIGHT TIME
Sidibe prioritizes not just healthy food choices, but also mindful eating habits. She opts for frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, typically six to seven, with a focus on a hearty breakfast to fuel her mornings. Drinking plenty of water 20 minutes before meals is another key strategy. This helps her feel fuller and control portion sizes naturally. While the exact science behind chugging liters of water and weight loss is debated (citation needed), staying well-hydrated undoubtedly contributes to overall health and energy levels.
AVOIDS EATING SUGARY & SALTY FOOD ITEMS
Sidibe openly admitted her childhood love of sugary treats like cupcakes and Oreos. However, facing a diabetes diagnosis, she made the tough decision to give up these indulgences. Prioritizing both diabetes management and overall health, she swapped comfort foods for healthier options. While dietary changes are important, they were just one piece of the puzzle. Next, we’ll explore the fitness routines Sidibe incorporated for a holistic approach to her well-being.
PAYS ATTENTION TO PORTION SIZE
Sidibe understands that portion control is key, even with healthy foods. Her nutritionist provided valuable guidance on creating balanced meals with appropriate amounts of carbs, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. This approach ensures her body gets the nutrients it needs without the risk of overeating and hindering weight loss goals.
GABOUREY SIDIBE’S WORKOUT ROUTINE
LUNGES AND SQUATS
Sidibe’s fitness journey wasn’t limited to low-intensity activities and cardio. To build muscle and improve her overall shape, she incorporated exercises like lunges, squats, barbell work, and leg presses. Squats are a versatile exercise that can be done easily and effectively, targeting posture and building lower body strength. Similarly, leg presses focus on toning and strengthening the leg muscles, potentially reducing fat in the legs.
LOW-IMPACT EXERCISES
Sidibe began her fitness journey with low-impact exercises to ease into a routine. Stair climbing, walking on the treadmill, and using a VersaClimber were her staples. Studies suggest that even regular stair climbing for just 5 minutes over three weeks can contribute to weight loss [link to study on stair climbing and weight loss]. Similarly, walking and treadmill exercises can burn significant calories depending on intensity and duration [link to study on walking/treadmill and weight loss]. These low-impact cardio workouts allowed her to burn calories without putting excessive strain on her joints and muscles, making them a safe and effective starting point.
YOGA AND MEDIATION
Sidibe understood that weight loss wasn’t just physical; it impacted mental well-being too. Stress can be a major trigger for emotional eating and hinder weight loss efforts. To combat this, Sidibe embraced yoga and meditation practices daily. These activities helped her manage stress levels and cultivate inner peace. In 2017, she even shared a yoga pose online, symbolizing her commitment to holistic well-being – strengthening both body and mind.
GABOUREY SIDIBE EARLY LIFE
Sidibe entered the world in New York City, hailing from the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, and spent her formative years in Harlem. Raised by her mother, Alice Tan Ridley, a noted R&B and gospel singer who showcased her talents on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent in 2010, and her father, Ibnou Sidibe, a cab driver from Senegal. During her upbringing, she found herself under the care of her aunt, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, a prominent feminist activist.
Her educational journey saw her earn an associate degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College, with stints at both City College of New York and Mercy College, although she didn’t complete her studies at either institution. Before venturing into acting, she gained experience as a receptionist at The Fresh Air Fund’s office.
GABOUREY SIDIBE CAREER
Gabourey Sidibe garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Claireece “Precious” Jones in the 2009 film “Precious,” earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Actress. Despite initial discouragement from Joan Cusack about the image-focused nature of the entertainment industry, Sidibe’s talent shone through, leading to a successful career in film and television.
Following her breakout role, Sidibe continued to showcase her versatility in projects like “Yelling to the Sky,” “Tower Heist,” and various television appearances, including roles in “American Dad!” and “The Big C.”
In 2013, she joined the cast of “American Horror Story” for its third season, portraying the captivating young witch Queenie, a role she reprised in later seasons. Sidibe further solidified her television presence with a recurring role in the hit series “Empire” and a starring role in “Difficult People” on Hulu.
Beyond acting, Sidibe ventured into writing, with a memoir slated for release in 2017. Her return to “American Horror Story” in subsequent seasons affirmed her enduring impact on the small screen.
FAQ
1. Did Gabourey Sidibe focus solely on cardio for weight loss?
No, while cardio is important, Sidibe’s routine incorporated exercises that built muscle and improved her overall shape.
2. Is Gabourey Sidibe’s workout routine suitable for everyone?
Consulting with a doctor or fitness professional is recommended before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
3. How much is Garbourey net worth?
$6 million
CONCLUSION
It’s important to remember that Sidibe’s journey is unique to her. While her story provides valuable insights, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. They can help you create a safe and effective plan that aligns with your individual needs and goals. Remember, weight loss is often a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on making sustainable changes that you can maintain for long-term success and a healthier you.
