clock: Raven-Symoné talks weight loss
Raven-Symoné says she’s lost 30 pounds in just three months and feels better than ever, and she explained how she did it in an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America” on Friday.
“I’m not trying to be the little person here,” the “That’s So Raven” alum told “GMA.” “I’m not trying to be like, ‘Oh my God, look at me.’ I have a goal in mind, and it’s not just about losing weight, it’s really whole body health.”
The 35-year-old explained that she “avoids carbs as much as possible” and “keeps exercise to a minimum,” adding that one of her secrets is “devoted fasting,” making sure to “fast for at least 14 hours” between dinner and breakfast.
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Simone has also undergone longer fasts using carefully taught methods, surviving difficult times by drinking large amounts of water, electrolytes and even bone broth.
“I don’t try to speak for other people,” she said, noting that this is the way she does things and what works for her.
Simone has been in the spotlight since she was 3, appearing on “The Cosby Show,” becoming a teen sensation on the Disney Channel and, as an adult, co-hosting three seasons of “The View.” With that fame came stress and emotional eating.
The actress recalled a time in 2011 when she lost 70 pounds but felt like she wasn’t able to celebrate the accomplishment.
“The way people treated me when I was fat was psychologically damaging,” she says, “so when I lost weight… I remember the moment I walked on the red carpet, I was mentally cursing everyone. I was like, ‘Wow, now everyone wants to see me because I’m skinny. Thank you.'”
Simone said she’s not losing weight so she can fit into smaller jeans, but to get healthy now to ensure a healthier future for herself and her wife, Miranda Pearman Maday.
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“Every time I’d lost weight before, it was always about size,” she says. “I was part of the Hollywood industry and I didn’t understand why every time I went on a diet, I would gain weight later.”
The “Raven’s Home” star said she doesn’t want to develop heart disease or type 2 diabetes because of her weight, adding: “Ultimately I want to make sure my body is healthy and ready to handle old age, so I have to start now.”
“I believe that anyone can do it, and that once you understand why you can do it, you’ll have the determination,” she continued. “I feel like this is something that will serve me well for the rest of my life.”
Simone’s wife, whom she married last summer, has been supportive throughout, and the pair are embarking on a new journey together, giving fans a glimpse into their lives on YouTube through a new channel called 8PM.
MORE: Raven-Symoné marries Miranda Pearman-Maday: See wedding photos
“You’ll see exercise, movement, cooking and celebrity guest friends,” Pearman Maddy hinted at the type of content everyone can expect.
Simone interjected, “You’re going to see what life is like with a lesbian, interracial couple. And it seems normal, guys. It seems pretty normal.”
The three-time Daytime Emmy Award nominee also recently flexed her talents behind the camera, directing a memorable episode of Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max” that explores the societal impact of microaggressions.
