Finding Balance: Lizzo’s Journey to Self-Love and Health

It’s 11am on a sunny Monday, and Lizzo and I are powering through a circuit-training session in the gym of her mid-century modern Los Angeles home. “Let’s get it!” she hollers, Beyoncé’s Renaissance blasting as she launches into her third set of lateral step-overs while I push through bench dips. The fitness space is a sanctuary, featuring a Peloton Tread, StairMaster, Power Plate, and infrared sauna, all framed by a wall of greenery. With her cropped green nylon hoodie and flare leggings from her shapewear brand, Yitty, Lizzo radiates resilience, a striking contrast to her earlier feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. “I work out for mental health first,” she says between reps, sipping water. “I’ve never regretted a workout. Exercise is the best mood enhancer.”

Challenging Times

Lizzo, born Melissa Jefferson, has navigated the precarious waters of fame with both ambition and authenticity. From her beginnings in Houston to her meteoric rise as a cultural icon, Lizzo has shattered stereotypes—just as she shattered records, including the longest-running number one single by a solo female rap artist with “Truth Hurts.” In 2023, she earned the Grammy for Record of the Year, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this since 1994.

Yet, her journey has not been devoid of turbulence. The summer of 2023 brought with it a whirlwind of controversy as Lizzo faced allegations from former backup dancers accusing her of sexual harassment and weight shaming. These claims not only threatened her reputation but also sparked a deeper, existential reflection within her. “You think about every person you’ve ever known and wonder, Was that real?” Lizzo recalls, openly addressing her personal turmoil amid legal challenges.

A Vulnerable Moment

At her lowest, Lizzo experienced feelings of paranoia and isolation. “I never attempted to kill myself, but I thought, If everyone hates you and thinks you’re a terrible person, what’s the point?” After months of battling an internal storm, she found solace at Beyoncé’s concert, where the crowd’s support rekindled her spirit. “It made me feel like, wow, maybe I don’t want to die. Life is worth living. That was the kick-starter for me to take my life back.”

Overcoming Obstacles

Her path to self-restoration involved serious shifts in her lifestyle. Detaching from social media, she embraced a more balanced approach to health that prioritized mental well-being alongside physical activity. “My validation was from external sources,” she admits. “But you can’t let others tell you who you are—that was hard work.”

• Prioritized mental health by engaging with therapy and practicing mindfulness.
• Incorporated Pilates and gentle workouts to ease her back pain, which had been exacerbated by weight.
• Focused on nutrition, transitioning to balanced meals rich in protein and vegetables, foregoing unhealthy eating habits.

She began relying on professional guidance, consulting with fitness trainer Marvin Telp to design routines that fit her new approach to health. “Even when she’s in a mood, she’s focused,” Telp said, praising her unwavering commitment. Her weekly regimen included targeted exercises that not only aimed to enhance her physique but bolster her mental fortitude.

A Shift in Dietary Choices

Lizzo’s eating habits evolved significantly, moving from a vegan diet laden with processed foods to a focus on whole, nourishing ingredients. “I wasn’t getting the nutrients I needed,” she explains. Now, her meals include eggs, chicken sausage, and colorful salads. This dietary overhaul has not only improved her physical health but also helped her combat feelings connected to past disordered eating habits.

Fighting the Good Fight

While Lizzo battles against societal expectations around body image, she stands firm in her beliefs about self-love and empowerment. “Me saying I love myself in 2016 was offensive to people,” she reflects. Today, she faces criticism anew as she embraces her evolving body. “It’s okay to release weight,” she asserts, using “release” as an active term that emphasizes intent over loss.

In conversations with health experts, Dr. Emma Kline, a psychologist specializing in body image, notes, “The modern narrative around body positivity must account for individual journeys. The heart of self-acceptance requires acknowledging that our bodies change over time, and that’s okay.” Lizzo’s approach emphasizes a nuanced understanding of health that blends personal agency with public scrutiny.

The Future Ahead

With her new album, Love in Real Life, on the horizon, Lizzo aims to shed light on more than just her triumphs. “With this album, I let you in on the process,” she explains, aiming to connect with those grappling with similar challenges. Themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of human connection resonate throughout her work, reflecting a turning point both for herself and her audience.

As she faces the complexities of becoming a new version of herself, Lizzo embodies a radical reconciliation with her identity—a journey marked not only by trials but also by rediscovered joy. “I’m proud of the person I’ve become,” she concludes with a beaming smile, her eyes sparkling with renewed vigor. “I feel like I’ve turned everything I’ve been through into growth.”

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com