Ciara on How She Lost 60 Pounds in 4 Months After Giving Birth
Ciara is the lucky cover star of Shape magazine's September issue, and she's looking absolutely incredible. The 29-year-old mom of 1-year-old Future, who is too cute to handle, opens up about her diet mantra and the workout regimen that got rid of 60 pounds of baby weight in just four months (hint: it's intense!). In fact, Ciara revealed that she works out with the same trainer as Khloé Kardashian, Gunnar Peterson, so it's no surprise that she whipped herself into shape so quickly. But, like everyone, the singer isn't afraid to treat herself or take a break. Keep reading to see what she has to say about boxing, pasta, success, and more.
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On losing the 60 pounds she gained throughout her pregnancy: "When I was pregnant with Future, one thing I learned quickly was, don't ever let a pregnant lady be hungry, because when I was, I was like the Tasmanian Devil! But as soon as the doctor said I could start training again, I was on the treadmill the very next day. I would go to Gunnar first for my one-hour training session, then I'd have two more cardio sessions later in the day. That, along with a really clean eating plan, was how I lost 60 pounds in four months."
On her go-to diet mantra: "I have a mantra, 'The food isn't going anywhere.' You know those days when you think you have to have that plate of pasta right now? When I'm trying to be good, I take a minute to ask myself, Do you really need to eat all this crazy stuff? It will still be around if you really want it later."
On taking a break once in a while: "First, I give myself a break. When I'm on a strict eating regimen, at some point I have to have French fries, a cheeseburger, and some pizza. And Oreos and vanilla ice cream! I also believe that drinking tons of water and flushing out your system is crucial for training. It really helped me drop the weight. I tell myself that water is my medicine and that to stay well, I have to drink a gallon of it every day."
On how she stays in fighting shape: "Five days a week, Gunnar puts me through an hour-long plyometric cardio circuit that always includes boxing elements. What's amazing is that you're getting three-in-one training: it's hitting your muscles; it's a cardiovascular workout; and it's a mental exercise . . . After I've done a few rounds, I feel as if I can conquer the world."
On her personal version of success: "Success begins with self-belief. Once you've got that, then you have to envision what you want to achieve . . . There's a video of me at my high school graduation, and when I was asked where I thought I'd be in a year, I said, 'I see myself having a number-one record.' A year later, 'Goodies' was number one and sold five million copies. Four years ago, I wrote down that I wanted to be the face of a fashion campaign, and this fall, I'll be the new face for designer Roberto Cavalli. I truly believe that if you put your goals in writing, speak them out loud, and work for them, they will happen."
Read the full interview in the September 2015 issue of Shape magazine, available on newsstands Aug. 18.