When Mary J Blige posed for the January cover of Shape magazine to celebrate being in the best physical condition of her life, apparently there was a caveat.The 42-year-old, who has long been a fan of body art, amassing seven tattoos over the years, became a victim of overzealous Photoshopping as her famous inkings were airbrushed off her toned physique.
The large single-stemmed rose that normally takes pride of place on her right thigh was completely absent from the cover image, as well as all the shots inside the magazine as she demonstrated her favourite workout moves.
Unfortunately, the decision not to showcase the Grammy-winner in all her natural glory detracts from the fact that she is looking and feeling a million bucks having finally found peace with her body.
The star admits in the accompanying article that she was spurred into action to get into shape following the shocking death of legendary superstar and her good friend Whitney Houston in February last year from a suspected accidental overdose.
The singer ditched alcohol for good 15 months ago and overhauled her life completely with the help of a new personal trainer.
‘I’m off it completely once more, and now I feel stronger than ever!’ she tells the new issue of Shape magazine. ‘Whitney Houston’s death really crushed me. I saw someone so incredibly talented just diminish, and I refuse to go out like that.’
When I’m fit, I can conquer the world,’ she January cover girl tells the publication. ‘I love the way I look and feel right now and am truly comfortable in my own skin.’
‘I hate being out of shape! But I don’t exercise just to lose weight. It makes me feel better when I get that run in. I could be in the worst mood, but when I do my cardio I feel much, much better.’
Of course, a balanced diet also plays a huge part in overall health and fitness, and Mary has overhauled her eating habits to cut out gluten and dairy, while she also limits her carb intake.
‘I’m pretty diligent. I just can’t eat the way I used to,’ she reveals.
A typical breakfast usually consists of oatmeal or an egg-white omelet with spinach; lunch is salad with grilled chicken or chicken sausage and brown rice or potatoes; fish and steamed vegies is often on the menu for dinner, while the hitmaker also drinks ‘probably half a gallon’ of water every day.
Along with conquering her demons, she also finally conquered a life-long fear by learning to swim – something she now thoroughly enjoys and has incorporated into her fitness regime.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MJB? DID SHE INSPIRE YOU?
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