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Rev. Al Sharpton: “I Was A Walking Heart Attack”

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Back in 1991, being obese may have actually helped Rev. Al Sharpton escape death after being stabbed in the chest, but these days the civil rights activist is free of his protective armor and living life to the fullest in a healthier way.

A former self-described “fried chicken junkie” and “walking potential for a heart attack”, Rev. Sharpton explained that he now generally avoids red meat and fried foods, in favor of fruits, veggies and fish.

“I’m never going to be fat — never again,” Sharpton said in a new interview with the New York Daily News.

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Sharpton, who recently celebrated his 64th birthday, is down to 129 pounds from 305 pounds and says he feels “younger and more energetic” now.

(Photo credit: Al Sharpton instagram)

The real reason for Sharpton’s weight loss is one that many parents may be able to empathize with: “I could take all the cartoons in the tabloid newspapers, but I couldn’t take my daughter punching me in the belly and asking why I was so fat,” Sharpton recalled. “That was my inspiration to lose the weight. And probably the last time anyone hurt my feelings.”

His dramatic weight loss comes from an intensely disciplined diet and exercise regimen. He eats standing up and his daily diet includes:

  • 3 slices of whole wheat toast
  • 2 bottles of fresh green juice
  • Big Salad
  • Banana

This may not seem like enough for even one meal let alone an entire day, but Sharpton explains, “I’m conditioned now so that I never get hungry.”

As new photos continue to surface of his shrinking appearance, many have commented that he’s gotten too small and looks unhealthy. When asked how he’d address the haters and their comments – Sharpton says, “I’d say, ‘You should’ve worried about me when I was obese’. I’m healthier now than I was when I was obese.”

Advisers to Tawana Brawley, Attorney C. Vernon Mason, second from left, the Rev. Al Sharpton, center, and attorney Alton Maddox, lead a march toward Mayor Ed Koch's residence at Gracie Mansion in New York City on Sunday, Aug. 28, 1988. The others in the front are unidentified. (AP Photo/Charles Wenzelberg) (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Charles Wenzelberg)

It is noteworthy that Rev. Sharpton did not opt for a fad diet or surgery to lose the weight. Plenty of…

celebrities have used these approaches with varying degrees of success. Sharpton’s approach to weight loss has been to change his entire lifestyle….for the long run. He has indicated that he’s received more attention from the ladies since his weight loss. Furthermore, he’s finally overcome his addiction to fatty, salty, and sugary foods — and by eating healthful foods he feels much better and will likely live longer.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Weight Loss center for more articles. 

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