By Kayla DeKraker
After becoming a dad, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran decided to prioritize his health, with amazing results.
“I would say I lived a pretty unhealthy life from 20 to 30,” the 34-year-old admitted in a recent interview with Men’s Health UK. “And even though I was doing professionally well, I wouldn’t say that reflected well into my personal life. And I do think that wellness is a direct mirror to mental health and the way you feel.”
Sheeran explained that he never felt good about himself. “I’d wake up and look in the mirror and just feel gross,” he recalled.
But more than anything, becoming a father motivated Sheeran take charge of his health and lifestyle.
Related: 3 Tips to Eating Healthier at The Movies
“I became a dad,” he told the outlet. “I remember [daughter] Lyra was two weeks old and I had my best mate round and we had a bottle of wine. I went to bed, then Lyra woke up 20 minutes after I’d fallen asleep. I woke up and I was like, ‘… I probably shouldn’t drink if I’m going to feel this dreadful,’ I want to be able to do the night stuff. It all came in at the same time of wanting to be a responsible dad, wanting to feel and look good.”
Since then, he’s lost nearly 30 pounds and is in the best shape of his life, ditching many harmful habits.
“Something I never thought I’d do, but here we are. 10 years ago I was a beer guzzling, kebab munching smoker. Having kids really made me knock all those bad habits on the head (excuse the pun), and I got heavily into exercise and moderation,” Sheeran said on Instagram.
His sobriety journey started with participating in a Dry January challenge, and he “just carried on being sober and exercising.”
Sheeran’s wife, Cherry, also inspired his fitness journey.
“She exercises a lot, so I started going on runs with her,” he said previously. “She eats quite healthily so I started eating quite healthily. She doesn’t drink that much so I wasn’t drinking. I think that all changed things.”
It’s no surprise Sheeran began to feel better. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity helps “controls weight,” “combats health conditions and diseases,” “improves mood,” “boosts energy” and “promotes better sleep.”
Meanwhile, ditching alcohol and focusing on healthy eating can improve both physical and mental health.
As we head into a new year, now is a great time to take inspiration from Sheeran and make healthy changes in your own life for the sake of your family.
Read Next: Ed Sheeran Meets Young Girl in Liberia Who Dreams of Singing in Churches
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