Update on Jennifer Hudson: Total Weight Loss 60 Pounds

It all began with a phone call. Darrell James Roodt asked Jennifer Hudson to lose weight in order to play the title role of Winnie Mandela in a film he was directing. But Hudson, then a size 16 after giving birth to her son David Jr., didn’t make any promises. “I’m going to do my best, but I can’t promise anything.” Today, the 28-year-old leading lady is showing off a beautifully toned size six figure and exclaimed “I’m in the best shape of my life.”

Balance of Diet and Exercise Keeps the Weight Off

Jennifer Hudson became a spokesperson and role model for the popular commercial weight loss program Weight Watchers. She chose the program because, as she tells People Magazine, “I wasn’t going to starve myself for anyone. “ She has also said, “I don’t believe in shortcuts or drugs. If I can’t lose weight naturally, then no need for me to try at all.”

Read: Jennifer Hudson Loses Baby Weight on Weight Watchers

Ms. Hudson admits to going on many diets in the past, usually through severe calorie restriction or cutting out entire food groups, such as carbohydrates. She now understands that she can eat in moderation, including her favorite foods – just in smaller portions. She also now knows that a healthful eating plan is one that can be followed every day for the long-term.

Jennifer’s Weight Watchers counselor Liz Josefsberg said, “Jennifer fully understands that there are no off-limits indulgences as long as they are portion-controlled.”

The Weight Watchers program is centered on its trademarked “Points” system. Points are calculated using an equation that includes calories, fat, and fiber. No food is disallowed, but a program follower only gets an allotment of a certain number of Points each day which encourages lower-calorie, high-volume foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Read: Weight Watchers Meetings Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Jennifer understands the importance of exercise in long-term successful weight loss. She started out by walking 30 minutes a day. Today she does a five-day-a-week 25-minute circuit training regimen with personal trainer Harley Pasternak.

Ms. Hudson is now at the “weight maintenance” phase of her diet, which means healthful eating and daily exercise to keep from regaining weight. “This is the way I want to be,” she says, “and the way I want to stay.”

1. Prev:FDA to Consider the Future Of Meridia Weight Loss Drug
2. Next:Fad diets no panacea for weight loss