Ruben Studdard Goes Through Intensive Weight Loss Program, Becomes A Vegetarian

"American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard has lost 70 pounds in 2006

A few years back, everyone in America wanted to know the answer to just one question: Will it be Clay Aiken or Ruben Studdard? The tens of millions of "American Idol" fans were torn between voting for nerd-turned-stud Aiken with his Claymates club or the soulful R&B-crooning "The Velvet Teddy Bear" Studdard. In a close vote, Studdard pulled out the win of Season Two and went on to have great success with his debut album going platinum.

Life was good for Ruben except for one thing--his growing weight problem. My wife Christine always commented during that season of the hit FOX television show about how she was worried about Ruben sweating so profusely when he performed his songs. Sure, he sounded good, but he always looked like he was ready to drop dead at any moment. It's scary to think about something like that happen, but weighing over 400 pounds puts you at risk--GREAT RISK! She knew watching her own husband (ME!) battle with morbid obesity as well.

Apparently, like me, Studdard decided he had come to a point in his young life that it was time to get serious about his weight before it was too late. This year, at the age of 28, he did something very brave which was arguably the most challenging and lifechanging event of his life--he checked himself into a weight loss clinic to learn how to lose weight.

In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Studdard said his "family history of diabetes and high blood pressure" is what led him to the Durham, NC-based Duke Diet & Fitness Center for one month straight.

"I felt like it was necessary for me to combat those issues at a young age before it became a bigger issue," he told the AP. "I went to this place called Duke Diet & Fitness Center for a month and learned how to change my eating habits."

The $7,000 four-week weight loss program is exactly what Studdard needed to change his bad nutritional habits and lose 70 pounds off of his body to transform his mind and body into a smaller and healthier vessel that will make him live longer than he ever thought possible.

"It’s been wonderful," he exclaimed of his new lifestyle change.

Following his Duke experience, Studdard decided the low-calorie, vegetarian lifestyle is what will help him continue to lose weight and keep it off forever. Eating between 1,200-1,500 calories daily and giving up some of his favorite foods like chicken and French fries, he has learned there are "just as many healthy choices in food as there are bad choices."

"When I am ordering with a group I just look for the healthy choices," Studdard explained in the AP interview. "The working out for me [is the hardest part] because our schedule is so hectic."

That's why making time to take care of yourself is incredibly important no matter HOW busy you are. If U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice can make time for daily exercise, then so can you, Ruben!


"The Return" is the beginning of the comeback for Ruben Studdard

Studdard released this third album this week called "The Return" and sounds just as incredible as ever (despite the needless worries about how weight loss can impact your singing voice). I'm thrilled to know that he is likely going to inspire many people who also struggle with their weight to start doing something to get their health back.

I am so excited for Ruben and wish him continued success on his weight loss program. If it is something he can do for the rest of his life and he's happy with that, then more power to him! NEVER EVER EVER give up, Ruben! You've come way too far to give up on this now. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Ruben! Don't ever give up on the changes you are making at this moment in your life. Your life will be so much richer than it could ever be because you decided to take back control where it was once spiraling into a deep, dark pit of hopelessness and despair. NOT ANYMORE! Way to go and keep up the fantastic work on your weight. On behalf of all the readers at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog, we are so proud of you. God bless you, my friend!