The Secrets Behind Jennifer Hudson’s 80-Lb Weight Loss—and Why She Doesn’t Deprive Herself
The former WeightWatchers ambassador credits her success to mindful changes
Jennifer Hudson is a singer, actress and icon—and after her 80-lb weight loss, the EGOT winner has also become an inspiration to those looking to lead their happiest, healthiest lives. During her time as a WeightWatchers (WW) ambassador, the program helped her go from a size 16 to a size six. Since then, Hudson has been open about the changes that contributed to her transformation, and her tips include easy, accessible lifestyle shifts that anyone can do. Here, everything we know about Jennifer Hudson’s weight loss and how to get started on your own health journey.
Jennifer Hudson’s 80-lb weight loss transformation
Hudson has been vocal about loving herself no matter her weight, but said she wanted to challenge herself to make healthier choices. After giving birth to her son David Otunga Jr. in 2009, the star made her health a priority. The 43-year-old has noted that—like many of us—she doesn’t always have time to get a good workout in. So, what’s behind Hudson’s impressive weight loss? Mindful eating.
“I don’t really have time to do much [working out], so I really just watch what I eat,” Hudson shared on the British talk show Lorraine in 2017. “I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day. Like, okay, eat here, don’t eat here.” She continued: “When it’s early in the morning, I say, okay, I would’ve been asleep… so I’m not going to eat. I’m very conscious of what I put in my body.”
Woman's World Answers
How did Jennifer Hudson lose weight?
Hudson joined WeightWatchers in 2009 and noted that some of the program’s tips were a huge help in her weight loss journey. She told Self in 2011 that she realized that cutting out foods she loved wasn’t the best approach. Instead, she discovered that smaller portions and balanced meals were the best way for her to lose weight and keep it off. Here’s what worked for her, and how these tips can help you, too!
Bonus: Discover more inspiring celebrity weight loss transformations here (including before and after photos!).
She allowed herself little indulgences
To start her weight loss journey, Hudson took a step back and examined her eating habits. “I had to break my diet mentality,” she shared with Self. “I used to deprive myself, thinking that was healthy. I didn’t eat pasta, fried food, red meat. I hadn’t had pizza in 10 years.”
She continued, “If you’re on a strict diet that says you shouldn’t have any carbs or this or that, your body won’t function the way it should. I know now that I can eat anything I want and still lose or maintain my weight. It’s about portions and balance.”
And it makes sense that’s one of the core principles for WeightWatchers, too. WW works because it simplifies weight loss into an approachable system, explains Pamela Tambini, MD, a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and addiction medicine and medical director at Southeast Detox.
“Assigning food point values teaches portion control and encourages healthier choices while allowing occasional indulgences,” she says. “This balance ensures that weight loss is achievable without feeling restricted, which is one of the reasons the program has been so successful for many.”
She squeezed in small bursts of activity
While Hudson has mentioned she doesn’t have time for a full workout, she makes it a point to move her body regularly. In another interview with Self in 2010, she shared: “I just get up and walk. Do something. Something is better than nothing.”
Experts agree that you don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to lose weight and feel more energized. Michael Chichak, MD, medical director at MEDvidi, recommends:
- Taking short walks: After eating or as a work break, take a brisk 10-minute stroll to enhance digestion and sharpen your focus.
- Using the stairs. Save the elevators and escalators for another day. Taking the stairs when you can gets your muscles working and your heart pumping.
- Exercising at home: Water tins, canned goods or other lightweight items can be used for strength-building workouts from the comfort of home.
- Moving your body through chores: Everyday tasks such as cleaning, gardening or vacuuming “count” as movement that keeps your metabolism humming.
- Dancing around the house: To make losing weight more fun, put on the songs you love and have fun dancing around the house. The cardio burst will get your heart rate and metabolism up.
She made time for healthy meals
Hudson told Self that some of her favorite meals are scrambled eggs or a breakfast burrito to start, a healthy lunch no matter how busy she is and sushi, shrimp stir-fry or tacos for dinner. Dr. Tambini points out that balancing your plate like Hudson does is key to this approach.
“Fill half [your plate] with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein and a quarter with whole grains to help ensure a nutritious, satisfying meal,” says Dr. Tambini. “Staying hydrated throughout the day can also prevent mistaking thirst for hunger, which helps ward off unnecessary snacking.”
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