Gladys Knight, the "Empress of Soul," is celebrated not only for her legendary music career but also for her dedication to health and wellness. From managing diabetes to embracing an active lifestyle, Knight's journey is an inspiration to many. This article explores her weight loss experiences, her battle with diabetes, and her commitment to staying active and healthy, all while balancing the demands of a vibrant career and family life.
Weight Loss Through Dance and Healthy Eating
Gladys Knight's weight loss journey gained significant attention during her appearance on "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS). Over a month and a half on the show, she lost an impressive 60 pounds. Knight attributed her weight loss to a combination of dancing and healthy eating habits.
Dancing proved to be an effective and enjoyable form of exercise for Knight. She credited her dance partner, Tristan MacManus, with helping her stay active. "[He] helped [by] wearing me out," she told PEOPLE. The rigorous dance routines contributed significantly to her calorie expenditure and overall fitness.
In addition to dancing, Knight emphasized the importance of a healthy diet. She also attributed Freshology’s Getslim with the Stars program to achieving her slimmer frame. “You’ve got to eat healthy and you’ve got to put a little movement into it.”
Knight's experience on DWTS highlights the benefits of incorporating physical activity into a weight loss plan. Dancing, in particular, offers a fun and engaging way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. As Knight herself noted, "Coming to 'DWTS' kept me where I should be, so I can be a healthy weight-loss person."
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Managing Diabetes Through Lifestyle Changes
Beyond weight loss, Gladys Knight has been proactive in managing her family's hereditary risk of diabetes. Growing up in the South, she developed a love for food and family celebrations centered around dinner. From her teenage years, she struggled with a weight problem. Knight spent many years trying various diets with little long-term success.
A few years ago, she embarked on an exercise and diet regimen with a trainer, Al Claiborne. This program-really a combination of sensible eating and regular exercise-transformed Knight's life. Knight's approach to managing diabetes involves a combination of sensible eating and regular exercise. She emphasizes the importance of eating natural, unprocessed foods and engaging in regular physical activity.
Knight doesn't offer a specific step-by-step diet; instead, she talks about eating natural foods rather than processed ones and trying to exercise regularly. She also highlights the importance of finding enjoyable activities to stay motivated. "The easiest way to engage in any activity program is to make it fun. Do something that you enjoy…. You may not realize it, but almost any activity you do can be a way to burn calories and lose weight."
Knight's experience underscores the importance of lifestyle changes in managing diabetes. By adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, individuals can effectively control their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of complications.
Continuing an Active Lifestyle
Even after her time on "Dancing With the Stars," Gladys Knight has remained committed to maintaining an active lifestyle. She has vowed to continue dancing and has expressed interest in returning to tennis, as recommended by her doctor.
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"I will keep dancing," says the star. “I’m going to keep Tristan,” the 67-year-old joked to Us Weekly of her pro partner. “You need to move it! My doctor said to get back to tennis because I stopped.
Knight's dedication to staying active reflects her understanding of the long-term benefits of exercise. Regular physical activity not only helps with weight management but also improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and enhances overall well-being.
Addressing Health Concerns and Family Dynamics
In recent years, concerns have been raised about Gladys Knight's health and well-being. Her son, Hankerson, expressed concerns about her workload and overall situation. “Why is she working? Why is she in this situation where she’s being made to believe that she has to work like this?
Knight responded to these concerns by assuring her fans that she is in good health. “I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented,” Knight told People. “I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well for someone who has been on stage for three quarters of a century, hard to believe, right? I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months. I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour.
Family dynamics can become complicated as parents age. Many adult children find themselves stepping into a caregiver role after years of being cared for themselves, which can create tension when it comes to questions about health, independence and safety. Decisions about whether an older loved one should continue working, driving or even managing their own daily responsibilities often cause disagreements between family members who want the best for their loved ones but see the situation from different angles.
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Dr. Voskuhl emphasizes the importance of including all family members in healthcare decisions, as well as the loved one themselves. “While one member [of a family] often becomes the main caregiver, all should be included in decisions,” says Dr. Voskuhl. “Those closer will have a perspective different from those further away. Both are valuable. Most importantly, include the loved one. While noticing a loved one is experiencing memory issues may be concerning, Dr. “Just because they have memory lapses does not mean they cannot think clearly on other issues,” says Dr. Voskuhl.
Balancing Career, Health, and Personal Life
Throughout her career, Gladys Knight has successfully balanced the demands of her profession with her commitment to health and personal well-being. Despite the challenges of touring, performing, and managing a busy schedule, she has prioritized her health and has made conscious choices to support her overall well-being.
Knight's ability to maintain a vibrant career while prioritizing her health serves as an inspiration to others. She demonstrates that it is possible to achieve professional success without sacrificing one's physical and mental well-being.