Lauren Alaina, the "American Idol" 10th season runner-up, has been making headlines not only for her musical talent but also for her inspiring weight loss journey. Her experience on "Dancing With the Stars" Season 28 significantly contributed to her transformation. This article explores Alaina's weight loss, her past struggles with bulimia, and how dance and lifestyle changes have positively impacted her life.
Dancing Into Shape: Lauren Alaina on "Dancing With the Stars"
It's true that dancing can be a great workout, and Lauren Alaina's experience is a testament to this. Being cast on "Dancing With the Stars" for its 28th season proved to be a turning point for the country singer. Alaina revealed to Us Weekly that she had lost approximately 25 pounds since July, noting that her clothes no longer fit. Her partner on the show, Gleb Savchenko, jokingly took credit, saying, "You're welcome."
Alaina isn't the only celebrity to experience weight loss while on "Dancing With the Stars." Other contestants have also shared their stories of physical transformation through dance. For example, Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean revealed he lost "a pound a week" while rehearsing for season 29. Similarly, actress Jennie Garth mentioned that she lost inches rather than just weight while competing. These experiences highlight the intense physical demands of the show and the potential for significant weight loss.
Other celebrities have also spoken about their weight loss and fitness journeys during and after their time on "Dancing With the Stars". Alyson Hannigan credited her pro partner, Sasha Farber, with her new figure, joking about it being the "Body by Sasha." These anecdotes underscore the transformative power of dance and the rigorous training involved in the show.
Overcoming Past Struggles: Alaina's Battle with Bulimia
Alaina has been open about her past struggles with bulimia, which began in her teens. She overcame the eating disorder in 2012, but this led to weight gain. In 2017, she shared with The Tennessean that she had lost 27 pounds by increasing her fitness regimen, which included working with a trainer, boxing, and adopting a high-protein, high-carb diet with the assistance of a chef who delivered meals to her home.
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Alaina's journey of overcoming bulimia and pursuing a healthier lifestyle is an inspiration to many. Her willingness to speak openly about her struggles helps to break the stigma surrounding eating disorders and encourages others to seek help.
"Pretty" and "The Other Side": Expressing Herself Through Music and Dance
Alaina has used her music to express her personal struggles and triumphs. She dedicated her song "Pretty" from her "Road Less Traveled" album to her experiences with an eating disorder. The song reflects her journey toward self-acceptance and body positivity.
On an emotional night during the filming of "Dancing With the Stars," Alaina performed a contemporary dance to her song "The Other Side." She wrote the song as a tribute to her stepfather, Sam Ramker, who passed away one year prior after battling stage 4 cancer. Alaina's performance was deeply personal, and she expressed her desire to make her late stepfather proud.
“I just kept thinking during the dance and before the dance, ‘I just wanna make him proud,’ and do this for my mom," she said. "Her worst nightmare happened on this day last year. So the fact that we’re even here and we got to do that dance is just a huge blessing. I feel really proud."
The Impact of Diet and Exercise on Weight Loss
Lauren Alaina's weight loss journey highlights the importance of diet and exercise in achieving a healthier lifestyle. While competing on "Dancing With the Stars," she experienced significant weight loss due to the intense physical activity involved in rehearsals and performances.
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In addition to dancing, Alaina also incorporated other forms of exercise into her routine, such as boxing and working with a personal trainer. She also made changes to her diet, focusing on a high-protein, high-carb approach with the help of a chef who delivered meals to her home.
Other celebrities have also emphasized the importance of diet and exercise in their weight loss journeys. For example, the late actress Kirstie Alley, who competed on season 12 of DWTS, combined a Jenny Craig diet with dance training to lose weight. She credited her partner, Louis van Amstel, with encouraging her to eat turkey burgers and salads and explaining the benefits of a high-protein, low-carb diet.
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
Alaina's journey has not only been about weight loss but also about body image and self-acceptance. She has spoken about the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and the importance of embracing one's own unique body.
By sharing her struggles and triumphs, Alaina has become a role model for many, inspiring them to love and accept themselves for who they are. Her message of body positivity resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Dance
While the physical benefits of dance are undeniable, it's important to recognize the mental and emotional benefits as well. Dance can be a powerful tool for stress relief, self-expression, and emotional healing.
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Alaina's experience on "Dancing With the Stars" demonstrates the transformative power of dance in both physical and emotional terms. She not only lost weight but also gained confidence, self-esteem, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Role of Support Systems in Weight Loss
Having a strong support system can be crucial for success. Alaina's partner, Gleb Savchenko, provided encouragement and support throughout her time on "Dancing With the Stars." She also relied on her family, friends, and fans for motivation and inspiration.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle After Weight Loss
Losing weight is only part of the battle; maintaining a healthy lifestyle long-term is equally important. Alaina has emphasized the importance of consistency, discipline, and making sustainable lifestyle changes.
She continues to prioritize diet and exercise, and she remains committed to her journey of self-improvement and overall well-being.