Ruben Studdard, the American Idol winner, has inspired many with his remarkable weight loss journey. Over the years, he has faced challenges with his weight, but through determination and commitment to his health, he has achieved significant success. This article delves into Studdard's journey, highlighting his strategies, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs.
The Beginning of the Journey
In the decade since Ruben Studdard won American Idol, he garnered great success. During this time, the 35-year-old packed on extra weight, topping the scale at 462 pounds. Recognizing the importance of his health, Studdard decided to take a public step and become the first celebrity contestant on NBC's The Biggest Loser.
On the show, which revolved around the theme of "Second Chances," Studdard teamed up with 14 other contestants, all determined to lose weight and transform their lives forever. He stated, "I've been really blessed to have a career that has done okay for awhile, but the one thing that I have not been able to tackle consistently is staying at a healthy weight. This show has given me a second chance to live a better life, not just professionally but personally."
Confronting Challenges on The Biggest Loser
Studdard's experience on The Biggest Loser was not without its difficulties. He admitted that his four weeks on the ranch were the hardest part. "It was 10 times harder than I expected," he shared. "You know, it wasn't the working out that was the hard part. It was all the other stuff that goes along with being on the ranch-not being able to talk to your family and that stuff. It's very mentally challenging. Hopefully I can continue to keep that downward trend going."
Despite these challenges, Studdard persevered, embracing the opportunity to transform his health and well-being.
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Weight Loss and Health Improvements
During his time on The Biggest Loser ranch, Studdard lost 70 pounds. Even though he was sent packing from the ranch twice that season, the experience was a huge success for him. Since then, the former American Idol winner has kept his promise to still be known as the Velvet Teddy Bear-just "without all the stuffing." He's now lost a total of 112 pounds.
Studdard's transformation was evident to everyone around him. "Wow!" was Studdard's reaction upon seeing a before and after shot of himself during a visit to TODAY. "Wow, that's great!" The singer started the weight-loss competition weighing in at 462 pounds, and the change was significant. It's also exactly what Studdard had hoped for. "It was really time for me to make a change," he said. "I was about to turn 35, and I was just afraid that some of the things that affected some people that are really close to me would affect me. I most definitely don't want to leave here early from things that I can prevent."
Moreover, Studdard's weight loss and lifestyle changes have been crucial in managing his health, especially given his recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. "The only cure for that is diet and exercise," he said. "That's what I've been doing."
A New Perspective on Health
Studdard's journey has also changed his perspective on health and well-being. He realized that it's possible to walk around feeling healthy while being completely unhealthy at the same time. "To get that diagnosis was hard, but I'm doing what I have to do to combat it," he confessed.
This realization has motivated Studdard to prioritize his health and make lasting lifestyle changes. He now wakes up before sunrise to work out every day and stays on track with what he learned on the ranch.
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Diet and Lifestyle Changes
After years of being known as the "Velvet Teddy Bear," partly for his burly size and soothing vocals, Studdard has completely changed his diet and lifestyle. A new marriage and a daughter gave Studdard the boost he’d been needing to maintain focus, on lifestyle and career. Zuri has not only encouraged Studdard’s healthier lifestyle, she has joined him in becoming vegetarian. Ruben took it a step further by becoming vegan. “I’m a vegan now,” he says laughing. “Yes, a vegan.”
Studdard calls his journey a work-in-progress. “I work on it every day trying to get better and better,” he says cheerfully. “I don’t like to be a preacher or anything, but the one thing that I’ve learned is that you truly are what you eat. If you eat good, you feel good.
The Role of Support
Another positive aspect of Studdard's journey is the support he has received from his loved ones and fans. This support has been instrumental in helping him stay motivated and committed to his goals.
Maintaining Momentum and Future Goals
After leaving The Biggest Loser ranch, Studdard didn't abandon his hard work. He still has his eye on an at-home weight loss win, as well as a far more important prize: his health.
Studdard admitted that his four weeks on the ranch were the hardest part. "It was 10 times harder than I expected," Ruben shared. "You know, it wasn't the working out that was the hard part. It was all the other stuff that goes along with being on the ranch - not being able to talk to your family and that stuff. It's very mentally challenging. Hopefully I can continue to keep that downward trend going."
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This isn't the first time the American Idol champ has shed a significant amount of weight. A decade ago, he adopted a vegan diet and lost 100 pounds, but wasn't able to keep it off. This time, he feels things are different - because he’s different.
Current Status and Reflections
In a recent interview, Studdard revealed that he currently weighs 335 pounds, having lost a total of 127 pounds in recent months. He exudes an expansive vibe, both on and off stage, appearing more confident, relaxed, and comfortable in his own skin.
Studdard's journey has been life-changing, teaching him about himself and the type of things he is able and willing to endure for the sake of health. He acknowledges that the show provided him with an opportunity to see himself in a realistic light and take positive action.
Balancing Health and Career
Studdard's weight loss has also had a positive impact on his music career. He notes that while musical talent is innate, health and fitness play a role in a performer's ability to perform and handle the demands of the job.
He explains that he didn't used to be a very happy person after a performance because he didn't understand how to deal with the entire thing. Now, he has the stamina to engage with fans after the concert, which makes him happy.
Style and Confidence
As Studdard has lost weight, he has also embraced a new sense of style and confidence. He enjoys shopping for clothes and experimenting with different looks. He also wears hats, inspired by his father and the old men he looked up to in his church.
Unconditional Love
Studdard's new album, Unconditional Love, was released on Feb. 4, the same day as The Biggest Loser finale. He performed his new single, "Meant to Be," on the show, describing it as an amazing experience.