Pop Idol ITV star, Michelle McManus, has gone from 22 to 14 stone. She spoke to Anna Bailey about the benefits of losing weight and keeping healthy.

Congratulations on losing eight stone. What inspired you to lose weight?

Well, it was when I weight myself for the first time in ages. I knew I was big but it was really shocking to see 22 stone on the scales! I guess it was a wake up call, particularly since I'm only 5 foot 2 inches tall and in my mid twenties.

How did you go about it?

Through changing my diet and exercising basically. I was too scared to try a fad diet because I didn't want to go through all the dieting to put the weight back on again. I needed to be completely re-educated in food, diet and lifestyle. To be honest, I was quite happy being big so losing weight was never a consideration. I wasnt bullied at school and I enjoyed eating junk food. But in terms of my long-term health I knew I had to do something about it. So I told my management company and they put me in contact with the Channel 4 programme, "You Are What You Eat", which helps people back into shape.

Was it helpful having Dr Gillian McKeith around to motivate you?

Gillian McKeith was very supportive, although completely evil at times! She was strict but gave me the shake up I needed. She also gave me the tools and advice to go on the diet. But she couldn’t hold my hand or watch what I ate twenty four seven. Only you can only do that by yourself.

What were the main hurdles for you losing weight?

Trying news foods was one of the hardest challenges for me because I was so set in my ways. I was very unadventurous at meal times and would usually have big helpings of pizza or pasta. So when I started eating fruit and vegetables it was a strange sensation and I didn’t really enjoy it much.  But after two weeks my taste buds kicked into action. Take beetroot, I hated it as a kid but now I love it!

Is it important to have variety in your diet?

Variety is an extremely important part of a diet otherwise you will get bored pretty quickly.  I basically don't eat the same food more than twice a week. Also if you do eat the same foods your body falls into the same patterns and it becomes harder to lose weight.

What difference has it made to your life and the way you feel?

I feel a million times better. My energy levels have improved, my hair and skin feels great and I don’t have any spots. I also sleep well at night too.

As well as watching what you eat, have you started exercising?

Yes, I swim three times a week and do kick-boxing twice a week, which isn't bad for someone that was called 'taxi arse' on national television! I'm now really active and I walk everywhere. Walking is great because it burns calories but it also gives you space to think and get some fresh air.

Has losing weight given you more confidence when it comes to relationships?

I don’t actually have a boyfriend at the moment but losing weight has definitely given me more confidence when it comes to clubbing and flirting with guys! I also feel better going shopping and being around my friends. As a group we are 100% healthier and I now cook fresh dinners for them instead of serving up ready-made meals! We’ve also cut down on the amount of alcohol we drink, which it’s good because it’s so calorific!

Has it altered your voice in anyway?

Yes, my voice does sound different since losing weight. It’s got a slightly different tone, which is quite weird. I only noticed it when I sang All This Time again. But I think it’s got more texture. So it’s definitely got better.

Do you think your weight loss will impact on your career?

Absolutely! It has opened a lot more doors for me. I’m now auditioning for theatre and TV presenting work. I’m also featured in more lifestyle magazines, which wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t gone on the diet. I’m also working on my new album, which comes out in the summer. So it’s an exciting time for me and I see 2006 as the year of the unknown.

Despite the pressure of being a Pop Idol and receiving criticism about your weight, you seem very grounded and down to earth. What keeps you so strong?

Well, two reasons really; I never craved fame or dreamed of being famous. I mean what music producer would be interested in someone my size? I also worked from the age of 16 and have great friends and family around me. I never get special treatment and still have to do the washing up!

Do you think it will be easy to maintain your new way of life?

Well never say never, but I’m pretty confident that I can continue. I always prepare all my food and freeze it for the week ahead. So there’s always a salad in the fridge or a lovely fruit smoothie to hand. I also enjoy cooking, which is something I never did before. I was the kind of person who would put a frozen lasagne in the microwave and burn it! So yes, I think I can keep it up.

Are you allowed any treats?

Well I’m not a fan of chocolate but I do like the odd glass of wine. I tend to drink just once every two weeks instead of going on big benders like I used to. After drinking I tend to detox and drink lots of water. This is important for hydration and keeping the junk food cravings at bay. Having said that, I did have a piece of garlic bread with my meal the other day but that was a real moment of weakness for me.

Are you going to lose any more weight?

Ideally I’d like to. My goal is to get down to 10 stone but it will probably take another year to get there. When you’ve dieted for a long time it gets harder to lose weight so you need to do more exercise and have patience.

Finally what five top tips would you give to anyone who wants to change their diet and lead a healthy lifestyle?

• Well firstly cut out everything white. So no white bread or rice and stick to wholemeal foods.
• Don’t add salt to your food. It’s one of the worst things for your heart and it retains body fluid.
• Drink at least two litres of water a day. It’s great for your skin and for clearing out toxins.
• Try and eat as little processed food as you can. Instead of going to the shop at lunchtime why not make your own sandwiches? You'll be surprised how many preservatives are in ready-made meals.
• Finally walk everywhere; it’s really good for you. And of course be happy!

 For more information

• “You are what you eat; Michelle’s diary” is out on now priced £9.99

 

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