14 DAY TRIAL // Since she was released from hospital in December after a mysterious condition and until the Grammys 2011 in February, Aretha Franklin has lost 25 pounds already – and she’s aiming for more. In a new interview, she reveals her weight loss secret.
As we also noted a while back, the singer is determined to get back in shape by the time she hits the road later this year.
Sitting down with JET magazine (all quotes via the Daily Mail), Aretha opened up a bit about her new diet and how she’s going to the gym regularly to work out because she’s determined to get to a size 16.
Since she’s already lost a lot of weight and is feeling better than ever, Franklin has all the motivation in the world – but it’s knowing she’ll be a size 16 by her birthday that keeps her going, she says.
“I am going to get a little sassier. Yes, I am going to get a little sassier now. By my birthday I will be a 16 – that’s my birthday wish. And I just want to continue my super maintained health,” she says.
On March 25, Aretha turns 69 so she doesn’t have that much time to go until then.
“I look wonderful to myself at [US] size 14 or 16. But 16 is OK, too. I will rest my case at 16. Brothers like it and I like giving him something he can feel,” she says.
As for what exactly does she do to get in shape, Aretha reveals she’s cut fast food down to a minimum, even if there was a time when she didn’t believe she could live without it.
“I go to the healthier foods that are less chemically treated. I am drinking lots of water to get rid of the toxins in my body. It’s a natural flushing. Water flushes your system and is also very good for your skin,” she says.
“Now, occasionally I will still have that quarter pounder because I love fast food, but you have to keep it to a minimum. I am now opting for salads and just healthier lunches,” the singer explains.
She has even devised her own salad which includes anything from carrots to red onions, tomatoes and olives. She says it’s the best thing ever – and we will have to go by her word.
Of course, Franklin’s weight loss is also down to working out: she’s up on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes three to four times a week and she’ll do whatever exercises her doctors recommend her.