We have yet to see who'll take home the gold on season 14 of "Dancing With The Stars," but if pre-game enthusiasm is worth any points, Sherri Shepherd is coming out on top.
The singer has been documenting her preparation for the show's March 19 premiere, in a video diary -- where she asked actress Tina Fey for advice on how to win and got this hilarious response -- and on Twitter, where she boasted new and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels after a trip to a cardiologist.
According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol levels below 200 are ideal, putting you at lower risk for coronary heart disease, while 200 to 239 mg/dL is considered "borderline high." Blood sugar levels (A1c) below 7.0 percent is a healthy target, the American Diabetes Association says.
Shepherd credited her clean bill of health to workout sessions with celebrity trainer Kira Stokes, along with giving up diet soda and limiting red meat.
"Diabetes is a silent killer. I lost my mom who was 42 years old due to diabetes. She didn't take care of herself & left devastated girls," Shepherd tweeted. "I refuse 2have my son laying in his bed crying b/c he misses his mom who's in "heaven". If I have to drink water 4 the rest of my life YES," she went on to say.
Shepherd urged her Twitter followers to get their health in check, noting that a one point reduction in A1c (a measure of blood glucose control) can reduce the risk of eye, kidney, and nerve diseases and heart disease by as much as 50 percent.
In keeping with her new diet and fitness regimen, Shepherd brought "Dancing With The Stars" pro Karina Smirnoff onto a recent episode of "The View," where the duo tried out moves from Smirnoff's dance-inspired workout DVD.
While Shepherd seems to be reaping the show's healthful benefits early, former contestants' saw new physiques take shape over the course of the show.
Season 13 contestant Nancy Grace says she lost 23 pounds during her run, for example, while rival Ricky Lake slimmed down from a size 8 to a size 4.
Check out more "Dancing With The Stars" weight-loss photos here.
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