Gospel Singer Tamela Mann Lost 40 Pounds by Overhauling Her Lifestyle

From Prevention

• Tamela Mann, 53, became a WW Ambassador in April 2019.

• The award-winning gospel singer wanted to take better care of herself not only for her, but her family.

• As of early September, Mann is down 40 pounds from WW's new program.

American gospel singer Tamela Mann vowed to embark on a healthier lifestyle in 2019, and nothing—not even knee replacement surgery or a busy schedule—is stopping the star from reaching her fitness goals.

In April of this year, the 53-year-old announced to Instagram that she was joining the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) community as an Ambassador. Other celebrity ambassadors include Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson, who have also slimmed down using WW.

The award-winning singer set some goals to develop healthier habits and lose weight, not only for her, but for her family. Mann's 31-year-old daughter Tiffany also joined her mom on the quest to get healthier, which has been motivating for Mann.

"It’s nice to have a family member who’s like-minded on this journey! We both have goals we’re trying to reach," Mann told WW. "Mama has always led by example—she’s a great wife and mother, and an incredible performer. I’ve found myself looking to her to learn how to take better care of my body because she’s taken off! She is doing so good!" Tiffany said of Mann.

After beginning WW's new weight loss program in April, the award-winning gospel singer revealed to Instagram in September that she's lost some serious pounds. "I am officially 40 pounds down!!! I’m telling y’all @ww is changing my life for the better!" she captioned the video.

She gave her diet a healthy makeover.

WW's new weight loss program sets you up with 24/7 access to a virtual coach and features a "science-based SmartPoints system" that's personalized for your age, height, weight, and sex. It guides you on what to eat, cook, or choose at restaurants and parties based on your preferences—no food is off-limits. "We can still drink and eat!" Mann wrote in an Instagram caption.

The Meet the Browns star told WW that she's learned how to portion her meals. She said she eats turkey sandwiches, but "now when I have one, I’ve learned to cut it in half to make it into two meals."

Mann typically starts her day with eggs, toast, and bacon for breakfast. "I’m beginning to eat the eggs without cheese to save SmartPoints," she said. And her favorite ZeroPoint foods, which you can eat unlimited amounts of on the WW plan? Fruit! "There’s a wide variety of fruit [on the ZeroPoint foods list]—I love that," she told WW.

When it comes to eating in between meals, Mann keeps her snacks separate from her five kids and eight grandchildren's selections. "...My house is full of kids. I still have their snacks, BUT my @ww snacks have their own section in the pantry!!" she wrote in an Instagram post from June.

Ultimately, although the star is using a weight loss program, she insists that she's steering clear of diets. "It’s not a diet—it’s a lifestyle change," she told WW.

She gets her body moving, even after a major setback.

In July, Mann underwent knee replacement surgery, a few months after kicking off her weight loss journey in the spring. She announced to Instagram that her surgery was "a success," although the singer couldn't exactly hit the gym right after surgery.

"During my recovery, physical activity was difficult for me, but I made it a priority to focus on my mental health and nutrition," she wrote in an Instagram post her procedure. "For World #MentalHealthDay, I want to encourage you all to take care of EVERY part of your body. So thankful my @ww journey has given me a great foundation to always lean on."

One month later, Mann recovered enough to begin physical activity again. "Starting to walk without cane thank everyone for your prayers. the journey continues," she wrote in the caption.

In September, she's taken her walks to the next level, no cane in sight! "Healing up pretty good ☺️Decided to take a walk!! Happy Tuesday everyone 💛" Way to go, Tamela!

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