Balance: Healthy Hollywood LivingJulianne Hough: Weight Criticism ‘Freaks You Out’
Statuesque dancer, actress, and country singer JulianneHough shows off her svelte figure in a bikini top and jean shorts on the coverof the May issue of Women's Health, but it's the interviewinside the magazine where she actually reveals the most.
Turns out even someone as fit as the 22-year-old former "DancingWith the Stars" cast member can feel self-conscious, like during herrecent trip to Mexico with boyfriend Ryan Seacrest when the paparazzi caughther off guard. "I was thinking, 'Oh, crap, maybe I should've sucked in alittle,'" Hough admits to the magazine. "They were photographing usfrom a boat, and it was the first time I've gotten upset, like 'I can't justlay out and stuff my face?' It really messes with you."
After she left the rigors of the ballroom dancing realityshow -- and its intense daily rehearsals -- a couple of years ago, Hough wassurprised at how her body changed ... and by public criticism.
"Growing up, I could eat anything, but the minute Ihit 22, I stopped dancing and kept eating whatever I wanted, and I gainedweight. Then I started reading [critical] comments in blogs. That freaks youout and you get caught up in it," she explains. "But if I deprivemyself, I end up binge eating. I didn't want to do that. Now if I wantsomething, I'll have it and I won't feel guilty. Then the next day I won'tcrave it."
These days she makes sure to always fit exercise in, evenwhen she's on the road. "It's so hard to stay fit while you're traveling,but for me it always makes me feel better on the inside if I've workedout."
And eating well is also important to Hough, who hasmotherhood plans on the horizon ... eventually. "I'm starting to be morepassionate about [eating natural foods]. I don't want to have kids anytimesoon, but when I do, I want my body to be healthy."
Read more with Julianne when the May issue ofWomen's Health hits stands April 19.
