Starting a regular exercise program wasn’t easy. “I’m not one of those people who loves to exercise. In fact, I hate it,” Patti says. “But I know for a better quality of life, I have to do it.”
“Instead of frying my fish, like I used to do, I sauté it. I spice everything,” says the singer, who also has a line of spice blends. “Because I can’t use butter, these days I am a fresh garlic fanatic.”
Now Patti varies her daily exercise routine. On the road, she works out with a trainer. At home in Philadelphia, she exercises in her pool, walks her dogs (four Rottweilers and two Cane Corsos) and builds stamina on an elliptical machine.
Resisting temptation is still tough for her, since she grew up on “stick-to-your-ribs” food. “For 14 years I’ve been restricted. It’s hard,” she says – while admitting to a few indulgences. “Every now and then if I see that piece of bacon or short rib, I’m gonna snatch it.”
“It’s hard for Patti LaBelle to exercise,” she says about herself. “But do I want to live another 60 years? Honey, yes, I do!”
Patti LaBelle’s New Attitude About Diabetes was originally published on blackdoctor.org
