Mike HUCKABEE knew it was time to lose weight when his chair gave way beneath him during a meeting -- at the Arkansas Capitol in front of more than 100 people.
In the last two years, the Arkansas governor has transformed himself into a much leaner and healthier version of the 280-pound man who suffered that embarrassment. He's lost 110 pounds, sticks to a diet that could make Oprah proud and, in March, finished his first marathon in 4 hours, 38 minutes and 11 seconds.
One might think that the rigors of his job would keep him from sticking to his new health plan. But the 49-year-old "lifelong couch potato" says he has never been happier or had more energy.
"I finally got it. It isn't about losing weight, it's about nutrition and fitness," he says.
Huckabee's weight loss is raising his national profile. Earlier this month, President Clinton asked Huckabee to join his new national campaign against childhood obesity. Huckabee also has a new book, "Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork," that includes a 12-step plan to help overweight people slim down.
"I was the poster child for how people shouldn't treat their bodies," he says. "If I can get healthy, anyone can."
In a recent phone interview, Huckabee talked about his personal, and political, efforts to combat obesity:
Question: How did you do it?
Answer: I first checked in with a doctor who helped me understand what I was doing to my body and what it would mean in the long run. I didn't have a weight-loss goal. I just slowly tried to get healthier and I committed myself to doing it without making any excuses. I cut out all sugars from my diet and I stopped eating junk food or processed foods. I also realized that if I was going to make this permanent, I had to exercise. I started walking and then eventually running. Right now, I am in better shape than I was at 18.
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Q: How is your health now?
A: Fantastic. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a few years ago but now my blood sugar is normal. My doctor says it is as if I never had it. My blood pressure and cholesterol are also good. I used to think I would have to take medication to see these results but I know now that all I have to do is take better care of myself.
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Q: What do you eat on an average day?
