Marlee Matlin has inspired many by competing on Dancing With the Stars, but her latest achievement – the 18-pounds weight loss – is also inspirational. Marlee is determined to maintain her 18-pounds weight loss, but how is she going to do that? In a recent interview, she has revealed the details about her diet and workout.

When did you gain the weight? When I had my kids. A couple of times it got higher than the amount doctors recommended. During one pregnancy, I gained close to 60 pounds. It was a combination of bad eating – a weakness for trench fries, cookies and pizza – and a lack of exercise.

Were you thin before having kids? I was naturally lean and very active. But when I did Children of a Lesser God and saw my first craft services table, I pigged out, prompting the director to tell me I was putting on pounds.

How did you lose the weight? I started a program to get toned for the holidays. When I combined exercise with the Zone diet, the weight began coming off. Now I weigh 112 pounds, and at 5 feet 3, that’s just about right.

What’s your exercise program like? I take private Pilates classes at Breakthru Fitness. I try to get in as much Pilates as I can because so much of dancing is about the core. Pilates is hard work but looks so easy that you’re surprised that you’re sore the next day.

Why is dancing great exercise? Dancing is like Pilates, jogging, weight training, aerobics and yoga all rolled up into one. I love it!

What’s the Zone diet like? Egg whites, veggies or oatmeal and fresh fruit for breakfast. A snack mid-morning, like string cheese and almonds. Lunch is protein and veggies, and dinner could be a whole-grain pasta and veggies, then an after-dinner snack.

How do you feel now that you’ve lost the weight? I feel more self-confident. My husband says there’s less around my waist to grab. I’m happy to offer up other parts of me for him to grab! [via]