Alec Baldwin drops sugar, loses 30 pounds

'30 Rock' star says cutting the sweet stuff, coupled with physical activity, has made him feel better than ever.

Mon, Jan 23 2012 at 12:55 PM

Related Topics:

Celebs

Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

For Alec Baldwin, ending 2011 on a healthy note meant starting 2012 with a svelte new frame for the cameras.

The 53-year-old decided last fall to conquer his sweet tooth and cut sugar completely from his diet. The results? Thirty pounds lost in less than four months.

"I gave up sugar," he told Access Hollywood. "I lost 30 pounds in four months. It's amazing."

"(I do) Pilates, spin, not as much yoga as I'd like," he added. "When we're shooting ('30 Rock') it's tough...When we're shooting and I can't work out, I just have to eat less. So, I'm very conscious of that. But sugar was the real killer for me — that was the problem."

According to a recent study, U.S. adults consume 22.2 teaspoons of sugar a day, or 355 calories. Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst, says average-sized women should be consuming no more than 6.25 teaspoons; men 9.4.

"We know for sure that if you are consuming excessive amounts of added sugar, you will add calories, which leads to weight gain, or you will displace other essential nutrients," Lona Sandon, a dietitian, told MSNBC.

Need some help dropping the sweet stuff? Check out these great tips from Reader's Digest to get you started! For even more inspiration, check out a full picture of a slimmer Baldwin below.