Stop trying to find something in food that will make you feel better. I used to have eating disorders; I'd binge and purge all the time: fried oysters, po' boys, muffulettas, beignets, coffee and doughnuts. I tried to medicate myself with food when people made fun of me or hit me with a bat in school. I'd always turn to food. Knowing what I now know, I'd turn to me.

After all the throwing up, I would starve myself. Which meant eating lettuce and water for two and a half months. I almost lost my life.

I don't have to teach anymore, I don't have to work anymore, God has been really good to me.

Take a moment every day to find peace. Pull over to the side of the road, turn off the radio, and find peace.

For 40 years, my formula has been to love yourself, move your body and to watch portion size. But the No. 1 thing is to love and value yourself, no matter what you've been through.

The real pride, the real present, is your health and your longevity.

I have rules about eating, exercising and rules about staying positive. And these rules are sacred to me.