Ruben Studdard beat the odds by singing his way past tens of thousands of contestants to claim the coveted title of American Idol. But another challenge that Ruben faced proved to be a lot harder. The "Velvet Teddy Bear" has struggled with his weight for most of his life, and when he went on tour after Idol, he tipped the scales at 450 pounds.

The turning point for Ruben was when his brother was diagnosed with diabetes. He joined the Duke Diet & Fitness Center over the summer and came out 40 pounds lighter and with a whole new way of eating, "Food still has to taste good, that's the thing for me," he says, "but I make a lot more healthier choices. I eat all fruits and vegetables with the exception of egg whites and some cheese, but that's pretty much it."

The weight loss continued and so far Ruben has lost 100 pounds. He tries to hit the gym 5-6 times a week for about 45-60 minutes a day, and works out with weights twice a week. His regime is pretty strict, but Rachael asks if there's one food that he won't give up for any diet: "French fries," Ruben admits. "Like once a week, I just have to go mad at McDonald's and get the 500-calorie fries."

So with his new trim physique, can fans still call him the "Velvet Teddy Bear"? Ruben answers with a smile, "The face is the teddy bear. I don't think it's in the stature, I think it's in the face...and the voice.."

Ruben joins Rachael in the kitchen to make two healthy dips: Roasted Veggie Dip White Bean Dip

Check out Ruben's CD The Return.