Janet appears on the cover of this week’s Us Weekly magazine. In an accompanying interview, Janet talks about how she managed to remain slim after losing the pounds about a year ago. The issue is on news stands in the US now.

On keeping the weight off: “I have a great support system to keep me on track… But I still don’t like working out. It’s hard for me. I have to push myself to want to do it.”

On the fear of packing on the pounds again:“I have moments—I crave chocolate, or just want to eat. One thing that helps is getting my clothes altered to fit so I can tell when I gain or lose. I used to wear overalls all the time, and my mom said, ‘Baby, don’t do that or you won’t know how much you lose.’”

On how you can look like her: “If I can do it, anybody can do it. Eating light and clean helps, but you really shouldn’t think of it as a diet, otherwise you feel like you’re depriving yourself. If you crave something, you should have a little bit of it, then let it go and move on. Do a little exercise so you’re back on track.”

On eating right: “It’s about control and it’s a balanced diet. Of course I have cheat days! Especially with my dancers, who love to eat. And after a hard day of work, they want to unwind and grab a drink, and alcohol is not good for my diet with all the extra calories. I try to have a glass of wine, but then somebody comes with a lemon drop and it’s so good. You feel like you’re drinking cough syrup or candy, and before you know it, the next day comes and you feel it. I make up for it with a few more reps when I lift weights.”