Julianne Hough: 'I work to maintain figure'

Julianne Hough has confessed that she works hard to maintain her slim figure.

In an interview with Women's Health, the country singer and former Dancing with the Stars pro revealed that she became more aware of her health after her metabolism slowed in her early 20s.

"Growing up, I could eat anything, but the minute I hit 22, I stopped dancing and kept eating whatever I wanted, and I gained weight," she explained. "Then I started reading [critical] comments in blogs. That freaks you out and you get caught up in it. But if I deprive myself, I end up binge eating. I didn't want to do that.

"Now if I want something, I'll have it and I won't feel guilty. Then the next day I won't crave it. It's what you want to feel on the inside, not necessarily what you want to look like on the outside."

She went on to say that keeping in shape will also come in handy for when she decides to start a family in the future, adding: "I'm starting to be more passionate about [eating natural foods]. I don't want to have kids anytime soon, but when I do, I want my body to be healthy."

Hough was recently reported to be in the running to become a judge on X Factor USA.

She previously signed to star alongside Tom Cruise in the upcoming film adaptation of the hit Broadway show Rock of Ages.