Jennifer Hudson and Weight Watchers–the plan for which she served as spokesperson and with which she lost 80 pounds–are parting ways. Her contract was about to come to an end and it was a mutually agreeable separation when she chose not to extend it. The former Dreamgirls star doesn’t even resemble the woman she was when she appeared in the 2006 film. She looks years younger and so much healthier now than she did eight years ago.

“I have chosen to step away from my role as ambassador and I am excited for the year to come, with many new projects and lots of new music,” Judson said as part of a statement issued to PEOPLE magazine.

“My experience with Weight Watchers has truly been life changing. I am grateful for what I have learned throughout the process and will always take it with me.”

A Weight Watchers representative chimed in on the departure.

“We’re confident Jennifer will remain a Lifetime Member. Jennifer’s healthy lifestyle and successful weight loss has inspired so many – from her friends and family to our members and staff, as well as people around the world – and we know that inspiration lives on.”

Jennifer Hudson seemed to grasp the entire premise behind Weight Watchers and used it to her advantage.

“The key about losing weight: You have to do it for you,” she told PEOPLE.

Today we salute @IAMJHUD as the best @WeightWatchers spokeswoman in the company's history! Well done, Jennifer! #WW pic.twitter.com/RujDbGKQRf

— The JHUD Group (@TheJHUDGroup) March 14, 2014

She never felt pressured to lose weight in order to meet the often unreachable Hollywood standards.

Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson have appeared in a few Weight Watchers commercials together, but this means Hudson will officially pass the reins to Simpson. She will now be the only official Weight Watchers spokesperson throughout all of 2014.

Hudson deserves kudos for sticking to her weight loss plan despite her crazy schedule. As a mom and a performer–not to mention the stress of losing her mother and brother to murder a few years ago–she has put her health first, and she now reaps the benefits of a healthy, svelte figure as a result of it. She sets a fine example for women everywhere who strive to make permanent lifestyle changes.

Image via YouTube