How Fergie's 'Mind Tricks' Help Keep Her Slim

Many of us employ methods or secret motivations to stop us from choosing unhealthy snack options or having just one more bite of a delicious dessert. And in the upcoming May issue of "Elle" (which hits newsstands on April 14), celeb songstress Fergie admitted to playing "mind tricks" on herself in order to curb her appetite and keep her svelte figure.

"I'm not going to lie: There are times I play mind tricks on myself, like that the french fries are poison," she told "Elle."

While this might be a bit of an extreme way to view our favorite greasy foods, Fergie has always been dedicated to weight-loss and fitness.

After gaining 13 pounds for her role in the movie "Nine," she shed 17 as of this past February through a 1,600 calorie-per-day diet, and by eating a variety of foods that help her get through rigorous workouts (frequently focusing on her butt).

While Fergie has been hitting the gym hard post-Nine, in the past the singer has notoriously been more of an outdoor junkie, opting to run on the beach, hike and climb up and down the Santa Monica steps than be a slave to the gym.

In the same way she admits pretending that French fries are "poison," Fergie, like other celebs, have also used vinegar shots to help cleanse the colon, reduce bloating and cut cravings. And when it comes to her sweet tooth, she admitted to Elle that "With desserts, I'll let myself have just one bite, but I'll look like a freak when I'm eating it, like when I did Duncan Hines commercials as a kid, just savoring every morsel."

Do you think playing mind tricks to avoid your favorite (but very unhealthy) vices is an effective dieting tool? If so, what foods are at the top of your list?

Find out why another motivated celeb, Jennifer Hudson, has recently become the face of Weight Watchers.