Nicole Scherzinger has admitted that she began dieting at an early age.

The X Factor USA judge opened up in the latest issue of Shape magazine about her rollercoaster relationship with food and the scale.

Although she now follows a sensible eating programme, Nicole says that it hasn't always been that way.

"It's taken a long time to get here," Nicole told the publication. "I started jogging and counting calories when I was just 14. I've been on every diet you can imagine."

"By the time I was in the Pussycat Dolls, I was on the scale all the time. It became my enemy because I noticed that when I exercised really hard, I'd gain weight. Now that I'm in my 30s, I've stepped off the scale I just go by how my clothes fit."

Nicole says that she has a new mantra on maintaining a healthy attitude to her body.

"My new motto is: Stay active, eat everything in moderation, and stop being so tough on myself," she revealed.

The 33-year-old also claims to have a healthy appetite and does not eliminate any food groups from her diet.

"I eat a lot!" she says. "Even with my crazy schedule, I never skip meals. I'll often have soft-boiled eggs, smoked salmon and whole-wheat toast for breakfast; cold cuts, veggies, and fruit for lunch; and usually chicken or fish with rice and more vegetables for dinner."

But the performer, whose solo album Killer Love is out soon, maintains that she does allow herself the occasional treat.

"To really satisfy my cravings, I turn to my roots," she said. "I was born in Hawaii, so I loved dried tuna dipped in soy sauce, kalua pig, banana pancakes with coconut syrup, and chocolate covered macadamia nuts. My gosh, I could gain 10 pounds just talking about these foods!"