Hollywood is a place where legends are born. Stars become our idols and often inspire us to make a change. We’re sure you’ve said to yourself at least once: “Oh, why wasn’t I born with perfect genes like hers?” But the truth is, behind those perfect star bodies lie hard work, training and special eating habits. For most famous women on the American scene, fate hasn’t been as kind as it might seem, while for others, it has. Here’s what some of America’s most popular actresses, singers and first ladies do to always look perfect on screen or on stage.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is a symbol of femininity and refined beauty. Known for her roles as Lara Croft and Mrs. Smith, the actress follows a strict vegan diet. Her menu consists mostly of steamed vegetables, roasted almonds and walnuts, which provide healthy fats. Angelina categorically avoids packaged foods and canned goods. To keep her body in shape, the actress combines several types of exercise. For a flat stomach and toned muscles, her trainers have designed a program that includes aerobic exercise at the gym and sit-ups. While preparing physically for the filming of “Tomb Raider,” Jolie also trained in strength exercises and traditionally male sports such as boxing and kickboxing.
Read more: How to recover your muscles after a workout
Selena Gomez
Teen idol Selena Gomez is one of the most popular young singers of our time. The star rose to fame in Disney series before going on to build a dazzling music career. Her innocent smile and natural charm make many young girls dream of being like her. The truth is that, despite being young and having good genes, Selena follows a strict diet and works out every day. Her sports activities include Pilates, Yoga and SoulCycle, which is centered around cycling. The music star is convinced that sweating intensely flushes all the toxins from her body. She follows a 45-minute routine in which she wears a special suit that makes her sweat and warms her body. Selena compares this way of sweating to a sauna and is sure it’s what has made her skin soft and radiant. She drinks several liters of water a day, avoids alcohol and always aims to keep her body hydrated. Selena Gomez has a habit of drinking lots of fruit and vegetable juices. Wherever she goes, she takes a juicer with her. The singer’s favorite recipe for a healthy and delicious vegetable juice is simple and nutritious. She blends two carrots, celery, a few pieces of ginger and half a beet to stay in top shape.
Read more: TOP 5 exercises for a sexy female butt
Jessica Alba
This blonde beauty is considered one of Hollywood’s sexiest women. The secret to her diet is what’s known as “portion control.” Jessica says she loves to eat, but always eats only half her portion, no matter what she’s served at a restaurant or someone’s home. The actress strictly monitors her carbohydrate intake and has categorically banned bread and sweet treats. Jessica has no problem working out, but prefers cardio exercises such as jogging. She follows these with strength exercises and ends her workout with another short round of cardio. This alternation between different types of exercise is known as interval training and has a beneficial effect on boosting metabolism.
Read more: CrossFit in focus: Why is it such a hit around the world and at home?
Emilia Clarke
Known as Daenerys Targaryen, Mother of Dragons, Breaker of Chains and Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea in the hit series “Game of Thrones,” she was named the Sexiest Woman Alive for 2015 by Esquire magazine. But such a major accolade comes with its own demands. The charming actress follows a strict diet to look good in the series that made her hugely popular. She admits she is forbidden from eating anything that looks tasty. She follows the “Clean and Lean” diet, based on the principle that food should be as clean as possible—with no processed foods, chips or junk food. Emilia avoids sugar and alcohol. She focuses on fruit and vegetables and works out several times a week, alternating strength training with cardio or kickboxing.
Read more: 5 Exercises for a Toned Stomach
Melania Trump
The First Lady of the United States is a former fashion model and looks incredible, especially considering she is 48. Melania Trump has impeccable style and a figure many 20-year-old women dream of. The president’s wife is known for avoiding talk about her private life and keeping a low profile in front of the cameras. Still, Mrs. Trump admits she tries to eat at least seven pieces of fruit every day and drink smoothies rich in vitamins A, C and E to keep her body and skin healthy. She never skips breakfast, drinks plenty of water and avoids sweets, but treats herself to a piece of dark chocolate from time to time. Melania Trump maintains an impressive figure, but her trademark is her long, sexy legs. To keep them looking that way, she trains with ankle weights and practices Pilates every day.
Read more: Leg Day: What You Need to Know About Leg Workouts
The stars we admire are ordinary people just like us. The difference is that they strive to grow and become a better version of themselves. They prove that nothing comes for free, and that achieving the body of our dreams takes the necessary effort. The good news is, you can start working toward it right now.
BONUS
Let’s not forget the stronger half of humanity! See how Jean-Claude Van Damme, Will Smith, Hugh Jackman, Vin Diesel and many other action heroes work out in the video below: