Ever since she burst onto the supermodel scene in the 90s, Cindy Crawford has had the perfect mix of slim and curvy
But unlike some stars who claim their perfect bodies are down to running after their kids or, even more unbelievably, a magical metabolism, Cindy isn’t afraid to admit hers is mostly due to discipline.
Here, her long-time trainer Valerie Waters (who also works with Kate Beckinsale and other A-listers), reveals her secrets for keeping in shape...
Eat little and often
“Cindy says it’s important to eat small meals throughout the day so you’re never hungry,” says Valerie. “She snacks between breakfast and lunch so she’s not hungry when she’s ready to eat.”
She tucks into five small meals a day, which keeps her metabolism revved up and also keeps hunger pangs at bay. Cindy herself says: ‘You have to eat regularly to maintain your energy levels. If you starve your body it will simply store everything that you do eat.’”
Why this works
Studies show your metabolism peaks when you eat five or so small meals a day, rather than three big ones. Breakfast is the most important of those (Cindy never skips it) and it should also be your biggest meal.
Crash dieting, or going for too long without food, causes your metabolism to slow down and can also encourage you to binge on fatty or sugary foods.
Experts suggest never going for more than three hours without a small healthy meal or snack.
Drink lots of water
“Cindy makes sure she drinks plenty of water,” says Valerie. “I personally try to drink at least three litres a day. In fact, one of Cindy’s tops tips is: ‘Drink lots of water, find a form of exercise you enjoy and don’t smoke.’”
Why this works
Water flushes out toxins which can cause our bodies to cling to fat. “When you cut out the toxins it’s easier to lose weight,” says trainer James Duigan, who coaches Cindy’s fellow supermodel Elle Macpherson
“If you reduce toxins like caffeine, alcohol and sugar your body burns fat faster.”
Aim for two or three litres of still water a day – this shouldn’t include sparkling water because it can make you bloated, but can include herbal teas such as peppermint (which isn’t bloating) or green tea (which helps burn fat).
Be portion smart
Valerie has always advised Cindy to fill half her lunch plate with vegetables or salad, a quarter with lean protein (such as eggs, chicken, fish, shellfish or red meat) and the remaining quarter with brown carbs (such as brown rice, pasta or bread).
At dinner time she suggests leaving the carbs out altogether. Cindy says: “I watch the carbs a bit more these days but I don’t cut them out.”
Why this works
Many fad diets suggest cutting out carbs altogether, but most nutritionists argue that they are a vital part of a healthy diet and provide fibre. However, while it’s important to include carbs in your diet studies show that cutting back on them slightly helps weight loss.
Try having one carb-free meal a day, but make sure you include them for the other two. Healthy choices include wholegrain bread, wholemeal pasta and rice. Fruit and vegetables are also a great source of fibre and should be eaten every day.
Treat yourself
Valerie lets her clients cheat, as long as they don’t do it too often: “Cindy can have a slice of pizza or a glass of wine without feeling guilty because she never goes too far off track,” says Valerie.
However, she only indulges once in a while and recently said: “When we go to fast-food restaurants, my kids always say: ‘Aren’t you hungry, mummy’ But I look at the fries and think it’s just not worth it.”
Why this works
Allowing yourself the odd treat keeps you on track, according to studies. If you restrict yourself the whole time you’re more likely to fall off the wagon. But if you give yourself something to look forward to like pizza, wine or ice-cream night every Friday, then dieting for the rest of the week won’t seem such a chore.
Eat simple food
Valerie insists her clients stick mostly to foods that are whole and natural such as chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts.
source: mirror.co.uk
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