Skip to content
Fitness & Workouts

How Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44

Here are the tips that keep the actress fit in her forties.

Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 04, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
LOS ANGELES - NOV 04: Carrie Coon arrives for the ÔFord v FerrariÕ Screening on November 04, 2019 in Hollywood, CA
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 04, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
Fitness & Workouts

Carrie Coon, 44, has been heating up the screen this season on The White Lotus as Laurie, a divorced New Yorker vacationing at the Thailand resort with her trio of forty-something friend group, including Leslie Bibb and Michelle Monaghan. In the latest episode, the star grabbed attention in her raciest scene yet, leading millions of Americans to wonder: How does she stay so fit? Body Network rounded up the star’s top health and wellness habits that keep her looking super fit in her forties.

Strength Training

Coon relies on strength training to keep her body strong and fit. In July 2024, she shared her strength training workout on Instagram.

1) Squat x12 (jump squat if no updo/giant hat)

2) Chest dips x8 if you have two chairs)

3) Elevated push-ups on couch x12

4) Step-ups on couch x10 each leg

5) Reverse push-up position alternating leg raises x12 each leg

6) Single-leg deadlift to reverse lunch x10 each leg

She Brings Workout Equipment with Her When She Travels

“I’m a very good packer,” Coon told Harper’s Bazaar. “I experience a lot of shame if I have a heavy suitcase. I find myself telling the person checking my bag, ‘I’m so sorry. I have some weights in there because there isn’t a gym at this hotel….’ And my husband’s like, ‘Nobody cares!’ But I have to tell everyone why it’s heavy.”

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

She Embraces Her Age

LOS ANGELES - FEB 10: Carrie Coon at the White Lotus Season 3 Premiere at Paramount Studios on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, CAHow Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44Shutterstock

Years before playing a 40-something in The White Lotus and shortly before turning 40 herself, Coon had a lengthy conversation with The Hollywood Reporter about sexualization and how Hollywood shapes societal standards. “And we know what it values in women; it’s youth and beauty, not experience. So I’m always looking for scripts that tell stories that resemble the women in my life that I know who are full and complex human beings, and who are their most deeply interesting after 40,” she says. “There is a phenomenon where women become invisible after a certain age, and it’s a shame because, like I said, the women I know become fierce and interesting after 40. I can’t wait to turn 40. I turn 40 in January, and 30 was such a huge paradigm shift for me in terms of my identity, my ability to say no, my ability to know who I was and what I wanted, and also to start asking for it. And so, I’m really looking forward to it, and I wish that women weren’t made so afraid of aging because it made an industry a lot of money.

She Is in “Recovery”

LOS ANGELES - FEB 22: Tracy Letts, Carrie Coon at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Beach on February 22, 2025 in Santa Monica, CA

Shutterstock

During the Feb. 24 episode of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast Coon revealed that she and her husband, Tracy Letts, are ideeply rooted in the recovery world. “Tracy and I are both, you know, we're both in recovery,” Coon said. “We both have done a lot of like AA, Al-Anon therapy. We have a lot of that language in our house.”

She Reads

Coon is a reader and regularly shares photos of books she is devouring. “Finished. #Books!” she captioned one of them. One Harvard study published in Social Science & Medicine found that people who read books regularly had a 20% lower risk of dying over the next 12 years than those who weren't readers or who read periodicals. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic, the workout has many benefits, as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility, resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, stress, and back pain relief, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Pilates

LOS ANGELES - NOV 02: Carrie Coon arrives for the LACMA Art and Film Gala 2019 on November 02, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA​She Is in “Recovery”Shutterstock

Coon kept in shape while filming Fargo with regularly Pilates sessions."Thank you @klaassendiana Melissa, Andrea and all the fabulous ladies of #CalgaryPilates for keeping me fit & aligned during #FARGO. Pilates for life!” she captioned an Instagram post. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

white lotuscarrie cooncelebrities

More For You

Fitness & Workouts

How Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44

LOS ANGELES - NOV 04: Carrie Coon arrives for the ÔFord v FerrariÕ Screening on November 04, 2019 in Hollywood, CA
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 04, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio

Carrie Coon, 44, has been heating up the screen this season on The White Lotus as Laurie, a divorced New Yorker vacationing at the Thailand resort with her trio of forty-something friend group, including Leslie Bibb and Michelle Monaghan. In the latest episode, the star grabbed attention in her raciest scene yet, leading millions of Americans to wonder: How does she stay so fit? Body Network rounded up the star’s top health and wellness habits that keep her looking super fit in her forties.

Strength Training

Coon relies on strength training to keep her body strong and fit. In July 2024, she shared her strength training workout on Instagram.

1) Squat x12 (jump squat if no updo/giant hat)

2) Chest dips x8 if you have two chairs)

3) Elevated push-ups on couch x12

4) Step-ups on couch x10 each leg

5) Reverse push-up position alternating leg raises x12 each leg

6) Single-leg deadlift to reverse lunch x10 each leg

She Brings Workout Equipment with Her When She Travels

“I’m a very good packer,” Coon told Harper’s Bazaar. “I experience a lot of shame if I have a heavy suitcase. I find myself telling the person checking my bag, ‘I’m so sorry. I have some weights in there because there isn’t a gym at this hotel….’ And my husband’s like, ‘Nobody cares!’ But I have to tell everyone why it’s heavy.”

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

She Embraces Her Age

LOS ANGELES - FEB 10: Carrie Coon at the White Lotus Season 3 Premiere at Paramount Studios on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, CAHow Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44Shutterstock

Years before playing a 40-something in The White Lotus and shortly before turning 40 herself, Coon had a lengthy conversation with The Hollywood Reporter about sexualization and how Hollywood shapes societal standards. “And we know what it values in women; it’s youth and beauty, not experience. So I’m always looking for scripts that tell stories that resemble the women in my life that I know who are full and complex human beings, and who are their most deeply interesting after 40,” she says. “There is a phenomenon where women become invisible after a certain age, and it’s a shame because, like I said, the women I know become fierce and interesting after 40. I can’t wait to turn 40. I turn 40 in January, and 30 was such a huge paradigm shift for me in terms of my identity, my ability to say no, my ability to know who I was and what I wanted, and also to start asking for it. And so, I’m really looking forward to it, and I wish that women weren’t made so afraid of aging because it made an industry a lot of money.

She Is in “Recovery”

LOS ANGELES - FEB 22: Tracy Letts, Carrie Coon at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Beach on February 22, 2025 in Santa Monica, CA

Shutterstock

During the Feb. 24 episode of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast Coon revealed that she and her husband, Tracy Letts, are ideeply rooted in the recovery world. “Tracy and I are both, you know, we're both in recovery,” Coon said. “We both have done a lot of like AA, Al-Anon therapy. We have a lot of that language in our house.”

She Reads

Coon is a reader and regularly shares photos of books she is devouring. “Finished. #Books!” she captioned one of them. One Harvard study published in Social Science & Medicine found that people who read books regularly had a 20% lower risk of dying over the next 12 years than those who weren't readers or who read periodicals. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic, the workout has many benefits, as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility, resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, stress, and back pain relief, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Pilates

LOS ANGELES - NOV 02: Carrie Coon arrives for the LACMA Art and Film Gala 2019 on November 02, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA​She Is in “Recovery”Shutterstock

Coon kept in shape while filming Fargo with regularly Pilates sessions."Thank you @klaassendiana Melissa, Andrea and all the fabulous ladies of #CalgaryPilates for keeping me fit & aligned during #FARGO. Pilates for life!” she captioned an Instagram post. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

She Got Her Dream Body at 45

Shauna Theresa shaunatheresa
Copyright shaunatheresa/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 23, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:

If you struggle to lose weight in your forties using the same weight loss tools as you did in your thirties, you probably fail to make progress. According to one expert, the same diet and fitness routines stop working as you age. Shauna Theresa is a women’s fitness and nutrition coach who helps women over 40 “boost metabolism, build strong, sculpted bodies, and lose fat for life” using her STRONG method. In a new social media post the influencer, who looks better at 45 than she did at 25, reveals some of the wisdom she learned the hard way. “If I knew these sooner I would have saved myself SO MUCH time and grief on my fitness journey,” she writes in the Instagram caption. “5 things I wish I knew before age 40.”

Carbs Are Not the Enemy

The first thing she wishes she knew in your younger years is that carbohydrates are not the enemy. “Carbs are your friend! They have gotten a bad rap over the years and I fell into the trap of thinking they were hindering my progress when in fact they have been a CRITICAL component with getting stronger and looking more “toned”. Carbs are your muscles preferred energy source, especially when weight training. Muscle is where you store glucose, more muscle means better insulin sensitivity. Having carbs pre and post training will optimize your results!” she writes.

Walking Daily Is a Game Changer

Next, she wishes she laced up her sneakers more. “Walking daily is underrated. I used to think I had to spend hours running, sweating away on a stairmaster or doing HIIT to lose fat but diet is KING for fat loss. Although walking has helped with my body composition and it doesn’t compete weight lifting like intense cardio can. It also lowers stress, helps digestion, is easy to do PLUS it doesn’t impact hunger. Very important when in a calorie deficit,” she writes.

Calorie Deficit Plus Weight Training Makes You Toned

“Calorie Deficit + Weight Training = TONED,” is the third thing she wishes she knew sooner. “To get ‘toned’ you need 2 things, less body fat (achieved with a deficit) and more muscle (achieved with weight training). If you’re new to training you may lose fat and build muscle at the same time, but most people need separate phases to focus on fat loss then muscle building. It takes time but it’s 1000% worth it. You will NOT get toned by using high reps with low weight. Lift hard and align your diet with your goals,” she writes.

You Lose Muscle As You Age

Next, “Aging comes with muscle loss,” she writes. “If you are not weight lifting, you’ll lose lean muscle mass which impacts hormones, metabolism, energy, function, insulin sensitivity and more. Even if it’s just 2 days a week, get in the gym. Lift some weights with a goal of getting stronger. Your 80 year old self will thank you.”

Building Muscle Is the Best Anti-Aging Too

And her last piece of wisdom? “The BEST anti-aging hack is more muscle. It’s the organ of longevity. It will help you have a youthful hormonal profile, keep metabolism optimal, keep you toned, help you remain mobile for all your years and helps preserve your cognitive health. Muscle is not to be feared! It is the answer to aging well and looking fine!” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

Nutrition & Diet

Lindsay Lohan Flaunts Washboard Abs: Here’s Her “Little Secret” to Looking Great at 38

Lindsay,Lohan,Actress, celebrity
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 06, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:

Lindsay Lohan is showing off her washboard abs in the latest issue of Flaunt magazine. In a new post shared by the star, she looks ab fab in a white tank top and low-slung jeans – but that’s not all people are talking about. The star of the Netflix hit Our Little Secret has experienced a recent glow-up, looking younger than she did a decade ago. Here is everything you need to know about the diet, workout, and wellness routine responsible for her ageless beauty, body, and overall happiness.

She Does Pilates

LOS ANGELES - MAR 15: Lindsay Lohan at the Clarins New Product Launch Party on the Private Residence on March 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, CAShutterstock

When describing her day to Flaunt, Lohan reveals that her mornings in Dubai, where she lives with her husband and son, involve a certain workout. “I do anything that anyone else does in their daily life. I’m up with my son in the mornings, I do breakfast with him, go to my pilates, come home for lunch, and go to the park, the same things that any normal mom would do in their daily life,” she says.

She Loves Fried Chicken

In 2020, on her podcast The Lohdown with Lindsay Lohan, she and her sister Aliana discussed their favorite snacks and fast food restaurants, playing "This or That" regarding their food favorites. When asked to choose between KFC or Popeyes, she couldn’t. However, she did cop to preferring KFC's coleslaw and chicken but mashed potatoes and gravy from Popeyes.

She Likes Starbucks Green Tea

Lohan is a tea drinker. Her choice between Starbucks and Dunkin'? The former, due to the fact that their iced green tea lemonade is her favorite.

RELATED: Coach Dropped 100 Pounds Using These 9 Daily Habits

She Snacks

LOS ANGELES, USA. March 10, 2024: Lindsay Lohan at the 30th Vanity Fair Oscar Party.Shutterstock

Lohan loves to snack. On her podcast she revealed that one of her go-tos is wasabi peas. She is also a fan of shopping in the prepared food aisle to make healthy eating convenient.

She Maintains That “Everyone’s Getting So Thin Now,” Because of Ozempic

In an interview with Bustle, Lindsay discussed the Ozempic ear. “Everyone’s getting so thin now. I feel like everything always comes full circle again, so this is that moment, and this, too, shall pass. But it does seem like there’s pressure,” she says.

She Didn’t Pressure Herself to “Snap Back” After Childbirth

Lindsay told Bustle that she is proud of her body after having a baby and didn’t cave to the pressure to “snap back” when her son was born. “I was so attached to [Luai] that my last thought was going on a treadmill. I feel like we put so much pressure on ourselves to have to look ‘good’ so soon, but you look so beautiful [postpartum]. Give yourself time,” she said.

She Sticks to “Positive Manifestation and Baby Foods” on Social Media

[rebelmouse-image 55583584 expand=1 dam=1 alt="Lindsay Lohan attends the Los Angeles Premiere of "Cloverfield" held at the Paramount Pictures Lot in Hollywood, California, United States on January 16, 2008." site_id=26818373 is_animated_gif="false" original_size="1200x879" crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//assets.rbl.ms/55583584/origin.jpg%22%2C%20%22thumbnails%22%3A%20%7B%22origin%22%3A%20%22https%3A//assets.rbl.ms/55583584/origin.jpg%22%2C%20%221200x600%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D600%26coordinates%3D0%252C139%252C0%252C140%22%2C%20%22600x%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D600%22%2C%20%221200x800%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D800%26coordinates%3D0%252C39%252C0%252C40%22%2C%20%222000x1500%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D2000%26height%3D1500%26coordinates%3D14%252C0%252C14%252C0%22%2C%20%22210x%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D210%22%2C%20%22600x200%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D600%26height%3D200%26coordinates%3D0%252C239%252C0%252C240%22%2C%20%22750x1000%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D750%26height%3D1000%26coordinates%3D270%252C0%252C270%252C0%22%2C%20%22600x400%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D600%26height%3D400%26coordinates%3D0%252C39%252C0%252C40%22%2C%20%2235x35%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D35%26height%3D35%22%2C%20%22600x300%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D600%26height%3D300%26coordinates%3D0%252C139%252C0%252C140%22%2C%20%22980x%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D980%22%2C%20%221245x700%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1245%26height%3D700%26coordinates%3D0%252C102%252C0%252C102%22%2C%20%22600x600%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D600%26height%3D600%26coordinates%3D160%252C0%252C161%252C0%22%2C%20%22300x300%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26height%3D300%26coordinates%3D160%252C0%252C161%252C0%22%2C%20%221500x2000%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1500%26height%3D2000%26coordinates%3D270%252C0%252C270%252C0%22%2C%20%221200x400%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D400%26coordinates%3D0%252C239%252C0%252C240%22%2C%20%22700x1245%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D700%26height%3D1245%26coordinates%3D352%252C0%252C353%252C0%22%2C%20%221000x750%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1000%26height%3D750%26coordinates%3D14%252C0%252C14%252C0%22%2C%20%22300x%22%3A%20%22https%3A//rebelmouse.bodynetwork.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81NTU4MzU4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NzY1NzU1MH0.rsvqN9olQDkMeaCQ6KGELsso1853qwoEkUV8eYfYcl8/image.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%22%7D%2C%20%22manual_image_crops%22%3A%20%7B%229x16%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%22700x1245%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%200%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20879%2C%20%22width%22%3A%20495%2C%20%22left%22%3A%20352%7D%2C%20%22600x300%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%22600x300%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%20139%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20600%2C%20%22width%22%3A%201200%2C%20%22left%22%3A%200%7D%2C%20%223x1%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%221200x400%22%2C%20%22600x200%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%20239%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20400%2C%20%22width%22%3A%201200%2C%20%22left%22%3A%200%7D%2C%20%223x2%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%221200x800%22%2C%20%22600x400%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%2039%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20800%2C%20%22width%22%3A%201200%2C%20%22left%22%3A%200%7D%2C%20%221x1%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%22600x600%22%2C%20%22300x300%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%200%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20879%2C%20%22width%22%3A%20879%2C%20%22left%22%3A%20160%7D%2C%20%223x4%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%221500x2000%22%2C%20%22750x1000%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%200%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20879%2C%20%22width%22%3A%20660%2C%20%22left%22%3A%20270%7D%2C%20%2216x9%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%221245x700%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%20102%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20675%2C%20%22width%22%3A%201200%2C%20%22left%22%3A%200%7D%2C%20%224x3%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%222000x1500%22%2C%20%221000x750%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%200%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20879%2C%20%22width%22%3A%201172%2C%20%22left%22%3A%2014%7D%2C%20%222x1%22%3A%20%7B%22sizes%22%3A%20%5B%221200x600%22%2C%20%22600x300%22%5D%2C%20%22top%22%3A%20139%2C%20%22height%22%3A%20600%2C%20%22width%22%3A%201200%2C%20%22left%22%3A%200%7D%7D%7D" caption="" photo_credit="Shutterstock" title=""]Shutterstock

Lindsay carefully curates what she is exposed to online, avoiding fashion for the most part. “My stuff is positive manifestations and baby foods,” she told Bustle. She likes to be surrounded by “positive people,” she added. “People, places and things I’m a big believer in, and that definitely has shaped more of who I am today.”

RELATED: Coach Reveals Why You Will Never Burn Fat Until You Get These 4 Habits Right

She Exercises for Mental Health

Lindsay focuses on the mental health aspects of working out. “People forget about that part of it and will often just focus on the physical benefits. But when you work out, you're also getting endorphins that make you feel good, you sleep better, and you don't seem to stress out as much. I also like the idea that when you work out, you're taking time for yourself. It's self-care,” she told Health.

She Runs

Having “a routine” is key when it comes to exercise, she says. “That's really important to me. I work out three or four days a week. I'm not an outdoor runner, but I love the treadmill. I'll just put my headphones on, put the treadmill on an incline, and alternate between speed walking, jogging, and sprinting,” she told Health.

She Focuses on “Balance” with Her Diet

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05, 2019: Lindsay Lohan on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne AustraliaShutterstock

What is her diet? “I try to focus on balance. I love cooking and looking at recipes, so that's something that helps me incorporate healthy foods. And I don't have a sweet tooth. Sometimes I do crave fast food. When I do, I'll go for a kids' meal—that's my trick. My fiancé and siblings all make fun of me for it. I really only do that once in a blue moon. Again, it's about balancing those things with lots of other healthy, nutritious options,” she told Health.

RELATED: She Has Instagram-Famous Abs and Here Is What She Eats in a Day to Achieve Them

She Meditates Daily

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05, 2019: Lindsay Lohan on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne AustraliaShutterstock

She also gets her zen on. “I meditate daily. Once a day, I take 10 to 15 minutes, and I do some breathing work paired with some spiritual prayers. It gives me time to focus,” she told Health. “I will actually go into the bathroom to meditate. I turn on the shower and leave it running while I do it. It may sound weird, but the sound of the water calms me—it's cozy and feels like no one can bother you.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Here Is How Demi Moore Got Her Sexy-at-61 Body for "The Substance"

Celebrity, actress, Demi,Moore,At,The,Los,Angeles,Premiere,Of,'the,Substance'
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 11, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Demi Moore is celebrating her Golden Globes nomination! In a new social media post, the 61-year-old star watches on as her name is read as a nominee for the Best Female Actor Motion Picture Musical/Comedy for her role in "The Substance." “The best news to wake up to — @trythesubstance was nominated for five @goldenglobes!! Truly honored to be nominated and so proud of this film,” she captioned the set of Instagram videos. In the film, Moore plays an aerobics celebrity who takes a black market serum to become a "younger, more beautiful, more perfect" version of herself – something she has managed to do in real life without injecting a cell-replicating substance. Here is everything we know about Demi’s approach to diet and exercise.

Earlier in Life She Biked 60 Miles Per Day

In a recent interview, Demi discussed her unhealthy approach to exercise when she was younger. “I put so much pressure on myself,” she confessed to CBS Sunday Morning. “I did have experiences of being told to lose weight. And all of those, while they may have been embarrassing and humiliating, it’s what I did to myself because of that.” She maintains that just months after giving birth to Scout, she was shooting Indecent Proposal. “So, I was feeding her through the night, getting up in the dark with a trainer, with a headlamp, biking all the way to Paramount, wherever, even on the location where we were shooting; then shooting a full day, which is usually a 12-hour day; and then starting all over again,” she said. It wasn’t uncommon for her to hike 60 miles per day. “Even just the idea of, like, what I did to my body, it’s, like, so crazy, so ridiculous.” Would she do it again? “You look back, and you kinda go, ‘Did it really matter that much?’ Probably not,” she said. “But at the time, I made it mean everything.”

She Had a Toxic Relationship with Exercise

In her memoir Inside Out, Moore details her toxic relationship with fitness. "I didn’t feel like I could stop exercising,” she wrote. “It was my job to fit into that unforgiving military uniform I’d be wearing in two months in 'A Few Good Men.' Getting in shape for that movie launched the obsession with working out that would consume me.”

She Broke Up with Disordered Exercise in 1997

After shooting G.I. Jane in 1997, Demi broke her pattern of disordered exercise after “bulking up enormously” for her role as a military officer. “My usual reaction would have been to start starving myself again, to begin an exercise regime designed to reduce the bulk, but I did neither. I had reached my limit,” she wrote in her memoir. “When I got home to Idaho, I had an epiphany in the shower one day: I just need to be my natural size.”

RELATED: Coach Drops 20 Pounds in 90 Days By Breaking Rules, “What I Didn't Know Was Working Against Me”

She Surrendered

She added to The New York Times that she "really experienced the gift of surrender” at that point in life. "I was so kind of worn down in this battle that I had been in that I finally surrendered. I just started to ask to be my natural size because I didn’t know what it was. I literally couldn’t go to a gym. I couldn’t control food in that way." In her memoir, she added that she had even gotten rid of her home gym. “I started by giving up hard exercise. I never went back into the gym in the house. Never. The room it occupied is now my office.”

She Lost 20 Pounds While Filming The Substance Due to Shingles

While filming The Substance, Demi contracted shingles, a “painful rash illness” caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “To give you an idea of the intensity, my first week that I actually had off, where it was just Margaret working, I got shingles,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “And I then lost, like, 20 pounds.”

Emotional Sobriety

Demi added to the New York Times that she finally feels "emotionally sober," which impacts “the quality of how I interact with people, my ability to show up for others,” she said. “That’s all within my emotional sobriety... I can go into a room at a gathering, and if I’m uncomfortable, I don’t need to try to take the edge off it. I can actually just go: ‘Oh, wow. Isn’t that interesting? I’m a little uncomfortable right now.’” She focuses on what is in front of her, not chasing perfection. "That deep reminder of appreciating who you are, as you are, where you are, just resonated more as [filming The Substance] went along," she says. "And not just the external. Really, all of those internal things of who we are that we often can overlook. And the journey of what it’s taken to get where you are."

At-Home Workouts

While she might not have a home gym, Moore has revealed that she exercises using The Mirror. “Five minutes at level one, which is doable after not working out for over four years, right? I am stalling!” she wrote on Instagram. One of her favorites? Dancing.

RELATED: 58-Year-Old Fitness Coach Shows How to Take 3,500 Steps in 30 Minutes

Pilates

She also does Pilates with friends. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many benefits to the workout, such as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility, resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

Coffee and Energy Drinks

Demi has been sober for many years. However, she does enjoy getting her caffeine fix. Energy drinks – like Red Bull – and coffee are her go-to sources.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several benefits of drinking coffee in moderation. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals How Many Meals Per Day You Should Eat to Lose Fat

Gut Health

Moore prioritizes gut health. She takes watermelon mint digestive tablets created by Wonderbelly. A gut antacid that is a “known and needed product on the most clean level.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

I’m Super Fit at 54 and Here Are 5 Things I Do to Be “Fitter, Stronger, and Healthier”

Annie_Murray_anniesfitnesssteyning2
anniesfitnesssteyning/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 08, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Don’t let menopause be an excuse for not getting into shape. Annie Murray (@anniesfitnesssteyning) is a 54-year-old fitness trainer whose mission is “empowering mid-lifers to get strong, build healthy habits, and be the best version of themselves.” She regularly offers fitness, motivation, and nutrition tips to her followers on how to be the healthiest version of themselves through and beyond menopause. In a recent viral post, she reveals how she got into the best shape of her life and the changes she made to get there.

In the First Photo She Was 42 and Perimenopausal

Annie shares before-and-after images of herself during the perimenopausal stage and after menopause. “The photo on the left was taken when I was 42 years old. At the time, I was perimenopausal with low Tmuscle mass, low body weight, and low energy. I was constantly ill, experiencing bouts of shingles and chest infections,” she says.

This Was Her Training Routine and Diet

Home training concept. Smiling senior woman doing elbow plank on yoga mat in living room. Positive mature lady doing her workout routine, exercising indoors, strengthening her core musclesShutterstock

Her nutrition and exercise routine consisted of:

- Hours of cardio

- Bodyweight exercises

- Cutting out food groups

- Yo-yo dieting

- Eating too much convenience food, processed sugar and refined carbohydrates

- Drinking alcohol regularly

She Is Healthier at 54 Than She Was at 42

“The photo on the right was taken last week when I turned 54,” she continues. “I am currently post-menopausal, with high muscle mass and low body fat. My body weight has increased, I eat more, I have higher energy levels, and my immune system is strong. My metabolic age is 36, with a visceral fat rating of 2.”

Strength Training

One woman mature caucasian female slim hands hold dumbbell while training at home or fitness center real people healthy lifestyle concept copy spaceShutterstock

She then goes on to detail her “nutrition and exercise” routine. She starts off by revealing she does strength training three times a week.

Cardio

Shot of athlete woman exercising on assault air bike.Shutterstock

She also makes sure to get cardio in, but doesn’t do as much. She does “cardio training 2-3x\week,” she writes.

Walking

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

She also makes sure to get her steps in. “Walking daily” is part of her routine.

Nutritious Whole Foods

Happy vegan woman smiling at the camera while eating a vegetable salad from a bowl. Senior woman enjoying a plant-based breakfast after a home workout. Mature woman taking care of her ageing body.Shutterstock

As for her diet, she tries to keep it clean. “Eating nutritious whole-food,” is her focus.

Protein

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

She also understands the importance of fueling up with protein. “Eating a minimum of 100g protein a day,” is key, she says.

No Processed Sugar or Refined Carbohydrates

Unhealthy Chocolate Cookies with Vanilla Cream FillingShutterstock

One of her biggest no-nos when it comes to diet? “No processed sugar or refined carbohydrates,” she writes.

No Alcohol

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

There is something else she avoids: Drinking her calories. “No alcohol” is her other major, don’t.

She Discovered Weights at 48

Fit mature woman in sportswear lifting a dumbbell during a strength training session at the gymShutterstock

“At the age of 48, I became a personal trainer and started to incorporate lighter weights into my fitness routine. At 50, I started to strength train in the gym using the progressive load technique (increasing the weight or number of reps over time). That’s when I discovered the power of lifting weights and the importance of having lean muscle mass,” she says.

Here Is Why Muscle Is Important

Fitness woman in sportswear trains shoulder muscles, doing dumbbell press while sitting on bench in gym. Back viewShutterstock

According to Annie, muscle is the “key” to:

✨ better body composition

✨ burning fat

✨ driving your metabolism

✨ protecting against disease

✨ regulating blood sugar

✨ controlling hunger

✨ increased mobility

✨ better mood

✨ increased energy

She Is “Fitter, Stronger, and Healthier” Than She Was in Her 20s

Mature lady in white shirt holding hands behind her head and expressing positive emotions while spending time outdoors.Shutterstock

Overall, she is happy where she is today. “I can safely say, I am fitter, stronger and healthier now, than I was in my 20’s,” she says.

Having Lean Muscle “Is Key”

Middle age sportswoman smiling happy training at the park.Shutterstock

“If you’re serious about staying healthy whilst you age, then having lean muscle is key. The only way to build and maintain muscle is to lift weights and don’t stop. Combined this with good nutrition and that’s the formula that’s worked for me,” she says.

She Adds That “It’s Never too Late”

Beautiful mature senior woman at home, domestic life and leisure moments - 50-60 years old pretty female adult wearing sportswear eating healthy food after fitness workoutShutterstock

Her final words of wisdom? “If I can do it, so can you. It’s never too late, and you are never too old to start,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Nutrition & Diet

10 Best Foods That Actually Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Cheerful female nutrition adviser with green apple and tape measure smiling at camera, standing at clinic office, free space. Weight loss specialist promoting healthy eating habits
I'm a Dietitian and These 5 Foods Actually Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 04, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Are your blood sugar levels high? While there are drugs that stabilize blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet is also an effective tool for lowering it. Sophie Lauver of Aeroflow Diabetes, a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, spoke to Body Network about the best foods to reduce blood sugar levels. “Unfortunately, one food alone won’t reduce blood sugar levels. But, a well-planned diet including lots of nutrient-dense foods (and the inclusion of physical activity) can play a huge role in improved blood sugar levels,” she says. According to Lauver, below are some foods that, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, will help lower blood sugar.

Berries

Beautiful young woman on a gray background holds a strawberry.Shutterstock

The first food you should eat to reduce blood sugar? Berries. “Berries are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates and can slow glucose absorption into the bloodstream,” says Lauver. “They’re rich in antioxidants and can reduce and repair stress put on our bodies.” Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all great options.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Lentils

Heap of raw lentils, closeupShutterstock

Lentils are an excellent lean protein that contains carbohydrates. “This mighty pairing of lean protein + carbohydrate can keep you full and mitigate the impact of glucose spikes into your bloodstream, stabilizing your blood sugar,” she says. How should you eat lentils? Add them to soups, cook and eat as a side, or throw them in salads.

Quinoa

cooking and home concept - close up of female emptying jar with quinoa​Greek Chicken BowlShutterstock

Quinoa is a whole grain, “meaning the grain has not been stripped of its natural vitamins, minerals, and nutrients,” she says. “Whole grains have more fiber than refined grains and have a lower glycemic index.” Eat quinoa instead of white rice, or even add into a soup for some texture.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Nuts and Seeds

Various seeds , nuts seeds , pumpkin seeds and varies in glass jar​8. Nuts and SeedsShutterstock

Nuts and seeds are another great blood sugar-lowering food. “Healthy fats, like those from plant-based nuts and seeds, when paired with carbohydrates, can slow the absorption of carbohydrates and allow for less of a spike in blood sugar,” she says.

Flaxseed

Brown,Flaxseed,,Organic,Food,For,Healthy,Eating.​Prebiotic Foods: FlaxseedsShutterstock

Also, infuse your menu with flaxseed. “Flaxseed is a powerhouse that is rich in Omega 3s, fiber, and antioxidants, and may help lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, reduce the risk of some cancers, help digestion, and improve insulin sensitivity,” she says. “Omega 3s may aid in glucose control, and research is ongoing.” Not sure how to eat flaxseed? It makes a great addition to a smoothie or smoothie bowl. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Fitness & Workouts

10 "Healthy" Habits That Actually Make You Gain Weight

Danielle Pashko thesoulhakker
Copyright thesoulhakker/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 03, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Everyone knows that eating an abundance of fast or calorie-rich food – or skipping exercise – can cause you to pack on pounds. However, there are a lot of habits that will also make you gain more weight that are a little more undercover. Are you making any avoidable mistakes that can make you gain more weight? Body Network asked Danielle Pashko, Functional Nutritionist, health coach, and author of Breaking Your Fat Girl Habits: weight loss mistakes even healthy chicks make! to reveal some of the most common missteps people take that lead to weight gain.

1. "I Can Eat Whatever I Want If I Exercise."

If you think you can eat whatever you want if you exercise, “think again,” says Pashko. “Over-exercising can trigger intense hunger, leading you to consume more calories than you burned. Without mindful eating, workouts won’t cancel out overeating,” she explains.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

2. "Gluten-Free Means Healthy."

Gluten-free does not mean healthy, according to Pashko. “Many gluten-free products—like breads, pastas, and cereals—are higher in carbs and calories than their traditional counterparts. They may be free of gluten, but that doesn’t make them a weight-loss-friendly choice,” she says.

3. "Adding MCT Oil or Butter to Coffee Boosts Metabolism."

Adding MCT oil or butter to coffee doesn’t necessarily boost metabolism. “If you’re following a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting, this might work. But if you’re also consuming moderate to high carbs, adding extra fat can quickly lead to weight gain,” Pashko explains.

4."Sushi Is Just Rice and Fish."

Sushi isn’t always the best choice for weight loss. “Many sushi rolls are loaded with hidden sugars, sauces, and fried ingredients. Even seemingly healthy dishes like chicken teriyaki can be packed with hidden calories and additives,” says Pashko.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

5. "It’s From a Health Food Restaurant, So It Must Be Good for Me."

Health food restaurants don’t always serve diet foods. Pashko points out that many “healthy” restaurant dishes—like oversized salads or grain bowls—can easily exceed 1,000 calories. “I’ve analyzed menus firsthand and was shocked at the sneaky ingredients hiding in so-called health foods.”

6. "Intermittent Fasting Helps With Weight Loss—No Matter What."

Intermittent fasting isn’t a foolproof plan for losing weight. “While fasting can be effective, some people become so ravenous at their first meal that they overcompensate by eating double. Portion control is still essential for success,” says Pashko

7. "Trendy Supplements Like Creatine Enhance Every Diet."

Trendy supplements might seem like a quick-fix for weight loss, but they aren’t. “Creatine and other trendy add-ins can cause water retention and unintended weight gain. Before following the latest TikTok wellness hack, consider whether the benefits outweigh the side effects,” she says.

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

8. "Eating a Big Meal Before a Workout Fuels Performance."

No, eating a big meal before exercise won’t necessarily fuel your performance at the gym. “A light snack can help stabilize blood sugar, but a full meal before exercise often leads to post-workout hunger—resulting in two full meals and undoing the calorie burn,” says Pashko.

9. "Strength Training Alone Is Enough to Slim Down."

Strength training is hyped as the best workout for fat loss. However, lifting might not be enough if you want to lose weight. “Resistance training is essential for metabolism and muscle health, but weight loss is difficult without incorporating some form of cardio,” Pashko maintains.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

10. "Healthy Snacks Are Unlimited."

Just because a snack is healthy, doesn’t mean you can eat unlimited amounts. “Snacking is only beneficial when it stabilizes blood sugar and prevents overeating at meals,” Pashko points out. “Keep snacks under 200 calories, with less than 5g of sugar and 30g of carbs, plus protein and fiber to keep you full. Munching on an entire bag of organic popcorn or gluten-free pretzels? That’s a disguised way of eating junk food and marketing it as healthy. Stick to real food like hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, or a few turkey slices.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Nutrition & Diet

10 Wellness Habits That Can Add 10 Years to Your Life

Amanda Hester-Smith balaveda
Copyright balaveda/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 03, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Unfortunately, the fountain of youth doesn’t exist. The good news is, that some health and wellness habits can improve longevity, and may even add years to your life. Amanda Hester-Smith, Ayurvedic & Naturopathic Practitioner, herbalist, certified yoga instructor, and founder of Balaveda, a clean energy drink brand infused with adaptogens. Body Network recently spoke to her about her wellness habits and those she recommends to her clients. According to Hester-Smith, here are 10 wellness habits that can add 10 years to your life.

1. Start Using Adaptogens

Her first wellness habit? Start using adaptogens. “Think of adaptogens like nature’s stress support team. Herbs like ashwagandha, cordyceps, Amalaki, and reishi help your body stay balanced during a hectic life. They don’t work like caffeine—they work deeper, helping you feel more calm, clear, and steady over time,” she says.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

2. Move a Little Every Day

Exercise is also key. “You don’t need a hardcore gym routine. Just make movement part of your day. A 30-minute walk, stretching in the morning, or a few bodyweight exercises can do wonders for your energy, strength, and long-term health,” she says.

3. Eat Real Food

Fried salmon steak with potatoes and vegetables on wooden tableShutterstock

Fuel your body with real food, not processed. “Your body runs best on food that looks like it came from the earth, not a package,” she says. “Focus on veggies, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. The fewer ingredients on the label, the better, and forget the processed junk.”

4. Take Sleep Seriously

She also recommends sleep. “Sleep is where your body resets, heals, and recharges,” she says, recommending at least 7 to 9 hours. “Create a bedtime routine, shut down the screens, and make your room cool and dark. Quality sleep is one of the best long-term health tools you have.”

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

5. Keep Your Brain Busy

Roller skating girl in park rollerblading on inline skates. Mixed race Asian Chinese / Caucasian woman in outdoor activities.Shutterstock

Next, keep your brain busy. “Your brain loves a challenge,” she says. “Read, learn something new, play a game, or pick up a hobby you’ve been curious about. Keeping your mind engaged keeps it sharp and healthy as you age.”

6. Drink More Water, Cut the Sugar

Water dispenser from dispenser of home fridge, Woman is filling a glass with water from the refrigerator.​Not HydratingShutterstock

Drink more water, and consume less sugar. “Most of us don’t drink enough water, and it shows up as fatigue, cravings, and foggy thinking,” she says. “Hydrate throughout the day and keep added sugar to a minimum. Less sugar means better energy, skin, and overall health.”

7. Take Stress Management Seriously

Horizontal portrait of a beautiful young fit smiling woman deep breathing in front of a clear blue sky in a sunny windy day of summerShutterstock

Stress isn’t just a feeling—it impacts your whole body. “Build in small daily habits to manage it. Try deep breathing, journaling, sitting outside, or taking 10 quiet minutes for yourself. It adds up,” she explains.

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

8. Stay Connected

Happy young fitness woman listening music through headphones and using mobile phone in kitchen. iPhone, mobile, kitchen​She Counts MacrosShutterstock

Next, don’t underestimate the power of connectedness “Strong relationships are a powerful part of a long, healthy life. Call a friend. Have dinner with family. Say yes to that coffee meet-up. Humans are wired for connection—don’t go it alone,” she suggests.

9. Get Some Sunlight

Get vitamin D every day. “Daily sunshine can lift your mood, help you sleep better, and support your immune system. Aim for 10–20 minutes of natural light in the morning, if you can. It really makes a difference,” she says.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

10. Live With Purpose

Finally, live with purpose. “Having a reason to get out of bed each day—a project, a mission, a calling—can literally add years to your life. Whether it’s your family, work, or something you’re building, lean into what lights you up,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Copyright 2025 Galvanized Media. All Rights Reserved. Body Network is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family.