Gina Rodriguez is arguably one of the most recognizable faces in the world today. The Hispanic actress rose to fame for playing Rebecca “Bec” Delgado on ABC’s hit series, Modern Family. Since then, she has appeared in several films, including the critically acclaimed The House with the Yellow Lightbulb and its sequel, The House With the Green Lightbulb. She has also been a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and the creator of her own Netflix series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Rodriguez has always been open about her struggles with weight. In 2016, she released a memoir about her own experiences with food, fittingly titled, A Year of Joyous Living. In it, she describes her lifelong battle with anorexia and bulimia and how she finally learned to embrace her curves. Even after gaining a significant amount of weight, she still found ways to keep it off. Here are some of her top tricks.
Take Advantage of The Gym
One of the best things about Rodriguez is that she’s a working parent. Since the birth of her first daughter, Bianca, she’s been dedicated to staying fit so that she can be there for her kids. That dedication shows through onscreen: she often works out with her children in tow so that they can get some gym time in while their mother works out. At the end of the day, it’s all about family and being there for your kids. And if that means joining a gym, so be it.
Since starting to work out with her kids in tow, Rodriguez has used the time to set a good example for her kids. Bianca, who is now 6 years old, describes her mother as a role model who always helps other people, especially those who need it. While some people might get nervous around kids, Rodriguez relishes the opportunity to show her daughter the world. One of Bianca’s first words was “mami, help me please” and from that moment on, working out with her was a no-brainer.
The fact that Rodriguez uses the gym to get in shape for work as well as for her family makes it all the more impressive. It’s not easy to juggle a family and a career, but Rodriguez proves that it’s possible. She’s an inspiration to anyone who wants to be able to parent while still looking fabulous.
Eat More Plants
Plants are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants, which act as small fighters in your body. Antioxidants help protect your cells from the damage that free radicals can cause. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA. While they’re not necessarily bad for you, they’re always looking to cause trouble.
Rodriguez is definitely no stranger to diets and she’s been known to try a few different approaches over the years. When she was struggling with anorexia nervosa, she would often starve herself. As a result, she became quite skinny and even spent time in a residential treatment center for eating disorders. Since then, she’s been on a plant-based diet and she credits it with helping her get back to a healthy weight. She now promotes a whole-foods lifestyle and encourages others to do the same.
Rodriguez doesn’t always eat vegan, though. She still enjoys a good steak now and then and would never turn down an opportunity to dress up as a glamorous temptress once in a while. For those nights, she turns to red meat and wine to fulfill her craving, but she makes sure to indulge in something healthy the rest of the week. When she started using mushrooms as a healthy replacement for meat, she noticed that her clothing fitted noticeably better and she had more energy. When she found out that mushrooms are a source of ergothioneine, an important compound that gives them their anti-cancer properties, she knew she’d hit the jackpot.
Rodriguez’s love for plants shows through even in the types of coffee she drinks. Her favorite coffee brand is Plantation because of the beans’ deep, rich flavor and because it’s made with 100% Arabica beans. These beans are grown without the use of any pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Although she has favorites, Rodriguez tries new drinks regularly to keep her palette fresh.
Take Advantage of The Ocean
If you live near the beach, there are certain foods that you should absolutely avoid eating. The water contamination from fertilizer runoff makes many seafood products unsafe to eat, so unless you’re actually facing starvation, it might not be the best idea to eat fish or shellfish. That’s because these types of food contain large amounts of mercury, which is extremely toxic to your health. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of seafood alternatives that you can eat. But if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s best to stay away from shrimp or other types of sea food.
One of the easiest ways to get healthy fats is to eat fruits and vegetables. When you munch on an apple, you’ll get an immediate burst of energy because of the fruit’s high vitamin content. Apples are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your stomach satisfied and full for longer. These are all important nutrients that your body needs to function properly. When you combine that with a little exercise, you’ll be on your way to better health.
Reduce Sugar
Reducing sugar is one of the simplest and most effective ways of losing weight. Too much sugar can cause you to gain weight regardless of whether you’re consuming it in liquid or solid form. So if you’re looking to shed those extra pounds, cutting back on the sugar is a good place to start. You can use the MyFitnessPal app to track your daily foods and set yourself a goal to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. The app will alert you when you’re taking in too much sugar and give you tips on how to cut back. Reducing sugar can also make a significant difference in the look of your skin. Most people who consume too much sugar have excess wrinkles and fine lines that can be improved by cutting back on the sugar. The anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing benefits of reducing sugar are well-established and there are several natural products that you can use to achieve a better looking complexion.
Drink More Water
Drinking more water can help you shed those extra pounds. This is especially beneficial if you’re already drinking plenty of fluids as part of your daily routine. If you’re not drinking sufficient amounts of liquids, you’re bound to struggle with weight gain. It’s best to drink at least 16 ounces for every hour that you spend outside, to avoid dehydration and its disastrous effects. Dehydration makes you look older and gives you a dull complexion. It also means that your body is screaming for water, so you’ll end up drinking more simply because it’s there anyway. This, in turn, makes you lose muscle mass and, as a result, your overall appearance suffers. If you’re serious about looking great, cutting back on dehydration is a must. The alternative is to drink lots of fruit juices, which are high in sugar. The better option is to drink a lot of water and cut back on the energy drinks and alcoholic beverages. The hydration factor is clearly visible in Rodriguez’s face. Even when she’s not working out, you can always tell when she’s been drinking water instead of a sugar-laden drink by the glow on her cheeks. If you’re not used to drinking that much water, you might experience some headaches or have to get used to the feeling of having an ample supply in your stomach. These are both undesirable side effects that you need to avoid by being mindful about how much water you consume.
Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide your body with antioxidants and fiber, both of which contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. They also contain the building blocks of life: vitamins and minerals. This is important because vitamins and minerals help your body’s cells grow and function properly. As a result, you don’t experience the symptoms of aging as much and look better overall. If you want to reduce sugar and cut back on the toxins in your everyday life, fruits and vegetables are the way to go. This will help you achieve better health and a thinner appearance.
Avoid Processed Foods
Cutting back on the processed foods in your diet is another great way to reduce weight and improve your overall health. These foods contain additives and preservatives that will irritate your digestive system. The recommended food group for this kind of thing is green veggies plus grains such as quinoa, brown rice, or gluten-free (GF) pasta. Some of the vegetables that you can incorporate in your diet are broccoli, spinach, zuccchini, and cauliflower. You shouldn’t eat any food that is processed anyway, so you’re good to go when it comes to avoiding these ingredients. This helps reduce the toxins in your body and gives you a cleaner, healthier appearance.