Get curves in all the right places with the Hollywood beauty's Fat Flush Plan.
Gorgeous Halle Berry has had plenty of chances to show off her curves. She famously donned a skimpy bikini as Bond girl Jinx in Die Another Day and a skin-tight catsuit in Catwoman.
While sticking to a healthy diet, the 39-year-old actress explains, "I'm not obsessive, like I have to have the best butt or the best abs, but I like feeling strong and healthy."
Halle, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1989, keeps fit and lean by eliminating refined sugar from her diet and limiting carbohydrates. The former beauty queen is said to be a fan of the Fat Flush Plan, a low-carb detox which is very low in sugar.
She says, "Because I'm diabetic, I totally changed my diet and workout regimen a few years ago. I don't eat fried foods or refined sugar — only natural sugar in fruit and vegetables. And I don't eat carbs a lot."
Halle also monitors her weight, not by jumping on the scales but by trying on her Bond bikini! "If I can't get into it, I eat less junk," she says.
The plan advocates eating plenty of protein-rich lean meats (chicken), omega-3-rich foods (oily fish) and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, since it's believed that these help to boost the metabolism by up to 25 percent. Followers are also told to eat something every three hours in order to keep the metabolic rate up, which makes the body more efficient at burning fat, particularly from stubborn places such as the hips and thighs.
Meals containing wheat and yeast are completely banned from the initial stages of the plan as these can make you feel sluggish and cause the body to retain fluid, leading to bloating.
There are three phases of the Fat Flush Plan. The first phase, which lasts for two weeks, is a 5000-kilojoule-a-day diet, which aims to jump-start the metabolism and transform your body shape. Halle often follows this part of the plan when she wants to slim for a big event, as it means she can lose an incredible 4.5kg in just 14 days.
During this initial phase, the plan recommends that followers add spices such as ginger and cayenne pepper to their food and try drinking a "long-life cocktail", made from ground flaxseeds and sugar-free cranberry juice diluted with water. These are thought to boost the metabolism, enhance liver function and emulsify fatty deposits, which may help to combat cellulite. Cut out starchy carbs, such as potatoes, bread, grains and cereals, as well as all caffeine and alcohol.
During the second phase, kilojoule intake should be increased to 6300 a day and two "friendly" carbs, such as brown rice and wholegrain bread, introduced.
Phase three takes this step further by allowing moderate amounts of dairy, plus an increased carb and kilojoule intake, combined with exercise and strength training. Halle achieves this through gym workouts and regular yoga sessions.
"I notice a big difference in my attitude when I'm exercising. I'm happier and more confident," she says. It shows!
The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman PhD (National Textbook Co: $27.95).
Exercise plan
Name: Halle Berry
Sessions per week: four
Suggested exercises:
10 minutes on the treadmill, holding small weights
10 minutes on the step machine
10 minutes on the cross-trainer
20 squats — with your feet slightly turned out and back straight, bend your knees and lower your body towards the ground. Hold this position for five seconds.
Halle's daily diet
Breakfast
Vegie scramble (two scrambled eggs, spinach, green peppers, spring onions and parsley)
Or
A fruit smoothie (fresh berries, peaches, whey powder and diluted cranberry juice)
Lunch
A large tomato stuffed with tuna and celery
Or
A salmon salad
Snacks
A glass of sugar-free cranberry juice diluted with water
A grapefruit
Dinner
Grilled lamb chop with dried mustard, sauteed cabbage and baked squash
Or
Chicken baked with lime and garlic and mashed cauliflower with onion and pepper
