24 April,2012 06:36 AM IST | | The Features Team
The award-winning actress is mother to an eight-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy, but still finds time to fit in a 45-minute cardio session and another 45-minute toning session, five days a week, in between raising awareness about children's rights. Paltrow is also careful about avoiding junk food and makes it a point to eat healthy. She snacks on raw almonds with raisins, and coconut water.
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Looking good isn't easy and no one knows that better than a Hollywood star. "Being an actor is so hard. Being in shape is so hard, too, and being paid to get into shape is even harder," admitted Jake during the promotions for Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. What's his pay off, you ask? Aside from stardom, a fat paycheque, it's also âfocus' between takes. "...it's actually a good thing, I think, for any actor." Focus is good for us as well, we believe.
Believe it or not Eva Mendes is "like every other girl across the globe". The stunning actress makes the comparison based on her love for chocolate and dislike for working out. She admits, however, that she has to drag herself to the gym for a session of cardio, followed by light weight-training. How does she stay motivated? By restricting the punishment to just three days a week. Hate the gym? Try brisk walking instead.
You don't have to! Sign up for an exercise class with a friend. Vanessa Hudgens frequently works out with her mom and sis, as it motivates her to do her best, not just for herself, but for the person she goes to class with as well. The 23-year-old makes it a point to work out for 60 minutes, four to five times a week and had even signed up for Piloxing - a workout that combines Pilates, boxing and dance - classes.
Daunted by the task? Start by making a commitment. Actress Jennifer Hudson says that the trick to losing weight is to make up your mind that this is something you want for yourself. "If you can't take responsibility for your own wellbeing, you will never take control of it," she said in an interview. Another tip she swear by is weighing herself every single day, as it helps keep her weight in check, so that she work to keep those sneaky kilos from piling on.
Jennifer Hudson Now (top)and then (below)
How effective is sunscreen in preventing sunburn?
From a few studies done it appears that the more sunscreen you use, the more sunburn you have. That does not mean that sunscreen is not effective. It only means that people who use large amounts of sunscreen feel that they will not get sunburnt and expose themselves more to the sun, as opposed to those who use less sunscreen and stay in the shade. Sunscreen must be used correctly. A small squash ball-sized bit for every exposed part applied half hour before exposure and reapplied every 2 hours or every 1 to 1 1/2 hours, if swimming.
Is alcohol useful to ward off stress?
Stress reduces the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Because alcohol decreases certain hormones, it can prolong the feels of tension associated with stress. It can also increase the craving of more alcohol with a danger to alcohol addiction.
Are there any risk factors in pregnancy that will make my baby more prone to being autistic?
Birth injuries, multiple births, fetal distress, maternal bleeding during labour and delivery, small for birth age, congenital malformation, feeding difficulties, low Apgar score and jaundice and anemia in the new or are some of the factors associated with autism.
Can you suggest any foods to elevate mood?
Foods rich in B12 and folic acid are helpful; the higher the folate level the lower the depressive symptoms. Folic acid is found in beans and green veggies; B12 In meats, fish, poultry and dairy.
