Candice Swanepoel, a renowned Victoria's Secret Angel, has garnered attention not only for her stunning looks but also for her ability to bounce back in shape after pregnancy. This article explores her diet and exercise routines, offering insights into how she manages to maintain her figure while prioritizing health and well-being. It delves into her approach to nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness, drawing from various interviews and articles where Swanepoel shares her personal experiences and tips.
Candice Swanepoel's Philosophy: Balance and Intuition
Swanepoel emphasizes the importance of balance and intuition when it comes to diet and exercise. She avoids strict calorie tracking and instead focuses on listening to her body's needs. This approach allows her to enjoy a variety of foods without feeling restricted, promoting a healthy relationship with food.
"It’s all about balance for me," Swanepoel told InStyle. "One meal in the day will be lighter than others, probably during lunch I will [eat something] heavier so that my body has time to burn it off." She also admitted to The Cut: “I’ve been lucky-I was born with quite a fast metabolism. I’m that girl who orders the healthy plate with a side of fries."
Diet: Fueling the Body with Intention
Breakfast is Key
Candice emphasizes the importance of a substantial breakfast to kickstart the metabolism and provide sustained energy throughout the day. She prefers to eat the most in the morning and the least in the evening.
Her go-to breakfast options include:
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- Bacon and eggs: A classic combination providing protein and healthy fats.
- Healthy smoothie: A blend of fruit, healthy fats (coconut oil, flaxseed oil, nut butter), and protein. She shared with New York Magazine's The Cut that her beauty smoothie contains coconut oil, flaxseed oil, banana, protein, some kind of antioxidant fruit like blueberries or strawberries, or some nut butter. She also said she discovered it from doing research; she likes to be on beauty blogs.
Swanepoel believes that her smoothie gives her a natural, caffeine-free energy boost.
Lunch and Dinner: Filling and Light
For lunch, Candice opts for filling options such as grilled chicken with brown rice and vegetables. Dinner is kept lighter, with choices like fresh salads or soup. This approach aligns with the principle of allowing the body ample time to digest and burn calories throughout the day.
Intuitive Eating
Candice practices intuitive eating, which means listening to her body's hunger and fullness cues. Instead of adhering to rigid rules, she focuses on nourishing her body with wholesome foods while allowing for occasional indulgences.
Exercise: A Holistic Approach to Fitness
Candice incorporates a variety of exercises into her routine to maintain her physique and overall well-being. She trains 3-4 times a week when not preparing for a major show. Her workouts include both cardio and resistance training.
Cardio
- Running: Candice is a big fan of running, especially to prepare for Victoria's Secret shows. During her first pregnancy, she continued to run, but she was careful not to overdo it.
- Boxing: Like many models, Candice enjoys boxing, which tones the upper body without creating bulk and provides a great cardio workout. Gelband told Pop Workouts: “Most of the [Victoria’s Secret] girls are concerned about their butt, hips and thighs. One of Gelband’s favourite Angel-ready workouts is, unsurprisingly, boxing. With plenty of VS girls employing the power of boxing (à la Gigi Hadid, who swears by it), boxing benefits almost every area of your body, and is a great way to strengthen your core.
Resistance Training
- Full body circuit training: Candice uses resistance bands, light ankle weights, and gliding discs to tone her body. She told The Cut that yoga is therapeutic for her, saying: “I do it every time I feel overwhelmed and stressed-I try at least twice a week.
- Weight training: "I’m going to start getting back into my workouts because I like to feel strong. I used to do weight training because I’m naturally lean so I like to beef up a little bit and have muscle tone on my legs and thighs. And breastfeeding takes out a lot."
Yoga and Flexibility
Candice incorporates yoga into her routine to maintain flexibility and reduce stress. She finds it therapeutic and practices it regularly to stay grounded.
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Post-Pregnancy Recovery: Patience and Self-Love
Candice emphasizes the importance of patience and self-love during the post-pregnancy recovery period. She acknowledges that it takes time for the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state and encourages women to avoid putting undue pressure on themselves.
"Definitely, the hips are a little bit wider," she said of her body. "You take on a different shape, a more womanly shape. I’m loving it. I’ve had such an amazing experience with my pregnancy and afterwards."
"I think women have to stop putting so much pressure on having to be perfect and back in shape three weeks after. It's just not realistic."
She told The Cut: "It definitely changes after you have a baby. It’s really impressive. Having a baby is, like, extraterrestrial stuff. I’m amazed by how it bounced back and repaired."
Additional Wellness Tips from Candice Swanepoel
- Skincare Routine: Candice follows a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and applying eye cream twice a day. She uses a gentle green-tea cleanser, Biotherm serum, and Colbert Uplift eye cream. She also uses rosewater for toner, which she loves to take on planes for refreshment.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and well-being.
- Sleep: While acknowledging the challenges of getting enough sleep as a new mother, Candice recognizes its importance for recovery and energy levels.
- Mindfulness: Candice turns to nature and travel to relax and reset herself. She also practices yoga and meditation to manage stress.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
While Candice Swanepoel's approach to diet and exercise offers valuable insights, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as doctors, registered dietitians, and certified personal trainers, can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual needs and goals.
Read also: The remarkable journey of Candice Bergen
Embracing a Sustainable Lifestyle
Candice Swanepoel's approach to diet and exercise is not about quick fixes or extreme measures. Instead, it's about embracing a sustainable lifestyle that prioritizes health, balance, and self-love. By listening to her body, nourishing it with wholesome foods, and incorporating regular physical activity, she maintains her figure while feeling strong, confident, and happy.