Kristen Bell, the beloved actress known for her roles in "Veronica Mars," "The Good Place," and as the voice of Anna in "Frozen," has garnered attention not only for her acting prowess but also for her dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her approach is surprisingly simple and revolves around biohacking techniques and smart dietary choices.
Biohacking for Health Enhancement
Biohacking, a broad term for DIY health enhancements, involves lifestyle and behavioral changes, and sometimes supplements or technology. Kristen Bell has embraced this concept, focusing on dietary changes to optimize her health and manage her weight.
The Pasta Hack: Fiber Before Carbs
One of Bell's most talked-about secrets involves a strategic approach to carbohydrate consumption. According to her "Nobody Wants This" co-star, Justine Lupe, Bell consumes fiber-rich foods before indulging in carbohydrates like pasta or bread. This "preloading" can involve eating spinach or other leafy greens, taking a fiber supplement like Metamucil, or drinking apple cider vinegar.
Lupe shared, “She says have spinach or a green or some sort of leafy, fibery thing-or Metamucil and a shot of apple cider vinegar-before you have a bunch of carbohydrates. It, supposedly, stabalizes your glucose. You can thank Kristen Bell for that, everyone.”
The Science Behind the Strategy
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Amy Shapiro confirms that there's a scientific basis for Bell's approach. Consuming fiber before carbohydrates can slow glucose absorption into the bloodstream. This leads to a steadier rise in blood sugar levels, preventing the sharp spikes and subsequent crashes that can trigger cravings and lead to overeating.
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Shapiro explains, "When your gut bacteria are well-fed, they produce beneficial properties that support improved digestion and overall health," which "[This] leads to a steadier and slower rise in blood sugar instead of a sharp spike, which leads to a crash and further cravings."
Benefits of Stable Blood Sugar
Maintaining stable blood glucose levels offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Mood: Stable blood sugar can help regulate mood swings and promote a more consistent sense of well-being.
- Sharper Focus: Avoiding blood sugar crashes can enhance concentration and cognitive function.
- Increased Fullness: Fiber promotes satiety, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Stable blood sugar levels can lower the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Apple Cider Vinegar's Role
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another component of Bell's pre-carb routine. It contains acetic acid, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and slow gastric emptying. This can further help to blunt post-meal blood sugar spikes, particularly after carbohydrate-heavy meals.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Christina Palmisano told Fox News Digital in a previous interview that apple cider vinegar is a source of prebiotic fiber, which is "food for gut bacteria."
Prioritizing Fiber Sources
While all three methods can be effective, Shapiro recommends prioritizing real food sources of fiber, such as leafy greens. These provide essential vitamins and minerals in addition to fiber. Supplemental fiber, like Metamucil, is a good second option for those who struggle to consume enough fiber through diet alone. Apple cider vinegar is the least preferred option due to its potential to cause stomach upset and its strong taste.
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"Fibermaxxing" and Gut Health
Bell's approach aligns with the growing trend of "fibermaxxing," which involves increasing daily fiber intake to improve gut health. Fiber promotes gastrointestinal health, supports cardiovascular function, aids in weight management, helps prevent diabetes and certain cancers, and promotes feelings of fullness.
Robin DeCicco, a certified holistic nutritionist in New York, encourages adding color to each meal, as well as using nuts and seeds as "accessories" to add fiber throughout the day.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Beyond dietary strategies, Kristen Bell embraces a holistic approach to health that includes regular exercise, skincare, and meditation.
Plant-Based Diet
Bell follows a primarily plant-based diet, having been vegan for over five years before transitioning to vegetarianism. She emphasizes the environmental and health benefits of plant-based eating, noting that it can aid in weight management and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Skincare as Self-Care
Bell prioritizes skincare, emphasizing the importance of removing makeup before bed and using quality skincare products. She views her skincare routine as an act of self-care, a way to nurture herself amidst a busy schedule. Bell also swears by coconut oil, which is shown to have many beneficial uses for your hair, skin, and face. The actress told ELLE she often uses coconut oil as a body moisturizer and turns it into a body scrub by adding brown sugar and honey.
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Regular Meditation
Meditation is a key component of Bell's wellness routine. She practices transcendental meditation a few times a week, finding that it reduces stress and promotes restful sleep. "Meditation makes me feel more rested than a full night's sleep," she told Live Happy magazine.
Staying Active
Bell incorporates physical activity into her daily life, even if she can't make it to the gym. She finds creative ways to stay active, such as following workout videos at home, playing with her children, or doing triceps dips while running lines with fellow actors. She embraces short, high-intensity workouts and sets realistic fitness goals.
Mindful Eating and Balanced Choices
Bell emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and making balanced choices. She avoids strict dieting and allows herself occasional treats while prioritizing nutrient-rich foods. Kristen Bell took on a 30-day no-sugar challenge three years ago with her husband, actor Dax Shepard. On the 30th day when the challenge was completed, the two went straight to the grocery store and bought all the sugary foods they wanted. About 15 minutes into their binge, Bell felt sick.
Kristen Bell's Daily Diet
For breakfast, her go-to is egg whites and spinach with feta and hot sauce, while lunch is usually a salad with any fruit and veggies she can find, including those she grows right in her garden, she told Shape. Bell also makes sure she's getting enough protein to supplement her vegetarian diet, so she finds little swaps-like pasta made from chickpeas and peas-to keep her diet balanced and nutritious.