The Habits Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer Follows to Stay in Shape at 48
Best known for her role in the Syfy show Battlestar Galactica, Tricia Helfer went on to star in other acclaimed TV series like The Firm, Tron: Uprising, Van Helsing and Lucifer. The Canadian cover girl model-turned- actress keeps busy with guest starring roles on hit series, voiceover work for video game franchises and giving back to causes important to her. Now 48, Helfer looks incredible and here's how. Read on to see 5 ways Tricia Helfer stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.
She Hikes
In a 2014 interview with Self, Helfer revealed if she could do one workout it would be hiking. "(I'm a heavy-duty hiker) with some calisthenics as well — you have to tone up, too." The American Hiking Society states, "Hiking is more than just fun. It's good for you, too! Countless studies and research have consistently shown that regular exercise not only improves our overall health and fitness, but lengthens and improves the quality of our lives. Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations and physician visits. Walking is one of the lowest impact sports around. This means that while you derive all the cardiovascular benefits of other aerobic activities, you do so with a minimum of stress, strain and pounding to your body."
She Eats Healthy Snacks
In the same interview with Self, the actress revealed her favorite go-to healthy snacks. "Sliced apple with almond butter.. Either that or I will sometimes crave tuna salad. I cut it up with a little bit of mayonnaise, dill pickles, and pepperoncinis and eat it with hummus and gluten-free crackers. I love a good roasted garlic hummus." MedlinePlus states, "For almost anyone trying to watch their weight, choosing healthy snacks can be a challenge. Even though snacking has developed a "bad image," snacks can be an important part of your diet. They can provide energy in the middle of the day or when you exercise. A healthy snack between meals can also decrease your hunger and keep you from overeating at meal time. There are many snacks to choose from, and certainly not all snacks are healthy or will help you manage your weight. Try to limit the unhealthy snacks you bring into the house. If they are not available, you are more likely to make healthy choices."
She Switches Up Her Workouts
Helfer is all about mixing up her workout routine. She told Self, "You gotta get your heart rate going. [To keep things fresh] I mix up my workouts: One day [I'll do] yoga, one day's running and weights, one day I'm doing Pilates, one day's hiking." According to University Hospitals, "By creating variation and changing exercises in your routine, you can create a new stimulus, which creates more progress over time. And if you rotate exercises or activity every so often, your injury risk will decrease. Examples include adding bench pressing every Monday or continuously adding mileage when running or biking on a weekly basis."
She Doesn't Eat Meat
"I don't eat poultry or meat but I really like some of those vegetarian "Smart" meats — I really like the fake turkey slices," she shared with Self. "My cat is insane about 'em, too!" The Mayo Clinic says, "Research shows that people who eat red meat are at an increased risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Processed meats also increase the risk of death from these diseases. And what you don't eat can also harm your health. Diets low in nuts, seeds, seafood, fruits and vegetables also increase the risk of death."
She Drinks Protein Shakes
Helfer explained to Self that if you were to find her on a Sunday, she'd be having a protein shake and a green tea almond latte. The Mayo Clinic says, "Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again. Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices. And if you rely too much on protein shakes to replace daily meals, you'll miss out on the healthy benefits of whole foods."
