"Guardians of the Galaxy" Star Zoe Saldaña's Health Secrets
Marvel star Zoe Saldaña–Guardians of the Galaxy's green-skinned Gamora–looks pretty fit for a dead person who will be resurrected in the upcoming third installment of the film franchise, we learned at Comic-Con International in July. So it's a good thing that the star, who will also be seen (sort of) in James Cameron's upcoming CG-animated Avatar: The Way of Water, is serious about her health and wellness. Read on to see five ways Zoe Saldaña stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.
She's Not Too Strict With Her Workout Routine
Saldaña tries not to be too strict with herself, especially when she's shooting. "When I'm shooting, I really don't like to be strict with my workout, since I'm already putting in 16-hour days," she said. "So I do 20-minute intervals either at the gym or at home, where I run in place for 30 seconds, then do squats, then carry a heavy medicine ball a few times in a row until I get my heart rate up."
She Prioritizes Strength
Saldaña goes for healthy strength over weight loss. "An example of one of my workouts focusing on functional strength and movement," she said. "Doing workouts that get my neuromuscular system to activate has helped my body to work even more efficiently. Nothing better than feeling strong!"
She Sticks To Lean Proteins
Saldaña favors lean meat or high protein options to build and tone muscle. She loves eating fresh lean meat such as turkey or chicken breast, along with plenty of grilled fish.
She Chooses Gluten-Free Options Whenever Possible
Saldaña and her family try to eat at least 80 percent gluten free. She chooses gluten-free food options whenever she can. One of her favorite meals is gluten-free pizza packed with veggies and greens.
It's A Lifestyle, Not A Diet
Eating healthy is a lifestyle for Saldaña. "I am going to remove the word 'diet' from my life," she said. "I am going to remind myself that it is not about losing weight. It is about being healthy, feeling healthy, for the rest of my life."
