Anna Padilla is proof that you don’t need to follow extreme diets to have a healthy, enviable physique. The Spanish influencer loves to cook—and post pictures of herself in swimwear. Padilla posted a beach snap wearing a two-piece blue bikini and white shirt, captioning it “Summer outfits - Beach edition 🏝”. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 7 ways Padilla stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
1. She Loves Her Veggies
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Padilla loves to incorporate vegetables into her diet. “Vegetables are low in calories and carbs and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and disease- fighting phytochemicals,” says Martha McKittrick, RD. “They are also an excellent source of antioxidants which help neutralize harmful free radicals. This prevents oxidative damage and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease and diabetes. The nutritional content of vegetables depends on the specific vegetable. Your best bet it is to eat a rainbow color of veggies to obtain an array of nutrients.”
2. She Loves Quinoa
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Padilla enjoys quinoa, mixing it with vegetables and using it as a healthy, delicious side dish to protein. “Quinoa is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which make it potentially beneficial for human health in the prevention and treatment of disease,” says registered nutritionist Jo Lewin. “Quinoa contains small amounts of the heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and, in comparison to common cereals, has a higher content of monounsaturated fat.”
3. Pasta Is On the Menu
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Padilla enjoys pasta, especially freshly made goat’s cheese pappardelle. “Wholegrain pasta is lower in calories and contributes more vitamins and minerals than the white, refined equivalent, making it a healthier choice,” says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook.
4. She Loves Arroz Con Pollo
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Padilla loves to make arroz con pollo, a traditional Latin American/Spanish dish consisting of rice and chicken. “Arroz con Pollo is commonly made with skin-on chicken thighs and white rice. By using skinless chicken breasts we saved about 140 calories per serving and were spared 15 extra grams of fat,” suggests Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. “Switching out the white rice for brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients that reduce the risk of developing common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis, along with many more benefits.”
5. She Loves Mushrooms
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Padilla enjoys mushrooms, especially in a noodle stir fry. “Mushrooms make an excellent substitute for red meat while minimizing calories, fat and cholesterol,” according to UCLA Health. “Research shows that shiitake mushrooms, in particular, help to keep cholesterol levels low. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block cholesterol from being absorbed and lower the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.”
6. Hummus All Day
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Padilla makes her own hummus from scratch, so there are no mystery ingredients to worry about. “Made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), hummus is naturally rich in fiber,” says Shubrook. “Studies support that the type of fiber in chickpeas has a positive effect on our gut health, promoting the numbers of beneficial bacteria which in turn helps enhance intestinal health.”
7. She Loves Chocolate Muffins
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Padilla loves to bake, especially magdalenas de chocolate (chocolate muffins). “The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease,” says Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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