Argentine actress Barbie Vélez is expecting her first child, and glowing with health and happiness. Vélez posted an Instagram reel where she shows what a perfect holiday looks like, wearing a gray bathing suit. “Spectacular”, and “That belly 😍,” commented her fans. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Vélez 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 Stuffed Zucchini
One of Vélez’s go-to dishes is zucchini stuffed with cheese and onion, pumpkin and black beans. “Pumpkins are packed with skin-friendly nutrients, including vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, all of which play an important role in the health of our skin,” says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook. “Vitamin C is not naturally made by the body, so it's important we get it from our diet, as it plays a part in the formation of collagen which keeps skin plump and firm, vitamin C also helps prevent bruising and promotes wound healing.”
2. She Likes Low-Impact Cardio
Vélez likes to use the low-impact cardio equipment at her gym. “LIIT [low-intensity interval training] requires lower energy demands than most types of workouts and cardiovascular exercises,” says exercise specialist Ben Kuharik. “It’s a little bit easier on the cardiovascular system.”
3. She Enjoys Baked Potatoes
Vélez likes to cook potato dishes at home. “In addition to starch, potatoes contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber,” says UC Davis Health dietetic intern Adrienne Posner. “They’re rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. Potato skin contains fiber, which is important for digestive health.”
4. She Makes Her Own Dips
Vélez loves to make tasty dips from chickpeas, lemon and garlic. “Chickpeas are also an excellent source of non-animal protein,” says Patricia Bridget Lane, RDN. “They’re great for vegetarians and vegans. You can eat chickpeas as natural as they come, right out of the can, or right out of the bag if you just want to boil them. You can put them on a salad cold. You can muddle them into hummus. The way you eat them doesn’t really change their nutrient profile.”
5. She Loves Red Wine
Vélez likes an occasional glass of red wine, which experts say should be enjoyed in moderation. “Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy,” says the Mayo Clinic. “The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks. Any links between red wine and fewer heart attacks aren't completely understood. But part of the benefit might be that antioxidants in red wine may increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) and protect against cholesterol buildup.”
