Maggie Q in Two-Piece Workout Gear is "Stretching Out in the Sun"

Maggie Q is not just a renowned actress from Nikita and the Divergent films, but also a wellness advocate with a strong focus on health and fitness. Recently, she shared a photo on Instagram of herself soaking up the sun at the beach, captioning it, "Stretching out in the sun." How does she maintain her well-being? Here's everything you need to know about her approach to health and lifestyle.

1. She Focuses On What Works For Her

Q talked about her diet in an interview with Forbes. She says that she focuses on what works best for her, rather than what others tell her is best. “When I was younger, I believed one type of diet was right for everyone. That ‘healthy’ was under a small umbrella of choices. As I mature and study more about our biological makeup and how different we all are, I realize there is no such thing. I listen to my body, and I lead it in the direction that feels good and give it what it asks for.”

2. She’s Vegan

Q is open about being vegan. This has a lot of health benefits. The American Heart Association states, “Whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, the benefits are clear: less risk of disease and improved health and well-being. Consuming less meat decreases the risk of: Heart disease. Stroke. Obesity. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Type 2 diabetes. Many cancers.”

3. She Loves Heavy Grains

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Q revealed to the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine that she likes heavy grains. “The way to feel more fulfilled when including more veggies in your diet is to eat a ‘heavy’ grain with them! I love black, red, and brown rice, and I mix them all together. I usually throw lentils or a bean in there to make it even heavier and more nutritious. Don’t forget to mix in flax seeds, seaweed, or liquid aminos! Put your veggies on top of something like that, and tell me you’re not full!”

4. She Stretches

Q broke down her daily routine in an interview with Us Weekly. She says that she likes to stretch each day. “Stretching is everything,” she explains. “If I don’t do it, I feel my whole body go downhill.” Harvard Health states that stretching has a lot of benefits. “With a body full of muscles, the idea of daily stretching may seem overwhelming. It's most important to focus on the body areas needed for critical for mobility: your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. Stretching your shoulders, neck, and lower back is also beneficial. Aim for a program of daily stretches, or at least three or four times per week.”

5. She Loves Yoga

Q also revealed in her Us Weekly interview that she likes to practice yoga. John Hopkins Medicine states that yoga has a lot of health benefits. “Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility.Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength…Yoga is as good as basic stretching for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain. The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain.”