Indonesian star Maria Vania looks serene and happy on a trip to beautiful Bali. Vania, 32, shared an envy-inducing picture of herself posing in a dark blue bathing suit by an infinity pool, against a dramatic island background. “Love this view,” she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Vania 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. Breakfast Is Non-Negotiable
Vania makes a point of never skipping breakfast, as it means she is less hungry throughout the day. “Guys, don't skip breakfast,” she says. “Why? Because if you skip breakfast, you're going to have so much lunch that you're going crazy, and end up eating anything. Breakfast can always give me enough energy until later [in the] afternoon."
2. Intermittent Fasting
Vania allows herself a 6-8 hour window to eat, and fasts for 16-18 hours. “When changes occur with this metabolic switch, it affects the body and brain,” says Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson. “Many things happen during intermittent fasting that can protect organs against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, age-related neurodegenerative disorders, even inflammatory bowel disease and many cancers.”
3. Lots of Protein
Vania enjoys protein-heavy meals with plenty of fruit and green vegetables. "Well, for lunch, I just eat side dishes, for example, grilled chicken breast, tofu and tempeh," she says. "What is consumed (at dinner) must be lighter than during the day."
4. No White Rice
Rice is a staple food across the world, but Vania isn’t a fan. "For me, it's a balance, sports and food," she says. "I haven't eaten white rice for 8 years." Rice lovers who want healthier options should opt for brown rice, experts say. “Compared with white rice, brown rice contains much higher amounts of fiber, certain B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, and B9), magnesium, potassium, and iron,” says Harvard Health.
5. Building Muscle
Vania knows there are no shortcuts when it comes to health. "So it's like food, I really think about it: I reduce fried food, I don't consume a lot of sweets,” she says. “So it's really regulated and it has to be consistent. It can't be instant, lots of people want everything instant, but can't. So to get a good body, yes, be consistent with diet, exercise too. Build muscles, tighten muscles, you can't buy them at the doctor either.”