In her new movie Being the Ricardos, Nicole Kidman is unrecognizable as Lucille Ball, star of the classic sitcom. (Javier Bardem plays Ricky.) But at last night's red carpet premiere, she looked like her radiant self—ageless at 54. How does the actor—who played a wellness guru earlier this year in the Hulu show Nine Perfect Strangers—stay so fit while keeping so busy? Read on to see 5 ways Nicole Kidman 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. This is the Eating Rule She Followed Successfully
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Kidman once said she eats well 80% of the time. “Having a strategy is a key part of a cheat meal. Plan when and what you're going to eat. Most experts agree that one shift at the trough per week is sufficient. It's a good idea to line up that cheat meal on a weekend or social occasion,” says our sister site Eat This, Not That!. "By planning your cheat meal, you know what you'll be eating and can cut a few extra calories earlier in the day," Jim White, RD, ACSM Health Fitness Specialist and owner of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios, told the site. “This also allows you to really pick a favorite food instead of wasting calories on something you didn't enjoy."
2. She Runs
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“Healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activity. That doesn't have to be all at one time, though. For example, brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days a week meets the guidelines. Aerobic exercise can even be done in short blocks of time, such as several walk breaks spread throughout the day. Any activity is better than none at all,” says the Mayo Clinic.
3. She Loves Fresh Seafood
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Atlantic Mackeral is the best fish to eat. “Listed on Seafood Watch's Super Green List, this best fish to eat is a triple threat: it's low in mercury, provides almost eight times the recommended omega-3 intake per day, and is classified as a Seafood Watch ‘Best Choice’ in terms of sustainability. Just watch out for canned mackerel, which can have mercury levels up to 586 ppb,” says Eat This, Not That!.
4. She Makes Exercise a Family Affair
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Kidman has four children and is married to singer Keith Urban. "I run, ride my bike, do yoga, whatever I can do and wherever I am in the world," she told the Los Angeles Times. "We try to exercise as a family, which makes it much easier to squeeze in among everything else and, of course, much more enjoyable," she added.
5. She Does Yoga
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The core components of hatha yoga and most general yoga classes are,” says the Mayo Clinic:
- "Poses. Yoga poses, also called postures, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from simple to difficult. In a simple post, you might lie on the floor while completely relaxed. A difficult posture may have you stretching your physical limits.
- Breathing. Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.
- Meditation or relaxation. In yoga, you may incorporate meditation or relaxation. Meditation may help you learn to be more mindful and aware of the present moment without judgment."