While the rest of the UK is dealing with snow and freezing conditions, British TV star Zara McDermott escaped the chilly weather to enjoy the gorgeous sun, sea, and sands of Barbados. McDermott posted photos of herself looking like a ray of sunshine in a bright yellow bathing suit, snorkeling in the water and enjoying a cocktail on a boat. “Went turtle spotting 🐢🤍🌊🏖️ and had some rum punch 🍹,” she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways McDermott 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. Protein Pancakes For Breakfast
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McDermott makes protein pancakes with bananas for breakfast. “Bananas have a soothing effect on the gut thanks to their high content of pectin, a soluble fiber which not only helps lower cholesterol but normalizes bowel function,” says registered nutritionist Jo Lewin. “The high fiber content of bananas helps to promote feelings of fullness and appears to reduce bloating. The resistant starch in bananas also has a prebiotic effect, helping to fuel the gut bacteria so they both increase in number and produce beneficial compounds called short chain fatty acids.”
2. Homemade Smoothies
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McDermott enjoys green smoothies made with vegetables and fruit. "I add a handful of spinach, handful of kale, apple juice & a few mango cubes,” she says. “I sometimes add half a banana, or just have it with the kale, spinach and apple juice 🍏 I also add a scoop of this collagen powder for extra goodness."
3. Salmon and Greens
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McDermott loves a delicious bowl of salmon, brown rice, and vegetables (such as kale). “Oily fish plays an important role in dampening the effects of inflammation, which is key to helping manage a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cancer,” Lewin says. “Studies suggest that eating more oily fish like salmon could help lower levels of the markers that indicate inflammation.”
4. Lifting Weights Changed Her Life
McDermott is a passionate advocate of lifting weights and the many health benefits that come with it. “Around 3 years ago, I was stuck in a rut of not exercising and not taking any care in what I put in my body,” she captioned a video. “I took a leap of faith, and dedicated myself to lifting weights. I learnt so much about nutrition too, and honestly, it’s changed my life in so many ways. Every time I speak to someone who is in the same position I was several years ago, I tell them to go lift some weight.”
5. Discipline, Not Motivation
McDermott relies on discipline over motivation when it comes to her health and fitness. “I get asked a lot… “how do you stay motivated? I just can’t seem to stick to a routine”. The truth is, I don’t. I’m not always motivated all the time,” she says. “No one is. I’m not superhuman. My non-negotiable in my week is training at least 3 times. No matter how unmotivated I feel, I still go. There has not been one week in my 3 years that I haven’t trained at least 3 times (unless I am unwell). We should all be aiming to exercise a few times a week if we can! 3 hours a week is not a lot of time to give up. And I ALWAYS thank myself after my session.”
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