| SPOTLIGHT ON JENNIFER GARNER
TV's sassiest spy on the high-octane ABC action drama Alias
BACK STORY
This lithe West Virginia girl, 31, transformed herself into a well-toned fighting machine with the help of her personal trainer and food coach, Valerie Waters, who put her on a healthy regimen.
SNEAK PREVIEW OF GARNER'S EATING PLAN
For breakfast, Garner has an egg-white omelet with strawberries, or a bowl of oatmeal topped with a scoop of chocolate protein powder and a sprinkling of almonds. If she gets up extra early to train, she starts the day with a protein shake. "Who wants to eat egg whites at 4 a.m.?" she laughs. Garner also enjoys midmorning and mid-afternoon snacks, which can be yogurt with boysenberries, string cheese and an apple, or celery with almond butter. Lunch and dinner each consist of lean protein such as chicken or fish with fresh vegetables and a salad. While Garner gets plenty of healthy complex carbohydrates from vegetables, she generally avoids simple carbs like white-flour pasta and white rice.
GARNER'S KEYS TO HEALTHY EATING
* Eat several times a day. To maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the long hours on the set of Alias, Garner eats every three hours.
* Use food as fuel. Garner performs most of her own stunts and relies on power-packed snacks midmorning and midafternoon to give her a boost.
* Never miss breakfast! Not eating a healthy breakfast can lead to bingering on high-fat foods, warns trainer Waters.
* Keep healthful snacks on hand. Having munchies at the ready helps Garner feel satisfied and avoid cravings. Says Waters, "If you let yourself get ravenous, it's hard to be rational and not eat the first thing in sight. When you're really hungry, you crave cookies, breads and pasta--foods that the body can break down quickly into sugar for an energy boost."
* Indulge (in moderation) on special occasions. "I really try to watch what I eat most of the time," Garner says. "But if I'm at a dinner party or event, I'll eat what's offered and I don't beat myself up over it. I may have a piece of bread, enjoy a glass of wine or a small portion of dessert, but I'll try not to do all three. And then I make sure to get back on track the next day with my usual eating plan."
BIGGEST PAYOFF TO EATING RIGHT
"I find it incredible--even when I'm shooting 16 hours a day--that I'm still able to keep up my energy level by spreading my meals throughout the day," says Garner.
GARNER'S FAVORITE RECIPE
Protein smoothie made by combining 1 cup frozen berries, 2 cups water, 1 cup crushed ice and I scoop whey protein powder in a blender and pureeing until smooth.
Garner's favorite snack
CRUNCHY CELERY DIPPED IN ALMOND BUTTER is a winning combo of protein and fat that gives an energizing boost. | |
