Model Laura Giurcanu is enjoying the last days of August soaking up the sun in Spétses, Greece. Giurcanu shared a photo of herself lounging on a boat in a red bikini, leading to a chorus of approval from her Instagram followers. “Hot🔥,” said one of her fans. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Giurcanu 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!
Giurcanu is a devotee of Reformer Pilates, and attends classes regularly (especially in the mornings). “Reformer Pilates globally strengthens the body using the subtlety of the springs to not just target the big muscle movers but also activate the small stabilizers of the body,” says Bodylove Pilates founder and instructor Ali Handley. “This creates change, harmony and balance throughout the body.”
Giurcanu is a big foodie, and considers mushroom risotto “soul food”. “Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D,” says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook. “When they are grown, exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or a UV lamp, mushrooms increase their concentration of vitamin D. In fact, you can even do this at home by leaving mushrooms out on the counter in direct sunlight for 15-120 minutes; studies suggest this simple act may result in levels of vitamin D2 as high as 10mcg per 100g fresh weight.”
Giurcanu is true to her roots with her love for Greek cuisine, keeping hummus, eggplant and crusty bread in heavy rotation. “The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to be anti-inflammatory because of its focus on whole foods and omega-3 fatty acids,” says Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. “It also eliminates processed oils, like cottonseed and soybean oil, which are found in many ultra-processed foods.”
Giurcanu enjoys big, hearty bowls of vegetable ramen. Try cooking ramen in bone broth for extra nutrition. “Bone broth is associated with collagen, a structural protein found in skin, cartilage and bone,” says registered nutritionist Rachel Philpotts. “When boiled, the collagen in connective tissue is broken down into gelatine and various other health-promoting amino acids, such as glycine and glutamine. Consuming 300ml of bone broth has been shown to increase plasma levels of the precursor amino acids glycine and proline that are required to form collagen.”
Giurcanu loves fruit, especially figs and raspberries. “Raspberries are rich in protective antioxidants that may protect against cancer,” says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook. “Animal studies suggest this may be helpful for colon, breast and liver cancer. However, human studies are needed to confirm these findings. Being rich in protective plant compounds called polyphenols, raspberries may help reduce the signs of aging and improve balance and strength. The berries are also rich in vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and may protect the skin from UV damage. Much of these findings are the result of animal models, so more human trials are needed.”