Argentine model and sports agent Wanda Nara is showing off new swimsuit designs from her exclusive line. Nara posted a series of photos of herself wearing two different types of black swimsuits and beachwear, with the caption “This year we outdid ourselves—pay attention!” How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Nara 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!
Nara makes it clear that there is a difference between Instagram and real life—and just because she curates her social media, doesn’t mean she always looks perfect. “I can assure you that I love every inch of my body,” she says. “Yes, I have cellulite like we all do! Also acne. And, in summer, roots because I take a break from dyeing. Finally, I am real. And I choose my best profile to upload to my networks.”
Nara loves polenta, saying that while it’s not very “Instagrammable,” it is delicious. “One cup of cornmeal will produce about 3 cups of polenta,” says Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC. “By itself, one cup of polenta contains about 145 calories, 1 gram of fat, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and no cholesterol. High-calorie flavorings such as butter and cheese will drive up the fat and calorie content, so use them sparingly. Look for corn meal that is stone-ground when possible; this process keeps more of the grain intact, so the most nutrients are retained.”
Nara enjoys making meals with the help of her children—especially pancakes. “Research shows that family meals promote healthier eating—more fruits, vegetables and fiber; less fried food; and often fewer calories,” says registered dietitian Angela Ginn. “And family meals do much more than put healthy food on the table. Beyond preparing the meal itself, we sometimes forget that mealtimes offer time to talk, listen and build family relationships. And it’s a chance for parents to be good role models for healthful eating.”
Nara likes to make lemonade from scratch at home with her kids. “Like all produce, lemons contain phytonutrients, which protect your body against disease,” according to Roxanne B. Sukol, MD, MS. “These phytonutrients have powerful antioxidant properties, which prevent cell damage from oxidation, the same mechanism that causes rust. Juice half a lemon into your water and you’ll add a mere 6 calories to your diet. Plus you’ll get more than a sixth of your daily vitamin C, which is needed to protect us from cell damage and repair injury.”
Nara loves to post videos of herself at the gym, focusing on her stretching exercises. “A lot of people don’t understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily,” says David Nolan, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. “The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh.”