Maria Menounos’ 3 Tips for a Hot Bikini Bod
I’m a big fan of Maria Menounos. If you’ve read this blog for a while then you probably already know that.
I covered the release of her EveryGirl’s Guide to Life a few years ago, interviewed her when she scored a Shape cover two summers ago, and even featured her as my Girl Crush of the Month when I worked at SheKnows.
So I was thrilled to chat with her again at a party at Trina Turk in West Hollywood hosted by Hint Water for her new book, The EveryGirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness.
The reason I admire her so much is clear from the title of the book.
She’s an “EveryGirl.”
She deals with many of the same struggles as you and I — balancing family, love, exercise, healthy eating, and a busy career. And unlike some successful Hollywood stars, she didn’t have everything handed to her on a silver platter.
Menounos comes from an immigrant family who worked very hard to give her access to a good education and put food on the table. She had braces on her legs as a child, asthma, and gained 40 pounds at one point.
She’s overcome all of those things, and look at her now.
The biggest reason I look up to her though is that aside from a natural desire to look fabulous (and a necessity due to her career), her number one goal is just to lead a long, healthy, prosperous life.
She calls it her “50-Year Plan.”
“My healthy living motto is: Think about how what you’re eating now is going to affect you later,” Menounos told me. “Right now you can eat whatever you want. You may gain weight, but that’s the biggest consequence. But in 10 to 20 years, the consequence is going to be much greater.”
She told me she doesn’t follow a strict diet or exercise plan, but sticks to general rules for maintaining a healthy weight.
Her secret: “A.B.E. — Always Be Exercising.”
“I don’t work out consistently,” says Menounos. “I get my fitness through my day. I’m doing lunges as I brush my teeth. Little things like that add up. In the summer, I also like to be outside, playing basketball or hiking. I do all the different trails around LA to keep it interesting.”
Her favorite songs to sweat to? “Anything by Gloria Estefan. She makes me run like a maniac.” Everlasting Love dance party, anyone?
Maria also stays fit by sticking to healthy, whole foods and goes by the rule that if it comes from the ground, it’s good for you.
Even with her common sense approach to health and fitness, Menounos knows that come bikini season, everyone needs a little extra help to look their best for the beach. So she shared with me her top three tips to looking great in a bikini.
Maria Menounos’ Bikini Bod Secrets
1. Give yourself a lift.
“Most bikini tops don’t have cupping, and we’re used to having cupping and underwire — thank you Victoria’s Secret! So buy bra inserts, make a little incision on the side of the cup of your bikini top, and slip them in. It gives you a little lift that makes you look a little more like you look in your bra.”
2. Use a little self-tanner.
“Go to the spray tan machine or use St. Tropez’s Bronzing Mousse at home. A nice tan is always slimming.”
Author note: I use this self-tanner too and it’s the best in the biz.
3. Eat asparagus.
“Asparagus is always really good to eat pre-beach because it’s a natural diuretic. I’ve had so many trainers tell me that for fashion photo shoots. Also, drink a lot of hot water and lemon. It will flush you out!”
Try my Two-Ingredient Asparagus Soup >>
A big thanks to Maria for sharing her healthy living tips with LDLA. I highly encourage you pick up her new book, The EveryGirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness.
But wait — what’s that — someone managed to score two copies of Maria’s book??
Yeah ok, I’ll do another GIVEAWAY.
Enter the Rafflecopter below to win a copy and read all of Maria Menounous’ tips for a hot, healthy bod.
Christina says:
She is amazing!!!
Lizzi says:
Drink plenty of water, do squats, and get a bathing suit that fits your body type.
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says:
I totally agree with Tip 1! These days I only buy bikini tops with underwire cuz it’s really flattering, especially since I have a since I have a super short torso.
The asparagus is a new one but I’m willing to try it :D
Amber Murphy says:
Eat clean and exercise 6 days a week : ) buy a flattering bathing suit.
april says:
i drink lots of water and eat healthy :)
Kim says:
Embody confidence and don’t put yourself down. If you’re going to wear a bikini rock it and focus your mind on your assets not your flaws!
Leah says:
Love this and love her!!! Great article, I really should have gone to her book signing :( Next time! X
Cel says:
I follow you on insta! @celinaeliz
Cel says:
Secret to a hot bod: RAW FOOD! fruits and veg digest like a dream leaving you flat and bloat free :)
Alex @ Kenzie Life says:
I think my best tip is to just feel comfortable in your skin and with yourself. Confidence is one of the most attractive things in a woman :)
Brittany says:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate — with water! Also skipping foods that typically cause bloating like beans, brussels sprouts, sugar-free gum, etc.
Whitney English says:
Yes, bloating is the worst!!
Ellen says:
Great interview and good tips EXCEPT! My tip actually goes against her first one. As a girl who is flat and happy I say screw the inserts! Small breasts are just as gorgeous.
erin says:
gym + clean eating (well, i try!)
Jennifer King says:
I’m sitting here trying to think of one… protect your skin! Self-tanner is great but also sue SPF when out in the sun.
Whitney English says:
Oh, good point!! I’ve definitely gotten better about that than when I was younger.
Julie says:
My secret – confidence – because I definitely don’t wear bikinis, but I do like cutouts!
Whitney English says:
Love cutouts :) Understated sexiness!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
Maria, you and I need to hit up a few work out classes, ASAP! ;)
Jacqui says:
Eating as clean as possible and working out every day!
Whitney English says:
No gimmicks, I like it!
Miss Polkadot says:
In addition to tip #1: generally pick what you feel good in. Not what whichever magazine tells you is fitting for your shape, skin type or else but what speaks to you. And: positive self talk. Old but true: nobody is perfect and rather than nit-picking on what we don’t like about ourselves the focus should be on having fun at the beach.
Whitney English says:
So true. Accepting your body, flaws and all, is definitely the most important thing!
Tegan says:
I love high-waisted bikini bottoms!
Whitney English says:
Oh, thats a good one!
Nicole says:
Maria Menounos is inspiring. I wish I could be ABE, too. I’m for tip no. 2 and think St. Tropez is also the best.
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