How Jessica Alba Lives & Diets in L.A.
When a celebrity puts their face on a product, nine times out of ten they don’t know squat about it.
That’s not an exact figure but a good guesstimate based on Hollywood’s remarkable sell-out rate. I also don’t have a figure for that, but simply scroll back through yesterday’s Super Bowl commercials and you’ll see what I mean.
Jessica Alba is honestly not that kind of celeb.
She created The Honest Company after having the same doubts and concerns many new moms have about the safety of their household products, after giving birth to her first daughter, Honor.
Jessica decided to take the guesswork out of finding healthy products by creating her own, and has tirelessly researched every aspect of clean living so consumers know that when they buy a product from Honest, it will be, well, honest.
The girl clearly has a good head on her toned shoulders.
Being a fan of the company, I was over-the-moon to be invited to their 2nd Birthday last week and even more so when I realized I got to take home a bag full of their amazing goods.
The best part though was chatting with the actress, who was so friendly and down-to-earth.
As we discussed some of her favorite restaurants and fitness studios in L.A., I thought to myself, “I could totally see us being good friends.”
Well, that’s probably not going to happen. But based on her L.A. favs, I’m guessing we might run into each other again.
Here’s what Jess (I’m going to consider us on a short-name basis) told me about her healthy, happy, honest life:
Q: What are your tips for clean eating?
Jessica Alba: “When putting a meal together or going out to eat, try to use as much local food as possible. You can make an amazing, indulgent meal with fresh, organic produce and food. There’s a shocking amount of options here in L.A. because the weather is so great and we do have a lot of organic, farm-to-table options. I do a delivery service where I get a box of fresh produce weekly.”
Q: What are your favorite healthy restaurants?
JA: “I like everything from Real Food Daily, M Cafe, Lyfe Kitchen, and even Spago has great farm-to-table options.”
Author’s Note: On her must-try list is Gracias Madre, and awesome vegan, Mexican restaurant from the owners of Cafe Gratitude. I tried it recently and will be reviewing soon! Spoiler alert: it’s fabulous.
Q: Where do you go to get your sweat on?
JA: “Jen Johnson’s dance studio is super fun. You’re dancing and the music is loud and you don’t feel like it’s a workout, which is what I love. She also does private lessons so if you’re uncoordinated and you don’t want to show everyone your sweet moves, you can try it alone. I also like Hot 8 Yoga and I like Flywheel a lot.”
Q: Valentine’s Day is coming up, what’s your ideal healthy date night activity?
JA: “Because I work a lot and I don’t always have time to make my own meals, I get Simple Foods Home Delivery. [Cash and I] will each get our own, watch TV and have a glass of wine. That’s our favorite healthy date night. On the weekend we cook more but during the week when we’re slammed.”
Q: OK, so if you did have time, what sexy — but healthy — meal would you be whipping up for your man on V-day?
JA: “I made lobster for [Cash] once. A good filet is nice. Or just a clean, vegetarian pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil and parmesan.
I think what is healthy is indulging once in a while. I think balancing a strict diet with moments of indulging is fine. I think too much of anything is not the right way to go, at least not for me. Obviously you don’t want to indulge all the time, but a little here and there, sure.”
Q: So what do you reach for when you’re indulging?
JA: “Red Velvet Cake. Fonuts makes a good one. I’m also a huge fan of coconut water and there’s this new chocolate coconut water I’ve been drinking and it’s nothing short of absolutely amazing. It’s one of those delicious treats that’s more of a treat than completely healthy. But it’s re-hydrating me, so I feel good about that.”
Q: Give us some healthy Valentine’s Day meal inspiration — what are your favorite red foods?
JA: “Red beets, red cabbage, red or rainbow kale, strawberries, cherries….there’s too many to list!
UPDATE: After bringing home my Honest Co. goodies and testing them out, here’s the ones that highly recommend:
The Honest Company Multi-Surface Cleaner
– It smells like fresh grapefruit!
The Honest Company Laundry Detergent – Great for anyone with sensitive skin.
The Honest Company Wipes 
– Meant for babies, used by this prissy adult.
And I don’t have kids but I’m totally getting these adorable Giraffe diapers 
when I do!
Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life says:
Loved this post! I am happy to hear that she is sweet and down-to-earth, and I agree, it is nice to see a celebrity who actually knows the product they are promoting! :)
Whitney English says:
Yeah, it’s surprisingly rare! You would think people would care more about the things they’re associated with.
Tatum says:
Oh my gosh!! That is too cool girlie. Just another reason to love her, as if I already didn’t :)
Whitney English says:
I know, seriously. Major girl crush!
The vegan 8 says:
Gosh, she is really beautiful! What a great company! So nice to hear she’s a sweetheart too. I’ve been hearing about that new vegan Mexican restaurant and I’m sooooo jealous, obviously since I’m vegan and live in Texas. No options in Houston like that :(
Whitney English says:
Well, you’ll just have to make a trip out to LA then won’t you?! I’m sure you create just as fabulous Mexican dishes in your own kitchen though :)
Jennifer King says:
I love Jessica! I subscribe to the Honest monthly bundle- laundry, dish soap, floor cleaner, shampoo/body wash, laundry pods, bubble bath, and the veggie and fruit wash. Everything I’ve tried has been amazing. I mix the bundle up each month-a staple is the laundry detergent!
Whitney English says:
That’s such a great idea! I really love the ones I’ve tried so far so I think I might get a subscription when these run out :)
Jenny @ The Wellness Journey says:
Great post!! So jealous of you! :)
Whitney English says:
Thanks Jenny!
Julie says:
Loved this – read every word! Sounds like you had a good time. I’ll have to try the products now! Which ones do you suggest?
Whitney English says:
Thanks Julie! I plan on writing a more elaborate post about the products once I’ve tried them all. So far I really love the all-purpose kitchen cleaner. It smells like fresh grapefruit and appears to be working really well. I also got a bamboo scrubby brush to clean dishes that is working way better than my old one.
Ashley @ Brocblog says:
I love the idea behind the Honest Company and I definitely want to hit up some of the restaurants she mentioned!
Whitney English says:
Yes, she does have good taste in food :)
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says:
THIS IS SO COOL. Not only cause you interviewed one of my fav celebs, but also cause it sounds like she’s the real deal. Love everything about this!
Whitney English says:
Thanks girl!! This was actually the fourth time I’ve interviewed her and every time I’ve liked her more :)
Alison @ The Fit Chronicles says:
Umm, jealous you got to meet her! She seems really cool.
Whitney English says:
She is! if you’re a fan, you should definitely check out her book: The Honest Life.
Melissa Burton says:
Honest Company came out after my little one was out of their demographic but I love the ideas behind it. Saw them at the Nat Prod Expo last year and seriously, their booth was gorgeous and the staff at the booth were all well dressed (uniform). I definitely wanted to be a part of that life.
I like a celebrity that uses their klout for good. BTW, JJ Dance Studio looks amazing and you looked pretty damned good next to JA.
Whitney English says:
I totally agree. It’s so refreshing to see a celeb promoting things that make the world better…instead of cars and fragrances haha.
Maybe we should go take a class at JJ for an LA Bloggers get together?!
Sam Brown says:
Awesome post! I love Jessica Alba she’s so gorgeous and seems to down to earth too – I’m so jealous you got to meet her! I’d love to try all of those restaurants and if I find myself in LA sometime soon I definitely will be!
Sam xx
http://www.smart-twenties.com
Whitney English says:
Thanks Sam!
I can also vouch that all those restaurants are a must-eat-at when you’re in LA.
Tonya@Healthy, Fit, and Frugal says:
That’s awesome you got invited to that and got some products too! She has always had a figure that I really admired. Toned and athletic. and healthy looking. Oh and she’s gorgeous too!
Whitney English says:
I know! I remember watching Into the Blue and being like, “Dayyyyyyammmmmm.”
Camille @ Challenge Mantra says:
Great article! I love Jessica Alba for all the good work that she does. If i had to choose a celeb I’d most want to work out with, it’d probably be her :)
Whitney English says:
Thanks Camille! She seems like she’d be really fun to take a dance class with. Someone who can let go and laugh at themselves. Although if her movies prove anything, she’d totally put my moves to shame!
Lisa @ The Skinny on Health says:
Love this! I’m so jealous you got to meet and chat with Jess (I like to pretend were on a first name basis too)!! I’ve never tried Honest products but I obviously know about them and want to!
xo
Whitney English says:
Haha, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind Lis :)
Arman @ thebigmansworld says:
Dude this is awesome…and she doesn’t come across as one of THOSE celebs!!
Glad you got to meet her. I hope you stole a strand of her hair.
Whitney English says:
It’s in a vial around my neck as we speak :)
Rachella says:
Dear, I just discovered your blog and it’s absolutely amazing. I’m definitely going to follow you! I’m planning to move to LA within two years, I’m in love with the place.
Whitney English says:
Thanks Rachella! If you need any advice on where to eat or workout, you can find it here!!
Gael says:
Great interview! I loved Jessica Alba since the TV Series Dark Angel and I’m amazed at how despite her pregnancy she managed to stay so thin and sexy.
Thanks again
Gael
Whitney English says:
Thanks Gael! The girl just doesn’t age, does she?!
Louise says:
She sounds so lovely! Reading about all these awesome restaurants makes me want to book my holiday to LA, like now! :P There’s such a lack of healthy places to eat here in Scotland, at least in my area anyway!
Whitney English says:
But you have such a gorgeous setting! I want to go where YOU are!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says:
That’s so cool that you got to meet Jessica Alba! I knew everyone in LA was friends with a celeb haha ;) she sounds so lovely!
Whitney English says:
Oh totally. When I’m not hanging with Jess, I’m using doing Yoga with Jen or catching lunch with Brad :)
Hilary says:
Great post! I was just telling my friend yesterday that Jessica Alba and Honest Company are my new favourite instagram accounts! Love her.
Hilary x thehealthycollective.com
Whitney English says:
I just started following them on Insta too. So inspiring!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says:
I love Jessica Alba. Admittedly I’m a little jealous that you got to meet her! But thanks for sharing the pictures and interview! I really want to get her book but I haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Whitney English says:
You definitely should! It’s really informative.
Sharareh Drury says:
I love Jessica Alba! She’s gorgeous and darling…and she’s down with Fonuts!!
Fonuts is DEFINITELY a great place for some delicious treats and they’re definitely far better than any Krispy Kreme. When I worked at E!, it was so easy to stop by there place on 3rd before heading over to the Wilshire building. I’d go for their fresh coffee or lattes – they offer to use almond milk which I love! So much better than some syrupy drink from elsewhere.
Whitney English says:
I still haven’t tries Fonuts!!! I totally want to though after learning more about it. Sounds so delish! I’m afraid I’d want to eat like 10 of them though.
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
I thought Honest Co. was all baby stuff. I didn’t realize there are other products. I love that she saw a need and could just up and start a business to fill it. Very cool! I wish I had that kind of freedom, but you know, the whole non-millionaire thing gets in the way ;) I bet that swag bag was filled with some awesome stuff!
Whitney English says:
Yeah, it was a very smart move! If only we all had movie star money to make our dreams come true! Don’t worry, we’ll get there :)
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
We should go to the Sunday Farmer’s Market in Hollywood and the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Santa Monica – we will bump into her considering she wants LOCAL FOODS ;)
And uh, that red colored food question – TOTALLY SOMETHING I would have asked, LOL – I am so proud! ;)
Whitney English says:
That IS something you would ask. So now you tell me…what’s YOUR favorite red food?
I’m going to guess salmon :)
Sandra from It's Tidy Time says:
That sounds like a fabulous party to go to :) Happy, family friendly cleaning swag? YES PLEASE! My sister used to live in L.A. and was in the entertainment industry, met a ton of people and always had great things to say about Jessica Alba’s reputation. She seems like a little light in the harsh world of Hollywood. Very cool-Great post!
Cheers
Whitney English says:
Thanks Sandra! It definitely is refreshing to meet women like her in Hollywood :)
ShesWrite says:
I’m a HUGE Jessica Alba fan. She has such an awesome body with just dancing, yoga and cycling, huh? Well, of course there’s the clean-eating aspect too. I’m in Portland, where the farm-to-table movement is huge and it’s so nice to have plenty of options from all price points for that. Thanks for sharing!!
Whitney English says:
I’ve always wanted to visit Portland! Hoping to make it up there sometime soon. Thanks for stopping by!
Nicole Nenninger says:
I love Jessica Alba! I love that she started a company out of the passion for clean living. She seems authentic which is rare I think for Hollywood. I wish I could try those restaurants she mentioned, but maybe someone will bring these to the East Coast? I’m gluten and dairy free and there’s so little choices on where/how to eat out. It’s ridiculous! One can only have so many salads…Great article! Great person!
Whitney English says:
I feel you on the salads. Have you tried zucchini and spaghetti pasta yet? Those are my favorite gluten-free subs!
Kelly says:
This post was so much fun to read. I’ve always loved Jessica Alba, and now I love her even more :) You’re so lucky that you got to meet her! Happy SITS day!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Kelly!
Jennifer-Mommy Life After Ph.D. says:
Great post! I’m all for natural items and clean eating. Nice to ‘meet’ you, from SITS!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Jennifer! Nice to e-meet you too!
AwesomelyOZ says:
That is SO exciting, does she always just hang around her store like that? If so, I would pay a visit just for that, haha. I haven’t tried her products but looking forward to doing so now! I’ve heard great things about her company though. Have a great one Whitney! -Iva
Jean Lynd says:
I adore Jessica Alba! Thanks for letting us peak into her life a bit. She rocks! Happy SITS day, too!
Courtney Conover says:
Great share, Whitney! And I’m with the others who say that it is refreshing to hear about a celebrity who is sensible and down to earth.
Kuudos to Jessica, and I wish her much success in her endeavors.
Leah Sannar says:
I love this!! I had no idea that Jessica Alba was behind the Honest company… I’ve been seeing advertisements for it and now I’m DEFINITELY going to check it out. Jessica Alba is just darling. :o)
NailCentric says:
This is such a fun post! I love Jessica Alba and during years I only have great impressions from her publicity. But lucky you! Getting invited to a party, chatting to Jessica, posting a short interview with her on the blog, getting product gifts! Wow, I wish I had that luck too and I hope you will again as you absolutely deserve it. I love the blog ♥
Whitney English says:
That’s very sweet of you and so nice to hear!
Linda @ HelpHerself.com says:
Its great to hear celebs talk about clean eating. It helps set an important example for everyone, especially teenagers and young adults who are at the stage where they generally develop life-long eating habits. I was well into my adult life before I finally woke up and discovered the joy and benefits of clean eating. I so wish I’d smartened up sooner. Your body really is what you put into it! Thanks for a great post :)