Emily in Paris star, Lily Collins, not only serves up major beauty inspo on the reg (those iconic brows require no introduction!) she’s also an impressive advocate for self-love. After overcoming an eating disorder she developed as a tween, the actress has finally learned to love the skin she’s in – and that means establishing an eating and exercise regime that’s focused around one thing in particular: balance.
“I’m a clean eater. I love chicken, fish, and vegetables and grains like quinoa, but I don’t eat red meat. I steer clear of processed foods. I’m very farm-to-table; growing up in the English countryside, it was a way of life, not a trend,” she told Shape.
That’s not to says she doesn’t indulge on occasion…
“I also treat myself to the occasional dessert when I’m out with friends. But on the daily, I want to give my body what it needs to be the best version of myself,” said Lily.
“When I splurge, it’s usually on things that I’ve baked, because it’s satisfying physically and emotionally,” the star shared.
“I’m not gluten-free or vegan, but I love baking things because of the sense of accomplishment I get from creating something that’s yummy and healthy. I make everything from doughnuts to birthday cakes and banana-walnut bread. There was a time when I wouldn’t let myself taste those kinds of foods, let alone make them. I bake from the heart. I put love out there, and it goes right back in,” Lily continued.
The actress, whose list of accolades also includes starring alongside Zac Efron in the Netflix biopic Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, also takes the same approach when it comes to working out: everything in moderation, including moderation.
“I’m a Pisces, so I love swimming whenever I can. I was on the track team in high school and hated it, but now I like to run by myself and listen to my music,” she told the publication.
“But what I love most is Body by Simone. It’s a method that incorporates strengthening and toning. I’ve been training privately with a trainer there, and we do isometrics and ballet moves. It’s not CrossFit, but it keeps me on my toes.”
She’s also a big believer in moving her body daily, just as much for the mental benefits as the physical kind.
“To be honest, I try to be active in some way every day: It’s my time to disappear and be in my own world,” she added. “I can also push myself past what I thought I was capable of. Of course, if I’m travelling or tired, I give my body a rest. I used to feel guilty if I skipped a workout in the past, but now it just means life is offering up things that I want to do instead. Those ellipticals will always be there but experiences won’t.”
We love this take on life, Lily!
Main image credit: @lilyjcollins
