Tracy Anderson’s Diet Tips (and 3 Favorite Recipes)

Tracy Anderson is maybe the only person on earth who could find something to improve on Gwyneth Paltrow’s body (see evidence here) and she’s also responsible for preserving Jennifer Lopez’s famous curves. The creator of the Tracy Anderson Method workout knows how to perfect any body, and working out is only half the battle. She reveals her best eating and diet secrets below, plus three delicious, healthy recipes she swears by.

Secret 1: Load up on blueberries and kale: They can be used in a hundred ways!

“Blueberries are a true superfood, full of antioxidants—so it’s not just a load of sugar, and you can literally put them in any recipe combo, whether it be a salad with protein, a smoothie for breakfast, with your favorite Greek yogurt, or alone as a snack.” About kale, Anderson says, “I don’t know how many people think kale tastes great, but I think it’s delicious, and there are so many ways of preparing it that you literally cannot go wrong. Besides having loads of antioxidants and vitamin C and promoting healthy digestion, kale is believed to be a carcinogen blocker. Blend it in your breakfast smoothie (with berries, your favorite milk, and my wellness formula; I promise, you won’t taste it), make a salad either finely chopped or wilted (simple olive oil, salt and good ole hands wilting method), or sauté with fresh garlic and other herbs as a side dish next to a protein for dinner.”

Secret 2. Having fun is the best way to keep your stress levels low.

“If you let stress win over enjoyment it’s a bummer and takes away from all things special. It’s also vital to take care of yourself during this time as always, so that you don’t come to resent this amazing time of year.”

Secret 3: Plan your workouts in advance in order to stay fit and consistent.

“Consistency is my favorite word and it rings true in everyday life—not just staying fit and healthy,” she says. “If you are able to plan out your workout times and environment let people like me plan your actual workouts. You just show up and with that planning you are creating a realistic regimen for yourself and holding yourself accountable to those times. Life throws us curveballs, but it’s our consistency and discipline that help us achieve our goals.”

Secret 4: Inviting friends to work out with you is a great idea, but remember to show up for yourself.

“I think that the right friends are sometimes the best motivation and moral support,” says Anderson. She continues, “Working out can be very social, but it’s also important to show up for yourself. Again, setting tangible goals for yourself is the first step. If you happen to have a few close friends that energetically make moving together motivating, then I am in full support. I work out with my best friends but if I can’t I do it for just me and with just me too.”

Secret 5: Make the commitment to stay fit and healthy.

As we get older, we can’t rely on our metabolism or “good genes” to keep us healthy and fit. “I will always stand by my philosophy of working out six days a week at an hour each day is best. You have to make a commitment to staying fit and healthy and it starts with being realistic and honest about the benefits of a full workout.” And if you cannot get into the gym, Anderson’s cardio dance and mat workouts can be streamed online right in the comfort of your own home.

Now that you know the basics, here’s what to eat. Three winter recipes Anderson loves:

1. Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

Turkey (10 to 13 pounds)

Marjoram

Tarragon

Shallots

Rosemary

Lemon slices

Red potatoes

Heirloom carrots

Steps:

Tie legs together and season turkey with simple salt and pepper. Dice fresh marjoram, tarragon, shallots, and rosemary rather fine, making about 1/2 cup of seasoning. Take about 1/2 of the mix and spread under the skin. Drizzle the outside of the turkey with olive oil and rub the other 1/2 of the mixture over the turkey. Place a full sprig of each of the four herbs, tie together and place inside turkey. Place 4 to 6 lemon slices, 6 to 8 heirloom carrots, and 4 to 6 medium red potatoes (cut in half) in large pan with turkey. Cook at 430 to 450 degrees for 30 minutes to crisp the skin and lock in juices. Lower temperature to 360 and continue cooking 2 to 2.5 hours, until 165-degree temperature is reached. Let sit 20 to 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

2. Braised Kale With Lemon and Capers

Ingredients:

6 cups chopped kale

1/2 cup chopped capers

1 lemon, Juiced

4 small garlic cloves, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil

Steps:

Sprinkle 1 to 2 tbsp. of salt and pepper to coat pan. Add garlic with olive oil in pan for 2 to 3 minutes. Add kale and braise about 7 minutes on low to medium heat. Slowly add in capers, but do not add lemon until the end or your kale will become brown. Squeeze lemon at end just before serving.

Baked Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup blueberries

1/2 cup fresh cranberries, cut in half

1 cup raspberries

2 pears, diced

1 apple, diced

Raw vanilla extract

Cinnamon

Tapioca

Steps:

Place all diced fruit in mixing bowl with 1/4 tsp. raw vanilla extract and 1 to 2 tsp. cinnamon. Mix together with a spoon and add 1 tbsp. tapioca. Place in 9-inch glass baking dish and bake at 365 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes, mixing every so often.