Blake Lively's Approach to Diet
In 2016, following the birth of her first child, Blake Lively adopted a rigorous diet to get in shape for her role as a surfer in The Shallows. During this time, she publicly revealed that her meal plan excluded both gluten and soy. This was not a permanent lifestyle change but a targeted effort with a specific athletic goal in mind. Her trainer, Don Saladino, worked closely with her to develop a routine that was nutrient-dense and not based on starvation.
The Shallows Diet vs. Everyday Eating
Lively's strict diet for The Shallows involved carefully balanced meals of protein, vegetables, and slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes and rice, all of which were gluten-free. The elimination of soy led her to automatically cut out most processed foods, which she found to be a surprisingly challenging but ultimately healthy practice. This approach was a powerful tool for achieving a very specific physical result in a short timeframe.
For her everyday life, however, Lively has a more relaxed, balanced philosophy. She and her trainer subscribe to an "80-20 rule," where she focuses on eating well 80% of the time and allows for treats and fun in the remaining 20%. This reflects a healthier, more sustainable mindset compared to the extreme measures sometimes undertaken for specific roles. Her love for baking and desserts is well-documented, indicating that a completely gluten-free lifestyle is not her norm.
Key Principles of Lively's General Diet
- Focus on Whole Foods: Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, are known for shopping at farmers' markets and cooking most of their meals. This ensures they can control the ingredients and prioritize fresh, organic produce.
- Balanced Nutrients: Her diet focuses on a balance of protein, healthy carbohydrates, fats, and plenty of vegetables. Breakfast might consist of eggs with coconut oil and vegetables, while lunch could be wild-caught fish or chicken with a salad and sweet potatoes.
- Moderation, Not Deprivation: Unlike her temporary Shallows diet, Lively's normal eating habits allow for indulgences. Her love of baking and her famous homemade desserts are examples of this balanced approach.
- No Calorie Counting: Her trainer emphasized that Lively does not focus on caloric deficits but rather on fueling her body with enough food to support a healthy, active metabolism.
Comparing Blake Lively's Diets
| Aspect | The Shallows Diet (Temporary) | General Diet (Long-Term) |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten | No gluten | Includes gluten in moderation |
| Soy | No soy | Soy is not explicitly excluded, though she avoids processed foods where it's common |
| Processed Foods | Strictly avoided due to removal of soy | Generally avoided, but not as rigidly |
| Moderation | Limited indulgence, very strict regimen | 80/20 rule, allows for treats |
| Goal | Achieve athletic physique quickly for a role | Maintain overall health and well-being |
The Appeal of Lively's Health Philosophy
Lively's shift from a short-term, restrictive diet to a more sustainable, balanced approach is noteworthy and a valuable example for others. Her focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods, rather than eliminating entire food groups long-term, aligns with widely accepted nutritional advice. The "80-20 rule" is a particularly popular and realistic strategy for maintaining a healthy relationship with food without feeling constantly deprived. Her dedication to cooking at home also provides an excellent model for controlling what you eat.
- Hydration: Lively reportedly starts her day with a glass of water, a simple and effective habit for managing hydration and appetite.
- Supplements: To further support her health, she takes supplements like magnesium, omega-3, and probiotics.
- Active Lifestyle: A healthy diet is only part of her routine. Regular workouts with her trainer, Don Saladino, are a key component of her fitness and wellness.
Conclusion
While Blake Lively famously followed a no-gluten and no-soy diet to achieve her physique for The Shallows, she does not permanently eat gluten-free. Her overall philosophy is centered on a balanced, whole-foods diet that prioritizes nutrient density and includes a sensible approach to indulgences. This stands in contrast to the misconception that she perpetually avoids gluten, a fact her long-documented love for baking and occasional treats confirms. For her, strict elimination diets are a temporary tool, not a life-long rule.
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