Meet Cat Cora, chef
What she's known for: She's an acclaimed culinary artist and the only female Iron Chef on Food Network's Iron Chef America.
Given her job, Cora can't help but indulge on occasion. "Nothing is off limits," Cora said. "You can have a little bit of anything you want as long as you don't go overboard."
Her current age: 43
Her RealAge: 36.4
What keeps her young: So how does the mother of four, who loves chocolate and peanut butter, look so great and register a 36.4 RealAge? By working out regularly. "I work out 6 to 7 days a week for about an hour and a half a day by going on the elliptical machine, jogging, walking along the beach, and doing weight bearing exercises and yoga" Cora said. "I tend to get the best workout in the morning. It feels good to start off my day on the right foot, and it keeps me making healthier choices throughout the day."
(Stuck in an exercise rut? Get tips on diversifying your fitness portfolio -- and gaining long-term payoffs in how you look and feel.)
Perhaps Cora's best choice is dietary. "I tend to eat several small meals throughout the day to keep my metabolism revving and burning the most calories, which also prevents me from getting too hungry and eating everything in sight."
(Try this six-meal plan to help control your hunger throughout the day.)
Snacks are the downfall of many. A steady diet of unhealthy items certainly doesn't help those battling age and the bulge. If Cora needs a bridge between her sensibly sized meals, her pantry and fridge are filled with foods that help her look good. "We keep tons of fresh fruit, nonfat yogurt, raw almonds, and dry high-fiber cereals at hand to easily grab and go," Cora revealed.
So Cora is fit and trim, which belies the stereotype that cooks are on the pudgy side. But it helps if you prepare recipes with healthy ingredients. "I sneak in lean proteins and veggies whenever I can," Cora said. "I slip that into pasta dishes to keep myself and my family full on good nutritious foods."
(Check out this article for tips on using healthful fats to help you eat less.)
Since Cora is an expert in the kitchen, her healthy choices never bore the palate. "I use lots of fresh citrus and fresh herbs in boosting up flavor without adding any extra fat, calories, sodium, et cetera."
(Adding these four herbs will boost the antioxidant punch of both raw and cooked veggies.)
Clearly, Cora knows food. It shows in what she prepares and consumes.
