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‘That just doesn’t taste good’: The simple beauty of Jessica Alba’s fad-free health regimen

Jessica Alba looking radiant as ever at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars Party.

Jessica Alba looking radiant as ever at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars Party. Photo: Getty

Jessica Alba may be the picture-perfect darling of Hollywood, seemingly ageless and graceful – but when it comes to her health, the 37-year-old actress does not hold back.

The mother-of-three and Honest Company founder has spoken candidly about staying healthy, and the celebrity health fad she can’t stand.

“I tried celery juicing, and it empties your bowels in a very violent way, all day long,” Alba said for the 2019 April cover of Health

“I like things that taste good, and that just doesn’t taste good.”

Hear, hear, Jessica.

Jessica Alba and family

“I hate working out with a passion.” The busy mum-of-three also admitted that she doesn’t always have time to exercise. Photo: Getty

Celery juicing has gained a big following in recent months, with supporters hooked on its ‘miracle’ tonic claims ranging from ‘flushing’ out auto-immune disease to ‘purifying’ the bloodstream.

Tennis champion Novak Djokovic is one of its high-profile advocates – sharing a photo of his daily celery fix just days before winning the 2019 Australian Open.

Other high-profile figures reported to wake up with celery juice are Miranda Kerr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Robert De Niro and golfer Hunter Mahan.

While dietitians told The New Daily that there is no harm in drinking celery juice every day, they said any claims of a cure-all had the potential to mislead people.

The very average celery stick is having a superfood moment thanks to celebrity power. Photo: Getty

“If someone is diagnosed with cancer and rejects proven medical treatment in favour of self-medication with celery juice, that would be harmful,” public health nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton said.

It’s not the first time Alba has criticised a celebrity health fad.

In 2014, she resisted the ‘oil pulling’ trend that saw the likes of actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Shailene Woodley reportedly swilling out their mouths with oil (usually coconut) for 20 minutes for a brighter smile.

The ancient practice has been linked to plaque reduction – but there are side effects, and any evidence of its benefits is flimsy at best. 

“I can’t do anything for 20 minutes,” Alba told Stylecaster at the time. “Like if a meal takes more than 20 minutes I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I would probably gag, too.”

Shailene Woodley Nicole Kidman

Big Little Lies actress Shailene Woodley credits oil pulling for her bright smile. Photo: Getty

And if we didn’t like her enough already, she’s not a fan of the gym either.

“I hate working out with a passion,” she said in the recent Health interview. “It’s hard to motivate myself, but it’s like medicine and makes me feel mentally better.”

So, how does she stay looking so glam and fit?

“I try to eat really clean when I can’t work out,” she told Health. “No wine during the week. Also, two vegan or plant-based meals a day during the week.”

When it comes to her mental wellbeing, the busy entrepreneur tries to keep it simple and balanced.

“Wellness is all about checking in,” Alba told Health. “Some days I just need to go in my room and read a book for an hour and put a face mask on. Other days I need to wake up at 5.15 a.m. and get a spin class in to feel good.”

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