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Hollywood leading lady, Halle Berry, 52, shares her best life tips, including the diet she follows, plus how she continues to stay positive and look so great! As one of the presenters at this year’s Golden Globe Awards, Halle almost stole the show in her red Zuhair Murad gown with a plunging V-neck and thigh-high slit.
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How do you stay looking so youthful?
Looking after my body makes me feel more confident. I swear by the ketogenic diet. It’s simple – just no sugar and no carbs. You can eat all the food you want, healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil and eggs, and you can even have a T-bone steak – you just can’t have that baked potato. And, if you exercise, make it cardio. It’s good for your heart, and burns kilojoules.
ALSO SEE: Everything you need to know about the keto diet
What’s your secret to staying positive?
I’ve been going to therapy on an as-needed basis since I was 10. My father was an abusive alcoholic and my mom knew the value of providing me with an outlet – I needed to talk to an unbiased person who could help me manage my feelings. I still see a therapist now and then but, these days, I’ve started meditating as well. I’ve found that your mind is very powerful, and how we think can influence our reality – positivity is in our control.
Your confidence trick?
Taking care of your body makes you feel more self-assured and gives you an overall energy boost. Eating well and doing Pilates or weight workouts makes me feel more positive about life in general.
ALSO SEE: Halle’s top secrets to staying young
What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
To have my kids, even if it was later on in life [she had her first child at 41]. My son and daughter make me a better person and have given so much meaning to my life. I don’t think I would have been as good a mother in my twenties or thirties. In fact, camping with my kids is the ultimate treat. That, and wine!
What’s the one phone call you’re glad you made?
My dad left us [Halle has two older sisters] when I was a girl and, much later in life, I called him. I was filled with pain and rage, and I told him how much he hurt me by abandoning our family. At the end of the conversation he said, “I’m sorry.”
What’s your top parenting hack?
No iPad or other electronics on school days. I very rarely break that rule. I actually lock everything up in the safe because my daughter’s cheeky – she’ll find it! I always know where her iPad is, so when she needs it for school or on weekends it can come out, but then I put it back and lock the safe with my secret code.
The best advice you’ve ever been given?
My mom taught me that you need to fight to realise your dreams, and I’ve never doubted that guidance. I spent most of my teen years wanting to be the best at everything, no matter what obstacles were in my way.
What’s your relationship advice?
After three failed marriages? Those splits were difficult to go through, especially with the kids. Women often go into marriage thinking it’s going to last forever with their prince in shining armour. Let’s just say that I’m rather anti-fairy tale today. I just can’t pick them – I’ve got a broken picker!
ALSO SEE: 14 expert tips to dating after 40
Your greatest fear?
Having one of my kids taken from me – I can’t imagine it.
How do you relax?
I’m taking piano lessons with my daughter, which is a lovely thing to do together. And, if we have a weekend when the three of us are all together, we’ll pack up and take a little trip and pitch a tent somewhere. We love camping holidays.
ALSO SEE: How to really relax on a weekend
Your favourite indulgence?
Downtime with my girlfriends. Every mom needs that. You have to have real conversations where everything isn’t all about the latest kids’ movie. I suppose that ties in with my bad habit – I like wine!
Did you have a career plan B?
I started modelling but, after high school, decided to chase my dream of being a television reporter. I even studied broadcast journalism at a community college for a while. It was only through my work as a model that I was exposed to the world of acting. My agent encouraged me to go up for an audition in New York and, while I didn’t get that role, I began thinking about a future as an actress. Does that make acting my plan B?
The movie role you regret turning down?
I passed on Speed [the 1994 action movie with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock] – that was dumb. I could have climbed on that bus.
The one you’re glad you jumped at?
Well, one of my recent movies, Kings – definitely. It depicts an important time in our history, something we’re still dealing with today [the film covers the racial tension in 1992 Los Angeles, and the resulting violent riots]. That period deserves to be looked at and spoken about openly.
Who would you include in your dream film collaboration?
It would have to be David O. Russell [of Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle fame] as the director and… Ryan Gosling!
