Australian model Zoe Gara is enjoying the September sun in Ibiza, Spain. Gara shared a picture of herself wearing a bright string bathing suit as she lounged by the pool—and her fans clearly loved the post. "A queen," one admirer said. So how does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Gara stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
Gara starts the day with delicious fruit, pancakes, and oatmeal, which experts say is a great choice for a healthy breakfast. "The soluble fiber in oats has been shown to decrease low-density lipoprotein, or 'bad' cholesterol, by 10%–15%, particularly when consumed as part of a low-fat diet," says Megan Holdaway, RDN. "Studies show fiber can also decrease risk of high blood pressure and reduce risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. A high-fiber diet has also been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer. The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat 25–30 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans only eat about half that amount."
Gara's lithe physique is the result of martial arts training—and plenty of food. "I eat more than people can imagine," Gara says. "I've been blessed with good genetics consisting of a fast metabolism. People also do forget I have consistently trained in martial arts my whole life!"
Gara is an accomplished swimmer, and loves the ocean—something that offers many health benefits, experts say. "In his 2014 book Blue Mind, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols brought together evidence for why people find themselves in a meditative and relaxed state when they are in, on or under water," says Sergio Diez Alvarez, director of medicine, The Maitland and Kurri Kurri Hospital, University of Newcastle. "One reason is the breathing patterns used during swimming and diving. These stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the system that controls organ function and quietens the brain) and have effects on brain waves and hormones that influence the brain positively. The weightlessness of water can also have a calming effect on the mind, even changing or slowing down brain waves."
Being in the public eye can take its toll—but Gara is careful to protect her mental health. "You can take care of your mental health simply by not caring and not letting anyone get to you," she says. "When you stop caring what other people think about you, you'll begin to shine and no one will seek to bring you down… I used to struggle with my confidence after haters would try to bring me down, but then I realized my worth and that it reflects who they are as a person. Knowing your worth is also important, as well as accepting your uniqueness and insecurities and telling yourself you are beautiful just the way you are."
Gara is realistic and grounded about her job as an influencer, saying "real life" is what really matters. "Social media validation is nowhere near as important as real life validation," Gara says. "It is important in regards to keeping consistent growth and income, but being a good person and real to everyone around me is all that matters in terms of validation."
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