Noticed how fit and healthy Michelle Obama looks? Here's how she stays in such great shape...

Being a working "mum-in-chief" to two daughters, wife to the US President and ushering in a new era is enough to take its toll on most people.

But Michelle Obama, 45, and her husband Barack, 47, have proved you don't have to look like the oval office just because you hang out there.

Michelle goes to the gym three times a week, working out with a trainer for about an hour each session. She does lots of cardio and weight training, and in years past has even woken at 4.30am to train.

"For me exercise is not just physical, it's therapeutic," she has said. Michelle also loves making chilli con carne with Barack, who does his own 90-minute workouts daily, even on the campaign trail.

"If they can make time for exercise, then we can all find time," says dietitian Geraldine Georgeou, who created the diet below with Sydney nutritionist Adam Clifford.


This sample diet's full of metabolism-boosting foods for busy people.

Breakfast

Power smoothie Made with 3 tablespoons non-toasted, fruit-free muesli, 200ml low-fat milk, 3 tablespoons berries, 3 teaspoons LSA (linseed, sesame and almond) mix and 1 tablespoon protein powder. Add a cup of gymnema tea (from health food stores).

Why it's good for you:
"This shake, which has a good mix of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9s — hard to get in most people's diets — can be consumed on the go," says Geraldine Georgeou. The tea can keep blood sugars on an even keel, adds Adam Clifford from Dr Earth Health Foods.

Lunch

Supa Salad 100g tuna, 140g tin low-salt baked beans, greens, red onion, red capsicum and a dash of honey mustard with 2 teaspoons olive oil for dressing.

Why it's good for you:
"It's a great source of protein and will keep you full for longer, also preventing sugar ‘slumps' in the afternoon," explains Geraldine.

Dinner

Chilli Con Carne (serves 4) Brown 200g lean beef in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 chopped onion and ½ teaspoon chilli paste; fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 400g crushed tomatoes, a 190g can red kidney beans and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with salad and a glass of wine in a champagne flute.

Why it's good for you:
"Chilli can slightly boost metabolism by increasing heart rate," says Geraldine. "The smaller flute means you rein in the kilojoules."

Boost your diet with iron

Feeling tired? No energy is the first sign you may be low in iron. Iron converts food into essential energy. It also is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood to cells around the body, including your brain, and boosting your immune system.

So, do what busy women, like Michelle Obama do, and make sure you eat red meat which is naturally high in iron.

For more information see: www.mla.com.au

In pictures

So many celebrities look fabulous over 40 — so how do they do it? Get all the diet, health and wellbeing tips from the stars themselves in our fabulous over 40s photo gallery!




For more wellbeing tips from fabulous over-40s, see this week's Woman's Day.

Do you have a weight loss story to share with us? We'd love to hear about it. Email: womansday@acpmagazines.com.au

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