- Kristen Bell, 39, opened up to Women's Health about how having kids has affected her body.
- Bell said that she lost her abs during pregnancy and gave up hope of being toned, but then worked hard in the gym to get more physically fit.
- Though she likes feeling strong, Bell said that exercising and conscious eating helps her mental health, too.
At 39, Kristen Bell knows all about work-life balance. She's starring in Frozen II (premiering in November), she's filming NBC's The Good Place, and she's raising two young children—all while trying to keep her physical and mental health in check.
Though taking one look at Bell will have you assuming that she's looked so toned and strong her entire life, the Veronica Mars star admitted to Women's Health that she just started working out consistently about a year ago.
"I’ve always felt mentally strong because I’m adept and can banter and hold my own in a good conversation,” Bell told the outlet. “But I’ve never felt physically strong. I felt waifish…or pregnant."
Bell, who has two daughters Lincoln and Delta, pretty much gave up hope of being fit after giving birth. “Having children obliterated my abdominal wall,” she said. “Good night. That’s a wrap. And I thought, 'Well, it’s never going to come back. What do I need it for? I’m married. Spanx exist. You don’t get everything all the time.'”
But she decided to go for it. The result? A killer six pack that she rocks today. "I’m loving the fact that if we ever get attacked by ninjas, I would be a valuable asset."
Bell hits the gym three times a week, usually taking a Pilates class at Studio Metamorphosis. She also pays attention to her diet, but emphasized that she's never restrictive with what she's eating.
On set, Bell usually eats egg whites with vegetables, a salt bagel with cream cheese, a pea or hemp milk protein shake, and a salad.
“I have to eat carbs because I have to memorize 11 pages of dialogue, and I can’t do that eating spinach and chicken," she told Women's Health. "If they make au gratin potatoes, I’m going to have some, but I am mindful of the portion I take. I find that through conscious eating, I’m able to have all the rewards and also maintain a healthy, steady diet."
Though Bell makes a conscious effort to exercise and eat healthily to stay strong and toned, it's not all about the physical benefits for her.
"I feel so much stronger, and it’s a physical feeling, but it’s also a mental one,” she said. “[Exercise] should be the first stop for anyone who experiences depression or anxiety because it encourages serotonin and endorphins. I feel so much more centered, patient, capable. It sets the next 48 hours for me.”
Bell has anxiety and has lived with depression since she was 18. In addition to working out, the actress takes an SSRI anti-depressant, goes to therapy, and has a drop of CBD oil a day to help manage her symptoms.
Today, Bell continues to shed light on depression and supporting others who are living with mental illness, even though she was hesitant to open up about having depression at first.
"I realized that this is the shame that prevents people from talking about it," she said. "I immediately felt irresponsible, because I do care about depression not being taboo, yet I present this bubbly, outgoing girl who seemingly gets through life with a smile on her face, and I’d never discussed that some days, I don’t.”
"You just have to do the next right thing. You just stand up. That’s the next right thing. Then you brush your teeth. That’s the next right thing. It’s very one-step-at-a-time," she said.
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Currently an assistant editor at Prevention.com, Nicol is a Manhattan-based journalist who specializes in health, wellness, beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. When Nicol isn't writing, she loves trying new workout classes, testing out the latest face mask, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle.
