Cameron Diaz The Body Book

Looking at Cameron Diaz, you'd never suspect that a normal lunch for the actress used include two Taco Bell bean burritos and a Coke—but that's what she ate every single day for three years in junior high, as she reveals in The Body Book, out now. So how did she learn to reinvent her diet for a healthier life? With these tips, which Cameron includes in the book, along with how to strengthen your body and sharpen your mind—because knowing how to care for yourself is the "most important information you can have."

Don't Ignore Hunger
When your stomach growls, your body is saying that your cells have run out of nutrients and need more energy to function—and consequently, to help you stay alert. When you don't satisfy that hunger, "you'll eat any food you can find, no matter what it is," writes Diaz in her book. So to avoid overeating, she suggests squashing your cravings when they first start acting up.  

MORE: 11 Low-Calorie Snacks You Haven't Thought Of

Your Body Wants to be Strong
Cameron firmly believes that our bodies are programmed for improvement, not for lethargy—"[their] instinct is to be powerful and resilient," writes Diaz. Sitting idly all day is working against your body's natural urge to move. Luckily, it's simple to incorporate more activity into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the escalator, for example, or try these easy ways to move more at work.

Discipline is Your Greatest Tool
"Discipline is like your foundation for life," writes Diaz. "It's what supports you and provides stability and structure for everything that you do." A lot of people have a bad relationship with self-discipline ("Why don't I have more of it?!). But if you view it as a muscle that you can work to strengthen, you turn discipline into a tool to help you accomplish your goals—not something that's working against you.

MORE: How to Stay Focused During a Workout 

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