Former model and reality show host Brooke Burke, mother of 4, bounces back into shape within a blink of an eye every time she gets a baby. The 36-year old looks amazing and had always been at her best shape even before appearing on Dancing with the Stars.

Brooke laughs when people ask her about her diet. She admits that she finds it strange that people ask her less about rearing children than they do about her body. She says people would ask: “But Brooke, have you seen yourself on Dancing with the Stars? Those abs! Those legs! Four kids? How is it possible,” and she would respond by saying "I did it naturally."

Brooke does not follow any fad diets or drastic work out routines. “Lots of people have been asking about my diet so here goes. I never diet, but I do believe in creating healthy eating habits that you can enjoy and stick to,” she wrote on her Baboosh Baby site. 

She follows a five-small-meal plan of protein, vegetables and few carbs. Eating five times a day speeds up her metabolism and it makes it possible for her to survive her day with only small meals. Brooke usually starts off her day with good carbohydrates like oatmeal, fruit or a protein shake with banana in it. She then has a midmorning snack and a big salad with some protein for lunch. For dinner she likes to have fish and veggies, sometimes with a glass of wine.

Brooke avoids starches like white flour, bread and sugar and likes having lots of fresh fruits or soup instead.

Her Workout

Brooke admits that not being on any diet typically means that she has to exercise. As a result, besides dancing practice, she does Pilates three times a week and takes four-mile hikes with her fiancé, David Charvet.  She also does cardio for one hour three times per week, either by swimming, jogging or hiking.

Even while pregnant Brooke does Pilates and immediately after giving birth resumes her typical exercise routine. She says she has been doing Pilates for nine years now which she started during her first pregnancy. “I’m a big believer in staying fit during your pregnancy,” she said.

Tips for mothers!

After pregnancy Brooke recommends a belly wrap until your stomach muscles are firm once again. She praises breastfeeding as a natural way of helping moms loose baby weight. By the way, breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories a day. 

She advises new moms to eat smaller meals more frequently, do stroller workouts and light exercises. “Remember moms, that eating healthy, light exercises (walking, jogging, swimming, etc) and breastfeeding is a great combo to reach your ideal healthy weight quickly,” she advised.

Fancy her natural way of doing things? Here is how Brooke’s typical day goes: 

Breakfast
oatmeal made with water, with a little brown sugar
coffee with milk and sweetener

Snack (choose one)
Non-fat yogurt
Low-fat cottage cheese with fresh pineapple
protein bar (Luna or Zone)

Lunch (choose one)
chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cucumber in a whole-wheat pita with olive oil, vinegar and Dijon dressing
sushi – mostly sashimi style
chicken/lettuce/cheese burrito
(She also love Matzo ball soup that I make at home with chicken, carrots and celery.)

Snack (choose one)
apple with a handful of almonds
protein shake made with nonfat milk, ½ banana, tsp. almond butter and a scoop of whey protein
tuna fish salad with celery or carrots (use low-fat mayo)
sliced turkey with almonds

Dinner (choose one)
filet mignon with Caesar salad and asparagus
sushi
grilled salmon with veggies
chicken with a salad and grilled veggies
Brooke’s fitness plan is manageable and obviously effective as her rock-hard abs prove it. New moms, take the advice and see how far it can take you.

Article by Londiwe Buthelezi

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