This is an article by Sarah Robbins on Kristen Bell’s diet and exercise regeime. She looked really lean in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and had really defined abs! She’s a vegetarian and an extremely healthy eater who is dedicated to working out even when she is short of time. Very inspirational!

My real-life strategies for staying fit: young, smart and super-healthy, actress Kristen Bell finds balance by keeping it simple

Undoubtedly one of the healthiest actresses in Hollywood, Kristen Bell–the 25-year-old star of TV’s Veronica Mars and Pulse (in theaters nationwide)–is also one of the most down-to-earth. She doesn’t use trainers (she’d rather do workouts from magazines) and wouldn’t think of hiring a personal chef (she likes to whip up her own healthy meals). So how does a rising star like Kristen, who logs up to 18-hour days on set, find the time–or energy–to stay fit? Here, she gives Shape her three do-anywhere strategies.

 SQUEEZE IN A WORKOUT WHEREVER YOU ARE

"There are weeks when I have zero free time," Kristen admits. That’s why she makes every spare second count. "If a crew is fixing a light between takes, I’ll do a few leg lifts or squats," she says. "And I always take the stairs, even if we’re shooting on the 10th floor or I’m lugging my suitcase through the airport." On set, she gets exercise inspiration from magazines like Shape. "I rip out workouts and bring them with me to rehearsals," she says. Her favorite get-results moves include standing leg lifts and biceps curls with 1-liter water bottles. "It may not seem like a workout," Kristen says, "but these small things really do add up over time!"

BE A MINDFUL EATER

"I don’t believe in the whole no-carbs, no-sugar craze," Kristen says. "My one ‘diet tip’ is don’t zone out when you’re eating–I know that when I do, I inhale the whole breadbasket." Her favorite energizing breakfast is a slice of whole-wheat toast and a few Morningstar Farms veggie sausages. "They’re low in calories but really satisfying," she says. Kristen’s meals also include a dose of healthy fat: "One of my go-to snacks is lowfat cottage cheese with diced tomato and avocado mixed in," she says. "And I love peanut butter–I eat it by the spoonful."

 On weekends, Kristen is an avid cook; she hits Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s to stock up on healthy staples (see "My favorite stay-healthy snacks," right). Though she prides herself on her veggie lasagna and soy meatloaf, she does like a little junk food in her diet. "Everyone has certain foods they can’t live without; for me it’s ice cream and my homemade triple-chip cookies. And when I need a salty, crunchy fix," she says, "nothing beats Doritos."

NEVER SKIMP ON RELAXATION

"I pushed myself way too hard during the first year of Veronica Mars [now in its third season] and I got moody and run-down," admits Kristen. "Now, I’ll go to bed early instead of going out with friends. It’s not always the most fun option, but I know I need at least eight hours of sleep to feel balanced." During marathon workdays, she relies on 10-minute relaxation breaks. "I’ll turn off my cell phone and put on really soft music–anything from Mozart to Amos Lee’s ‘Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight,’" she says. "When I get back on my feet, I’m refreshed and ready to tackle anything."

My favorite stay-healthy snacks

Part-skim mozzarella string cheese "I was vegan in high school, but I had to give it up because I’m such a cheese girl!"

Optimum Power Breakfast Cereal by Nature’s Path "With 10 grams of fiber per bowl, it’s the best nutrition I’ve found that has equally good taste."

Baby bell peppers "They’re sweet and crunchy and make the perfect snack."

Tofutti Cuties "If I want to satisfy my sweet tooth, I’ll unwrap one of these mini ice-cream sandwiches."