Jada Pinkett Smith’s diet is surprisingly simple — here's what she eats to stay in killer shape

INSIDER 8/14/2018 feedback@thisisinsider.com (Stephanie Ashe)

Jada Pinkett Smith smiling for the camera © Provided by Business Insider Inc Jada Pinkett Smith Jada Pinkett Smith has been gracing television and movie screens since 1990, and it feels like she has barely aged a day since. The 46-year-old, who married Will Smith in 1997, has learned over the years what kind of food her body runs best on and has committed to feeding it what it needs.

Despite admitting to Shape Magazine that she can’t cook at all, she focuses on a diet high in protein and vegetables and believes in the power of "superfoods." Here is everything you need to know about her diet and workout.

She treats food as fuel

When

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speaking with Essence in 2012, Smith revealed she treats food as fuel and nourishment for her body, rather eating for pleasure — a lesson she learned from her West Indian grandmother. And this idea is shared by others, as well. Forbes reported on "productivity-increasing foods" being ones that slowly release glucose throughout the day, so you can avoid the afternoon slump. These include eggs, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, salmon, and nuts.

Her exercise regiment dictates her meals.

The reason Smith needs so much fuel is that she keeps her workout game is strong. She told Shape that she works out at 6:30 in the morning, and that means she needs the right food to keep moving. Protein, leafy greens, and healthy carbohydrates allow her to hit the gym hard without losing energy throughout the day.

She allows herself some guilty pleasures.

It’s not all fuel though. Smith also believes in the importance of balance and allows herself a few guilty pleasures. She’s said that pizza and french fries are her weaknesses, and she even likes to eat them together. But when she does give in to those guilty pleasures, she puts in the work to make up for it.

In an interview with Health, Smith said that she increases the intensity of her workouts to match her diet. More carbs mean more cardio.

She doesn’t eat pork or beef.

Smith’s protein choices are fish, chicken, and poultry, and she stays away from pork and beef. According to Health, she focuses on lean proteins to fuel her body, and even keeps hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for a quick protein-packed snack.

She cut out sugar to avoid mood swings.

Despite admitting to Shape Magazine that her husband has quite a sweet tooth, she recently decided to cut out sugar from her diet. According to Smith, she found herself suffering from depressive episodes, likening it to an "emotional rollercoaster," and she attributed these mood shifts to sugar.

Video: The best fast-food items for people on Weight Watchers (Courtesy: Buzz60)