How Brooke Burke Stays Fit, Healthy and Beautiful

Keeping a hectic schedule and balancing family life takes a great body and peace of mind. As an actress, model and mom, Brooke Burke has it all.

You've seen her on E!'s Wild On, cruisin' the world for the best party spots. You may even remember her from Rank!, E!'s list-happy, best-of series that rates celebrities and entertainment according to viewer voting.

But what you may not know is that she wasn't born perfect. "If I didn't eat healthy and exercise regularly, I could have a problem. I'm not one of those people that can eat whatever they want and be naturally skinny."

She takes care of herself by using the Core Secrets program. Invented by trainer to the stars, Gunnar Petersen, this program focuses on strengthening and redefining the core (midsection) of the body. Brooke Burke not only uses this program, but she also endorses it.

A fitness ball is the basis of the program. "It works several different body parts simultaneously. You see results fast, since you’re toning the entire body," Brooke Burke says.

There are three videos to choose from: 25-Minute Full Body Workout video, Accelerated Core Training video and the FUNdamentals video, plus, there are other videos available that feature Brooke Burke. "I’ve done all of the workouts. It just depends on how much time I have," Brooke Burke says.

Dedication is an important factor for staying in shape. "It's so easy to procrastinate, but I always make health and fitness a priority in my life," Brooke Burke says. No matter how hectic her schedule, she always fits in her workout. It's the part of her day that balances her mind, body and spirit.

It's simple with the Core Secrets program. The ball travels with her wherever she goes. Because you can deflate it and pack it in almost any bag, it's very convenient. "There are so many different moves and routines you can do. Targeting the entire body, the ball is supportive on your back."

Her busy lifestyle doesn’t allow her to get into a gym or fitness center, so the Core Secrets program is perfect for Brooke Burke. She can work out in the space and privacy of her own home, and she says the videos are easy to follow.

When she’s not toning with Core Secrets, she enjoys practicing yoga. It helps her focus and center herself. "Yoga is more than physical. It’s relaxing for my body, mind and soul," Brooke Burke says. She has made it a way of life to make her feel good visually and physically. Yoga is grounding for Brooke Burke in the chaotic Hollywood industry.

Along with keeping physically fit, Brooke Burke’s diet is very healthy. She focuses on a low-carb eating style. "I eat lots of protein and avoid flour. I drink a lot of water and enjoy sushi. I avoid bad fats. I try to eat often -- like five times a day, even if I have to eat a bar to supplement." She likes dry roasted almonds and eats a lot of veggies, soup and fish. Her favorite beverages are nonfat lattes and green tea.

Although she sticks to healthy eating habits, she admits her favorite unhealthy "cheat food" is margherita pizza with spicy oil. "I don’t sacrifice things I love. I love bread, but I just don’t eat a lot. And I love chocolate chip cookies, but I don’t eat those often."

As a mother of two, Brooke Burke makes sure her daughters eat healthfully as well. "Luckily, they’re not big on McDonald’s happy meals. They love rice, pasta, sushi and chicken. They drink milk. One doesn’t like sweets, and the other loves chocolate," Brooke Burke says. And they would both eat pasta every day if they could.

As a model, Brooke Burke is labeled as a sex symbol, but she is very modest about it. "It has its pluses and minuses, but I’m content with a successful career and where it’s going now," Brooke Burke says.

She’s definitely going places, and she has already been to so many places. She admits she’s an island person. Of all her travels, she loves St. Bart's the most. "The shopping, dining and just overall quality of people there are great," Brooke Burke says with a sense of nostalgia in her voice, although she also admits her ideal vacation is two weeks in Italy. She loves the architecture in Rome.

When she's not traveling, Brooke Burke is currently writing a travel book and posing for magazine and calendar photo shoots. She also has a line of swimsuits called "Barely Brooke Burke." It's pretty amazing that someone with such a full schedule manages to stay so healthy and beautiful. It’s motivation for anyone.