Shaping Up For Summer

Pierson Fodé (Thomas)

Diet: “Whether it’s summer or winter, I eat lots of small meals throughout the day. A lot of people complain that good food isn’t cheap, but I find that’s not necessarily true. It depends on what you choose to eat. I do mostly Paleo, which means no processed food and no added sugars. I try to be as organic as possible [and] choose foods at their most base form. So, for lunch and dinner, it’s raw vegetables, potatoes. I’ll cook up a piece of meat. It’s cheaper than going to Chipotle. Paleo is a great diet for prepping meals in advance, too. For breakfast and snacks, I’m hugely into shakes. Like a lot of Americans, I found out that I am allergic to dairy and whey, so I do all vegan products now. I like to go with a chocolate banana protein shake and maybe add a scoop of peanut butter. If not, I go with banana and strawberries. Whether it’s in a shake or by itself, fruit is always a good call.”

Fitness: “I’m always doing some kind of outdoor activity so when summer comes, the biggest difference is that the outdoor activities change. I go from snowboarding and playing in the snow to surfing and playing soccer. I don’t have a set exercise routine because I believe the greatest thing you can do for your body is to mix up all of your routines. Our muscles develop memory and if you keep things the same, it becomes too easy. The second you’re not getting sore is when you know you have to change your routine. I probably work out 5-6 times a week, but I’m in the gym or I’m in the park and gym, or I go for a swim in the ocean. I like to use those things as a cardio day and then lift weights. I love CrossFit, which is a really hard-hitting training workout, so anytime a new CrossFit workout comes in where you switch up your routine, I will open myself up to that.”

Pierson’s Top Three Tips

• “I read a study recently that talked about how much harder you push yourself competitively when someone else is there with you, so it’s a great idea to have a friend to work out with.”

• “If you’re getting back into shape, don’t do too much too soon. Be smart about it and don’t be critical of yourself. It’s all about baby steps. As long as you’re making healthier choices, that’s the most important part.”

• “Everything is better with peanut butter. People don’t realize peanut butter contains more unsaturated fat than saturated fat, so it’s a healthy fat. Believe me, everything is better with peanut butter.”

Darin Brooks (Wyatt)

Diet: “I believe in eating all day, but you’ve got to be sensible about it. In summer, you tend to eat lighter anyway. For breakfast this morning, Kelly [Kruger, ex-Eva, B&B, his wife] and I did avocado toast with two eggs on top for me and one for her. My morning snack is usually a handful of nuts, almonds or something like that. For lunch, we’ll have a bigger meal. It’s better to have a bigger meal earlier in the day, chicken or maybe fish; that way, you’ve got all day to work it off. For an afternoon snack, some fruit is always good, and for dinner, I’ll often grill something up. We had some killer turkey burgers the other day. I love fish, which is always good on the grill. Kelly only eats turkey, chicken and fish, but I’ll make myself a steak every once in a while. I’ve got to!”

Fitness: “I don’t have a specific workout routine. If I’m working a lot on the show, I may only work out once or twice that week. If I have more time, I’ll sometimes work out a couple of times in a day, so it really varies. What I like to do and want to do more of is after dinner, go for a walk, especially in the summer. It’s simple. It gets your metabolism going right after that meal. Walk around the block. Heck, walk around your house. Just do something for 10-20 minutes and don’t plop on the couch. Take your significant other with you and talk about your day while you’re walking. Take the dogs, make it a family activity. For cardio, I boxed for a long time and just recently got back into it. It’s real high-impact when you’re punching the bag because you’re using everything — and I give it my all. I just love it. Kelly and I work out in our backyard with weights. We do sit-ups and push-ups, easy stuff. We like doing it outside for the fresh air and we get some vitamin D, too. The key with exercise is, try things to see what works for you. Different people find different things to be fun, so whatever you find fun, get out there and do it.”

Darin’s Top Three Tips

•“Cook more, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your mouth. Avoid processed foods.”

• “Make sure you’re getting enough water. Cut out things like soda and juices. You don’t need all that sugar. I haven’t had a soda in forever.”

• “It’s okay to have little vices here and there. As long as you do something to work it off, you’re allowed.”