Poppy Montgomery On Her Healthy Routine

Poppy Montgomery On Her Healthy Routine

Poppy Montgomery's new show Unforgettable premieres tomorrow, and the svelte actress is in tip-top shape for her role as N.Y.C. detective Carrie Wells, working on the unsolved murder of her sister. We caught up with Montgomery to talk about her healthy routine.

What is your fitness routine? What does an average workout look like?
I try to squeeze in a workout four days a week, but it's all contingent upon my filming schedule. I like to mix it up -- but the focus is always on creating long, lean muscles. I work out with Valerie Waters in L.A. and Kacy Duke in New York. I love working out with a trainer when I can. It helps challenge me, and keeps the workouts fresh and dynamic.

What are your favorite workouts to do?
I'm always game to try something new! I love to mix strength training exercises with yoga and pilates.

What's most challenging about your workout?
Sometimes, getting to the gym in the wee hours of the morning! If I work a 20 hour day on set, it's really hard to get out of bed and motivate to work out, but once I do, I feel amazing and it keeps me going throughout the day.

What's the biggest physical challenge on the show?
The long hours. My character Carrie definitely has a few physical encounters with "bad guys" on the show, but I haven't had to learn martial arts or jump out of moving vehicles -- yet.

How do you motivate yourself when you don't feel like working out or eating healthy?
Everyone deserves a day off. If I'm having one of those days, I'll let myself relax and maybe skip the gym and just go for a great walk outside. Living in New York, it's amazing to be able to just pop downstairs and have the entire city at your doorstep. I find myself walking a lot more.

What are your favorite treat foods? What are your favorite healthy foods?
I love a good margarita! I also love ice cream, and who doesn't occasionally want a big, juicy hamburger? I don't deprive myself -- but I do try to eat small meals every three hours. If I'm constantly eating on something healthy, like an apple and string cheese, I don't get starving to the point where I blow it on a huge meal. But, if I am craving something, I'll have a cheat day and get that burger!

What's your healthy eating philosophy?
My body really changed when I started to eat every three hours. I try to keep snacks with me at all times -- almonds, apples, string cheese. If I'm on the go, Starbucks has these really great low-calorie snack trays with hummus, or grilled chicken, so I'll grab one of those.

What's most rewarding for you about living a healthy life?
For me, it's having energy and feeling good in anything I put on. When you're in shape, it doesn't matter if you wear a pair of jeans and a white tank top, or if you're in a fancy cocktail dress -- you feel great!

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