Ever wonder how fashion models manage to stay in such great shape no matter what they do or eat? Perhaps they’re blessed with great metabolism you might assume. Or perhaps they’ve had cosmetic procedures.

The truth is, most models treat their bodies the way athletes do. Both models and athletes have a strict, regimented diet especially before a major fashion show or casting call.

Let’s take a look at a few things models do to stay in shape…

1. They don’t drink

Drinking alcohol adds empty calories that significantly lowers your metabolism by increasing cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone your body releases when your body is under stress and that leads to increased fat storage. A simple shot of tequila is 100-calories, but that turns into a 500-calorie drink when its added into a margarita mix – the same amount of calories found in a cheeseburger.

The average wine drinker consumes 2,000 extra calories each month – the same as 141 ice cream cones per year, all of which is stored in the body as excess fat.

Drinking water is the easiest thing you can do to boost your metabolism. Naturally, water is calorie-free and can help you burn more calories and increase weight loss.

2. They pay attention to carbs and sugar

Models pay attention to their carbs and sugar intake, often avoiding sugary drinks and cutting back on starchy foods like bread, rice, potatoes, etc. The body essentially treats carbs and sugar the same by converting them into glycogen which is stored in the liver. Excess glycogen is later converted into fat and stored mainly in the abdominal area.

I developed a low-carb 10-day meal plan that you can use to get back in shape. (Click images below)

3. They find ways to enjoy exercise

There are people like myself who actually enjoy putting their bodies through strenuous activities, and there are others who dread the idea of breaking a sweat. A few tips to actually enjoy working out is to

1. Find a workout buddy

2. Make everything a challenge

3. Learn how to do it when you don’t want to do it

4. Keep workouts short but INTENSE!

5. Measure your success or failures and use that as motivation

Working out doesn’t always have to involve going to the gym, you can actually burn the same amount of calories fun activities like swimming, dancing, bicycling, recreational sports and more.

People who are fit are the same as anyone else. The only difference is their level of commitment.” – Boxing champion Laila Ali

For those looking to build muscles, here’s a look at my weekly workout routine below

4. They stay active outside of the gym

Staying active is key to maintaining a high metabolism. Models in New York city walk over 10,000 steps a day from attending castings and go-sees. Other ways to stay active outside of the gym involves going hiking, playing pickup games, standing rather than sitting whenever possible and taking the stairs.