Brazil’s Alessandra Ambrosio Rules the Runway

New mom struts her stuff at 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
For better or worse, Hollywood actresses and models set the bar for what we consider beautiful today. While good genes definitely play a part, top beauties also work hard to stay in great shape, especially after having a baby.
Take supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. Despite having had a baby less than three months ago, the 27-year-old Brazilian bombshell looked sensational strutting her stuff Nov. 15 at the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Miami.
When asked how she regained her pre-pregnancy body so quickly, Ambrosio gave a simple but boring answer. “[It's] just working out. There’s no magic, [just] close your mouth,” she said. “Basically, don’t eat any chocolate or sweets…nothing that’s unhealthy. Lots of healthy food, working out a lot, lots of cardio.”
Similarly, Oscar winner Angelina Jolie stunned the crowd at the Oct. 4 premiere of her new movie, the Changeling, in New York. Despite having had a baby in July, Jolie, 33, looked svelte and stunning in a fitted black cocktail dress.
While rumors swirled that Angelina had undergone a tummy tuck after the birth of her twins, it’s far more likely that diet and exercise were responsible for her sensational post-baby body. Indeed, in November, Jolie confirmed that she works out for an hour three times a week doing Pilates. She has also followed a healthy diet and regular workout routine for years.
In the unforgiving world of fashion and show biz, looking less than your best can have a direct impact on your paycheck and public image. Take Alessandra’s fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel, Karolina Kurkova. When the leggy 5′11″ Czech supermodel strutted the catwalk last summer at the Cia Maritima show during Sao Paulo Fashion Week, the local paper trashed Kurkova, saying she was “too fat” to walk the runway. Kurkova seems to have taken the criticism to heart, having slimmed down enough to grace the catwalk at this year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
But the emphasis on looking good is no longer limited only to supermodels and actresses. Recently, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin ignited a media firestorm when she was named John McCain’s vice presidential running mate on Aug. 29. While Palin, 44, was previously an obscure local politician, the fit mother of five quickly became a media sensation who energized the Republicans’ conservative base with her spunk and good looks. Surprisingly, Palin had given birth to her fifth child just four months before being named the VP nominee.
So what’s Sarah Palin’s secret for regaining her pre-pregnancy shape (she has obviously had lots of practice)? Again, it’s not rocket science: She follows a low-fat, high-protein diet and is an avid runner. Whether you agree with her political views or not, there’s no denying that Palin is in great shape–especially for a middle-aged mom of five.
Whenever a celebrity is fit or gets back into shape quickly after giving birth, it’s easy to say it’s just because they have a personal trainer or a nutritionist. But, in reality, the answer is simpler and more mundane: Hard work and persistent effort. Just ask Alessandra.