A fitness model has revealed the one ingredient that keeps her “looking young” – stuffing her face with pineapples every day.
Santana Rodriguez, 35, who was born in Puerto Rico but lives in Buffalo, New York, US, recently hit the headlines for revealing she would never date “lazy men” and wants her beau to work out at least five times a week.
The model’s trim physique have amassed her 200,000 followers on Instagram (@santanafit), with droves of fans commenting on her sexy snaps.
But the dedicated gym bunny isn’t just super strict about men, but also her diet – which includes a daily dose of pineapple, which the model says is her “secret” to good health.
But she won’t accept anything less than organic and turns her nose up at canned versions of the fruit.
“It’s the secret to keeping me young,” she told Jam Press.
“But the fruit has to be certified organic pineapple.
“It can’t be anything saturated in corn syrup or fructose.
“Eating pineapple is one of the first things I do in the day.
“I eat up to five pineapples every week – just enough to keep me looking youthful.”
In addition to her vitamin intake, Santana also drinks three bottles of water a day without fail in a bid to keep the wrinkles at bay.
According to experts pineapple is a great way to boost your health and particularly nourishes your skin, hair and nails.
Santana said: “The first rule I recommend [for getting fit] is care with food.
“It’s no use going to the gym every day and not eating healthy foods.
“It’s key.”
Nutritionist, Lujain Alhassan said: “Pineapples are packed with nutrients and numerous health benefits.
“They have antioxidants which protect your body from harmful free radicals and inflammation that causes diseases.
“There’s also enzymes that help boost digestion, increase energy levels and boosting metabolism.
“It helps nourish your hair, skin and nails and boosts recovery and reduces muscle soreness.
“Pineapple is also packed with B vitamins, which help your body process energy from the food you eat and is a great source of fibre.”
But abs are not only made in the kitchen.
The model, who has graced the covers of Maxim, Harper’s Bazaar and FHM, works out at least five-six times a week to keep trim.
Santana focuses on weight training and aerobic exercise, as well as walking and running.
She added: “The greater the amount of muscles involved in the exercise, the greater the energy expenditure.
“Some examples of physical activities that fall into this category are walking, running, spinning, and jumping rope.”
Speaking about the fitness dedication she expects in a partner, Santana added: “I’ve had this experience [of dating a man who wasn’t into fitness] and it was like I was drowning along with him because my energy was depleted.”
