Blake Lively’s Diet for The Shallows Was Actually Totally Doable

Blake Lively may be one heck of a cook (in fact, she claims this cookbook “changed her life”), but it turns out that she wasn’t able to benefit from any of her chef-like chops while filming The Shallows. In order to get in the tip-top shape necessary to battle a persistent predator and look super svelte in a swimsuit, Blake embarked on a strict diet — and it’s actually surprisingly do-able.

While chatting with Australian radio hosts Kyle and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, Blake revealed that her diet to prepare for her Shallows role was pretty darn restrictive. “I did no gluten and no soy.” That may not seem so bad until you realize just how much of what we eat contains those particular ingredients. Blake continued, “Once you remove soy, you realize you’re eating no processed foods. So that’s basically what I did. No processed foods and then working out.”

Lively says it still wasn’t super easy to stick to, and what made it even more difficult was the on-set snacks that surrounded her. “That was the hardest part. They were making these fresh muffins every morning — those jackasses. They smelled so good!”

So how did Blake maintain this diet? “I was still able to have sugar and all of those things. It’s all in moderation. You just have a balance of protein, carbs and vegetables. And it wasn’t the worst.” You’ll believe that when you find out that she “was eating rice and sushi.” Sushi? Totally do-able!

Have you ever tried a strict diet? How did it go? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(h/t HelloGiggles; photos via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty, The Shallows)

Clean eating is one of the most practical eating styles because it’s not necessarily a formal diet. Clean eating doesn’t focus on excluding certain foods (unlike veganorPaleo) – instead, its focus is on whole, organic foods. None of the processed stuff! If you’re struggling with planning top-tier clean eating recipes(or justhealthy recipes in general), let this clean eating grocery list save you the headache. You can take this list right to the store in order to craft some absolutely delicious dishes like Sweet Potato Bean Burgers, grain bowls, and Lemon Chicken Skewers and more!

What is clean eating?

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Clean eating is an approach to eating that focuses on consuming whole, minimally processed foods, while avoiding foods that have been highly processed, refined, or contain artificial ingredients.

What foods are considered clean eating?

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Organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are all foods that are considered clean eating.

Save This Clean Eating Grocery List For Your Next Trip

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Fruits + Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables play a big role in clean eating. In order to abide by the clean eating guidelines, shop for fruits and veggies that are organic and GMO-free.

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Avocados
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Lemons

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Whole Grains

Whole grains are an absolute powerhouse element to include in your clean eating regimen and meals. They provide important vitamins and minerals, and plenty of fiber that keeps you feeling regular.

  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Whole wheat wraps
  • Oats

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Protein

Protein (whether animal- or plant-based) keeps you fuller for longer, sustains your energy throughout the day, and can help you build muscle. These clean eating protein sources will bulk up your meals perfectly, no matter how you use them. Again, keep an eye out for organic labels when grocery shopping.

  • Chicken breast
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Salmon
  • Eggs
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Black beans

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Dairy + Dairy Alternatives

These dairy and dairy alternative essentials can be enjoyed easily on their own or incorporated into your fave clean eating recipes for a healthy bite.

  • Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  • Almond milk or other plant-based milk (unsweetened)
  • Organic or grass-fed butter

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Oils + Condiments

Keeping these oils and condiments on-hand allows for a seamless cooking process when making clean eating meals. You don't have to limit your next grocery trip to just these items, either – feel free to branch out with whatever wholesome ingredients your go-to recipes call for.

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Dijon mustard (no sugar)

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Herbs + Spices

Spice things up with these must-have herbs and spices! Again, you're not limited to using only this short list for your dishes. Look for items that have been minimally processed!

  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Garlic
  • Turmeric
  • Cinnamon
  • Black pepper
  • Sea salt

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Just like the perfect batch of cookies, the perfect TV show boils down to a fine-tuned recipe: a witty script, amazing producers, and a cast that might as well have been written in the stars. Well, even though we don't have much information about Apple TV's new limited series Lucky, we do know Anya Taylor-Joy and Drew Starkey will star in the project, with Reese Witherspoon at the helm. And TBH...that's all I need to know.

Here's everything we know about Reese Witherspoon's Lucky, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Drew Starkey.

In 'Lucky,' Anya Taylor-Joy has a MAJOR secret.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Lucky, based on Marissa Stapley's book of the same name, is a Reese's Book Club pick that follows a young woman named Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy) who said goodbye to the life of crime she'd always known. But when she's faced with her past, she has to turn back to her training one last time.

In addition to Anya (who's also executive producing), we'll see Drew Starkey as her onscreen husband Cary, as well as Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Timothy Olyphant. And the series will be brought to life by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine (which is behind The Morning Showand The Last Thing He Told Me).

“Hello Sunshine continues to do a fantastic job of championing women’s voices and I’m thrilled to be joining the team alongside Jonathan, Cassie and Apple TV+ to bring Lucky to life,” Anya Taylor-Joy told Apple TV.

“Reese’s Book Club began with the goal of deepening connections — to the stories, to the storytellers and to the community we are building,” Reese Witherspoon added. “It is incredibly rewarding to be able to amplify these female-centric stories and their authors, see our community connect with them, then see them take on a whole new life on screen. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Apple TV+ and the incomparable Anya Taylor-Joy, plus our brilliant creator Jonathan Tropper and his wonderful co-showrunner Cassie Pappas, to bring this compelling series — based on Marissa Stapley’s fantastic novel — to audiences around the world.”

We don't have a release date yet, but stay tuned for the latest news on Lucky!

Your quest for indulgence without guilt has officially reached its end, thanks to these delicious low sugar desserts! There’s been so much innovation with healthy sweets in the past few years, and it’s luckily brought us to impressive low sugar desserts like these.

These dessert recipes range from fruity bites to chocolatey treats that embrace wholesome ingredients (fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, oats, chia seeds, honey, etc.) so you can get your dessert fix – sans sugar spike. With these low sugar desserts, no dish at the dessert table is off-limits. Scroll for our go-to's!

Parfait Popsicles

Popsicles are one of the best desserts you can enjoy on a hot summer's day, and with these low sugar desserts, you could be in for a treat every day if you wanted to! Crafted with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and granola, these frozen bars are easily made possible with some simple molds and popsicle sticks. They're naturally sweetened with honey, which makes 'em a delightfully light low sugar dessert! (via Brit + Co)

Blueberry Parfait Milkshake

Dessert for breakfast? Love it. Breakfast for dessert? Even better. This thick milkshake assumes the flavors of a classic blueberry parfait, but retains a more dessert-like sweetness for when the cravings really strike. Using frozen Greek yogurt for the base ensures a rich texture (and lots of protein) for sipping down as slow or as fast as you want! (via Brit + Co)

Baked Apples with Crumb Topping

Low sugar desserts have nothing on baked apples. They're just like apple pie, but healthier! Each tender bite of this recipe is doused in natural sweetness from maple syrup that mixes in with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a full flavor effect. You'll love this option even more alongside a scoop of sugar-free ice cream! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Chocolate Olive Oil Sponge Cake

The creators of this recipe attest that the cake is "unbelievably light, perfectly moist, and decadently rich." If that's not enough detail to convince you to make it, the fact that it's also vegan, grain-free, and sugar-free will definitely help you decide. Once it's done, top it with fruit and flowers for crowd-pleasing curb appeal. (via No Eggs or Ham)

Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza

Dessert pizza makes our hearts *so* happy! The crust of this dish is sweetened lightly with honey, while almost all of the toppings remain untouched by refined sugar. To make this dessert even lower in sugar, omit the candied pecans that get sprinkled on top. Low sugar desserts are truly what you make them, so each inclusion or exclusion should be based on what works best for you and your health! (via Completely Delicious)

Roasted Peaches with Vegan Ice Cream + Granola

Roasted peaches (or honestly, even grilled peaches) are like baked apples – when cooked, the fruit becomes more juicy and tender than it already was, unlocking unforgettable flavor after unforgettable flavor. What makes this healthy dessert even more enjoyable is the fact that it's low in sugar! Make sure to serve each half with some naturally-sweetened granola for some good crunch. (via Gastroplant)

Healthy Apple Cake

This healthy cake is a little bit different as far as low sugar desserts go. It swaps xylitol for granulated sugar, a naturally-derived sweetener that has fewer calories and doesn't spike your blood sugar as significantly as traditional granulated sugar. With notes of apples and cinnamon, you just have to make this easy cake. (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

You can literally taste the rainbow when you prep this dessert pizza! To make it lower in sugar, opt for a lower sugar cookie dough (we like Sweet Loren's) and sub the powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting for maple syrup or stevia. From there, go crazy with the colorful fruit, and dig in! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Tahini Date Shakes

Dates are a great healthy option for sweetening your low sugar desserts, and this homemade shake features them in the tastiest way. When paired with tahini, dates offer a satisfyingly sweet balance to the salty, nutty spread. These drinks also include a splash of strong coffee, making them great for a midday pick-me-up! (via The First Mess)

Banana Cream Pie Dessert Nachos

These lower-in-sugar dessert nachos give actual banana cream pie a run for its money! You'll start by making the cinnamon chips (so worth it, plus they taste like Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists), then drenching them in a rich pudding and dark chocolate drizzle. Each bite is crunchy yet smooth, plus there's chocolate involved, so how could you not love it?! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Rice Pudding

This low sugar dessert is concocted in the slow cooker, giving it all that sweet time to slowly simmer in a mix of coconut milk, turmeric (which has great anti-inflammatory properties), cinnamon, and vanilla. The recipe includes granulated sugar, but you could easily swap it for a squirt of honey, which not only provides a healthier option, but gives each bite a boost in flavor! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Freedom Cookies

Low sugar desserts that double as low-carb desserts can be very tasty. Case in point: freedom cookies! These healthy baked bites are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and low-carb. There's no tricks here – only treats! These low sugar desserts taste just like OG sugar cookies without spiking your blood sugar. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

These chewy rice balls are about to become your new dessert obsession. They're sweet, but not too sweet, so you can truly savor every bite! Inside a glutinous outer layer of rice dough, you'll find a nutty black sesame filling that brings the ultimate comfort. These bites are traditionally served in a warm gingery broth, which you can optionally sweeten with maple syrup or honey for a healthier effect. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Healthy Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Oh my gosh. We are salivating over these low sugar desserts! Instead of being packed with sugar-laden marshmallows, these bites are actually bound using a medley of sunflower butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips – all making for immaculate flavor! Opt for a healthy cereal of any kind to solidify these sweet treats. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Easy Homemade Frozen Yogurt

If you're resisting the urge to get fro yo based on your low sugar diet, resist no more. You don't even have to leave the house for this recipe! This frozen yogurt is make with an easy, painless mix of bananas, berries, Greek yogurt, and honey that form a refreshing bite every single time. Rainbow sprinkles are optional, but we're totally here for adding them in excess. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Single-Serving Blueberry Crisp

Let's hear some noise for easy low sugar desserts! This one only requires 8 ingredients (and none of them are sugar)! The crumble topping and blueberry filling part of this recipe are both sweetened up with a dash of maple syrup, which also speaks to the fruity, cinnamon-y notes included in each spoonful. This recipe is exceptionally awesome since it yields a single-serving for the times you're just wanting a little something. (via Earthly Provisions)

Cottage Cheese with Fruit

Cottage cheese has earned its title as a classic when it comes to high-protein desserts and low sugar desserts, but it doesn't taste super great on its own. Try doctoring it up with any fresh fruit you have on-hand and a squeeze of honey, and you'll fall in love! (via The Fast Recipe)

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Lead image via The Girl on Bloor.

Are you expecting and searching for a baby name that's classic and steeped in history? If so, look no further because old-timey names are making a major comeback.

By blending vintage elegance with a touch of nostalgia, these names have a unique charm that stands the test of time.

So, here are eight old-timey baby names that surely deserve a spot in today's world.

Scroll to see all the old timey baby names we rarely see anymore!

1. Daphne

Selin Hacıkerimoğlu

Greek in origin and graceful-sounding, Daphne means "laurel tree" or "bay tree." It also has deep roots in ancient legend.

Daphne, the daughter of the river god Peneus, was a nymph in Greek mythology. It's said that she was transformed into a laurel tree, a symbol of honor and victory, to escape the romantic pursuit of Apollo.

2. Asher

Foden Nguyen

Asher, on the other hand, has biblical roots. It's Hebrew and means "fortunate, blessed, happy one."

This gentle yet strong name comes from the Old Testament, where Asher was one of Jacob's 12 sons and the founder of one of the Tribes of Israel.

It has a soothing sound and is perfect for modern parents hoping to blend tradition with a contemporary feel.

3. Violet

casper somia

Violet is another elegant and romantic-sounding name that balances softness with vibrancy. It's derived from the Latin word for purple and was once a vintage favorite.

Now, Violet has surged in popularity again, making it one of the top floral name choices for baby girls.

Fans of period dramas like "Bridgerton" might even recognize this name from Lady Violet Bridgerton, the lead family's matriarch.

4. Jude

Alina Paduchak

Jude may be short, but it's undeniably strong and effortlessly cool. Plus, it carries both biblical history and a bit of star power.

As a Latin diminutive of Judah with Hebrew origins, Jude means "praised." It also feels fresh, despite its ancient roots, thanks to the legendary Beatles song "Hey Jude."

5. Genevieve

Mochi Mochi

Genevieve is a name that's chic, combining sophistication with strength. French in origin and derived from Genovefa or Kenowega, Germanic medieval names, it means "tribe woman."

It's also rich in history, most notably through Saint Genevieve, the patroness of Paris. She used wisdom, bravery, and prayer to protect the city from Attila the Hun.

6. Hugo

Sylo Mkaleh

As a Latinized form of Hugh, the name Hugo means "mind" or "intellect." Similar to Genevieve, it's thought to exude sophistication and is perfect for parents who value learning.

But while Hugo has a sense of refinement, this name still feels approachable, energetic, and stylish.

7. Mabel

Subin Cherian

Mabel is sweet, spunky, and definitely vintage. Derived from Latin and a diminutive of Amabel, it means "lovable," making this name fit for a little girl who radiates warmth and charm.

It was once a favorite pick among parents during the Victorian era, and now, it's rising in popularity again.

8. Ezra

leah hetteberg

Finally, Ezra is a bold name that's strong and fresh. Hebrew in origin, this name means "help" and actually has old biblical roots since Ezra was an important scribe in the Old Testament.

Even with this history, though, Ezra feels extremely contemporary because of its modern spelling and somewhat quirky ring.

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Who knew we'd fall deeper in love with reading while covering Jenna Bush Hager's book club last year? With her help, we learned to look beyond our love for rom-com tropes and embraced tales about forgiveness, finding one's identity, and looking in the past to see what shapes families.

So far, her 2025 picks feel timely as we make sense of an ever evolving world where everyone's thoughts about love are so different. At their core, these titles are powerful pieces of art that will make readers stop to consider how they want to remember their lives.

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club picks

March 2025

Amazon

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami

The Dream Hotel starts off with oppressed women being held against their will and ends with a revolutionary act that dismantles the very system meant to keep them locked away. Readers will meet Sara, the main protagonist, and other women who have been detained by the Risk Assessment Administration for being possible "threats" to society. In her case, she's charged with the fact she might put her husband's life in danger.

As readers can surmise, the rules aren't consistent at the center they're being held and their "sentences" stretch out to the point it's impossible for them to ever leave. But the RAA makes a miscalculation when they bring a new face to the center. Soon, the women they held back will expose them and others.

February 2025

Amazon

This Is a Love Storyby Jessica Soffer

Central Park has been a place of solace for lovers Abe and Jane since the beginning of their journey together. They've been in each other's lives for five decades and have experienced the rollercoaster of life's changes. From young parents to career-minded individuals, they've been through it all.
But their story is coming to a close because Jane's life is slowly slipping away and Abe is doing his best to remember every moment of their lives. From watching a young student search for something that makes sense to her to dealing with their son's complicated feelings about Jane, This Is a Love Story is truly for the lovers who knows there's magic in the little moments we take for granted.
Jenna Bush Hager says, "THIS IS A LOVE STORY is a powerful, unforgettable tribute to love, marriage, and the enduring strength of art," (via Instagram).

January 2025 

Amazon

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

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This post has been updated.