This Author Tries Bizarre Celeb Diets so You Don’t Have to

It’s no secret we enjoy living vicariously through celebrities around here. From their interior designs to their beauty secrets and even their holiday traditions, we love taking a peek inside the lives of the rich and famous. But no one takes it further than Rebecca Harrington, author of the recently-released and totally hilarious I’ll Have What She’s Having.

What was the first celebrity diet you tried, and what inspired you to keep trying more?

I first tried the William Howard Taft diet, a terrible, high-protein diet from 1905. When that was deemed impracticable (by me), I branched out to more temperate dieting climes — Liz Taylor and Gwyneth Paltrow.

In the book, you talk about how Marilyn Monroe drank raw eggs and warm milk, and Elizabeth Taylor put peanut butter on her steak. Is there anywhere you’ll draw the line when it comes to a weird recipe?

No! I’m a daredevil.

Whose recipes were the simplest to make?

Beyoncé’s. The Master Cleanse is a very simple, lemonade-based diet she went on for several days in preparation for Dreamgirls. Unfortunately, the only thing you consume is lemonade.

Whose diet surprised you the most? Did you think one would be better/worse than it was?

Gwyneth Paltrow’s was way better than I thought it would be. The recipes were delicious! I could have stayed on that diet forever. (If I was a millionaire — it was rather expensive!)

Whose exercise regimen has been the most effective, and whose has been the most insane?

Madonna’s are probably the most effective regimens, but they are also the hardest. I could barely do them!

Your friends haven’t always loved your diets (Gwyneth’s meatballs come to mind). How do you stay social in the middle of a celeb diet?

I don’t! You kind of have to resign yourself to the fact that your friends may not want to hang out with you for a couple of days.

Are there any favorite recipes you find yourself making even when you’re not on the diet?

I do like green juice now. It’s sort of refreshing in a grassy way.

Which celebrity diet secrets do you most want to try next?

Ooo! Maybe Rihanna’s? Or Grace Kelly’s?

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to anyone trying a celebrity diet?

Stay strong, but also feel free to give up.

And any advice for the celebrities themselves?

You poor people! I’m sorry for you.

Looking for more of Rebecca’s advice on the unappetizing world of celeb diets? Check out Amazon for more info on I’ll Have What She’s Having, then sound off in the comments on whose diet secrets you want to know next.

(Photos via Michael Lionstar, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty, Matthew Peyton/Getty, Michael Buckner/Getty, Archive Photos/Getty)

The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.

I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!

I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

Amazon

If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

Centre for Ageing Better

Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

MART PRODUCTION

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

cottonbro studio

"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Yan Krukau

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

Amazon

The Real Body Manual

Looking for more incredible books to read right now? Check out our fave new reads here!

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

Emily Henry fans rejoice! After the release of Funny Story on April 23, 2024, and all the news about the People We Meet On Vacation movie and Happy Place TV show, we finally have the title of Emily Henry's newest book: Great Big Beautiful Life. The author teased the novel in the September 6 installment of her Emily's Grocery List newsletter, revealing that the book is actually one of the most difficult ones she's written.

"This book poured out of me, back in the winter/spring after the longest writing break I’d taken in a full decade," she says in the email. "You might also have heard me in interviews talk about how hard this book has been since that first draft. (Very.) This book is different than anything I’ve written before but also feels like a really natural extension of what I’ve been doing the last few years."

Here's everything you need to know about Great Big Beautiful Life — including when you can read it.

What is the title of Emily Henry's new book?

Penguin Random House

Emily Henry's newest book is called Great Big Beautiful Life. When Henry offered clues in her newsletter (saying, "It’s more than two words long. I’ve already hidden it in a grocery list. It starts with an adjective."), readers started guessing it'd begin with "Great" — especially since she bolded the word at the start of the email!

What is the new Emily Henry book about?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Great Big Beautiful Life Plot

The new book follows Alice and Hayden, two writers competing to tell the story of Margaret Ives, a “tragic heiress, former tabloid princess and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century,” according to the official synopsis. Both writers get a month-long trail to prove themselves worthy of penning the story, and thanks to Alice's people skills and her determination, she's sure she'll get the job. But as time goes on, "it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story — just like the tale Margaret’s spinning — could be a mystery, tragedy or love ballad … depending on who’s telling it.”

This story totally reminds me of the star power and intrigue in Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I can't wait to see how Emily Henry puts her spin on this! Before revealing the specifics about the Great Big Beautiful Life plot, Emily Henry offered email subscribers a teaser.

"There is, of course, a love story and a vacation and complicated family dynamic and all the things I’ve always found myself drawn toward," she says, "but there’s also something else, and I’m both overjoyed and terrified to be able to share it more about it with you so soon (!!!). Including which T. Swift song it most closely correlates to, since I know that some of you will ask." (As many fans guessed, it turned out to be "The Last Great American Dynasty").

"It’s very much a love story, and there is a romance in it. But it feels like a slight departure, but in a way that I think will be really exciting to the readers," Henry told TODAY in April. "It was the best first draft experience I’ve had since Beach Read, where writing the first draft, I felt so connected to the characters, and I was getting really emotional for them. And usually, I don’t really find that until later drafts."

If you love drawing parallels between Taylor Swift and Emily Henry as much as I do, check out Reading Emily Henry? There's A Taylor Swift Album For Every Book.

When is Great Big Beautiful Life coming out?

RDNE Stock project/Pexels

Great Big Beautiful Life Release Date

Great Big Beautiful Life will be published on April 22, 2025.

What has Emily Henry said about her new book?

Devyn Glista/St. Blanc Studios

In the October 16 issue of her newsletter, Emily Henry promises Great Big Beautiful Life has been one of the biggest challenges of her career.

"Like I’ve been telling you, this book is a little bit different, though still very much a love story (and a romance, to be clear), and I do know I say this every time, but I’ve genuinely never been more nervous to share something with you," she says. "Writing this book consumed me, tore me up, and challenged me like nothing has in years. It felt like the right book for me at the moment, and I hope that means that some of you reading this will feel the same way when the time comes."

What is the best Emily Henry book to start with?

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua

You can read the Emily Henry books in any order you like, but I'd recommend starting with Beach Read. It's a great introduction to Henry's writing and it's unique and emotional while still having all the elements any romance reader will enjoy.

Emily Henry's other books include People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers (my personal favorite), Funny Story, and Happy Place.

Are Emily Henry books connected?

Amazon

Emily Henry's books aren't directly connected with one another (meaning you can read them in whichever order you like), but they do mention each other's characters, like how Book Lovers mentions a book published by Beach Read's January Andrews.

What do you think Emily Henry's new book Great Big Beautiful Life will be about? Let us know on Facebook and check out All The Emily Henry Books Being Turned Into Movies for the latest news on Henry's adaptations!

This post has been updated.

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

Without a doubt, the best TV shows of 2023 included the emotional end to the Succession saga, as well as the beginning of my attachment to Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us. I got cozy thanks to Sullivan's Crossing and became even more obsessed with The Bear, but the one show I never saw coming was Beef.

The series picked up awards left and right (hello Emmys and SAG Awards!), and thank goodness, we don't have to say goodbye just yet because Beef season 2 is officially on its way! You might be wondering, 'Isn't Beef a limited series?' It was supposed to be — but the internet's obsession pushed Netflix to renew it. Before you catch up on the best new TV shows of 2024, here's everything we know about Beef season 2.

  • Beef was a standout TV show of 2023 — and Beef season 2 is on its way!
  • The Netflix hit will feature two feuding couples, doubling the drama.
  • Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan will lead the Beef season 2 cast.

Will there be a season 2 of Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Beef season 2! After waiting to hear whether the show would be back for another installment, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news on October 22. The sophomore season will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Who's in the Beef season 2 cast?

Mike Coppola/Arturo Holmes/Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Beef Season 2 Cast

This is the craziest part of all: Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny will play one of the feuding couples, with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as the other. This is an absolutely insane cast to see onscreen together, and I cannot wait to see how they balance soft-spoken, graceful moments with over-the-top drama. Beef season 2 is going to be as good as its predecessor — if not better.

What is Beef season 2 about?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Plot

THR also reports that Beef season 2 will follow a young couple (assuming that's Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton) who sees a crazy fight between their boss and his wife, “triggering chess moves of favors and coercion in the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner.”

When is Beef season 2 coming out?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Release Date

We don't have an official release date for Beef season 2 yet, but considering season 1 started filming in April of 2022 and released in April of 2023, we could see the second season as early as winter 2025.

How many seasons and episodes of Beef are there?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Right now, there is one season of Beef comprised of 10 episodes. Beef season 2 will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Where can I watch Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

You can watch all ten episodes of Beef season 1 on Netflix now! You can also watch Unpacking BEEF | Inside the Season Finale and Steven Yeun & Ali Wong Break Down A Scene From BEEF on YouTube for the behind-the-scenes info you've been craving.

What do you want to see in Beef season 2? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated.