Hollywood's unhealthiest habits

Do you share these cringe-worthy celebrity compulsions? Here’s how to curb those bad habits.

Sky-high heels

Celebs may love the leg-slimming look of stilettos, but those 4-inch lifts (or higher if you're Victoria Beckham) can wreak serious havoc on the rest of your body. 'Super high heels are unhealthy because of the unnatural position of the foot,' says Camelia Davtyan, M.D., director of Women's Health at UCLA Comprehensive Health Program in America. 'This changes the foot mechanics, which can lead to chronic pain, inflammation and bunions.' If you can’t give them up, try 1-to-3-inch heels instead. They’ll give you a bit of height without the discomfort.
Slouching

We see it over and over again: beautiful women with slumped posture who should be standing tall and confident. Hunchers (we’re talking to you, Kristen Stewart) should check their posture throughout the day. If that means putting setting your cell phone with an hourly reminder, do it.

'Slouching can change the mechanics of the spine and cause chronic discomfort,' says Davtyan. 'Take a break to stretch if your work involves a lot of sitting. Also, yoga, Pilates, ballet or any form of stretching will help.'
Quickie marriages

It seems so romantic, that whirlwind romance that brings you two quickly to the altar (okay, maybe not so much for Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries). But the fairytale ends equally as fast when the honeymoon is followed by a call to the divorce lawyer. 'Couples often don’t know how to ‘do’ marriage anymore,' says relationship expert Christy Little Jones. 'It’s more than love. Marriage is the deepest partnership any two people will ever experience and it shouldn’t be rushed or taken lightly.'

Before you get hitched, consider this: Would you be happy if your future children took after him? Do you have the same ideas about marriage? Are you being your true self right now (rather than pleasing him or getting caught up in the romance of it)? Find five solid reasons he is 'The One' and ask yourself: 'Is this quickie marriage based on love or fear?' Remember, there’s no reason to rush. You have the rest of your lives to be together.
Drinking and driving

Oh look, it’s another celeb mug shot and yes, again, it’s for driving under the influence. (Amanda Bynes and Matthew Fox can certainly afford drivers. Why don’t they use one?!) And if celebrities don’t get off with a warning, don’t think you will. If you’re going out, be smart and plan ahead. 'Designate a driver to get you home safely,' Jones says. 'Know your limit. There’s nothing more unattractive than watching someone thoroughly intoxicated. Take a taxi to your destination and plan to have them pick you up at a certain time.'
Soaking in the sun

When it comes to her bronze skin, Jennifer Aniston says she’s all natural. Her trademark glow comes easily thanks to her Greek heritage, but soaking in the rays is increasing her risk of skin cancer. 'People still do it because of their appearance,” says Dr. Davtyan. 'They like the tanned look so much that they are willing to accept the increased skin cancer risk.' Want that sun-kissed look without the worry? Opt for spray tans or a self-tanning lotion or spray.
Yo-yo dieting

Stars like Oprah Winfrey know that if losing the weight is hard, keeping it off is harder. The result is an unhealthy pattern: frequent weight gain followed by extreme dieting.

'This unbalances your body and organs,' says clinical nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, who works with stars such as Drew Barrymore. 'For instance, no-carb, high-protein diets put an extreme burden on the kidneys and liver. The only way your body can restore health is with balance.'

To achieve balance, try a nutrient-rich smoothie for breakfast (Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie is a good choice) and a diet focused on fibre, healthy carbohydrates and lean protein. Eating this way daily can make it easier to lose the weight and keep it off.
Energy drinks

'Trying to get energy from these drinks is a terrible idea,' says Snyder. 'You want to get to the place where your body is energised from within itself and the healthy foods you eat.' Hear that Lindsay Lohan?

They’re not only the wrong source of energy, these drinks are also hard on your body. Each sip triggers your stomach to overproduce irritating acid (which can cause acid reflux and ulcers). Notice more under-eye circles and puffiness? The drinks are the culprit. They also impede the liver’s fat-burning duties.

Want an all-natural kick? Mix up a smoothie with natural energy-boosters such as frozen berries, kale, cinnamon or chia seeds. Or keep it even simpler: Staying hydrated with lemon water or coconut water will leave you invigorated without the bad side effects.
Cleanses and fasting

With their quick weight-loss claims, cleansing and fasting can be tempting. But don’t believe the hype, says Snyder. 'The only way you can truly look and feel your best is by changing your lifestyle and long-term eating habits,' she says. 'No magic diet pill or fast diet is going to alter your appearance for the long term.'

Cleanses aren’t all bad, though. While they’re a bad way to try to lose weight, they can be a great way to jumpstart a healthy eating routine (just ask Fergie). 'We can all use a reset now and again,' says Snyder. 'A sensible cleanse to help break bad food habits can help you get back on track.'

Try a diet of blended vegetable soups and green smoothies for three days as a way to start a new healthy-eating regimen.
Lighting up

Smoking can cause lung cancer, emphysema and cardiovascular disease, but that’s not enough to get Kate Beckinsale to kick the habit she started at age 16. 'People get addicted and they use it to relieve stress,' says Davtyan. Nicotine patches, gum or any form of replacement; medication (used under physician supervision); acupuncture or hypnosis can all help kick the habit, says Davtyan. And stop waiting for a 'stress free' moment to start. Quit today.
Nail biting

'People bite their nails usually because of stress or because of a tic,' says Davtyan. (Perhaps Britney Spears was nervous about her new gig when she was recently caught nibbling her nails on the set of the X-Factor US.) 'It helps to analyse the cause if there is one, so that you can develop a replacement behavior when under stress like taking deep breaths or chewing gum. If it’s a tic, a psychologist can help treat it.' And polish, especially a shellac manicure, can help prevent biting because it seals the nail.
Rebound relationships

Although break-ups can be painful, jumping into a not-for-the-long-term relationship isn’t the cure for a broken heart. (Scarlett Johansson hooking up with Sean Penn after her split with Ryan Reynolds — not a great idea.) 'In the midst of a breakup, the innate response is to hurry and get back in the game to make sure you still have your swag,' says Jones. 'But rebound relationships can mask pain and the real reason for the breakup.'

There’s no rule that a rebound can’t work, but it can be the wrong way to start a new chapter. 'You only have one heart,' says Jones. 'When it’s broken, you offer your broken heart to the next person.' Is that fair? How long should you wait? Until you feel like you can wholeheartedly love someone else again.
Twitter dissing

It’s the new version of six degrees: Rihanna disses Chris Brown, who disses Drake...or the Kardashians diss Kris Humphries, who tweeted hate toward Kanye West. Why are celebs and their followers hate-tweeting? 'When a celebrity disses someone via Twitter, it stings!' says Jones. 'It’s a gutless way of saying, ‘I’m hurt and I’m going to hurt you back.’ Instead of following this trend, start a new one and respond 'off line' with maturity and class.'
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