Oscar Nominees Share Their Diet Secrets

Feb. 28, 2014— -- intro: The designer dresses, the bespoke suits, the best and worst lists -- even the most genetically-blessed celebrities aren't immune to the pressures of getting red carpet ready on Oscar night.

"People ask, 'How do actresses do it [stay in shape]?'" Sandra Bullock once famously told InStyle. "Um, they pay us to do this in order to look good on film."

Maybe money buys you some willpower, but what exactly do the best actor and actress nominees do to stay screen ready? And how can you adopt what they do in everyday life? Read on to hear their secrets and steal them.

quicklist: 1category: Diet Secrets of Oscar Nomineestitle: Cate Blanchetturl:text: Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett seems to get more stunning with each passing year. What's the 44-year-old Aussie's secret? She told Harper's Bazaar UK that she drinks lemon juice and hot water in the morning, keeps wheat-free, and avoids additives in her food.

She's on to something with her anti-additive approach: While researching some of America's favorite foods for "Eat It to Beat It!" I found that some food additives could affect our health. For instance, some of the most commonly used food colorings have been linked to increased hyperactivity in children.

media: 22708180

quicklist: 2category: Diet Secrets of Oscar Nomineestitle: Bradley Cooperurl:text: Best Supporting Actor nominee Bradley Cooper admitted to Men's Fitness that he keeps to a strict no-sugar diet to maintain his six-pack. Even if you're not aiming to be Sexiest Man of the Year, cutting back on sugar can only do a body good. Excess sugar consumption is linked not only to weight gain, but to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The 39-year-old actor also subscribes to the "3-2-1 Method" at the gym; three cardio circuits, two strength training circuits and one core workout, each for 10 minutes.

media: 22707415

quicklist: 3category: Diet Secrets of Oscar Nomineestitle: Julia Robertsurl:text: Over the course of her almost-30-year career in Hollywood, Best Supporting Actress nominee Julia Roberts has never failed to have a downright drool-worthy figure.

"I'm not crazed about what I eat," Roberts told the Daily Mail. "I'm currently experimenting with a gluten-free diet, but I'm not willing to go without treats. I made gluten-free cookies and four loaves of bread for the freezer yesterday before leaving home."

While there are no studies showing that gluten-free diets lead to weight loss in those without celiac disease, cutting out gluten-based foods often results in consuming more fresh, whole and unprocessed foods -- always a boon for your body.

media: 22707520

quicklist: 4category: Diet Secrets of Oscar Nomineestitle: Jonah Hillurl:text: The Oscar for most impressive weight loss definitely goes to Jonah Hill. This Best Supporting Actor nominee lost 40 pounds, but don't expect any scoop on the next big fad diet. Hill did it the old fashioned way.

"It was just mostly diet," Hill told "Nightline." "I wish there was some crazy thing that I did, like a pill or a genie or something, but ... I went to see a nutritionist and he told me what to eat to change my habits and stuff. ... I found that Japanese food was very helpful to me."

There's a reason Japan boasts the most centenarians worldwide: Its diet is high in Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish, vitamin-rich seaweed and fermented foods like miso. Fermented foods recently have been shown to be beneficial to weight loss -- yet another reason to keep that sushi take-out menu handy on Oscar night.

media: 22707929

quicklist: 5category: Diet Secrets of Oscar Nomineestitle: Jennifer Lawrenceurl:text: In the end, it's Jennifer Lawrence who has the most enviable attitude about eating. She has refused to diet, even if it costs her an acting job.

In an interview with Marie Claire, she said, "I'd rather look chubby on screen and like a person in real life."

But the 23-year-old Best Supporting Actress nominee (with an obviously amazing metabolism) may want to consider revamping her diet of candy and hot dogs for health reasons.

Try dark chocolate instead: Studies suggest that cocoa flavanols may have heart healthy properties, lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have a sweet tooth like Lawrence, look for a high percentage of cacao -- 65 percent or higher -- and limit your serving size to 3 ounces a day for the most benefit.

Dave Zinczenko, ABC News nutrition and wellness editor, is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author. His latest book, "Eat It to Beat It!" is full of food swaps, meal plans and the latest food controversies. Here's where to sign up for his free newsletter.

media: 22708073