Gwyneth Paltrow flaunts her toned abs in sexy bikini on the latest cover of 'Self' for the magazine's May 2011 issue. The 38-year-old actress, who is known for her healthy lifestyle, shares some good body secrets and talks openly about her diet, exercise, healthy snacks, but also about what inspires her, 'Glee' and stage fright.

Controversial or not, Gwyneth Paltrow's healthy lifestyle has some amazing results. At least this is what the new cover of 'Self' magazine proves. The 38-year-old actress, who is now promoting her new cookbook, 'My Father’s Daughter', shows off her toned figure and strikes a sexy pose in an Anika Brazil swimsuit. In the interview, Paltrow talks about fitness and diet, her body, staying consistent, inspiration, stage fright and 'Glee'.

Gwyneth became famous for eating right and working out hard, but she was also scrutinized and had to face some harsh comments. Still, the actress never gave up and now she finds herself in the best shape of her life. "Yes. I never thought that I'd be considered to have a good body. I was bony up top and kind of dumpy on the bottom. But my trainer, Tracy Anderson, completely changed my legs, butt, arms and stomach. I feel better than ever, too," she told 'Self'.
Besides, mom of two, Paltrow added that, "I saw a shot of myself in Barbados and was, like, all my hard work paid off! I'm 38, I have two kids, and I feel good".

So, what's her biggest secret for looking great? It seems that there are no huge enigmas behind a hot body, but a few hours of sweaty exercising. "I do 45 minutes of cardio five days a week, because I like to eat. I also try for 45 minutes of muscular structure work, which is toning, realigning and lengthening. If I'm prepping for something or I've been eating a lot of pie, I do two hours a day, six days a week for two weeks."

Since no one is perfect, Gwyneth has challenge areas too. "My butt! My butt, butt, butt. When Tracy met me, she said that I had a long, square butt that she was going to redesign, and I was, like, "Yeah? Good luck." The amazing thing is, she was right! And it's still changing," she says.


Gwyneth admits she loves food, therefore keeping a certain consistency isn't always the easiest thing. After all, cravings are natural and just about everyone gets them. "I say I always eat right, but last night, I had fried clams, pasta with duck sausage and two glasses of red wine. When I want to lose, I eat less pasta, bread and potatoes. Before last year's Iron Man 2 premiere, I did green juices and salads for three days," she told the magazine.

The actress also reveals she has weaknesses when it comes to snacks, yet she tries to opt for healthier versions. "Raw almonds with raisins, or coconut water, or I'll make a juice with kale, lemon juice, water, Vitamix and a little agave. I try to avoid barbecue potato chips. They're my weakness."

Paltrow encourages an active lifestyle and associates taking care of yourself with being there for your kids. "I started this workout regimen four years ago. Being active is part of our life. Moses is 5 now and Apple's turning 7, and they dance around with me. Apple is really into ballet and flamenco dancing now! Taking care of yourself is being there for your kids, like how on a plane, they tell you to put on your oxygen mask first," Gwyneth says.

As for her constant source of inspiration, Gwyneth says that, "I go with my instincts. We're capable of pushing ourselves and doing whatever we want to do. You live one time, so be your best self."
Speaking about 'Glee' and her guest appearances on the show, the beautiful actress says that, "Glee is such a fun show to do. The people are gorgeous and sweet. It's a dream job."

Photos courtesy of Self