‘We Can Choose To Be Positive – It's In Our Control'

Hollywood leading lady Halle Berry on her memories, passions, fears, habits... and the movie she wishes she hadn’t turned down

- Stephanie Van Der Plank

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, 51, lives in Los Angeles with her daughter Nahla, 10, and son Maceo, four.

What’s your secret to staying positive?

I’ve been going to therapy on an as-needed basis since I was 10. My father was an abusive alcoholic and my mom knew the value of providing me with an outlet – I needed to talk to an unbiased person who could help me manage my feelings. I still see a therapist now and then but, these days, I’ve started meditating as well. I’ve found that your mind is very powerful, and how we think can influence our reality – positivity is in our control.

How do you stay looking so youthful?

I swear by the ketogenic diet. It’s simple – just no sugar and no carbs. You can eat all the food you want, healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil and eggs, and you can even have a T-bone steak – you just can’t have that baked potato. And, if you exercise, make it cardio. It’s good for your heart, and burns kilojoules.

Your confidence trick?

Taking care of your body makes you feel more self-assured and gives you an overall energy boost. Eating well and doing Pilates or weight workouts makes me feel more positive about life in general.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?