For Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, Preparing for "Black Swan" was Grueling but Healthy

by Alex A. Kecskes

The recent film Black Swan proved to be quite a physically demanding role for its lead stars—Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. With the help of dieticians and trainers, both transformed themselves into long, lean, sculpted athletes, adding grace and strength while not jeopardizing their health.

Portman trained relentlessly for months to sculpt her body into a ballerina's frame, losing over 20 pounds in the process. Already a healthy eater, Portman attributed her extreme weight loss to eating much smaller portions. She practiced a series of highly targeted, repetitive movements that, while appearing easy, were grueling when repeated over 70 times in one session. Her mornings began at 5 a.m. with ballerina exercises followed by a mile-long swim. She performed hip flexors and other demanding movements, training like a professional ballerina so she would look and move like one. Portman appeared in 90 percent of the movie's ballet scenes, so she had to be convincing.

Actress Mila Kunis adopted an equally rigorous health and fitness regimen, shedding 20 pounds while gaining stamina and agility. Her strenuous health and fitness program included a 1,200 calorie per day diet, daily cardiovascular exercises and four-hour per day dance lessons. Kunis noted that transforming her body was a blend of sadism and fun, and she was amazed at what one's body can accomplish. Although Kunis gained back the 20 pounds she lost for Black Swan, she continues working out to retain her figure. Kunis recently underwent corrective surgery for a chronic eye condition called iritis. She admitted that she had only been able to see out of one eye for seven years.

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Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.