Angela Bassett Bares Amazing Abs At 56, Talks Diet Secrets And Whitney Houston Biopic [Video]

At 56, Angela Bassett is drawing awe for her amazing abs. The actress made it clear that she takes pride in both her body and her intelligence, displaying her toned tummy in a crop top while sauntering down the red carpet at the premiere of the Whitney Houston biopic, reported Us Weekly.

So what are Angela’s secrets? She credits her diet. It’s a low-carb food plan that follows the Paleo diet principles, which means no grains, no sugar, and no processed foods. What’s left? Good quality protein and non-starchy vegetables, says Bassett.

“I try to watch my diet so I can fit into whatever I am wearing. Cut the sugar, the alcohol, and the bread, and eat a lot of protein and veggies.”

For those who want to try Angela’s approach to kick off their New Year’s weight loss resolutions, it’s the same diet detailed in the new and popular Paleo-Style Low-Carb Rapid 10 Weight Loss Plan, as the Inquisitr reported.

Based on the studies that eating more protein cuts cravings while helping the metabolism to function optimally, the low-carb diet also emphasizes eating unlimited non-starchy vegetables to replace those traditional snacks such as chips and dip.

Although she’s being praised for her body, Bassett has found herself in the midst of some controversy about her decision to direct the Whitney Houston biopic. She discusses her views below.

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When it comes to her career, Angela is candid about how and why she made the decision to take on the pressured task of directing Whitney. She explained to Madame Noire that she originally felt it was too soon to do a film about the legendary singer, but now feels that it’s the right time and the right film.

It was executive producer Larry Sanitsky who offered Bassett the opportunity, after she expressed interest in the film. And she tried to highlight Whitney’s personality as well as her performance in the biopic.

“Whitney was love. She helped me love. She helped bring out… she brought out passion. We need passion as a storyteller. She brought up how much I loved actors, other actors and how I loved seeing them soar. She opened a new door for me. She was good to me and I tried to be good to her.”

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One challenge for Angela, however, was Whitney’s family. When she talks about that relationship, Bassett is careful to be kind.

“I try to be kind and gracious, understanding as I can be knowing that this is their life. And our intent was to be neutral and fair… I read the mother’s book and something that stood out for me was when she said that ‘Whitney was quick to forgive.'”

As to how the film will be received, Angela is optimistic.

“I think there’s enough,” she reflected. “There’s enough music, there’s enough honesty, there’s enough revelation and enough layers that I think will satisfy.”

The Lifetime Original Movie Whitney stars Yaya DaCosta as Houston. Arlen Escarpeta takes on the role of Bobby Brown in the biopic, set to air Saturday, January 17 at 8 p.m.

[Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images]