When Cameron Diaz sat down with Goop, Gwenyth Paltrow’s health and wellness empire, it was ostensibly to discuss her then newly published book, “The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time.” But if you talk to Diaz long enough about health, the conversation will inevitably turn to food. “Cameron Diaz is the definition of an unstudied good cook,” Goop says by way of introduction; and indeed, the actor’s response to the desert island question — as in, what five foods would you bring to a desert island with you, to live on forever — was evidence of her thoughtful approach to food. “An avocado tree, an olive tree, a lemon tree, a hen, and a rooster,” Diaz answered. “I would make salt from the ocean I’m presumably surrounded by.”
When someone who’s that whip-smart gives you her list of food inspirations, you might want to grab a pen. “Gwenyth Paltrow, Donna Hay, Rachael Ray, @oilandsalt, and my mom,” said Diaz, when asked about who inspires her in the kitchen. Which is probably why the actor has popped up on “The Rachael Ray Show” more than once. “You are so wonderful, I love coming to speak with you,” Diaz gushed in one appearance. “It changed my life mentally and physically,” Ray said to Diaz about her book. Sounds like the inspiration is mutual.