(Cover) - EN Star Style - Gwyneth Paltrow has discussed the origins of her macrobiotic diet.

Over a decade ago the 38-year-old American actress became well known for adhering to the dietary regimen, which involves eating plenty of grains and supplementing them with local produce such as fresh vegetables, as well as avoiding anything which has been highly processed.

More recently, the star has spoken about being more relaxed with regards to her diet and even has a new cook book called Notes From My Kitchen Table.

In an interview to promote the book, the actress has lifted the lid on her macrobiotic regime, explaining she was aiming to help her late father Bruce Paltrow when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. The film director was diagnosed with the illness in 1998, and passed away in 2002.

Its obviously ridiculous, but I didnt want him to die and the doctors said he had to be healthier, the actress told You magazine.

So I started to read about how powerful the body can be if you do not poison it with processed food and white sugar there are cases that show that sometimes people can heal themselves.

Gwyneth has an enviably slim frame and admits she works out a great deal to maintain her toned body and burn off the carbohydrates she cant resist feasting on from time to time. The star is mother to Apple, six, and five-year-old Moses, her two kids with Coldplay star Chris Martin.

I love bread and cocktail sauce, she smiled. I exercise a lot you cant be 38 with two kids, be in good shape and eat what you like if you dont exercise. (C) Cover Media