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7 Things Anna Camp Does To Stay In 'Pitch Perfect' Shape

Her BBQ Chip Tequila Lime Chicken is going to become your new go-to dinner.

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Anna Camp
Maarten de Boer

When you think of stars bulking up for a role, you think of superhero blockbusters, like the Avengers or Wonder Woman. Not Pitch Perfect 3 — the latest in the comedy franchise about a college a cappella group — but this time around, the script calls for it. "There's a lot of action, and a couple explosions," she says. "At one point, we actually have to sing for our lives."

Here's exactly what she did to prepare for all that singing, dancing, and uh, fighting for her life — as well as the diet that fuels her through it. And the chicken dish that you'll want to copy, ASAP.

She's All About Staying Hydrated.

Though Camp enjoys the occasional glass of wine or a great margarita (like she shared with her costars while on vacation), when she's filming, she's all about that H2O. "I like to drink a lot of water," she says. "You're spending all day on your feet, sometimes there are smoke machines on set, so you're breathing in the smoke – it's easy to get headaches if you're not hydrated." 

She's Big On Breakfast.

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Camp's first meal of the day is usually her largest. "It's the most important meal of the day, so they say," she laughs. If she's on set, she'll eat hard-boiled eggs. Otherwise, if she has time to cook at home, she'll make eggs with turkey, or egg whites with a side of black beans, salsa, and chopped avocado.

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She Keeps Sugar In Check.

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Camp grew up in Charleston, SC, where sweet tea is a way of life. "It's so, so, so sweet," she says. Recently, she's gotten into drinking Nestea instead, particularly the peach and raspberry flavors, since they aren't cloying — and they don't have any artificial flavors or sweeteners. 

If the actress has a sweet craving during the day, she'll reach for an apple or orange — or if she needs a quick energy boost. "That fragrant orange and the flavor will wake you up at a 6 a.m. call time," Camp explains. "That, and coffee. I love a good almond latte." 

She Gets Her Greens In At Lunch.

Camp's usually running from one place to the next around lunch time, so she's become a pro at eating on the go. "I'm usually in my car, so I'll stop over at Trader Joe's and get a salad I can eat in my car," the actress explains. "I eat lots of veggies during the day so I don't crash." 

She's a big fan of kale and Greek salads, loading them up with olives, feta, and tomatoes. 

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Camp's Serious About Her Gym Routine.

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She works out four to five times a week — "that's a good week!" — and tries to work in hikes with her dog, Rocky. "It's something really peaceful for my mind and body," Camp says.

There Are Three Snacks She Always Has On Hand.

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While every movie set's stocked with a constant array of junk food, courtesy of the craft service table, Camp usually sticks to more disciplined snacks: fresh fruit, almonds, and Kind bars. "I do not shy away from chocolate, so I love a healthy granola bar," she says. "I have a bunch in my purse, and I have them on set too."

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She's Got A Killer Chicken Dinner Recipe.

When it comes to dinner, variety is key — and what she eats usually depends on what she's had throughout the day. But there's one dish she's famous for: Barbecue Potato Chip Tequila Lime Chicken. Say what?!

Camp dips chicken in an egg wash, then in crushed barbecue potato chips before cooking it in a frying pan with a splash of tequila and lime juice, for a little zing. Since the dish itself is so flavorful — and a little indulgent — she balances it out with a side of broccoli. "Gotta have those greens," Camp says. "Plus, broccoli has all that calcium in it."

It's been a hit with everyone she's made it for, including her husband and costar, Skylar Astin. "He asked me to marry him the next day, so [laughs] — just kidding!" she says. "He kept wanting me to make it again, so that's a good sign."

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