Actress Cameron Diaz wants to use her celebrity status to inspire and help give young girls self-confidence about the way they look.

Good friend, Gwyneth Paltrow, has supported Cameron in writing her first book – which is under a working title.

A publishing source said:

“Cameron has become very close to Gwyneth and it’s been very interesting for her to see what Gwyneth is doing with Goop!.

“She’s been inspired by Gwyneth and the way she uses her fame to influence and help people. Now Cameron wants to do the same.”

The actress who was once known for eating whatever she wanted and yet stayed so slim, has made more healthy lifestyle choices after her father, Emilio Diaz, passed away from pneumonia in 2008.   However, the book will not be a diet guide.

The insider explained to E! Online:

“Everything changed for Cameron after her father died. She realised what is important and started to think more and more about her health.

“This book isn’t about her. And it’s not a diet of any kind. Of course, it’s her own journey that has helped her realise what’s important, but she wants the book to appeal to everyone, and not just be about her own food choices.”

On top of a book, Cameron wants to influence teenagers eating habits in schools by visiting schools across the US to help guide them in making healthy food choices.

The source added:

“She wants to use her celebrity to make a difference. She knows she is a role model to girls and she really wants to use that position to do good.

“Cameron is going to be visiting high schools around the country to talk to teenagers about their food choices and what is important to them.

“She wants them to know that being thin should not be their priority, it’s about getting the right vitamins and knowing what foods will give them energy and keep them strong. She wants to get their feedback, learn about how they decide what to eat now, and teach them to make more informed choices.”