How Penélope Cruz looks so good on this surprising diet

Penélope Cruz, a beloved and well-known figure in Hollywood, has long been an icon for her acting skills and her positive approach to health.

Penélope Cruz at Cannes. PHOTO: Georges Biard

Just like her captivating performances on screen, Penélope’s diet and fitness routines are shaped by her Mediterranean roots. This not only colors her food preferences but also sends a healthy rhythm in her daily life. She balances this busy life beautifully with her busy lifestyle.

RELATED: Try Penélope Cruz’s recipe for her classic Spanish omelette

Brought up in the rich flavors of Spain, Penélope has always leaned towards a Mediterranean diet, long known for promoting longevity and reducing heart disease risks.

Penélope Cruz at Cannes, 2011. PHOTO: Georges Biard

For her, it was eating lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains, with a sprinkle of fish and poultry here and there. She was savoring meals that were good for the body and were also a delight to the palate.

Then in 2000, Penélope decided to turn towards vegetarianism.

This was more than a dietary change; it was a lifestyle overhaul that helped her maintain a healthy weight and stay energized.

Her plant-based diet is packed with delicious and nutritious foods that keep her satisfied and glowing from the inside out.

Penélope Cruz at Cannes, 2018. PHOTO: Georges Biard

Fitness: Dancing Through Life

Penélope’s fitness regime isn’t confined to the gym. From her early years at ballet school to her current workouts, dance has always been a central element of her fitness.

While the intense ballet routines of her youth are behind her, the discipline and agility gained remain a part of her workout ethic.

Penélope Cruz’s Daily Diet

Penélope Cruz follows a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating mainly plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

She also eats healthy fats such as olive oil instead of butter and uses herbs and spices to flavor her food instead of salt. This diet reflects her Spanish heritage and is famous for its benefits in promoting heart health and longevity.

Bacon and eggs for Penélope’s breakfast. PHOTO: Stock image

Breakfast

For breakfast, Penélope often opts for eggs and bacon when she’s on the move. At home, she prefers a fresher and more colorful meal which could include a gluten-free English muffin topped with poached eggs and avocado, or a combination of seasonal fresh fruit, a little honey, and Greek yogurt​.

Penélope has baked salmon for lunch on occasion. PHOTO: Stock image

Lunch

Lunch is typically light, featuring a salad with stewed or baked fish and seasonal vegetables. This choice marks a significant shift from the more indulgent foods like burgers and fries she used to eat​.

Lamb and rice. PHOTO: Stock image

Dinner

Dinner on the Mediterranean diet can vary, but Penélope enjoys incorporating traditional Spanish foods. This might include fish, lamb, and some lean cuts of red meat, usually accompanied by her favorite rice and bean dish. Occasionally, she indulges in a steak, maintaining moderation as a key aspect of her diet​.

Penélope Cruz in 2003. PHOTO: Georges Biard

5 Food Quotes From Penélope Cruz

“I love Spanish food. My diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is good food. I eat well.”
Penélope Cruz shares her love for her cultural cuisine and her adherence to the nutritious Mediterranean diet, emphasizing the enjoyment of good food. This quote was highlighted during her discussions about her dietary preferences (BrainyQuote).

“The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine — among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.”
Here, Cruz describes the key elements that make up her favored Mediterranean diet, focusing on natural, healthy ingredients and traditional cooking methods that include the occasional indulgence in red wine. This insight was shared in an interview where she discussed her dietary habits (Hola).

“My diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is good food. I eat well, but I try to eat healthily.”
In this statement, Penélope Cruz reiterates her commitment to the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing not just the quality of the food but also her efforts to maintain healthy eating habits. This quote was part of her discussion on how her eating habits contribute to her overall well-being (BrainyQuote).

“I eat well, but I try to eat healthily.”
Cruz sums up her approach to food succinctly, stressing her goal to enjoy delicious meals while still focusing on health. This quote was captured in a broader conversation about her lifestyle and dietary choices (Hola).

“I love Spanish food.”
A simple yet profound declaration of her love for her native cuisine, this quote by Penélope Cruz underscores her passion for Spanish dishes, which are a staple in her diet (BrainyQuote).

Penélope Cruz at the 80th Annual Academy Awards, 2008. PHOTO: Joelle Maslaton

Penélope Cruz FAQ

Discover the details of Penélope Cruz’s dietary preferences and eating habits. This FAQ explores her likes, dislikes, and the specific ways she maintains her health through her diet.

What is Penélope’s favorite healthy snack?

Penélope often chooses almonds or fresh fruit as her go-to healthy snacks. These choices reflect her preference for natural, nutrient-rich foods that align with her Mediterranean diet.

Does Penélope avoid any specific foods in her diet?

Yes, Penélope avoids gluten and tries to minimize her intake of overly processed foods. She focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients in her meals.

How does Penélope incorporate her Spanish heritage into her meals?

Penélope loves to include traditional Spanish dishes in her diet, especially those that can be integrated into the Mediterranean style of cooking she favors.

What type of beverages does the star prefer?

The star enjoys drinking plenty of water throughout the day and occasionally indulges in a glass of red wine, consistent with her Mediterranean dietary habits.

Does Penélope have any dietary restrictions?

Besides avoiding gluten, Penélope also restricts her consumption of red meat, aligning her eating habits with the principles of the Mediterranean diet which emphasizes fish and poultry.

How does Penélope handle cravings for sweets?

Penélope satisfies her sweet tooth with natural sugars by opting for fresh fruits instead of processed sugary snacks.

What is a signature dish that Penélope enjoys cooking at home?

A signature dish Penélope enjoys is a simple yet flavorful combination of sautéed vegetables with rice or quinoa, reflecting her Mediterranean dietary influence.

Does Penélope follow any specific diet plan for health reasons?

Penélope follows the Mediterranean diet not just for its culinary appeal but also for its health benefits, such as enhancing heart health and maintaining a balanced diet.

How does Penélope ensure she consumes a balanced diet?

Penélope ensures a balanced diet by incorporating a variety of plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and proteins primarily from fish and poultry, consistent with Mediterranean diet practices.

Mediterranean dining.PHOTO: Stock image

What Experts Say About Penélope Cruz’s Diet Choices

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Penélope Cruz’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked with a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. (Mayo Clinic)

Enhanced Longevity
The diet choices of Penélope Cruz contribute to longer life expectancy, as Mediterranean diets are associated with increased longevity. (Harvard Health Publications)

Improved Mental Health
Experts note that the Mediterranean diet, followed by Penélope, can improve mental health and reduce the risk of depression. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

Weight Management
Penélope Cruz’s diet helps maintain a healthy weight due to its emphasis on plant-based foods and healthy fats. (Cleveland Clinic)

Support for Gut Health
The variety of fiber-rich foods in Penélope Cruz’s Mediterranean diet supports a healthy gut microbiome. (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Penélope Cruz at Twice Born premiere. PHOTO: Flickr/tabercil