Julia Roberts, the iconic star who rose to fame in Hollywood with unforgettable roles, has captivated audiences not only with her acting prowess but also with her stunning beauty and enviable physique. At 55, the actress appears to be aging in reverse, looking better with every year that passes. Her physical transformation over the years has sparked conversation among her fans and the media alike. Roberts has always maintained a lean figure, but recently, photos emerged showing her looking even slimmer than before. This article delves into the diet and exercise routine that helps her stay in such great shape.
Roberts' Weight Loss Journey: An Emotional and Physical Transformation
The journey of Julia Roberts’ weight loss has been nothing short of emotional and, at times, controversial. For Julia Roberts, weight loss was never about chasing an unattainable body standard. In interviews, she has emphasized that her focus was on health-specifically, her mental and physical well-being. The motivation behind her decision to shed some pounds was primarily driven by her desire to feel better in her own skin and achieve a stronger, healthier version of herself.
In particular, Roberts faced the challenge of dealing with the pressures of Hollywood, which often imposes unrealistic beauty standards on women. In an industry that frequently praises thinness, she struggled with the constant scrutiny of her body. “I just wanted to feel good, and I wanted to feel healthier,” she shared.
Though Julia Roberts may appear to have it all, her weight loss journey wasn’t without its emotional toll. Weight loss for her, especially in the Hollywood spotlight, has often been met with a mix of praise and concern. The media, with its endless commentary, has speculated on her eating habits, even accusing her of being “too thin” at times. When she dropped from 121 pounds to 105 pounds, the speculation reached a boiling point. Fans and insiders raised concerns that the actress’ weight loss was connected to deeper emotional struggles.
It’s clear that Roberts’ emotional well-being played a significant role in her physical transformation. Through the years, she’s been open about the mental health challenges that come with being in the public eye.
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Diet: A Foundation of Health and Wellness
One of the most talked-about aspects of Julia Roberts’ weight loss is her approach to diet and exercise. Julia Roberts’ Secret to Longevity is The Power of a Balanced Plate. She has maintained a strict vegan diet that focuses on whole foods, vegetables, and lean proteins. Roberts’ plant-based diet is high in fiber and packed with nutrients that promote overall health. Roberts follows the classic advice of filling her plate with a mix of colorful vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. She prefers “real food” over anything processed, which means her meals are often made from scratch using fresh ingredients.
A Healthy Breakfast
The glow that you see on her skin doesn’t come from just exercising but having a healthy breakfast as well. Roberts likes to have blueberries, avocado, eggs, and sourdough toast for breakfast. So how exactly does she do it? Roberts enjoys sourdough toast, eggs, avocado, and blueberries for breakfast. Prolonged fermentation of sourdough not only makes bread delicious but also enhances the bioavailability of most antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins of the flour.
Julia’s mornings start with a breakfast that’s as practical as it is delicious. She often chooses oatmeal, a classic comfort food that’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, which not only keeps you full but also supports heart health, as highlighted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. She tops her oats with fresh fruits like blueberries and strawberries, adding a boost of antioxidants that fight aging and inflammation. Sometimes she makes it more indulgent with a handful of walnuts or almonds for healthy fats and extra texture. On other days, she’ll whip up a green smoothie packed with spinach, banana, berries, and a scoop of plant-based protein powder. This breakfast routine is both filling and energizing, helping her stay active through long filming days or busy mornings with her family. Skipping breakfast is never an option for Roberts, who believes that starting the day right makes all the difference.
Midday Fuel
When lunchtime arrives, Roberts stays committed to her health goals by choosing lean proteins and a rainbow of vegetables. Her favorite picks are grilled chicken breast, salmon, or plant-based options like lentils and chickpeas. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, lean meats paired with fresh veggies are key to maintaining muscle and a healthy metabolism. Roberts’s salads are never boring-she loads them up with cherry tomatoes, avocado, arugula, and sometimes quinoa for a fiber boost. Occasionally, she’ll enjoy a whole grain wrap filled with turkey and spinach. By prioritizing protein and greens, Roberts supports her active lifestyle and keeps her body strong and fueled. This style of eating is reminiscent of the Mediterranean diet, which is widely recognized for promoting longevity and heart health.
Healthy Fats
One thing Julia never cuts out of her diet is healthy fat. She regularly includes avocado slices, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and a handful of nuts in her meals. These fats are not just delicious-they’re scientifically proven to support heart health and keep cholesterol in check, as shown by research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Avocado toast is a staple for her, and she isn’t afraid to use olive oil liberally when roasting vegetables or dressing salads. Nuts like almonds and walnuts make frequent appearances in her snacks and breakfasts. Roberts’s skin is famously radiant, and dermatologists often attribute this to her healthy fat intake. These choices also help her feel satisfied after meals, making it easier to avoid unhealthy cravings.
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Hydration
Julia Roberts takes hydration seriously, and it shows in her glowing complexion and high energy. She drinks plenty of water all day, aiming for the recommended 2.7 liters (about 91 ounces) daily, as advised by the National Academies of Sciences. To keep things interesting, she sometimes adds slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist. Herbal teas, especially green tea, are her go-to afternoon pick-me-ups, offering a gentle caffeine boost and antioxidants. Roberts has mentioned in interviews that she avoids sugary drinks, preferring water and tea for their health benefits. Staying hydrated helps her maintain focus, support digestion, and even stave off the occasional snack craving. It’s such a basic habit, but it’s one that pays off in countless ways for her health and wellness.
Smart Snacking
Julia’s approach to snacking is practical and refreshing-she chooses snacks that are both satisfying and nutritious. Her top picks include Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, apple slices with almond butter, or a handful of raw nuts. These snacks are high in protein and healthy fats, making them ideal for keeping hunger at bay between meals. According to the Journal of Nutrition, choosing nutrient-dense snacks like these can help regulate appetite and prevent overeating later on. Roberts reportedly keeps healthy snacks prepped in her fridge so she can grab something quick when she’s busy. She avoids processed snacks and sweets, reserving those for the occasional treat. By listening to her body and choosing wisely, she enjoys her snacks without any guilt or regret.
Portion Control
Portion control is a quiet hero in Julia Roberts’ diet. She isn’t about depriving herself; instead, she pays attention to how much she eats at each meal. Rather than eating until she’s stuffed, she practices mindful eating, stopping when she feels satisfied. Research published in the journal Obesity supports this approach, showing that portion control is linked to better long-term weight management. Roberts enjoys her favorite foods-yes, even the occasional pasta or dessert-but she serves them in smaller amounts. This way, she doesn’t feel restricted or miss out on the foods she loves. Mindful eating also helps her connect with her meals and truly savor each bite.
Plant-Based Favorites
Julia Roberts has embraced more plant-based meals over the years, a trend that’s backed by research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are proven to lower the risk of chronic diseases and support healthy aging. Roberts loves loading her plates with roasted vegetables, colorful salads, and hearty grain bowls. She enjoys experimenting with vegetarian recipes, often using lentils, beans, or tofu as a protein source. This plant-forward way of eating is not only great for her health but also aligns with her values of sustainability and compassion. Incorporating more plants into her diet has helped her feel lighter and more energized.
Exercise: Staying Active and Energized
Her workout routine is equally disciplined. She incorporates a combination of swimming, dancing, yoga, and cardio exercises into her daily routine, helping to burn fat, build muscle, and maintain flexibility. Her exercise routine is not only about staying slim but also about maintaining mental clarity and feeling energized.
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To keep up with her brood, the 42-year-old Roberts-who says that aging gracefully "is a combination of genetics and loving support"-does hour-long sessions four times a week with exercise guru Kathy Kaehler.
Aerobics and Step Training
The real secret to the 44-year-old's stellar bod is her long-term commitment to step aerobics, says celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler. Kaehler does a step routine with Roberts three times a week (five if she's preparing for a movie role) and they also do circuit training, which includes using resistance bands, an exercise ball and yoga moves. Roberts adds in running on her own and even invites friends over to join her for "sweatfest" sessions where they catch up and fit in a workout!
"Aerobics really is a way to tone and shape that quad muscle, the hips, the lifted glute and there's also a lot of butt action," says Kaehler. "One thing I know to be true because I've been a teacher of step for so many decades is it is the exercise that can continue to keep that shape and tone of your leg."
Some of her A-list aerobic routine moves include:
- Repeater Leg Lift: Stand lifting your knee up then back following a 90-degree angle with your toe and ankle in a straight line from your hip to your knee. Bring foot back down to start position. Keep your weight on the opposite leg to remain steady and stable while you repeat. Count eight times then start over doing seven reps then six then five then four then three then two then one.
- Back Leg Lift: Standing, point your right leg back. Engage your glutes as though you're lifting your foot off the ground, but do not actually lift it up. You'll really feel it in your butt muscles! Bend your left leg for support. Flex or point your foot to feel a stretch in your hip flexor, while your glutes are still engaged. If you're flexing your foot, your toe can come off the ground, but the leg doesn't lift. To really feel the stretch, use a stair or a step bench.
Yoga and Pilates
Roberts Does Yoga and Pilates. Roberts engages in both to maintain a good shape. Her exercise routine interchanges between moves such as bent leg lifts, scissor kicks, and double leg fits.
Dumbbells and Resistance Training
She Likes to Use Dumbbells. If you have belly fat and want to get rid of it, then the best way is to increase your muscle mass. In order to do this properly, you need to incorporate daily resistance training exercises into your fitness routine, especially with weights. The fitness routine of Roberts is awe-inspiring and includes squats, oblique blends, and lunges. She often uses dumbbells completing a total of three sets of each.
Running and Swimming
As per her workout routine, the Notting Hill star also likes to indulge in swimming and running. Roberts likes to swim laps in her pool or go running as part of her workout routine. Depending on the situation at her place, her personal trainer adjusts. So, make sure that you are engaged in at least one of these exercises.
To prepare for Duplicity last year, the actress swam laps in her Malibu pool and did cross-country skiing, running, and arm movements in the deep end wearing a flotation belt. Kaehler, who led the activity, says swimming and water workouts are excellent for building endurance because the feeling of weightlessness allows for less resistance and a wider range of motion.
Staying fit isn’t just about what Roberts eats-her movement routine is just as important. She’s a big fan of yoga, hiking, and strength training, which help her maintain flexibility and muscle tone. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and Roberts easily meets this with her active lifestyle. She’s been spotted taking long walks with her family, hitting the gym, and practicing yoga for both strength and relaxation. Exercise isn’t just about burning calories for her; it’s a source of mental clarity and emotional balance. This combination of movement and mindful eating keeps her body strong, agile, and ready for anything.
Mental Wellness: A Key Component
Julia Roberts doesn’t just focus on physical health-she knows that mental wellness is just as important. She practices mindfulness, takes time for self-care, and surrounds herself with positive influences. Studies in the Journal of Happiness Studies reveal that a positive mindset is closely linked to better health outcomes. Roberts often speaks about the power of gratitude and laughter, which she credits for keeping her grounded. She spends quality time with her family, enjoys the outdoors, and makes sure to rest when needed. By caring for her mental health, she’s able to handle the pressures of Hollywood while staying happy and resilient.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Sunblock is essential for her ageless complexion. “On a regular day, I’ll just brush my teeth, wash my face, and apply sunblock,” she says.
- She enjoys a gluten-free diet and organic food whenever possible. “I’m mainly gluten-free,” she says. “I just try to eat well and be conscious. I go for organic."
- Roberts is passionate about taking care of her skin, especially on flights. “Before I get on an airplane I pile up on the skincare products,” she says.