Lea Michele Talks Fitness, Diet, and Loving Her Body

Lea Michele is known for playing young, driven characters in shows like Glee and Scream Queens and it turns out in real life she’s equally focused on her career.

But in real life, the actress also has a major focus on her health and happiness.

“It’s so important for me to stress that being healthy is not about being a gym rat. It’s not about being 90 lbs.,” she told PEOPLE. “This is really how I live every single day.”

In order to make sure she stays healthy while balancing her work, she keeps her house stocked with healthy vegan snacks. For times she’s too busy to cook, she also makes sure to know the restaurants that serve fresh, veggie-based foods.

In addition to eating healthy, she also makes sure to exercise, despite the fact that she doesn’t identify as a “gym rat.” She tends to choose activities like hot yoga, hiking, and spin classes.

“You have to look good, but you also have to feel good,” she explained. “So I find workouts that take on both those things.”

The Scream Queens star shared that her wellness is as much for her mental strength as her physical.

“You always have to have faith, because life is going to throw things at you. You just have trust that there is a plan,” the actress and singer said. “I really pride myself on the people that I surround myself with and how I take care of myself, so my ground is stable beneath me.”

The 30-year-old emphasizes that the most important aspect of any wellness routineis whether or not it helps you love yourself and feel great.

“I’ve never loved my body more than I do right now,” she said. “And I’m so grateful that I feel that way.”