At 56, Jennifer Aniston remains as radiant as she was during her iconic days as Rachel Green on Friends, captivating audiences with her timeless beauty and vibrant energy. While her legendary salad—shared daily with co-stars Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow during the sitcom’s filming—has become a hallmark of her disciplined lifestyle, the secret to her enduring glow extends far beyond this well-known dish. Aniston’s approach to wellness, rooted in mindful nutrition, consistent exercise, and a confident philosophy of self-acceptance, not only nourishes her body but also inspires millions. From her protein-packed breakfasts to her creative dinners, Aniston’s healthy lifestyle is a masterclass in balance, revealing a surprising blend of flexibility and intention that keeps her thriving.

Aniston’s day begins with intention, setting the tone for her vibrant health. She starts with a glass of hot water with lemon, followed by coffee with a splash of milk and stevia, as she shared with PEOPLE. Breakfast often features nutrient-dense choices like avocado and eggs cooked with coconut oil, or oatmeal whipped with egg whites for extra protein and a “fluffy texture that’s delicious,” she told Elle. Her go-to smoothie is a powerhouse of ingredients, including pure protein, bananas, blueberries, frozen cherries, stevia, dynamic greens, maca powder, cacao, and Vital Proteins collagen peptides, which she credits for stronger nails and a healthy glow. As a spokesperson for Vital Proteins, Aniston’s endorsement is authentic—she’s seen tangible benefits from this “inside-out” approach to wellness, a philosophy that resonates with fans on X, where users praise her “glow-up secrets” as both practical and inspiring.

Lunch for Aniston is “pretty basic” but meticulously planned, ensuring she stays fueled during busy days. “I always have cut raw vegetables in a Tupperware container. Hard-boiled eggs are always great to have in the fridge, as well as a big head of butter lettuce,” she told Yahoo Food. These staples transform into meals like seared ahi tuna with a salad or a chicken burger in a lettuce wrap, as revealed to Harper’s Bazaar. Aniston’s aversion to beets and caviar—“you can’t acquire that taste no matter how many people say that,” she quipped—adds a relatable touch to her otherwise disciplined diet. Her commitment to prepping wholesome ingredients reflects a shift from the rigid eating habits of her past, like the Grapefruit Diet or Nutrisystem, to a more sustainable approach. “I’m not as strict as I was,” she admitted to PEOPLE. “I thought, ‘Just give yourself moderation.’”

Snacks keep Aniston energized without derailing her goals. She opts for hydrating water and nutrient-rich choices like an apple with almond butter, a cheese stick, a handful of nuts, or a cup of soup, as noted in Well + Good. These snacks balance healthy carbs and protein, ensuring steady energy between meals. Dinner is where Aniston’s creativity shines. She loves hosting DIY pizza nights with friends, complete with wine pairings, or indulging in Mexican food with “clean, no-sugar” margaritas, as she told InStyle. Pasta is a favorite, whether it’s zoodles with pesto and roasted chicken or a lightened-up carbonara with turkey bacon, eggs, and Parmesan, using pasta water for a creamy texture without heavy oils or creams. “Giada De Laurentiis would be so proud!” she joked to Yahoo Food.

Beyond her diet, Aniston’s lifestyle is anchored by consistent habits that enhance her vitality. A dedicated yogi for over a decade, she also practices 10- to 20-minute daily meditations, fostering mental clarity and resilience. “We’ve got to be conscious and mindful around what we put inside our bodies,” she told PEOPLE, emphasizing the importance of sleep, hydration, and self-care. Unlike her earlier restrictive diets, Aniston now embraces indulgence in moderation, saying, “I don’t give myself any rules anymore.” This shift, as she explained to Yahoo Food, prevents the need for drastic resets: “My general philosophy is to eat healthy… Eat as much organic fruits and veggies as you can, keep sugar low, drink tons of water, and get good sleep.”

Aniston’s philosophy extends beyond nutrition to a celebration of self-acceptance. Named PEOPLE’s “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” in 2016, she redefined beauty as “learning to love every single thing about yourself,” a sentiment echoed in her 2019 Harper’s Bazaar interview: “Our bodies are beautiful… There shouldn’t be any kind of shame or discomfort around it.” This confidence, paired with her balanced lifestyle, inspires fans, with X posts lauding her as “aging like fine wine” and a “role model for wellness.” Her role as Alex Levy on The Morning Show and her partnerships with Aveeno and Vital Proteins further amplify her influence as a beacon of health and authenticity.

Jennifer Aniston’s radiance at 56 is no accident—it’s the result of a mindful, flexible approach to nutrition, exercise, and self-love. Beyond the Friends salad, her lifestyle reveals a surprising truth: true vitality comes from embracing moderation and celebrating one’s authentic self. Her journey offers a blueprint for living well, proving that a healthy body and a confident spirit are the ultimate secrets to her timeless glow.