Monica Bellucci on Aging, Diet, and Her Unconventional Path to Well-being

Italian actress Monica Bellucci, who recently turned 62, adheres to a diet rich in pasta, cake, and wine, a lifestyle that defies conventional expectations for maintaining a youthful physique.

Bellucci's approach to well-being, shared in a 2015 interview and reiterated, emphasizes a balanced lifestyle that includes enjoying food and life's pleasures. "Eat well, drink well, have good sex and laugh a lot!" she advised. She stated, "The truth is that I like cakes and pasta, the odd glass of wine and a very occasional cigarette." Bellucci follows a Mediterranean diet, incorporating plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and olive oil, complemented by healthy fats like nuts and avocado.

Her dietary strategy includes eating five meals a day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks—while practicing portion control to manage cravings. This non-restrictive method allows for occasional indulgence in favorite treats. "I've always been a curvy woman, never so skinny; that's my nature," she remarked, noting that needs change with age.

Regarding fitness, Bellucci's routine is not focused on vigorous exercise. She engages in occasional Pilates for mobility and enjoys swimming for about 45 minutes a few times a week. "I exercise of course a bit, and I diet a bit when I have to work, but I am not obsessed," she told The Sunday Times. She added that as one ages, priorities shift, mentioning, "when you are 50 or 60 you don’t have the same needs as when you are 20."

Bellucci has spoken out against the negative perception of aging for women, describing the industry as "artificial." She believes aging is a natural process to be accepted with dignity. "Either you grow old and accept the process with dignity, or you die," she stated. She sees maturity as a gift that brings detachment and a new perspective on the world.

She also observed a positive shift in the industry, with more roles available for older actresses. Bellucci cited examples like Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, and Fanny Ardant, who continue to have successful careers, suggesting that mature women have compelling stories to share. "It is understood that a mature woman has fascinating stories to tell and the public demands to see those realities on the big screen."

Bellucci defines feeling beautiful as an internal state, emphasizing an enriching inner life, passions, family, and friendships. "The important thing is what you feel inside," she said. She highlighted that with age comes a deeper appreciation for simple things like health and a cup of coffee, recognizing them as reasons for gratitude.

In recent personal news, Bellucci and director Tim Burton announced their separation in a joint statement last year, concluding a two-year relationship. They began dating in October 2023, and Burton directed her in "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." The couple first met in 2006 but reportedly started their relationship after meeting at the Lumière Film Festival in October 2022.

Bellucci was previously in a relationship with Nicolas Lefebvre, splitting in 2019. She was married to Vincent Cassel from 1997 to 2013, with whom she has two daughters, Deva and Leonie.