Jennifer Lopez Shared Her Go-To Weeknight Meal—and We'll Be Making It ASAP

J. Lo on designed background
J. Lo on designed background
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Ever since "Jenny from the Block" first dropped in 2002, Jennifer Lopez has been a fashion and beauty icon. We're still keeping up with her skin-care routine, fitness secrets and red carpet looks 20 years later. Following along with the singer, actress and entrepreneur just got infinitely easier, thanks to her brand-new newsletter, On the JLo, where she shares about daily life (the star is currently obsessed with Ted Lasso), gives her tips on how to glow from the inside out and answers fans' questions through her Ask Me Anything (AMA) segment. Needless to say, you should subscribe ASAP.

Naturally, one of J.Lo's fans asked about the star's workout regimen. In response, she offered pretty detailed insight into her fitness routine, which she's hinted about over the last few months through several videos on her YouTube channel that highlight her workouts at home and on the road. Lopez shared that her regimen includes lifting three to four days a week and she adds in cardio when she wants to get a bit leaner. In that case, Lopez will do 30 minutes of cardio then 30 minutes of resistance training in a session. Her strength regimen starts with legs, then back and shoulders, and ends with core work for a total-body workout.

"I think as we grow and mature, we start losing muscle and start aching," Lopez writes. "The more strength we can get in our body by lifting is really something that makes me feel strong, able and empowered. That along with stretching and staying limber and mobile are the most important things."

While many of us may not have an hour to spend at the gym multiple times a week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does recommend engaging in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week and echoes that it's important to focus on all areas of the body, like J.Lo does. There are a variety of ways to sneak cardio in throughout the week, too, from taking the stairs at the office to incorporating exercise "snacks" throughout your WFH days. And try getting your loved ones involved! There's nothing like a walking date with a partner or friend to get your cardio in while catching up. Plenty of fun activities can also get your heart rate up without feeling like exercise, such as gardening or playing with your kiddos. Exercise doesn't have to be regimented; instead, focus on incorporating more movement in your weekly schedule.

Along with her answer to the AMA question, J.Lo also shared a photo of a typical weeknight dinner around the Lopez table. The picture features some grilled chicken, roasted veggies, an Italian-inspired salad with olives, cheese, salami and cherry tomatoes, a side of french fries and a loaf of crusty bread with butter. It looks like every night is an occasion to bring out the fine china, cutlery and napkins when dining at J.Lo's!

J.Lo Newsletter Image
J.Lo Newsletter Image

On the J.Lo

While you may be surprised to find both french fries and bread on J.Lo's dinner table in a given night, she says these are mostly for the kids. While she does pick at them, they're not a big part of her plate most days. That means the star is mainly focusing on protein and veggies, along with a little healthy fat from the salad toppings, at dinnertime. We'd love to see her round out the meal with a piece or two of bread or another whole grain, especially after all that weight training. Consuming a mix of protein and carbohydrates is the best way help your muscles recover after a workout.

Beyond how she moves and eats, J.Lo stressed the importance of getting enough sleep (which she says is seven to nine hours for her) and how crucial it has been in achieving her youthful glow—along with sunscreen, serum and supplements. We can't wait to see what else Lopez dishes on in the coming newsletters, so be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for the latest.