Melania Trump’s surprisingly relatable ‘anti-diet’ in her 50s – and the 1 thing she’s missing

She may be just days away from turning 56, but Melania Trump’s appearance has barely changed since she worked as a model in her twenties. The First Lady, who is married to United States President Donald Trump, is committed to following a healthy diet and exercise routine, and prioritises habits that she can maintain wherever she is in the world, or however busy she is.

Keen to stress that she doesn’t diet, Melania instead tries to maintain a balance of nutritious meals alongside the occasional treat, and focuses on getting enough sleep and self-care to support her skin, body and mind.

Melania’s wellness philosophy

“When you take care of yourself, you can take care of others,” Melania said In a 2011 interview with Allure. She also recalled advice from her late mother: “Regarding the skin and the body, to have some relaxation time. It’s good for your mind and your skin as well.”

The mother-of-one has credited sleep as a key part of her routine, saying getting enough rest contributes to her skin’s appearance.

The First Lady’s healthy diet

According to a 2019 Inside Edition report, Melania has the same breakfast every day: a smoothie made from blueberries, carrots, spinach, fat-free yogurt, and apple juice. She also aims to eat at least seven pieces of fruit a day, with apples and peaches being her favourites.

She supplements her diet with vitamins, and has said: “I take vitamins A, C, and E to keep my skin, hair, and nails healthy.”

However, Melania has been consistent in rejecting the idea that she follows a formal diet. In 2012, she told Refinery29: “I just like to eat healthy because I feel better and have more energy,” she said. She continued: “If I snack, I would snack on maybe fruit or a little bit of chocolate, because I think your body needs that, too.”  

© Getty Images

She has also described her approach to indulgences – and the sweet treats she can’t resist: “I love chocolate and ice cream, and I have those things once in a while. It’s good to indulge cravings and your tastes once in a while… as long as you balance those things with healthy foods.”

Meanwhile, Melania’s reported favourite meal is the chicken parmesan at Trump Tower’s Jean Georges restaurant in New York.

As a health and nutrition coach, I think Melania has a healthy approach to eating. Rather than dieting or restricting herself, she prioritises eating a diet packed with nutritious fruit and vegetables, with the occasional indulgence in chocolate and ice cream. Her diet provides an array of vitamins and minerals, along with fibre to support satiety and gut health, while also providing the energy she needs to sustain her busy and active lifestyle.

Melania Trump’s fitness routine

Melania’s commitment to wellness extends to her fitness routine, with Pilates and tennis said to be her go-to activities. According to GQ, she also wears ankle weights most days – a subtle addition that may boost calorie burn over time. The 55-year-old has specifically credited Pilates with helping her regain her figure after the birth of her son Barron, and often used to share photos of herself playing tennis or preparing for a Pilates session.

© Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Melania reportedly does Pilates two to three times a week and values it partly because “she can do it anywhere, which comes in handy with her busy schedule.”

Cheryl McColgan, Founder of Heal, Nourish, Grow LLC and a NASM-CPT, says of Melania’s fitness routine: “What Melania is already doing for fitness is great. However, I see no mention of strength training. As women approach perimenopause and menopause, strength training should be prioritised. 

“Hormonal changes cause a cascade of physiological effects, including metabolic dysfunction and bone loss, which can at least be partially mitigated by strength training. In addition, research supports that strength training is as effective as cardio for weight maintenance/weight loss and has the additional benefits mentioned above,” the 21 Day Fat Loss Kickstart author concluded.