There’s no denying that Mario Lopez has been a household name since the early ‘90s. He has continued to climb the reins and reinvent himself since his teen idol days portraying A.C. Slater in the primetime series Saved by the Bell. Now, as a proud father, husband, and host of the Emmy Award-nominated daily entertainment news show Access Hollywood, he admits despite having a busy schedule maintaining his physical and mental wellness is non-negotiable.
Sustaining a decades-long career in Hollywood is no easy feat and doesn’t come without its share of ups and downs. However, the former Broadway star reveals having a healthy outlook on life keeps him mentally motivated, emotionally balanced, and physically in tune with his body. NEW YOU spoke with Lopez about stepping into the fashion industry with The Mario Lopez Collection, how fitness fuels his mental health,and his passion for food and dedication to cultivating a healthy, active lifestyle.
NEW YOU: Do you have non-negotiable routines regarding your physical and mental wellness?
Mario Lopez: I always say you should make your health your top priority because if you don’t have that, what good is anything else? The only way to do that is to incorporate it into your lifestyle. For me, being a naturally happy guy with a lot of energy, I have to burn it off, or else I go a little crazy. I try to break a sweat every day because it’s good for both my physical and mental health. It definitely allows me to relax and focus on the rest of my day.
NY: Throughout your day-to-day life, you have a lot on your plate; how do you stay balanced (and not overwhelmed)?
ML: I feel very blessed to be as busy as I am, especially at this point in my life, and stay at this stage of my career since I was a former child actor. I don’t take it for granted, and I’m very grateful. I try to have a strong work ethic, approaching each day by giving it 100 percent. I always try to parlay it into something else and create new opportunities.
NY: You have three children. What are your proudest parenting moments?
ML: Having three healthy, beautiful kids and a great wife, I’m very, very blessed. No matter what kind of day I’m having or how busy or awful it may be, when you come home and you hear “daddy” with those footsteps running towards the door, you realize why you’re doing it, and it makes it all worth it. That feeling and those moments are really priceless.
NY: Do you see your children following in your footsteps in the news media or the spotlight?
ML: I try to expose my kids to as many different things as possible, and I want them to carve their own paths, and I just want to be supportive and acceptive of what they want to do. Since my wife and I are both in the entertainment field, and that’s our background, it seems inevitable that they have a little bit of that in them, but I’m not going to encourage them or discourage them one way or the other.
NY: You’re known for being a passionate foodie. How did your fascination with food develop? What shaped it?
ML: I’ve always been very passionate about food, which has been part of my culture. I just love it! There’s nothing better than dining with family and friends while having some good wine or spirits flowing at the same time and creating great memories. I love to learn about different foods and love to try new things. That’s just a part of who I am.
NY: How does fitness fuel your mental health?
ML: I think when you are a physical person and incorporate exercise, whatever that may be for you in a daily part of your life, then I think it helps with the stress, the anxiety, and the pressure you may be dealing with. It alleviates a lot of that, and I think it complements your overall health.
When you piggyback that with maybe eating better, not necessarily counting calories, but having a sensible-looking plate with protein, carbs, and fats, it’s just like anything in life. It’s all about having that particular balance and having something to look forward to.
NY: Shifting gears, what do you hope to bring to the fashion industry with “The Mario Lopez Collection?”
ML: Aside from a lot of the fitness products and the workout gear, it’s going to be both fun, comfortable, and sort of athleisure. I think it’ll compliment the body.
NY: Lastly, what do you do to unwind or treat yourself?
ML: I like tequila, a lot of tequila, some cigars, watching a good fight, listening to good music, playing pool, and hanging out with friends.
