Susan Lucci says this fitness regimen completely changed her body, eating habits

After welcoming her second child, Susan Lucci returned to All My Children a week ahead of schedule — and wore a curve-hugging nightgown.

The actress, forever synonymous with the spunky Erica Kane, opens up in her new memoir, “No Lucci” About rebuilding her life after the loss of her husband, Helmut Huber. The 79-year-old also reflects on the victories that have defined her life — and the humor she’s found along the way.

“I actually ate asparagus for 10 days in a row before I had to go back to work a week early,” Lucci told Fox News Digital.

Susan Lucci poses backstage during the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection at Hammerstein Ballroom on February 7, 2019, in New York City. The All My Children icon is a heart health ambassador. (Michael Lucisano/Getty Images for AHA)

“I was very nervous about it,” the star admitted. “And on top of that, it was a tight, black, sexy nightgown. And I thought: Are they kidding?” While I was really happy to play with Erica Kane, I was just like, ‘Oh my God, I have to do this.’ Lose that weight“.'”

“But that didn’t make me feel sad in any way,” she laughed. “I just did what I had to do. That’s all.”

Susan Lucci and Lee Godart cuddle in bed in a scene from the daytime soap “All My Children.” (Robin Platzer/Getty Images)

These days, Lucci takes a healthier approach to staying camera-ready. She described in her memoirs what it was like:Eat like a truck driver“Before discovering Pilates in 1995. After adopting the exercise regimen, she said she no longer craved cheeseburgers, tacos, or even her favorite french fries.

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“We were in New York most of the time Filming the movie All My Children, “Anyone who knows anything about New York knows there is no shortage of restaurants,” she explained. “Everyone delivered, and I was the instigator. I start looking at menus at 8:30 a.m. I tell people: Don’t be afraid. We can place our orders early. At least think about it so we can order.”

Hugo Napier and Susan Lucci set temperatures soaring on “All My Children.” (Content by Donna Svenvik/Disney General Entertainment via Getty Images)

“I would order crazy things like meatball champs and enchiladas,” Lucci said. “But after I started Pilates practiceHonestly, within two weeks, I no longer had any cravings. The fries took a little longer. “But if someone had told me I would order fresh fruit instead of custard and blueberry pie with ice cream, I would have been surprised.”

“But honestly, in two weeks, I just wanted to eat completely clean,” she continued. “I was craving fruits and vegetables instead. It wasn’t even a conscious choice. My body wanted to be healthier, and it’s good to listen to your body.”

“I no longer have a craving for exercise,” says Susan Lucci, two weeks after starting Pilates. (Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images)

Lucci was in her 40s when she discovered Pilates, a life-changing exercise that she now does daily to stay strong, sculpted and radiant. It also led to her changing her eating habits, with Lucci now eating fresh berries, salmon and salads full of vegetables.

“I wish I had started Pilates sooner,” Lucci said. “I started to gain more awareness of my body through Pilates. Mental awareness became very clear to me quickly. It helped me deal with stress and responsibilities.”

Susan Lucci poses with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the press room during the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards on December 15, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Fraser Harrison/Getty Images)

The Emmy Award-winning actress spoke earlier about undergoing two heart surgeries after doctors discovered that her condition was hereditary, inherited from her father’s side of the family. She has had two stents implanted and continues to prioritize her health.

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Susan Lucci’s book “La Lucci” is available now. (Blackstone Publishing, Inc.)

“I remember asking my doctor, ‘Is there anything I should do differently?’” Lucci said. He said: No. I know what you eat. You eat kale, salmon, and berries. I know you follow a healthy diet. I know you practice Pilates almost every day. Your case has nothing to do with you Family history. “I inherited this from your father.”

“And that’s true,” she said. “My wonderful father had calcium blockage. Apparently that’s what I had. I learned how important it is to tell your doctor about your family history. I never did. And I had no reason to because I had no health problems.

Susan Lucci at the 75th Annual Writers Guild Awards held at Edison Hall in New York on March 5, 2023. (Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images)

“My mother was 100 when she had her first heart event. I lost her when I was 104. I never thought I would have a heart problem. Not even my family thought about it. But you have to look at your whole family history. That’s one of my biggest pieces of advice to people: Tell your doctor about your family history.”

Susan Lucci at 92NY to celebrate the launch of her new memoir on February 3, 2026 in New York City. (John Lambarski/Getty Images)

Besides doing Pilates almost every day, Lucci follows a board-certified physician Mediterranean dietWhich she says plays a big role in keeping her feeling strong and active.

“It’s mostly fresh fish and vegetables,” she said. “Yes, there is the occasional pasta in the mix, but it’s only occasional, and that’s okay.

Susan Lucci walks the runway wearing Gustavo Cadilli at the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection fall fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 13, 2009, in New York City. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images for IMG)

“I’ve never had a cholesterol issue, but I find myself avoiding things that might cause cholesterol just to be on the safe side. I love cheese, but very little of it now. I almost never eat cheese because it can lead to high cholesterol. My cholesterol is very good, and all my numbers have been very good.”

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Susan Lucci told Fox News Digital that she found new reasons to smile and laugh again after losing her husband, Helmut Huber. (Susan Lucci Personal Archive)

Lucci also takes her own approach to aging gracefully.

“Look, I still wear high heels because I can never stop wearing high heels,” she laughed. “I strongly believe in the idea Take care of my healthKeeping up with the things you’re supposed to keep up with.

Susan Lucci attends the Crane Club to celebrate the Andy Cohen Show on October 23, 2025 in New York City. (Jimmy McCarthy/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

“Always go to your annual checkups and talk to your doctor about how to be healthier. Talk to your dermatologist, too. I’m a big believer in using a good moisturizer and sunscreen daily. I’m very disciplined about my skincare routine and what I eat. What you put in your body shows on your face.”

Susan Lucci has her own approach to aging gracefully. (Susan Lucci Personal Archive)

Lucci stressed that aging is inevitable, but how you do it is completely up to you.

“I think we all get a certain set of genes, and it’s up to us to take care of it the best we can,” she said. “And look, we all have choices. I have friends who say, ‘I’m going to let my hair go grey.’ Well, that’s a choice, and it’s the right choice if it makes you happy. That’s not my choice. And that’s the great thing. We all have choices.”

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Susan Lucci told Fox News Digital that she practices Pilates “almost every day.” (Susan Lucci Personal Archive)

“My idea of ​​aging is to keep going,” she said. “I have so much I want to do. And I can’t do all these things unless you Take care of myself today“.

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