Eva Mendes Stuns on the Cover of 'Shape,' Opens Up About Raising Kids With Ryan Gosling: 'I Love Being Home'
Eva Mendes has found the secret to happiness.
Rocking a gorgeous green mesh skirt, strappy blue heels and a white tank, the 43-year-old actress glows on the cover of SHAPE's April issue. In her accompanying interview with the magazine, the mother of two opens up about her life at home with Ryan Gosling and their precious daughters, Esmeralda, 2, and Amada, 11 months.
WATCH: Ryan Gosling Gushes About His Two Children: 'It's the Happiest Time in My Life'
Arthur Belebeau/SHAPE Magazine
"What people don't know about me is that I love being home," the Miami, Florida, native dishes. "Instead of hitting the red carpet, I'd rather be with our girls."
"In some ways, it's been more challenging to get back in shape after my second daughter," she admits. "Yet it's not as hard as I thought it would be, because I'm always running around with the kids. I never sit down -- I'm on the move all day."
Although she has her hands full trying to balance motherhood, her acting career, and multiple fashion and beauty collaborations, Mendes always finds time to exercise, even if it's only for a few minutes.
"Working out allows me to spend time on myself," she explains. "Knowing that I have an hour to dedicate to my wellness is a priority for me now."
Arthur Belebeau/SHAPE Magazine
WATCH: Eva Mendes Makes Stunning First Public Appearance Since Giving Birth Just 2 Months Ago
Mendes says she loves doing intervals like running and sprinting -- "I see great results with that versus the 30 or 45 minutes of steady cardio I used to do on the treadmill" -- while mixing in weightlifting.
"I'm off-season right now, so I work out three days a week," she continues. "But when I'm getting ready for an event or in the summer, it's five days a week. I don't exercise more than that though, because I see better results when my body has a rest period.
Arthur Belebeau/SHAPE Magazine
That doesn't stop her from indulging in sweet treats every now and then, however. Her guilty pleasure? Cadbury eggs!
"The mini ones and the big ones with the filling," she exclaims, also telling SHAPE she loves her mother's Cuban cooking. "My mom makes me the best black beans in the world. I'll never stop devouring them."
"Sweets are my thing," she adds. "It's ongoing, and I have to manage my sugar cravings constantly. I've gotten used to having something sweet after every meal, so I'm always bartering with myself, 'No, no, I can't have that after dinner, but maybe I can have it after lunch instead.' The kid in me thinks, 'I work out, so I can support my sugar habit.' I know that's not a very wise thing to say, but I really do feel like I'm working it off!"
Hear more of Mendes' health, fitness and beauty secrets below!
WATCH: Eva Mendes Shows Off Post-Baby Bod, Talks Working Out: 'I Don't Love It'
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