Loving life as new mom

CEBU, Philippines - Eva Mendes looks insane on the cover of Women’s Health magazine. And yes, it was only six months ago when the “Place Beyond the Pines” star gave birth to a baby girl, her first child with boyfriend Ryan Gosling.

The new mom opens up about daughter Esmeralda, her diet and fitness plan as well as her approach to the pesky paps.

 “I’m actually enjoying the sleepless nights because it’s bonding with my little girl,” Mendes, who is slowly starting to return to the spotlight following the birth of her daughter, reveals.

 In spite of her hands-on approach to parenting, the 41-year says she hasn’t earned the right to dish out mothering advice. “I want to respect all the moms out there. They’re going to be like, ‘You know what? You’re a few months in. Just shut up.”

 Although Mendes is clearly loving life as a new mom, the actress still takes time for herself to ensure her mental and physical well-being.

“I realized a long time ago that I needed to have some kind of routine,” she shares of her fitness plan, which includes running and interval sprints. “I don’t love it, but I’ve made peace with that.”

 Mendes also lifts weights but “nothing too heavy, because my muscle bulks up pretty easily. I mix it up with yoga, or sometimes I’ll hike with my trainer.”

 As for her everyday diet? “I haven’t eaten meat in about six years, because I don’t agree with factory farming here. When I cut that out I immediately felt better. After a year of eliminating it, my skin looked brighter and healthier overall.”

 When it comes to her mental health, Mendes is a firm believer in therapy. “Having a therapist who’s totally objective and who points out my patterns— I find that really helpful. I’m lucky to work with someone who doesn’t just sit there and nod her head. I need to hear what you think! Tell me what’s wrong with me so I can fix it!”

 Mendes has yet to share a glimpse of her daughter, and she and Gosling have gone to great lengths to protect their bundle of joy from the paparazzi.

 “I believe there is a public self and a private self,” the fiercely private actress shares. “My sisters and my good friends are experiencing that now with Facebook and Instagram. When they freak out about a friend of theirs posting a bad picture of them, I’m like, ‘Well, imagine how I feel! Get used to it!’”

Thankfully, Mendes has the unwavering support of  her family and her partner to help her stay sane in Hollywood.

 “I’ve had the same girlfriends since I was 12, and I’ve made amazing girlfriends since,” she says. “My mom and my two older sisters have always been there telling me I could accomplish anything.” (FREEMAN)