In a milk chocolate, low cut, bedazzled gown, Daisy Fuentes was the picture of health at Grey Goose-sponsored St. Jude’s FedEx Angels & Stars Gala at the JW Marriott Marquis last week. We wondered how the 45-year-old Cubana kept looking like she used to back when she was a veejay on MTV, and she let us in on a few secrets.

You’re looking fabulous. Can you give us some tips?

Thanks! I live a very healthy, active lifestyle. I truly enjoy my life, my friends, my family and my work. I find that the worst thing you can do is be stressed. I’ve seen stress make people sick. So no stress allowed. No drama. No negativity. Those are the rules. No exceptions. Looking good does come from inside.

What kind of workouts do you do?

Pilates, hiking, tennis, kickboxing, yoga, swimming. Working out bores me so I have to mix it up and do a little of everything especially outdoors. I have some trainers. Hiking and tennis I do with friends. I work out as often as I can. But I’m not obsessive about it. Usually three to five times a week.

What is your diet like?

I don’t diet. At all. I love to cook. I consider myself a foodie. I eat healthy, mostly. Nothing with lots of preservatives or artificial anything. Everything in moderation. I don’t deprive myself of anything. I’m big fan of small portions. I eat only until I’m satisfied. I hate feeling full or bloated.

When you indulge, what would it be?

Pizza or a burger. But I don’t really consider it “indulging.” I don’t crave those foods all the time, and I don’t overdo it when I have it. It’s just discipline.

Are you a salty or sweet person?

Salty. I’m not seduced by sweets at all.

What is the biggest challenge to looking so good?

I don’t always feel I look so good. We all have our off days. Staying positive, being realistic and not obsessing over “looks” or “aging” is important. Society puts a lot of pressure on women to look a certain way and to stay young. We all have the same insecurities. I don’t like to be around women who are always complaining about their looks or their weight. And I try to not do that either even if sometimes that is what’s going on in my head.

What is your stance on plastic surgery?

I think some noninvasive procedures in moderation at a certain age are OK. I do feel people are starting way too young. I believe in enhancing your look, not in changing your look.

Do you believe 40s are the new 30s or maybe 20s?

No, 40 is still 40. There’s nothing wrong with feeling like you’re 25. But there’s nothing less attractive than a 40- or 50-year-old trying hard to look 25. But 40 today looks better than ever. People are taking better care of themselves, and skincare is better than ever.

Can you tell us some places you go in Miami when you’re here?

I love The Beach of course. But there’s nothing like spending the day on a boat in the Miami waters. There’s a whole boating community that I love. Also so many great restaurants — Scarpetta, Prime 112, Casa Tua, STK, Mr Chow. The Chili Passion Martini at the Setai’s bar is a must. My favorite place to shop is Bal Harbour Shops. My favorite hotels are The Mandarin-Oriental, Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne and The St. Regis on the beach. And you can’t beat a rustic escape to the Keys.