Lea Michele Wakes Up With A Big Smile Every Day

Lea Michele looks gorgeous in gold in a shot from the November issue Shape magazine, on stands October 18th.

The 30-year-old Scream Queens star opened up about loving her body, appreciating the life she has and her cheat meals. Check it:

On why she loves her shape: “I love my shape because it’s unique to me. I’m 5’2″, and I get a lot of compliments on my legs, which is funny for a short girl. But they’re one of my favorite things about my body.”

On why the scale doesn’t determine her self-worth: “As I get older, my body is always changing. Right now I have so much energy, my skin looks good, and my butt is higher than it’s ever been. I’ve been skinnier and I’ve been a little bit bigger, and I’m never hard on myself one way or the other. The fact that I’m active, eating well, and taking care of myself is all that matters�not a number.”

On her favorite indulgences: “My favorite is pizza. And mac and cheese. And grilled cheese. Anything with cheese. For dessert, I’ll usually order a cheese plate rather than something sweet. I’d eat an entire block of Wisconsin cheddar over chocolate cake any day.”

On appreciating what she has: “I don’t take any day for granted. I realize how lucky I am. I have an amazing job, great opportunities, and a fantastic family and group of friends. I genuinely wake up every day with a really big smile on my face because I love my life.”

For more from Lea, visit Shape.com.