Winona Ryder isn't the only 90s actor whose career Stranger Things revived. Cara Buono has had a similar resurgence, especially after her character Karen Wheeler's heroics in the final season.

Since her debut in 1992's Gladiator to Stranger Things in 2025, fitness has helped Buono take on any role. "I was and am a self-care enthusiast," Buono told Purist, and here's how the 54-year-old continues to pursue that goal.

Cara Buono is a morning person and wakes up at 5 AM. However, the first thing on her list isn't a workout, but "a prayer of gratitude." She believes being healthy and pain-free is the most significant gift, and it's something she reminds herself of even before touching the weights.

Cara Buono’s fitness routine includes running, boxing, and weight lifting. She never skips her routine because she has incorporated wellness into her everyday life. “I’ll work out, whether it’s the gym, boxing, or running," she said in an interview with The Bare Magazine.

Cara Buono prefers doing yoga and meditation. “I try to meditate at least 10 minutes a day,” the Emmy-nominated actor said.

Walking, stretching, and breathing practice are among the elements of her overall fitness. She said, “If I don’t have an hour on a day or more, I’ll find a few minutes to stretch, do some breathing, or meditate while walking.”

For recovery, Cara Buono keeps things simple. "I love infrared saunas and taking cold plunge baths a few times a week," she revealed.

Apart from working out, she also eats healthy to maintain her physique and overall fitness.

Cara Buono eats clean but intuitively

She does not follow any restrictive diet, but tries to eat healthy and green every day. Cara Buono also said, “I’ll find ways to eat healthy when there aren’t a lot of options, but also not beat myself up when I don’t.” After waking up, she starts her day with a glass of water with lemon, which helps her eliminate toxins from her body and support her metabolism. 

Although she is not vegan, she mostly eats a clean plant-based diet. But she believes little indulgence in her life; cheese is something she can’t avoid, and she also occasionally eats an In-N-Out burger.

Caro Buono has a sweet tooth, she likes to bake, and said, “I bake, so I like to eat my own muffins and especially my chocolate cake. I always keep ‘Emergency Cake’ slices in the freezer.” For drinks, she jumps between coffee and matcha. She also prioritises sleep in her daily life.

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi