• Jennifer Aniston tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that her approach to healthy living began at a young age

• "I grew up in one of those holistic households ... so I've sort of lived by that," the actress says

• Aniston grew up in the 1970s with mom, Nancy Dow, and dad, John Aniston

Jennifer Aniston's approach to healthy living began at a young age.

"I was never allowed to have a sugary piece of anything, and I was also served spelt bread," the actress, 56, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview, about life with her mom, Nancy Dow, and her dad, John Aniston, in the 1970s.

"I grew up in one of those holistic households ... so I've sort of lived by that," continues Aniston, who has launched a new campaign with Smartwater.

The Morning Show star says her mother, who died at age 79 in May 2016, was especially keen on making sure she always led a healthy lifestyle. "My mom sort of drilled into me the importance of drinking water since I was a kid, but I guess really more in my late teens," she explains.

And her mom's advice didn't stop there, according to the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winner. "She was also the one who taught me to put on face cream and eye cream," Aniston adds.

Aniston was born in Los Angeles in February 1969. She moved to New York City with her parents when she was young, and the pair — who also worked in the entertainment industry — divorced when the Friends alum was nine. (Aniston's dad died at age 89 in November 2022.)

Her parents' emphasis on health continues to guide her habits and choices. Today, the star works hard to keep both her physical and mental health in tip-top shape.

The specific importance of drinking water, Aniston says, carries over to all aspects of her life — even her friendships. "I've become so hyper aware of people who don't drink water now because I've always been such a water drinker," she explains.

"I have girlfriends that just can't drink water, they just don't like the taste of it. It's like, 'It's water. It's just water,' and I constantly say, 'You have to hydrate. You must hydrate,' " Aniston continues.

Aniston's love of water is what makes her partnership with Smartwater so perfect — and long-lasting. (She began working with the beverage brand back in 2007.)

"We just can't quit each other," she tells PEOPLE with a laugh. "I've loved it since then, and I love it now."

"It's delicious, it's crisp, it tastes perfect, and I love the bottle, I love the brand, I love the people," continues the actress.

Through her partnership, Aniston stars in a selection of new TV spots that poke fun at behind-the-scenes moments on film and television sets, and how sometimes the simple approach is the smartest choice.

"We were trying to come up with a way that felt really fun and innovative, and just a little different," the star says of the promos.