How do you define a healthy lifestyle?
It involves mind, body, spirit. Eating healthy choices and including fresh vegetables and herbs.
How did you come to practice in your career field?
As a culinary specialist, I loved creating fresh food for family, friends and guests. Now a certified herbalist, I enjoy the plant-to-plate experience. Culinary herbs have amazing healing and wellness properties — favorites are garlic, basil, mint, cilantro and parsley.
What type of exercise (weights, cardio, yoga, Pilates, etc.) do you prefer and why?
Morning walks and water aerobics; fun and invigorating as well as better for my joints.
What does your exercise schedule look like on a typical day or week?
Regardless of how many steps I take daily, averaging 13,000 to 15,000 steps, I need to do a better job of exercising for 60 minutes — minimally — three to four days per week.
What are your practices to keep yourself/family healthy?
A good night’s sleep. Elderberry syrup for my immune system; incorporating essential oils into my daily routines; receiving a monthly massage.
How do you define self-care, and what is your go-to way of practicing it?
I love spending time with my grandsons; they are the best “care.” I also use cooking as a form of relaxation and nurturing. Eating ice cream to make you feel better can be self-care. We work with local certified dietician Katy Kimball; she supports our business with nutritional and dietary consulting with our clients and daily menus. Her biggest focus is portion size.
What is your favorite healthy food/snack?
I love smoothies. Taking what is available with fresh fruits, kale or spinach, herbs and yogurt, along with protein powder is my go-to snack.
What is your favorite healthy meal?
Baked salmon with pomegranate citrus glaze; brown rice with garlic, herbs and a big salad. Yum!
What is your biggest health and wellness tip?
Love yourself and daily praying are my best tips. Surround yourself with folks that uplift you. Don’t forget hugging!
What is your next goal in your health and wellness journey?
Creating and conducting healthy eating videos and culinary classes in 2022. I desire to share my passion for the culinary/ herbal arts with a bit of fun and enthusiasm, as well as the ease of cooking.