HOW DO YOU DEFINE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?
A healthy lifestyle represents daily choices promoting physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.
Approaches vary for each person depending on their current health and personal goals, and they may include healthy eating, exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol avoidance, journaling, joining a support group, pain management, etc. But we all want health promotion, increased energy level, reduced stress, improved sleep and a feeling of fulfillment and joy.
HOW DID YOU COME TO PRACTICE IN YOUR CAREER FIELD?
As a teenager, I was very intrigued by the relationship between food and body image. I went to college to learn for myself more about nutrition, health and exercise, which not only helped me with my own body image but turned out to be the first step into a fulfilling and exciting career.
WHAT TYPE OF EXERCISE (WEIGHTS, CARDIO, YOGA, PILATES, ETC.) DO YOU PREFER AND WHY?
I favor aerobic exercise to support healthy heart and lung function while improving circulation and supporting weight management. I incorporate weight resistance to strengthen and maintain muscle mass and bone density. Lastly, I enjoy any exercise that incorporates stretching, such as Pilates, while reducing emotional stress, improving balance
and fostering flexibility.
WHAT DOES YOUR EXERCISE SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE ON A TYPICAL DAY, WEEK? HOW OFTEN DO YOU EXERCISE, FOR HOW LONG?
I go for walks for at least 30 minutes, five days a week; lift weights for about 20 to 30 minutes twice a week; and I perform different stretches daily in addition to dry-skin brushing to support my lymphatic system.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SELF-CARE; WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO WAY OF PRACTICING IT?
Self-care is identifying which practices allow you to show yourself some love! Take time each day to engage in activities that matter to you and bring you joy to improve health, reduce stress and increase self-esteem.
My go-to-way to practice self-care is to sleep! Studies highlight the health benefits associated with sleep including enabling our body to repair, heal, cleanse
itself while allowing our mind to process and reconcile our day-to-day activities and emotions in addition to supporting hormonal balance and weight maintenance.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY MEAL?
Baked salmon, baked sweet potato “fries” and steamed broccoli drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST HEALTH, WELLNESS TIP?
Stay hydrated!