Owner, Sundara Sanctuary
How do you define a healthy lifestyle?
Finding balance in every aspect of life: physical health, mental health, emotional health, and financial health.
How did you come to practice in your career field?
I spent six years active-duty Army in the operating room and as a combat medic. Being in the hospital setting, I noticed most people do not know much about prevention. My desire is to have a facility that promotes prevention and immune-boosting treatments.
What type of exercise (weights, cardio, yoga, Pilates, etc.) do you prefer and why?
I prefer backpacking to hiking because I love the 40-plus miles over days more than the fast and furious hike; being under time constraints, I hike more. White-water is seasonal depending on the snowmelt; getting to run a river is a special treat.
What does your exercise schedule look like?
I do an intense 6.5 mile hike/trail run two times a week. I have a Peloton; I love the climb rides — I do that two times a week. I have a home gym; I lift weights two times a week.
What are your practices to keep you and your family healthy?
Using the spa as much as possible for immune-boosting treatments, eating clean. We shop almost 90% at the farmers market; along with our own chickens and garden.
How do you define self-care; what is your go-to way of practicing it?
Self-care is an everyday practice. I take time to sit and have my coffee or tea while enjoying watching my chickens and rabbits in the backyard. It is my place of peace, quiet, and tranquility.
What is your favorite healthy food/snack?
I don’t believe in snacking …. But, I do occasionally enjoy organic roasted seaweed.
What is your favorite healthy meal?
I love making and eating bone broth. I use L Bell Ranch bones and Whipstone Ranch veggies cooked for days until I know all the collagen and minerals from the bones and vegetables have been extracted. It’s an easy go-to by adding chopped vegetables and some meat from those ranches for a tasty dinner.
What is your biggest health and wellness tip?
Everyone should keep a closer eye on their blood glucose. I monitor my morning fasting blood glucose daily. I concentrate on making sure my levels stay in a healthy range. I am not diabetic, but it’s a good measuring device on how your body is processing not only your food but your stress.
What is your next goal in your health and wellness journey?
I turned 50 in 2020; I want the next 50 to be just as healthy and rewarding as my first 50!