Anyone can be healthy. It’s not rocket science. Health is simply a choice (and a simple one, at that), or so says Lisa, our Health Raiser of the Week and Vitacost Director of SEO, Social & Content. To put it bluntly – in true Lisa fashion – she reminds us that our bodies are meant to move. Denying your body that innate ability would be a total waste. So ask yourself this: Are you ready to make some important decisions?
What does health mean to you?
Health is a way to live life. We have choices of what to eat, to be active or not and how we respond to situations – positively or negatively. All of these contribute to our overall wellbeing. Participating in activities that allow for creativity and enjoyment is a choice we all have, so we can enjoy experiences that last in our memories. Without keeping health as a priority, you could miss a lot of enriching opportunities.
What inspired you to start living a healthy life?
I grew up in a family that put health first. My parents got me and my sisters involved in dance, gymnastics and many sports from age 3, which we all continued into our adulthood. My father was a talented baseball and basketball player and coached us all into All-Star athletes. My mother grew up in a family of ballroom dancers, so the coordination genes were definitely passed onto me.
Using vitamins and supplements was simply part of our daily regimen. The whole family was active, so making sure we supported our bodies for muscle recovery was learned at an early age. The amount of activity we participated made for a packed schedule! Now that I have my own family, my daughter is the one inspiring me to live a healthy life. And I love being able to participate in activities with her!
What are three things you do to stay healthy?
1. Exercise (often with a personal trainer): I learned at an early age that it’s not natural to be sedentary. Our bodies are meant to move, so participating in activities that I enjoy and that my body allows me to do is always at the forefront.
2. Eat well: Diet is important. Having food sensitivities most of my life, I learned if I ate something that made me ill, exercise and daily functioning wasn’t possible. So sticking to a diet that’s right for your body and chemistry is important to your health in more ways than one. For me, sticking to a diet heavy in protein works best for my body.
3. Supplement: Because of my issues with food allergies, supplementation is extremely integral in making sure I get the vitamins and minerals my body needs. I’ve tried many types of supplements from various brands. Once you find the ones that work with your body, it makes a world of difference in your overall health!
What is one motivational quote that you live by?
Live in the now and have no regrets.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what Vitacost product could you not live without?
What advice do you have for someone who is trying to live healthier?
Take it one step at a time. As you begin, adjust your daily routine to include healthier choices. Don’t punish yourself if you skip a day of exercise or eat that cookie. Just correct the behavior and keep going. It took years to become unhealthy, but it will take months to incorporate the health back into your life. Beating yourself up doesn’t help, so why dwell on it? Keep moving forward!