I’m often asked, how I stay fit while cooking and eating so much! There are several factors at play…first I just have to say genetics! We are all victims of our DNA. My parents were both small boned and my mother had hyperthyroidism and I do as well, so my metabolism is in a hyper mode. But I have to say that I hardly ever just chow down! Mostly because I cook so much and taste along the way so that when dinner is ready, I feel like I’ve already eaten.
During the day, I just nibble on good stuff… olives, nuts, fruit, cheese, veggies etc. We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but moderation IS the key! Also, I have a very physical lifestyle, lots of chores living in the country and my hobbies are very physical as well, hiking, riding, fishing, gardening. In a nutshell…I never sit down!
I am very low maintenance in terms of beauty products! I use dove soap on my face and generic Oil of Olay for a moisturizer! I think that good healthy skin comes from within, so it really doesn’t matter what goes on the surface. When I was little, my mother, best described as a gypsy witch doctor, made me drink a tablespoon of cod liver oil every morning! YUK! She said it would make my skin pretty! And I think she was right!
I was a model until I retired at age 30 when I had my first baby. My mother also believed that olive oil (the heart of the Mediterranean diet) had magical qualities! God knows I had plenty of it growing up in an Italian family!
Not only did we cook with it, but we used it for a moisturizer for skin and hair, and I still do! My mother also collected rainwater to wash our hair with. Natural products really do work wonders! I’ve never had a manicure, pedicure or a facial. I’m too frugal (ok cheap) to pay for what I can do myself! I must say though that everyday, I put on my make-up and look my best, even in my old work clothes, I have on lipstick! I admire French women for this mindset, it just makes you feel better! But then again I am a make-up artist, a commercial make-up artist, meaning that I make-up people that are on camera, I get them “camera ready”. This includes, models, actors, sports figures, CEO’s, and everyone in between. I’ve even done 2 sitting Presidents! I have over 25 years of experience in that field, so I have some good make-up tips for you! Stay tuned!
