As part of the new web series, The Role Model In You — here is the most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. We hope you enjoy it!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
DeAnna Radaj, eco-shui design consultant/author, 48. I specialize in eco-shui design (a fusion of Eastern-Feng Shui, & Western-Eco-friendly/universal design) consulting to encourage a balance of personal/professional well-being, w/a focus on the bedroom, office & kitchen. My mission is to increase awareness as to the impact of your space on your health, relationships & goal achievement.
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
Actually, as a child this wasn’t much of a concern to me….it wasn’t until I hit high school & peer pressure set in to “look like the cheerleaders” to fit in. My mission to live a healthier lifestyle (exercise & healthy eating choices, my becoming a vegetarian & becoming more socially responsible in my food purchases) really started to crystallize after college when I started working for a nature/science chain of retail stores & we worked with some non-profits regarding loss of the rainforest & impact of factory farms.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
It was through this awareness of how great the impact of these factory farms were on the environment (both locally to watershed & soil destruction & even polluting the air) to globally with the destruction of large swaths of forests which impact weather patterns. This inspired me to eat healthier & become more aware of menu choices & where the food I eat comes from. I’ve even started a small herb garden which I hope to increase as my “growing” confidence “grows”. While some of my friends/family make fun of me at times, they all comment on how “healthy” I am & look, & are amazed at how good the meals/appetizers I make are! I’m proud to say I’ve made some converts, as well as incorporating some of what I’ve learned & do into my workshops & designs (purchasing decisions).
4. How did their lesson change your life?
I became a vegetarian, started a garden, incorporated into my business & teachings.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
I don’t have children, however, I do create some designs for children’s rooms & interact w/friends & family’s kids. They always ask what I’m eating & if older, ask the why/how of why I eat & exercise the way I do.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Do NOT succumb to peer pressure to diet/lose weight just to fit in or to try & look like a (Photoshopped) picture in a magazine! Put down the technology/phone & get outside & PLAY! Be a kid…have fun…get dirty & run around. It’s OK to break a sweat! Being active not only helps you keep at a healthy weight & builds muscle, but helps you as you age in creating stronger bones & a higher metabolism for when you do eat a piece of cake or indulge.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?