A role model is someone others respect and look to as a good example. They try to make good decisions, put others first and often imitated by those around them. They “think before they act….not act before they think.” They are the people we want our children to be around, whether it is a teacher, coach or family member. Your Health Journal wanted to highlight some special individuals who are good role models and allow them to share their stories here. Enjoy!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
Kerianne Vianden, Website content writer at Hotels4teams, 22. I write about the best and most interesting destinations in the country. I love it!
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
The person that inspired me at a young age to eat healthy and stay fit was an older teammate on my field hockey team growing up. She was the captain and was extremely passionate about eating healthy and be physically fit.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
They led by example. As a field hockey player, you want to be the fastest, the strongest, the healthiest. You need to get to the ball faster than your opponent, or race to your goalkeeper before them to avoid a goal against your team. The captain was the fastest and the strongest, one of the best players in the state. By seeing how quick, agile, and strong she was, it made me want to get to that point. She was very open with her journey, which I think is important and inspiring. No one wakes up one day with a six-pack and five minute mile. I thought if she could do it, so could I.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
As someone who struggled with disordered eating growing up, this positively impacted by life. I realized that restricted my body of calories and nutrients, I wasn’t allowing myself to be the athlete I needed to be. I was extremely weak and underweight, and was not educated about athlete nutrition at all. With the help of the team captain, I learned how to balance a healthy diet while still treating myself to a cookie when I wanted. I gained weight, muscle, and happiness.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
Yes. Not only to kids, but to adults as well. I think there is a huge misconception about what health is versus beauty. Health isn’t about eating the least amount of carbs or not eating fruit because it has sugar in it. It’s also not about doing a fad diet to 10 pounds in two weeks. Health is about eating simple, nutritious foods that fuel your body and make you feel strong every day.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
My message to children would be that life is all about balance. Listen to your mom when she says, “Eat your broccoli.” But eat that double-chunk chocolate chip cookie if you want it. Go on a walk if you have energy and want to get some fresh air. Skip the gym if you’re not feeling up to it that day. Listen to your body! Health doesn’t mean you have to have a perfect diet and exercise every day. You might find yourself feeling a lot better if you were more lenient with yourself.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?