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?
Stephanie Thoma, Networking Strategy Coach at The Confident Introvert, 29
2. Who inspired you to be healthy as a kid?
My mentor, Alice Dow, modeled what it means to be healthy and fit when I was 11-years old.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
She was my mentor via the YMCA, and I remember having organic yogurt and granola with fresh figs from the tree in her backyard at her house after school. We also occasionally would go on walks or exercise together on the elliptical in her home, which as a young woman withmy body changing, helped maintain my confidence.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
This lesson of going organic, eating whole foods and being intentional about exercise.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
When I interact with kids, if I am hosting them, I tend to offer healthy treats similarly to Alice.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
To take a moment to think, ‘what do I really want right now?’ We have a natural intuition, or feeling about whether we’re hungry and what we are craving. If you want a cookie, instead of eating 10 granola bars, have a cookie. Think quality over quantity, and make sure to stay hydrated since that can feel like hunger- being thirsty. Have a glass of water before every snack and meal.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?