Kickin’ It With Laurel on Health Food
by Cascade Ice on May 31, 2013
Are you pumped for the next interview in our Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice series? This week we chatted with Laurel Moll from Laurel on Health Food for some wonderful health tips to keep you and your family on a nutritious track. Read on to get inspired by a true foodie!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is a priority for me because it makes me feel good on a daily basis. Rather than focus on eating or exercising to avoid disease later in life (which none of us can guarantee), I focus on doing it to feel good now. When I take care of myself, I feel better and am much more energetic. Instant results. Eating well, working out, and meditating are just a few of my commitments to living a better life.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I love learning meditation and “super brain” techniques from Deepak Chopra and getting daily gratitude and love lessons from The Daily Love writer Mastin Kipp. I’m also so inspired by Doctor Oz, who is bringing healthy living to the masses in a reasonable and non-judgmental way, which is so important when you’re trying to help people.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Lately I’ve been focusing on making big meals on Sunday afternoons so I have a stocked refrigerator ready for the weekdays when I have zero free time. But in a pinch, I love to spread a big portion of hummus on a wrap and toss in a bunch of raw veggies like spring greens, avocado, cucumber, celery and red bell pepper, then finish with a squirt of hot sauce. It takes less than five minutes to make and is always so satisfying.
What are your tips for families who want to make healthy lifestyle changes?
To me, the biggest tip is to get the whole family involved and on board. If one person is doing the healthy shopping, then make sure the others are helping to cook, clean, or carry groceries (including the kids). It’s important for everyone to do it together, and when you’re all involved in the food preparation and/or cleanup, you’ll find that everyone will appreciate and be more open to the healthy changes.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Technically, no. I’m a foodie, and while I eat vegan/vegetarian most of the time and try to avoid fast food and processed foods, I believe it’s is in my best interest to not have any hard “rules” when it comes to food. Throughout high school and college I went on and off diets and restrictive measures to be thin, but I definitely wasn’t in tune with my body. Since training to become a health coach in 2009, I learned that it’s so important to listen to your inner voice and have room for flexibility. Stress is just as harmful as junk food, so I try to be gentle with myself and leave room to experiment. So far, that’s what works for me.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I love the saying that the best way to change a habit is to replace it. When you’re working on your health, and there’s something “unhealthy” that you’re doing, don’t focus on avoiding it, just replace it with a healthier habit and change your focus. That’s the key to success. Some of my favorite healthy habits include getting massages, dancing, and keeping a gratitude list.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I love the new Organic Lemon Lime flavor that just contains sparkling water and fruit essences. It makes a great low-calorie cocktail, and is a perfect healthy substitute for anyone who’s addicted to regular or diet soda.
What to read more great tips from Laurel? Check her out out on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
