As Carolina van Dorenmalen is running the very successful lifestyle brand foodie-ness, SA was happy to catch up with her about the wins and challenges so far. Warning btw…if you were planning to relax today..after reading the below you will be outside and ready for a workout within a second.
SA: During your sports activities the last years, what was a moment that you felt you really harvested the fruits of your efforts? (e.g. reaching a milestone).
Carolina: Looking back at my healthy journey so far, there are two beautiful milestones. First was reaching my target weight. It took me so much effort, time, patience, discipline and perseverance. This truly was a joyful moment feeling grateful to myself. Secondly, last summer when I managed to go on my holiday with a toned core and some visible abs!
SA: Even during a vacation under the sun I still like to find, regardless of the high temperatures, some sports related challenges (e.g. biking up the steepest hill I can find…). In what ways you are a junkie yourself?
Carolina: I feel ya! Whenever I’m on vacation I fear the sad feeling of not being able to follow my diet and workout in the gym. Therefore I ALWAYS bring my sportswear with me and look for a mountain to do my HIIT’s or do a beach workout. I prefer to wake up very early so I don’t have to bother my friends or family with my workout addiction. Also, whenever I’m on vacation I make sure I go the grocery shop the first moment I arrive. I need to have some healthy fruit, veggies and nuts in my room. I don’t want to get in the position where I have no nutrition to fuel my body or being forced to eat at a junk food place. Oh and to make it even worse….Whenever I’m on a plane bring my own food from home. Why? No food that’s being served during a flight is healthy and I think it’s sin.
SA: How did you find out your personal energy/food needs per day? What would you suggest to find this level in an efficient way?
Carolina: Two things actually. Firstly, I started with making myself a personal food schedule and changed it each 6 weeks. Secondly, I learned to listen to my body and applied this to my food schedule. Each body is different, so I realized I had to find out what works best for me.
SA: What’s your weekly sports routine….any occasions you don’t follow it?
Carolina: I work out 5 times a week and do everything I can to stick to it. Whenever I miss a workout, it’s because I’m sick or my schedule (really!!) doesn’t allow it. I’m a planner, so in 95% of the cases I’m adjusting my agenda to my workout schedule. No excuses. There’s always a way..:)
SA: When I miss 1 or 2 sessions of my sports routine in a week I already start feeling cranky. Do you have some similar mental issues?:)
Carolina: Absolutely; unfortunately that’s the downside. Ever since I felt in love with “the healthy lifestyle” I struggled with these mental issues. Whenever something interrupts my workout schedule or screws up my diet, I feel like I’m back at zero and did two steps back. I’m not happy with the guilty/cranky feeling that comes along with it, but on the other hand it keeps me motivated to kick ass during the next week.
SA: On your blog the spotlight is mainly on fitness and running; are there any other (team) sports you like(d) to practice?
Carolina: As I’m a girl with a fulltime job, lifestyle platform, 5-day-a-week workout schedule and a strict eating plan, it’s important for me to workout in an efficient way and save time. I would love to try other sports or train in groups for example, but my agenda doesn’t allow that. On my fitness blog posts I highlight easy, effective and efficient workouts. This makes working out fun and do-able for every girl – just like it does for me. I think that’s important.
SA: How do you see sports fanatics and story sharing?
Carolina: I think it’s great to share our personal milestones, special moments and developments during our journeys. This way we can inspire, support and motivate each other. Together we’re stronger and it’s amazing that people celebrate their happiness in a positive way.
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