Super Advice For Super Moms
Supermodel Niki Taylor Talks About Staying Active and Eating Healthy
Niki Taylor has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, including Vogue, ELLE and Seventeen, during her 25-year modeling career. She’s also appeared as a spokesmodel for CoverGirl, Liz Claiborne, L’Oreal and Gap. It may sound like a glamorous life. But as a wife and mother of four children, Niki must deal with the same challenge faced by moms across America: how do I find time in my busy schedule to exercise, eat right and stay healthy? MyHealth recently spoke to the international supermodel to get her advice on healthy living.
How did you first become interested in health and wellness?
I’ve always been active and have a hard time sitting still. Plus, with four kids, it’s just part of who I am. My husband plays a big part as well because we love working out together and cooking really healthy meals.
Why is it so important for women to live a healthy lifestyle?
It’s important for women to have a healthy lifestyle for their overall mind, body and soul. Especially if they have kids! If mom’s not healthy and taking care of herself, the whole family suffers. A happy-healthy mom is the start of a happy-healthy family!
Given your busy schedule, how do you find time to exercise? What type of exercise do you enjoy?
I try to work out at least 3 to 4 times a week. After I drop my daughter Ciel off at school, I love to go for a run in the park or workout at home. I never overdo it, and I always love to switch my routines so I don’t get bored. So one day, go for a run; one day, dance; one day weight train or take a class that teaches Zumba or hot yoga. And always have good music to keep you going!
What keeps you motivated to exercise?
It just makes me feel better! It makes my skin look better. Exercise is also the best way to give my mind a break. It gets the blood flow going and makes me a better person.
Many women feel guilty about taking time to care for themselves. They feel like they are neglecting their families when they do. What advice do you have for them?
Never feel guilty about taking care of yourself! Moms are the rock-force that holds the family together. We have to be healthy and take care of ourselves! There’s always a balance to everything. And remember, it’s always fun to get the whole family involved, whether it’s going for a walk, kicking a ball outside or going to the park. Anything to get that heart rate up!
How important is nutrition for you? Any advice to moms on how to provide their families with healthy meals that are quick and easy to prepare?
Nutrition is important to me, but just like everybody, I love my sweets and carbs! For a quick, easy meals, I love to go online for recipes at simplyrecipes.com or sixsistersstuff.com. And you can never go wrong with a slow cooker!
Do you have any favorite healthy foods you would recommend?
My family and I eat really clean and simple. So we prepare a lot of chicken recipes, and we love bison and salmon with a vegetable side. And a huge salad! For dressing I love olive oil and white balsamic vinaigrette. These days, for dessert, we enjoy a plain Greek yogurt with local honey on it and a little bit of granola.
Any other advice you would like to share?
Yes! Stay active, get sleep and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.