Keep Health & Wellness SIMPLE With Tips From 3 Experts!

Let’s focus on health, nutrition and dazzling smiles with an interview from 3 Latina experts who are part of the Colgate Total® “Simplemente Saludable” campaign! I was honored to be chosen to interview these powerhouses about topics that are near and dear to my heart!

This year Colgate Total® partnered with nutritionist and entrepreneur Chef Lala, yoga instructor and entrepreneur Yudy Arias and dentist Karent Sierra to share their knowledge of health, wellness, nutrition and oral health! The “Simplemente Saludable” (Simply Healthy) movement is aimed at empowering women, especially Latinas, to take control of their health, with a “refreshed mindset, an active body and healthy dental regimen.” 

Let’s begin our chat!

Yudy Arias

1. What life lessons has yoga taught you?

It has taught me to be more patient, more loving, more compassionate, working on something that looks very physical but is completely connected with the spiritual. Yoga is something that works from the inside out; therefore, you achieve a perfect balance in both physical and spiritual wellness. Mentally you are able to make quicker decisions as you become more in tune with who you are. Physically, you develop a more defined body.

2. What health improvements have you seen in yourself and others through yoga practice?

I have seen incredible changes! In some people, since they get to find a spiritual meaning to their lives, they have been able to achieve balance and make remarkable physical changes.

3. Can you share some ideas for the busy ladies who want to add yoga to their weekly or daily routine?

The phrase “I’m too busy” is just an excuse, if you want to, you can find the time to do it. You can get up a little earlier than usual and practice a routine on your way to work. You can practice breathing that is essential for yoga. You can contract your muscles anywhere, including the office. You can find exercises on YouTube that can be done at your workplace. The most important thing is making the decision to lead a healthier lifestyle and understanding that by taking 15 minutes of your day to devote to your wellbeing, you are enriching your life.

 Chef Lala

 

1. What meal prep staples do people frequently leave behind?

I love herbs and spices. Living a healthy lifestyle can be simple and delicious. By incorporating fresh herbs and spices in your recipe you can infuse your dish with amazing aromas and flavors.

2. Can you recommend any foods or ingredients that have secret health benefits?

Salmon is possibly one of my favorite healthy foods. Salmon has earned its research reputation as a health-supportive food based largely on its unusual omega-3 fatty acid content. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include cardiovascular benefits, improved mood and cognition, joint protection, eye benefits and decreasing the risk of cancer. It is also well known for helping to improve control of the body’s inflammatory processes, better overall cell function, transfer of information between the body’s cells, and better brain function.

3. If we have a busy lifestyle and eat on the go, how can we add more healthy options to our meals?

Selecting healthy cooking methods is a great way to keep excess calories down in order to manage your weight. Baking, boiling, steaming, grilling, roasting, sautéing are all healthy methods to making your favorite dishes. What is important is selecting fresh ingredients instead of processed ones.

Karent Sierra

1. What foods or drinks can be damaging to our teeth if we’re consuming them in excess?

Acidic foods like lemons, grapefruits or oranges can be very damaging to our enamel. Starchy foods like potato chips, pizza and pasta gets converted into sugar almost immediately. The sugar is harmful and our enamel starts becoming decalcified. Sodas contain sugar and phosphoric and citric acids that erode tooth enamel. If consumed in excess, these food and beverages may be damaging to your teeth.

2. Do you have any quick hacks to help us maintain a killer smile?

Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. Immediately after eating, the pH level in your mouth is lower than usual, and more acidic, so brushing can be more abrasive and harmful. Another tip is to not always brush in the same place and to always remember to be gentle while brushing. Finally, it is important to replace your toothbrush every 3 months.

3. How have you seen oral health relate to self-esteem?

There is definitely a correlation between oral health and self-esteem.  Patients who haven’t taken care of their teeth and oral hygiene tend to be more self-conscious and more introverted. After all, nothing feels more empowering than sharing a Colgate Smile!

 

These messages are infused in everything I share through this blog! Wellness, self-care and overall health can be part of our daily habits. As Yudy Arias says, “No excuses!”

Thank you to these brilliant ladies for sharing their knowledge with us! Thank you Colgate Total® for a campaign focused on overall wellness!  

Follow the hashtag #SimplementeSaludable for more inspiring information!