Author: Sebastien Lagree
When you juggle so many roles, you have to maintain an effective health and wellness routine to stay strong - just ask Kristin Cavallari.
The American television star balances a lot in her day-to-day life: She’s a fashion entrepreneur and founder of luxury brand Uncommon James, she’s a mom on the go, and she’s been staying busy with her reality series, Very Cavallari, which wrapped in March.
With such a hectic schedule, staying physically in shape and mentally aligned is so essential for Kristin, so she can continue being her best self and operate with maximum efficiency. Her tricks? Staying consistent, meditating, and practicing self-care.
Kristin is a master at multitasking, and she understands the importance of time management and prioritizing, which is how she’s able to fit in 5:00AM workouts before her three kids wake up, or adjust her diet to tone down for photoshoots and filming. “[It’s] all about balance,” The Hills alum exclusively tells GLAMOUR South Africa.
From her nutritious recipes in the kitchen, to her daily weight-lifting routine, the True Roots author let us in on her health-conscious lifestyle.
GLAMOUR: What sparked your passion for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle? Was this always important to you, or did a certain instance in your life inspire it?
Kristin Cavallari (KC): I lived with my dad in high school who was always one step ahead in the health world. I had healthy eating and being active as a good foundation, but like most teens, I ate fast food and other crap when I would leave the house.
It wasn't until I became pregnant with my first son Camden that I really changed my lifestyle. I decided to eat real, whole food but to enjoy it and give into cravings as long as the cravings weren't heavily processed.
It was the freest relationship I ever had with food. I also felt great and didn't gain a ton of weight- to me, that meant something. After I had Cam, I maintained that way of eating and felt great, my skin cleared up, and I never really had to diet.
I've never looked back. And working out for me is what keeps me sane. I need it mentally more than the physical aspect. It gives me energy and helps me get out any stress.
GLAMOUR: What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
KC: I lift weights 5 times per week and I eat real food. I never look at calories, only the ingredient label. If there are crazy additives in it, I stay away. When I'm cooking at home, I cook gluten free and I never use cow's milk.
When I'm on vacation or go out to eat I'll allow myself those things...all about balance!
GLAMOUR: What one thing do you never skip in your workout?
KC: Some sort of butt exercise. Maintaining muscle in my butt is my forever challenge. No matter what I do, it stays pretty small (lol).
GLAMOUR: How do you make time for fitness while balancing such a busy schedule?
KC: Mon-Fri I wake up at 5am to workout before my kids wake up. I love that quiet time to myself before the craziness of the day starts.
GLAMOUR: How would you describe your philosophy on health and fitness?
KC: Consistency is key. And eat real food.
GLAMOUR: Who or what gives you the most inspiration and motivation to achieve your fitness goals?
KC: Luckily for me, photoshoots or filming a TV show is what inspires me to get in really good shape.
When I don't have anything like that coming up, I'm definitely more lax and enjoy sweets, wine, and carbs a little more.
I've found it takes 2 weeks of eating really clean to get back to where I want to be.
GLAMOUR: You're coming out with a new cookbook, what are some important nutrition tips that you would give to someone wanting to live a healthier lifestyle?
KC: To read ingredient labels and start familiarizing yourself with what certain additives are. But to also start slow. Pick 3 additives you want to stay away from and just start with those until they become second nature.
For example, corn syrup, added colours, and MSG are additives I will never eat. Also, don't beat yourself up if you slip and it's important to eat whatever you want from time to time so you stay sane.
GLAMOUR: How do you prioritize your mental health while living in the spotlight?
KC: It's extremely important to take care of yourself mentally with public scrutiny. I don't read social media comments, blogs etc. That's been a game changer for me.
I also mediate and try to get outside to connect with nature. Plus, kids help put everything in perspective.
GLAMOUR: You’ve been through a lot publicly the past few months. Has it been difficult to stay positive at times?
KC: Of course I've had my moments but overall, no. In general, I'm a very happy, positive person and I look at life as a bunch of lessons that we can choose to grow and learn from, and when I think of it like that, I'm just here to enjoy the journey - the good and the bad.
How would you define and practice wellness?
KC: Wellness is doing whatever makes you feel your best- and it's different for everyone. Practicing it is also different for everyone. I think putting yourself first is actually a good thing because if I'm my best self, then I will be the best mom I can be, the best friend I can be, the best CEO I can be, etc.
GLAMOUR :What are some tips for keeping your kids active and healthy?
KC: My kids love being outside and riding their bikes, getting dirty, and using their imaginations.
I think all of that is important. They also eat whatever I'm eating at the house, but if we go out to eat or they go to a birthday party, they can get whatever they want.
I don't want to be so strict on their eating that they then rebel and go the opposite way. I figure if they have a good foundation, as adults they will hopefully come back to that.
GLAMOUR: What are three beauty products you swear by - and the best beauty advice you could give?
KC: Peptide serum- peptides are anti-aging and I love serums. Anastasia brow pencils, I think brows are game changers for the face so I always fill mine in, even if I do no other makeup other than mascara. And I love Sisley black rose cream for after a long flight or before a red carpet to plump up the face and hydrate it.
GLAMOUR: What’s next for you? Any fun projects you’re working on?
KC: This is the first time in a very long time that I'm not necessarily thinking about what's next. I'm enjoying slowing things down. Right now, I just want to continue to grow Uncommon James and focus on my kids and myself.
