INTERVIEW WITH SARITA WALSH - A BAD ASS NEW YORK CREATIVE.
I think we bonded first over the fact that we didn't really know how the fuck we got so lucky to be at this event, and at the same time, we couldn't wait to finish the run through downtown LA so we could throw our jackets on and grab a perfectly balanced whisky sour.
After somehow getting invited to go to an event in Los Angeles earlier this year with babes from all over the world, I ran into this girl with some major good vibes who resides in New York and rocks an ausi accent.
I think we bonded first over the fact that we didn't really know how the fuck we got so lucky to be at this event, and at the same time, we couldn't wait to finish the run through downtown LA so we could throw our jackets on and grab a perfectly balanced whisky sour.
It's allll about balance.
I wanted to bring her to your attention because in a time where you can't seem to escape pictures of girls with Supreme Louis Vuitton gear, lip liner, and out of this world asses...Sarita brings to you a refreshing sense of realism along with an appreciation for the simple things.
(Like pottery, dope music and scenic New York sunsets).
I asked her a few questions regarding her plans, her health and fitness, and of course, her go to drink.
ENJOY.
1.
C: Hey girl! So just by reading your short about me on your site we know that you're a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, fitness enthusiast, and a blogger. We're these all things that you went to school for or did you teach yourself?
S: I studied graphic design at Billy Blue College of Design in Australia but as an arts student I was always interested in other creative pursuits. My mum was a photographer so I’d always had a passion for cameras and photography. Illustration was also something I just developed alongside as more of hobby, I like to draw so it comes quite naturally to me. As a brand designer, they all play a role in my work in some way today.
Fitness is much more of a newer hobby for me. Since moving the the US, I’ve been increasingly focussed on my heath and I have found that being more active makes me happier. The blog is just my way of sharing some of these newer discoveries while being able to create at the same time.
2.
C: I liked how it actually says in your bio "and for now....a blogger". Do you see yourself doing something completely different in a few years? Like, are you the kind of person that makes a 5 year plan and sticks to it or are you more of a go with the flow girl?
S: I’m definitely more of the latter. I love planning but I also know that I tend to get bored easily. Ever since I was young I’ve always been very curious. That’s why I like to travel but also why I find it hard to stay in one place for too long, whether that’s in a city or a job. I like to better myself by doing research and acquiring new skills and I think I just like the idea of leaving things open to chance and discovery.
3.
C: I know from meeting you for the Asics event that we are both super down for a fitness class followed by some cocktails (HOLLA). What's your go-to drink when you want a something to sip on but don't want to worry about the calories?
S: I love to pair wine with food. Again, I think it’s all about learning & discovery. I’m always blown away with how well certain flavors can complement each other. Plus, I just love food. I’ll opt for dinner over drinks anytime.
When it does come to cocktails, I tend to go through phases. I had a pretty dedicated old fashioned phase for a while, then it was mezcal, then became all about whisky sours. If I’m having more than one then my go-to is always tequila reposado with San Pellegrino & lime. While I find other drinks get too sickly and sweet I can sip on these all night long (usually midnight these days) while feeling that I’m also somewhat hydrating.
4.
C: When it comes to fitness, what have you learned totally works for your body and what just doesn't.
S: I’m not a cardio person but since discovering soul cycle I’ve been able to work that into my routine pretty regularly. I think it’s the music. Give me some good hip hop and I’m down. I love lifting but I suffer from carpal tunnel, & sciatica so I have to be careful and I can only push myself so far. I often need a week off from time to time to properly recover when I’ll focus more on stretching and doing more hot yoga.
On average I’ll spin a couple of times a week and the same for weights and for yoga. For me fitness is really all about balance. I know it’s a cliche but, after all, they’re cliches for a reason!
5.
C: What does a day with your diet look like?
S: No two days are ever the same. I’ve always admired those people who can meal prep on a Sunday and see it through the week but that’s never been me. I think it’s because I love food too much. It’s the asian in me. Food is such a big part of my life that I like the freedom to know I can still wonder now and again.
Ever since I experimented with macro counting I try my best to get a good balance of carbs, protein & fat, along with greens. I use myfitnesspal as a rough guide to help me track this but of course there’s some days where things go awry, usually weekends when I’m going out with my boyfriend and our friends for dinner. On those days I often just grant myself a pass and pick it up the next day. After all, life’s too short right?
LINDSEY HARROD TALKS TO US ABOUT DIET TIPS AND HOW SHE TOOK HER BOD TO THE NEXT LEVEL
We've been on trips together where were drowning in tequila and finger foods one second then trying to wake up the next morning to do a hiit workout on the beach. We've always been trying to say the least haha.
Lindsey and I used to work out at LA fitness in San Diego like a trillion times a week and we got so into it at one point that we actually brought our little blender INTO the locker room at the gym so we could make our protein shake as soon as possible HAH so embarrassing.
We've been on trips together where were drowning in tequila and finger foods one second then trying to wake up the next morning to do a hiit workout on the beach. We've always been trying to say the least haha.
I think we've both watched each other's bodies change over the course of the last 5 years so I wanted to chat with Linds about some of the things that really STUCK and started working for her body + the diet that she's sticking to these days AND tips for slimming down FAST!
1.
C: I've known you for a few years now and I think we both know that our bodies have been on an effing roller coaster of fluctuation. ALTHOUGH, lately you've been SUPER consistent and I feel like you're at a place with your self and your body that feels comfortable.
What were the things that you changed in order to take your body to the next level?
L: Consistency is 100% the key! The problem is, consistency is hard, haha. To be honest, group fitness really changed my life. It was hard for me to be consistent with just working out at the gym by myself, because I would get bored, or unmotivated, or my workouts would get monotonous.
There is nothing more dreadful than staring at yourself in the mirror on the stair master for an hour every day, listening to the same damn play list. I fell in love with workout classes, an hour of nonstop, challenging exercise, with someone holding you accountable. In and out and on with my day. It is so much easier to be consistent with something you actually like.
2.
C: I feeeel you! I was on a roll when I had class pass and now I feel lie I'm always dragging myself to do workouts on my own. What does a typical day of eating look like for you? And how often do you let yourself indulge?
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L: My diet is 80% plant based. I do eat fish sometimes, I love sushi, haha! But no animal protein, and dairy is kept to a very small minimum. Every day is different for me because my schedule fluctuates so much. I typically workout on an empty stomach in the morning, followed by a protein shake. And I don't usually sit down to eat "meals." I snack throughout the day.
My fridge is always stocked with fruits and veggies, I love salads and wraps, and juice! I sound totally boring and like I eat like a rabbit haha, but I promise I don't. I eat plenty and never feel deprived. I just aim for nutrient dense meals, the more veggies the better! In regards to indulging, I used to allot myself a "cheat meal," once a week, and honestly, that was horrible. It felt like I was depriving myself al week to live for this one meal the would last 15 min and than be over. I don't deprive myself ever, if I want something, I have it. As long as I am making healthy decisions 80% of the time, Im fine.
3.
C: Yeah I remember those days haha, we would slam down Veggie Grill like it was the last super then feel disgusting. NO BUENO. OK um, can we just talk about your hair for a second? It's long, thick, shiny, goddess hair. HOW??
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L: I got it from my mamma! haha, jk, but really. LOL. I honestly have always had long & thick hair, until I started lightening it. But I can say that coconut oil is my secret weapon. I sleep with it combed through dry hair once a week, and it does wonders. Also, regular trims! Don't bee afraid of cutting it!
4.
C: For girls that are trying to slim down by next weekend, what are you're go to tips and why?
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L: WATER! For the love of God drink water. Chances are if you are trying to slim down by next weekend its probably for something special, so not only will upping your water intake help you to slim down, but it was also help your skin. Most of the time when we think we are hungry, we are really just thirsty.
Staying hydrated throughout the day will help curb hunger and cravings. Also, for immediate results, cut back on carbs and sodium. But don't do this long term, this is just for short term results. This would do your body much harm to do for an extended period of time and actually cause you to retain weight, and eat muscle.
5.
C: Perfect thank you! Okay we have to get into the guy talk because there's either something worth learning or something worth laughing at...what immediately turns you on when a guy approaches you and what immediately turns you OFF.
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L: If you can make me laugh, you've got my attention. And it has to be genuine, not cheesy. We can tell right away if you are genuine or just trying to get in our pants. Seeing as I'm currently taken, I can attest to the fact that my boyfriend has made me laugh and still continues to make me laugh from the second I met him.
Don't be afraid to be silly or goofy, it shows that you don't take yourself too seriously. Turn OFF's... too touchy! Guys that are physically aggressive. If you think grabbing my arm as I walk by is going to get my attention, guess again. Im probably going to turn and look at you with the bitchiest look possible, no matter how hot you are. Be respectful ya'll
CLICK BELOW TO FOLLOW LINDSEY:
JILL ZELETZKI - FITNESS MODEL TALKS TO US ABOUT BEING VEGAN
I luckily got to meet Jill at an international event held by Asics in downtown LA earlier this year. We were both in a sea of people where we only knew a handful of girls but we managed to start talking and I realized she was A. Gorg, and B. Super cool and easy to talk to!
Read more to find out how this busy model and fitness enthusiast eats clean and how it changed her life.
1.
C: Hi mama! Okay so let's get to it. You're a model, you travel, you're vegan, you have a blog and a YouTube channel! How do you keep up with everything and what are your tips for kind of "accomplishing it all?"
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J: Heyyyy girl :) Uff, honestly sometimes I don’t even know how I do it haha...
I think it’s really important to always remember WHY you do the things you do. If you struggle to find an answer that feels true to your heart then it might not actually be the right path for you. But if you have a strong why everything else falls into place.
I have been struggling with mental health issues for years and that makes if often even harder to keep up with everything. But I genuinely love the things I do and actually helping and inspiring others with my work makes everything more than worth it. But I also had to learn that sometimes we need to take a step back and allow ourselves to rest. I tend to get a little too hard on myself sometimes and need to remember to look after myself before trying to please everyone else. Finding that healthy balance is definitely an interesting process...
Having a good morning routine is helping me massively. I try to get up early, do my meditation and journaling right away while sipping on warm lemon water. I try to make time to read as well. Then some yoga / foam rolling + stretching or now that it’s finally getting warmer here I like to go out in the woods for a run. Oh and very important: I keep my phone on flight mode at least for 1 hour. Checking mails and social media right after waking is not only stressing me out but cluttering my mind right away.
I’m far from perfect and sometimes hitting that snooze button is just way to comfortable but when I actually stick to this routine it has an immensely positive impact on my whole day. i’m much calmer, focused and way more productive.
2.
C: YES I love that tip about not looking at your phone for the first hour of your day. I get SO much more done when I do that. Alrighty, how often would you say you feel overwhelmed? What do you do when you feel like everything is a bit too much but you need to stay on track?
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J: Honestly way too often haha but meditation and journaling are my go to remedies. It sounds so cliche and simple but it is absolutely magic.
And when I need a total reset I love going to the sauna at my gym (preferably after a good sweaty session), taking an ice cold shower afterwards and then standing barefoot on the grass outside while breathing in that fresh air. Yep this might sound super weird but it actually grounds me so much and afterwards I can get on with my to do lists, feeling re energised and fresh.
3.
C: Haha noo that literally sounds amazing! Okay, let us know what your traveling snacks on the go are because you eat clean while staying SUPER busy and we need all the deets!
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J: I looooove making my own energy balls with dates, oats, different nuts and seeds, cacao, maca, gojis, coconut etc. There are so many possibilities!
They are delicious, easy to pack and the mix of healthy carbs and fats is keeping me energised when I’m on the go. I also always bring fruit with me, dates and bananas are my faves when traveling because they are calorically dense and actually keep me full. When I have a long flight or train ride I pack overnight oats (with chia or flaxseeds, cinnamon, apple, frozen fruit, some nut butter…) in a jar.
On one of my latest trips to Iceland I had to spend one night at the airport. I had some dry oats with me, got hot tea water and two bananas from the shop and made my own oatmeal haha.
I actually find it super easy to eat vegan and healthy even when I’m on the go. People sometimes wonder if I ever feel deprived eating this way and that’s so not the case. I genuinely LOVE all the whole food plant based meals I make and my health improved massively.
I lost about 16 kilos eating this way, cured my acne and hypothyroidism without taking any medication. Food IS medicine.
And it doesn’t have to be bland or boring - I love getting creative and veganizing certain dishes I used to eat when I was younger like spaghetti bolognese or this epic chocolate ice-cream https://jilicious-journey.com/2017/03/23/brownie-ice-cream-dream/.
4.
C: OMG I saw those on your blog! I need to make them!! So let's get into the fitness side of things. How often do you work out per week and what kind of exercises are you doing?
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J: When I’m at home I try to go to the gym as often as I can, usually 3-5 times per week. I love doing intervals on the treadmill or spinning bike, followed by some functional training, lots of stretching and inversions. Last winter I finally started adding in some weights and I love always trying out new things to challenge my body. I usually do a little yoga / stretching + foam rolling routine every morning as a part of my morning routine. Sometimes I add in a bodyweight workout at home and I love going out for runs.
Sticking to a fixed routine while traveling is definitely a challenge but I just make sure I am active (walking a to, taking the stairs, etc) and there is always time for a little squat session.
I was dancing ballet for many years and unfortunately had to stop during my a levels but I finally wanna pick it up again this year!
5.
C: What is a big beauty tip secret of yours that you can share with us?!
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J: My biggest tip is actually getting enough sleep!! It’s not a secret at all but I feel like in our busy world we forget about the importance of sleep way too often.
Sometimes it even appears to be cool and “boss like” to function on just 5 hours per night.
But we can’t mess with our bodies and enough sleep is absolutely vital for our mental and physical health. When I had a rough night or worked too long you can see that in my face immediately.
And guys remember you are beautiful just the way you are and don’t let anyone make you fell otherwise.
I struggled with negative self talk, bad body image and self hate for way too long. But we can’t wait for anyone to make us feel loved and beautiful when we can’t give that to ourselves. True beauty comes from within and for me that means taking care of my health (by being “body wise” = listening to what my body truly needs and fueling it with nutritious foods) and soul (by practicing mindfulness and working with positive affirmations).
C: Eeeek I love that thank you so much girl! You're such a great example, keep killing it!
If you want to follow Jill:
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MORE EXCLUSIVE POSTS:
KATIE AUSTIN - FITNESS ENTHUSIAST, BLOGGER, MODEL, AUTHOR + MORE.
Katie is one of those girls who's got the enthusiasm of a cheerleader and the chillness of a friend you've had for years. When we met she was going to school, building her YouTube channel, getting into Modeling, and being super kick ass in the social media world.
She manages to keep a smile on at what seems like ALL TIMES and is one of the most laid back, hard working girls I've met in LA who promotes her personality before her looks.
Read what she has to say about growing up, her current fitness routine, and her thoughts about food with restrictions.
1.
C: Okay, you're busy af, you've taken like 1 selfie in your life, you don't care about getting your nails done or going out. You're basically super laid back and chill which I love while living in a city that's kind of...the opposite. SO, where did you grow up and what's one thing you try to live by?
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K: Haha I love this question because usually the person that's interviewing me doesn't know me very well, but I LOVE that you know this about me!! hahah I'm so not a girly girl in the sense of pampering myself... I still obviously love to take care of myself and my body, but something like getting my nails done isn't my priority. I think this is because I played sports all my life, and even in college, so IF ever I got my nails or hair done, it would be ruined in like .2 seconds. I would rather spend my money on a good dinner instead:)
I also grew up in Virginia! So it was a bit different than living in LA:)
The one thing I try to live by.. hmmm.. That is HARD! There are so many little mantras I tell myself daily, but I'd have to say that I'm a pretty positive person. I think being uplifting not only helps you live a happy life, but also the people around you. Positivity is contagious and I think it's always important to spread it!
2.
C: SAME! Being positive totally helps on a day to day basis and I feel like it just takes more energy to be angry all the time haha. Alrighty FOOD. How close of attention do you pay to what you eat and what (if any) restrictions do you have? Are you vegetarian, gluten free or dairy free or do you just eat whatever sounds good and just focus on fueling your body?
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K: I eat pretty clean, but it doesn't consume my life. I don't really have to think so hard about any restrictions, I just eat great clean food most of the time, but if I'm feeling like I deserve a burger and fries, then heck I will eat a burger and fries!! I'm kinda a foodie. One of the main reasons I workout is so I can eat all these foods that I love! You probably have heard a saying like this before, but if you don't make it a "diet" and make it more just your "lifestyle" it'll be easier on your mind.
I don't have any dietary restrictions! I love EVERYTHING hahaha. I can eat... I also think it's important to have a great variety of foods in your life. Not a vegan, but I do love vegan meals here and there. Not gluten free, but love gluten free meals here and there. I think if there is one "diet" that mine is closest too, though, it would have to be paleo! Without even me trying, I usually eat paleo including some grains and feta/parmesan cheese.
3.
C: Speaking of food, What advice would you give to girls that want to burn belly fat? I feel like this is a question I get often so I want to see what your take is on it because I'm sure you get the same question often!
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K: Honestly, it's a total mix between fat burning moves and cardio, with eating healthy. You're not going to burn belly fat by doing 829 sit-ups or just ab targeted exercises. You gotta do it all! You've also probably heard it before- that abs are made in the kitchen. This is pretty true! So make sure you're trying your best with eating great nutrient dense foods for yourself!
4.
C: I agree 100%. I can hit the gym 5 times a week but if I'm not eating right then I'll still look bloated. Now what does a week of working out typically look like for you?
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K: I workout anywhere between 3-6 days a week. On average around 4-5 days! My week is always changing because of my job, so it just depends on where I am and what kind of time I have. If I only have four days, I'll work a little harder, if I have 6 days to workout, I'll go a little easier on my body. I NEVER workout 7 days a week, though! We all need at least one rest day:) I also usually do all in home workouts! Either body weight, or light weight exercises. You can find some of my workouts on my Youtube page, here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCylPQyYqizJtwkH4fddqiwQ or in my guides on my site (GetFitWithKAtie.com)!
5.
C: Yeah you're at home workouts are perfect, I don't know how you keep a smile the entire though ahah serious props for that. One last question that I have to ask (non health and fitness related) aka GUY TALK. DO you have a boyfriend and whether you do or not, what is one thing that the guy you're with HAS to have?
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K: Welllll lol.. I had a boyfriend for four years, but we broke up a couple weeks ago. And I'm sure all girls out there can agree with me how much breakups just SUCK. Working out has kind of been a little bit therapeutic for me, as it helps clear my mind. And to be honest, taking more time for myself and to focus on my career has been nice. And I love staying positive, and not really letting anything slow me down, SO what I would HAVE to have in a boy would be a sense of humor! I consider myself pretty funny (aka I laugh at my own jokes way too much) so the guy would have to be able to make me laugh!!
C: Eeeeeek I'm Sorry! But thank you for sharing! I'm sure a lot of girls can relate! Stay positive girl and thank you!!
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