Tried And True

Tell us something interesting about yourself:
I haven’t had any fast food in seven years!

Can you tell us a little more about that?
My body once went into shock when I dropped to 39kg in a week, because I found out that my ex was cheating. I made it a point to learn the importance of self-worth. Regaining my metabolism came with lots of experimenting and researching, and one of the first steps I took was to cut out fast food and sugary drinks from my diet. I’m still tempted by fries from Mcdonald’s, but I always tell my friends that the momentary happiness I get from indulging mindlessly can never beat the satisfaction from self-discipline.

What’s your favourite healthy snack? How about guilty pleasures?
I roast a batch of nuts every Sunday, so that I can snack on them. I usually have them at about 11AM, and I have a mix of walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios, although I also love to snack on dates in the afternoon! My top guilty pleasure has to be any rich, chocolatey dessert. I am weakened by a warm, fudgy brownie lying seductively beside a scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“You choose the life you want to live”. I was told that by my sister, who migrated in her early 20s. She built her life from scratch, alone and abroad, and is soaking up everything the world has to offer every day. She’s a strong believer in being both a dreamer and a doer, and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

What’s something you’d never get tattooed on yourself?
I’m less inclined to ink a human face on myself. I just find it odd to have another human being ‘be’ a part of me. I also wouldn’t have a significant other’s name tattooed on me, but No Ragrets, people!

If you could relive any time in your life, which would it be and why?
When I was living on the road in California! Nothing beats freedom, cultural exchange, and cool weather.