Lean Into Healthy Habits: 9 Questions For Kathy Freston

Kathy Freston is a bestselling author and health and wellness activist. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lean, Veganist, Quantum Wellness, and The One. A media favorite, Kathy has appeared frequently on national television, including Oprah, Dr. Oz, Ellen, Good Morning America, The View, Charlie Rose, The Martha Stewart Show, Extra, and also on OWN. She lives in Los Angeles.

1. Do you have any daily rituals?

I wake up at around 6, have two cups of yerba mate, and read five papers on my iPad. I follow that up with a cup of coffee! I also hike with my dog almost every morning for about an hour and a half and meditate for about 20 minutes before I start work.

2. What are your 5 favorite foods to eat right now?

Brown rice for breakfast
An apple with peanut butter for a snack
Whole grain pasta with veggie sausage, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes
Huge colorful salads with whatever produce is fresh and local
UliMana raw chocolate truffles

3. Are there any foods you completely avoid?

Anything from an animal

4. What are your favorite recipes?

I’m better at just throwing things together … like black bean burritos or tempeh tacos. I like a bunch of different tastes and textures, so I add guacamole, non-dairy sour cream, soy cheese, salsa … heaven!

5. What is your most effective strategy for managing stress?

Meditation is key. It totally changes up my mood, especially if I’m anxious. I repeat a mantra to myself, like “Peace all” over and over again. Or sometimes I’ll visualize scenarios of peace or healing; it’s comforting for me to get those images in my mind.

6. What do you think is the secret to longevity?

I think that life – and health – is holistic. For me, eating vegan makes sense in each of the areas of body, mind, and soul. All that fiber-rich, nutrient-dense food heals my body and keeps me young, while it also makes me feel good that I’m being a responsible steward for the environment (animal agriculture is devastating to our water supply, air quality, biodiversity, and it’s a huge cause of climate change). But beyond all that, eating things that didn’t cause any suffering sits well with my soul.

7. What book are you reading right now?

The Empathic Civilization by Jeremy Rifkin

8. If you could give one piece of advice to people from your book, what would it be?

Lean into healthier habits; don’t worry about doing everything perfectly or overnight because you’ll be overwhelmed and then just go back to your old ways. Focus on progress, not perfection! Just set your intention to eat healthy, and then lean into it.

9. How do you incorporate physical activity into your daily life?

I’m lucky that I live near a few great hiking trails, so I get most of my exercise that way. But it’s also a way to clear my head and get in touch with nature. I feel connected to something greater than myself when I’m in the fresh air and sunshine. The daily dramas slip away and I see the bigger picture. And I burn some calories while I’m at it!