For those of you that have known me for a few years you will know how obsessed I used to be with the modelling world. I even had my heart set on becoming a modelling agent until I decided to instead pursue a career in Health and Wellness. So you can imagine my excitement when I came across Valentina Zelyaeva’s health blog, which then grew 1000 times when she agreed to be interviewed for my blog!
Valentina has always been one of my favourite models. She is the face of Ralph Lauren and has been on multiple magazine covers. I love that she is such a great role model and advocate when it comes to healthy living. Check out her blog for some of her great juice and smoothie recipes and photos of her travels. Firstly, though, I’ll let Valentina share more about her self and some of her health tips…
How did you get into modelling and what is one of your favourite things about your job?
I got into modeling by accident. I never dreamed of being a model, in fact I wanted to be a flight attendant because I wanted to travel the world. Partially my dream came true:-) When I was 16 years old I was approached by an agent in the Moscow subway while on my way to university. I decided to give it a try. A couple of years later I was in Elite Model Look. I didn’t take a prestigious place but I did get a 2 month contract with a Tokyo agency. So I went to Japan and stayed there working for 2 years. Later I came to NY, where my career really took off.
Why is it so important to you to stay on top of your health?
Modeling is fun but can be very stressful and physically tough. I want to be strong and healthy so I can be the best at every photo shoot and enjoy every day life. Healthy eating, exercise, organic juices, fresh air and long hiking trips give me lots of energy, put me in a good mood and keep me healthy.
How do you manage to keep on top of your healthy eating and fitness while traveling around the world with your job?
It is the hardest part, but anything is possible. I pack fruits and veggies with me to take on the plane. I take spirulina and chia seeds as a supplement. When I’m not working I eat very healthy at home. So when I’m working I don’t feel guilty by eating something naughty, because as soon as I’m back home to my juicers and blenders I am good.
Who do you look to for inspiration when it comes to healthy living?
Anyone really. It can be a girl in the streets carrying a tote filled with organic produce from farmers markets. It can be a person in my yoga class. It can be a fashion model promoting an organic beauty brand or donating her time to a charity. But my biggest inspiration is nature.
How do you de-stress and unwind?
Yoga is the best remedy for any stress.
What are your top 5 tips for living a happy healthy life?
Drink lots of high quality water.
Eat as many fruits and veggies as you possibly can.
Get a juicer and use it every day.
Spend as much time in nature as you can.
Spend time with positive people who support you and believe in you.
What are 5 ingredients you always have in your fridge or pantry?
Lemons
Kale
Green tea
Apples
Sea salt
What is your favourite:
Fashion label: Ralph Lauren
Food: Cucumber-beet-apple juice and any vegan soup or stew
Website: wikipedia.org / us.leica-camera.com / http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Book: Little Prince, Alchemist, Secret Life of Plants, Green for Life
Do you have a favourite recipe you would like to share?
I love smoothies so here is my favorite: in a blender: 1 cantaloupe (peeled and seeds removed), 1 cup almond milk, pinch of sea salt and cinnamon.
Connect with Valentina:
WEBSITE valzelyaeva.com
BLOG blog.valzelyaeva.com
TWITTER @val_zelyaeva
FACEBOOK facebook.com/valzelyaeva
PINTEREST pinterest.com/valzelyaeva
INSTAGRAM instagram.com/val_zelyaeva
Chia Mia 