We're thrilled to share this interview with Oriana Chee, Pilates instructor, mother of three & all round beautiful soul. Oriana opened up to us about what health means to her, why family is everything & what she thinks could be changed in the health industry. It’s an inspirational read not to be missed!
Here's Oriana.
SUPR: What does your morning routine look like?
OC: Currently my morning typically starts at 6am with a very enthusiastic greeting from Bella our family dog. Her 40 minute morning walk includes ball fetching with Elijah (my son) on route to the local cafe, while my fabulous partner prepares breakfast for our return which includes a good balance of protein, carbohydrates & good fats. We usually leave home around 8am for school & work.
SUPR: What does health mean to you?
OC: Health means being real, honest & humble.
Being "real" is about being in the present & acknowledging that each day I can make healthy choices.
Being "honest" is about being truthful & "straight up" with myself & with others about my health with a focus on self love & empathy;
Being "humble" is about being willing & open to invite others to share their life experiences & to guide me on ways to live a healthy life. For example, I have had some amazing professional & personal mentoring throughout my life. Most recently I have started training with an ex-body builder which has further enhanced my knowledge of my body.
SUPR: What are five things you'll always have in your fridge/pantry?
OC: I love hummus, coconut yoghurt, avocado's, eggs & bananas to be stocked at home.
SUPR: Whats your favourite form of movement?
OC: All regular movement is beneficial & I particularly like to regularly mix things up with the overarching theme of being Fun & Sexy (lol). At present, weight training is my go to. In the future it could outdoor bootcamp or salsa dancing.
SUPR: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be & why?
OC: Once upon a time I would dream about the perfect place with all the material trimmings & how those things would complete me. Today, with maturity & experience I focus on the beauty of my surroundings now, appreciating living completely in the present with a grateful attitude. Being with my whanau (tribe of peeps) laughing & growing with me. SUPR: What is one fact most people would know about you?
OC: I am an advocate of importance of indigenous cultures with my New Zealand Maori heritage being of great significance & importance to me which helps guide my practice in connecting our bodies to the world around us in a way that our ancient ancestors did for generations before us.
SUPR: Why is it important to you to be Straight Up & authentic? Have you ever struggled in the past with being your true self?
OC: When we choose to be inauthentic we deny ourselves the ability to reach our full potential. Becoming my authentic self has been a long & difficult road. I have been challenged to stop the self doubt & negative perceptions of myself often discounting my feelings & needs. Being authentic has not only allowed me to grow as a person but also enabled others around me to join me on the journey of life. SUPR: The health industry isn't perfect. If you had the power to change one thing about it, what would it be & why.
OC: To encourage greater Government investment in preventative health care (such as investments into small businesses that enhance & empower personal habits which prevent life style related sickness & disease) as well as looking at ways to better realise the true value of health care providers whose efforts provide long term benefits to individuals & our community.