Nowadays, we all know health encompasses far more than fitness (80s aerobic workouts, anyone) - it’s about greater wellbeing.
It’s this emphasis on wellbeing that Priceline Pharmacy is embracing with the release of its Beauty of You campaign. Beauty of You celebrates the uniqueness and beauty of Australian women, promoting the idea that beauty isn’t skin deep, but involves health as well as happiness.
For 2015, campaign ambassadors include media personality Yumi Stynes, blogger Vydia Rishie, actor Ada Nicodemou, media icon Ita Buttrose, and Adelaide Thunderbirds captain Renae Hallinan.
BD recently spoke to Stynes, Rishie and Nicodemou about why beauty is more than skin deep, the importance of health and wellbeing in their lifestyle, and why regular exercise is key.
Can you tell me a bit about the Priceline campaign?
YS: The idea behind this campaign, and one of the reasons why it appeals to me so much, is that women of Australia are all different shapes, colours, sizes and ages. For years growing up, I thought you were either white or you were a bit wrong. If you didn’t fit into that, then there was nothing for you. This is a deliberate acknowledgement that there is a whole spectrum of colours and there is something for everyone.
AN: It’s about celebrating women and celebrating diversity.
A key message of the campaign is that beauty isn’t skin deep. What are your thoughts on that?
YS: What’s come through with both the campaign and research is that a lot of us believe beauty is a lot more than the physical. It refers to things like, ‘Are you taking care of your fitness?’, ‘Do you laugh everyday?’, ‘Do you have joy in your life?’, because that’s where beauty comes from as well. It’s quite holistic. When you see an old lady on the bus and you can see that she has lived a really full life, that’s a beautiful thing and something to aspire to.
AN: It’s about being happy. Being happy and fulfilled, having a great balance and looking after yourself.
How do you personally to integrate health and wellbeing into your lifestyle?
AN: It’s really important for me. It might sound selfish, but I am always happiest when I put myself first - before my child, before my husband. I get up in the morning and go to the gym, or go for a walk, or even sit down and have a coffee by myself. I do whatever I need to do to start off my day for myself, then I can do everything else I need to do.
How important is regular exercise for you?
YS: I try to see a trainer or go for a run, but because I am pregnant at the moment, I’m not doing either! So my exercise is a daily walk with my baby and dog - even though it’s just a walk, I get to experience the outdoors.
VR: For me, it’s all about balance. When you start exercising regularly, you want to eat healthily. It’s about having that positive mindset - that little bit of me time in the long run is such a good thing.
AN: I feel like if you start your day well with a workout, you’ve got more energy and you’ll eat and sleep better. I’m a better mum, I’m better at work, and I’m more alert when I exercise.
How do you maintain health through your diet?
AN: I think the minute you say you can’t eat something, you crave it all the time - I dislike the word ‘diet’. If I feel like a bit of chocolate, then I eat a bit of chocolate. That way, I can have three squares and stop, rather than having the whole block.
YS: When I’m preparing a meal, I try and make sure it includes food that’s exactly as it was on the tree or in the ground - aka in its raw state. I also go by colour. There’s always red and green and orange, and I avoid white - white rice, white bread, white pasta.
What do you think about supplements?
AN: I like to take a multivitamin and a fish oil. In winter, I’ll take echinacea to help ward off and colds and flus.
VR: I take a multivitamin, which gives me a lot more energy. I also love a hair and nails supplement. You can’t be on top of your game in terms of dieting and lifestyle 24/7, so it’s really nice to be able to get your essentials quite easily.
How do you stay inspired?
AN: I love Instagram because it is so visual and I’m inspired by imagery. I love using it for recipes like smoothies and protein balls.
VR: I love Instagram, too! I love following detox water. I’m obsessed with adding fruit to water to make it more flavoursome. I am pretty bad with drinking the right amount of water, so that works for me.
YS: There’s so much intimacy provided by social media - you peek into people’s lives, which I find quite inspiring. Everybody is really just doing their best, which is admirable.
Have you noticed a health and fitness push in Australia in recent years?
AN: For me, it’s not a trend but something I’ve always been interested in. I danced as a child and as an adult, I’ve always done some form of exercise.
YS: I’ve really noticed that it’s an Australian thing. We’re outdoorsy, fit and healthy. When I go out for a jog in Japan, the only other people jogging are pro athletes. On the other hand, in Australia, everyone is quite proud of their fitness and they incorporate it into their daily lives where they can - we are a very healthy, fit nation.
VR: It’s in our culture - it’s cool to be fit and healthy!
AN: We have a real balance here. We love being fit and healthy, and we also love having a drink or a coffee.
