Your Road to Wellness: Barbara Blackwell
Image of Barbara Blackwell, courtesy of Heidi Harris
Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. We all approach it differently. And I think we can benefit from hearing one another’s stories and strategies.
The “Your Road to Wellness” feature highlights people from all walks of life and their thoughts on wellness. (Would you like to be featured or know of someone who would be a good fit? Let me know!) This week, let’s catch up with Barbara Blackwell, director of catering for more than 190 Chicken Salad Chick locations.
Q: Who is your wellness inspiration?
My wellness inspiration is one of my best friends of more than 40 years. Her fitness lifestyle has constantly inspired me, and I can always count on her to be there and push me whenever I fall into a fitness rut.
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self about wellness?
I’d tell myself how important it is to stay hydrated. Drinking more water is an easy yet crucial part of your daily routine to make sure your overall health and wellness stays in great condition.
Q: What do you typically do for exercise?
When it comes to exercising, I’ve found a balance of cardio and weight training works best for me and my goals. I perform weight training five days a week and some form of cardio the other two days. Switching workouts keeps me from becoming bored with my routine, and weight-lifting keeps me feeling strong — both physically and mentally.
Q: What do you consider your greatest wellness indulgence and why?
I truly enjoy destination spa trips. A couple of my favorite getaways are the Esencia Wellness Spa at the Eden Roc in Miami Beach Florida and the Spa at Chateau Elan in Georgia. I am very intentional with my self-care. Both of these places have relaxing environments that allow me to recharge and get ready to take on life as my best self!
Q: What is your greatest self-care/wellness challenge, and how do you deal with it?
Maintaining a balanced diet during the work week. It can be so easy to order food online and have it delivered to the office, but I have made it a priority to meal prep on Sundays. This sets me up for success by preparing food for the entire week. I’ve lost weight and saved money and time.
Q: What resource (e.g., website, blog, book, etc.) do you look to for wellness/self-care and why?
The feature stories in Shape Magazine have always been a source of motivation for me. (I’ve subscribed for several years.) For meal prep recipes, YouTube creators like Kayla Chandler are always coming out with healthy, quick meals that I can look forward to making throughout the week.
Q: Which do you prefer to drink — green juice or bubbly? Why?
I enjoy green juice because it fuels and honors my body, so that I can celebrate life with bubbly. Life is truly all about balance.
Q: If you received $1 million to use for your wellness/self-care, how would you spend it?
I would construct an urban farm to support an underserved community with expert staff members onsite to teach the importance of a healthy lifestyle. I like to say that to glow on the outside, you have to focus on what you put inside!
Looking for a personalized approach to your wellness experience? I’ve spent a decade working as a wellness journalist (visiting more than 50 spas from Vail to Vienna) and 20 years in the fitness industry. Let me help you create your perfect half or full day of wellness — wherever you live or might be visiting.