This week's Healthy Face is Krista Arnold of Health Games - The Encore steering committee. Read about her, her family and her health journey below.

 

Tell us a little about yourself, your family, what you do here in our community, etc.

 

My name is Krista Arnold, I am a West Virginia native and have lived in Bridgeport since 2006.  I’ve been married to Zack for 16 years and we have three children, Christian, Caroline and Juliana, and two Great Danes.  I’ve spent the last year helping with the Healthy Harrison’s Health Games.  First for Bridgeport and now for all of Harrison County.

 

What is your favorite motivational/self-help book?  

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is one of my favorites. I also love to listen to self-help books on Audible since I spend so much time in the car.

 

Favorite healthy meal? 

 I love salads, grilled fish tacos or anything I can load up with lime juice and cilantro.

 

Favorite workout?  

I’ve done just about every workout possible at different points in my life.  For several years I ran, including six half marathons, I did CrossFit for a while, took body pump and spin classes as well as other group fitness classes.  I liked them all and have found I like to mix things up.  We recently added a home gym to our house so I’ve been doing Tabata-style workouts with Netflix on in the background.

 

How do you fit health and wellness into your busy lifestyle?  

It’s definitely not always easy, especially when I always seem short on time. Having lots of things that I can grab quickly at home is important. Protein bars, bagged salad and low-carb frozen pizzas are quick things I try to always have on hand.

 

What is your favorite motivational quote?

When’s the best time to plant a tree? 20 years ago. When’s the second-best time? Today.  In other words, don’t think about the time you’ve wasted or things you should have done, just start today! 

 

How did your health journey start?

After I gave birth to my youngest in November of 2011, I was coming into 2012 at the heaviest, non-pregnant weight I had ever been. I started with a Couch to 5K program, became injured a few weeks in and had to stop.  I took about six weeks of physical therapy and was so discouraged, but forced myself back into it with some workout videos and slowly began running again and just kept going from there.

 

What are some easy tiny habits that you recommend people start with on their journey? 

Take five minutes before you go to bed to write down a few things you want to accomplish the next day and make them non-negotiables. They don’t have to be complex or time consuming. It could be drink 8 glasses of water, walk for 20 minutes, eat at least three veggies, etc. Just taking time to quickly frame out and prioritize your day the night before will help keep you in the right frame of mind and on the right track.