Each Saturday, Healthy Bridgeport features a "Healthy Face." Today, we shine the spotlight on Parker Sheppard. You may know him from seeing him run through town or through the amazing photos he takes. This Bridgeport High School graduate and West Virginia University student is today’s Healthy Face. Meet him here:

 

1.What’s your favorite motivational self-help book?

 

I like to read a lot and think it’s important for everyone to read but I’ve never found interest in reading self-help books. I do listen to podcasts on the topic. My favorite podcast currently is The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial.

 

2.  What is your favorite healthy meal?

My favorite healthy meal is some form of salmon usually with asparagus and sweet potatoes.

 

3. Favorite workout?

 

I have a lot of ways that I enjoy working out. It really depends on the day. I usually do CrossFit every day, but I also enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and trail running as well.

 

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

 

Fitting health and wellness into my life is tricky. It really takes a lot of discipline, especially getting started. Once you do it for long enough, it starts to become an essential part of your day. I know that I don’t function as well and don’t have the same energy levels on days that I don’t work out and don’t eat healthy.

 

5.What is your favorite motivational quote?

 

“If people aren’t laughing at your dreams, your dreams aren’t big enough!”

Robin S. Sharma

 

6. Tell us about your health journey and how it started?

 

My health journey started after my freshman year of college. I was overweight and my physical and mental health was bad. I started running to lose weight, but exercise soon became a form of stress relief for me. Owning a business while being a full-time student came with a lot of stress and exercise became my way of managing that stress. I soon started incorporating many different forms of exercise into my weekly schedule and healthy eating naturally followed.

 

7. What are some easy habits you recommend to someone just beginning their health journey?

 

If you’re just getting started on your health journey, I recommend starting small with small goals. I think too many people start out trying to do too much at once and get burnt out. If you’re trying to eat healthier, maybe start by cutting out soda or sweets and once you go a little bit without any, start to implement more healthy eating habits. And the same goes for exercise, start out with small goals and work your way up. I think the most important thing is just disciplining yourself.