Ashley Hart is living proof that its what the inside that counts. The gorgeous blonde is not only one of Australia’s hottest modelling exports, she’s also an avid advocate of treating the body like a temple through healthy and natural eating, yoga and positive thinking.
We spoke to the self-confessed ‘superfood queen’ and ambassador for Swisse about her fitness routine, favourite workout tracks, day on a plate and love of meditation.
RESCU: What’s your health philosophy?
Ashley Hart: I believe all good health starts with the mind. Having positive loving thoughts about ourselves, other people and the world around is fuelling our bodies with the most powerful medicine. I find meditation and different practices of yoga are the best way to keep on top of staying positive, happy and loving.
It takes discipline but becomes easier and is actually inspiring. From this place of feeling so good I find I only want to fuel my body with the healthiest and best foods, lots of water and superfood supplements.
All of it keeps me motivated to be as fit and limber as possible. We are so lucky to be able to have everything so easily accessible these days, so all we truly need is a good intention to be the best version of ourselves and willpower to stick to it!
RESCU: You must have a crazy schedule with a whole lot of travel! How do you stay healthy on the run?
Ashley Hart: I think the best thing I’ve learnt over the 10 years of being a model, is being able to adapt to change and be ok in the unknown. I never know what the next week or sometimes the next day holds so I’ve had to learn to let go of control and just go with the flow of Life .This falls under the same key to health as keeping our minds positive. For me… It’s all about being stress free!
I am a big believer in water and know when I stay hydrated especially while flying to different places; everything flows within and without more easily.
I’m often unable to get lots of sleep between flying and working in two different time’s zones so I meditate a lot, I get eight times the amount of rest in my meditation than sleep and can get off the plane feeling rested and hardly ever get jet lagged..
RESCU: What does a day-on-a-plate for Ashley Hart look like?
Ashley Hart: Delicious healthy whole foods! I love a big salad with lots of leafy greens, avocado, seeds, tuna and different veggies and a delicious green Swisse Digestion Superfood smoothie in the morning!
RESCU: Tell us a little about your workout routine…
Ashley Hart: It hasn’t been easy for me to keep a routine as I’m always travelling, which is why I’m even more grateful for my sadhana (spiritual practices) it doesn’t matter where I am, I always wake early and do my own yoga and meditation which makes my whole day flow.
When I am back home in Los Angeles I like mixing up my exercise, keep it fun and fresh. Not doing the same thing all the time shocks the body to keep in shape.
I run, box, skip, go for long walks and hikes, bike ride and etc. Being active outside among nature is my favourite and the best tip to exercise is to enjoy it!
RESCU: What are your top three favourite workout tunes?
Ashley Hart: My absolute favourite is silence, I feel like exercising consciously is listening to the body and using breath with movement, not just with yoga, even when I’m running I like listening to my breath and shuffling through my thoughts.. It clears my mind.
I also love listening to audio tapes and inspirational talks, making me never want to give up!
Calming music post work out or yoga practice is heaven, kundalini music moves my soul.
RESCU: How do you maintain a healthy body image in the cut-throat modelling world?
Ashley Hart: The only way to maintain my healthy body is by sticking true to who I am, not trying to be an apple when I’m the pear (as my mother would always say) . It did take me a while to find this true acceptance and balance, especially in the modelling world but I’ve learnt so much about myself and I hope to inspire people to be the healthiest, happiest, fittest version of themselves and let their self-love radiate through.. Being true and Giving to my temple is a lifestyle not a job.
RESCU: We know you’re a big fan of meditation – do you have any tips for beginners?
Ashley Hart: Just sit.. All you need is the intention to sit and meditate and willpower to get to the seat, show up for yourself!
I practice Vedic Meditation which has been the best practice I’ve found yet, it’s called the householders technique, which is for the everyday person who works and has a family (not having to run off to the Himalayas and sit silently for months to get the effects). You meditate for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening, for me personally it’s completely transformed my life.
You can find great Vedic meditation teachers all over the world, just Google the closest to you, it’s the best gift you could give yourself and it’s an easy technique you’ll have for life.
RESCU: What are your favourite treats to indulge in?
Ashley Hart: I love dark chocolate and definitely indulge in it! The cocoa is actually a superfood and the brother bean to coffee; it wakes me up and releases the same chemical in the brain as when we fall in love.. It’s delicious and definitely my little addiction.
RESCU: Do you incorporate any superfoods in to your diet? And, if so, do you have any super-powered recipes you can share with us?
Ashley Hart: I am a superfood queen; I love Macca, raw Cocoa, goji berries… Swisse do great Superfood powders. I love the green Digestion one and the Vitality one with a berry mix. I find the best way to get them all in is to make a big superfood smoothie in the morning to kick start my day.
Also a great snack is a superfood bliss ball. I add nuts, dried fruit, macca and coca powder, coconut and almond butter and chia seeds, they are great to have in the fridge and also grab before you leave the house to have on the go!
High-energy superfood bliss balls. There are many recipes and easy steps online; I like to get creative, mine taste a little different every time.
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