As an icon of the Australian fitness industry, Michelle Bridges has done it all. She’s built her empire upon countless television appearances (The Biggest Loser, Celebrity MasterChef, the list goes on), and she’s just launched her latest book Powerful Living: Mindset + Exercise + Recipes which covers everything from food ideas to training your brain to stick to goals.
Read on for our chat with Michelle as she discusses her personal mantras, her biggest food weakness and her favourite beauty buys.
Empowering yourself is a strong theme in the book. What are some thoughts or quotes you live by to motivate yourself?
Be consistent, build habits and rituals into your life in order to not have to overthink things, be compassionate towards others and avoid the “I” syndrome, manners never go out of fashion, be true to yourself even when you think you may not win friends about it, ask yourself what is the lesson here for me especially when you think there isn’t one, an apology is a doorway to stronger foundations, ask “who can I be?” rather than “what’s in it for me?”.
Do you ever have cheat days, how often do you do it, and how do you recover from it?
Yes, although they are usually more a cheat meal than an entire day. Probably two a week, and I don’t need to recover from it, I simply enjoy the moment and then get back to business as usual. No guilt trips. No beat ups.
What’s your biggest food weakness – is it chocolate? Cake? How often do you treat yourself?
Probably hot chips. But they have to be really, really good for me to go there. I’m not wasting it on soggy chips. They have to be gourmet, crunchy, crispy and delicious!
What about alcohol – if you feel like a drink, what’s your drink of preference and why?
Yes, I love a glass of wine over dinner or at a social event with friends. It’s just never every day and again, I enjoy the moment and move on.
Has your philosophy in life changed over the years? How has it changed?
Yes and no. I’ve always had a strong work ethic. That has been very rewarding for me but also has come with lots of sacrifices. I guess that’s what makes it rewarding but also gives you a sense of always striving to find balance. As I have matured I have learned a lot along the way and try to impart lessons, live by lessons but also understand that we are all humans and we all make mistakes.
How do you stay fit while travelling?
I use my DVD’s in my hotel room, I always stay in a hotel with a gym or I go for a run to check out the city that I’m visiting.
What do you do on the plane in regards to food? Do you stay away from it completely?
It depends what’s on offer. Last time I few there was a caprese salad which was fanatstic! Other times i just have a cup of tea. If it’s a long flight I will have a snack with me, like a piece of fruit or a protein bar.
What’s one ingredient or dish you can’t get enough of?
Greens. I love my green salads and veggies, I can’t live without them.
Do you make yourself a weekly food plan, or do you just see how you feel when you get home?
I have a grocery box delivered to my house once a week. All my veg and fruit staples are in there so I can always pull something together. Sometimes I follow my 12 week body transformation program, other times I cook out of my cook books.
What is one beauty routine you love?
Sunscreen – I wear it every day!
What are three beauty products you can’t live without?
I’m an Ultraceuticals fan. Cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
What’s your best advice when it comes to sticking to exercise goals? Tell us in the comments below.
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