The Girlfriend’s network is made up of on-the-go women with active lifestyles. These movers and shakers are working hard to maintain the status quo. In the midst of this world lies the necessity to maintain self. Being caught up in the corporate whirlwind of endless contracts, inevitable negotiations, and the struggle for perfection, we can be sucked into a perpetual cycle of self -neglect. The result: overworked, overstressed, automated zombies; susceptible to life threatening illness. Preventive maintenance is of utmost importance to safe guard against disease such as cancer. Just as you wouldn’t let a document cross your desk without making sure all things were in order, the same must hold true for taking care of yourself.

Eating healthy, staying fit and preventing illness is not an easy task. Just like climbing the corporate ladder, it takes hard work, determination, and endurance. No one knows that more than Milwaukee native, Theresa Rief. There are no short cuts to developing a healthy lifestyle. Having worked in corporate America and residing in places like Hawaii and Oregon, she has come to realize that location can affect health habits. In order to create an atmosphere conducive of the lifestyle, certain things need to take place.

According to Theresa, we need to get away from the “Americanized” approach to eating. In our “super-sized” society, we have to adopt the habits of other cultures, such as eating smaller meals throughout the day and leaning away from eating until feeling full. Learning to eat in proportion is an essential part of the process to a healthier lifestyle. When you need an energy boost, opt for dried fruits instead of sugary snacks. You will get the boost you need without the crash that comes with unnatural sugar. Organic food is also an option that keeps you protected from pesticides and other cancer causing chemicals.

Having suffered from anorexia, Theresa had to understand that ensuring your body gets the proper nutrients plays a key role in healthy living and preventative maintenance.

“I was starving myself in attempt to stay slim, and actually defeating the purpose. My body was retaining weight because it went into starvation mode”

Being conscious of your food choices and preparing beforehand will limit your temptation to indulge in unhealthy eating habits.

Be prepared, have a plan and have support! Get friends to participate in physical fitness, incorporate non- traditional approaches to exercise into your routine. Surround yourself with people that have similar beliefs regarding health and fitness and choose activities that keep your interest. Having lived in Hawaii, Theresa has used many non-traditional methods to exercise ranging from running under water carrying boulders for strength and cardio training, to swimming miles for endurance. Choose what works for you.

Theresa’s activity of choice is Yoga. Yoga takes the physical; (toning, strengthening, and body aligning postures), and combines them with breathing rhythms and meditation to discipline the mind. Stress contributes to all health issues. Having a coping method is a necessity. Theresa feels that healthy living is a lifestyle change that involves both mental and physical components. If we train ourselves to think healthy, we encourage ourselves to make healthy choices resulting in an atmosphere that promotes healthy living.
-Sherice Holliman
Photography by Corey Hengen
Photo assitant Erin Landry
Make-up Artist Angie Goetter