This post is sponsored by Humana
A vegetarian since she was a teenager, Christiana Johnson always took “you are what you eat” to heart. But after her father passed away at age 62 from heart disease, she decided to take living healthy to the next level.
Growing up, you could say that Christiana and her dad were on opposite sides of the health spectrum, at least when it came to eating. “My dad was a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy who always ate a fried turkey at Thanksgiving—and I’m vegetarian,” Christiana said. “He tried really hard not to have meat, and eat healthier overall, but it was hard for him. I’d always find candy wrappers in his car.”
One aspect of healthy living that Christiana and her dad did have in common is a love of the outdoors: “My dad was a big sailor and water sports person. Every year our family would go on vacation to the San Juan Islands and kayak and sail. I’ve always been close to the water thanks to my dad.”
Since her dad’s sudden passing from heart disease a few years ago, Christiana is aware of how her diet, exercise, and everyday habits impact her health more than ever before.
What’s the biggest change you’ve made since your dad’s passing?
I’m focusing on managing my stress levels. My dad was a lawyer with a really stressful job, and I know that played a part in his heart disease.
I’m trying to be mindful of decompressing regularly. I’m a singer and for me, singing is therapy. Singing the theme song to The Golden Girls is one of the best de-stressors! I also try to meditate daily. I have an app that’s Tibetan singing bells that I’ll listen to for five minutes.
Since your dad’s heart attack, have you learned more about your own heart health?
I know that I’m at a higher risk, especially since my dad had a heart attack at age 52. [A family history of heart disease puts you at a higher risk, especially if a father or brother is diagnosed before age 55, or a mother or sister is diagnosed before age 65, says the American Heart Association.]
In addition to eating vegetarian, I’m working on cutting back on fatty foods like cheese and also sweets.
How do you feel about your story being an inspiration to parents?
The inspiration goes both ways: As a vegetarian, I’m always looking for good proteins that are alternatives to meat. I tried to turn my dad on to these different foods, and we started going the gym together. He did lose a little weight.
With my mom, I’ve truly seen the power of positivity. She’s 73 years old, and no one believes it. She’s such a positive person, and I see how that’s enabled her to deal with my dad’s passing. I’m trying to harness that power of positivity for myself.
What great things ahead are you excited about and keep you motivated on your health journey?
My fiancé and I fell in love with Hawaii and the active lifestyle you can lead there when we visited years ago. I want to make it to the time when we’ll be able to retire, move to Hawaii, and live that active outdoor lifestyle, biking to the beach. My dad’s memory also keeps me going: When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I take a deep breath in his honor and take care of my body.