Meet Our September Guest Editor: Julianne Hough

Our September Guest Editor is a breath of fresh air in every sense. Bubbly, big-hearted and obviously on top of her health and fitness game, Julianne Hough is all the inspo we need to kick off this new season without missing out on any of the summer sunshine we’re leaving behind.

Maybe that’s a ridiculously cheesy thing to say about Ms. Hough, but ask anyone who knows her and they’ll tell you the same thing: the glowiness you get on screen is the same shine you’ll get from her on a girl’s night in (more on that later this month).

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this golden ball of energy (first of all, we should talk about your pop culture knowledge), Julianne is a dancer, actor, singer and force of positive energy who has legit danced her way into the hearts of the whole world in roles that include Footloose, Burlesque (we’re going way back!) and, most recently, the live version of Grease – in which she starred as Sandy (who else?). Her claims to Hollywood fame extend far beyond these roles, but it’s her dancing that best captures why Julianne is a dream guest for us…

Our Guest Editors have included a diverse array of personalities. From supermodels to alternative doctors, top designers to comedians who happen to love green juice (see the full list here), we love a Guest who can totally refresh our perspective on living well.

In Julianne’s case, that includes her endless enthusiasm for dance (is there a sexier way to get fit?), her disciplined, but sassy attitude, and all the heartfelt insights she’s sharing with us this month that we’ll be bringing to you week by week, including her new collab with fitnesswear brand MPG Sport. Let’s start with her guide to Living Well below and pop over to see what’s in her gym bag on a daily basis here!

My daily supplements:

I don’t take vitamins on a regular basis, but I do drink two fresh juices a day. My fiancé, Brooks, makes them for us every night so that when I wake up, there’s one waiting in the refrigerator for me. I’m a lucky girl.

Can’t live without my:

My dogs, Lexi and Harley. They are my world!

Daily breakfast:

Two steamed eggs (you can find the recipe on my website), with a sliced tomato and avocado on the side. And a hot cup of English breakfast tea.

My food philosophy in one sentence:

Everything in moderation. And listen to your body, it’s telling you what you need… just make sure you don’t overdo it!

Fave workout:

I like to mix it up. Three times a week I’ll take a dance cardio class like Tracy Anderson or Body by Simone, and then the other days I’ll do yoga and spinning.

Best gym-to-street tip:

Use layering pieces so that it looks more like streetwear. If you know you’re going out, wear long leggings – you can throw on a pair of boots so that they look like pants! I have a lot of layering pieces from my MPG collection that are great for this.

Once a week for my health I:

I block out time for myself. I’ll take a steam shower or get in the hot tub to make sure I’m giving my body a recovery.

Best fast food option:

I would have to say Subway. They have a yummy double chicken chopped salad that I used to get during MOVE rehearsals because it was right across the street.

Best healthy restaurant tip:

Go with whole foods such as proteins and vegetables without a lot of ingredients and sauces. I’ll lean towards the olive-oil option rather than butter. I also avoid foods that I think will have a lot of salt in them. When you’re cooking for yourself, you know how much you add, but there’s no telling if the restaurant has a heavier hand than you do!

At least once a month I cook…

Pasta.

If I could give just one piece of health advice it would be...

It all starts from within, so make sure you’re remembering to take care of yourself and that, most importantly, you’re happy! Having a healthy mind creates a healthy body! I begin each day with a positive attitude because I’ve found that it sets the tone for the rest of my day and helps me to make healthier, better decisions.

Ingredient in products I always avoid:

If what I’m eating isn’t listed as the first ingredient, then I won’t eat it. That’s when you know it’s packed with a number of other ingredients, so I try to avoid those.

Go-to health resources:

My fiancé Brooks. He is a health nut!

My go-to juice or smoothie:

Apple Ginger Delight that Brooks featured on my website!

5 things always in my medicine cabinet:

303s, Theraflu, Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea, ThermaCare heating pads and Buttpaste (it’s great for underarm razor burn!).

Simplest way to improve health:

Water, water, water! Water is essential to our health and probably the easiest thing to consume.

Fave healthy getaway:

The Ranch in Malibu and Voda Spa in West Hollywood, California. Both are amazing and I always leave feeling refreshed.

My current mantra:

My personal mission statement is, “Be an infectious light of love and joy, to celebrate the little things and inspire others to embrace their true essence.”