Extraordinary Health
Magazine: Congratulations
on the recent birth of your
second child! How does life
change with a two-month-old?
Emily Deschanel: It changes
a lot. The balancing act
you do with one child and working is multiplied by about
50 times! I’m breast-feeding, so I’m trying to schedule that
every two hours during the work day. There are a lot of new
challenges, but I don’t mind. My son is so cute!
EHM: Is there such a thing as achieving balance with your
career, motherhood, marriage and your personal interests?
Do you have any tips for others striving to do this?
ED: I’ve realized that you simply can’t do everything, at least
not every day. For instance, maybe you can’t exercise one day
because you need more time with your kids. When I’m not able
to be with my sons, I like to leave some reminders for them.
I write notes to my oldest son, Henry, and put them in his
lunchbox, or I’ll leave a note for him to find near his bed when
he wakes up so he’ll know that I’m thinking about him.
EHM: You’ve been a vegan for most of your life. Are you raising
your kids vegan?
ED: They are not 100 percent vegan, and neither is my husband.
The kids are about 99 percent vegan, and that’s because I let
them eat eggs occasionally with their dad. I think it’s a great way
to feed your babies. Henry loves veggies, and he’s totally into it.
Someone gave him candy at a party not long ago and he asked,
“Why did they give this to me? I don’t eat candy!” So, I’m really
proud of him because nutrition is important to me, and I love it
when I have these victories. I know it can sometimes be tricky
to feed kids, but I openly offer healthy vegan options and
cultured vegetables to them all the time.
EHM: Describe your diet for us. What are your favorite foods?
ED: I have a very alkaline diet. I love to drink green juices and
eat lots of salads. I also like to make a habit of eating as many
different colors of vegetables as I can. As for treats, of course,
there’s fruit and you can even get vegan chocolate. For Easter,
I buy little chocolate vegan bunnies and give them to everyone.
ED: I don’t sit a lot. I try to stand or walk more because
it’s so much better than sitting around. During the day,
I’ll do little bursts of exercise such as 30 squats, and then
I’ll try to keep moving all day long. I’ve learned it’s not good
to avoid exercising entirely just because you don’t have time
for a full workout at the gym that day. I focus on getting
in a few minutes of exercise here and there when I can!
EHM: What other things do you do to stay healthy?