Lifestyle Inspo with Sophie from "TheHealthyAddiction_"

By Jessie Garten

Looking for simple, healthy recipes that you will actually want to eat? Or maybe cute, but sweat-absorbing workout wear? In an interview with Sophie from "TheHealthyAddiction," I learned why she decided to create an Instagram account to inspire, inform, and motivate a stream of followers. 

Sophie, a 23-year old Jersey girl, living in NYC, graduated from Indiana University in May 2019. She majored in apparel merchandising and minored in business, but always had a strong passion for fashion and nutrition. Sophie wanted to turn her interests into something purposeful after gaining weight during a semester abroad in Florence. Her account was created initially to keep herself accountable but now has almost 14,000 followers. "It has turned into so much more. I've learned so much about nutrition and myself and am so excited that it keeps growing," says Sophie.

---

JG: Where did your passion for cooking come from?

SG: "I've always loved cooking, but ALWAYS followed recipes and was (still am) the pickiest eater! Once I realized how many different things I could make, whether it's desserts or savory foods, with ingredients that keep me feeling good, I was hooked. If I had known 5 years ago that I could make healthy cupcakes that not only aid in weight loss but also don't leave me feeling guilty, I would've been doing this a long time ago."

JG: What tips would you recommend to others to maintain a healthy lifestyle? 

SG: The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is calling it a "lifestyle" and NOT a "diet." The word "diet" has a negative connotation and feels so restrictive - it's a means to an end. Treating any way of eating as a lifestyle encodes healthy habits and becomes a long-term thing where you can actually lose weight or get healthy and stay that way! I yo-yo dieted for years, and I'd lose a bunch of weight but gain it back even faster when I was "done." I'm so happy I was able to find a way of eating that sustainable and still allows me to be as social as I want.

JG: How does your study abroad experience relate to your account overall?

SG: My study abroad experience highly influenced the lifestyle makeover I gave myself. I would not take back a single bite of food I had abroad. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if I could, but when I got home, I was extremely unhappy from gaining 26 pounds in 4 months. I had done so many quick diets in the past that worked until they didn't, so I needed a real change. I created this account to keep myself accountable in the lifestyle I was trying to maintain.

JG: What would you recommend to help students find a balance abroad?

SG: If you're looking for balance abroad, it's definitely possible. I get a lot of messages about this and here's what I usually say: you can definitely have a salad or order veggies at any restaurant. You don't need pasta or pizza at every meal! That being said, you don't want to look back at the end of life abroad and wish you had that sandwich or ordered the famous pasta dish because you were nervous about gaining weight. You have to be able to live your life and enjoy every second. When it's over, your body will go back to normal. You have to enjoy every second, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity!

JG: Which are your favorite healthy and creative recipes you have developed?

SG: My favorite recipes I've developed are my "funfetti" cupcakes, cinnamon swirl muffins, teriyaki chicken, sweet & sour meatballs, donuts, truffles. I don't know... I'd end up listing most of them! I'm always thinking of more to create. 

JG: What are your favorite beauty and skincare products?

SG: My favorite skincare products are Romer Skincare (cleanser, moisturizer, treatment cream) & Natura Bisse Shock Intense Cream and Stabilizing Cleansing Mask. I'm not a beauty guru, but these brands have seriously changed my skin, and I'm SO obsessed with them.

JG: Do you have a skincare routine? If so, what do you recommend to maintain one? 

SG: I have a very simple skincare routine. I use Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action wipes morning and night, Then Romer skincare cleanser, moisturizer, and treat cream. They're a new skincare brand focusing on super clean products and available for individuals of any skin type to use, which is pretty cool. I have a discount code on my page if you want to try it out! I also love Natura Bisse Oxygen Complex Cream and moisturizer. I would say if you're looking to maintain a skincare routine, you need to find what brands work for you. That might require some trial and error, but don't just buy a 25 step program because your favorite influencer uses it!

JG: What advice would you give to students entering the fashion industry?

SG: I would reach out to anyone and everyone! I DMed companies and people on Instagram, emailed companies through their website, and applied through secondary websites like Freefashioninternships.com, LinkedIn, and Indeed. I would also say that the fashion industry is a way different type of job then your friends may be getting. Starting out is out a little Devil Wears Prada, but not as scary. While my friends spend all day at their desks answering emails, I go back and forth to stock rooms, contact buyers, and text my clients. It might seem like a lot of bitch work, but it'll help you learn what you want to go into.

Check out more from Sophie below!