Crystal Bowersox, a northwest Ohio native currently calling Nashville, TN home, has built her life around music. Since her introduction to the world, Crystal has released 3 LP’s, two EPs, several singles, and is currently developing an autobiographical, theatrical rock concert titled, “Trauma Queen”.
In July of 2020, Crystal released the first long awaited single from her upcoming album, HitchHiker, to be released in 2021. The first single, Courage to Be Kind, was written in 2017 with accomplished songwriter and personal hero to Crystal, Steve Seskin. In the folk, rock gospel anthem, Crystal’s voice soars as she tackles several controversial topics. “It takes Courage to be kind / To be brave enough to walk your love across a party line.”
She has used her voice and talents to benefit several causes close to her heart, and has become an inspiration and advocate for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Women Fitness is honored to have Talented Crystal Bowersox to talk about her journey with music & type 1 diabetes to inspire people towards healthy living.
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Your love for music developed at an incredibly early age which finally led to the release of your debut album, “Farmer’s Daughter” on Jive Records. Share your journey with music to become runner-up on the ninth season of American Idol.
C.B.
I started playing music and performing around the age of 10 in my hometown. I was 24 years old when I finished second on American Idol. I believe my musical journey is just beginning. I will be releasing my fourth full length album soon, and as I have grown, so has my music.
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You were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 6. How did you do about balancing school, passion for music and diabetes treatment?
C.B.
Balancing a touring career, single-motherhood, and diabetes can certainly be a challenge. However, I strive to do my best every single day to set a good example for my eleven-year-old son. I want him to grow up knowing that no matter what challenges you face, you can achieve your dreams and goals through determination and self-discipline.
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On March 2, 2010, you were hospitalized due to Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from type 1 diabetes, forcing a last-minute switch in scheduling to give you extra time to recuperate. This must have been a difficult time for you, share the health challenges you faced and the recovery process. How long did it take for you to return to performance?
C.B.
When I was hospitalized back in 2010 for DKA, I was grateful to the producer of American Idol for deciding for me to stay in the competition. I had been hospitalized many times in my life prior to that moment. I knew that I would recover and be simply fine to continue.
It was a wakeup call for me personally. I wasn’t paying enough attention to my diabetes management as I should have been and let other things become more important than my health. Without our health, we have nothing. It must be the most important thing or else nothing else in life will work.
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Being a singer, songwriter and actress how do you go about taking care of your health. Share input on your diet routine? Foods you focus on and ones you avoid. How do you track your insulin levels, & medication dosage?
C.B.
I think of food as fuel, and fuel only. It may sound bleak, but I don’t really eat for pleasure as some people do. I eat an extremely low carbohydrate diet, high in lean proteins and vegetables, with good fats and oils.
Breakfast is usually 2 boiled eggs and coffee. I’ll have a salad for lunch, and for dinner I have a larger meal. One of my favorites is a protein stuffed cabbage with tomato sauce, or a hearty vegetable soup. Eating this way helps to maintain even glucose levels. Occasionally I will treat myself with something sweet, but only a taste of it. I want to live a long time for my son!
I focus on strength training three times a week which also helps to keep my blood sugar levels in good control.
I use an insulin pump and a CGM (continuous glucose Monitor). It may seem like a lot of work, but to me, it’s just a part of life and always has been.
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Your upcoming future projects and release? Your favourite song till date.
C.B.
I’m very excited to be releasing a new album soon. I finished recording in the fall of last year and had planned to release it in 2020, however with Covid, those plans were put on hold. I will wait until I am able to tour in support of the new record.
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Share input on your fitness routine. Over the years which exercises have really helped you stay healthy & fit?
C.B.
I like functional fitness mostly – I have 3 dogs and they love to go for walks. I see a trainer twice a week and he help coach me through strength training exercises. I also enjoy Yoga, particularly vinyasa flow.
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While travelling how do you watch your health & diet?
C.B.
Yoga is so important to me while I am traveling! I spend hours sitting still in the van, so whenever we stop or get to the hotel, stretching is the best thing in the world.
I watch my diet on the road by stopping at the grocery store instead of going to restaurants, and make sure that I drink plenty of water and get plenty of quality rest when I can.
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Message for females struggling with Type 1 diabetes. Essential health & fitness tips to follow.
C.B.
My advice would be to embrace the challenges. We are faced with challenges to show us how capable we are of overcoming them.
Self-discipline and being your own best friend are keyways to successfully manage your health. Be encouraging in your inner dialogue rather than focusing on what you don’t have or can’t have. I like to think of my diabetes as if it were a child that I loved dearly.
Sometimes, you have to say no to that child because you want what’s best for it. With Type 1 diabetes, I have to say no to certain foods that will cause spikes in my blood sugar, but in the long term, I will have a much better quality of life and will be able to enjoy my grandchildren someday.
Stay positive. It is the best medicine.
Special Thanks to Crystal Bowersox and team.
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