Namita Nayyar:
You have been a contestant on American Idol (ABC 2022). Tell us more about this endeavour.
Daisy Close:
Yes, I have. It was definitely such a cool endeavor; I don’t take it for granted, that’s for sure. I think the most fascinating part of being a contestant on the show last season was meeting all of the other contestants. I find it so interesting when I am able to meet and work with other like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about the performing arts as I am. I’ve never felt so accepted, appreciated, and seen by those around me like I do when I’m able to share my passion with others who understand exactly how I feel. I’ve created so many amazing friendships over the course of filming last season, and for that, I am so grateful.
I’m also just thankful for the opportunity to have shared my passion and love for singing and songwriting with Katy Perry, Lionel Ritchie, and Luke Bryan. I am honored they took the time to hear both my voice and the story I wanted to tell for myself as an artist, even if it wasn’t what they were looking for. I’m grateful for every opportunity because I know one day, when the right opportunity comes my way, there will be no stopping it. Like a present with my name written all over it, it will be destined for me and I only, with no strings attached. Like it was always meant to be.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Daisy Close:
Several exercises comprise my fitness regime and overall workout routine, but I would have to say my most common workout routine consists of cardio and some sort of strength training to stay toned and lean. Several of my most frequent exercises include incline walking, running, training abs, and doing HIIT workouts. I also make it a part of my routine to get at least ten thousand steps in daily, whether that’s at the gym, at work, or out running errands. I also love dancing and often find myself working up a sweat in dance practice multiple times a week.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Daisy Close:
Strength training is fundamental and key to training my abs. One secret to my toned body is I do several sets of high-intensity ab workouts, including multiple reps of weighted and unweighted ab exercises, aiming to train abs around five times a week as part of my weekly circuit. As I mentioned before, I love running, doing HIIT workouts, and heavy cardio exercises that not only get my heart rate up but also help strengthen my core. I enjoy the grind and feeling the burn! It leaves me feeling accomplished and on a high.
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness talks about diets and fitness regime; do you follow any special diet? What is your favorite cuisine?
Daisy Close:
I don’t believe in diets, simply because I’ve tried every single fad diet out there and been through the whole restrictive diet cycle myself. I like to be transparent with those who look up to me, and in all honesty, I’ve struggled with my relationship with food for quite some time now. As many models and performing artists in the entertainment industry alike, I have struggled with an eating disorder, body image issues, and body dysmorphia. I don’t think those struggles will ever go away; unfortunately, I have to constantly remind myself how to deal with my thoughts and overcome those challenges daily.
I’m a huge health nut, so I do, however, have certain daily macronutrient goals, which include eating healthy and following a high-protein, plant- and animal-focused diet while prioritizing whole foods. My favorite cuisine would have to be seafood! One of my favorite foods, if not my favorite food, is salmon. I believe salmon is a miracle food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s ranked as one of nature’s most prized foods, having many health benefits not only for your body, but also for your brain, skin, and so much more. Other types of seafood I love include many other types of fish, calamari, shrimp, and much more.
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Daisy Close:
If I have to pick only five foods that I absolutely love, incorporate into my daily diet, and can’t live without, it would have to be salmon, eggs, avocados, yogurt, and strawberries! Five foods I keep to a minimum and try to avoid include any type of fast food, processed/artificial food, fried/breaded/greasy foods, foods high in artificial sugar/sodium, and soda. Some people may find it strict or disagree with my lifestyle when it comes to what I choose to consume, but the phrase is true: you are what you eat. Your body is a temple and a direct reflection of what you eat and allow yourself to enter your body.
Our bodies do so much for us, so we should be picky in what we allow ourselves to consume, as it will determine the level of our ability to function. Changing my eating habits has completely changed my life for the better. I have noticed a transformation not only in my health but also in my energy levels, mood, and overall performance. Once you decide to feed your body real foods, you’ll notice your cravings will change as your body will begin to adapt to your new and improved diet regimen. You won’t crave the unhealthy foods you once craved before; rather, swap them out with a healthy substitute with the nutrients your body was really craving but your mind was tricking you into thinking you would receive from the unhealthy craving. But at the end of the day, a sustainable and really healthy diet is all about moderation, balance, and consistency.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
