Emma Hernan, a prominent figure on Netflix's "Selling Sunset," has captivated audiences not only with her real estate prowess but also with her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to health and wellness. Beyond her role at The Oppenheim Group, Hernan is the founder of Emma Leigh & Co., a vegan food company, and an active angel investor. This article delves into Emma Hernan's diet and workout routine, exploring the habits and practices that keep her energized and looking her best.
Emma Hernan: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur
Hernan's journey began in Massachusetts, where she developed a strong work ethic from a young age. Investing early in the stock market and helping her family's seafood business, she always knew she wanted to be a CEO. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to Los Angeles, where she excelled in real estate and founded Emma Leigh & Co., known for its vegan empanadas.
“I didn’t come from a lot, so I created the life that I have pretty much all on my own,” she says.
Diet and Nutrition
Emma Hernan is a strong advocate for healthy eating, emphasizing the importance of hydration and incorporating vegan options into her diet.
Vegan Food and Emma Leigh & Co.
Hernan is passionate about vegan food, so much so that she started her own food company. “I am a huge food lover and I grew up in the food industry, so in 2018 I started my own food company, Emma Leigh & Co. I produce vegan and vegetarian frozen healthy food, including my famous empanadas that I absolutely cannot live without!" she told E!.
Read also: "Selling Sunset" star's health habits
Emma's empanadas have become a signature item, showcasing her commitment to providing delicious and healthy plant-based options. Despite some mixed reviews regarding the taste and price point, she continues to promote the convenience and accessibility of her frozen appetizers, especially for those seeking vegan choices.
Hydration
Hernan emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. “I have a busy life and I drink a lot of water throughout the day. My fave water is Blk. Water. I also carry Blk. Water with me everywhere I go," she shared with E! Online.
Healthy Cooking
Emma finds cooking therapeutic and enjoys experimenting with flavors. “Cooking for me is therapeutic,” Emma told Women’s Health. “I love being creative, and I never go by a recipe. It focuses my mind.” She prefers healthy cooking techniques such as baking, grilling, and sautéing.
Morning Routine
Emma ensures that she starts her day off right. "The first thing she does is drink a big glass of water with Himalayan sea salt and lemon. Then, she's ready for a cup of the Strong Coffee Company Instant Latte + Essentials ($33). "If I'm going to drink coffee, I would like it to have some protein, some MCTs, and other things to get my brain going, too," Hernan says. "Even when I travel, I make sure to have it packed with me."
Workout Routine
Emma Hernan maintains an active lifestyle through a combination of hiking, yoga, Pilates, and other fitness activities.
Read also: Diet and Exercise Secrets
Hiking
Emma is an avid hiker and tries to hike at least five miles a day. “Getting outside is so good for the body and the mind,” she told Women’s Health. “And you’re getting that nice little glute workout.” Hiking offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
Yoga and Pilates
In addition to hiking, Emma incorporates yoga and Pilates into her routine. Both workouts encourage strength and flexibility while being low impact on the body. “Pilates has a long list of benefits including improved body mechanics, balance, coordination, strength and flexibility,” said Dr. Cedric X. Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for ACE.
Cosmo Contour
Emma Hernan and Breana Tiesi visited Cosmo Contour, an infrared fitness studio in L.A. The body sculpting studio claims to transform, heal, and repair the body in just 30 minutes. “We have infrared treadmill capsules, infrared ellipticals, infrared bike capsules, infrared stairmasters, and infrared body rollers,” Nicole shared. Cosmo Contour serves as an enhanced complement to other types of regimens you’re already doing.
Swimming
Swimming is another activity that Emma enjoys, as seen in her social media posts. The Mayo Clinic states that aquatic exercise has many health benefits, such as improved heart health, reduced stress, and improved muscular endurance and strength.
Wellness and Self-Care
Beyond diet and exercise, Emma Hernan prioritizes overall wellness and self-care.
Read also: Emma Kenney's Path to Health
Relaxation Techniques
Emma understands the importance of relaxation techniques to manage stress and maintain balance. As she told E!, “Almost everyone can benefit from relaxation techniques, which can help slow your breathing and focus your attention. Common relaxation techniques include meditation, mindfulness, focusing on the present, progressive muscle relaxation, tai chi and yoga." She enjoys filling her tub, putting on a face mask, and listening to podcasts about other female entrepreneurs.
Skincare
Hernan emphasizes taking care of her skin. She shared her favorite face cream with E! Online. “On a daily basis I do not wear a lot of make-up, but when I’m shooting Selling Sunset I do wear make-up so I try to take really good care of my skin.
Prioritizing Relationships
Despite her busy schedule, Emma makes time for her loved ones. “I am not a rescheduler,” she says. “I am a make-it-happen type of girl, and I think it’s so important… because it’s so good to have strong relationships in your life.” She remains incredibly close with her parents and values maintaining strong relationships.
Investment in Health
Emma considers her health to be the ultimate splurge-worthy area. "The biggest investment that you can make is with yourself," Hernan says. That's why she loves to do it all: sauna, infrared, cryotherapy, IV therapy. "If you look at the benefits of all of those things - that's how you're going to take your life to the next level."
Balancing Act
Emma Hernan balances multiple projects while still finding time to look out for her own well-being. She emphasizes the importance of disconnecting to maintain a fresh mindset. "To be honest with you, I love working and it’s what drives me,” says Hernan. “I do think it’s really important to take time for yourself. I think taking time for yourself and being able to balance - going for a hike, going to yoga or even going to the spa just to decompress and disconnect. I think it’s really, really important to disconnect. You get a fresh mindset. No one’s perfect and I’m balancing right now to try to build an empire.”
Hernan's Must-Have Products
Hernan's personal interests span fashion, beauty, and health. As a self-proclaimed "bio-hacker," she practices extensive wellness habits and is always looking for ways to optimize her body and mind.
Grace & Stella Moisturizing Eye Masks
Whether she's getting ready for the office or to show a new million-dollar property, Hernan kicks off her prep with the Grace & Stella Moisturizing Eye Masks ($18, originally $31). "These are my favorite things," she says. "You see them actually on the show in season six." She keeps them in her fridge, making them cold, which helps to wake her up.
Strong Coffee Company Instant Latte + Essentials
With her eye patches on, Hernan can continue with the rest of her morning routine. The first thing she does is drink a big glass of water with Himalayan sea salt and lemon. Then, she's ready for a cup of the Strong Coffee Company Instant Latte + Essentials ($33). "If I'm going to drink coffee, I would like it to have some protein, some MCTs, and other things to get my brain going, too," Hernan says. "Even when I travel, I make sure to have it packed with me."
Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution
Hernan believes every day should be bookended with activities to promote relaxation. "I have my nighttime routine where I jump in the bath, and it's like my time to decompress," she says. To elevate it, she uses the Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution ($5, originally $9), which she buys from Amazon. Taking a bath at night isn't just a luxurious self-care habit - it's proven to be good for you.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Night Serum
Hernan tries a lot of beauty products, but she recently discovered dermatologist Dr. Barbara Sturm's skin-care line and isn't looking back. "I am obsessed with all of her products," she says. She purchased the Dr. Barbara Sturm Night Serum ($310) and started using it every night, saying her "life and skin have changed" for the better ever since.
Armra Colostrum
The reality star says she "could go two different routes" when it comes to good investment buys. What instantly popped into her mind was a designer handbag that increases in value over time, like a Birkin. However, she considers her health to be the ultimate splurge-worthy area there is. That's why she loves to do it all: sauna, infrared, cryotherapy, IV therapy. She also has an extensive vitamin routine, taking supplements like Armra Colostrum every morning.