Hari Nef, a multifaceted personality known for her work as a model and actress, particularly in the series Transparent, offers a unique perspective on diet, exercise, and overall wellness. Her approach is less about rigid rules and more about intuitive listening to her body and mind, coupled with a healthy dose of skepticism towards the often-commercialized concept of "wellness."
Embracing a Plant-Based Diet
Nef has been vegan for approximately two years, viewing it as a personal choice rather than a political statement. For her, veganism serves as a "productive boundary" in her relationship with food, which she admits hasn't always been easy. By avoiding processed foods and focusing on a healthy, plant-based diet, she feels better about what she puts into her body. Nef emphasizes that this dietary choice isn't necessarily superior to others but rather a way for her to nourish herself in a way that feels right.
The Importance of Breakfast
Hari highlights the significance of breakfast, especially given her inconsistent travel schedule. She prioritizes a substantial and lavish morning meal, often opting for "lunch things" like salads with tempeh or kale. This approach stems from feeling "really, really hungry" upon waking and recognizing the need to fuel her body for the day ahead. Conversely, she tries to avoid eating much at night to prevent feeling "gross" in the morning.
Exercise as a Matter of Energy Management
Nef's approach to exercise is flexible and attuned to her work schedule. She acknowledges the challenge of motivating herself to work out when she's busy, preferring to "save all my energy." This can lead to periods of intense exercise (five times a week) followed by a month of inactivity. Despite recognizing this inconsistency, she appreciates having a gym in her building, making it easier to incorporate physical activity when possible.
Mental Health and Self-Care
Hari emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care, particularly given the demands of her industry. She values alone time to decompress, often reading a book and chilling on her own. Surrounding herself with supportive people who she can share both highs and lows with is also crucial. Nef acknowledges that dealing with the stress of the industry is a "work in progress" that gets easier with experience. She also mentioned that she sees a Reiki healer from time to time. She sits on my bed, and I lie in her lap. She puts her hands on me for about 45 minutes, and she reads my energy. Whenever I’m having a hard time I call her. She also go to weekly therapy, and that has been invaluable.
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Skincare and Beauty
Hari emphasizes that staying moisturized is the only real beauty secret she has. She keeps a very cold apartment - I tend to crank my AC just about as low as it can go. She sleep with a big, warm comforter even during the summer, and just burrow underneath it. She uses serums, beauty oils, and very rich creams.
A Skeptical Stance on "Wellness"
Nef maintains a skeptical perspective on the concept of "wellness," viewing it as a term with different meanings for everyone. She humorously suggests that, at its most cynical, "wellness" is a construct invented by upper-class white women in their 30s. Her personal definition of wellness is fluid, guided by listening to her body and head and discerning what feels good. She emphasizes that it's a process without a fixed formula.
Medication and Supplements
Nef is open about her use of medication and supplements to support her well-being. She takes Propranolol before red-carpet events and auditions, Klonopin as needed for stressful moments, and a dietary supplement called Deplin every morning. She also admits to previously using Adderall illegally for energy and appetite suppression during demanding work periods but has since replaced it with a natural supplement. She is adamant that she uses these aids responsibly and does not abuse them.
Navigating the Challenges of a Demanding Schedule
Nef acknowledges the challenges of maintaining wellness amidst a demanding and unpredictable schedule. Eating well while traveling in Europe, managing medications abroad, and finding time for exercise when work takes over are all ongoing struggles. She highlights the difficulty of prioritizing therapy when work commitments interfere.
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