Style expert Jeannie Mai inspires with colours to boost health
Standing 5’4” tall, Jeannie Mai talks big when it comes to her own health and empowering women with style and fashion tips. The host and style expert from Style Network’s How Do I Look?, Mai has developed and coined the term “Wearapy” to inspire and boost self-esteem through colours, patterns and trends usually found in your own closet.
“I think women are so multifaceted with many different challenges and daily responsibilities that it can lead to stressful lives,” says the California native. “I truly believe if somebody is feeling lethargic, unmotivated and generally blah, that a beautiful, vibrant yellow or a citrus melon will inject energy into her day and make others respond to her differently.”
RED FOR PRESENTATIONS
The same can be said for wearing appropriate colours and patterns in the workplace. “When I’m pitching a new concept, I wear something passionate like purple or red if I want to stand in front of people for a presentation,” Mai says. “Red lips even make a big difference.” In Ayurveda, practitioners use coloured light and fabric to heal energy imbalances that are causing specific health problems. Bright reds actually cheer up depressed people and make them feel more energetic, outgoing and ready to move, wihout fatigue.
“Making sure I stock my closet and my mentality with bright, rousing colours and textures helps me stay empowered while striking a balanced lifestyle,” she continues. Confessing to a 5- to 10-pound weight fluctuation “depending on if I’m working in front of the camera,” Mai just likes to feel healthy. To maintain her weight, a thrice-weekly one-and-a-half mile hike keeps her in balance. Plus, she incorporates walks into her daily routine.
“Today I’m meeting my manager, so I’m walking to the offices. If I’m hiking or walking enough, I feel refreshed and focused. The number weight isn’t as important to me as my clothing weight.”
BANISHING LETHARGY
Six years ago, Mai omitted gluten from her diet due to symptoms ranging from extreme lethargy requiring afternoon naps, to eczema. “I also had sleepless nights and mood swings. I’m not saying eliminating gluten totally healed my eczema or other symptoms, but a woman needs to access what is correct for her blood type and body type.”
Mai’s nutritional staples run the gamut from dark green vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts to Beanitos. “I also love dark chocolate, so there’s that in my kitchen plus macaroons because they are wheat free,” she says. “And I love King Arthur pancake batter. Ribs, chicken and a nice glass of wine…I eat a lot of protein and grilled vegetables.”
Research backs up Mai’s chocolate love, showing that eating high-quality chocolate 1-2 times a week is good for the heart.
IT’S A CINCH
If Mai is feeling particularly good about her body, she will pull out one of her favourite “Stop staring” dresses or a maxi dress. “Cinching a maxi is very important because every woman has a waistline. Sometimes I don’t want something to cinch me—then I’ll put it low and give it a blouson feel,” she says.
So what are her must-haves before leaving the house every day? “A kiss from my husband,” she says, blushing, “accessories to bring my outfit together and make it look different from another person who might be wearing the same dress or ensemble…and a pair of flats. I don’t think it’s healthy to walk around all day in heels. It’s all about feeling
