John Littlefield (aka Johnny) pursued a career in theater in college and conservatory and received his MFA in theater at Temple University, where he also taught. Realizing he couldn’t teach his students the business side of show business, he ventured to New York, where he found his niche in off-Broadway regional theater and TV.

Most notable is his role as Gary Sinclair on “Another World,” as well as numerous guest-starring roles on “Law & Order,” “Roswell,” “Navy NCIS” and “West Wing.” Recently, he costarred with Anthony Hopkins in the motion picture “Beowulf,” and also appeared in “Fracture” and “Slipstream.”

But it was the hard times, honing the skills learned from his dad as a do-it-yourself handyman and carpenter that led to a career hosting such shows as the “Dude Room” on the Discovery Channel and working with Habitat for Humanity for CMT’s “Home Blitz.” He is currently a co-host and designer on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
I think it was many things. I have always been incredibly active, and as I got older, my knees did not agree with my athletic choices. So four knee surgeries later, I decided to take a healthier approach to my body. That included a change in diet, exercise routine, etc.

But also, look at your parents. That is your genetic road map staring right back at you. Ask yourself, “Do you want to go down that road, yes or no?”

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
I juice every morning!

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
Salt! Some people have a sweet tooth; I have a salt tooth. But if it’s a dark chocolate, caramel and a sea salt combo, forget it! I’m in!

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
New York pizza! And a nice IPA.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
Finishing the Dublin Marathon with my pal Jimmy Murtha (cancer survivor) in the freezing rain.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
Obesity in children.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
YES, and don’t forget hike, surf and skateboard.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
Rapini (broccoli rabe), sautéed. Don’t forget the garlic, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Smell. My nose is good in the kitchen, but say it’s at a wine tasting, and they ask, “Johnny, are you picking up the oak and the cherries and the hint of bell pepper …” Seriously? Bell pepper? No, I’m not. “Can’t we just drink it with a juicy steak?”

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
I just finished reading “Inside Seal Team Six” by Don Mann. Just to have a chance to workout with Don and his fellow SEALS and be standing at the end is good enough for me!

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Slow down, kid! But I never listened anyway.

Photo by Steve Schofield

Born in Lafayette, La., and raised in Katy, Texas, Giovanni studied musical theatre at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music and was also a student within the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive.

Giovanni embarked on her illustrious theater career in the national tour of the critically acclaimed Broadway show “The Lion King” and continued to cut her teeth on stage, most recently alongside actor Hugh Jackman in his one-man hit show, “Hugh Jackman: Back On Broadway.” Giovanni is also known for her role on the critically acclaimed ABC daytime drama “One Life To Live” as Dr. Vivian Wright, the love interest of Shaun Evans.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
When my mother passed away. She battled lupus for almost 30 years, and I know that eating healthier could have lessened her symptoms. I have two small children and want to be around for a long time!

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
I randomly drop and do crunches when I’m home and not busy.

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
Eating pizza!

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
Only gaining 19 pounds with each pregnancy and dancing on Broadway seven months later.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
When people complain about their weight but do nothing.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
Ride.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
Kale — versatile.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Taste. I wish I could make really healthy food taste like cupcakes.

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
Hmmm. Does staying up with sick children and then filming for 15 hours count?

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Everything in moderation!

Tanna Frederick recently wrapped Henry Jaglom’s romantic comedy “The ‘M’ Word” with Corey Feldman, Michael Imperioli and Francis Fisher. She then went on to make her directorial debut (and star) in a theatre production of “Why We Have A Body” at the Edgemar Center for the Arts. She is currently in her native Iowa filming “The Farm” where she stars as a single mother who returns to Iowa to deal with her past.

Frederick starred opposite Noah Wyle in Henry Jaglom’s 2010 romantic comedy “Queen of the Lot.” She played Maggie Chase, an actress desperate to claw her way off the B-list of action films into major movie stardom. Frederick’s performance in her first feature with Jaglom, “Hollywood Dreams,” earned her Best Actress at WorldFest Houston, Montana International Film Festival, Fargo Film Festival and the Wild Rose Film Festival. The film took Best Picture honors at the San Luis Obispo Film Festival and Best Comedy at WorldFest Houston. She was named Method Fest’s “Performer to Watch” and has also received the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival’s Maverick Award.

Off-screen, Frederick has proved just as driven and talented. A fitness aficionado who runs daily, Frederick ranked 52nd out of 1,321 women in her division in the Los Angeles Marathon in 2010. She is a second-degree Taekwondo black belt and a passionate surfer. She founded “Project Save Our Surf,” an annual surfing event that benefits oceans and clean water initiatives. She is also founder of the Iowa Film Festival, which debuted successfully five years ago and has tripled in size. Frederick’s latest venture is Project Cornlight, which aims to develop Iowa-based films and other projects showcasing Iowa talent. She was recently named the recipient of the University of Iowa’s Distinguished Alumni Award for 2012.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
My mom is a nursing professor, and my dad a pharmacist, so I always have been very conscientious about my health and taking care of myself. However, this last year has been an insane year of Hurricane Cancer in my family. My mother went through chemo for ovarian cancer, and my father had complications from prostrate cancer. We all became very strong for one another, and I think it shifted a psychological ‘ah-ha’ in my brain. I have settled down quite a bit, slowed down to smell the ocean, because I realized how lucky I am to have my family healthy and happy. We all laugh a lot more now and appreciate being with each other.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
Running marathons, surfing or kicking booty (Taekwondo black belt). One of those and all of those get out frustrations and aggression that otherwise might be bottled up and held inside. And goals — I have notebooks full of goals. I cut stuff out of magazines and paste it into one notebook that is health inspiration, another notebook that is acting inspiration, another environmental clippings; inspiration is the key to my success. I love reading stories about someone doing something spectacular, like Diana Nyad trying to go from Cuba to Florida.

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
Fat Tire beer.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
I’m lucky; I feel like I’ve had a lot. But the ones that really stick to my ribs are graduating as valedictorian at the University Of Iowa with honors in both political science and international relations, and theater. And receiving last summer the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Iowa and getting my picture hung next to Tennessee Williams, who is a University of Iowa Alumni.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
Nothing really. I like to help people to be inspired, so I don’t really have any hang-ups. I am very competitive and want to be faster and better that whoever I’m training with, and that’s usually my guy friends who are faster than me because they’re dudes, but that’s more of a problem with my own hubris.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
Run, swim, surf, kick and punch!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
Jicama. Crunchy, loud and full of water.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
I’d love to fly. I know that’s not really one of the senses, but it’s be such a great workout.

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
Acting the most days in a row in some fantastic biopic playing Eleanora Duse.

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Chill out. You’re a lot less of a nerd than you think you are.

As one of Hollywood’s hottest hosts, Ashlan Gorse has made a career out of interviewing the world’s biggest celebrities. But it’s her wit, beauty and intelligence that have made her a small-screen star in her own right. Gorse currently appears on E! Entertainment as a lead correspondent for the network’s top-rated daily newsmagazine, “E! News.” She covers everything from breaking news and celebrity exclusives to award shows and premieres.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
When I finally looked up all the words that I couldn’t pronounce on the back of my daily protein bar and realized they were all chemicals; it finally clicked.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
Laugh it off. You would be amazed at how much stress and anxiety you get rid of when you just laugh at yourself.

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
I tend to sleep in a little too much on the weekends.

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
Wine! I mean, I know an occasional glass is good for you, but sometimes you need two.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
I cannot remember for the life of me the last time I had fast food.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
I hate to judge, but I get sad when I see others who don’t consider the impact or consequences of their food choices — for instance, unsustainable seafood. Who am I to eat the last bluefin tuna?

Run, walk, ride or swim?
I am an elliptical girl, but I do walk a lot with my dog. She is a Siberian husky, so she pulls me all over the neighborhood. I do love to swim — and float.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
A Southern peach — fuzzy outside, sweet inside. And summer is when I’m ripe.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Touch. I am a touchy-feely person who hugs everyone. It’s just the way I am.

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
Holding my breath underwater. I love to scuba dive, but I would really love to not have to wear the tank.

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Don’t worry and embrace your body. I was a tall, skinny kid growing up and was completely flat-chested. Then I bloomed big time. Some days I wish I didn’t have big boobs — they sure do get in the way sometimes.

Media personality, healthy comfort food chef, weight loss expert, and New York Times best-selling author, Devin Alexander is the host of the “Great American Chefs Tour,” which will be airing on national public broadcasting stations this November. Devin’s unique approach to healthy cooking and her motivational personal story have landed her appearances on more weight loss and fitness shows than any other food expert or nutritionist in America. Having maintained her 70-pound weight loss for more than 16 years, she lives and eats her message: You don’t have to deprive yourself to be fit and healthy.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
I weighed close to 200 pounds by the time I was 15 and was brutally picked on in school. I had tried dieting, but it wasn’t until I read that “If you cut 100 calories from your diet per day, on average, you’ll lose 10 pounds in a year.” A light bulb went off because it meant that I didn’t have to give up all of my favorite foods (or cooking, which was my favorite thing to do). I just had to use my cooking skills to make Devinly Decadent meals and treats.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
I actually have a ton! I drink at least two glasses of green tea every morning. I never say, “I shouldn’t be eating this” (or even allow myself to think it) if I choose to eat something no matter how indulgent it is. I will not allow any men’s T-shirts in my closet (only fitted girl tees). I never eat when I have to pee.

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
I find comfort in eating at night in front of the TV. I would get rid of that.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
There are two that really stand out: I’ve lost 70 pounds and have kept it off for close to 20 years. And I helped someone else lose 220 pounds.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
They make excuses about cooking — it’s so easy to eat super yummy, healthy foods if you cook for yourself. And cooking is easy!

Run, walk, ride or swim?
All of the above!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
A tomato. I love red, look good in it and I’m firm on the outside with a softer center.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Taste — maybe less of everything would be more satisfying.

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
I’d be able to get more Americans healthy than any other expert — even if it meant I didn’t require sleep to accomplish it!

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
You will someday know how to eat ridiculously delicious brownies and bowls of meatballs and all of your Italian favorites and feel pretty and be happy!

Veteran journalist Deborah Norville has been anchor of “Inside Edition” since March 1995. Ratings jumped 15% the week the two-time Emmy winner joined the series, which is now the nation’s top-rated syndicated news magazine.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
There has been no “ah-ha” moment for me with heart health. When you grow up in the South where everything’s dipped in grease, heart problems are all around you! My grandpa died when I was 10 (he was 68) of an aneurysm. My dad inherited his cardiac issues with heart blockages, bypass surgery and high cholesterol.

At one point, my own cholesterol measured over 200, which scared the dickens out of me. So I tried to make gradual but sensible changes in my own life. My sisters have, too. All of us are active; two of my sisters have done 60-mile walks for breast cancer, and one of them runs four miles a day. We try to be smart about food choices, and I have learned there is some great stuff out there. Homemade kale chips are delicious and cheap — and good for you. And what’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Alzheimer’s research has seen the benefits to the same heart-healthy routine as have heart disease researchers.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
Well, the biggest thing is to be active and watch what you eat. For me, food used to be a BIG part of my life. Meals were anticipated. Now, I really don’t care. Food is fuel, not entertainment. I try to manage stress too. In my book “Thank You Power,” I detail the benefits of gratitude, one of which is the positive affect that it puts you in, countering the stress hormones that typically arise when we are rushed, frustrated and angry. Those hormones are facilitators for the buildup of the kinds of plaque that eventually can clog arteries.

Another great stress reliever is knitting, believe it or not. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found the repetitive motions of activities like knitting or crochet actually help lower those stress hormones I mentioned, as well as blood pressure and heart rate. I was delighted to recently share that, as well as a really beautiful knitting pattern, when I wrote the foreword for “Knit Red: Stitching for Women’s Heart Health.” Some proceeds from that book will go to fight heart disease. Since knitting has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old (and since I have a line of knitting yarns!), I would be thrilled if more people took up the craft.

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
I totally give into temptation and indulge WAY too often in my favorite pig-out food: potato chips and milk. Most people are horrified by the combination, but I love it!

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
I am probably most proud of losing 63 pounds after my son was born — and I mean AFTER he was born. That’s how much I dropped in the seven months following my first son’s birth — NOT what I weighed during the pregnancy (which was complicated by toxemia). I made a concerted effort to follow a strict eating plan, coupled with a daily exercise routine of jogging followed by exercises (sit-ups, leg lifts, bands, etc.). This was in the wake of my departure from NBC’s “The Today Show” when my husband wisely moved our little family to France to get away from the prying press. I did this without any fancy gym — just the countryside, a towel to lie on and one resistance band. It proved to me that A) I could do it and B) I didn’t need pricey gyms to help me along the way.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
I am greatly concerned by the number of overweight and obese children I see. A couple weeks ago, I was at a swim championship, ostensibly the final event at the end of a summer-long sports program. I wish I had a dollar for every chubby child I saw diving into the pool. Tummies lopping over waistbands, little thighs dimpled from fat. It was alarming. If children who are part of an active sports program are packing on the pounds, what’s happening to the rest of the country? The secret, I suspect, lies in portion control. Somehow we’ve become addicted to the oversized plate, filled to the brim with food. I would love to be a part of an effort to educate Americans on just what an appropriately sized meal should look like. Those not-very-little boys and girls will face a lifetime of health issues if they don’t nip it in the bud — now.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
Run and walk. I have decided to take my multitasking to a different level, reading the morning papers while walking at 5% incline on the treadmill. The papers have to be read anyway so I kill two birds with one stone and burn a few calories while doing it. Then, if time permits, I throw a few sprints in there — though I confess, I find it hideously boring! For me, swimming is what you do when you are scuba diving and didn’t come up right next to the boat!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
Strawberries and blueberries, mixed. I love the taste sensation!

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
I would see better. I have worn glasses since fifth grade when I couldn’t even see the eye chart, [or even] the big “E” on it! I would love to have the kind of visual acuity I have heard some Andean tribes possess!

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
That really holds no appeal for me. I don’t think the body was designed to be pushed to its logical limits. The endurance record I would want is to have a long life, free from health problems and then leave it — quietly, peacefully in my sleep, knowing I have raised a family of moral, giving, strong children. That’s enough for me!

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Keep moving. As long as you keep moving — physically for your health, intellectually for your brain and “aspirationally” for your personal growth — life will be good. I have more or less been able to do this. At some points, exercise tapers off; at others, one’s “get-up-and-go” seems to have “gone-off-and-left.” But generally, I have kept on moving. In fact, that’s the title of a song I wrote a few years ago. “I’m gonna keep on moving, gonna keep on pushing, nobody’s gonna stop me now.” Pretty good anthem to live by, don’t you think?

One of the most popular golfers on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, Natalie Gulbis is currently ranked No. 69 among female golfers worldwide. Born in Sacramento, Calif., Natalie took up golf at the age of 4 and had an extremely successful amateur career. Claiming the title at the California Women’s Amateur Championship at the age of 14, she played in her first LPGA tournament the same year, setting a record as the youngest LPGA qualifier.

Natalie played collegiately at the University of Arizona in 2000 and 2001, and was named an All-American before turning pro in 2002. Since joining the LPGA Tour, the 29-year-old has shot to international fame and has since released a number of workout videos and calendars and has appeared in numerous magazines, including the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Natalie earned her first LPGA win at the 2007 Evian Masters and has played her way onto three victorious American Solheim Cup teams. Natalie’s hobbies include working out, running and living a healthy and active lifestyle.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
I have always taken my health seriously. I was very active in my youth and was a nationally competitive gymnast at the age of 11. I learned at a young age that you have to eat well in order to feel good and perform your best. I’ve made my health a priority, and my diet is the same now as it was then. I will say I do have a cheat day on Sundays when my performance is not affected.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
Sixty percent of my diet is protein. It keeps me full and provides long-term energy. I’ve never really worried about fats or carbohydrates but have focused on protein intake to help in recovery, maintaining muscle and feeling good.

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
Eating chocolate!

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
Having a sweet tooth and being able to eat desserts every day.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
I would say it was being able to come back after back surgery and play on the tour.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
Leaving bottled water in the car and then later drinking it. There have been many studies linking it to breast cancer.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
Running. I love to run. I run every morning, and it is one of my favorite ways to exercise. I prefer to run outside, but anywhere will do!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
An apple with a tough skin — but sweet on the inside.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Taste. There are so many international flavors and combinations. To have a really great palate for everything would be wonderful.

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
Running a marathon. There is an amazing sense of accomplishment after training and seeing the results.

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to incorporate physical activities that I enjoy and foods that I like into my daily schedule.

Photo credit: Rebekah Schoenbach

Vik has a very dynamic approach to fitness; he likes to challenge himself and change it up all the time. From boxing to hiking to tennis, he makes sure he doesn’t get bored with exercise.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
For me, health is not like an on/off switch. I feel like I’ve always been on a journey with it.  Along the way, there have been a series of ah-ha moments — a constant shifting of contexts, where I’m game to take on a new paradigm of health and fitness to inspire my life and lifestyle. Possibly my first ah-ha moment ever was being woken up in the mornings as a child by my dad before I wanted to get up. He would take me through his workout with him. It started the cultivation of the discipline it takes me to push through the inertia in order to achieve optimum fitness.

Another ah-ha moment may have been when I was a young actor, renting movies like “Raging Bull” and “The Last of the Mohicans.” I was struck by these actor/heroes of mine using fitness as a tool to transform their bodies into specific characterizations, thereby maximizing expression. The marriage of fitness and art became a real touchstone for me, and still is. And, of course, on a more personal level, anybody watching their parents age is confronted with their genetic destiny. While I’ve been trying to coach my parents into healthier habits, I discovered that my South Asian heritage is predisposed to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This makes me work like crazy to keep my system clean, lean and mean.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
Though it’s been pretty commonly written about of late, the nutritional tip that says “put heat in your food in order to up your metabolism,” luckily for me, was second nature. Right out of the gate, I gravitated to spices, seeking those colorful powders, the comfort of my mother’s palate.

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
Skipping breakfast. I’m not always hungry in the morning, and there are times that I allow myself not to eat then.

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
Eating rice.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
I think it’s my ability to carve out “training camps” for myself as I’m preparing to head into a role. They take enormous discipline and concentration, but whether I’m packing on muscle for a film to play someone who imposes himself physically, or whittling myself right down for a more pure and retreating character on the stage, these little camps root me in a place of mental clarity and commitment to my character that is essential for the work. It’s almost like pulling out of civilian life, which is not easy to do because we all crave company, comfort and relaxation. Especially in the beginning, you must cut your ties to all that to initiate one of these camps, which is tough. I’m proud that I’ve developed a muscle to go there.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
Excuses. Giving up. I completely understand how difficult it can be to get going, change bad habits and alter your paradigm, but sometimes you just have to be vigilant with yourself and not let yourself off the hook. Soon enough, eating well and exercising will become normal.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
Run. Yes, there is the “wall.” But my lord, getting to the other side of it, and finding your wind — there’s no better feeling.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
Maybe I’m a grape. In a fruit salad, it can be a healthy snack, but fermented in a bottle, it can be pure debauchery.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Taste. I clearly have to be way more discerning about who I reveal my health secrets to!

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
I’d love to beat Jordan Romero’s record of being the “youngest person to climb the Seven Summits.” I’m older than he is, so it’d be a real challenge.

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Start climbing mountains. Now.

As an author, competitor on the upcoming show “Chef Race” and a fixture on the Food Network, Claire Robinson creates delicious, eclectic recipes made with only a few ingredients. She believes the best dishes feature carefully selected fresh foods with distinct flavors and a straightforward culinary style that also promotes healthy and seasonal eating.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
I actually relive that moment often. Every time I try a new sport or activity, I see what a healthy body can really do when you put in a little time and effort. These experiences are a great reminder of why taking care of my health and body is important for the ability to continue to try new adventures. My mother instilled in me since my early childhood that my health should be most important to me. We can only control so much, but paying attention to what is in my hands is the ultimate goal. My motto is to keep a balance.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
I like to keep healthy ingredients on hand that play a “double duty” role in my kitchen. Natural Bliss from Coffee-mate is great way to satisfy my sweet-tooth craving and is made with only four natural ingredients! I love that each ingredient is something I recognize, rather than a list of chemicals or preservatives that I do not. The sweet cream and new low-fat vanilla are always in my refrigerator. I pour it over berries for a quick dessert, freeze it and enjoy it in place of ice cream, and I even cook with it in place of milk, cream and sugar as an all-in-one double-duty secret weapon in recipes. It has definitely been a secret weapon for me, achieving the balance in my food choices and my affinity for creamy sweet flavors.

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
French fries.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
Knowledge of how different foods fuel my body is one that I continue to achieve every day.

What is your biggest health hang-up in others?
Dieting instead of making balanced food choices in moderation and lifestyle changes.

Run, walk, ride or swim?
All of them when possible, but running is something I can do anywhere.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
Sweet corn because it is one of my favorite foods — I aim to be sweet to others, but I know I am corny.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
Taste, of course! There would be less trial and error trying to detect the perfect missing or secret ingredient needed to make every dish perfect. My general superpower wish is telekinesis, so I could be lazy and still clean up my kitchen.

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
In the future, I would like to be the oldest female to complete any athletic challenge. That would ensure I kept my energy; I would keep moving and seeking out new things throughout a very long life.

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Eat well, live well and enjoy every bite of life! In three words: Enjoy the ride!

At age 29, Nic Roldan has become an icon in the dangerous and exciting world of international, high-goal polo, where injury can be just as prevalent as a Champagne toast. Fueled by intensity, passion and raw talent, Roldan holds many of the highest accolades prized by the adrenaline-charged sport and is one of the highest-ranked players in the United States today.

What was the “ah-ha” moment that made you start taking your health seriously?
I’ve always been an extremely athletic person and have been involved in many different outdoor activities from surfing to polo. You could say exercise has always been a part of my life; it’s part of my routine. Plus, I understand that staying active and eating healthy are really the key focus points when it comes to your health, as well as longevity.

Do you have a secret habit that is part of your healthy lifestyle?
I eat a lot of vegetables throughout my day, both as snacks and part of my daily meals. I also try to stay away from carbonated beverages and stick more with fruit juices. You’ll want to avoid the sugary fruit juices, but they give you that flavor and fruit boost you need.

If you could permanently get rid of one bad habit, what would it be?
I’m a junk food junkie. It’s definitely a bad habit and I wish I could kick it, but it always gets to me!

If you could get a free pass forever with one bad habit, what would it be?
I would definitely take a free pass for Five Guys, the infamous burger joint. They have the absolute best burgers. I would not be opposed to a free pass to eat them and not worry about the calories.

What is your greatest health achievement or milestone?
My greatest health achievement has been winning the U.S. Polo Championship, as well as many other tournaments throughout the U.S. and overseas. My health played a major role in achieving those goals, and it made me proud of my healthy habits. As I’ve grown, I’ve also pushed my body more to the limit and would like to keep doing so in the future by competing in marathons and possibly triathlons. Getting photographed for ESPN’s “Body Issue” in next to nothing was also really exciting!

Run, walk, ride or swim?
All of the above!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be?
I’d want to be an orange. When I think of oranges, I think of energy and being energized, which is similar to my personality, so I think it’s a good fit.

If you could “superpower” one of your five senses, what would it be and why?
I’d definitely superpower my hearing. Heightening my hearing would mean I’d be able to hear better on the polo field and that would be awesome!

If you could break a world endurance record, what would it be?
I would have to say the Ironman [Triathlon], since it’s the ultimate contest when it comes to strength and endurance. The Tour de France would also be a great endurance record to break.

If you could tell one thing to your adolescent self, what would it be?
Your determination and hunger for life will be your greatest asset in helping you achieve your goals. Stay determined and never stop moving forward.