CAMILLA CALLAWAY
By: Alee Morrison
Columbus’ fitness expert, Camilla Callaway, spent some time away from her holiday planning and personal training to talk to SVM about entertaining during the holiday season and keeping a healthy mindset while doing so.
Have you always been a healthy eater?
Healthy eating has always been a part of my life, as my mother was a nutritionist/registrar dietitian RD and my dad was a doctor who loved to eat. My mother did her best to keep his blood pressure, cholesterol and weight down. She always stressed the importance of organizing a meal for health, then taste. That set the tone for the household of eight. I was actually a picky eater, as most children are, until I discovered dieting. When you are hungry all things start to taste good, especially the free calories in veggies.
How did your journey into the realm of fitness begin?
My interest in fitness was inspired by a turning point in life: During the summer prior to my sophomore year, I was not elected cheerleader. There was a void for activity in my small Tennessee town of Hartsville and I decided to lose some weight. With the guidance of Seventeen Magazine, I discovered the “Caloric Equation” which states: If calories entering your body are less than the calories burned, you will lose weight. I began to monitor all calories in and balanced that with exercise to burn them. By the time school started, I was thin. When basketball season came
around, I played my best season. But a funny thing happened; I stopped my personal training and trained only with my coach and by the end of the season I had gained weight. What was up with that?
Is there a magic ingredient that can constantly be found in most of your recipes?
There is always a salad or some veggies with every meal. I try to make every plate colorful. When my son Edgar was
young, he asked if cooking was a form of art because I always made the plate look “pretty.” If your plate is not colorful, something is missing. My husband Ralph says I can turn even a hotdog night into a healthy dinner.
What is your best advice for maintaining a nourishing diet during the holiday season?
MINDFUL EATING! Simply know what you are putting into your mouth.
We hear you love to entertain. what is it you love most about entertaining during the holidays?
I love the excitement of entertaining. My family was large growing up and when everyone was home it was a party! My mother was gifted at entertaining; so I guess she planted the seed. My husband enjoys nothing more than
his own party. But for me personally, I cherish the moment during the party when you can stand back and see everyone engaged in the moment and having a great time.
What is the best advice you have for anyone hosting a stress free party this season?
From the beginning of the party say to yourself, “this is not about me.” You must be constantly introducing and connecting the guests to one another, involving them to become part of the night’s entertainment. Besides keeping the drinks flowing and the food hot, you must keep the party engaging with conversation, games, or maybe even songs and carols.
What is your go-to drink and hors d'oeuvre for a large gathering?
Ralph is my bartender. He has a great semi-healthy margarita made with fresh limes, agave honey and tequila. I love
serving that with fresh guacamole, salsa and chips.
What type of fitness regime is most feasible during this time of year when our schedules become hectic with family visits and various events?
This is a time to focus on recovery exercise. The holidays can be very physically and mentally stressful. I recommend a more forgiving workout to counter balance the stress, while combating the calorie indulgence. Specifically, I would focus on your cardiovascular and aerobic workouts in conjunction with lots of mobility and stretching exercises. Take as many outdoor walks or runs with friends and relatives as possible. This is a great way to unwind and connect with
loved ones.
What is the best gift you have ever received during the holidays?
Of course the best gift is having my family with me; but I do still remember the excitement of finding that beautiful purple Schwinn bicycle that Santa left me. svm
