JENNY ALVARES

I might have something a bit less fun, but still fun news. I'm going off the Amayzine radar for four weeks (that was the less fun news). I'm going to lock myself away somewhere with no wifi (well, sort of), but where there are plenty of meadows (so peace), a nice workspace, and a big kitchen. I'm working on writing a book. It's incredibly fun and special to do, but I get distracted quite easily and when I have to stick to a deadline, complete focus is important. The fun news is that some really nice other people will write pieces during the time I'm busy typing away and cooking. Those pieces will be about sports, health, and recipes, but you'll also come across diary entries. A bit like I always do, actually. Every other week, you'll be fed by someone else. We kick off the first week with Jenny Alvares, perhaps known to you from her blog Healthyfans, but also by her six-pack. Before she gets started here, I will introduce her through an interview.

Oh, and what exactly my book is about? I'll tell you all about it soon.

Oh, how nice that you want to write for Amayzine for a week. I think you're a very good example of a healthy fit girl. You take your six-pack seriously, but only to a certain extent. Is that correct?

‘That's definitely true. For me, it's about balance. Enjoying sports, eating well, but also enjoying life and not worrying too much about what others think of you. Just being happy with yourself.’

Now, I wouldn't call myself a fit girl that quickly (more as a joke), because I really find it top sport to get those abs. I simply don't have the time for it and I'm not interested. Evenings with friends in a bar and occasionally waking up with a hangover are also necessary, right? I want to inspire the girls who want to be fit and healthy, but in a slightly less extreme way. Do you see it as top sport? And do you ever just not feel like being a “fit girl”? There seems to be quite a pressure on you, I think.

‘I completely understand what you mean. I also don't think it should only be about a six-pack. For some, it's much easier than for others. It's nice and important to feel good in your skin, but getting a six-pack shouldn't become an obsession. So try not to have a six-pack as your primary goal. And Jet, even with a well-trained body, you can still have fun evenings with friends and wake up with a hangover the next day, you know.’

You work at Personal Body Plan, can you explain what that is exactly?.

‘Personal Body Plan is ‘Your Online Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Coach, and Nutritionist in one, which you have access to 24/7’. With Personal Body Plan, you get a customized plan based on the four core elements of behavior, nutrition, training, and recovery.’

You work at Personal Body Plan as a coach. What is your exact role?

‘As I mentioned, PBP is an online personal trainer, lifestyle coach, and nutritionist in one. You get a tailored plan to achieve your goal. For example, when you want to lose weight or just want to get rounder buttocks. My role as a coach is to provide the people I guide with the support to work towards the best version of themselves. I help them get in shape and stay that way. I email, text, and call them.’

How often do you work out yourself? And do you really always feel like it?

‘At the moment, I work out 3 to 4 times a week. I'm currently finishing my education and I notice that it doesn't always work out to go four times a week. I'm just happy with three times! And of course, I don't always feel like it, but we all have that sometimes. Just give yourself a kick in the butt and once you're in the gym, it's always fun!’

Do you have guilty pleasures or do they not exist for you? Do you allow yourself everything?

‘I definitely allow myself everything and I don't forbid anything, but what is really a guilty pleasure for me is the Red Velvet Cake from De Drie Graefjes. I find this sooo delicious!’

You have a boyfriend who I think can cook really well. Is dinner ready every night?

‘Oh yes, he can cook well! In the past, we used to cook together sometimes, but now that he works at DoorMeal, I prefer to leave everything to him. He can do it better after all. I usually come up with the ideas for what we're going to cook. Teamwork!’

Is there something you really don't like at all?

‘Liver and endive. Those are really the two things I just CANNOT eat.’

What are you going to feed us in the coming week? What kind of posts can we expect from you?

‘Think of delicious (easy) recipes and fun tips/facts about nutrition and sports. I'm looking forward to it!’