This nurse knows the secret to good health

Maria Gahry, 35, of Ferndale, is a doctor of nursing practice and board-certified as a family nurse practitioner. Gahry said she works out to relieve stress and for general health.

“Exercise is stress relief and helps me to have more energy,” she said. “I believe a body in motion stays in motion, so developing good exercise habits is important to me for longevity. I also enjoy the competition of the sports I play: softball, volleyball, basketball and roller hockey.

“My job is very demanding intellectually and emotionally. To go play a game after work helps me to escape into competition for just a few hours and clears my head,” she added. “A healthy diet keeps my body AND my brain working at their best.”

She said her workouts range from team sports to walking and jogging, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training).

“HIIT is a great way to accomplish an efficient workout in a short time. It doesn’t require a gym membership and you can change up the exercises so you never get bored,” she said. “I do this primarily with my body weight, but also include exercises on a workout ball and with free weights that I already have at home. When I’m pressed for time or need a quick boost of energy, I like the 4-minute workout routine put together by Dr. Zach Bush. This routine is designed to stimulate the release of nitric oxide in the body, is super simple, and doesn’t require much space or any equipment.”

Gahry said her diet is very healthy. She eats plenty of fruits and vegetables, with protein and limited carbohydrates.

“I avoid dairy and gluten due to sensitivities and rarely consume processed sugar,” she said. “I cut out fast food completely in 2009 and don’t consume pop or other sugary beverages, drinking sparkling water or mineral water instead. I probably consume too much coffee, but try to balance the caffeine by adding coconut milk and collagen occasionally. I don’t count calories. I believe, if you eat a nutrient-dense and varied diet your body regulates hunger more efficiently than with the consumption of empty, processed calories.

Even with COVID, she said her diet hasn’t been affected.

“My diet has even improved a bit since going out to eat was no longer happening and almost every meal was

home-cooked,” she said. “In the last decade, I’ve researched, explored, and implemented healthy eating habits that are now just part of my lifestyle. It takes a little more patience to go out and shop these days, but my house is still full of fresh fruits and veggies!

She said healthy eating habits help curb any temptations.

“Eating habits should be lifestyle habits and designed to fuel your body efficiently,” she explained. “I don’t believe in depriving oneself of food urges now and

then. I love chicken wings and a greasy burger with fries like the best of them! If it is the exception, not the rule, I think there is room to give in to urges.”

Her advice for others is simple: eat real food and use common sense.

“Follow your instincts, not fads,” she said. “Eat real food, not something that comes in a box or a package. Have variety in your diet and indulge in moderation. Drink water! Move your body. We are all designed to move and activity keeps both our brain and body well.”