Woman Crush Wednesday | Beth Behrs!
By Katrina Scott onWe're majorly girl crushin' on actress, author, and all-around boss babe Beth Behrs! You may recognize Beth from the TV show "2 Broke Girls," and we're obsessed with her new book, The Total Me-Tox, which follows her health and wellness journey. After years of eating junk food and dealing with major stress, Beth decided to prioritize her health, and she fell in love with fitness, healthy eating, and meditation. Her book is about empowering women and finding workouts you love ~ whether it's yoga, running, hiking, or dance parties! ; ) And you know that's what Tone It Up is all about!
Check out our interview with Beth below! She gets so real about overcoming her health struggles, her inspiring mantra, and some surprising things about her we would've NEVER guessed. Read on to find out!!
We’re really excited for your new book, The Total Me-Tox! What was the inspiration behind it?
I wanted to empower women to be authentic and the best version of themselves, without striving for perfection. Bringing it back to what TRULY matters: loving yourself, serving others, and enjoying the journey.
Did you have an “aha” moment that motivated you to start your health journey?
I had a few, but the biggest for me was getting a massive skin rash that covered my whole body for 8 months. Ultimately, they discovered it was a virus that was a result of “deep rooted stress.” This was my “aha” moment that made me realize I needed to make a major life change. It involved meditation, eating well, and exercising the RIGHT ways.
What are your go-to workouts?
I approach fitness with joy, moderation, ease, and warmth. My workouts depend on the state of my body that day. My favorites are yoga, Barry’s Bootcamp, kettlebells, and martial arts (boxing, Krav Maga). And then sometimes I like to just dance around my house or take my dog for a hike. I think it’s important to have less of a separation between your gym life and your personal life. I think working out should be fun and empowering.
We know that mediation has been a very important part of your wellness journey. Why is it so valuable for you?
I learned Transcendental Meditation 6 years ago. I do it for 20 minutes twice a day. My dear friend Whitney Cummings got me hooked on it and said it would help me handle my stress. I rarely miss a day now. And when I do miss a day, I notice a difference in my energy level and overall happiness. It’s truly the practice I am most consistent with and find most effective to leading a better quality of life!
What are some of your go-to healthy meals?
Oh gosh. Depends on the day! Look sometimes, I just want a movie night in on the couch with pizza and wine. I just make sure I don’t do that EVERY night. The main staples for me day to day are smoothies (I prefer to “drink my veggies” :)), nuts, and non-fat plain Greek yogurt.
What’s your fave smoothie combo?
Spinach, blueberries, almond milk/butter, and honey from my bees! We have a beehive in our backyard and the honey makes for a delicious addition to my smoothies as well as helping me with my allergies!
Do you have a mantra or something you tell yourself when you need an extra boost of self love?
You are enough. What you did today is enough. What you do tomorrow will be enough too.
What advice would you give a girl who needs a little extra motivation to get healthy?
Make sure the way you’re going about it is authentic to YOU. Don’t force yourself to do workouts you hate or eat foods you don't like. Listen to your heart and your body and find what feels good. When it feels good, you'll be able to stick to it. In The Total Metox we have a whole section about starting small and in moderation and how to find what works for YOU. It IS a ME-tox, after all. Not a him or her tox. :)
As an actress, you’re always on the go. What are your tips for staying healthy while traveling?
Taking advantage of healthy snacks that fit in a suitcase or a purse. Nuts, granola bars, etc. Water, water, water. If possible, explore the city you are visiting on bike, or rent a kayak or paddle board if you’re near the water, and walk around the city instead of using a car or taxi.
What's your ideal Saturday morning?
Waking up and going to breakfast and the farmers’ market with my fiancé and dog. Then going to see my horse for a trail ride through the mountains. And coming home in the evening and putting on a great record, sharing red wine, and cooking for my closest friends.
The pics of your horse on Instagram are so beautiful! Have you always been into horses?
I always loved horses, but could never afford lessons or one of my own. Through the ASPCA I learned that there are so many horses in need of rescuing. I found Belle through them and rescuing her has changed my life. She’s taught me so much about living my truth and loving myself. I always say “who rescued who” ;).
What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I never wear heels if I can help it. Cowboy boots are always my go-to shoe of choice and I have an embarrassing amount in my closet. I love the smell of the barn and getting down and dirty with the earth and the animals. I am not as prissy as my character on "2 Broke Girls" would lead you to believe. I still am and always have been a major tomboy.
Rapid-fire questions!
Red, white, or pink wine?
RED
What’s the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Read Gloria Steinem's My Life on the Road.
What's the last thing you treated yourself to?
A new electric guitar for our instrument room in our house
If you weren’t an actress, what would your career be?
Equine therapist by day, rocking out in an all female punk band by night :)
Do you have a hidden talent?
I do a spot on Julie Andrews impression.
If you could only use one beauty item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tinted moisturizer with SPF!
What’s the weirdest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
I’m going to take this opportunity to start a rumor about myself- “Beth Behrs has a black belt in karate and the gardening prowess of Martha Stewart.”
Favorite emoji?
The monkey covering his eyes. 🙈
Puppies or kittens?
Both! Snuggling!