How Dr. Pellegrini stays healthy

A Q&A with Emily Pellegrini, ARNP

Having and keeping good health can look a bit different for everyone, including health care providers. In this series, we spotlight a Polyclinic provider’s approach to their physical and mental health.

ARNP stands for advanced registered nurse practitioner. Emily Pellegrini is a nurse in our podiatry department. Podiatry is a field of medicine that focuses on the feet and problems with feet.

What are your go-to healthy foods?

I love mangoes, old-fashioned oatmeal, avocados and chocolate-covered almonds.

What are your splurge foods?

Salt & Straw^® ice cream.

What are your favorite ways to move?

I try to work out five to six days a week. I always take at least one day off. I love running around the Arboretum and along Lake Washington. My boyfriend and I like to swim together every weekend. We love swimming in the beautiful Colman Pool in the summertime.

What advice have you received about staying healthy?

Towards the end of my nurse practitioner training, I worked with a family medicine doctor who encouraged all of her patients to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week, just like she did. I had not been doing that but it sounded pretty doable.

She said the key was just sticking to a routine. I told myself that if I worked out regularly for four weeks, I would reward myself with a present.

It didn't matter what the exercise was, as long as I did something. I stopped weighing myself and just focused on meeting that goal.

After four successful weeks, I aimed for four more. I started feeling better and gained confidence meeting that monthly goal. The weight loss was slow but working out became a habit, and I've kept it up for the past year.

There have been times when I have been in shape and times when I haven't. I'm still trying to figure out what works for me. Recently, I've found that being consistent with working out has made a big difference.

Previously, I had been in that pattern of working out a lot for a few weeks, not seeing any changes, and then giving up and not exercising much at all.

What advice do you give your patients?

Find an exercise that doesn't feel like a punishment. There are lots of fun ways to work out. Likewise, eating well can be really enjoyable. There are so many dishes you can make that taste great and are also good for you.

What about being a doctor inspires health?

Health care professionals see firsthand how good lifestyle choices add up over time. It's never too late to start exercising and eating well.

How do you practice self-care?

Exercising, hanging out with close friends regularly and making sure I get enough sleep at night.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.