Latina actress and vegan/animal activist Justina Adorno, stars in the bold and provocative ABC drama series “Grand Hotel”, opposite Roselyn Sanchez and Academy Award-nominee Demian Bichir; where she plays ‘Yoli,’ the black sheep daughter of the extravagant Mendoza family who owns the luxurious Miami Beach (Riviera) Grand Hotel.
Justina is a woman who fuels, drives, and propels game-changing vegan and animal-rights initiatives. She leads a purely vegan life and prides herself on being a fantastic chef. While living in NYC, she volunteered at local animal shelters and organizations such as Little Wanderers NYC and Animal Lighthouse Rescue NYC. Although a plant-based diet might seem daunting, her Instagram account – @justinaveganjourney – shows how there’s inspiration everywhere by showing how creative a vegan diet can be.
Women Fitness joins Justina in an intriguing conversation about her vegan journey, fitness favourites and lots more, right below!
Namita Nayyar:
You star in the bold and provocative ABC summer drama “Grand Hotel”. What was it like to work with such a diverse cast? What was it like to work on a set with Eva Longoria?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
It was super refreshing to work with a diverse cast because it felt like home. My family is very diverse; we have a range of ethnicities, ages, sexual orientation – you name it. I grew up functioning better in a diverse type of environment, so I feel comfortable and open to do my best work on set.
It’s all happening because of Eva. It’s been incredible working with her. She is very inspiring, and she is proof that you can do it all in the right ways and make a difference. She is one of my biggest role models now and I am so grateful that I met her.
Namita Nayyar:
Your love for acting landed you some great roles, one of them being a crime drama on Netflix and now “Grand Hotel.” What factors attracted you towards acting?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
What attracted me to acting was several things but mainly it was the story telling. To be able to step into someone else’s shoes and get to know them without judgement and tell their story as honestly as possible was so appealing to me. I love learning the psychology behind it. Why do people say what they say or do what they do? Acting gave me that opportunity take a step back from my perspective and live someone’s else’s.
Full interview is continued on next page
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2019 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Being an actress, one needs stay fit and possess a healthy physique. What does your workout routine look like? Please share any fitness tips and/or supplements you take.
JUSTINA ADORNO:
Fitness was never a part of my life growing up. My family liked to eat and have family time. So, I didn’t have that habit to stay active and I have always struggled with that. And when auditioning for sports teams i would make the team but would have to stop because I was also working on a play/musical. Fitness didn’t come into my life until my junior year of college when I felt unhealthy and so uncomfortable with myself that I knew I needed to make a shift. I also felt that I wasn’t going to be casted into the roles I wanted to play because of the industry and what I looked like. I started working out and I lost a little bit of weight, I got healthier and happier by making better choices.
I also booked a weight loss commercial and it helped me transition into my fitness journey. Eventually, I ended up creating an unhealthy relationship with food and fitness. Now, I am trying to work on a fitness routine that is attainable for my lifestyle. I like hiking as much as possible when I am in California and living in New York, I walk everywhere so it keeps moving.
One of my tips is to have equipment like free weights, a yoga mat, or a medicine ball at home, even if you rarely use them because it will still change your habits. I actually have a punching bag! Another tip is to start off small, walking on the treadmill at an incline at a decent speed to make your heart pump and get those endorphins to keep you going; that’s a great place to start! Just make sure you sweat!
Namita Nayyar:
Leading a purely vegan life and being a fantastic chef, name top 5 favorite dishes you love to try?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
I fell in love with cooking, more so when I became vegan. When you’re vegan, you get to be creative with spices and different vegetables by making interesting combinations. I looked up the recipes I enjoyed eating before I was vegan and used those to find vegan variations of the same meals. It’s so much easier than we think it is. I love making smoothies! Like an apple berry pie or a green avocado smoothie! A good slice of pizza always makes me happy and I’ve had some of the best pizza that is vegan! I make a fantastic 5 beans chili … I’m always so proud of it!
One of my favorite recipes is a raw cucumber pasta. I use a spiralizer with cucumber and then I make a sauce with overnight soaked pine nuts, basil, olive oil, salt, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and avocado. You blend it up and put cherry tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms on top and it’s my absolute favorite. I also love making raw tacos. All you do is rinse and chop; that’s it. Use a spread with mashed avocado and add all your favorite veggies in a collard wrap! I am trying to eat as raw as possible lately because being vegan isn’t necessarily healthy. You can still eat donuts, pizza, pasta, etc. Being raw is taking that extra mile even more so than veganism by cleansing your body. My favorite days are when I’m only eating fruit; it makes me so happy. You have to change habits for that lifestyle by buying fruit and mushrooms instead of chips and a vegan burger patty.
Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about foods that constitute an essential part of your diet? What about foods you keep to the minimum?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
I have been trying to minimize processed foods because they don’t make me feel good. We don’t get taught to listen to our bodies but once I started listening, I couldn’t ignore it. Before I went plant based, I had a steak salad and within 20 minutes I was in so much pain. I didn’t realize I hadn’t eaten red meat, so my body was able to ring the alarm when it was given it again. It made me feel sick and that was the true start into my commitment in my plant-based transition. Now, the foods that are essential for me are a range of fresh fruits ready to eat; mangos, kiwi, blueberries, avocado, jackfruit, cucumbers, dates etc. and veggies/roots/greens like arugula, radishes, olives, mushrooms. The foods I try to stay away from are all processed foods!
Namita Nayyar:
You have volunteered at local animal shelters and organizations in NYC, how do you wish to stand up for animal rights?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
I haven’t been involved in as many as I should be in New York. I have worked with a couple nonprofits I found through social media in the little ways that I could. Now, I am so ready to take on that role and become more involved. I want to stand up for animal rights in every way possible. I used to get so angry when I had to miss protests like working to ban horse carriages, so I would go to social media to encourage other people to go.
I recently attended the Pride March in New York and so many people showed up and supported the community. I am ready to show up and support in the same way for animals whom we claim to love so much. I support animals personally with veganism, but my next step is sticking to my word continuing my support for those that are at the forefront fighting for animal rights. I want people to join me because they really matter and they are the purest thing on this planet. They do not have the voice we do. We owe it to our planet and them to do what’s right and show compassion.
Namita Nayyar:
What are your 5 favorite activewear brands?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
I discovered a brand from Canada on Instagram called Oraki that uses recycled plastic to create their pants. I have pair and I love them because they are cute and flattering. They have an inspirational quote on the inside too.
I haven’t really looked into more brands, but I look forward to doing so. I am not really a brand person, but if it’s a label that’s making a difference and aligns with my morals, I will support it.
Namita Nayyar:
Define Women Fitness for our viewers.
JUSTINA ADORNO:
Women Fitness is loving yourself for who you are in the moment and who you want to be in the next. Whether it’s going for a walk or saying no to going out with friends and instead going to a yoga class. It’s expressing yourself through your body and feeling positive about it. It’s not just about working out your body, it’s also in the mind and the soul. If you’re boosting those endorphins and moving your body, eating fresh foods, and creating peace for yourself, it will lift your mind and soul to feel more fit.
Namita Nayyar:
What is your skincare and hair care routine like? After a hard workout? Before going to bed?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
After a workout, I take long showers. I’ve been letting my hair dry out naturally, using the natural oils to nourish my hair and I use all vegan hair care products. Before I go to sleep, I always make sure to wash my face and recently, I’ve been more consistent with flossing and that has made a difference.
My daily routine is eating healthy and clean, drinking water, walking, and feeling positive, it’s all making a difference for my skin. Just this past week, I started drinking more water before going to sleep and as soon as I wake up. I have been eating super clean and noticed a difference in my skin because it has cleared up and my natural glow is coming back!
Namita Nayyar:
What are 5 tips to stay fit while travelling?
JUSTINA ADORNO:
Prepare by packing fruits and vegetables; bringing a reusable water bottle so you can continue to stay hydrated and only drink water.
Bringing a yoga mat is great because it will motivate you to do yoga, workout, or stretch at the very least when you have some down time.
Don’t forget your headphones because music is therapy!
Bring an educational book to keep you focused
Look up hikes and go to them!
You can follow Justina on Instagram: @justina.justina and her plant-based page is: @justinaveganjourney.
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2019 Women Fitness