Eva LaRue Shares Her Simple 5 Tips for Finding Joy and Living Your Best Life
Known for her upbeat spirit, Eva LaRue always has a smile at the ready. But the former All My Children and CSI: Miami star admits to FIRST that this time of year can feel bittersweet. “My father was a Korean War veteran and he passed away right before Memorial Day in 2019,” she confides. “So this month, I honor him and the sacrifices of so many of our heroes.”
And though Eva faced heartbreak in 2020, including the passing of her ex-husband, actor John Callahan, she’s looking forward to a hopeful, bright turning point this summer-and to having a little fun. “I believe bad things happen for us, not to us,” she says. “I try to be thankful for each new chance for joy.” Here, Eva’s tips for a healthy body, mind and spirit.
Guilt-free snacks boost health.
“I found some great new health snacks during quarantine, like Siete’s nacho chips,” Eva says. “They’re crunchy like Doritos, but grain-free and dairyfree so they don’t cause inflammation. I also take anti-inflammatory cumin and turmeric, plus vitamin C, zinc, and psyllium every day to strengthen my immune system. I find that as I get older, the more vitamins I take, the better I feel!”
Pure skin care is a radiance secret.
“I recently discovered ‘royal jelly,’ a nutrientrich substance bees make for their queen,” Eva enthuses. “I put it on my face overnight to tighten pores and dry out pimples.” One to try: Imperial Elixir Pure Fresh Royal Jelly (Buy from Vitacost.com, $17.99)
Adversity gives us strength.
“For most women, I think our strength comes from adversity,” says Eva, who admits she’s had her share of heartache this past year. “Strength comes from being grateful for all the small gifts in our lives. Last year was the biggest learning curve for everyone on the planet, but what I learned is to fiercely love the people who are important and to just be grateful for everything. I literally say thank you for the smallest things — I’ll open up my windows and feel blessed for the warmth. I’m grateful for those moments, and that’s where my strength comes from these days.”
A prayer-meditation hybrid is a stress Rx.
“I meditate and pray every day,” Eva shares. “One leads into the other: Prayer is usually talking, while meditation is listening for answers. It makes me feel rejuvenated.” What’s Eva’s favorite way to meditate? “I use a few guided meditation apps-there’s a great one by Wayne Dyer focused on melodies that calm the brain!” Want to tap into the healing power of music without the app? Just crank your favorite oldies! Studies show it can cut stress by 55 percent in just five minutes!
Virtual dance class melts a menopot.
“Staying in shape-man, has that been difficult this past year!” Eva laughs. “With the lockdown, I had to go to YouTube to find workout videos to do from home. I found a few dance teachers on YouTube who did some really great choreographed classes, and I loved those because they worked my brain out too because I had to remember the steps. It was such a good way to get in a bit of cardio, it strengthens your core and it’s so fun — it feels like time just flies by. It’s my favorite easy and free way to keep myself moving and for keeping my brain sharp as well.”
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.
