Ever wanted to learn the secrets of a talented pro athlete? You’re in luck! Legendary pro surfer Bethany Hamilton’s new book, Body & Soul: A Girl’s Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life, just hit bookshelves earlier this month. In the book, Hamilton explains everything you need to get healthy and happy while also pulling in her own experiences. Check out what she had to say about Body & Soul!
Her Campus: What’s the premise of Body & Soul?
Bethany Hamilton: So Body & Soul is my way to encourage girls to pursue overall health. I think we adjust when we go from teens to womanhood and it’s all about embracing our bodies. All girls are different; some are athletic, others are skinny, others are round. So the book is all about embracing that and learning to make healthier choices in the ways we eat, the ways we exercise and the ways we move (good posture is key!). The book encourages women to explore activities they love to do as well as their faith.
HC: What inspired you to write the book?
BH: There were a lot of things that served as inspiration. I’m really passionate about eating healthy and staying fit. I see our country today and how the media tells girls that they should want to be like the girl on the cover of a fashion magazine, and it’s just not realistic. To me, it’s a lie, and I think a lot of us get caught up in that.
I just wanted to encourage girls to be their beautiful selves and not to be so critical of themselves and each other. And eating healthier just makes you feel better; I grew up eating fast food and junk, and I think it can be a huge challenge, especially in college, to take the time to eat right and exercise a little bit every day. You know, you have your roommates and your good friends, and it’s hard to make sure you’re planning ahead and eating healthy all the time.
HC: What was the writing process like for you?
BH: I had an amazing group of people working on it with me. My health practitioner and trainer helped me immensely with the workouts and recipes. The other big thing they helped out with was learning how to talk about posture—it’s one of those things that people don’t really think about, and it affects everyone, especially college students who have a tendency to slouch.
HC: What’s something about the writing process you wish you knew when you started that you know now?
BH: I wish I knew to be patient and to give yourself more time than you need. We started writing this book earlier last year, and I wish I’d had more time to think it through, even though I’m so happy with how it turned out. But overall, there’s not much more I would’ve done! It’s great to write a book that isn’t a diet book but instead encourages girls to just make healthier choices.
HC: If you had to pick one tip that young women get out of this book, what would it be?
BH: My favorite tip is, at the end of the day, no matter what you look like, life is so much more than your physical body. It’s important to figure out how to be healthy, but you shouldn’t be obsessing about it.
HC: What advice do you have for young women hoping to write a book someday?
BH: I had kind of imagined writing a book like this a few years ago; I was in no rush, but thought it’d be super cool, especially as a professional athlete. I think if you get an idea, you shouldn’t shove it to the wayside, but instead just start thinking about it. I would even recommend starting a journal for that special “dream book” you want to write!
I would also encourage women to be honest with what they believe in and not to hide things that they want in the book. For example, I share my faith in my book, and regardless of whether or not readers believe in God, I think it’s important to share that with each other. It’s okay if we’re different and you shouldn’t be ashamed of what you believe.
HC: Where do you see yourself in five years?
BH: In five years, I hope to be having kids with my husband and hopefully not traveling quite as much. I’m just hoping that I love my life. I also love public speaking and want to do [it] in the long run. I also hope I’m living in Hawaii still!