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MARIO BRITO
President

WHAT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR YOU TO WORK ON IMPROVING SOME ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

The main motivation is to realize that our lifestyle has a paramount impact in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life. It substantially improves the quality of our relationships with God and the people.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS?

My main meals are breakfast and lunch. If, I feel the need of eating something in the evening, I take a light meal and preferably not too late.

SINCE HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE A PLANT-BASED DIET?

I started having a plant-based diet about 45 years ago.

WHAT HELPS YOU TO PREVENT BURNOUT?

My first source of encouragement and resilience is the time that I daily spend with God. It helps me to cope with all the challenges to which I am daily exposed. There are other important factors as physical exercise – preferably outside and as close as possible to nature – and having someone that we trust and with whom we can talk and listen to.

BARNA MAGYAROSI
Secretary

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

I was in the first year of the seminary when I became vegetarian. I have always slept 8 hours a night as I could not do with less… Other improvements have been made gradually in my life.

WHAT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR YOU TO WORK ON IMPROVING SOME ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Knowing that these counsels come from God who loves me and want the best for me.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS? WHY?

I eat twice a day. 7 am and 12:30. It gives me a clearer mind.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

Two meals plan and exercise.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT HELPS YOU TO RELAX?

Walking in nature is the best for me to unwind.

NORBERT ZENS
Treasurer

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

This was about 1987 when I started to show interest in Adventism. I also wanted to loose “some” weight.

WHAT HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS DID YOU NOTICE AFTER ADOPTING A PLANT-BASED DIET?

Weight-loss

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS? WHY?

I have a good breakfast, a good lunch and a small or no dinner. For a better sleep.

WHICH SPORT / EXERCISE DO YOU PRACTICE?

I am daily walking or running.

HOW DO YOU DO EXERCISE WHEN YOU ARE ON A TIGHT SCHEDULE WITH TRAVELS AND MEETINGS?

I take my running equipment with me and get up early.

PAOLO BENINI
Adventist Mission, Personal Ministries & Sabbath School Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ? WHAT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATING FACTORS?

It is a growing experience that started at the seminary in Collonges (1976-1978) and still needs to grow. It is a theme that passionate me.

Regarding the motivating factors: well-being is the number 2. Number 1 is keeping God creation as He wants.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS?

My wife and me have chosen to eat two times per day: breakfast and Lunch. Because of invitations or travels, it is not simple to apply regularly.

SINCE HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE A PLANT-BASED DIET? WHAT HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS DID YOU NOTICE AFTER ADOPTING SUCH A DIET?

When we married we decided for vegetarian lifestyle. Then progressively I eliminated milk products (98%) because I discovered that I don’t tolerate them well. It is not good for my respiratory system. Without it I can breathe and sleep better, with less cough and colds. My diet also helps me to keep a good blood pressure.

WHICH SPORT / EXERCISE DO YOU PRACTICE?

Walking, workout, biking.

IOAN CAMPIAN
Stewardship, Publishing & Spirit of Prophecy Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

I grew up in a family that practiced a healthy lifestyle. My wife also comes from a healthy living background, so it was easy for us to live and promote a healthy lifestyle.

HOW DO YOU KEEP PHYSICALLY ACTIVE?

During the summer I work in a garden. Besides keeping me fit, it gives me a good mood and improve my wellbeing. It is a bit more difficult during the winter, when there is no work in the garden, that is why I have decided to take every day a 4000-5000 steps walk.

WHAT ARE OTHER IMPORTANT LIFESTYLE HABITS FOR YOU?

I am trying to keep a regulate sleeping schedule and I also try to have the recommended water intake daily.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

I do take care of my weight, but I also have a good metabolism. I have only two meals a day. Usually, after 4 pm I don’t eat anymore.

CORRADO COZZI
Communication Director & EUD Possibilty Ministries

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS? WHY?

I eat in the morning a good breakfast and a good lunch too. Nothing in the evening not even a little snacks. This is for weight management, and to feel better during the day.

SINCE HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE A PLANT-BASED DIET?

I started 8 years ago, before I was vegetarian of about 5 years

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR DAILY WATER INTAKE? HOW / WHAT HELPS YOU TO REACH THIS GOAL?

2 lit and the bottle of 0.5lit help me to keep the goal. I know that I have to drink 4 times the bottle.

WHICH SPORT DO YOU PRACTICE? HOW DO YOU DO EXERCISE WITH TRAVELS AND MEETINGS?

I jog about 3 times per week.

In a Congresses I can walk about 30 000 steps or stand for 12 hours

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

Exercise and not eating the evening.

ELSA COZZI
Children’s Ministry, Children’s Sabbath School & Kid Director

IF YOUR PARENTS RAISED YOU WITH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO KEEP THOSE HABITS LATER IN LIFE?

The way I was raised appeared to be good for me. Later on, I made some other changes according new info and orientation

HOW DO YOU DO EXERCISE?

Since some months, we attend a Fitness center several times per week. When it is not possible (due to Covid), we have 30 min walks around our village almost every day, with longer walks on week-ends. during week-ends it may be (time to time) a little more because we have more time. Whenever possible we go also with our grand-children that add some extra activities beside walking. It is always a great time for everyone.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR DAILY WATER INTAKE? HOW / WHAT HELPS YOU TO REACH THIS GOAL?

I tend not to drink enough on a daily basis, that’s why to remind myself I put a bottle on my desk, prepare hot drinks…

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT HELPS YOU TO RELAX?

The fact that I have the great privilege to be a grand-mother and our grand-children live pretty close to our place, we have the opportunity to meet them regularly and this helps a lot to “forget” troubles and stress of daily life and enjoy the grandchildren. This grants us the joy to see life from their eyes and put things under a different focus. Despite of the fact that they are demanding and full of energies they help us to cool down from work and life stresses.

DAGMAR DORN
Women's Ministries Director

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN? WHY DO YOU ENJOY IT?

My parents became vegetarian, when I was 12.

I felt good with it. It’s more creative, more variety, tasty…

It is also my contribution for the environment.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS? WHY?

Recently, I tried the 16/8 method (fasting during 16 hours out of 24)

I felt better, when I had a bigger gap between the meals and didn’t eat after 6pm, so having a big breakfast at 9 or 10 am and a lunch around 4pm.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT HELPS YOU TO RELAX?

Prayer. Plan a day off deliberately and spend it in a spa or take an hour for a walk in nature, sometimes even a powernap

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO ADOPT A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE?

Start small, try one thing at a time. Let’s say, more exercise, set a goal…. eg.: once a week and increase it after a certain time…

VALERIE DUFOUR
Health Ministries Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

The first step was when I attended University – not a believer yet. At that time I transitioned in some few months from an omnivorous diet to a vegetarian diet. Other changes came later on. The decision to pursue a healthy lifestyle is a daily one.

WHICH SPORT / EXERCISE DO YOU PRACTICE?

It depends on the time available, weather or location: walking, biking, hiking or swimming are the ways I usually keep in shape.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT HELPS YOU TO RELAX?

“Zooming out” is a good way to keep things into their real perspective, taking some time aside after intensive working periods or just being in nature.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO ADOPT A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE?

Sometimes people fear that by improving and changing some aspect of their lifestyle they will miss things that they use to do or to consume. Not only is this usually not the case, but a healthier lifestyle is associated with new enjoyments including the enjoyment of feeling better.

JOAO MARTINS
ADRA Europe Director

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

If I want to be ready to serve God and my neighbour, I need to be healthy. God wants to use me for His Glory, and if I don’t look after my health, I’ll not be able to serve Him as He deserves.

HOW DO SOME OF YOUR FREE TIME ACTIVITIES HELP YOU TO KEEP THE BALANCE?

Having time for recreation activities was always a challenge for me with so many engagements, meetings and travel. Very often, family time is sacrificed. So, intentionally, I book in my calendar block time to be with the family. This time needs to be diversified and of quality, visiting places, cooking together, being in nature, playing games or gardening.

IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

I’ve always enjoyed being involved in physical exercise and sports. With my current responsibilities, finding an activity that would fit my travel engagements and the busy schedule was not easy, so I was neglecting this important aspect of my lifestyle. Recently, I made up my mind that I have to find time to run at least two times a week for half an hour, but preferably three times. So far it is working, and I’m feeling much better than earlier.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT HELPS YOU TO RELAX?

Stress and busyness are constant in my life. So I’m always intentional about finding ways to cope with it. The spiritual part of spending time with God is essential for that. Also reading a good book or seeing a proper programme on the computer or the TV is relaxing. The two strategies mentioned earlier of quality time with the family and exercising are also a blessing to cope with stress. Finally, keeping good humour in the office with colleagues and family is also critical.

MARIUS MUNTEANU
Education & Chaplaincy Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

It all started right after the fall of Communism, early 1990s, getting access to professional information and training.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WHILE TRAVELLING A LOT? HOW DO YOU MANAGE?

Yes, it is doable when it comes to diet but it’s almost impossible when I think at having enough and / or proper sleep and / or physical exercise. It’s worth packing walking shoes.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS?

It all depends upon the travel schedule. However, I try to have a ‘kingly’ breakfast (irrespective of the location I am at), a good lunch and depending of the daily schedule a light supper. By God’s grace, I enjoy a reasonable health (I might say a very good one), I do not have any weigh challenge so I am not idealistic about having only two meals / day.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR DAILY WATER INTAKE? WHAT HELPS YOU TO REACH THIS GOAL?

A minimum of 2,5 liters. It goes like an automatism.

ELVIRA WANITSCHEK
Shepherdess Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

When I was a teenager. An elderly lady in the Church explained me how to have a healthy lifestyle. I was in a Bible study group with her. For me the change was easy because I didn’t like meat at all, no candies and I enjoyed raw vegetables

HOW DO SOME OF YOUR FREE TIME ACTIVITIES HELP YOU TO KEEP THE BALANCE?

I enjoy being outside in nature, especially in the mountains, that helps me to recreate from stressful situations

WHICH SPORT DO YOU PRACTICE EVERY WEEK?

2hrs walking and workout training

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

There were times in my life where I ate only 2 meals daily. I particularly observed my weight increase during pregnancy.

WHAT HELPED YOU AS A YOUTH TO AVOID ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCES?

I think it was in my mind not to harm my body; like Daniel: He had in his heart not to…

RAINER WANITSCHEK
Ministerial Association & Family Ministries Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

At the age of 15, I joined a volleyball club. There I learned two things from the team doctor: Firstly, he encouraged us to drink at least 2 liters of water per day; in the morning to start with half a liter of water after getting up and before our games at least another half-liter. The result was that all of us from the team have become much more efficient. Secondly I got to know a vegetarian way of eating (lacto-ovo-vegetarian). Since nobody in my family knew this, I started to eat no meat, no sausage and no fish at home, but more fruit and vegetables. A very big encouragement to keep the way of eating was given to me by God through a girlfriend. Since she was also a vegetarian, the change was easier for me. It also encouraged me to get to know, that Boris Becker (Tennis star during my teenage years) and other great sportsman had become vegetarians. Later in my life (after some years of marriage) I learned to get to know a vegan lifestyle, which helped me with many health issues.

SINCE HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE A PLANT-BASED DIET?

Since 44 Years

WHAT HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS DID YOU NOTICE AFTER ADOPTING A PLANT-BASED DIET?

My body became more powerful. My skin visibly improved as a teenager. However, regular sports (running, soccer, volleyball, etc.) and adequate water drinking have also helped.

WHICH SPORT / EXERCISE DO YOU PRACTICE?

Walking, Jogging. It helps to reduce stress and sleep better at night.

Liviu Olteanu
Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director

WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

During high school, and it then helped me during the compulsory military service in Rumania.

WHAT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR YOU TO WORK ON IMPROVING SOME ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

The regular advices and the lifestyle of my family. All my relatives are healthcare professionals; day by day they fostered my motivation through their dietary habits,

and their strong commitment for a healthy lifestyle.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR MEALS?

A breakfast rich in fruits, a late lunch, and a ‘relaxing’ dinner

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

Walking daily: 4-7 km

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT HELPS YOU TO RELAX?

Read books and listen to music

Markus Czettl
Investment Manager

WHAT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR YOU TO WORK ON IMPROVING SOME ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

The bible says, that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. So God wants us to be healthy. The older I get the more I see also the need to deliberately eat even more healthy, doing regularly exercise etc. in order to stay fit and healthy.

HOW DO SOME OF YOUR FREE TIME ACTIVITIES HELP YOU TO KEEP THE BALANCE?

I like to spend time in nature (I love animals, mountains etc.). Nature is a peaceful counterpart to our busy world and it always amazes me how beautiful God has created this earth.

IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Yes, I love to hike, bike or ski (alpine or cross-country) in winter. Unfortunately due to business restraints I cannot do it regularly. Since 6 years my wife and I also play quite regularly table tennis in winter.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

I do not eat between meals and try to do at least 1 long exercise during the weekend (for example a 3-6 hours hike). In addition my holidays are usually « Active holidays »…

JONATAN TEJEL
Youth Director

IF YOUR PARENTS RAISED YOU WITH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO KEEP THOSE HABITS LATER IN LIFE?

When I was born in Spain in 1966, food was scarce. There were not easy options for choosing what to eat in a poor family. My father was a pastor and my mother always tried to give us a balance food menu according to our possibilities. With the time it grew inside of me the need to look even further and I did some changes to my diet according to what I founded in the Bible and also with the influence of my wife that truly believes in a healthy diet.

WHAT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR YOU TO WORK ON IMPROVING SOME ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFESTYLE?

I always loved sports activities. I played soccer, basketball, tennis, I practice rock climbing, hiking, and many more. But with my work and responsibilities I did not put apart time to continue with my sports activities. After several years I felt how my body changed for the worst and now I’m trying to go back to do some exercise that will give me the strength and clarity of mind needed in life.

SINCE HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE A PLANT-BASED DIET?

It has been a slow process in my life and I’ve decided to have a plant-based diet only one year ago.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR DAILY WATER INTAKE? HOW / WHAT HELPS YOU TO REACH THIS GOAL?

My daily water intake goal is about 3 litres. In the past I was not intentional with water drinking and I only drunk water as I felt thirsty. For the last 4-5 years I’ve become more intentional with this and I’m trying to follow certain habits… As I wake up every morning, before having breakfast I drink already almost a litre, during the morning I plan for another litre, and the rest in the afternoon (usually herbal teas).

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