Danielle has the recipe for boosting her self-esteem. It starts in the kitchen and extends to all parts of her life. Cooking with fresh ingredients and eating well is a priority, as well as exercising and staying active. Processed food isn’t in her vocabulary — or pantry. The occasional donut? You bet. But Danielle puts her health first — and so do we.

Meet Danielle

Every woman has a health story. How has yours shaped you into the woman you are today?

I have a small to medium sized birthmark on my shin. When I was younger, I was really hesitant about wearing shorts because I didn't want people to look at me differently. It bothered me so much that my mom took me to a doctor. They could have lasered it off, but if I went in the sun there would be a chance of it coming back. I thought that didn’t make sense for a kid to not wear shorts in the sun. I’m totally comfortable with it now, but earlier on I thought about getting it removed.

What are some other challenges you’ve faced as a woman?

Security is number one. From a young age, I’ve been concerned about being alone. If I was walking home, I was looking over my shoulder. If I was home alone, I was looking out windows. When I make it to my car, I lock the doors immediately. Security is always on your mind. Maybe I’ve seen too many horror movies.

There’s also an invisible workload that we have throughout the day. We think about and plan for who’s going to be home to feed the animals, all the things that need to be done around the house, and keeping up with friends and peers. It’s an inherent thing.

Then, there are physical insecurities that started when I was 9 or 10. Because I had older sisters, I was really aware of my appearance starting at a younger age. Now I focus on my health and how I feel instead of how others see me.

Do you talk with women about this stuff?

We don’t really talk about issues with each other because we don’t want to feel like we’re complaining. It’s just understood that we’re all going through something similar.

What makes you feel powerful as a woman?

Delivering on what I said I would do makes me feel powerful. Looking forward to opportunities that are on the horizon for work and life.

What’s the best part about being a woman?

Being able to create life.

What’s your idea of the perfect day?

A day that you can go along with your plan and check off everything you wanted to do. It’s also nice to be surprised by something positive during the day.

What’s one of your greatest accomplishments?

I’m always changing the goal post, so it’s hard to reflect on the goals I’ve already met. One accomplishment I’m really excited about is how I put my cat on a raw food diet. Every two weeks I have to make food and freeze it, but I enjoy it.

I also cook to keep myself healthy. I put good things in my body and not things that will harm me in the future, healthwise. It makes me proud to put food on the table that’s nutritious.

What isn’t being talked about?

There needs to be more education about nutrition. It’s something I live by, where possible. I’d rather eat healthier now and have a healthier body and mind in the future.

What word best describes you?

Determined.

How important is it for you to put yourself first at times?

Very.

What’s your last guilty pleasure?

I just had a donut.