The two-time NBA MVP and All-Star point guard from the Phoenix Suns provides some insight into his healthy lifestyle. We thank Steve for providing Healthynomics with his time.

Image Source: Flickr – Keith Allison

HN: What does being healthy mean to you?
Steve Nash: Being healthful means having the strength and energy, realizing my goals each day with the ability to recover from day to day. The goals may vary but they always are designed to make me happy.

HN: What advice would you give someone looking for ways to motivate themselves to start or maintain a fitness program?
Steve Nash: The hardest part is finding that spark of motivation that gets you off the couch and on your feet. I feel like a lot of people should set really achievable initial goals that give them the confidence, momentum and self esteem to carry on. Imagine if you did one push up, one sit up, one squat, one lunge and one walk around the block and decided to add one more every day. Before you know it you’d be doing marathons conceivably. It’s the inspiration that motivates us that’s most fragile but most powerful.

HN: What helps you deal with stress?
Steve Nash: Stress is inevitable. Whether it comes from food, exercise, sleep cycles or environmental and emotional stress, we need to combat such if we want to sustain a healthful lifestyle and reach our personal goals and happiness. Eating well, sleeping, exercising, and laughing with people are my favorite ways to relax and combat stress.

HN: What healthy eating habits do you have?
Steve Nash: I am very strict with my diet even though I do like beer and wine and chocolate. I try and earn the treats I have with discipline and exercise. If you want to feel great in the morning after a great night’s sleep you have to decide what you want to put into your body. Obviously it’s nice to throw in some beers and sweets but it may not always be worth compromising the energy you have in the morning and the ability to reach your goals for that day.

HN: Do feel it is important to get regular medical checkups?
Steve Nash: It depends on each person and the relationship they have with their health care provider. If you feel a strong understanding and educational relationship with them you probably will feel benefits to regular checkups. Obviously, the more you can monitor your health and the more you can learn about it the better off you’ll be.