Maria Menounos
, host of the TV entertainment news show Extra, was on hand for a book signing at Barnes & Noble at Bella Terra, Huntington Beach, CA last June 9th. While waiting in line for Menounos, I chatted with some fans.
Jenna from Los Angeles said, “I’m a huge fan of Maria Menounos. I’ve read ‘The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life,’ and now I just got her ‘EveryGirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness’. I’m so excited. I hope to get more insight on what she does, how she stays balanced with what she eats and fitness on top of career and family and everything.”
Fiona from Hong Kong mentioned, “I’m here because I’m with my friend Jenna and I’m obsessed with diet, nutrition, eating, and taking care of my body. I just bought her book and I want to know how she looks in person.”
Upon arriving to the book signing event, Menounos was looking gorgeous in a mini white dress and open toe shoes. She was eager to talk about her latest book “The EveryGirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness: How I Lost 40 lbs. and Kept It Off-And How You Can Too!” The Extra host went straight to the podium and mentioned that she likes going to book signing events because it’s how she meets everybody, how she gets to hear what her readers are thinking, what they want and what is missing . . . that they want more of.
She also added “If you don’t like going to the gym, stop forcing yourself going to the gym cause that’s probably why you’re not sticking with it. Find what you love and do what you love. So if you love dancing, make ballroom dancing your workout. If you love hiking, go on hikes on Saturday and Sunday morning. I go on hikes with friends, we get social time in, we get nature time in, we get exercise time in, and you feel great after. But that’s what I love. If you like going to the gym, more power to you, then go to the gym.”
After her introduction, she followed with a Q &A from the audience and chatted with the fans during her book signing. She was also very sweet to record a video on a smart phone for a fan who was not able to make it.
Prior to the Menounos book signing, I was able to ask her questions about her book, career and her other passion.
Popbuff: Who or what inspired you to write the book, “The Every Girl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness: How I Lost 40 lbs. and Kept It Off-And How You Can Too!”?
Maria: I’m asked constantly how I lost the weight from friends and fans. I love sharing information which is why I love reporting but more than anything, I love helping people-especially women. And I know most women don’t have a lot of free time or money or even will power. All those factors are crippling to getting in shape. When I was 40 pounds overweight, I was working two jobs and going to school full time. Beyond being broke and overwhelmed, I also lacked the willpower to stay on any official diet for more than two days. However, during that time, through much trial and error, I found a way to overcome those obstacles, lose the weight and keep it off. I want to share what I did so other women can overcome similar obstacles to get fit and healthy.
When I was 40 pounds overweight, I was working two jobs and going to school full time. Beyond being broke and overwhelmed, I also lacked the willpower to stay on any official diet for more than two days.
Popbuff: What are your words of advice for career women who can’t find time to work out because of their hectic schedule?
Maria: I cover it extensively in the book. I rarely have time to get to the gym. However, I practice convenience conditioning and so can every girl. I implement workouts into all my general daily tasks and activities. At work, I do things like take stairs instead of elevators. When I walk through the office I walk briskly. Whether carrying laundry baskets or grocery bundles I’m consciously using my muscles and in exercise mode. On the phone, wearing a headset, I’ll use one liter water battles to do shoulder exercises or curls or I’ll just do leg lifts. When cleaning my house, I’ll listen to my playlist and burn through my chores rapidly and again consciously trying to burn calories. I carry a general sense of urgency in all the things I do and it all burns calories and keeps me toned. It also helps me accomplish a lot in life, generally speaking. In addition, have desk workouts and bedside workouts. I keep resistance bands and small dumb bells nearby. They’re cheap, space saving and easy to use. I employ them, again, while talking on the phone or even watching TV. It’s all about being creative and consciously finding ways to exercise within your daily activities.
Popbuff: I see you have a lot of projects. What do you usually eat in between tapings?
Maria: Light snacks like almonds or Greek yogurt.
Popbuff: What is your favorite gym equipment when you work out?
Maria: I don’t have any. You’re good with a mat, some resistance bands or small dumb bells.
Popbuff: Let’s go to your other passion – wrestling entertainment. How did you start your career in WWE?
Maria: I don’t recall if I contacted them or if they contacted me but I’ve been a fan since I was three. It is truly the most underrated of art forms. What performers do you know that can ad lib before a live audience of millions and stay in character while being over 200 pounds and being thrown through the air? And doing all of the above 300 days a year? What movie or rock star could do that? I don’t know many. For the writers and producers I say the same thing. They create such original, dramatic and comedic story lines and characters. When I gushed my sentiments to the WWE, we became a match made in heaven. I told them I’d do anything for them and they were gracious enough to let me wrestle. Since then, Vince, Stephanie and Paul have truly become second family. The wrestlers I feel are like my brothers and sisters. There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for them. When I get to host or wrestle for them it feels like going home. It’s a place away from Hollywood where I can just have fun and dream. Wrestling at Wrestlemania remains the greatest experience of my entire life. I’m proud to call myself a part time Diva and I’m already excited for this year’s SummerSlam in LA!
Popbuff: If you were given only one career to pick, what would you pick – TV hosting, fitness instructor, professional wrestler, reality star, or actress?
Maria: Professional wrestler for sure! Second is producing for films, TV or internet. Believe it or not I love getting my hands dirty and working behind the scenes. I love being part of a team which is why when I’m in the ring, I’m best when its tag team!
Popbuff: Is there anything else you’d like to try in your career?
Maria: Movie or TV role wise, I’d like to play a hard core Boston chick implementing all the accents and mannerisms.
Popbuff: When it comes to TV hosting and reporting, who do you look up to?
Maria: I’ve been blessed to work with so many amazing women whom I’ve looked to and learned from. Kathie Lee Gifford, Joan Lunden, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric, Mary Hart, Leeza Gibbons, Meredith Veira
Popbuff: Any words for the fans?
Maria: As professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer says “You never lose unless you quit!” And truly you never do!
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