asiaone
Diva
updated 29 Nov 2013, 20:25
Login password
Fri, Nov 29, 2013
Mind Your Body, The Straits Times
Email Print Decrease text size Increase text size
Charmaine Harn: I am sexy because I am aware of myself
by June Cheong

Charmaine Harn, 31
  • The 55kg, 1.78m tall model may have travelled the world but is a local girl at heart.
  • The Singaporean cites local delights like chilli crab as one of her favourite foods.
  • She recently hosted the online modelling reality series Supermodelme.tv.
  • EXERCISE REGIMEN: Yoga twice or thrice a week, skateboarding twice a week, swimming on occasion and walking

What do you do to keep fit?

I love walking. When I am in Europe, especially in Paris and Milan, I walk everywhere. It is such a great way to spend time looking around and discovering places. Singapore has great weather for walking too. It can get muggy but we have good roads and getting around is a breeze.

I also love yoga, specifically hot yoga and power yoga. I practise twice or thrice a week.

I skateboard too. My mates and I meet up to skate about twice a week. I do it because I can hang out with my friends and get a workout at the same time.

Some nights when I need to unwind after a crazy day, I swim five laps. The rest of the time, I float on my back, stare at the stars and focus on my breathing.

What is your secret to looking so fabulous?

I am a firm believer of 'What you focus on, you will become'. I think it all begins with the mind. Have positive thoughts and do loving things for yourself and the people you care about. When you are happy, you are circulating blood and energy through the body and you function well.

What is your diet like?

It is a diet I have followed for the last six years. I am mainly vegetarian but I do eat seafood. I have not eaten red meat or pork for six years. I eventually gave up eating chicken too. I decided not to eat something I cannot imagine slaughtering myself.

I love brown rice, green salads, potato and cheese bakes, margarita pizzas, rojak and laksa among other things.

What are your indulgences?

Like a true Singaporean, I have to say chilli and pepper crab. I just love those dishes and I love to have big groups of friends tucking in together.

Do you count your calories?

Nope. I just try to listen to my body.

Do you take supplements?

I buy lots of supplements and, yes, I think it is advisable to take them but it is difficult to get into the habit. It is always good to take herbal supplements, whether you are a meat eater or not, as a lot of processed food lacks the nutrition we need.

I take herbal supplements like milk thistle to boost my liver's health and ginkgo biloba for my memory and concentration. I also take vitamin C and drink green tea for overall well-being.

What is your sleep routine like?

I love getting eight hours of sleep. Eight is the magic number for me. It can be draining working long hours and getting very little sleep. However, I remind myself that when work eases up, I can sleep loads once again.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

On my days off, I do household chores. I do my laundry, bathe my dog and clear out a bookshelf. I also love to spend time outside, be it reading in the Botanic Gardens or having a swim and brunch with my girlfriends.

I like rewarding myself with massages too. When you work in the creative world, you use your personal time to source for inspiration so every experience is interesting in itself.

What do you do to relax?

I read, spend a day with my mum or go for a swim. I may spend the day at the museum or discover a new part of the city. My favourite chill-time activity is going out on a boat with my mates to wake skate and island hop.

What are the three most important things in your life?

My family. My partner. My friends. In my mind, these three things just add up to one thing - love.

Would you go for plastic surgery?

Not at the moment. I am very happy with what God gave me and kudos to my parents too.

Do you think you are sexy?

I know I am sexy because I am aware of myself. I understand my body and I sense my way through situations. I know that being sexy and appreciating sexuality happens naturally when I am confident in my own skin.


This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.

readers' comments

asiaone
Copyright © 2013 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn. No. 198402868E. All rights reserved.