Inspiring Women: Dr. Anne Latz
Tomorrow marks March 8th, which means International Women's Day.
The perfect opportunity to introduce one of the most inspiring women I've gotten to know over the last two years: Dr. Anne Latz
Some of you may have seen Anne on Instagram already- trying out her glucose hacks, and recipes. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to introduce this compassionate, bundle of energy and love a little better.
Anne has it all, whether as a woman, medical doctor, female founder, foodie, or lifestyle "passionista." Her knowledge and radiant personality encourage women to care for themselves, and she’s the master in providing tips and tricks for #selfcaresaturdays. Anne truly cares about supporting women to understand their bodies in all aspects better to live healthy and happy lives.
Check out her interview below for her take on Women’s health, why women are not small men, her favorite healthy habits, and more.
What's your idea of women's health (as an MD and woman)?
- For me, women's health is energy. It's positive, female energy and strength. We need this energy to master our daily lives. To take care of ourselves - and our loved ones. To be an active part of our fulfilled lives. And not only survive day by day. The picture of Women's Health is very holistic: Living a healthy and happy life. Thus not only being free from pain or suffering - but being capable of indulging in moments and living through this wonderful emotional rollercoaster of life.
Based on your experience and observation, what are the most significant differences between women and men besides the reproductive organs?
For me, the ability to help, support and coach each other in peer groups or 1:1s as friends and allies is unique to women. We feel the feelings of ourselves and others. As women, we notice if something is wrong - and don't hesitate to ask each other about those impressions. Women are very capable of being each other's therapists and safe spaces. Blind leading the blind ;-)
This understanding transfers to business situations as well. We, as women, have a completely different leadership style based on empathy and intuition. I observed and experienced that women - including myself - often read the same situation or conversation differently than men. This does not mean that women are better leaders than men. I perceive this sensitivity as valuable and an excellent addition to any team, and nothing women should try to change. It is a perfect example that highlights the importance and beauty of diversity in working styles. There's no need for women to try and imitate male behavior.
What are the most critical parameters defining a woman's health?
If I have to narrow it down to one:
Understanding yourself is your superpower.
With that, I mean that you understand the signals your body and mental state give you, listen to them, and accept that as a woman, your body, health, and well-being are constantly in flux. So you have to go with the flow, and change is not a failure.
Imagine you had a magic wand to improve women's health. What would you like to see 5 years from now?
I would love to see we will think less in categories of gender and sex. I hope I will not have to defend why "we as women" do XYZ and rate it as better or worse than what men do or think.
Besides the social behavior aspect, I look forward to an improved research gap on women's health. I'm excited to see the latest scientific findings and new evidence in women's health. That will help women to benefit from its innovation and live healthy and happy
The last newsletter was about habits, why breaking bad habits is hard, and how to make new habits stick. What is your advice for women to create healthy habits?
- I LOVE the concept of habit stacking by James Clear. Just combine an existing habit - something easy as getting up and brushing your teeth - with a new habit you want to implement (e.g. after brushing your teeth, drink a big glass of water to take an internal shower or do a 5-minute strengthening class). So you will quickly include new habits in your everyday lifestyle without stressing you out, and it will be easier to keep them.
What are your personal top 3 healthy habits?
My top 3 healthy habits:
- Eat the rainbow every day -Oldie but goldie. Food is information - the more diverse the information (e.g. colors), the better. To make it easier, I recommend buying different colors of veggies and fruits and batch cook or bake your meals. This saves time, and increases the chances of keeping your plates colorful.
- Move daily - but keep the threshold low: A walk counts, a strengthening class counts, a run count. For me, min of 15 mins of movement on the yoga mat is a non-negotiable every morning for 15 years.
- Use your home as your retreat to recharge - Make sleep and recovery part of your routine, e.g. by banning screens from the bedroom. Your home must be your favorite place to get energy back. The place to invite friends, read a book, sleep well and cook your favorite colorful meals.
I hope this piece of Anne’s wisdom makes you curious to learn more about Women’s Health and that you are as inspired by her as I am.
Make sure to follow her on Instagram, and Linkedin, or listen to any of her podcasts.
Bottom Line
Anne is a great role model for many women. Most women have the intention to live well and feel happy, but so many of our choices deviate from those goals. While it feels overwhelming to make healthier lifestyle choices, health doesn’t have to be complicated. Anne’s tips and tricks can make it easier to take care of your health. And if it is just something simple as asking for help.
Unfortunately, we as women tend to think that asking others for help is a sign of weakness. But you know what? If you have aspirations for your personal, career or business development, you need to be able to ask for help in order to achieve them. Asking for help will aid your growth and probably support your health.
I would not have started this newsletter if I hadn’t asked for help and feedback.
And now, I am asking you: Who would you like me to interview in the future?
Let me know in the comments.