Gloria Estefan talks about what drives her and shares her thoughts about healthy living.

Five-time Grammy Award-winner Gloria Estefan inherited her love of family—as well as her work ethic—from her mother, who she calls "an amazing woman". While Gloria was growing up, her mom nursed Gloria's father who had suffered from Agent Orange poisoning in Vietnam. Her mom also took care of Gloria and her sister—all while working during the day and attending the University of Miami at night to revalidate her teaching credentials from Cuba. Gloria's mom would also cook for her family. Including, Gloria says, "HUGE breakfasts every weekend!"

"I love all food!" Gloria says, "And that can be a blessing and a problem. I try to stay away from white sugar and flour. I choose whole wheat grains and pastas, and above all—I practice portion control."

Like all of us, Gloria works to find balance between work, life, and family. "I make sure that, if there's something I need to do with my kids, I schedule it first—and I don't book any work at that time." Recently, Gloria has been penciling in a lot more vacation time, and time to relax with extended family and friends.

"When I work, my family travels with me, and I can bring my kids along to anything I do. I've taken full advantage of that blessing."

Gloria Estefan calls Miami home, and thrives on her healthy Florida lifestyle. That includes enjoying Florida's beautiful beaches and lush parks, staying fit by hiking, kayaking, swimming, and bicycling—or just getting out on the water as much as possible. "And I love the heat," she says. "It's never too hot for me!" Gloria gets her energy from nature, and loves to drive Florida's coast to unwind.

"I make informed health choices by reading as much as I can about nutrition and what our bodies need to be fit and full of energy. I work out five mornings a week. Plus, I combine cardio with aerobic exercises and pilates at least three times a week. During the school year, I get up really early to make my daughter her breakfast and get her off to school while my husband makes her lunch. Then I do my exercise. I love exercise, when it's OVER!"

And what does Gloria Estefan think about being 50? "In my opinion," she says with a smile, "the perfect age is the one I am right now."

To learn more about Gloria and her music, visit her website at www.gloriaestefan.com.

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