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Timeless Beauty and the fountain of Youth: Spiritual, Mental, and Physical health

By Wayne Caparas

Victoria’s sun kissed skin glows with the golden youth of a 20 year old, as any innocent bystander blessed with the opportunity to witness her glide by in a bikini would testify; for she has no tell tale lines, not one stretch mark, no remnant of a single dimple of cellulite --oh, no...not on this near perfect specimen of femininity. Flawless is an accurate adjective for Victoria. Her bright blushing smile and radiant emerald green eyes could charm a cobra, while her soothing voice has the soft gentility one would expect to fall only from the lips of an angel; which quite frankly, she may very well be. Now before you start to stereotype gorgeous Victoria, let me share with you the true source of her timeless beauty and my respectful adoration. Victoria is very well educated, effortlessly eloquent and curiously compelling. She is sincerely caring to a flaw, and may be the sweetest soul I have met in my lifetime. She is a professional actress, model, dancer, photographer, clothing designer, business person, dedicated wife, and to our delight, has just this year added “fitness competitor” to her resume. Despite her glamorous statistics, she even runs an obstacle course with a level of determination, strength, and fleet footedness that rivals many of the best veterans in their respective rookie seasons. Victoria has never used drugs of any kind, she has never undergone any kind of cosmetic surgery, and she is probably in every respect the most natural woman I have ever met. I admit, some of this may fall in your “so what” category as genetically gifted women in their twenties go, but brace yourself...The “enigma” known on earth as Victoria Plarr just turned 40! Yes 40 years. Not 30, Not 35, but 40, and I want you to hear from Victoria herself just how she and her husband of 11 years, Robert Plarr, (who at 47 is a physical Adonis in his own right), have discovered the elusive Fountain of Youth.

Last summer I received a call from LifeQuest Triple Crown Director Elaine Whitfield, who eagerly described to me a new entrant to the competition as “a beautiful 39 year old actress named Victoria Plarr who had just worked as an ‘18 year old’ in a Tom Hanks film”. I hurried to Elaine’s office to review this anomaly’s photos and resume. I was intrigued yet skeptical, as pictures and film can be airbrushed and retouched to make anyone look younger than they actually are, and when we finally met a few months later, my first impression was that Victoria and her husband Robert were a very nice and equally buff “Venice Beach” kind of couple. Robert looked 30 something, and Victoria, though she was wearing large reflective sunglasses, looked every bit the 18 year old in her striped lycra pants and bomber jacket. I was further intrigued, but the jury was still out on whether she could sell herself as an 18 year old to my discerning eyes until I had the chance to see her compete without all the camouflage. Well, as I have already stated, Victoria is “all that” and more. Within 24 hours I was already sure that I wanted to better get to know this perplexing couple, so when they invited my wife Candace and I to spend some quality time with them at one of their retreats for a week or two of spiritual re-charging, shared enlightenment, and environmental detoxification, we didn’t hesitate to accept. Little did we know just how charged-up they would get us.

We both had business in New York on a common weekend, so we decided to meet in Manhattan for dinner, then drove to their hill side retreat just outside Allentown, PA. This hard working couple had obviously done very well for themselves, as their sprawling eco-structure (that once sported a world famous high tech windmill engineered by Robert) overlooked a tremendous theme park featuring three monstrous roller-coasters and the largest water park I had ever seen. Their mystery unfolded only as Candace and I, both insatiable children at heart, pried away at the humble pair of enigmas to discover Robert had designed much of the theme park for his family business, and had sold it during the 80’s to pursue greater challenges...like...“changing the world” for instance.

The four of us spent the entire weekend diving deep into the ultimate truths of life that we have each discovered, especially those that deal with nutrition, longevity, personal and professional success, and spiritual wisdom. Deep stuff indeed, but I wish you could have been there. We watched no TV, played no games, and wasted no time with idle talk. Even while Robert and Victoria cooked the most delicious, nutritious meals you could imagine--at the rate of 6 per day--and brewed pot after pot of a variety of herbal teas, the discussions were incessant and their knowledge never ceased to amaze me. After 35 years of searching for these truths on my own, I thought I had my act together. Although I had previously learned a great deal of these realities, Robert and Victoria re-taught us that “knowledge without follow through equals death”. Robert immediately became the mentor I was in search of, while Victoria utterly enchanted me and literally mesmerized Candace in a way I had never before witnessed. I have seen my wife read a thousand articles, watch a hundred fitness shows, and listen attentively to me ramble on until the point of passing out. But I have never seen her so delivered by knowledge and so endearingly drawn to an other’s wisdom and spirit as she was to Victoria. In lieu of you going back in time to those “big table” discussions, here is some of what she and her husband Robert had to say. Keep in mind, none of the pictures you will see along the way have been air brushed or re-touched, and all were shot this year unless otherwise noted. Enjoy!

O2: Victoria, where did you grow up?
Victoria: I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and lived there most of my life. I attended the University of Louisville and graduated with a B.A. Degree in Communications and Theatre.
O2: Was there anything unique about your diet and activity level through your childhood and teenage years?
Victoria: I didn’t drink, smoke, or take drugs,(rare in the late 60’s, early 70’s), while my diet consisted mostly of home cooked meals. I attended Catholic School and had to eat all my food, including my vegetables. My mother ensured that I always had healthy balanced meals, and I seldom if ever ate junk food. I was active in dance, acting, singing, and many other arts and positive activities. I loved to entertain everyone! I would put together shows with my sisters Susan and Tina, and we would charge the neighborhood kids a quarter to come to our backyard and watch us sing, dance, and act in costumes that we would create ourselves. As I got older, I would compete in dance competitions and won most of them. It was a fun way to keep in shape. In high school I was about as active as a girl can be and kept several entertainment related jobs doing everything from modeling to bouncing fans off the stage at Elvis Concerts!
O2: I’ve seen pictures of you in your young twenties, why didn’t you attack big time acting and modeling at that point in life?
Victoria: I did for a while, but then I put my priorities in order. During college I had been very successful modeling in the smaller markets, and eventually I was selected from a modeling competition among a field of 1500 girls to work in New York. While there I felt I wasn’t really ready for it. I was too young and too naive. After a short time there, another young model I had met was murdered. I was horrified. I decided then that I was too trusting for the big city life, so I moved home and put my education first. I wanted to be able to take care of myself no matter what happened, and I wanted to be taken more seriously. I saw so many women making bad choices out of fear or lack of confidence, and I knew I wanted to avoid all that. As the first member of my family to attend college, I also wanted to be an inspiration to my younger siblings and friends. I found it more important to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. Meanwhile, I seldom passed on opportunities for local market modeling and acting jobs, and was fortunate enough to work with Bill Murray on “Stripes” for six weeks.
I later spent some time in Hollywood, and you wouldn’t believe some of the things I was exposed to there. At times it seemed I was being offered the world, but at what cost? I love the business, but I respected myself too much to sell myself short.
O2: What was your diet and activity level during your twenties?
Victoria: My diet then consisted mostly of fish, (tuna was my favorite) fruits, and vegetables (mostly in salads), but since I was always on the go back then, I wasn’t as consistent with proper nutrition as I should have been. I started weight training in my early 20’s, and would have no choice but to train with the guys at the gym or all alone, since back then very few women even touched the weights; most focused only on aerobics. I also continued to study dance (mostly ballet and jazz).
O2: You have nearly perfect skin over your entire body. What’s your secret?
Victoria: You’ll see that I give a lot of credit to my dietary intake and activity level. Aside from those critical variables, where skin care is concerned I also give credit to the training and knowledge I attained throughout my career as a model. What a blessing. While everyone else was baking in the sun, my agents refused to let me tan. Consequently, I avoided the skin damage caused by sun tanning that so many women in my generation have suffered. I kept my skin care simple, using soap and water, moisturizing my face and body daily, and I used a lot of vitamin E oil. And again, my exercise, proper nutrition, and modest vitamin supplementation had tremendous positive effects, as did my continuous intake of water and fluids. And contrary to popular belief, smiling a lot never hurt me!
O2: Did you have any major turning points or revelations concerning your health and beauty even before you met Robert?
Victoria: Yes! I had finally learned to slow down and take time to eat properly on a consistent basis. I had been burning the candle at both ends, trying to do everything and to be there for everyone. It was a powerful day when I realized that I had to get proper rest to keep my energy level up.
O2: How did you and Robert meet, and how did marrying Robert immediately change your life?
Victoria: Where do I begin? We met under “story book” circumstances in 1985. He had just built the world’s largest wave pool and was hosting the first World Inland Surfing Championships. I had been selected by his Ad agency to serve as their spokes model for a series of award winning television commercials promoting the park, and the first one was to be shot that week. When our eyes first met during the event, neither of us had any idea who the other was, or why the other was even there. After a brief conversation Robert boldly professed to me “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t take drugs, and I never will. If you ever need someone like me to talk to or spend some time with I’ll be here waiting.” I was so refreshed and overwhelmed by his obvious sincerity, that we married a year later. At the time Robert also owned a Fitness Center, was an extremely fit personal trainer, had a health restaurant called Eating to Win and had more visions and dreams than I could list. He inspired me to dream even bigger than I already had. His impact on my nutrition and activity level was profound and immediate, his love for people and his pioneering efforts to promote civilization “living in harmony” with nature challenged me to a higher level of spirituality, as I in turn lead him to a deeper relationship with the Lord. We both knew that we were simply meant to be.
O2: You were soon to turn 30, still looked 20, and suddenly you were married to a health food expert. What were the key changes to your diet that Robert encouraged at that point and which do you still practice?
Victoria: First he reinforced in me that proper nutrition is a lifestyle--a life long endeavor. Robert stressed the importance of eating only natural, organically grown, fresh foods; low in sodium, low in fat, and low in sugar. For protein we would bake or broil fresh fish (farm raised when availablie), and we would always steam our vegetables. I continued to drink at least 8 glasses of pure water each day, and completely cut out white flour, white sugar, and white rice from my diet. None of this has changed to this day. Probably the most important nutritional fact that he taught me--and I am sure it is the key to physical youthfulness--was that nutrition is 80% of the battle. And not just what you do eat, but also what you don’t!
O2:You are firm believers in nutrition for good health, vitality, and disease prevention. Today what is your daily/weekly dietary regimen?
Victoria: I think I will let Robert field this one. Robert: We eat 6 to 8 hand sized meals a day, consisting of 30% protein (deep sea fish, soy beans, vegetable proteins), 40% complex carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, broccoli, onions, whole grains, fruits, garlic) and 30% fats (flax oil, olive oil, or fish oil only). We can’t stress enough the importance of 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Remember, the key to nutritional success is CONSISTENCY! We maintain this diet 365 days per year. Can you argue with our success?
O2: Hey, I am a believer. Victoria has already listed some, but what other foods that most of us eat do the two of you consider poisonous or taboo and why?
Victoria and Robert: Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs are worth repeating; caffeine, foods high in sodium; saturated fats are obviously dangerous, yet most of the western world consumes these on a regular basis. Now some of you may want to sit down for this part of the list: red meat, dairy products, shell fish, processed foods of any kind, burned or char-grilled foods, and even over-eating of the good stuff can kill you, and probably will if you don’t change your diet. Not too long ago the US Surgeon General stated that two thirds of all deaths could be attributed to diet, never mind the fact that all of these also pre-age your organs and skin.
O2: Are there any examples of activities, environmental exposures, or bad habits you have not yet covered that you consider to pre-age us?
Victoria and Robert: Avoid all negativity and people who spread it! Know and listen to your body! Maintain a positive mental attitude, and be at Peace with God! These metaphysical powers, in many cases, can actually reverse disease. On a dietary note it is important to add that one must chew their food well before swallowing, as this is where the digestive process begins. Also, one should avoid ice cold beverages immediately before and after their meals, and one should avoid eating heavy foods upon rising from or retiring before bed. Finally we all should get plenty of fresh air and regular, short doses of natural sunlight.
O2: Victoria, I know that Robert has been an avid bodybuilder throughout his life, did he have an immediate impact on your strength training regimen?
Victoria: Oh Yes! Robert was also a Recon Marine, and to this day he has not lost the extreme physical and mental discipline the Marine Corps drilled into him. When we first moved into his underground hillside home, he challenged me to climb a twenty foot rope as my only access to the second floor! As I had mentioned earlier, I was also self motivated to improve my physical strength, so Robert became not only my partner in life, but also my partner in the Gym. Another true blessing. We both want to push each other to be our best in every way, and we are firm believers that couples who push each other to grow physically and spiritually have the best relationships and the best training partners they could ever find. By the way, the rope is still there and I still do my “G.I. Jane” act once in a while!
O2: You have been married for 11 years now. What were the major revelations during those years, basically all of your 30’s, that contributed to your youthfulness at 40?
Victoria: On a technical note, we have discovered how not to over train. We get our rest! Just as a baby needs rest to grow, so do we. We have learned the bio-mechanics of the body so to prevent damage to our joints--enlightenment that is severely lacking amongst the masses of fitness enthusiasts today. Above everything we know, including our ever increasing knowledge of nutrition and disease prevention, the greatest revelations that Robert and I discovered in our decade together have to do with our spiritual development. Together we have grown leaps and bounds! We have discovered that living in peace and developing a close personal relationship with God is the key to remaining childlike at heart; and it is this childlike spirit that is the key ingredient to maintaining the youthful looks and vigor we both embrace--and not just for our own satisfaction, but to serve as inspirations to individuals and couples of all ages.. Finally, among these spiritual revelations we have embraced the healing and energizing power of laughter! Having a healthy sense of humor is a great sign of faith.
O2: As type A entrepreneurs with residences in two states you are obviously subject to high levels of stress. How do you deal with it all?
Victoria: I’ll let Robert take this one too.
Robert: High levels of stress are usually caused by your environment. If you choose to hang out with negative people than you are choosing not to succeed and will eventually find yourself wallowing in self pity. You know the old saying “you are what you eat”? Well you also “are whom you hang out with”. Someone with a negative mentality lacks moral character; they will never be happy for your success and growth, and even worse will cheer when you fall. We believe that 50% of illness and pre-aging is stress related. We also feel that in order to stay eternally young and spiritually connected we should exhibit an infectious attitude of uplifting others and inspiring them to reach their greatest potentials. Share with others the same love and encouragement you would like them to share with you.
O2: What is your current fitness/body sculpting/strength training regimen?
Victoria: My routine remains flexible depending on my immediate goals. I remain consistent in my strength training with weights, and I mix up my cardio using mostly the treadmill, stairmaster, and versa climber. I mix in variety as often as possible. I train for feminine symmetry and balance, and will never try to bulk up. I train about 5 days a week, getting in about 30 minutes of cardio and about an hour on the weights. I structure my body part groupings based on what my body is “saying to me” at that time. I focus on the specific muscles I am working, and employ slow movements and proper form at all times.
O2: You pride yourself in having a natural physique and having avoided all cosmetic surgery. Why do you feel so strongly about these issues? Are there risks you are afraid to take? Is this an ethical issue or a health issue?
Victoria: Too many people I care about have ventured down this road, and I don’t want them to think I am judging them. Robert: Well, if you don’t mind I would like to stick my neck out here. I believe it is both a health issue and an ethical issue. There are millions of women who are turned off to fitness because they think that in order to compete in fitness sport you need breast implants and have to take performance enhancing drugs. From my observations I would say that at least 50% of the active athletes have already given in to this fallacy. On a purely aesthetic note, I feel that these drugs and implants actually make the women appear older and hard looking. I feel that too many female fitness competitors sneak behind closed doors and abuse many different drugs; some for strength, others to quickly lose weight, still others to mask injuries. These women are living a lie and are severely pre-aging themselves. They may be able to hide it in their twenties, but man will they pay a horrible price during their 30’s , 40’s, and beyond--if they live that long. What a horrifying message we would be sending young girls if we promoted these health risks as “advantages” within the sport. We need role models that are natural, role models that will encourage young women to approach the fitness industry with positive self esteem about who the really are...who God made them to be.
O2: Do you plan to have any children, and do you think that you have helped or hurt your youthfulness by not having had children yet?
Victoria: We are planning to have children soon! As a matter of fact twins run on both sides of our family so we are excited about that prospect. But no, I don’t think child berth has any impact on one’s youthfulness. You either take good care or yourself or you don’t! The choice is yours.
O2: Aside from obvious changes that will result from new research findings or general future enlightenment, are there any adjustments to your diet and fitness regimen you project for your 40’s and 50’s?
Victoria: I am simply excited about seizing each day one at a time, staying active, creative, productive, and growing mentally physically, and spiritually in every way! I would like to make an important point on this topic. The baby boomer generation has a life expectancy of about 88 years. This is about 16 years more than the previous generation. So I like to ask my contemporaries, why add those additional years to the end of your life when you can add them to the beginning? In other words, instead of 16 more years of old age we should be enjoying 16 more years of real youth! So life really starts in your 40’s not your 20’s! Those years are simply an extension of your childhood. The average person is not mentally or spiritually mature enough to make serious decisions about their destiny until this age, so those of you that are under 40, relax! Grow! Take good care of yourself, and learn to care about others, only then will you discover true quality of life.
O2: I know you just signed with a major talent agency in New York that loves your athletic yet glamorous look, and I feel confident that the world will soon be seeing your face and hearing your voice for many years to come. In a nutshell Victoria, what is your formula for life success--what is your Fountain of Youth?
Victoria: I have said it before and I will say it again and again. Always be your best mentally, physically, and spiritually! Live, love, and laugh, its all so good for your soul! Place God first in your life, and everything else falls into place. Be forgiving. Never be egotistical. Always be humble and count your blessings one by one. Keep your word. Love one another! Never compare yourself to others, be yourself and be your best! Seize the day; life and those around you are precious, so don’t take anything for granted! And finally, stay childlike at heart!

O2: Thank you.

 

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