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Michelle Obama exclusive interview with Prevention Magazine

By Eleanor Harley Feb 2, 2012, 16:00 GMT

Michelle Obama gives an exclusive interview to Prevention Magazine. Copyright by Janet Mayer / PR Photos

First Lady Michelle Obama has given an exclusive interview to Prevention Magazine.

The magazine focuses on health & lifestyle.

Obama, who the magazine quotes is ‘in her best shape at 48,’ discusses her own ways of keeping herself and her family healthy.

The First Lady says she works out six or seven days a week and has recently added Yoga into her routine to increase her flexibility and mobility.

Obama thinks it’s important to stay healthy but not to dwell on your weight. "I would tell women: Forget about weight. Don’t get on a scale. Stop measuring your waist. We can be upset about the double standard, but if we’re teetering on the edge of unhealthy weights, that doesn’t help us or our families."

Michelle Obama on the front cover of Prevention Magazine. Courtesy of Prevention Magazine

"I’m working out just as much for my girls as I am for me, because I want them to see a mother who loves them dearly, who invests in them, but who also invests in herself."

The First Lady explains that she thinks it’s important to pass this culture down. “We have to show our young girls, I want you to be smart, I want you to be at the top of your class, I want you to play sports, I want you to sweat, I want you to run, I want you to eat right, and I want you to always do this”

Encouraging kids to eat right is something Obama feels strongly about.

“Sasha always claimed not to like tomatoes, but then she took a cooking class at school where they made sandwiches with tomatoes, and all of a sudden she’s coming home saying how much she loves tomatoes. I think that’s why involving kids in the cooking process is so important - they become invested, and they’re willing to try new things, and they might discover that they actually like them.”

Obama would leave a bowl of fruit out for Sasha and Malia to help themselves to in the hopes that they would prefer to take something from the bowl rather than have a cookie.

Michelle Obama in the garden. Courtesy of Prevention Magazine

Check out the video below of First Lady Michelle Obama talking about ways to help encourage the kids become involved with cooking and eating healthy food for her Let’s Move campaign or check out the website.  

The First Lady is proud of what her husband, President Obama, has accomplished for the country. "If you look at what he’s done on health care alone, it’s really remarkable,” explains Obama.

“He passed the Affordable Care Act, and because of that law, kids now get free preventive care, including healthy weight screenings. That’s going to help us prevent obesity before it starts,” she says.

Michelle Obama talks to Prevention Magazine and speaks about her own tips for health and lifestyle. Courtesy of Prevention Magazine

Obama says that although at times her husband will talk to her about decisions weighing on his mind, for the most part they discuss the girls and their family.“I think that’s important for him to have that balance in his life, to have someone who sees him as a husband and dad first and president second,” she says.

First Lady Michelle Obama. Courtesy of Prevention Magazine

For more health and lifestyle tips, go to the Prevention website.