Soap Hub Wellness Wednesday: GH’s Kelly Thiebaud Talks Balanced Living

Kelly Thiebaud isn’t a doctor — but she plays one on TV. She’s General Hospital’s Dr. Britt Westbourne, and while she may not have a real-life medical degree, the dynamic fan-favorite does have some thoughts and suggestions on fitness, wellness, and health for the latest installment of Soap Hub’s Wellness Wednesday.

Kelly Thiebaud Talks Wellness

Viewers have loved to watch Thiebaud’s on-screen journey as Britt has gone from ‘The Britch’ to trusted pal and confidante to folks like Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) and Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms). Read on for her thoughts on staying fit. (As always, it’s a good idea to consult your physician before embarking on a new regime.)

Soap Hub: How do you schedule fitness into your life?
Kelly Thiebaud: I have always been active. I played a lot of sports when I was a kid, so it’s just always been a habit I enjoy. I also don’t have a naturally slender body, and because I love food so much, I have to work out to stay fit! It’s not always easy to schedule it into my day, but I have to make it a priority.

Soap Hub: What’s a typical fitness regime?
Kelly Thiebaud: I run three-four times a week and do Pilates, and I take HIIT classes [high-intensity interval training].

Soap Hub: Do you have a “cheat” day? Do you believe in them?
Kelly Thiebaud: I’ve tried to eat super clean during the week and then on Sunday get myself a cheat day, but it never works out for me. LOL. I just try to have a really balanced diet. I do focus on eating healthy, but if I’m having a strong craving for something, I allow myself to have it. As long as I’m staying active and working out, I feel like those types of things are OK! I’m not super strict with my diet. It’s all about balance.

Soap Hub: What’s one thing that you’d like to work on – more water? Shut off the cell phone after a certain hour?
Kelly Thiebaud: Definitely consuming less alcoholic beverages. And less phone time. I’d like to get to a point where by 8 p.m. I don’t get on my phone, and I leave my phone in another room when I’m sleeping.

Soap Hub: Do you meditate?
Kelly Thiebaud: Yes, I am trying to make that an everyday practice. Right when I wake up in the morning I do try to meditate!

Soap Hub: Everyone is different and has different needs, but do you have any advice for those who are looking to work on their wellness?
Kelly Thiebaud: Just to keep going. You’re going to feel differently every day, so don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t make a workout or if you eat something that’s unhealthy. Just keep putting in the effort. Consistency is everything.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.