Deborah Szekely, often hailed as the “Mother of Wellness,” celebrated her 102nd birthday on May 3rd. Known for her remarkable vitality and active lifestyle, Deborah’s journey in the wellness industry began in 1940 when she and her late husband established Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. This pioneering wellness resort has become a renowned destination for health and wellness enthusiasts, consistently voted the number one international destination spa.
Morning Ritual: Embracing the New Day
Deborah starts each day with a sense of renewal and purpose. She wakes up with the sun and the birds, deeply breathing and planning her day. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the new day’s energy and the opportunities it brings. Her morning routine is a sacred time, setting a positive tone for the day.
Sleep and Exercise: Staying Active and Engaged
Despite her age, Deborah maintains an active lifestyle, attributing her longevity to constant movement. She believes that “life is movement” and integrates various physical activities into her daily routine. At Rancho La Puerta, guests are encouraged to start their day early with hikes, and Deborah herself takes daily walks through the park with her King Charles Spaniel, Charlie. She also continues to practice Pilates and swimming, adapting her activities to suit her abilities as she ages.
Nutritional Philosophy: A Lifelong Commitment to Healthy Eating
Deborah’s approach to nutrition is grounded in her early adoption of vegetarianism, influenced by her family’s dentist. Over the years, she transitioned to a pescatarian diet, incorporating fish along with vegetables. At Rancho La Puerta, the menu features organic, farm-to-table meals, reflecting Deborah’s commitment to healthful eating. Her daily diet includes a simple breakfast of yogurt, whole grain cereal with bananas, and a cup of black coffee. Lunch is a nutrient-dense salad with nuts or cottage cheese for protein, and dinner is a variety of vegetarian dishes, often featuring recipes from the ranch’s cookbook.
Supplements: Supporting Health from Within
To complement her diet, Deborah takes a range of supplements to support her overall health. Her regimen includes a daily multivitamin, omega fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. She also takes additional supplements such as papaya enzymes for digestion, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10 for energy, as well as brain-specific nutrients and immune-boosting herbs depending on the season.
Key to Longevity: Right Living
Deborah attributes her long life to consistently doing the right things—eating healthfully, thinking positively, and staying active. Her philosophy emphasizes tuning into one’s body and listening to its needs, adapting one’s lifestyle to support overall well-being.
In conclusion, Deborah Szekely’s life is a testament to the benefits of a holistic wellness approach. Her daily practices, from her mindful morning routine to her balanced diet and active lifestyle, offer valuable insights into achieving longevity and maintaining a high quality of life. Her story inspires us to embrace wellness in every aspect of our lives, ensuring that we live not just longer, but better.