Words of Advice from Access Hollywood‘s Terri MacLeod

When talking about celebrities, health and wellness usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But all of that started to change several years ago when Terri MacLeod, the senior producer at Access Hollywood, decided to bring health to the forefront of entertainment.

With over a decade working at Access, MacLeod originally covered the celebrity gossip beat, and eventually transitioned to the fashion side of things, but the self-proclaimed “reading junkie” and single mother was inspired by her own journey into the wellness world. As her interests shifted away from fashion, MacLeod decided she wanted to pass on her newly garnered knowledge to her viewers.

Today, on Access Hollywood MacLeod has a daily on-air segment devoted to women’s health and lifestyle issues, and “Healthy Hollywood” is currently the most popular blog on the show’s website. And this week she made some time in her busy schedule to talk with SharpHeels about her job, cleaner living, and her tips for a healthier, day-to-day life.

When did you get involved in women’s health & wellness, and why?
Terri MacLeod: I’ve gone through some tough times, and that tends to make you re-evaluate things. You want to be better; you want to be happy. I think that’s where health and wellness plays into it. I started reading wellness books, just to figure out how I could feel better, and got into plant-based eating. Yoga really helped me. Eventually, I had all this great information and wanted to pay it forward.

For me health & wellness became more meaningful than fashion. It can be depressing to cover celebrity sometimes – it can be easy to feel less than. Health and wellness is more positive.

Can you tell me a bit more about how you became a senior producer?
TM: It was a journey. After I graduate college I kind of fell into a TV position. I was really into entertainment and pop culture, and was lucky enough to have an entertainment reporter mentor me.

I’ve been at Access Hollywood for thirteen years, partially because it really worked as a single mom. I don’t have to travel, and I pretty much have control over my schedule even though my days are really busy. People here have been very supportive, they understand when you have to make a doctor’s appointments or go to your child’s play. It all kind of worked for me at Access, being based in New York so much is happening here in the celebrity world that you’re able to cover it and still be a mom.

As senior producer, what’s a day at your job look like?
TM: There’s not a “typical” day. Every day you have different stories, and I’m always searching web. But, usually the first thing I do is write my blog – easy, breezy lifestyle tips from celebrities, athletes, and so on. As the health & wellness producer, I wear a lot of different hats. I format the segment each day; make sure it’s accessible to audience. I go through pitches daily, or I’m out in the field, which could be anything from the red carpet to a sit-down interview.

The nitty gritty of it is content: you’ve got to love people, stories, interviewing. There’s a curiosity aspect to the job and I’ve always been curious. It also involves a lot of multitasking, making priorities, and writing. All while having the pulse on what’s happening and what people are interested in right now.

How do you pick which stories to run with?
TM: Really, it comes down to impulse. Weddings are a big topic right now, and I’m getting lots of BBQ pitches. I look for things we haven’t seen before, if they can do a good set up, or a live cooking demonstration – something with a new spin.

Last week – for father’s day – we did a segment on why fathers are important in the child’s life and how moms can help support dads. Also, I like to offer our viewers information they can use. Women’s issues are huge for me, and I take from my own life experience.

What’s your favorite thing trending in celebrity news at the moment?
TM: I almost go blank when talking about celebrities. I’m more interested their lifestyles, but as far as the gossip goes, I don’t really follow it. I do like stories about celebrities who go through something tough and come out the other side. Seeing someone you think has everything and yet, they’re empty inside – it’s a great reminder that just because you have money doesn’t mean you actually have everything.

Why is it so important for women to take care of themselves?
TM: So many reasons –you’ll look and feel better – especially as a mom. I think it’s easy as a single parent to forget about “me time.” But, if you’re not able to take care of yourself, then you can’t take care of your kids.

We’re so hung up on age and every single little wrinkle. I’m trying to embrace age. My goal is to look and feel the best I can each year. Exercising can help you feel a bit younger, and eating healthy. Learning how to cook something simple for your kids, that doesn’t come out of box, will make you (and them) feel better. And you’re teaching your kids to eat better.

What health & wellness tips would you give your readers for day-to-day life?
TM:

• • • Eat as whole and clean as you possibly can. I strive for an 80/20 clean eating ratio.
    • Try to live in the moment; you can’t do anything about the past or control the future – concentrate on today, achieve goals for tomorrow.
    • Loose the soda; it’s the devil. Every celebrity I’ve interviewed has said the same thing: drink more water. The more you hydrate the better you’ll feel, it’s the end all-be all beauty tip.
    • Get active; find some sort of exercise passion and go with it. Yoga is my go-to, and I try to hit the gym everyday.

Photos courtesy of Terri MacLeod & Wikicommons