Her passion for helping others, self-love, her love for her family, together with her extensive knowledge on physical and emotional well-being make her the perfect De La Heart girl of the month for May! Del Valle is a wife, mom to Colette & Celine, a Certified Health Coach, Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant and Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers making it happen out there every day! Learn more about Monica this month on #delaheart. xx
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. I am crazy in love with my husband, daughters, family and friends. I am a lover of life and truly try to enjoy each day to the fullest. I am very optimistic and try to share this trait with anyone who crosses my path. I live with absolutely no regrets, and I make sure nothing goes undone or unsaid before I go to bed each night.
Describe a day in your life. My two little girls keep me extremely busy. After I drop them off at school, I squeeze in a yoga or pilates class. I’ll either run to the office or work from home and plan dinner for the family. Once I pick up my girls from school we spend some time outdoors before dinner and bedtime. Once the girls are asleep, I have some “me time” and catch up with my husband. On the weekends, my husband and I enjoy trying out new restaurants and enjoying wine together or with friends. Dating your spouse is so important.
Tell us a about your career journey. I was drawn to fitness and nutrition from a very young age. Once I began working in the healthcare industry over 10 years ago, I realized how important a healthy lifestyle was to disease prevention and overall wellness. After I became a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant and Health Coach, the weight loss practice in my husband’s medical practice took off. I’m working a little less while I enjoy my little ones, but I love helping patients reach their goals and achieve balance in their life.
What are you most proud of? Definitely surviving the loss of my mother.
You are open about the loss of your mother to cancer, what steps did you take to overcome the grief? I began to see a therapist as soon as she was diagnosed. It was so important for me to not self-destruct during the process because I knew how much my mom relied on me for strength and comfort. I was able to learn so many useful tools that have helped me navigate through all the stages of grief. Grief comes in waves but talking about her and keeping her memory alive brings me great joy.
What made you want to start a blog? I wanted to start a blog that could help others who were dealing with loss, heartache, and the difficulties of life. In my health coaching experience many patients were struggling with stress, anxiety, and weight gain because they were dealing with an underlying issue. Most patients had created bad habits to help them cope with a recent divorce, stressful job, financial struggles, or being a caregiver. Life can be challenging, but if you learn to practice gratitude and self-love, dealing with issues can become easier.
HOME
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Miami? Born and raised in Miami
Can’t leave the house without? Super Goop Glow Stick.
Coffee or tea? Both!
What’s your favorite spot in Miami? The farmer’s market in Pinecrest Gardens on Sundays.
Best way to decompress at home. I change into comfy clothes, light incense (Nag Champa) and write in my gratitude journal. Instant mood booster.
Favorite scent. Diptyque Patchouli candle and Botanico de Havana by Archipelago candles and diffuser
Last thing you cooked. A spicy cilantro avocado soup
What’s on your reading list. Dirty Genes
WELLNESS
How do you usually start your mornings? My Amazon Alexa will wake me up in the morning with the Beetles “Here Comes the Sun”. It helps me wake up with a smile on my face.
What’s a regular breakfast for you? I’m not a big breakfast eater but I have to start my day with coffee and I’ll usually have a green juice or my Chai Latte from Four Sigmatic that has adaptogens later in the morning.
What is the first thing you thought of this morning? I need a vacation!
What’s your go-to fitness routine or regimen? I practice yoga at least 4 times a week and also do pilates and a high intensity training (bootcamp) 2-3 times a week. I try to stay active everyday because my body craves those feel good endorphins after a workout
Where do you work out/practice and why do you go there? I practice yoga at Casa Vinyasa and Buddha Grove. The instructors and owners of these studios are incredible people and have created a beautiful place to practice yoga. I also do pilates at Jetset and Pilates One and I go to Kamps for the high intensity training.
What is your approach to nutrition? I have a lot of body awareness and know which foods decrease my energy, give me a mental fog and don’t sit well with me. I eat a lot of vegetables and stay away from refined sugars. I believe in balance and eating foods that make YOU feel good.
What are your lifestyle “must-do’s” and your absolute “no ways”? I feel like everyone needs to practice good sleep hygiene. Waking up rested makes every area of your life more productive and joyful. I hate to say no-way or never but I think you should never fully deprive yourself of a craving. Giving into a craving or small indulgence can help you overindulge on a regular basis.
BEAUTY
What’s your “passed down from Mom” beauty secret? DO. NOT. GET. SUN.
Best beauty tip you ever received. Start taking care of your face and skin at a young age. It’s never too early to implement a good skincare routine.
What’s a beauty secret you want to share with us. I use O’Keefe’s healthy feet lotion on my feet at night and put socks on. It helps keep my feet baby soft.
What’s your must have beauty product. Biologique Recherche P50 1970 Lotion and Sangre de fruta Vetiver & fleur body cream.
Best facial. Rescue Spa in NYC
What’s your philosophy about beauty. I believe beauty starts from the inside out. Your skin and hair can be a reflection of overall wellness. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and taking the right supplements can make a huge impact.
TECH
Favorite app. I definitely have two! Amazon and Instacart. I love to pick my own produce, but having that extra help with cleaning supplies and pantry staples is such a huge help. These delivery services help free up more time I can spend doing other things.
Favorite social-media platform. Instagram
Favorite person to follow on Instagram. @delaheart_ of course ;)
Last google search. Peri-menopause symptoms. lol.
Person you text the most. My best friend Loretta
FASHION & LIFESTYLE
Favorite store to shop in Miami. Atelier Boutique in South Miami.
What’s your idea of a perfect date. My husband loves wine and enjoys the experience of wine pairing with food. We always have such a great time at wine pairing events, but also love going to a great restaurant and taking our favorite bottle of wine.
What’s your favorite city in the world. New York!
Where do you want to travel next. South Africa
Last trip you took. Blackberry Farm
What words do you live by. Life is too sweet to be bitter
How do you describe your personal style. I would describe my style as fun & feminine. I love ruffles, sleeves and girly pieces paired with something edgy or unexpected.
