Meet Helena Lien - coach and expert in nutrition, exercise, and balanced lifestyle, and new AYA&IDA ambassador.
In her work, Helena helps make a healthy lifestyle possible, even when life is busy and days can be long – with a focus on balance rather than restriction.
In connection with our new ambassadorship with Helena, we have asked Helena about her background, her approach to health with balance, and her mindset about combining a busy everyday life with good habits.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to work with nutrition and exercise?
I was always active as a child, but never played sports - it wasn't until I was 15 at a gymnastics boarding school that I truly became acquainted with "intentional" movement. With a schedule full of dance, yoga, and gymnastics, I quickly learned how much I loved to move and use my body purposefully through sports and exercise.
When I returned home to a much more sedentary everyday life in high school, I experienced the same thing that unfortunately many young women go through: a fear of gaining weight and a subsequent restrictive approach to both food and exercise. I became obsessed with "six-pack" workout videos, started tracking my food, became afraid of carbohydrates and fats, and focused solely on calories. This affected both my mental and physical well-being - especially because I love food and always have.
Fortunately, after a relatively short time, I realized that this approach was far from sustainable. I started following people on social media who showed a different way of living - where there was room to eat the foods I had become afraid of (but missed), exercise in a way you actually enjoyed, and at the same time feel good in your body. Slowly, I shifted my focus from restriction to balance.
That journey inspired me to choose a career where I could help others find joy in movement, nourishing food, and a more balanced lifestyle. This led me to a professional bachelor's degree in Global Nutrition & Health, an education as a personal trainer, and ultimately self-employment as a coach and expert in nutrition, exercise, and balanced lifestyle.
What motivates you in your work today?
To help others find their way to balance - by supporting them in making changes that promote their health and make a lifestyle focused on being the best version of themselves feel manageable and realistic in a busy everyday life.
How do you see a match between you and AYA&IDA?
Creating lasting changes (rather than quick fixes and trendy diets) is paramount for me in my work as a coach, trainer, and health expert. I love AYA&IDA's approach to making good choices easier in everyday life. Both when it comes to the quality, production, and materials of the products, but also because I see them as essential elements of a healthy lifestyle. As I said, a big part of my job is to help others make a healthy lifestyle possible, even when life is busy and days can be long. Here, AYA&IDA's products are indispensable - I know this because I use them myself every single day, and I know what a big difference it makes that breakfast can be taken on the go, so it doesn't get skipped, for example. That you can bring a healthy packed lunch to work or study, and that good snacks are easy to take on a road trip. Here, AYA&IDA's products very beautifully combine the habits I want to implement in others with durable materials and functionality.
What is important to you when choosing products for your everyday life?
That production, functionality, and materials are all of high quality - because it makes a big difference all around, that these are considered when choosing a product.
How do you use AYA&IDA's products in your own daily life - is there a situation where they are always with you?
I use them for almost all types of meals and situations! I use the Food'ie for both warm oatmeal and cold yogurt bowls. My CUP2GO always contains a homemade coffee, matcha, or smoothie, and I use my Snack Containers for dates, nuts, berries, and fruit (or a piece of chocolate for after lunch).
How do you incorporate functionality into your kitchen and habits?
Sticking to good habits and healthy routines is easiest when things are - well, easy. So I always try to make double portions of various ingredients, so it's easy for me to make healthy choices on long or busy days. This also means that I often prepare, for example, overnight oats in the Food'ie the night before, or pack lunch in the Lunch Box when I'm already making dinner. The fact that the products keep cold things cold, and coffee or oatmeal warm, means that I don't feel restricted in my food choices - even if I'm not eating at home. This is a functionality that helps me take better care of myself and my health.
Do you have a go-to recipe or routine you always return to?
Overnight oats are and remain a staple breakfast for me! Easy to prepare, easy to take on the go, and can be made in so many delicious flavor variations.
What are your best hacks for a busy everyday life?
- Prepare food and meals in advance where you can - it saves time, mental energy, and makes healthy choices easier to make.
- Prioritize your sleep and having just 10-20 minutes for yourself before the day begins.
- Planning works wonders if you're juggling a lot - whether it's structuring your meals, workouts, or appointments. An overview makes everything more manageable!
What are you working on improving in your own daily life?
Prioritizing small habits (like yoga or reading before bed) when I feel like time is short.
See more of Helena on her Instagram profile here.
Explore Helena's AYA&IDA favorites here.
