June 2021

A fitness competition was the catalyst Dr. Marjorie Broussard needed to take her health journey to another level. After winning the competition, she continued with the same, regimented exercise and eating habits so that she could compete in triathlons and Ironman competitions. A family physician and mother of two, Dr. Broussard makes time to be healthy so that she can be a positive influence on her patients and her family.

Have you always been into health and fitness?
I was not into sports or fitness growing up – at all! I didn’t play any sports or anything. I started running after having my second baby at age 33 to lose the baby weight. Then I signed up for a 5K. From there I had the running bug! I started running 10Ks and half marathons.

And from there your love of fitness magnified?
Yes. A couple of years ago a friend who was really into fitness organized a fitness competition for doctors. She wanted doctors to lead by example. So, the competition was held in Miami and consisted of fitness tests, speed, agility and strength contests, and a bikini portion!

How did you feel about that?
Well, I was just a runner. I was not into lifting weights, so I had to change my routine and lift weights to change my body composition. In the end, I wound up winning the competition! But for me, the point was that you can start a fitness journey at any age – even if you don’t have the athletic background. I thought I was healthy when I was running half marathons, but the competition brought my fitness to another level!

Have you continued with the higher level of training?
Yes, now I am a triathlete and am training for an Ironman competition. It has opened up a door and shown me how much more I can do. It has given me the confidence to know that I can do all of this, work full time, and be a busy mom! I make fitness a priority – it brings me balance and gives me energy. I share this with my patients all the time now. You find a way or you find an excuse!

Tell me about your eating habits.
When I was doing the competition, I learned how to eat to improve my body composition. I wanted to gain muscle mass. I don’t eat sugar or dairy and I try to eat things that are natural and not processed. I eat several small meals a day – usually six or seven. They normally consist of vegetables, complex carbs and lean proteins. I also eat fruits, nuts, and lots of fish, chicken, and turkey.

Do you meal prep?
Definitely! It became a challenge during the pandemic because I was working from home. I found myself failing on my healthy eating because I didn’t meal prep. So, I had to begin meal prepping like I was going into the office even though I was staying at home. That way, my meals are already prepared and I’m not just grabbing whatever is nearby to eat!

What is your favorite healthy meal?
I’m from Venezuela and we eat a lot of plantains back home, and I really love those! I bake plantains, and then have them with ground turkey, green beans and a salad. That is my favorite lunch because it reminds me of home.

What would you tell someone just beginning a health journey?
Don’t overthink it! Have a cheat meal once in a while. No one is paying us to do this… we’re doing it for health and enjoyment. It doesn’t need to feel like work.