Maggie Q on Female Fearlessness: “When We Feel Better, We Do Better”

Maggie Q has starred in TV shows such as Nikita and Designated Survivor and will soon return to screens once again in a spinoff of the Bosch series on Prime Video. The new series, which is currently untitled, will feature Q as Detective Renée Ballard in LAPD’s cold case division.

But in her free time, the 45-year-old Hawaii native has a passion for all things related to nutrition and wellness. She founded ActivatedYou, which offers dietary supplements, probiotics and more with the aim of helping people achieve balanced, healthy lives. She shared some of her favorite health tips and how she strives for authenticity.

This interview has been edited for length.

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The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: We loved something we read about your background: Jackie Chan has been credited with discovering you, and there was some reference that it’s really important for you to perform your own stunts. Can you speak to your insistence on demonstrating authentic physical strength when you’re working on a project?

Maggie Q: I think it’s important to be authentic in every aspect of our lives, especially when we are capable. I do feel I owe my audience as much as I can possibly give them since they took the time to show up for me; I will do the same for them. It’s nice to see a lot of strong females being represented. I have been at it for over 20 years, so it’s been my reality for a long time!

The Healthy: Tell us about the new series. How did it feel fresh and different for you?

Maggie Q: Hard to explain except that when I read it, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I felt that [my character] needed to be seen. She represents so many women who have been in service to their communities in law enforcement. It matters.

The Healthy: Some of our readers might also recognize you from promotion you’ve done for healthy aging products. Why do you feel compelled to use your platform to promote health?

Maggie Q: When we feel better, we do better. I love helping people feel their best.

The Healthy: What are a few of your favorite healthy eating habits?

Maggie Q: I love buying the highest quality food from farmers at the markets. I think there is a lot of focus on what we eat, but I would go one step further and say even before that, be aware of the source.

The Healthy: We can tell you’re a fan of wellness. If you had to name one self-care routine you refuse to skip, what would it be?

Maggie Q: I have been juicing for 25 years. It’s an important part of my life. I recommend it for anyone who needs a break from digestion, and who wants the body to heal on its own.

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