“Bachelor-11” finalist Dasha Stavnicha: “I don’t have any principles in my diet!”

The finalist of season 11 of “The Bachelor,” sportswoman and blogger Dasha Stavnicha gave an exclusive interview for our publication. Dasha told us what has changed in her life after the project, her attitude towards the haters, and she also shared the nuances of her diet and motivation for training.

Dasha, most people found out about you after your participation in “Bachelor 11. Tell us, how has life changed after this project?

Yes, you’re right, most of my audience found out about me after the project. But at the same time, I did not feel cardinal changes. As before, I promote sports and run a blog on the subject. I try to be as helpful as possible to my subscribers.

Have you encountered any disadvantages of recognition? Do you have a lot of haters, how do you react to them?

Of course, you can’t do without the haters (smiling). I’m totally cool with criticism in my address, moreover – it motivates me not to stop at what I’ve achieved.

I’ve always stuck to the saying, “As many people as there are opinions. Everyone is different, and that’s our strength.

 As you know, even though you didn’t find love on the project, it happened in real life. Tell us, if it’s not a secret, how did you meet your chosen one and what won you over?

We were introduced to each other by mutual friends, and I thank them for that. And he won me over with his charisma and manners. Yes, I didn’t find love on the project, but I gained invaluable experience there, with which I am moving forward at the moment.

What are the most important qualities you value in a man, and what do you categorically unacceptable to you?

For me it is valuable when a man has determination, loyalty and responsiveness. But unacceptable is a lie. 

 How important is a man’s appearance? What do you pay attention to immediately when you meet someone?

That’s a very interesting question. Because there is a lot of controversy about this topic right now. For some people, appearance is the main criterion by which they analyze the person, and for others, it plays no role.

I have something in between – I do not fixate on the appearance of the person, but at the same time for me the advantage is exactly grooming: beautiful and neat hair, pleasant perfume, competent and confident speech, and so on.

 You are a professional athlete and coach. What are the pros and cons  did sport bring into your life?

Sports are a huge plus in anyone’s life. Because thanks to it, we get a beautiful body and a healthy body.  On the downside – injuries, as most professional athletes ended their careers because of them. So, be vigilant and do not make mistakes that can be disastrous. The help of a professional is always important and needed.

Many girls lack the motivation to exercise and eat right. Your advice is how to find her?

In my opinion, many girls want to exercise, and they are motivated “to lose the tummy, pump up the abs or the butt. But they don’t do it because they’re lazy!

There is enough motivation around: for example, we open Instagram, look at other people’s publications, where everyone is so beautiful, pumped up, well-groomed. Isn’t that motivation!? After all, everyone can be even better than those girls on social media!

 Speaking of nutrition. What dietary principles do you follow? What is not the healthiest of products you allow yourself? What are your gastronomic weaknesses?

I don’t have any dietary principles. I eat whatever I want, but I don’t pass it on. I often try different diets in order to dispel myths. Of weaknesses are, of course, sweets. But, again, you have to have a calorie count, and you’ll be fine.

Did you have any complexes about your appearance? What helped you accept and love yourself?

It seems to me that there is no man without complexes. I have these ears. But I have outgrown the period when those around me emphasized it. We’re all not perfect – remember that!

Many people are caught up in autumn moping. Are you familiar with it, and how do you raise your spirits?

Alas, but familiar… I often have mood swings, and more often than not it’s dull because of the weather.  You look outside, and it’s so cold, gray, and gloomy that it makes you feel sad.

Do you like to cook? What’s your specialty?

I like to cook, but not for myself. I make everything, because I rarely cook, but I’m good at it! (laughs) I put my heart and soul into the process, so it’s a masterpiece. 

Would you like to try your hand at something new? What more you have a hobby?

At this point, I want to be more malleable. And what, if not a dance, can help me with that? I also started painting because it’s very relaxing. I love traveling around the world. And all this motivates me to move on!

Dasha, what do you consider your main achievement in life at the moment, and what would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I do what I like and what brings me income. Well, what will be in 5 years, it’s a secret (smiles).

Text:  Tatyana Zaitseva

Photo: personal archive of Dasha Stavnichy