“It works for me!” – Heather Doerksen

When Canadian actress Heather Doerksen switched her university major from science to theatre, she couldn’t have predicted just how successful she would become.

From roles on The L Word, Battlestar Galactica and Smallville to two major movies slated for release this year, her career has taken off – in some cases, quite literally (she plays a co-pilot in the upcoming sci-fi action adventure film Pacific Rim).

Learn a little bit more about her in this installment of "It works for me."

10 words that describe you: Playful, loyal, smart, dorky, responsible, childlike, witty, sensual, fun. I could only think of nine. I hope that doesn’t make me less of a person!

First paid job: Newspaper delivery followed closely by babysitting

Dream job: Exactly what I do. If I couldn’t do that, I would love to be a chef.

Favourite workout: Yoga and Yaletown Barre Fitness. I also walk everywhere, as much as I can.

Least favourite workout: Running

Diet: Lots of water, veggies, quinoa, chicken and eggs. I try to eat free range, organic, and locally grown food as much as possible. I don’t deny myself if I’m craving something (cheese, coffee, chocolate, butter), but I eat it in moderation, and I’ve also conditioned myself to crave healthy snacks.

Go-to healthy snack: Kale chips, roasted chick peas or air popped popcorn.

Favourite food indulgence: Salt and Pepper Kettle Chips dipped into non-fat plain Greek yogurt. And Lindt sea salt dark chocolate. Yum. Just yum.

Wine or beer? If it’s a cold winter evening, red wine. If it’s a hot summer day, cold beer or chilled white wine.

Coffee or tea? Coffee with greasy diner breakfasts. Green tea for afternoons (or if I’m training for a project, like Pacific Rim).

Indoor or outdoor workouts? Typically indoor.

Morning or evening workouts? Morning. Then I have the rest of the day free.

Celeb crush: Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. Hottest couple ever.

Dream travel destination: Greece. I’ve been before. It’s the birthplace of theatre, and the food is incredible – so fresh! I went to the Epidaurus Theatre, built in 4th Century BC, and saw a play there with 12,000 other audience members. It was absolutely awe-inspiring. Goosebumps.

Healthy living philosophy: I try to exercise at least four times a week, but don’t get upset with myself if I can’t. I try to eat healthy, but let it go if I don’t. It’s about forgiveness, but also holding myself accountable to the goals I’ve set. Oh, and I dance. I dance as much as I can.

-by Katharine Watts, Image: Farrah Aviva Photography