Long days don't slow NBC 10 news reporter and co-host Lori Wilson
PHILADELPHIA, SHE'S cute, cool as a cucumber, and smart as a whip. Lori Wilson, NBC 10 news reporter and co-host of the morning show "10!," writes, works out and stays on top of her game in the competitive world of broadcast journalism.
The 31-year-old Wilson, a native of Columbus, Ind., joined the NBC 10 news team in November 2005 as a general assignment reporter. She's quickly climbed the proverbial ladder, having been made the official co-host of "10!" last month, after serving as interim co-host since December. She's also a substitute anchor on the morning news show.
Last week, I sat down with this loquacious, high-energy lady to get the skinny on what it's like to be on TV every day while maintaining a vegetarian fitness lifestyle.
Q. So, Lori how did you get into this field?
A. It all stated when I got into trouble for talking too much in the second grade. Fortunately, the teacher channeled that into positive energy by putting me on stage, which later evolved into writing for newspapers, appearing in commercials and anchoring for college and the local cable stations. I studied journalism and have B.A. in journalism from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.
Q. What's a typical day like for you?
A. My alarm goes off about 2 a.m., and I get to the station around 3, 3:30 . I go through the morning news, prepare, editing, hair and makeup. I'm on air from 5 to 7 [a.m.], and afterwards we do promos, prepare for the next day. Then I do the "10!" show and sometimes make public appearances.
Q. Oh my goodness. That means you average like a 16-hour day.
A. It's a full, long day but I love it.
Q. What would you say is the most challenging thing about your job?
A. Getting out of the bed in the morning. The hours. But I must say it is such an honor when people allow me to be in their homes. I love what I do.
Q. How do you incorporate exercise and eating right into that hectic schedule?
A. That's a good question. I always have to plan my meals or I'll get into trouble with fast food. I'm a vegetarian. There's a lot of vegetarian food that's great, but it can also be very rich. I have to make my meals the night before because breakfast for me is at 3 in the morning.
Q. What's a typical breakfast for you?
A. Bran flakes with raisins. I try to do things that are high in fiber and low in fat.
Q. Are you a vegan, lacto-ovo, or raw foodist?
A. I'm just a plain old vegetarian. I eat dairy but I don't eat fish - or anything that had a mom.
Q. Do you count your calories?
A. I do. I had to. The food here is so good and rich that I began picking up weight. So, yes I'm conscious of my intake.
Q. What's your exercise routine like?
A. I recently got into Pilates and I like running. I'm not a serious runner. I do about 2 miles. But I really like aerobics. It's always been a desire of mine to teach. I want to get certified to teach.
Q. Cool. You should do it. What's your favorite food?
A. I love Italian food - vegetarian lasagna.
Q. Tell me something surprising people don't know about you?
A. The fact that I have a black belt in Ta-Kwon Do - and secretly have always wanted to be an aerobics teacher.