Why is it important for you to feel (and look) healthy?
It’s important due to the work that I do. Also it can be very exhausting teaching, as I give massages and touch students to help them get deeper into their practice. I give a lot. I do need plenty of energy, so I have to watch what I eat.
What foods or groups of foods (if any) do you avoid?
“I love brown rice and quinoa. I keep it very simple and light.”
I avoid all white foods – white bread, rice and sugar. Luckily I don’t have a sweet tooth. I never eat cakes or biscuits, not even honey. I get too stimulated and then come crashing down. Sometimes I do have dark chocolate, though.
How do you fit cooking into your weekly routine?
I don’t cook every day, due to my schedule. If I come home late, I don’t like to eat right before bed.
I make salads, sandwiches and soups. I like to take my time cooking, so I need to do it on an evening off. It’s not good to rush and it’s important to be in a good headspace if possible.
What do you think are the most nutritious foods and how do you cook them?
Lots of vegetables, and I love brown rice and quinoa. I keep it very simple and light. When I cook, I do stir-fries and pasta sauces – all veggie. I make a large amount for myself so I can eat it again the next day.
What is your optimal breakfast?
Whole-grain toast with olive oil spread, or avocado and tomato with lots of olive oil and spices. Sometimes muesli with soy milk, and black and green teas.
Your favourite snacks?
I eat a huge amount of hummus, with pita bread or Ryvita or tortilla corn chips. Bananas and grapes are great in the summer.
Have you ever tried a diet or detox that worked for you?
Yes, I’ve done the Master Cleanse three or four times in the past eight years or so. It was very hard but I felt amazing afterwards.
Do you power up for exercise with specific foods?
I drink green-barley grass powder with orange juice and some water. It gives me a bit of a boost and is very cleansing.
What do you wear to work out?
Something very simple and black. I am covered with tattoos, so I have enough colour on me. I love classic things like Adidas, and I wear looser-fitting clothing, for example from American Apparel.
