What does it mean to be healthy?
Balance is the key for me – you can become obsessed with being healthy, but you need to find the best way to integrate it into your routine so that you can still feel that you are enjoying life and not cutting out things that bring you pleasure. For me, it’s about finding the healthy alternative.
Do you follow any specific way of eating?
I live an alkaline lifestyle and I am a vegetarian.
Balance is the key for me – you can become obsessed with being healthy.
Why is it important for you to feel (and look) healthy?
I have struggled with my weight my whole life and have not been blessed with a fast metabolism – I suppose it’s been a blessing as I have had to be ‘healthy’ to maintain my weight.
However, it wasn’t until I found the alkaline way that I have felt amazing as well and stopped yo-yoing with every fad diet under the sun. Eating a healthy, balanced diet has helped me look and feel fantastic.
Do you avoid any specific foods?
Acid-forming foods are a no-no for me as they can cause all sorts of diseases in the body, from a simple issue such as acid reflux and bloating to more serious forms of cancer. I also avoid refined sugar, meat, cow’s milk, wheat and most gluten.
How do you fit cooking into your weekly routine?
I cook every day for work! If I am home, I love to cook at the end of the day to unwind; Sunday night for me is prep night, getting me ready for the week ahead. I also get my Honestly Healthy Fridge Fill delivered to me every week so I know I always have food in my fridge.
What do you think are the most nutritious foods?
Green leafy vegetables are a massive part of my daily diet. I add superfoods such as baobab fruit, frozen algae (such as E3 Live) and spirulina to my green smoothies every day.
How do you try and stay on track when you travel?
Plan ahead. When you are flying, make sure you have all your snacks with you. I take alternative milks with me in my luggage, wheat-free bread, nuts and seeds, healthy sweet treats and granola bars. Everyone thinks I am mad, but I hate feeling sluggish when travelling as it’s also very stressful on the body – so make sure you support it as much as you can by feeding it with nutrient-packed food.
What is your food routine?
I drink half of my breakfast green smoothie when I wake up and then have maybe a piece of gluten-free toast with an egg or avocado on top, then I sip the rest of my smoothie throughout the morning to help keep my blood-sugar levels up. For lunch I will have a grain- or pulse-based vegetable salad. In the afternoon, I have either a bean dip and crackers or a granola bar and a nice cup of rooibos and then for dinner, either soup and a big luscious salad or some roasted vegetables with beans and a salad.
Do you treat yourself in terms of food?
Yes, of course – 30 per cent of the time I let myself eat what I want. And Booja Booja makes the best raw ice cream.
What’s your exercise routine/schedule?
I do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) three to four times a week at home in my front room with no equipment and for only 20 minutes, and it really works. I also do traditional Pilates for my back.
How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule?
Pilates is easy to go to in a lunch hour as you don’t get sweaty (well, at least in the traditional Pilates classes). Other than that, I could never find time, so that is why I now do it at home. It’s much easier.
Is there anyone you consider a healthy role model?
There are so many people that live and breathe health and who I admire, such as David Wolfe. He really is amazing, the way he brings raw food to everyone’s attention.