What does it mean to be healthy?
It is when your whole lifestyle is focussed on taking care of your body and mind, and there is work/family balance.
Why is it important for you to feel (and look) healthy?
I believe that with a healthy body comes a healthy spirit. But also my body doesn’t digest foods high in fat or white sugars too happily. I’m lucky with this in a way – it means following a healthy diet is easier for me than for someone who can eat everything and really loves food.
“I also love buying fresh Italian products from Monte’s, my local deli in Canonbury Lane.” Photo credit: Ivan Weiss
“I believe that with a healthy body comes a healthy spirit.”
What’s your shopping routine?
I always prefer to shop at the local farmers’ market. Back home in Serbia, farmers’ markets are the most important place for food shopping, so I like that I can still shop in this way. I live in Barnsbury, where there’s a farmers’ market every Sunday. I also love buying fresh Italian products from Monte’s, my local deli in Canonbury Lane.
What do you think are the most nutritious foods?
“I love eating green vegetables and salad.”
Green vegetables, fish and nuts. I have them every day in my meals and I also eat raw vegetables as often as I can.
Do you cook and eat the same types of foods as your children?
This is not an easy task, particularly with a five-year-old. Sometimes it’s impossible to explain that having a few ice creams in one day is not the best thing to do! But I also believe that imposing big restrictions can just increase their desirability.
Therefore, I try to make sure my daughter is always having good, nutritious food, which is balanced with the little sweet treats that she wants. I also try to make substitutes, too, so frozen yogurt or ice-lollies can replace ice cream.
“I believe that building your children’s palate for healthy food is one of the best ways of setting up a life-long good attitude to their diet.”
“I try to make substitutes, too, so frozen yogurt or ice-lollies can replace ice cream.”
How much emphasis do you put on your children’s nutrition?
This is very important. Children don’t know what is best for them and making sure they eat nutritious food is crucial. I also believe that building the palate for healthy food is one of the best ways of setting up a life-long good attitude to their diet. It’s all about balance, though; kids should have a happy, fun childhood without lots of restrictions, so I think a mix of enough nutrition with a relaxed attitude is the key.
What is your optimal breakfast?
I have really got into making green juices for my breakfast – my fridge is stuffed with green vegetables that are in season.
Here’s my favourite juice recipe:
10 per cent fruit (watermelon); fennel; broccoli; cucumber; mint; ginger; a spoonful of spirulina powder; and a spoonful of yoghurt (optional, to thicken it).
“I also eat raw vegetables as often as I can.”
Usually I drink this with cod liver oil – (Norwegian pressed Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil)
How do you stay on track when you travel?
I don’t, actually… travels are my little indulgence when I don’t have to follow any rules.
What is your food routine?
I don’t snack much and try to stick to three meals a day. I also try not to have dinner after 8pm (although this is hard – particularly before the shows).
