What makes you feel healthy?
Good food and a good night’s sleep.
What do you believe are the cornerstones of a healthy, balanced diet?
Fresh, clean eating. I’m not one to say ‘never eat carbs’ or ‘never eat a burger’. Just have a well-balanced diet. I also never snack. I think it’s best to have three really nutritious meals a day to keep you going.
“I’m not one to say ‘never eat carbs’ or ‘never eat a burger’. Just have a well-balanced diet.”
“Come to The Good Life Eatery and see how a healthy diet doesn’t have to be boring and clinical.”
How do you fit nutritious foods into your diet and life?
I think fresh is key when it comes to the nutritional benefits of food so my breakfast is usually a smoothie. I try and get as many of my superfoods, or brain foods, as I like to call them, in in the morning. My smoothie is usually a consortium of spinach, kale, avocado, oats, almond milk, alkaline greens, matcha, almond butter and a bit of protein powder. I wake up super-early for work so it’s the only thing that keeps me sprightly during my morning meetings (I am probably up there among the worst morning people of all time…).
“My smoothie is usually a consortium of spinach, kale, avocado, oats, almond milk, alkaline greens, matcha, almond butter and a bit of protein powder.”
What is your food routine?
I have three meals a day and don’t snack. My breakfast usually consists of an egg dish of sorts or a smoothie. For lunch I’ll have a soup and a small salad with a bit of protein, or a sandwich, and usually an early dinner of protein, carbs and veg.
What supplements do you take, if any?
I’m a ginger and lemon shot addict; I like to have my vitamin C intake covered every day. I’m a firm believer in taking fish oils and digestive enzymes on a daily basis but when I feel like I’m getting sick I go for a cocktail of echinacea, vitamin C, bee propolis, milk thistle (also good after a heavy weekend) and lots and lots of juice, namely Good Life Eatery’s ‘Drink Your Salad’ juice.
“I drink lots and lots of juice, namely Good Life Eatery’s ‘Drink Your Salad’ juice.”
Favourite food treat?
I thoroughly enjoy eating fresh and healthy food, so that is generally a treat in itself. I don’t usually pinpoint certain food groups as a ‘treat’; I tend to eat what I want, but everything in moderation!
I don’t usually pinpoint certain food groups as a ‘treat’; I tend to eat what I want, but everything in moderation!
Do you believe in diets or detox programmes?
No to the diet scene – never have, never will. If I feel like I’ve been overeating or a bit low in energy, I will do a one-day juice cleanse. It’s the perfect reset!
“I find that more time on your hands can lead to overeating and generally not taking care of your well-being. Routine is KEY.”
Do you cook every day?
I try to cook as much as I can. With work being so hectic it’s my downtime in the evenings. I’m one of those people who thinks too much, so it’s the perfect therapy for me after a long day’s work. I love to stay at home and make dinner for my boyfriend. I am probably the world’s biggest feeder (learned from my mum).
“I love Lululemon.”
What is your go-to meal after a busy day?
A salad Niçoise is currently my go-to dish, or some grilled chicken and veg with some spelt, rice or quinoa. They’re both quick, easy and delicious.
Do you have a specialty dish?
Iranian food – the recipes that have been passed down through my family for generations, from various stews with rice to kebabs cooked on a grill.
“I’ve never really been one for recipes and cookbooks… Cooking comes through smell, taste and feel.”
Do you prepare any food in advance?
Marinades are a great way to make proteins tastier. In Iranian cooking there is a lot of marinating involved, which I will usually plan and prepare in advance. And if I’m cooking a big dinner with a lot of components I will usually prep the tedious parts the day before.
What’s your exercise routine/schedule?
“… leggings, sports bra, vest and hoodie… I love Sweaty Betty.”
I have a training session 3–4 times a week. It’s not very routine or scheduled as my work comes first, but I definitely try as hard as I can to fit it in throughout the week. I also throw in a bit of yoga with Shirin to relax and meditate.
Do you like trying new exercise classes/trainers/trends?
I’m always into trying new things but I had a pretty bad back injury not so long ago due to a new hardcore group exercise class, so it kind of put me off. I find large classes can sometimes be pointless as the instructor doesn’t have time to focus on posture and what your body can really take, so I prefer the one-on-one vibe. That way I can focus on the areas that I want to work on and also make sure I am doing the exercises correctly.
Describe your work out wardrobe…
My Nikes (I’m a sneaker freak), leggings, sports bra, vest and hoodie. I love Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and Nike but if I’m opting for something more affordable, Marks & Spencer and H&M have great options too.
