The Secrets To Healthy Living
Every woman, in some small way and at some point in her life, would have questioned whether she was making the best possible food choices and eating habits towards leading a healthy life. But with the mass of information available, finding a clear answer could prove daunting if not outright confusing.
In such cases, it would do best to go directly to the source, and who better to ask about health and nutrition than the experts themselves. woman with drive asked five nutritionists for a peek at their personal nutrition plans, the habits that keep them on track and the biggest health myths they have heard.
Lola Berry
Lola Berry is one of Australia’s most popular nutritionists for the splash of play and adventure that she brings to the world of health and nutrition. With her energetic presence on social media, creative public gestures and two books, Lola delivers her message loud and clear.
What is your personal nutrition plan?
To eat and make real, simple, honest food.
What is your go-to meal when you only have 10 minutes?
Green smoothies. I can have them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are easy to make and taste great! I throw in half an avocado, baby spinach, a frozen banana, almond milk, cinnamon and maple syrup, and then blitz it. Mango slices work really well too!
The biggest health myth is…
That you have to diet and count calories to achieve results. Eating real food and sharing it with others is what really nourishes you.
Jessica Sepel
Jessica Sepel’s previously turbulent relationship with her own body is the basis for the invaluable insights she offers to her clients today. She is a firm believer that the path to a healthier lifestyle is paved not only with the right food but also with a strong sense of balance and confidence.
What is your personal nutrition plan?
I stick to clean, whole foods. Nothing from a packet and nothing processed. I do not put pressure on myself to eat perfectly. I also practice mindful eating, which is as important as making healthy food choices.
What is your go-to meal when you only have 10 minutes?
Almond butter on good quality, gluten-free toast. I also love thick, Greek yoghurt mixed with cinnamon and vanilla. Or avocado toast or porridge with peanut butter and banana.
What is your one daily or weekly practice that makes eating well a breeze?
Slowing down. When I slow down, I am more present in my own life, I take better care of my body and my body heals itself.
The biggest health myth is…
That you can follow exactly what someone else has done or is doing, and achieve the same results. You have to remember how unique your body is. Practice mindful eating to really listen to your appetite and learn which foods suit you and which do not. Also tune in to how you feel after eating certain foods.
Emma Sgourakis
When Emma Sgourakis designs a nutrition plan, she goes beyond the personal relationship between food and your body to include the mainstream health “beliefs” are holding you back. Her philosophy revolves around understanding the consequences of your food choices and being thoughtful in your purchasing and eating habits.
What is your personal nutrition plan?
I think it is more important to listen to your cravings and be guided by your appetite than to eat according to a plan or schedule. I do, however, only eat food that is both nutritious and digestible. My daily staples include high quality dairy, sweet fruit, fresh orange juice, eggs, gelatinous broths, meat, carrots, potatoes, vegetables, coffee, salt, coconut oil, honey and cane sugar. Once a week, I eat some beef liver, a serve of shellfish and/or oysters. When and how much food I eat is dependent on what I require that day to maintain a high metabolic rate.
What is your go-to meal when you only have 10 minutes?
Fruit and cheese. I love my homemade ricotta with half a very ripe papaya and a drizzle of maple syrup. Or a hard European cheese, like a parmigiano reggiano, with grapes or a few fresh dates. So easy!
What is your one daily or weekly practice that makes eating well a breeze?
Making weekly batches of food that last for days so I can quickly make nourishing meals or replenish snacks. I simmer oxtail for 3 to 4 hours for a gelatinous broth that I use to flavour other meals or just eat on its own with salt. I make my version of ricotta from my favourite milk to use in cooking or to eat with fruit for breakfast. My daughter also loves “helping’ me make ice cream, fruit jelly, and marshmallows. Preparation is key and it is worth the effort.
Tara Leong
One of the telltale signs of a true food lover is being in the kitchen at odd hours of the night. Tara Leong’s tendency to cook at midnight qualifies her for that category. Her other passion involves busting diet myths and extolling the virtues of wholefoods.
What is your go-to meal when you only have 10 minutes?
A couple of eggs in a pan, a splash of milk and a handful of spinach leaves. Served on good quality toast with a slice of avocado. Easy, nutritious, and delicious.
What is your one daily or weekly practice that makes eating well a breeze?
I cook a batch of baked sweet potato, baked pumpkin, quinoa and brown rice each week. I then use these as a base for meals and snacks. It takes no time at all to make yet saves so much time in the kitchen in the long run, and prevents you from splurging on unhealthy food.
The biggest health myth is…
That “raw, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free” desserts are healthy. Many of these desserts have more calories than a Big Mac. They often contain more nutritious ingredients, but this does not mean they are calorie free. Many also use rice malt syrup, which contains the same calories as table sugar. Enjoy these desserts but consider them a treat.
Kate Freeman
When she is not running her private nutrition practice, Kate Freeman is writing and developing healthy, easy recipes to help her clients in their quest for a healthier lifestyle. As a passionate home cook, she knows firsthand that being armed with basic cooking skills can be life changing.
What is your personal nutrition plan?
I like to eat three larger meals a day, instead of many smaller meals. I approach nutrition from a whole foods perspective and mostly eat food that is minimally processed. I like to create my meals from a combination of one protein source, one carbohydrate source, lots of colourful vegetables and a source of healthy fat. My snacks are yoghurt, fruit, nuts or rice cakes with hummus. I love food and eating so I enjoy all foods in moderation rather than cut anything out.
What is your go-to meal when you only have 10 minutes?
Scrambled eggs on light rye toast with avocado and baby spinach.
What is your one daily or weekly practice that makes eating well a breeze?
Meal planning. Life is busy and to ensure I always have fresh, whole foods available, I spend the weekends planning the family’s meals and grocery shopping.
The biggest health myth is…
That individual foods make you healthy and other individual foods make you sick. A good diet is the combination of lots of different foods eaten together. In order to nourish the body, this kind of diet needs to be sustained each and every day. What you do every day is more important than what you do every once in a while.
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