Featured Friend Interview: Rebecca Neale – Food – Fitness – Wellness

Rebecca is a whole foods advocate who strongly believes that good health and well-being begins from within; a nutritious diet and a beautiful mindset. Rebecca thrives on teaching and inspiring others to find their true balance and is very passionate about making a positive impact on the world around her. Her written work can regularly be seen in many Australian print and online publications including her online space Food Fitness Wellness  and we are beyond excited to interview Rebecca for our July Featured Friend!

What does creating ‘A Healthy Mix for Life’ mean to you?

I feel like this question would be answered best with one word – balance.

I believe we must be in complete balance in all areas of our lives (friends – work life) to truly live the life we are meant to, to be able to see clearly what our purpose is.

It’s so important to find this in your life, and find out what this actually means for you. These days I see all too often people trying to be like other people and feeling frustrated with not getting anywhere. With social media so prevalent people get caught up in what everyone else is doing and how they are living. They try to duplicate it into their own lives which doesn’t set you up for success but only for unhappiness.

For me personally, it means finding the time to play and have time for just me, nurturing my spiritual needs, my relationships, time for fitness and most importantly health/nutrition.

We must not only move our body with physical exercise, but we must always include things that stimulate and keep our souls/minds happy.

Nutrition is key for health and happiness, so firstly starting with your diet – incorporating more greens and plant based foods into your life as this will give you a good boost of natural energy. Cut back on processed and sugary foods. Move the body daily and make sure you do something for you a few days a week that really makes you happy, this will keep your soul happy.

Finding balance between all 3 – the mind, body and soul I believe is the answer to achieving balance.

We are all so different and what works for some may not work for others. Turn inwards, find out what makes you tick and feel good.

I promise you have all the answers you need inside.

You mentioned that nutrition is a big part of creating ‘A Healthy Mix for  your Life’ so what does your day on a plate look like and why do you eat the way you do?

It always starts with my nutritional wholefoods supplements – which is simply a mix of veggies fruits and berries. I have a huge glass of warm water and lemon, then my green smoothie! This is such a good way for you to jam as much nutrients as you can into the start of your day.

I then snack on healthy home made treats, veggies or fruits throughout the day if I’m hungry. Lunch is always a veggie salad with a form of ethically sourced animal protein or a serving of plant based protein.

Dinner is my favourite meal time – as this is a chance for me to get all creative, I love cooking delicious meals for my partner and I.

I never let us feel deprived, so we always enjoy amazing recipes from my healthy lifestyle program. Vegan Mexican would have to be my favourite though!

Yum! With food in mind, if you could pick one super hero food that you cannot live without, what would it be?

Oh there are so many amazing candidates but I think It would have to be Avocado! I’m slightly addicted! They are definitely a wonder fruit – you can use them in all sorts of dishes.

Avocados are rich in mono-unsaturated and potassium. They are also loaded with antioxidants like lutein, beta carotene  and can help control healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Eating healthy is just one key to living a life of balance, so how do you keep your mind and body healthy?

I really believe doing positive mind work is powerful and an integral part of keeping healthy. Every morning I say my affirmations before anything else, this in then followed with mediation and some form of physical movement for my body. Before I fall asleep at night my partner and I go through our gratitude list for the day.

Who is your health, wellness or fitness guru and why?

Ooooo this is a hard one – I definitely don’t have a go to guru but have many wonderful gurus.

My all time fitness hero was definitely Arnold Schwarzenegger when I was a fitness model and in that world full time.

As for health and wellness I look up to a lot of my close friends who are in this space and I learn from those around me a lot. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by powerful passionate people.

If you could share with the Raw Blend family one piece of your wisdom what would it be?

Eat the rainbow, wholefoods and mostly plants; consume ethical protein sources where ever possible. Enjoy your favourite treats often but don’t over indulge.

I am a huge fan of bio individuality! No two people are the same; their surroundings, environmental and life factors play a huge role in their health and wellness success. Discovering your own story of health & wellness and enjoying the journey will give you pure bliss throughout life! Never try to be anyone but yourself – learn to find love of yourself.

That is such a great message. Rebecca we are lucky enough to have you share one of your favourite recipes with us, why do you love this recipe ?

We all love to treat ourselves… but it’s about learning how to do it the right way, without undoing your hard work, without consuming a load of nasty nutrients and ingredients that are foreign to your body.

This gorgeous little recipe was inspired by the lovely Alyse over at An Apple A Day Blog, you can check out the interview I did with her here. I saw her recipe post with her carrot cakes and remembered how much I love the flavours of this delicious old favourite.

Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for tissue growth and repair, thyroid function and iron mobilsation. Carrots are also an amazing source of vitamin C, B6, potassium and fibre.

I use almond meal because its full of protein (from the almonds), it’s gluten free and adds moisture.

Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• whisk
• baking tray

Ingredients

• 3 cups Almond Meal
• 2 tsp of baking soda
• 2 large carrots (grated)
• 3 organic eggs
• handful of roughly chopped walnuts
• 8 fresh dates (chopped)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 heaped tsp of raw honey
• 1 tsp of nutmeg
• 2 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla powder OR vanilla essence
• pinch pink salt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees.
2. Add all ingredients to big glass mixing bowl, whisk eggs together before putting into mix.
3. Make sure well combine.
4. Place cupcake wrappers on a big tray.
5. Divide mixture evenly into cupcake wrappers,
6. Bake for 20mins.
7. Once they are cooled and ready to be served add (dairy free) coconut yoghurt and grated carrot.

These are amazing!!! They literally melt in your mouth:)

To follow Rebecca and feel inspired every single day click on the links below!

www.foodfitnesswellness.com
instagram: @foodfitnesswellness #foodfitnesswellness
facebook: foodfitnesswellness
twitter: foodfitnesswell