Featured Friend Interview: Rebecca Weller – Vegan Sparkles
18 Sep

Featured Friend Interview: Rebecca Weller – Vegan Sparkles

Meet Rebecca Weller. A Health & Life Coach, Author, Speaker, and creator of Sexy Sobriety and Vegan Sparkles.

Like so many of us, Rebecca’s path to wellness got off to a bumpy start. Struggling with dysfunctional relationships with food, alcohol, and her body, not understanding that they were really just symptoms of a dysfunctional relationship with herself.

October 1st, 2011. A day that started like any other, only this was the day Rebecca chose to follow a vegan lifestyle. Rebecca didn’t know it then, but her whole world — her long-term corporate career, her relationship, and even her definition of happiness — was about to crack wide open. And it would all begin with her decision to start a little blog called Vegan Sparkles…

After some literally life changing decisions Rebecca launched her wellness business in partnership with the love of her (new) life, Dominic; created multiple group coaching programs; was hired by IIN to provide business mentoring to 80 of their Australian students, and launched a Wellness Academy.  Phew!

Ultimately, Rebecca’s work is about helping women to get their sparkle back and create a life they love. Because a healthy dollop of self-love is a powerful thing. We are so excited to have such a wonder woman as our monthly Featured Friend and we know that you she will inspire you!

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Rebecca, you managed to change your entire life in such a positive and inspirational way, so with your redefined life … what does creating ‘A Healthy Mix for Life’ mean to you?

To me, ‘A Healthy Mix for Life’ means incorporating all of the aspects that ultimately make us feel happy, balanced and whole. Things like connection, creativity, spirituality, home cooking, developing new passions and interests, and finding movement we love.  It means following our heart and making tiny little decisions every day that are in our own best interests.  Ultimately, it’s a devotion to self-care, growth, and love.

When you changed your life you also changed your diet in a BIG way. You became a Vegan! So, what does your day on a plate look like and why do you eat the way you do? 

Like most people, I have a few treats here and there, but the majority of my diet consists of whole foods, fresh from nature.  I follow a vegan lifestyle, also avoiding sugar and gluten, because it works for me. I have so much more energy now, and no longer suffer from the digestion pains or chronic eczema that plagued me for most of my life. For the past two years, I’ve also lived completely alcohol-free, which has been an incredible transformation of mind, body and spirit.

Most mornings I tuck into a delicious chia pudding, complete with coconut yoghurt, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit. Lunch usually consists of a large salad filled with lots of leafy greens, roast veggies, and a tahini dressing. Dinner might be a vegetable stir-fry with quinoa, a healthy bean chilli with fresh guacamole, or a spicy laksa soup. I also love drinking green juice and herbal tea throughout the day, and experimenting and creating delicious new sugar-free, alcohol-free elixirs – just for fun!

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Now you know that living a healthy life doesn’t just mean eating well … how do you keep your mind and body healthy?

I love to walk in nature – through parks, or along beaches. The fresh air and sunshine are so good for the soul!

When you do work you love, it can be easy to get out of balance by working too much, so I also do my best to maintain balance. I schedule time for walks and for weekly yoga and pilates classes, as well as for the other important things in life, like brunches with friends, and quality time with my love – all the better if these catch-ups involve some sort of movement as well!

I also have daily rituals to ensure my self-care doesn’t slip. They include drinking lots of water, getting enough rest, eating whole foods, keeping a gratitude journal, and movement (even if it’s just a short walk around the block), every single day. Plus, some dancing around my kitchen never goes astray. Did you know that food tastes better if you dance while you make it? Fact.

Does it really!? We will have to try it in the Raw Blend Kitchen! With food on the brain what would be ONE Super Hero Food that you could NOT live without? 

I’m absolutely loving warm chia pudding on these chilly winter mornings, but if I had to choose just one type of super food, it would be greens. I focus on eating something green every day – whether that’s a big, leafy salad, a broccoli and kale stir-fry, or a green juice or smoothie. My body and mind just don’t function well without greens.

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Do you have a health, wellness or fitness guru? 

I have so many!  I’m in awe of brave souls like Gabby Bernstein, Tommy Rosen, Kyle Cease, and Kris Carr – blazing a beautiful trail and doing incredible things in the world. I also loved every second of Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book, Big Magic. To me, true wellness encompasses creativity, and how stunning is the cover on that book? So gorgeous.

You would be considered a guru yourself to so many women these days, If you could share with the Raw Blend Family one piece of your wisdom what would it be? 

This took me decades to learn, but ultimately everything needs to begin from a place of self-love.  It’s only when we love and respect ourselves (and our bodies) that we can finally attain that happy, healthy lifestyle we truly crave. And I’m a huge believer in progress, not perfection. What’s one tiny change that you could make today?  Maybe it’s to drink more water, eat more greens, or go for a walk. Do it! Then, what’s one small change you could make tomorrow? Small, steady changes over time add up to big lifestyle changes, without the stress or overwhelm. Above all, be kind to yourself as you adjust to your new lifestyle.

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It’s such a beautiful perspective on life … thank you for sharing your wise words with us. We are really excited to have you share one of your favourite recipes with us, why do you love this recipe? 

I adore this Apple, Mint & Lime Elixir as the ultimate party drink. The fab thing about green juice is that it’ll give you an incredible energy buzz throughout the night, so you can socialise and dance to your heart’s content. Better yet, it’ll have you bouncing out of bed the next morning with glowing skin and zero regrets!

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Apple, Mint & Lime Elixir

Makes : Serves 2

Equipment

  • Juicer
  • Strainer/Sieve
  • Large jug

Ingredients

  • 2 green apples
  • 1 continental cucumber
  • 1 cup spinach leaves, firmly packed
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, firmly packed
  • Juice of half a lime

Method

1. Feed apples, cucumber, and mint leaves through a juicer.
2. Place a strainer over a large jug or container and pour juice through the strainer into the jug.
3. Squeeze lime juice into the jug.
4. Pour juice into two glasses. Add ice cubes.
5. Enjoy!

To find out more about Rebecca and to be inspired EVERYDAY! head on over to her website Vegan Sparkles!

Happy Blending!

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