Interview on Jessica Sepel's Blog

Tell us a little about who you are, what you do, how you got here.

I’m a Naturopath and health writer from Auckland, but living in Sydney. I see clients for health consultations internationally via Skype and from three clinic locations in both Sydney and Auckland. I founded the Renée Naturally website and blog, a community space where I share natural health and eco-living info along with posts from my amazing contributors and industry professionals. I also write for various international magazines and publications and regularly speak on the radio sharing wellness advice.

I embarked on a career in the wellness industry after battling with ill health for over a decade in my teens. After many disheartening attempts to regain my health, I discovered the power of natural medicine and decided that I wanted to be able to help others in a way that others had helped me.

I absolutely love the industry and get a huge buzz out of helping others on their wellness journey.

What does ‘health’ mean to you?

‘Health’ means not only being free of any disease, but more importantly feeling vibrant, energetic, happy, positive and motivated. Health can only be achieved by looking after all elements of our being, so it means being in tune with both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Feeling great in both of these areas requires mindful attention, but the reward of all of the above definitely pays off. After personally suffering ill-health for so long, health ultimately equates to happiness for me.

Share your dietary philosophy/secrets…

Balance!  Knowing how debilitating ill-health can be means I’m always motivated to stay fit and healthy. Having had it taken away means I now see it as such a blessing. It made me realise how important it is to live life fully and without reservation, so I make sure I don’t restrict myself too much by prescribing to any one way of being.  My philosophy is simply to eat for both enjoyment and nutrition. I eat wholesome, unprocessed foods, experiment with a lot of vegetarian and raw alternatives, try to eat organic whenever possible, but also love an indulgent treat every now and then.

How do you manage to stay so fit and healthy?

When it comes to fitness, I love anything that takes me outdoors and also any type of yoga takes me directly to my ‘zen’ place!

What brings balance to your life?

Taking time out with my family and friends, especially now I have a 7 month old baby boy, Arlo. Being with him is so grounding and always brings me straight back to what life is all about.

Your favourite healthy recreational activity?

I love yoga and also diving…although since moving to Sydney I’ve been a bit scared to do it for fear of sharks. I need to harden up again!

Who is your greatest health inspiration?

My Poppa. He is 85 and still body-boards, skis, swims, exercises daily and lives his life to the fullest.

Where is your favourite place on earth?

If I ever need to restore balance, a trip to Sandy Bay, a beach I spent every Summer at growing up in Northland, New Zealand is sure to do the trick. Pure bliss.

What is your favourite healthy meal/snack?

I’m going through a big frozen banana phase at the moment…they’re so versatile!

What is your favourite healthy neighborhood restaurant?

Earth to Table Café in Bondi…their raw caramel and chocolate slice is out of this world amazing!

What is next on the cards for you? Goals and aspirations…

I want to continue inspiring like-minded people via the Renée Naturally blog and facebook page. I’d love to extend this to my first book on living naturally which will include original whole foods recipes.