Renée Interviewed by Freedom Wellness

Tell us a little about your journey and who you are?

I’m a naturopath, writer, presenter and Mumma to two healthy young boys. I was really sick from the age of 11 until I was 19. I had chemical poisoning, cytomegalovirus and glandular fever which turned into years (many of which were bedridden) of ME/CFS. It was this experience that led me towards natural health to seek answers and a ‘cure’. It took time to regain my health and there was no one simple cure but it all came down to a combination of alternative medicines, natural therapists, changes in my diet, supplementation and finally, some counseling to help come to terms with the years that I felt that I had missed out on while unwell. In hindsight, those years were a total blessing as it led me into a career that I love and has enabled me to understand and help so many people on their own health journeys!

I’ve worked as a Naturopath for over 6 years now and also contribute to various magazines and websites, radio shows and TV segments.

What is your health and wellness philosophy?

It’s constantly evolving. I try and tune in to what my body needs at any given time and then cater to this as much as I can physically, mentally and spiritually. For me, good health and healthy thoughts go hand and hand. Stressing about diet (and life in general!) does more damage than than a glass of wine or sugar-laden cake here and there. I don’t subscribe to any one diet or way of being. Instead, I just follow a generally healthy lifestyle that includes indulgence. Pretty much live and breathe the 80/20 rule… But also believe that rules were made to be broken!

My motto is ‘Live well, live long, live naturally’ and that pretty much sums up how I try and live!

What are your ‘non negotiables’ when it comes to your health?

Regular acupuncture sessions whenever I feel myself tilting off balance emotionally or physically. I’ve been getting acupuncture since I was 14 and the ability for it to ignite the body’s own healing capabilities never ceases to amaze me. I also swear by cranial osteopathy for the whole family. I also really believe in using household and beauty products that are as natural as possible. The skin is the largest organ and I don’t want it absorbing any more toxins than it has to!

You believe in living a fulfilled balanced life. What are your best tips for someone trying to find their healthy and happy balance with life?

Surround yourself with positive people. Of course, we all have our down or ‘blah’ days, but try not to spend too much time with people who frequently bring your energy or esteem crashing down.
Don’t be hard on yourself. You have to enjoy the journey, and so many people get caught up in living a perfectly healthy life and that is just not possible, healthy or sustainable.

Ask around to find out about natural health professionals that others recommend. There are so many wonderful practitioners who can help you, and word of mouth is generally the best place to start in your search for your ‘guru’ to help you on your way.

You create some amazing recipes. What is your favourite go to recipe?
My Garlic Roasted Chickpeas with Almonds, Feta, Mint + Lemon. I’m often asked for the recipe when I take it along to BBQs and it is super easy to whip up which makes it the perfect go-to.

We believe that how you spend the first 80 minutes of your day, sets up how the rest of your day will flow. Tell us about your ideal way to spend the first 80 minutes of your day?

It always starts with delicious cuddles with my boys. Ideally, I would then get to do an hour’s yoga practice in peace but that is not my reality right at the moment! I know the time will come again (hopefully soon!) when I can enjoy that luxury again but for now, I just fit in practice when and where I can. It’s rare but amazingly restorative when I do! Instead, I wake up, make myself a cuppa, feed myself and the family a healthy breakfast and then get on with the day with a conciously positive mindset. I try and limit my time on social media to the morning so that I can be present with my work and the kids for the day instead of living in others realities!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

To listen and be guided by my gut-feeling.

What is the single best thing you believe someone should do to get their health and wellness journey started?

Don’t use Dr Google! Try and see a professional to get a personalised wellness plan rather than just jumping on the current health trends. We’re all so different so start by finding out what plan your own body may thrive on.

We hope you have enjoyed another week and another inspirational story by the amazing Renee.

S & T xx