Wellness Influencer Interview: Kathleen Alleaume

NAME: Kathleen Alleaume

OCCUPATION: Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist, Author and Founder of The Right Balance

Please tell us a little about your business, yourself and how you got to where you are now in the wellness industry…

I have lived and breathed a healthy lifestyle since a very young age. Throughout my school years I competed in Sports Acrobatics, becoming the Australian Sports Acrobatics champion at age 14. Studying exercise and nutrition science at university was a natural progression for me, and I graduated as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Nutritionist with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Nutrition. I continued to share my knowledge of food, health and fitness by establishing my company The Right Balance where I set up my private consulting practice, counselling a range of clients from sports enthusiasts to business professionals for over 10 years.

Having a science background, I’ve always been passionate about translating the ‘sciency jargon’ of health and fitness into useful, bite-sized pieces of information that is understandable and accessible for everyone. I then went on to published my first book, What’s Eating You? Find Balance with Food and Lose Weight in 2012 and released an e-book 10 Days to a Healthier You in 2013.

Somewhere amongst the way I became mother to two young children who always keep me on my toes.

Apart from being strongly committed to building, supporting and preserving the integrity of my profession through on-going education and learning, my ultimate mission is to coach others to live a balanced and meaningful life and I’m lucky that I am able to share this with so many people in my job and through my books.

What does ‘living naturally’ mean to you?

Living naturally is trying to find the right balance in everything you do and getting back to basics as much as possible. I have a simple mantra: when in doubt. Simplify!

What does a typical day in the wellness world look like for you?

As mother of two very young children, I am lucky enough to now run part of my business from home on a part-time basis - this means every day is different.
I always start my day with a 45 min brisk walk. Then I generally dedicate the mornings to my children and their activities, followed by eating lunch with my kids – which I love! After lunch, I spend a couple of hours writing and researching before having to re-attend to the children again late afternoon. I also practice yoga 2 evenings a week.

I find if I don’t plan ahead, life just gets on top of me. I try to allocate a time on Sunday to plan my meals for the week ahead and shop accordingly.

I think it’s important to set aside some time for YOU to nurture and look after yourself. Women often feel guilty about giving to themselves. But if you’re not giving to yourself, you are depleted and drained, low on energy and often lack the motivation to keep on, keep on.

What are your top 3 tips for staying fit and healthy?

• Find an activity you love, and stick to it.
• Enjoy mealtimes – sit and savour.
• Never eat till you’re full.

In a nutshell, what’s your food philosophy?

Eat as close to nature as possible. If a food doesn’t have a label, eat it.

What do you do to ‘reset’ the balance button when life gets a bit hectic?

Whilst yoga is a part of my of life, I am getting better at saying ‘no’ to things if I feel that I am taking on too much. I always feel the world lift off my shoulder when I do this – that said, it’s all about prioritising what’s right for you at the time.

We’re all about balance around here…What’s your biggest indulgence?

I’m lucky to live by the beach, so any chance I can go for a longer beach walk, I will.

What healthy snacks might we find on your desk or in your handbag?

Trail mix: raw nuts mixed with dark chocolate goji berries to help with sweet cravings

Can you share with us your top two pieces of advice for people wanting to start a career in the wellness industry?

1. Learn to love yourself first
2. Listen to your body

Do you have a favourite affirmation or quote you remind yourself of when life throws you a few challenges?

As mentioned above. When in doubt. Simplify!

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming year?

I look forward to launching my next book in relation to food and health in pre- and post-pregnancy.

Web: www.therightbalance.com.au
Instagram: @kathleen_alleaume
Twitter: @_Kathleen_a

Facebook: facebook.com/TheRightBalance