Wellness Influencer Interview: Kasey Willson

NAME: Kasey Willson

OCCUPATION:Naturopath, Nutritionist, Writer, Speaker

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

As a Naturopath and Nutritionist, I have the rewarding job in helping others achieve their health and happiness potential.  I run my own Naturopath Clinic called Aloe Health (www.aloehealth.com.au), regularly speak at health events, on radio and for corporate Nutrition presentations. I am a blogger (www.myhealthmyhappiness.com.au) and have written e-books “Your Journey To Health and Happiness’, “Winter Warmers Recipe Book’ and “21 Day Summer Detox’.

I haven’t always been happy and healthy and it has been quite a rocky road to get where I am today. Although I had a beautiful childhood growing up on a spacious cattle farm on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, I rebelled and went through a typical ‘party girl’ phase.I was only young, and I was filling my body with a toxic cocktail of binge drinking, refined carbohydrates, synthetic hormones (from the oral contraceptive pill) and to top it off, sleep deprivation. It was only a matter of time before my body would show me signs of poor health. In year 11, I started to develop signs of a chronic candida (fungal) condition. Thrush infections were constant; I struggled with low blood sugar levels and ongoing foul moods; energy and concentration levels were poor and I had very unhealthy bowel habits. Unaware at the time, my chronic candida infection was causing me multiple food intolerances.  I was also unfit and not an ideal weight. Many emotional stressors (that were predominantly bottled up inside) throughout my late teens and early 20′s contributed to my symptoms. It was a big vicious cycle and I was not on the road to a healthy and happy future.

It wasn’t until I began my Naturopathy and Nutrition studies, that I started to realise the damage I was doing to my body. The pieces of my health puzzle came together! I researched the underlying causes of my presenting heath challenges and discovered how important Nutritional medicine was for my healing journey. This important support gave me the power to overcome my health conditions and genuinely feel healthy and happy again. Using my knowledge, experience and understanding, I now have the privilege of helping many others overcome their health challenges and reach their personal health and happiness potential. I want everyone to realise it is never too late to improve their health.

What does ‘living naturally’ mean to you?

Going back to our roots. Eating local, organic, wholefoods. Knowing where the food is coming from (growing yourself or sourcing from local farmers markets).Using products that you know the ingredients of….that came from nature, not produced in a lab. Being kind to yourself by fuelling your body with positive thoughts, and allowing you the time to heal overnight with adequate sleep.Living naturally is all about giving and surrounding your body with all that will nourish and nurture.

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

A typical day for me includes:
• I wake between 5.30- 6.15
• Starting with juice ½ lemon in warm water, or 1cup warmed bone broth
• Exercise includes either a PT session of boxing, sprints, or other high intensity activities, or a hot yoga session. Even though they are both very different, I love them just the same as I know they are offering me varied health improvements.
• I chose to eat foods over the day that will serve me. No sugar, grains, pasteurised dairy, trasnfats and additives. I make an effort to include fermented foods into my daily diet.
• Dry body brushing, Epsom salt baths, meditation and stretching all play a role in my weekly routine, to enhance relaxation and support detoxification.

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

1. Fill your plate and glass with fresh, organic, whole foods. Include fermented foods.
2. Laugh and smile as much as possible.
3. Move for at least 30 minutes each day, preferably outside so you can receive the Vitamin D rich sunshine!

In a nutshell, what’s your food philosophy?

Organic, wholefoods are a must.  Personally I follow a diet that keeps out the foods that will be detrimental for my body- sugar, grains, pasteurised dairy, additive and transfats. Emphasis in my diet is placed on quality protein, non-starchy vegetables, fermented foods, nuts seeds and some fruit. Everyone is different, but I find these foods work best to support my body.  

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

I make sure I get plenty of sleep. Due to my past life of excessive drinking, I created a weakness in my adrenal (stress) glands. I know I need 8 hours of sleep each night to function at my best. If I am feeling tired, I will allow myself to either go to bed earlier, or sleep in a little in the morning. Meditation, Epsom salt baths and yoga are also very helpful for me when life gets crazy busy.

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

Coyo Coconut yoghurt. It is so yummy, it is hard to stop.

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

Activated nuts, chia seed pudding, vegie sticks and homemade dips and fresh coconut. I LOVE coconut!

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

Write down your goals and create a vision board, full of images that show what you want to do and feel. Looking at both of these everyday makes your dreams real.Also follow those who are doing just what you want to do. Learn and be inspired by them.

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

When you eat well & think beautiful thoughts, you feed your body, mind and soul. You feel healthy and love life!

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming year?

This year is another big one for me. On a personal note, I am getting married in the stunning Byron Bay, to my beautiful Tom. We cant wait!

For My Health My Happpiness, we are working on creating my online projects, where you will have more support from me than ever. It is very exciting, but I can’t say too much just yet ;) And of course, more blogging full of information based on my work as a Naturopath. This is in an effort to help you all achieve the happiest, healthiest versions of yourselves.

Thank you for sharing all of this fab advice Kasey! x

Facebook: Kasey Wilson ND
Twitter: KaseyWillsonND
Instagram: @KaseyWillsonND