Joie talks to the wonderful Jenna Zoe about all things wellbeing, including looking after yourself in the run-up to Christmas...
What do you do for a living and how did you come to be in this field of work?
I'm a nutritionist who specialises in emotional eating, but I also have a healthy sweet treats business called Upcakes and a blog called Foods To Love, from where I send daily 'Health Bytes' right to your inbox. I'm just about to release my second cookbook 'Plant-Based Paleo', which is out in February.
What is your nutrition and general wellbeing ethos?
Eat whole, unprocessed foods 80-90% of the time - and then you can splurge on whatever you crave for the rest.
Taken from Jenna's Instagram
What does a typical day look like for you?
During the week I get up at 6.15am and head straight to a workout - it gives me so much energy for the rest of the day.
I spend the rest of the morning delivering Upcakes to retailers all over town, then I spend the afternoons in front of my laptop.
What do you do in the way of exercise, and why? What do you enjoy about it?
I do Crossfit, which has changed my body (and mind) more than any other workout I've ever tried - and believe me I've tried them all! It allows me to maintain my best body effortlessly, but that's only secondary to all the other benefits - confidence, a happy disposition, and a clear head. The mental strength has spilled into all the other areas of my life. I go to Crossfit Perpetua (www.perpetuacrossfitlondon.com), which has the best vibe. Starting my day there puts me in a great mood.
How would you spend the perfect Sunday?
My sunday morning ritual is banana, almond butter and cacao nibs while catching up on Scandal in my PJs.. Later, I always have a long lazy lunch with my family.
What advice would you give for maintaining good food and exercise habits in the lead up to Christmas?
Promise to devote one hour per day towards self-care - whether that's exercise, a massage, yoga or meditation. It could even be a long bath! Resetting your batteries this way will give you more energy to manage the hectic festive schedule.
Food-wise, the best thing is to allow yourself one splurge per festive party/occasion. So for example, you could have a glass of champagne, or mince pies, or canapés, but not all three every time. That's a great way to maintain your health and fitness in the lead up to Christmas day. But on the day itself, give yourself permission to have whatever you want! One day of pure indulgence isn't going to undo everything.
Central heating, cold weather and excessive partying in the lead up to Christmas can take their toll on our skin, what are your top tips (and why) for a glowing complexion?
The best thing you can do is apply oils and eat fats! After cleansing at night, massage some oil into your skin instead of moisturiser. I like almond oil, but you could also use coconut or jojoba. And then eating lots of healthy fats on a daily basis will lubricate skin from the inside - I like two tablespoons of nut/seed butter and half an avocado, plus olive oil to sauté veggies.
Taken from Jenna's Instagram
What is your favourite recipe at the moment?
I'm baking a lot at the moment since the cold weather just makes you want to get cozy and spend time in the kitchen. I've made the secretive chocolate fondants from my cookbook ('Super Healthy Snacks and Treats') a lot recently - they're vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free but tastes so sinful! I usually slather them in almond butter too.
How has focusing on wellness and nutrition enhanced your everyday life?
The reason I'm so obsessed with it is because feeling our best and having tons of energy enables us to go out there and share all the amazing things we're each here to share with others. Treating yourself well helps you be your best self, and every single one of us deserves to be that every single day.
For more inspiring words from Jenna visit her website www.foodstolove.co.uk
For more inspiring words from Jenna visit her website www.foodstolove.co.uk