Finding Balance Can Change Daily

Question 01

You originally started your first business Linked with your husband Jack who is a trainer, and later launched Body Good Food to expand your work as a nutritionist. What are some key tips you can offer to others wanting to launch their own business?

Spend some time building up a community (whether that be in person or virtual) so that when you launch you have an engaged audience ready to buy or sign up to your services. Celebrate the small wins and set boundaries from the beginning to ensure you don’t burn out – switching off when you own your own business is a task I am still trying to master!

Question 02

Your philosophy to healthy eating is that it must be wholesome, nourishing, balanced and enjoyable. What are some of your favourite meals to make which don't compromise on flavour?

Fish Tacos are a definite favourite (and have been crazy popular in my virtual cooking classes) but I also love my Spinach & Zucchini Loaf that is suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and my Slow Cooked Turmeric Chicken Curry – because who doesn’t a love a slow cooker recipe!

Question 03

Congratulations again on your newest arrival. Having just welcomed baby Beau into the world, what are some ways you are making time for yourself and maintaining your mental wellbeing?

Finding balance between mum life, work and self care has been a real challenge, especially with COVID-19 and being in lockdown here in Melbourne. I went back to work fairly early because our studio was closed meaning my husband was around a lot to help with Beau, but soon realised I couldn’t maintain that high work commitment.

So now I have boundaries in place for work days and non work days and although time to myself is very sparse I have non-negotiables like a walk outside every morning, having my mum babysit once per week and at least one catch-up or Zoom call with my friends to keep my mental health in check. I also cannot survive without my Body Good Diary which allows me to set goals, giving me focus and clarity but also has a section each day for happiness and gratitude reflection, as well as journaling which I find so incredibly helpful.

"I have boundaries in place for work days and non work days"

Question 04

Are there any benefits of having a trainer as a husband? What are some creative ways you've used to stay fit in 2020?

There definitely are benefits like when he is taking a Live session and I am behind the camera copying the workout for a free session. I am only really just getting back into a good routine with exercise now that Beau is 4 months old, I’m keeping sessions short and gentle but am doing some strength training, running, pilates and yoga. I’m not hard on myself if I miss a session because I am walking a lot and active during the day with Beau anyway.

Question 05

Through Body Good Food you have built a strong community of holistic foodies who love learning from you. What are some ways you are keeping engaged with your online community?

At the moment my content is minimal but consistent because I love engaging with my community but also don’t have the time to spend hours online right now. I love to show them what I’m cooking and keep them up to date with food is in season and those on my weekly email list always get a new recipe or article each week. I have a lot of plans for more virtual cooking classes so when I get the time there will be more to come in that space!

“HONESTLY, balance is different for me every DAY, AND week”

Question 06

Now with your little one in tow, life may look a bit different these days. How are some ways you instil balance into your life?

Honestly, balance is different for me every week. There is just no way I can strive for balance every day so some weeks it’s more time with Beau and less work, but others it’s more work and hubby has more time with Beau. I have fallen deeply in love with motherhood so my priorities are always ensuring I feel I am having enough time with Beau and I simply just pull back on work when I feel I am not honouring this. It has meant saying no to a lot of work opportunities but the perks of working for yourself is that you have the flexibility to do this.