Travel is good for the soul
It’s been a while since my last blog. To be honest, even though I’m still very passionate about what I do, we all need a break sometimes to get away and take a fresh look at our goals, choices, direction and focus. With lots of other great things on the boil in my life, my blogs have taken a back seat for now. Practising what you preach is important: taking time out to live in the present and appreciate what you are experiencing now!
Eating local in the South of France
The South of France by the sea is gobsmackingly beautiful and full of nutritious culinary surprises, including local seaweeds. This time I had the joy of cooking local produce myself, having hired an eco cottage in the countryside, something I’ve always dreamed of doing. Mission accomplished and very much enjoyed: white asparagus, globe artichokes, local seafood and the natural wonders of France. I was pleased to see how they preserve and care for their environment, choosing paper bags over plastic, recycling, and supporting many local markets, with real pride in regional dishes made from local produce. Lots of clean and green.
Finding balance
Travel gave me time to reflect, and looking back, it was clear that I’d had no balance in my life; I was obsessed with working harder. Eventually I needed help, including prescribed medication and counselling, for anxiety and depression, along with struggles to manage my weight.
That’s why I felt so sad when Anthony Bourdain died in France this month. He reminds me somewhat of my husband, Glenn Austin, in his timeless passion to travel, learn and dig deep into the true history, food, culture and psychology of a country, and then honestly try to help improve everyday people’s lives. It saddens me that great givers in our society can carry private pain, in a world with an insatiable appetite for more.
Successful people achieve their goals through hard work or by working smarter. When I analysed myself, I realised I had proven myself by working ridiculous hours, but at the cost of my health. I could have achieved the same goals without pushing my body to exhaustion and ill health; it may simply have taken a little longer.
Making the change
That’s when I decided to change, to be more proactive and to take care of my physical and psychological self religiously. I ate a varied, healthy diet, began walking regularly, and gave up cigarettes in favour of attending to the needs of my body and mind. Week by week I noticed changes: I became fitter, stronger and calmer, more in control of my mind, and happier. I completely changed my life while still managing the restaurant, teaching commercial cookery at college level and judging culinary competitions, and moved towards my true passion: supporting health through diet, nutrition and wellbeing. People told me I looked 10 years younger, and I felt it.
Throughout my journey with food and a healthy lifestyle, I’ve found strategies to build better health and undo the effects of a poor diet. Through studying diet and nutrition, food psychology and wellness coaching, I’ve developed online and personalised programs, including around 10 workshops that empower women with practical, effective, evidence-based skills to enhance their lifestyle. My commitment has always been to improve people’s lives with the motto “be the best you can be”.
“So sad to lose another industry great. Thank you, Anthony Bourdain, for helping us not feel alone with Kitchen Confidential. Don’t forget to take time out for you and enjoy the now. Nourish yourself with tasty, sexy, nutritious food, and not only with food: be kind to your body and mind, travel, spend time in nature and with the people who are important to you, and keep some gold dust for yourself.”
If you’re struggling, please reach out. In Australia you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 any time, or talk to your GP.
