This week on the blog, I interviewed Pilates instructor and Nutrition Student Sarah Cooper. We chat about how she got into practicing and then teaching pilates, and how she implements a healthy and balanced lifestyle and a good, strong relationship with food. I hope you enjoy this one, because I certainly enjoyed learning from Sarah about all things balance and wellness! Happy reading x
1. Firstly, Introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you do, and what are your passions? Hello! My name is Sarah, I am 24 from Sydney and am a pilates instructor and nutrition student / passionate foodie!! I love all things health and wellness and you can find me most days in the sunshine or at the beach. 2. Tell us a bit about what your page and your work is all about. How do you help others through their journey with all things food and nutrition? I really just started my page out of passion and wanted to share my love with other like minded people. My page started as just food and has merged with pilates as I now use it to offer live workouts as well which is fun to bring people together and encourage some movement! My page has always been about balance, no diets or restrictions, just tips and tricks to help you feel your best in your every day habits and enjoy it at the same time.
3. What sparked your interest and love for healthy and nutritious foods, pilates and to start your Instagram page? I started doing pilates at around age 15 on youtube, and the videos I was watching on the channel would have some recipes every now and then. Instagram and social media had just launched so I think the more I was researching and engaging in these fitness videos, I was seeing all different recipes and healthy swaps for food I loved with healthier ingredients. It started to become a hobby and many of my friends and I would share our passion for cooking by making yummy smoothies or raw carrot cakes at sleepovers!
4. What does the ideal day in your life look like? Oooh well, I could be bias because I have just come back from holidays, but an ideal day would be staying with my friends and family, waking up and doing some movement that feels good for my body that day, and getting a coffee and making some food before heading down to the beach for a swim and beach walk with my dog. Also spending the day in nature, maybe doing a bush walk or just simply relaxing, maybe baking some healthy treats in the arvo, and finishing with a home cooked meal shared all together.
5. What are some of your favourite habits/rituals to maintain clarity and balance in your everyday life?
Ooh this is hard, and something I am working on as I often feel quite scattered and unclear when I have a lot on my plate. I like to put my phone away and just play some music, have a nap, go for an ocean swim etc. when I am feeling anxious. But to maintain balance I am committed to my diary, to do lists and journaling. I really feel that being organised, knowing what is ahead and being able to schedule in social time and time for myself is super important.
6. Where do you see yourself in the future? Ahhhh I don't even know! I am graduating this year, so I would love to bring both my passions together to have my own business where I see clients and also teach pilates, maybe even do some healthy treat or cooking workshops as well. 7. What are some of your favourite nutritious and balanced meals to make and eat? Ooooh my favourite easy one would be a crispy pan fried salmon with salad with whatever veggies I have in the fridge! I hate waste, so any leftover veggies that I have previously roasted along with some fresh greens and tahini! I also love making my protein fudge as a snack in the day or after dinner (recipe is on my page)
8. What advice would you have for someone who would like to better their relationship with food and implement a more balanced approach?
I think stepping back from seeing food as calories in, and calories out, to food as quality over quantity. Low calorie does not equal healthy! Food is powerful and is fuel. Discovering how your cognitive function, emotions, energy and sleep can be influenced by your diet choices is really exciting and empowering. Try not to engage in diet culture, if that is social media or people around you... let them go! 9. And Finally, where can we find you on social media?
Instagram: @scoopitup_
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