Shannon Rosie aka Living With Rosie, Nutritionist
22 January 2018
If you're anything like me, you would have started January with the intentions to live, eat and breathe better this year, starting with diet! For this reason I've caught up with the lovely clinical nutritionist Shannon Rosie. This blonde beauty has an instagram profile packed with inspiring notes and tips. She's looked into the endless healing abilities of food and shares them with us so that we can all start to shine this 2018!
Shannon also has put together The Good Gut Guide which is a 30 day gut program designed to teach you how to heal yourself from the inside out. Gut health is the base of true health and wellbeing, with this you will learn how to make your body work for you, instead of against you to prevent disease, and become your healthiest self - both physically and mentally.
I caught up with this little lady from the other side of the world to find out more and all about her New Years resolutions.
How did you get into nutrition and what do you love about it?
My journey into nutritional medicine was a long one. As a young girl I spent a lot of time in and out of doctors offices and hospitals, continually being given vague diagnosis, countless doses of antibiotics and even steroids. I knew something was wrong, I knew there must be a better way.
So I decided to take my health into my own hands. I got into cooking, and started researching more and more about the foods I was making. I began to experiment with using my food as medicine. The results were undeniable – I felt amazing, both inside and out. From then on I was hooked. I knew that I needed to know more, so off to university I went and the rest is history.
What I love about nutrition is helping people take their health back into their own hands. Gone are the days where we need to mindlessly follow nutritional advice from a GP that has likely had less than a weeks nutritional study. I love empowering people to use food as medicine to become their healthiest, happiest version of themselves.
What New Years nutritional tips would you give for 2018?
Firstly, always remember that every day you have the opportunity for a fresh start, not just once a year.
No matter if you’re a vegan, a fast food lover, paleo, pescatarian - whatever! - here are 5 tips to be a healthier you:
1. Cut the sugar: it be sweet but its also a toxic slow-killing poison. Removing sugar from your diet it from your diet will help you loose belly fat, feel more energised, clear your skin, balance your appetite, ward off diseases, balance your hormones and so much more!
2. Eat the rainbow: and no I don’t meant a pack of skittles. I’m talking fresh fruit and veggies. The colour of your fresh food is an indication of the nutrients it has, so having a plate full of different colours is the easiest way to insure you’re getting a variety of nutrients on your fork. Also, the darker the colour, the more potent the benefits. For example, kale is far more nutrient dense than iceberg lettuce.
3. Heal your gut: “bad digestion is the root of all evil”. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said this two and half thousand years ago and today the science is finally proving it to be true. It all starts in the gut. Heal yourself from the inside out to experience health and vitality like never before. Healing your gut will do much more than just clear any digestive issues. It will boost your immune system, improve your mental health, clear your skin, help you sleep better, ward off diseases and make reaching your bodies ideal weight a breeze.
4. Eat your fats: gone are the days where fatty foods are to be feared. The science was wrong and thankfully we know that now. Healthy fats are essential for good health. You need fats in your diet for healthy hormone production, for energy, for your brain to function at its best and for your hair skin and nails to be strong. My favourite healthy fat foods are avocados, nuts and seeds, oily fish such as salmon, and oils like extra-virgin cold pressed olive oil and coconut oil.
5. Stay hydrated: water, water and more water. Water makes up almost half you body weight. You need water to digest your food, for healthy blood, for detoxification, for an effective immune system and so much more. We all know this but a little reminder can’t hurt. I always have giant bottle next to me at my desk. If you find it bland, spice up your water with fruit and veg. My favourites are cucumber, mint and berries.
Where do you sweat and what's your favourite meal after a workout?
I went through a huge transition with my exercise in 2017. I am a tall clumsy girl who has broken her fair share of bones. Because of this I used to stick to pilates, yoga, barre classes and walking out of fear of more injury. I never felt totally stable in my body or particularly “fit”. I used to exercise for weight loss and not for strength.
After a couple of years of trying, my partner (who is ex military) finally convinced me to train with him. A week later after a couple of sessions, a lot of sweat and muscles so sore I could barely sit, I was hooked. Now I just can’t get enough! These days I exercise for strength and through weight training I am also injury proofing myself for the future - win win. I’ve never felt so strong in my body and I love it.
I almost always do fasted workouts in the mornings. After the gym I’ll dig into one of two things; a giant green smoothie or a brunch plate which might have baked salmon, eggs, spinach and mushrooms.
Do you have a New Years resolution for 2018?
Not really. New Years resolutions are a lot of pressure and are often followed by feelings of failure. We are imperfect creatures, and that’s a wonderful thing. If you fall, pick yourself up! Each time you wake is a beautiful opportunity to be a fresh and fabulous new you.
Although I wouldn’t call them “resolutions”, I do have a list of goals I’m going to smash this year! I am releasing two extremely exciting products for Living With Rosie that I couldn’t be more excited about. Along with that I am always striving to be a better me. Every day I consciously try to work harder, learn more, love intensely and have fun along the way.
Describe a day in the life of Shannon Rosie?!
I get woken up every morning by the worlds cutest alarm clock, my puppy, Buddy the beagle. He jumps on me around 6:30 telling me it’s time to get up. After some serious belly scratching I’m off to the gym. Post gym its brunch time! Then my day consists on creating LWR content, working on upcoming projects, keeping up with new nutritional research and jumping in the pool every couple of hours to cool down. I eat an early dinner then take Buddy down to the beach for a sunset run around with the other dogs. After that its usually a couch chill out for an episode of whatever we’re watching on Netflix at the moment, then bed.
Five items items you can't live without?
1. Moisturiser. I hate the feeling of dry skin. No matter where I am you’ll always see a little red tube of Lucas Papaw and a jar of coconut oil. Just like Windex with the Dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I use Papaw and coconut oil for everything.
2. My phone. For work, for play and for taking hundreds of puppy photos.
3. Passport. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to live all across the world, from Australia to Singapore, America, China, and now Bali. I truly value the freedom to be mobile, which was one of the driving factors for creating an online business. This brings me nicely to number 4..
4. My laptop. Compact, portable and does it all. My whole office nicely stored in a little rectangle that I can take with me wherever I go. I often work from cafes, couches, airplanes and poolside so my laptop is a must every day.
5. A bikini. I’m a hot weather girl, a beach babe at heart. Just like a plant I need sunshine and water to thrive. A dip in the pool or a dive in the ocean makes everything better.
Emily Spriggs, Yoga Teacher
29 November 2017
Emily caught my eye a while back, her beautiful form and practice looks like it originates from a Degas painting and her lovely soft approach makes for a truly lovely class..
Before becoming a yoga instructor, Emily trained and worked as a professional ballet and contemporary dancer. She has performed all across Europe appearing in a number of company performances and projects, fashion and music videos. This is another one of London's great teachers, teaching at studios such as the famous Triyoga, I caught up with her to find out how she started and what makes her tick.
Do you remember the first time you practiced and what brought you to the world of yoga?
I do, I was living in Eastbourne with my parents because I was working as a professional dancer and as a result couldn’t afford to live in London. I felt so lost and disconnected from who I was at the time and I was putting so much pressure on myself. I started taking class at a tiny studio called the Yoga Life Studio which could only fit six people in it. Taking yoga classes allowed me to tune in to my body and myself again. When you are dancing you are always focused on pushing your body in a competitive environment to perform, whereas yoga allowed me to be kind to my body and look after it. I think that is so important, I really tuned in to who I was and what I wanted, not what other people expected or wanted from me.
What are your favourite studios in London?
The Camden Triyoga studio is one of my favourites, it has such a great energy, and the studios are so nice to practice in, they have great food from the Nectar cafe, and I love using the infrared sauna after class.
What advice would you give anyone about becoming a teacher?
Go for it! We all have something special to give and teaching yoga can be a beautiful way of sharing yourself with others. You will learn so much about yourself during your teacher training as well.
How have you seen the yoga industry develop in the past few years?
Yoga has grown so quickly and there are so many studios and teachers out there now, some people think it dilutes the essence of yoga and I can see how in some ways it has, but I think that the increase in its accessibility is a great way for more people to find their own practice in their own way. Whether thats because they like the fashion or social aspect of it, I don’t think matters. If it brings someone to practice yoga then I think that, that is what is important.
What’s your wellness tip?
Don’t over complicate things. Eat real food. Simplify. Move your body. Breathe. Sleep.
5 items you can’t live without?
I think I could live without most things, apart from a kettle because I love tea so much and I probably drink at least twenty cups a day.
Follow this lovely lady for all of her latest news and classes... here
Follow this lovely lady for all of her latest news and classes... here
Adam Husler, Boxer Come Yoga Teacher
13 November 2017
This week I'm very pleased to be bringing you all one of my favourite male yogi's who I avidly follow on instagram, Adam Husler. Boxer come yoga teacher, Adam has been practicing for over 8 years, and some would say is one of London top yoga teachers, teaching at the big studios such as Triyoga and Indaba. As well teaching he works with big brands such as Adidas, Boys of Yoga, Harrods and OHMME. I caught up with Adam for a walk along the Chelsea Embankment and regardless of the cold temperatures we nattered for over an hour about how his life changed from super physical forms of pushing his body to the beauty of yoga...
Philipp Schälli, Yogi
23 October 2017
Some of my regular followers will know that this blog consists mostly of yoga and well-being professionals, but this post profiles an incredible yogi who decided not to make a career in yoga, even though he's practiced for 10 years and done teacher training! I met Philip on the yoga retreat that I attended back in the summer, his level of yoga was incredible so I decided to delve deeper into his past and journey into yoga. If you're anything like me, self practice I struggle with, but this was exactly how Philip became the expert that he is now...
How did you get into yoga and what effect has this had on your life?
I started Yoga more than 10 years ago when I bought an introductory Asthanga Yoga book from John Scott. I then self-taught myself Yoga with books and YouTube for 4 years. As a student I couldn’t afford fancy classes and all the free resources available were more than enough to keep me going. For me Yoga is a great way to disconnect and to focus my thoughts on movements, breath and balance. Having established a self-practice allows me to take that “break” whenever and wherever I need it.
What was the reason you did your teacher training and what type of yoga did you train in?
After university and before my first full-time job I had a few free months and I thought a Yoga teacher training would help me lift my self-practice to the next level. My teacher training was in Dharmasala, India and I trained in Hatha Yoga with Vinyasa influences. The experience was great it helped me to develop an understanding of Yoga anatomy, allowed me to lift my practice to the next level and got me comfortable with teaching and adjusting people. I also met friends who I am still in touch with today. I have not taken up teaching professionally since, but there are always opportunities to teach small groups of friends or colleagues which I really enjoy.
Favourite type of yoga nowadays?
Today I prefer challenging flow classes with opportunities to practice my inversions. I also enjoy longer workshops that focus in on specific parts of the practice.
Where do you sweat, stretch and eat in London?
My favourite ways to sweat these days are training with Clem, Velocity with Ben and Pace with Carl at Core Collective. I enjoy the diversity of workout options at Core and the great espresso afterwards. As far as Yoga is concerned I am a regular at the classes with Jamie and to keep progressing in my own practice I go to workshops at Indaba Yoga. I am a passionate cook so most of my eating is at home with loads of salad and protein. For the occasional cheat meal you can’t go wrong with pizza at Homeslice, a selection of starters to share at Social Eating House or a full French meal at Gastronhome prepared by some of the best passionate self-financed chefs in London.
What's been your favourite yoga retreat that you've been on?
Given I have been to two retreats so far so it is difficult to answer that question. A retreat can be a great opportunity to develop your practice and new skills. However it’s important that you know the teacher you are going with well, that you get a good feeling for the group and make sure the level fits with yours.
Five items you can't live without?
This is a difficult question, which is why I cut it down to three:
1) My Journals – I am keeping journals since 10 years and they are one of my most prized possession as they allow me to look back at my past goals and aspirations and always keep me honest.
2) Podcasts – Given the London commutes and the travelling involved in my work no better way to stay informed about what is happening in the world and to explore new topics.
3) Espresso – Dark, No Sugar.
Nicola Peters, The New Yoga Teacher On The Block
4 October 2017
I've known Nicola for many years when we used to work at the same fashion brand. In fact, this lovely lady was one of the very first featured on the blog back in 2011. This will be her third time featured, but this time for a very different reason. Since the days of stalking fashionistas on the street the blog has grown in a different direction and taken the road of all things mindful. Similar to my blog, Nicola has taken the same road and has just qualified as a fully fledged professional yogi! I caught up with her to find out what it's actually like to be a new teacher and what the teacher training was like. If you're anything like me and have been thinking about taking the course you will find this interview with Nicola particularly interesting!
How did you get into yoga and do you remember your first class?
Classic story - I was starting my own company and super stressed to the point I became ill, a friend introduced me to yoga and I was hooked immediately! At first some of the classes were too spiritual for me and the place I was in at the time, so Power Yoga was my go to, now I love all types - the more spiritual the better ;-) One of my first classes that I remember was a 75 min Power Yoga class, the pace was so strong I remember at the end I sat up said out loud "what the f*ck was that?!" haha
Why did you decide to do your teacher training and would you recommend it to anyone thinking about it?
I believe that the universe leaves you little signs, coincidences and other types of signposts if you choose to follow them. There was a lot happening that made my path keep crossing with the Frame Academy course at the start of this year and I just felt it was something that I was being guided to do - turns out it was exactly where I needed to be. I can't recommend training to become a yoga teacher enough, whether you are interested in becoming a teacher or not the learnings and self growth along the way are experiences that money or jobs could never buy, cliche but it is life changing.
How has it been since graduating as a teacher? What are you working on now?
Awesome. Crazy. Scary. I have been fortunate enough to have great yogis, friends and teachers around me from the start so it's been nothing but fun and love so far! I joined Sunday School Yoga straight away and have benefitted from the outstanding community and support that Michael James Wong has created. Working on a couple of projects to bring my past experiences in the tech world to yoga and mindfulness at the moment.
Where do you sweat, breathe and eat in London?
Sweat at Frame, Breath at Mudra Stoke Newington, Eat at Morito Hackney.
Five items you cant live without?
Sad but true - my iphone, iphone battery case, meditation app Headspace, sunglasses, concealer.
Follow this lovely lady on her yogic journey here.
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