20 August 2015

You can’t get much finer than a person who talks the talk, but can also walk the walk, and that is exactly what our latest ‘Inspiration on a plate’ does effortlessly; As well as being the country’s most glowing individual, her zest for life is truly inspiring, so without further ado, let’s delve into the story behind the beautiful Madeleine Shaw.

MADELEINE’S DAY ON A PLATE

BREAKFAST

Eggs and avocados! I love a turmeric omelette for breakfast with a ripe avocado on the side.

LUNCH

I love something high energy to keep me going throughout the afternoon. I’ve got a great recipe on my website that is one of my lunch favourite for baked sweet potato with pomegranate tabbouleh. http://madeleineshaw.com/recipes/baked-sweet-potato-with-tabbouleh/

SNACKS

I love carrying around some of the protein energy balls from my book. They taste amazing and act as a great pick me up. Sometimes I’ll snack on some raw veg but remember not to eat after 4pm as raw food is not easily digested in your stomach.

DINNER

I really love to eat a big hearty meal and sit down with my boyfriend. My favourite thing for dinner is probably fish or meat. I love the Lemon Sole with Pancetta and Peas from my book.

AS WE KNOW, YOU GREW UP SHARING A FAIRLY TURBULENT RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD AND YOUR BODY, HOWEVER WAS THERE A REAL TURNING POINT FOR YOU WHEREBY YOU KNEW THINGS HAD TO STOP, AND WHERE DID YOU START WITH REGARDS TO MAKING THAT CHANGE?

My real turning point was when I moved to Australia. I began working in an organic cafe in Bondi, which really changed my feelings towards food. I began to love learning about where food comes from, how to prepare it and what kind of things were good for my body.

WE LADIES HAVE A REAL DESIRE TO ACHIEVE THE ‘GLOW’ WHICH WE CAN NOW OF COURSE, ONLY ASSOCIATE WITH YOURSELF (UNOFFICIAL QUEEN OF ALL THINGS GLOWING!); WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW THOUGH IS HOW YOU MANAGE TO KEEP THE GLOW ALL YEAR ROUND?

I see healthy eating as a lifestyle choice and not a fad diet. My book focuses on this philosophy, and teaches you to make positive changes to your diet as well as learning to love yourself. I try to make sure most of my recipes are healthy alternatives to everyday favourites, using wholesome and healthy ingredients which are gluten and sugar free. If there are healthy alternatives for everything (including yummy chocolate!), you won’t feel the need to ‘indulge’ in treats that don’t do anything good for your body!

AND SO OF COURSE WE NEED TO FIND OUT WHICH 5 HEALTH/BEAUTY ESSENTIALS YOU JUST COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT, AND WHY?

Coconut oil – I use it for everything. To take of my makeup, moisturise and even as a hair mask.

Avocados – They keep your skin glowing and make your hair and nails strong.

Rose hip oil – I put this on my face after cleansing and toning. It’s so good for your skin.

Yoga – it helps me relax, and in turn it banishes any stress, keeping me feeling happy!

Oskia Renaissance cleansing gel- It has a lovely fresh smell and it doesn’t dry out my skin. It’s also natural and organic (It’s also a pretty pink!)

WE ARE HUGE FANS OF YOUR BOOK, ‘GET THE GLOW’, AND WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE FROM IT?

That’s a difficult one, there is so many yummy ones in there. Can I say a few different ones? I love the scrambled eggs with pesto and avocados for breakfast. Eggs are pretty much a staple in my diet. I also love the grilled chicken, lemon and olive salad – it’s great for lunch or dinner. Then for dessert the raw chocolate cherry fudge is to die for. I don’t have a massive sweet tooth but just a piece of this is all I need when I get a craving, as it’s very rich.

ALTHOUGH THERE MUST BE TIMES WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE EATING WELL, WE ALL HAVE THOSE MOMENTS – WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURE?

Probably croissants or baklava…they’re my favourite.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR LEARNING OF HOLISTIC HEALTH AT CNM, AND HOW HAS IT STRENGTHENED OR CHANGED YOUR VIEW ON HEALTHY LIVING?

I continued my education because I wanted to further my knowledge and have a more science based background on nutrition. It’s opened my eyes up to how complex the body is, and has reinforced how much food and lifestyle affects your health.

MOTIVATING OTHERS COMES AS PART OF YOUR JOB, HOWEVER WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING, AND WHY?

I love my work, I love every day that there is to behold. I never wake up and am not excited about the day ahead! I’m very lucky to do something I love. With exercise I schedule it in which makes it important, like a meeting, something difficult to miss. This keeps me moving and exercising during the week.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKING DAY AS MADELEINE SHAW LOOK LIKE?

Lots of meetings, and answering emails with some cooking and exercise thrown in there. I normally try and get out of the house for meetings as I usually work from home so you’ll probably find me hanging around in a juice bar in London on my laptop between meetings! I also try to attend or host events so I can meet people who follow my recipes!

AND FOLLOWING A LONG WORKING DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR MOST FAVOURITE WAY TO WIND DOWN IN THE EVENING?

I like to watch TV series with my boyfriend and cook a big dinner!

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE SOMEONE HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?

“There is only one you and you will bring something to this world that no one else has.”

AND FINALLY (AND MOST IMPORTANTLY!), WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE NEXT FROM YOU?

I’m working on an online wellness platform for mindfulness, exercise and nutrition called the Glow Guides. It’s not quite ready yet, but I’m so excited about it!