or nothing mentality – because this is
what causes us to binge or overeat after
indulging, because we feel guilty or
angry at ourselves.”
“Indulgence should be part of a
healthy diet,” she says. “When we
deprive ourselves, this almost always
leads to overeating or bingeing. We
have to learn how to have two pieces of
chocolate as opposed to an entire block.
“Indulgence allows for balance. What
I have learnt is that the body thrives on
this. We need to aim to eat well most
of the time and allow there to be 10
to 20 per cent of imperfect eating or
indulgence. This helps people embrace
the healthy life, for life.”
THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE
HEALTHY LIFE
The principles for living a healthy
life don’t just centre around what we
consume. “It’s not just about food –
says me, the nutritionist! – it really is
about addressing all areas of your life.
For example, reducing stress is essential
for a healthy life, mind and body.
This is as important as cleaning up
your diet.
“Healthy living means having
a healthy mind, body, spirit and
lifestyle,” explains Sepel. Sound like
hard work? Sepel assures it isn’t; it just
takes some moments throughout the
day to check in with ourselves and give
thanks to our bodies. “Every morning,
I wake up to a body gratitude exercise
where I literally thank every body part
for keeping me alive and well,” she
says. “It’s time we start feeling grateful
for how hard our bodies work for us.
This gratitude changes everything
- it will change how you view your
body. You start to have a newfound
love and respect when you introduce
body gratitude.”
Transitioning to live a healthier life,
or perhaps incorporating some of these
practices into your daily life, takes
persistence, and Sepel recommends
starting small. “Make one to two
changes a week and focus on what
you’re doing, not what you’ve failed at,”
she says. “Be kinder [to yourself ]. Be
patient. This is a journey.”
5 MINUTES WITH JESS
My favourite healthy indulgence is ... good quality hazelnut gelato!
Something I want all women to know is ... having a healthy relationship with
food is essential for a healthy life and body.
My natural beauty routine consists of ... almost nothing. I wash my face with
a natural soap. I used a chemical-free moisturiser and I use apple cider vinegar
on my pimples. This is it. Oh, and my daily probiotic is a part of this routine. I
work on my beauty from the inside out. A good diet is the best beauty remedy.
My personal mantra is ... eat well, rest more.
To stay centred I ... do yoga two to three times each week. I switch off social
media by 7pm every single night (most nights!) and when I take a holiday I
switch off from emails and work.“HEALTHY
LIVING MEANS
HAVING A
HEALTHY MIND,
BODY, SPIRIT
AND LIFESTYLE.”naturalhealthmag.com.au AUSTRALIAN NATURAL HEALTH | 25