An Interview With Lola Berry + Happy Cookbook Giveaway

 

This week I was SO chuffed to have an interview with one of my idols in health and wellness Lola Berry! We met during her recent book tour and WOW she is one gorgeous, insanely talented and down-to-earth lady. Here’s what Australia’s leading nutritionist had to say during our recent chat…

 

1. What inspired you to create your recent masterpiece ‘The Happy Cookbook’, and what were some of the highlights of the process?

The Happy Cookbook feels like it’s got a big chunk of my soul in it. It’s not just about nutrition, I’m also speaking about mindfulness, depression, yoga and biophilia so I really feel like all the things I’m passionate about are in there. It’s all heart.

Oh and highlights, we just had the most amazing bunch of people working on the book, the whole team was completely aligned.

 

2. One of the things that strikes me straight away about you Lola is how down-to-earth and authentic you are.  Can you explain what it means to live an authentic life?

It means to tap into your heart and do what feels right for you. It can take a fair bit of courage because it’s quite scary living from that space at times, it’s risky putting your heart on the line – but that’s what you do when you choose to be real.

So you just rock up, do your best and try not to worry about impressing everyone (because you’re never going to) and you just hope that at the end of the day you’ve inspired yourself and maybe someone else.

 

3. We know you love your nutrition! What else do you think is important for a healthy lifestyle?

Nutrition is one small part of the big picture. I think the other important things are being around people that truly love you for who you are (but inspire you to be more), doing things that nourish your soul and being out in nature.

 

4. Tell us a little bit about your journey as a yogi. What are the biggest pearls of wisdom you have gained from your yoga teacher training and practise?

One of my favourite words in sanskrit is shakshi which means ‘to be the witness and stand in the fire’. Being the witness in your own life is really powerful and helps you to stop reacting to things.

I’ve been practising for 7 years but I feel like I’m not even at the tip of the iceberg. I feel like every time I show up on the mat I learn something new.

 

5. How do you take care of yourself holistically, and are there any strategies that you use to prevent professional burnout?

I’m still working on this! One of the big things for me is biophilia – the healing power of mother nature. So when it’s warm enough I go and jump off Bondi Rocks with a friend and be a mermaid for an afternoon. Or I’ll go for a nature walk or run.

 

6. Sometimes in the natural health industry people feel they have to struggle to make ends meet, and believe success can be hard to come by. Do you have any advice for naturopaths and nutritionists who are doubting that they can ‘make it!?’

One of my lecturers once said to me – “you’re the only person who can take you to where you want to go, you’re also the only person who can stop you from getting there.” This always rang true for me.

One thing you learn is that it’s not going to be easy, there’s always going to be hard work, some failures and it takes a lot of determination. Keep going and it will all fall into place!

 

7. Tell us about one or two of your career highlights – what have been your best experiences so far?

Working with idols, filming with people that have inspired me and making books have all been amazing… but for me it’s those humbling moments working with others that define your values… it’s those moments that really mean the most.

 

8. If you could go back in time and give a little pep talk to your younger self – what advice would you give?

Believe in yourself. Fall in love with as many things as possible. Let your heart explode. We can guard our heart a lot but I think it’s really nice to have awesome heart experiences so you can get to know what you value and what’s important to you.

 

Last few words of wisdom from Lola…

Be really honest with yourself, believe in your message, believe in yourself and everything you’re trying to achieve. With that mentality, you should be unstoppable!

 

Oh and a huge thank you!

Lola! Thank you so much for your time and energy. We love what you had to say and are so grateful you could share with us!

 

If you would like to go in the draw to win a signed copy of Lola’s beautiful new book ‘The Happy Cookbook’ simply do these 2 things:

 

1. Sign up to the Elizabeth Santos – Whole Living newsletter AND….
2. Like the Elizabeth Santos – Whole Living face book page for your chance to win!

 

You must do both steps above to be in the running to win! The winner will be randomly drawn next Sunday the 5th of July! Don’t miss out!

 

**Competition open to Australian residents only! 🙂

 

 

Good Luck!!!