[MEET] Kate Burbidge, aka The Healthy Psychologist

Today’s health power players are no longer just doctors or dieticians. They are smart businesswoman and men, fashion designers, tradies, bloggers, and health and fitness coaches – the new ‘it’ people on the health scene so to say.

Each week we will talk to a variety of inspiring individuals – from raw foodies, organic city dwellers, paleo peeps, nutritionists, bloggers & overall amazing human beings who actually practice what they preach.

I first stumbled across Kate via Instagram (instagram.com/thehealthypsychologist) where I was immediately drawn in by her divine photos, kick ass life philosophy, shared love of SUP and our pups. Apart from taking a mean pic, this beauty has the brains to back everything up!!

Let me introduce you to Kate…

Name: Kate Burbidge, aka The Healthy Psychologist

Occupation: Psychologist

For the people who aren’t familiar with you (or just want to know more), tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Registered Psychologist, not-so newly wed, wannabe healthy chef and dreamer. A self confessed foodie, I was working as a psychologist In Townsville, QLD when I decided to combine my interest in food, mood and health into a career and returned to university in 2013 to commence post graduate studies in Nutrition.  My dream is to own and operate a seaside health practice, addressing health issues holistically, using psychology, physical activity and nutrition.

What made you choose the path of leading a healthy life and was there a particular turning point? 

I have always had an interest in healthy eating and enjoyed cooking as a child but lost my way a little when at university. Years of sugarfree Redbull for breakfast, skinny caramel lattes and Thai takeaway took a toll on my energy, skin and destroyed my digestive system. Fast forward a few years and I rediscovered my love for fresh food, cooking from scratch and working up a sweat on AND off the dance floor.

What does your usual daily routine look like – what is on your ‘must do’ and ‘must take’ list? (rituals, food diary etc)

I have my morning routine down to a fine art, without a minute to spare. I always start the day with a big breakfast, generally overnight oats, quinoa porridge or eggs while I put on makeup and brush my hair. I never leave home without a carrot or boiled egg in my handbag and a gym bag packed up in the car. Weekdays are fairly hectic for me, starting work by 7:30am and leaving between 4 and 5pm, then rushing home to spend time with my fur kids, cook dinner and get to the gym. Weekends are more relaxing and a Saturday never passes without a little sleep-in and coffee in bed with my husband. The remainder of Saturday always involves trips to a number of fresh food markets and organic stores to pick my favourite goodies, fresh juices and walks on the beach, SUP and getting some much needed Vitamin D after a week spent in the office.

Let’s take a peek in your bathroom cupboard – what are your must have products?

Good luck getting out alive! I keep a quick and simple routine to keep up with my schedule but I always find time to apply Jane Iredale mineral powder foundation, jet black mascara, eyebrow powder (where have you been all my life?) and once or twice a week I scrub down with Frank body scrub and use Tailor Masque as my 29 year old skin behaves like I am a hormonal teenaged boy.

What do you always have in your kitchen (both fridge and supplements)?

I am always stocked up with C Coconut water, kale, spinach, lemons, fresh salmon and homemade almond milk. I don’t use a lot of supplements as I have an overly sensitive digestive system, but I do enjoy Bare Blends protein powder after a hard gym sesh.

How important is clean, nutrient rich food in your diet? Do you follow a certain style?

I honestly believe that food is medicine so getting it right is vital, and regardless of what I eat, I always try to keep it simple with whole foods. I have a particularly fussy digestive system so my diet is generally trial and a lot of error. I generally eat a lot of fresh veggies, and avoid gluten and sugar. I eat a little fruit in the morning and generally get my protein from eggs, fish and a little chicken and red meat when my body craves it.

How do you like to move and keep fit? Is exercise an important part of your life?

Given my poor coordination (my family will vouch for this), I like to keep it simple with HIIT at the gym, jogging with my 2 Labradors, SUP, and climbing Townsville’s infamous Castle Hill.  When I exercise regularly, I perform better at work, my concentration is sharper, I bounce around with energy and I feel more confident about the woman in the mirror.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your health journey? These days we’re influenced by so many different sources – from friends, family, blogs, magazines and now even Instagram!!

It may sound like the obvious choice but Lorna Jane still blows my mind; a powerhouse who has taken the business and wellness world by storm and yet remains ridiculously kind and humble. Another and equally important influence is my girl Nicole from Nicole Joy Inspire who has singlehandedly demonstrated how to take a leap of faith and chase dreams.

Currently loving:

I am loving the Lorna Jane Finesse sports bra for keeping the girls in check, fresh green juices from Ottos Fresh Food Market and bopping out to Ball Park Music while on a run.

Fave local cafe or restaurant?

The Sweatshop in Townsville is a hipster delight; good coffee, jamjar cocktails, gluten free muesli and old school jaffles surrounded by local art for sale with a side of Milton Bradley board games.

As your parting gift to us – what is your favourite recipe?

My choc beet muffins will cure any cake craving while giving the body a much needed vitamin boost

Choc Beetroot muffins

1.5 cup almond meal, hazelnut meal or any nut or seed meal

½ cup coconut sugar

1/3 cup raw cacao

1 tbsp tapioca flour

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 cup grated raw beetroot

1/3 cup coconut oil

½ cup coconut cream

½ cup preferred milk (I used rice milk but almond, cows or coconut milk will work well)

Method:

Combine all dry ingredients, except chia seeds and then add in beetroot (zucchini would also work well).

Combine all wet ingredients and chia seeds and let sit for 10 minutes. Add wet to dry and spoon into baking cups.

Bake on 180 degrees Celsius for approximately 40 minutes or until baked through. These are a little crumbly so enjoy in a bowl with a good dollop of Greek yoghurt or Coyo.

Be sure to follow Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/thehealthypsychologist
Lee x