Meet: Valeria Ramirez

Today’s health power players are no longer just doctors or dieticians. They are smart businesswoman and men, tradies, bloggers, and health and fitness coaches – the new ‘it’ people on the health scene so to say. From raw foodies, organic city dwellers, paleo peeps, nutritionists, bloggers & overall amazing human beings who actually practice what they preach.

When I asked the question of who you would like to read about, this gorgeous gal’s name came up several times, so let me introduce you to the new mamma who is ticking all the boxes!

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

My name is Valeria Ramirez. I am a Brisbane based Personal Trainer and Holistic Wellness Coach helping people live get off the diet and body image roller coaster and live their best lives. I am also (any minutee now) expecting the birth of our first child and studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine).

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

I used to be a journalist. After attempting to run my own magazine in Melbourne I realised that my passion for health and wellness was going to make me more happy than deadlines, late nights and copious amounts of stress. I made the decision to close my business and spend a year “finding myself” through yoga, meditation and education. I obtained my personal training and holistic health coach qualifications and the rest as they say is history.

What does your usual daily routine look like – what is on your ‘must do’ and ‘must take’ list?

Before baby my typical week started at 5am where I would prepare smoothies for myself and my clients before heading out the door for my morning block of outdoor clients. I would then head off to class and often have clients in the evening. My training would fall into various blocks throughout the week. Having a busy schedule means needs preparation. My theory is if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. My energy and wellbeing is my livelihood is it’s particularly important I nourish and take care of my body. My husband and I go to the organic markets every Sunday, I would often prepare stocks, pre-wash vegetables and have everything ready to cook for the next 3 days. If I don’t have time (or somewhere to store) my food I rely on my favourite healthy cafes around town. I always take my water and a handful of nuts just in case.

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

Pregnancy and always being in a hurry has really made me rethink my beauty routine. My must haves are apple cider vinegar as a toner, coconut oil as a moisturiser, Dr Bronner’s Magic Soaps in the shower and my Deo Nat deodorant crystal.

What do you always have in your kitchen?

We always have copious amounts of greens of all varieties. I’m a greens addict!

We always invest in quality organic, grass fed (and finished) meats.

Coconuts or C Coconut Water

Sunwarrior Rice Protein Powder – I use it for my and my client’s post workout smoothies.

How important is clean, nutrient rich food in your diet?

I don’t believe in diets. I think if you restrict or limit your approach to food you’re creating a really unhealthy relationship with what is essentially keeping you alive. My approach is eat what makes you feel alive – invest in quality, go organic where possible, keep it fresh, avoid things that come in packaging and support your local producers.

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

Fitness and movement is as important as breathing for me. I move my body everyday with walking (used to be running pre pregnancy), TRX, Kettlebells, and lots of functional movement. I also love pilates and yoga 2-3 times per week.

What are your general life rules which helps you (now and for the years ahead) always look stunning and nourished?

Be kind – to yourself and everyone around you. Having a light heart and attitude brings goodness into your life and spreads the good vibes to everyone around you.

Eat well.

Drink plenty of water.

Avoid processed junk.

Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

Get enough sleep.

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!!

My own quest for finding health, wellness and balance has inspired me to keep learning. I’ve struggled with food and body image for most of my life – it’s nice to finally feel free. I hope to inspire others to liberate themselves and enjoy life.

FITC reader question: we’d love to learn more about how you reach your goals, your so business savy!

You can’t hit a target you can’t see so for me it’s important to set short and long term goals for my personal life (like taking a holiday), business, financial and health. Be specific about what you want and set realistic time lines. Write your goals in a simple, affirmative tone and put them somewhere you will see them all the time. I have mine in a frame in my office. Keep yourself accountable and always check back in with your due dates.

Currently loving:

1. Coconut Magic Coconut Oil – It’s smells, tastes and feels amazing!

2. Nat Deo Deodorant Crystal – recently gone off supermarket sprays, I am amazed at how this little crystal stick can keep me fresh and stink free all day long.

3. My family – my pregnancy has reunited everyone, even my husband’s family have moved up from Victoria. Feeling very blessed to have so much love around us.

Fave local cafe or restaurant?

Loving Primal Pantry in Teneriffe and my local Wray Organic.

As your parting gift to us – what is your favourite holiday destination?

Byron Bay has it all – amazing food, the beach, greenery and utter quietness. When I need to get away from it all, it’s nice to have such a beautiful piece of paradise a mere 2 hours drive away.