Just have a peep at Jacqueline Alwill’s social meida accounts @brownpaperbagnutrition and you will develop an instant girl crush thanks to her laid back style and attitude, and then finish with numerous cravings for her delicious, yet nourishing foods.
Say hello to this weeks Motivational Meet…
For the people who aren’t familiar with you (or just want to know more), tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a nutritionist and mum based in beautiful Bondi Beach. I absolutely love what I do and am fortunate to have built my life around it. The Brown Paper Bag encompasses a practice in nutrition, wholefoods catering and lots and lots of creative fun connecting and partnering with others like minded brands to spread the message of good health far and wide through recipes, written pieces, videos and more.
You worked with Jurlique for their ‘Wellness Month‘, what did you cover?
Beautiful ideas in nutrition, food, health and wellness to help you find your inner beauty and make you glow inside and out. We’ve made a series of videos with recipes and tips, blogs, in-store cards and lots of great experiences in health.
What made you choose the path of leading a healthy life and was there a particular turning point?
I’ve always loved food and nutrition and remember the passion starting at an early age, but I don’t think it was until I was in my mid 20’s that I truly believed that I could make a life of it, Jet (my son) had a big role to play in it too.
What does your usual daily routine look like – what is on your ‘must do’ and ‘must take’ list?
No day is ever the same with me! Which is sometimes challenging but for the most part a really great thing! I always meditate (that’s a non-negotiable) and ensure I am fuelled with absolutely delicious and wonderfully nutritious foods, exercise is key for my mental clarity and snuggles with Jet a must.
Let’s take a peek in your bathroom cupboard – what are your must have products?
Ooooooh, here we go! I am completely in love with Jurlique Skin Brightening Treatment and Antioxidant Face Oil. And because it reminds me in a really lovely way to always keep my heart open (there’s something about roses and love), I always moisturize my hands with the Jurlique Rose Hand Cream.
What do you always have in your kitchen?
There are some ingredients I can’t live without in the fridge – lemons, kombucha, sauerkraut, pesto, peas (well they are in the freezer, chilli or Tabasco, avocado, some of my buckwheat seed bread and plenty of herbs. I take a probiotic and a magnesium supplement daily too.
How important is clean, nutrient rich food in your diet? Do you follow a certain style?
I’ve never really followed any specific diet like raw/vegan/paleo, I like to tune into my body and respond with what it needs. I think that’s most important. Nourish with beautiful wholefoods and your body will respond well.
How do you like to move and keep fit? Is exercise an important part of your life?
Exercise is a big part of my life, always has and always will be. Not over exercising has been a really important lesson in health for me. I used to do way too much of it. Now I like to do a mix of conditioning, running, yoga and swims in the warmer months to keep it varied and interesting.
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 son, Jet. Honestly when I fell pregnant with him, I truly came to understand how to nourish my body well, so both he and I could thrive.
Currently loving:
1. Dr Libby Weaver’s new book – Exhausted to Energised.
2. Grilled field mushrooms, not sure why but they are just tasting so incredibly good at the moment.
3. Little Wildling Co – I Need a Moment Tea, actually the most delicious tea ever created
Fave local cafe or restaurant?
Shuk Bondi – the Shakshuka (baked eggs). Enough said. 🙂
As your parting gift to us, what is your favourite recipe
Favourite recipe right now is the Raw Avocado Chocolate Tart created in partnership with Jurlique for our month of Wellness – Click here for the recipe, and this Orange and Almond Cake Recipe.
Orange and Almond Cake
2 (340g) organic oranges
1 2/3 cups (200g) coconut sugar
6 eggs
1 carrot, peeled and finely grated
2 1/4 cups (250g) almond meal
1 teaspoon baking powder
Icing:
1 cup greek or vanilla yoghurt
1 orange, peeled and segmented
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
1/4 cup calendula petals
Method:
Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Wash oranges and cook in boiling water for 2 hours.
Drain and cool then puree.
Preheat oven to 160C, grease and line a 20cm spring form cake tin with greaseproof paper.
Beat the eggs and sugar until light in colour then stir in orange puree, carrot, almond meal and baking powder.
Pour into the cake tin and bake in the bottom of the oven for 1-1 1/4 hours, until top is golden.
Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes then remove from tin.
Top with yoghurt, orange segments, pomegranate arils and calendula petals and serve.
