Gabriela Peacock recently done a fantastic article for The Nutritionista called ‘Nutrition for Radiant Skin and Anti Ageing‘ The article was so great we decided we needed to learn a little more about Gabriela and her journey into health and nutrition as well as her daily routine, healthy eating spots in London, favourite exercise classes and much more. To give you a bit of background to Gabriela and why we at The Nutritionista find her so fascinating, Gabriela is a model turned nutritionist check out her website GPnutrition for details on the nutritional services she offers. She also works at Grace Belgravia and Ten Pilates as their nutritionist..busy lady ey! I hope you enjoy what she has to say as much as we did :)

1. How did you journey into health and nutrition first come about?

I have always had a real interest in health and nutrition but think the years I spent in fashion modelling defined my passion and commitment for a balanced nutritious diet. Being a model meant long days, extensive travel and frequently staying in hotels with little choice with regards to food. I experienced headaches, low energy and frequently felt ill. Often, when it came to food, I had to just ‘grab and go’ and the processed foods I found myself picking up never made me feel or look great. I soon noticed that by removing the processed foods and  increasing the amount of wholefoods, fruit and vegetables, fish and complex wholegrains led to a radical improvement in the way I felt. My headaches decreased dramatically, my hair and skin glowed and I had buckets more energy! I realise that diet isn’t the only thing that comes into play with feeling and looking great; exercise, stress management and doing what you love with the people you love around you are all important in reaching optimal health.

2. What’s a typical day in the life of Gabriela Peacock?

Upon waking: I have a mug of hot water with lemon, to rehydrate and refresh after a nights sleep. I then my daughter and I go downstairs to make breakfast together. She loves to help me with the juicing or blending!

I spend the first part of my morning working. As a nutritional therapist I provide tailor made nutritional protocols for my clients. After taking a detailed case history, we work together to come up with realistic achievable dietary and lifestyle plans. We are all unique, with different biochemical individualities and requirements. I take this all into account when researching and devising a nutritional programme for a client.

Usually I spend my afternoons at my clinical practice Grace Medical Belgravia or at Ten Pilates studios in Notting hill where I see my clients .

After work I relax with my family, enjoy a glass of wine or  run a bath with Epsom salts which are great for soothing muscles after a long day.

3. Describe what you typically eat in a day?

My diet varies depending on seasonality but typically I’ll have eggs for breakfast with coconut butter and homemade gluten free toast, plus a green juice or smoothie. Smoothies or juices are a great way to get fruits and leafy greens into your diet, providing the body with the plant based nutrients it needs. I often add some protein powder, ground flaxseeds or a dollop of coconut yoghurt to the blend too. I like to mix it up and be creative with my fruits and veggies. That’s what I love about smoothies and shakes; pretty much anything goes!.

If i need a snack it’s gluten free oatcakes with a chunky hummous, avocado slices or whole nut butter. I think it’s important to carry snacks to keep my blood sugar levels balanced.

Lunch is often sushi or I’ll put together a rainbow salad bowl consisting of greens (lettuce, cucumber, celery), a grated carrot, some tomatoes, beetroot and a healthy portion of protein such as chickpeas, tuna or shredded chicken. I’ll make a dressing from walnut or flax oil for the omega -3 content. Eating a rainbow of different coloured foods is a top tip –  important for all the various antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Dinner is typically Asian inspired – a curry or a noodle soup but always with brown rice or buckwheat noodles. Brown rice is higher in fibre therefore increases satiety so you eat less. The thai salads with green papaya are also super tasty!

4. What’s your favourite meal?

That’s a tough question as I have so many favourites! I do adore marinated raw fish and seaweed – Japanese style. Summer time is the best for lovely long BBQ’s, lots of different salads, delicious grains and berries for dessert. I love to put different vegetables on the grill with baked fish, particularly grilled artichoke.

5. What are your favourite healthy eating spots in London?

I’m lucky to live in Notting Hill with has a handful of great places to eat out. My favourites have to be E&O (try the crayfish, avocado and soba noodle salad) and Nama for it’s incredible raw food menu, particuarly the sushi platter main or mexican wrap. If my husband and I are out for the evening, our favourite restaurant is Nobu Park lane.

6. Do you have an exercise routine?

I do pilates 2-3 days per week. I particuarly enjoy Dynamic Pilates at Ten Pilates. My core strength has improved hugely as a result and I wholly believe that my flexibility, posture and muscle tone has improved too. I’m not one for treadmills so for me the studio sessions offered at Ten Pilates are perfect. Exercise is an important component of a healthy life – both for body and mind so I think it’s important to find something that you like, that fits in with your daily routine and stick to it!

7. What do you love most about being based in London?

It’s a cliche but London is so cosmopolitan and varied. The restaurant scene is forever changing, there are new shows and exhibitions to see, places to go and it continues to suprise me. You are never bored in central London!

8. Do you have any advice for young career women who want to lead a healthy lifestyle?

Take time everyday to relax and empty your busy mind. I stay balanced by ensuring I have 10 quiet minutes each day – whether it’s first thing as part of my yoga practice or just before bed, it’s important to have 10 minutes a day to be still, quiet and relaxed. Our lifestyles are so manic and over stimulated with phones and emails, it’s important to make sure you can turn off.  Get enough sleep. It’s so important for our physical and mental health to be rested.