Cecilia has been a part of the GMB family since day one and we have LOVED watching her healthy lifestyle flourish over the years! Cecilia made the switch to wholefoods after having kids and recognising the importance of what they were putting into their bodies. While she grew up in a pretty wholesome home, see how Cecilia returned back to her cooking roots!
How did you eat growing up?
All our meals were home-cooked. My mother was ahead of her time – tons of fresh fruit and veg, brown rice and pasta, organic meat, home-baked goodies, homeopathy, and so on. Like most teenagers, I rebelled in every way I could, including diet – I was a fat free dairy, diet coke swigging, Marlborough light smoking student who didn’t think much about food other than how not to spend more than was absolutely necessary and how not to put on weight (3am munchies, anyone?!).
How do you feel now that you eat wholefoods?
My return to wholefoods feels so right – like turning full circle and coming home – and dare I say it, growing up! I’ve always been blessed with lots of energy, but now I’m in my 40s I really notice the effects of eating well versus eating poorly. I’ve always been an instinctive eater, and in tune with my body, and with maturity comes the confidence to back my instincts.
How would you describe your food philosophy?
It's simple - I’ve commandeered Michael Pollan’s words: “Eat wholefoods, mostly plants, and not too much”.
What made you switch to wholefoods?
3 things: having kids, anxiety and curiosity. When you start your first child on solids, the nutritional content of food suddenly becomes important; I have struggled with anxiety my entire life – wholefoods, and how I prepare them, definitely helps; my new found interest in wholefoods led to my quest to cut through all the BS in the health and wellness arena, and really return to my roots.
Was it difficult and if so how did you overcome this?
No, it honestly wasn’t difficult at all. Yes, I spend way more time thinking about food – to be healthy you do need to be organised. But it has been a gradual process that has naturally evolved over many years. I’m still making changes, as my needs and those of my family change, and as I learn more.
Any tips or advice for those out there trying to make the switch to a wholefood lifestyle?
Baby steps! You cannot overhaul your diet overnight… unless you have a personal chef. You have to learn where to shop, how to prepare wholefoods, and what types of food/meals suit you, and whomever else you cook for. So start by making wholefood swaps when your current supplies run out, e.g. margarine for butter, vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil, flavoured yogurt for full fat unsweetened natural or Greek yogurt, pre-packaged bread for in-store baked sourdough or a wholemeal loaf, white sugar for maple syrup, white flour for wholemeal flour, and so on. I would also add that knowledge really is power. Unfortunately, there is so much conflicting information on the internet and social media, which can be confusing and intimidating. Once you’ve found one or two people who resonate with you and speak common sense, stick with their info, and pick and choose what feels right for you. Take confidence in so that you already know what changes you need to make to be more healthy and energised.
After making the switch, how did you feel after and did you notice things you could do that you couldn't do before?
The biggest change for me is more consistent energy, particularly the dreaded 3pm slump. I still get hungry around this time but I don’t get the spacy brain fog or plummet in energy that I used to struggle with. I actually eat a greater volume of food now, particularly proteins and fats, yet I am the same size and weight as I was 20 years ago.
Is there anything you can do now or you have done, which you once thought would have never been possible?
Yes - after a few years of study and experience, I have started my own health coaching business. I was a lawyer at a huge international law firm in a previous life. So health coaching is a massive change in direction, but it feels so right, and a more authentic me. You can find out more about the wholefoods nutrition and holistic wellness services I offer at www.ceciliarosenberg.com.
What are 4 staple products that are always in your shopping trolley?
This would depend on where I’m shopping… but given I’m feeding a growing family of 5 there is invariably:
- A loaf of beautiful organic sourdough bread
- A couple of litres of organic full cream milk
- Organic free-range eggs
- Lots of berries
How has GMB helped you on your health journey?
Well its always fun to receive a parcel in the mail. There are lots of super time-saving products in the GMB's, which we are all grateful for. Convenience and packaged doesn’t always have to mean unhealthy! GMB also reminds me that health and wellness are not limited to just food. I love how the boxes often contain drinks, cosmetics, bathroom & cleaning products. My kids adore the GM Kids Boxes.
What has been your all-time favourite product in our box and why?
This is such a hard question. I actually think it was a little sample of Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap. It's genius. I now always travel with some. It literally does EVERYTHING!