Meet this month's Wholefoodie, Charlotte Lee! Keep scrolling to learn more about Charlotte's approach to healthy eating and how it's had a positive impact on her lifestyle.
How did you eat growing up?
We use to eat pretty well as my mum was able to cook up quite a few meals. Most of them use to be rice base (growing up with Asian parents) and with lots of vegetables including stir fries or greens. She’s also able to make up a pretty mean lasagne and her version of bolognese sauce had carrots and zucchini in it so she was able to sneak in some vegetables for us kids to eat. I always add them now to my sauce and my partner thinks I’m weird!
How do you feel now that you eat wholefoods?
I generally feel more satisfied after eating a meal, however, it also depends on how much I’m training!
How would you describe your food philosophy?
A little bit of everything! I don’t follow any prescribed diet and enjoy eating lots of different foods. I am trying to make a conscious effort to reduce my sugar intake and to think about portion sizes so I don’t overeat!
What made you switch to wholefoods?
Not everything in my diet is always wholefoods based, but I do like the fact that healthy, hearty meals are not restrictive in any way. I found with all the training I do, I need nourishing food that will provide me with the energy I need and help heal my muscles.
Was the change difficult and if so, how did you overcome this?
I guess it can be difficult as I must admit, I’m not the most creative person so find it hard to sometimes use a product many different ways. I always try and look for inspiration online so that products don’t go to waste!
It can be hard if you only want to try a sample of a product before you buy as sample sizes are not always available. It’s great if you have like minded friends who may products you might want to try and you can always ask them for a sample.
Also, if you try and do it all in one go, it can be expensive so look out for specials at markets or the shops or buy bulk items with friends or family to reduce the cost.
Any tips or advice for those out there trying to make the switch to a wholefood lifestyle?
Just take it one step at a time. It could be buying one or two products to start and then as you progress, switching out products as you shop. For example, instead of white rice, you buy black or brown rice.
I also love the abundance of recipes you can find online or through social media. If I find something that looks good, I save it or screen shot it so I can give it a go when I have some time.
What are 4 staple products that are always in your shopping trolley?
Eggs as I love making zucchini slice to eat as a snack, apples (a great little snack and energy boost between work and training), sweet potato (best when baked with garlic and rosemary!) and butternut pumpkin (again, great for baking or turning into a spicy soup!).
How has GMB helped you on your health journey?
GMB has helped me on my journey by introducing me to new products I would never of tried. I love snacking (it gets me through the day!), and I’ve discovered so many great snacks that taste fantastic, but doesn’t make me feel guilty about eating it!
What has been your all-time favourite product in our box and why?
Oh this question is so hard to answer! Can I pick more than one?!
- Remedy Kombucha! I love the bubbles without all the sugar! Lemon, lime and mint is my favourite! Easy to turn into cocktails too!
- Shelby’s Dipped and Dusted Almonds – Cinnamon Flavour. Will fix any sugar cravings with that yummy yoghurt coating.
- Mary’s Gone Crackers – I love all the seeds and grains in it and it goes really well with a hummus dip!
- Temole Almond Chips – BBQ Flavour. OMG! Spicy and crunchy! They need to make bigger packets!
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