THRIVE: 5 Minutes with Naturally Nina

Nina is an accredited Nutritionist and blogger, with a passion for all things nutrition, health and wellbeing. She shares informative, evidence-based and relatable nutrition information and plenty of delicious recipes!

Nina developed her passion for nutrition after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and being a competitive athlete, but this passion took a downward spiral and led to a long battle with a severe eating disorder.

Now the healthiest and happiest she’s ever been, Nina works with people all over the world as a nutritionist, aiming to educate, support and empower her clients (along with everyone else!) to learn how to fuel their bodies best, make peace with food and truly find health through nourishing their body, mind and soul. She highlights nutrition fact from fiction and shows that true health is so much more than kale smoothies and quinoa!

Q. What makes you THRIVE every day? 

The things that help me thrive every day are really just the basic things that I try to keep a constant in my life, which ground me and keep me feeling good! Those are nourishing my body with plenty of wholesome plant based food, being active (I do weightlifting and CrossFit, but also love walking and swimming), getting some sunshine and fresh air, and surrounding myself with people that support me and challenge me to be the best version of myself I can. 

Q. What does a “healthy” lifestyle look like to you? 

To me, health encompasses the body, mind and soul. A healthy lifestyle will look different for every person, depending on SO many factors. But in the end, it’s one that allows them to feel and function great, that supports their body and physical health, but also makes them feel at peace within themselves. Mindset is key!!

Q. If you had to cook one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Ooh, I’m going to say my Nourish bowls! I literally make one pretty much every single day and they are my favourite thing ever. I really just throw a whole bunch of different ingredients into a bowl, always making sure it’s got a good balance of carbs (usually some kind of grain or sweet potato), protein (beans, chickpeas, tofu/tempeh or falafel!), some avocado or a creamy tahini or cashew dressing for healthy fats, and lots of colourful veggies!!

Q. What are three habits that have improved your life dramatically?

I’d have to say, making sure I’m eating enough to truly support my body, prioritising my sleep (I am the worst sleeper!) and letting go of the need to be perfect all the time - being okay with just doing my best.

Q. What is your favourite way to move your body? 

I started Olympic weightlifting this year and I absolutely LOVE it. I’m actually obsessed. I find it so empowering and fun, it challenges me in so many ways and gives me so much drive. I also adore swimming!

Q. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt on your health journey, that you want to share with others?

Totally cliche of course, but the most important thing I’ve learnt is to stop comparing and competing with others, and start focusing on myself. Learning to treat myself like my own best friend and biggest fan, and doing what is going to be best for ME, no matter what everyone else (especially on social media) is doing.

Q. What is your favourite THRIVE flavour, and how do you like to use it? Can we have the recipe?

It’s a really close tie between the Vanilla Shortbread (which makes the best cookies!!), and the Mango Cheesecake for smoothies. My favourite smoothie right now is frozen banana, frozen mango, a scoop of Thrive Mango Cheesecake, a tbsp of hemp seeds and cashew milk. SO delicious!

Q. Lastly, where can people find you?! 

You can find me on Instagram @naturally_nina_ and my website www.naturally-nina.com where I post all my favourite wholesome recipes, evidence-based and BS-free nutrition info and where you can get in touch about nutrition consults and plans!