2 minutes with Amy Crawford

Amy Crawford believes in wholesome food, clean living and natural healing for boundless energy. As the founder of The Holistic Ingredient, she describes herself as a "corporate career girl knocked sideways by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome… reincarnated as a holistic practitioner, writer, blogger, and author."

We took a moment to chat with Amy about the different elements that make her lifestyle nourishing and balanced…

A favourite ingredient to prepare a winter meal?

Quinoa. One of the most protein-rich plant foods available, quinoa is rich in minerals and fibre, making it a perfectly hearty option for cooler days. Such a versatile ingredient (which is actually a seed, not a grain), quinoa can be used in both hot and cold, sweet and savoury dishes. When the weather’s chilly I love to start my day with tummy-warming quinoa porridge, infused with cinnamon and coconut milk, or even hot cakes – the ultimate use for quinoa leftovers! Try substituting quinoa for rice under curries or as an alternative to fried rice.

I feel most healthy when…

I maintain my life with a sense of balance, not neglecting one element for another. This means prioritising time for relaxation and may include a daily meditation, lying on the couch with a page-turner, spending time with friends. Even when my workload feels excessive I know I have to commit to this valuable down time. As soon as I let that balance go, my body screams at me and I know it’s time to put the pens down.

I always start my day with…

A morning tonic of warm filtered water, apple cider vinegar and lemon, said to aid digestion and promote the process of detoxification. This is promptly followed by an activity to get the blood pumping such as weight training, hills sprints or yoga; and a walk with my beloved pooch, Wilson. I mustn’t forget breakfast because this is without doubt my favourite meal of the day. Breakfast always consists of quality protein, something raw, a fermented food (typically five:am greek style yoghurt!) and a good saturated fat.

For more of Amy's advice, recipes and ideas visit theholisticingredient.com