Award-winning meteorologist Magdalena Roze is getting ready to welcome a new bub into the family, along with her partner, Three Blue Ducks chef Darren Robertson.
The pair’s son Archie was born in late 2015, and Roze admits she’s feeling far less stressed about baby number two.
“I’ll never forget feeling like a bit of a deer in the headlights when it came to bringing our newborn Archie home from hospital for the first time,” she recalls. “Darren and I looked at each other, like, “What are we supposed to do with this baby?!” I feel so much more relaxed about our second baby knowing what to expect!”
We caught up with the Byron-based cookbook author to find out her go-to wintertime workouts, favourite food hacks and how she manages to stay healthy while juggling it all.
What does the term ‘healthy’ mean to you?
Being your best you! Or being happy, radiant and nourished.
How do you beat the winter slump?
In my eyes, there’s no such thing as bad weather if you’re prepared so I embrace winter for what it is and make the most of it by hibernating indoors, treating myself to warm baths and lovely face masks, and cooking nourishing comfort food.
Winter is nature’s way of telling us that it’s ok and actually necessary to slow down. It’s our chance to restore. As long as I’m rugged up, a walk or run in the outdoors can be really energising and refreshing even when it’s cold. It’s also really easy to work up a sweat at home with some mat pilates or yoga.
Any tips on recovering post-workout?
A good stretch does wonders as do Epsom salts and magnesium for tired muscles. Plus drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
What’s been the most surprising thing about motherhood?
Just how strong, resilient and intuitive we are. I’m in awe of our ability to carry and nourish our babies, our innate wisdom for what we need to do, and on how little sleep we’re able to function. Mothers are superhuman!
I’ve also been surprised by the unconditional love, patience and selflessness that we’re capable of and how much I continue to learn about myself through Archie. Children are so present and I’m conscious now about preserving his natural mindfulness and ‘being in the moment’ because we end up spending most of our adult life trying to get there again!
What’s the biggest misconception about motherhood?
Perhaps that it comes naturally. While I’ve talked about our innate ability to nurture and nourish our children, there’s so much that we’re not prepared for and don’t know. We assume that something like breastfeeding might come easily because it’s nature, but it can actually be extremely challenging and even impossible for some mums.
I’ll never forget feeling like a bit of a deer in the headlights when it came to bringing our newborn Archie home from hospital for the first time. I feel so much more relaxed about our second baby knowing what to expect!
How do you stay balanced with such a busy schedule?
I’ve learned to prioritise, set boundaries and say no to things. I stay on top of my health with nourishing meals and the right vitamins as well as spending time outdoors.
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) to help maintain a strong immune system throughout winter.**
How do you recharge your batteries?
I love a morning beach walk followed by a swim. Spending time in nature with the family away from the phone is so good for the mind and soul.
What’s your favourite wintertime meal?
It would have to be something warming, comforting and slow-cooked like a curry or lamb ragu. Winter is a great time to start cooking more at home and I love slow cooked meals like soups and stews because they’re so easy (just throw everything in a pot), delicious and so nutritious.
What ingredient do you swear by?
Turmeric is a powerhouse when it comes to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties so I swear by it during winter, and it adds delicious flavour and colour to ‘golden milk’ lattes, curries and even protein balls.
What’s your favourite food hack?
Coconut oil is not only great for cooking but makes a great lip balm and hair mask too. And buy in bulk because if your pantry is well stocked with grains, nuts, flours, seeds, powders and good quality canned food like tomatoes, it’s much easier to whip up a healthy meal on a whim.
Has Darren had an impact on your approach to cooking or eating?
I’ve always been passionate about food but having a chef partner has strengthened this because it’s such a big part of our life and we love sharing ideas and collaborating. It’s nice to be with someone who is as excited about discovering a new ingredient or restaurant as I am. I’ve learned a lot from Darren about cooking and I still get surprised that he can literally make anything without a recipe.
Diets: a do or a don’t?
Definitely a don’t. Enjoying good, nourishing food is a life choice.
What difference has motherhood played in terms of healthy eating and activeness?
Since becoming a mother I’ve become much more conscious about what I put in my body especially during pregnancy because suddenly you’re responsible for another little person’s health and wellbeing!
While there is much less time to look after myself now with children, it’s actually more important than ever to make sure I’m nourishing myself and replenishing the stores, especially with the lack of sleep! I focus on eating real, good quality wholefoods that are as unprocessed as possible and make time, even if it’s a few minutes, to sit down and eat a nutritious meal.
It’s not about being perfect but doing the best with what you have and sometimes that’s just scrambled eggs but they’re such a complete food. When it comes to physical activity, I approach it like a treat and not a chore so it’s about being kind to myself, getting stronger and feeling energised rather than trying to achieve a six pack.
Brought to you by GO Healthy
**Store below 30ºC away from children. Take in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet.*
