The fitness professional and corporate wellness coach talks about food hugs, her favourite cooking ingredients and learning to manage portion control.
Occupation: Purica Ambassador and owner of Fitlicious Inc., a nutrition and fitness programming business.
What’s your secret food vice? Lately I’ve been craving sweet and savory combinations that are ridiculously delicious.
What is your number one comfort food? When I’m craving a “food hug” I gravitate toward soft, dense, sweet things that melt in your mouth like a chewy fudge brownie with a scoop of premium ice cream.
What is your biggest food challenge? I grew up in a “clean your plate if you want dessert” environment so portion control has always been one of my biggest issues.
What keeps you eating a balanced diet? I feel my best when I eat clean, balanced meals. Also, as a fitness and nutrition coach I believe I must walk the walk and talk the talk to have the full trust of my clients.
Any dislikes? I hate overcooked veggies.
What must you always have in your fridge? I’m currently crushing on gourmet flavored Dijon mustards – I have 15 varieties in my fridge. Other everyday musts include: egg whites, soda water and prepped portions of lean protein.
What are some of your go-to meals? Cinnamon banana flavoured protein pancakes (recipe on GetFitlicious.com) and grilled salmon salad with ginger Asian vinaigrette.
What is your favourite meal to make for guests in your home? I enjoy variety so I don’t have a “go to favorite” that I repeatedly serve. I like surprising my guests with a deliciously healthy version of their favorites meals. I always try to select ingredients that are in season to ensure the flavours’ are rich and memorable.
Strangest food you’ve tried? Snake meat when I lived in China.
What’s your favourite winter dish? With my birthday and Christmas both in December, winter usually includes a few extra baked sweets and ice cream cake on my birthday.
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why? I love cinnamon for its flavour and health benefits. My Fitlicious Flavour Blasters (Organic Flavoured Stevia) satisfy my sweet tooth, while coconut oil spray is my new go to for baking and pan-fried food.
What have you been busy with over the last year? I’ve been doing more motivational speaking and developing corporate wellness programs. I started working with Purica as a blogger and an athlete ambassador. Also, I bought a horse last February and have been equestrian obsessed.
What’s next for you? To expand my platforms to an even larger audience around the world, while keeping it personal.
Kiju Pomegranate Cherry Juice
Tangy and refreshing pomegranate juice meets sour cherry for a healthy juice mix with a kick. The high level of antioxidants in this juice is a great boost for your immune system. (1 litre/33.8 fl. oz, $2.99)
Trans Herb Four O’Clock Banana Cinnamon Spice Tea
It’s time to get cozy with a cup of banana cinnamon spice tea that contains black tea leaves, cinnamon bark, cocoa shells, natural banana flavour, cardamom seeds, ginger root, cloves and black pepper. (16 teabags 30.4g, $2,99)
Olympic Dairy Krema Vanilla Infusion Greek-style yogurt
The Greek word Krema translates to cream – the ultimate natural indulgence. This ultra thick yogurt is made from 11 per cent butterfat. It’s a cravings tamer that’s actually good for you. (500g, $3.99)
Central Roast Smoked Almonds Unsalted
It’s easy to watch your sodium intake this holiday season with this traditional, savoury, smokey treat. Central Roast packs all of the flavour without the added salt. (310 g, $9.99)
