Here’s a rocket in the women’s health movement – meet Kate Toholka! She is one A-mazing gift to women – after all she gets off on supporting busy women to overcome stress and give up the self hate and guilt already! I mean who can’t help but love her? I love these questions I’m running as part of this Wellness Women Wednesdays – and today is no exception. I’m sure what Kate has to share today will resonate with each of us on some level. Over to Kate…
What does fertility mean to you?
I’ll be honest – I used to think fertility was just about having babies. But now, I see it as vital part of health. When we are healthy, we are fertile. It makes perfect sense to me. And for me, it’s not just about eating real food and moving our bodies. It’s about having a healthy mind and soul too.
What is one ritual or practice that you do that connects you back to yourself as a woman?
Replenishing in nature is my remedy. I live by the beach (the beautiful Bells Beach in Victoria) and lucky enough to have both coastal and bush escapes at my back door. I always remember who I am and what my purpose is when I get grounded in nature. Sandy toes are my heaven!
If you could tell your teen self one piece of advice about health/fertility/hormones, what would it be?
Question everything. And give up the soft drink and cordial already!
Would you change something you did in previous years with regard to fertility and health? If so what might that be?
This is easy – I would have never gone on the pill. That was quite possibly the worst decision I ever made. I was on it for four years and they were a tough four years. I experienced troubling digestive distress every single day – I have memories of me crawled up in a ball in so much pain. I was anxious most of the time. I stacked on so much weight, and scored myself a little ‘baby pouch’ – a row of fat on my lower abs that just refuses to disappear. I never had that before I went on the pill.
It took me 4 years to figure out that all my health concerns was related to the pill. I thought I was sensitive to certain foods but nothing made sense. As I learnt more about the pill I realised that this could be the cause of all my health problems. Within one month of coming off the pill, all my stomach pains disappeared. But it has been a solid 2 years of nourishing my body, mind and soul to recalibrate. I was diagnosed with PCOS last year but I’m happy to say that my periods are now monthly – something they never were, even before going on the pill. I still struggle with acne but I have a feeling my addiction to dairy may be the culprit…
What ignites you?
Supporting busy women to overcome stress, self-hate and guilt is my high. When a wave of recognition, or a simple ‘A-HA!’ moment comes across my clients faces, I know I’ve done something small but significant in helping improve their life. Makes me so happy.
What’s your one essential health item?
Filtered water is my number one health item. I feel sluggish and out of sorts if I don’t wake up and have a big glass of water to kick start my day. I drink about 2-3 litres a day, sometimes up to 4L when I’m active. It’s vital to plump up my cells and help my body flush out the toxins. And I can smell unfiltered tap water a mile away – no thanks!
Favourite food?
Salmon. With the skin crispy and cooked in coconut oil. Amazing.
Favourite movie or book?
Tough, it changes all the time. I love the Jack Reacher book series by Lee Child. Movie-wise, anything with incredible acting blows my mind. Dallas Buyers Club was amazing. I’m more into quality TV series than movies at the moment – I totally dig Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch (best. Show. Ever.) and The Mentalist. Suits isn’t too far behind either (mmmm, Harvey anyone?)
Cheesy addiction?
Psychological thrillers, both books and films. I’m such a psych-nerd – I love everything about the mind, how we think, and the reasons behind human behavior. I’m fascinated by real stories of criminals because I just can’t fathom why they do such things – I feel guilty for getting a parking ticket!! And I love nothing more than diving into a book full of psychological thrillers, twists and turns, and a hero saving the day. Diving into something that is so far removed from my reality is like an escape – I’m personally so far from bad-ass, that I live vicariously through the action hero characters (cheesy right?!)
Morning or Evening routine?
I’m working hard on creating my morning routine right now. I’m not an early riser so it’s a pretty simple routine of wake up, drink a big glass of water, and move for 30 minutes minimum. Shower, kiss and hug from the boy, a bit of self-love and gratitude, then it’s off to work. I’m now trying to have breakfast around 9:30-10am instead of as soon as I wake up. It seems to work better for me when I do that.
Kate is a Holistic Health & Life Coach, Occupational Therapist and the author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller, ‘Healthy Habits: The Busy Women’s Guide to Boosting Productivity, Health and Happiness’. Kate also runs workshops and speaks all over Australia, empowering women to take charge of their lives.
Kate is about to announce a full schedule of workshops all around Australia, including a mini book tour. Visit www.summersaltlife.com.au/events to find out the details for the next upcoming event.
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