I first met Teresa at a wellness event hosted many moons ago by my friend Sarah Wilson.  I have to say she had me captivated in her knowledge and ability to engage me (yes the kid with the short attention span) with her wonderful communication skills and intense knowledge of food as medicine.  We all know I’m MAD for food being the basis of health so it’s probably no surprise to you to learn I’m pretty pumped to share Teresa’s thoughts and feelings around fertility and wellness here today.  Plus I love her line – ‘be good to yourself’ – because we all need reminding daily!

What does fertility mean to you?

Fertility to me means keeping your body healthy, focusing on gut health. Nourishing the digestive system and looking after yourself the best way you can. I believe that food is most healing when it is close to its’ original state and has the properties to heal and nourish.  The Healthy Chef philosophy is a realistic and sensible approach to healthy eating that will last a lifetime, encouraging you to make small diet and lifestyle changes that will have positive outcomes to your health in the future.

What is one ritual or practice that you do that connects you back to yourself as a woman?

Self-actualization and mindfulness are two important practices that helps me grow. Being in the moment, being grateful and creating healthy positive thoughts and actions in my day to day life.  I try and see the good in others  –  treat others with respect and look after the ones I love.

If you could tell your teen self one piece of advice about health/fertility/hormones, what would it be?

Be good to yourself – nourish your body with clean honest food – exercise regularly and be happy. I was lucky that I started to change my diet and lifestyle when I was very young – thanks to my grandparents who played in integral part in my development and healthy lifestyle. The food choices you make as well as your lifestyle when you’re younger will reflect your health as you get older so nourishing the body during these years is essential.

Would you change something you did in previous years with regard to fertility and health?  If so what might that be?

Health is a journey and every year I grow based on my own personal health and experience as well as what I learn from others. I’ve grown from my mistakes and don’t regret anything I’ve done as they have helped shape the person I am.

What ignites and inspires you?

I am blessed to have been surrounded by awesome people.  When I was younger it was my great Aunt and Uncle that inspired my passion for health. They were strong determined warriors – both in mind and body. You can’t break if you’re strong. Today it’s my awesome husband who’s also my Guardian Angel.  He inspires and encourages my dreams and I love his strength, commitment and determination.

What’s your one essential health item?

I love my Natural Immune Support !  It’s a potent whole food + natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster. When I’m feeling stressed and run down I take this every night and wake up feeling awesome !

Favourite food?

I love green veggies. Lightly sautéed kale, broccoli and spinach, vibrant green salads topped with goats feta and fresh figs and green smoothies and juices scented with a hint of lemon.

Favourite movie or book?

Favourite movie would have to be Kinky boots with Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Cheesy addiction?

Ricky Martin is definitely my cheesy addiction. I discovered Ricky in 1995 and have loved his music ever since. I even had my fitness figure routine choreographed by a Latin American Dancer to his hit single Maria

Morning or Evening routine?

Every morning I start my day with 2 glasses of water and a little lemon juice. This helps my body hydrate and cleanse for the day ahead. Depending on my energy levels I either go for a long power walk or a kickboxing session at UFC Gym.  I sometimes take my Healthy Chef Superfood before the workout to give me a little energy boost that get’s me through the workout. I then go home for my breakfast and depending on the weather or how I feel, it could be a recovery smoothie, fresh fruit and yoghurt or scrambled organic eggs and some greens.  During breakfast I write down my tasks for the day –  I have stacks going on so it keeps me focused for the day ahead.

Teresa Cutter, The Healthy Chef, is a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world.

Influenced by her family’s Polish heritage and love of food, Teresa began cooking at the age of four, and embarked on her health crusade at the age of nine. Swapping second portions and deep fried food for healthier food choices, Teresa soon discovered a passion for exercise, including netball, basketball and bike riding.

Commencing her career in hospitality, Teresa trained as a traditional French chef. Her natural talent and passion for food was rewarded early on in her career winning Apprentice Of The Year two years running, followed by a Gold Medal at the Salon Cullinare.

It was then that she also received her qualifications as a certified fitness trainer. Juggling five days as a chef, and two days each week fitness training, Teresa recognised the importance of a healthy diet for energy and wellbeing. In 1998, Teresa competed in fitness figure competitions, placing 2nd in Australia. She then traded the gym for the boxing gloves, taking up Muay Thai kickboxing.

As a classically trained chef, qualified nutritionist and accredited personal trainer, Teresa decided to combine her two great loves – gastronomy and physical fitness. Choosing to share her lifestyle, recipes and wisdom internationally, she has inspired thousands of people to make positive changes to their lives through her website www.thehealthychef.com.

Moving to Sydney in 2001, Teresa published the first of five healthy cookbooks – “Bite Me” and “The Anti-Ageing Cookbook” – in 2002. Her continuous experimentation in the kitchen saw her develop her 3rd book, “Fit Food”, in early 2004, followed quickly by her 4th and 5th recipe books. “The 80/20 Diet” and “101 Ways to Lose Weight”, which are currently rated no #1 on iTunes.

Pursuing her dream of opening her own restaurant, Teresa opened the wholesome and organic café on the shores of Avalon in Northern Sydney called ‘The Healthy Chef’. Its phenomenal success spurred Teresa to reach an even wider audience, and in November 2012, she launched The Healthy Chef Functional Food Range. Free from chemicals, artificial sweeteners and fillers and made from wholefoods, The Healthy Chef WPI and Organic Pea Protein are the first of its kind in Australia.

Dedicated to improving people’s health and wellbeing through the food choices they make and how they cook, Teresa believes food, like life, is to be savoured.

Connect with Teresa:

Instagram: teresacutter_healthychef
FaceBook: healthychefteresacutter
Twitter: teresacutter