Holistic healing

Beauty isn’t only about how you look on the outside, it’s also how you feel on the outside

Nutritionist, naturopath and model, Rosemary Ferguson, tells us about the importance of nourishing your body

Aged just 15, a teenage Rosemary Ferguson was scouted to become a model while she was in McDonald’s, a setting which now seems ironic considering her many health credentials. Easily recognisable as one of the supermodels of the 90s – gracing Prada catwalks and Vogue front covers no less – nowadays, Rosemary is better known for her background in homeopathic and complementary medicine. Qualified as a naturopath and nutritionist, Rosemary runs a clinic on Harley Street in London where she gives dietary advice. She is also the author of recipe book Juice (£16.99, Ebury Press). We caught up with Rosemary to get her natural take on health.I always take a natural approach to everything I do and buy, whether that is skincare or haircare. If the kids are poorly [Rosemary has three daughters], food is the first port of call. Eating well boosts your immune system, and you can then follow with supplementation when it’s needed. Similarly, beauty isn’t only about how you look on the outside, it’s also about how you feel on the inside and how confident you are. Beauty starts from within and, by calming the gut and treating it well, you can see a real difference to your complexion.

The wellness tip I swear by is consuming a plantbased diet. Include as much variety in your diet as possible and up your veg content in every meal. If you want glowing skin, I recommend you eat foods that are high in antioxidants, fluid and good fats to help build collagen. Celery, mango, pineapple, avocado and berries are all great sources. I also think it’s important to take care of your gut health. Take a course of live bacteria supplements every six months. I recommend Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion by Renew Life (£41.99, renewlife.com) – it’s really potent and thorough. I advise taking it at bedtime so you can let your body do what it needs to whilst you’re asleep.

Eating well isn’t rocket science! Everything should be balanced. Your plate should be half vegetables, a quarter protein, and a quarter complex carbs. Too often people make the mistake of cutting out food groups with no cause, such as when people stop eating fruit due to its sugar content. Fruit has so much more to offer; it’s full of fibre, antioxidants and minerals, all of which are important as part of a balanced diet. If I need some healthy comfort food, I love making a lentil pie, a hearty soup or a curry – a favourite in my household.

If I can’t do something because of work then I get on with it and make sure to plan ahead and get things in the diary – that way I feel balanced. If I feel tired or run down, I slow down. I supplement with what I need to – if it’s stress, then I’ll have a B vitamin. I’m currently working on my 5 DAY PLAN, a food delivery company that runs in London and Oxfordshire once a month. I also have F!LTH, which has just opened in Shoreditch – it’s a vegan burger place.

Golden milk overnight oats

Rosemary shares a quick and easy breakfast recipe.

Ingredients

• 250ml coconut milk

• 123g coconut yoghurt

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp cardamom

• ¼ tsp ginger

• ½ tbsp coconut oil

• 45g of oats

• 1 tsp of Renew Life Fibre Smart Powder

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• ½ mango

In a small saucepan over a low-medium heat, whisk together the milk and spices until warm. Add in the coconut oil. Do not let the mixture come to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. In a container, add the oats and chia seeds. Pour the cooled golden milk mixture into jar and tightly cover it with a lid. Shake the jar until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Store in a fridge for 6-8 hours before serving. Serve with mango.