Our cover girl, Rebecca Gawthorne

Mama to one handsome little newborn boy, blogger and qualified nutritionist, Rebecca Gawthorne, is an accredited Practising Dietitian, Accredited Nutritionist and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia. Her love of food has seen her study nutrition, publish research on health, and help thousands of clients with their eating. And her message is strong as she focuses on how important healthy, nourishing food is to our bodies, and in our case, especially for mamas. Bec spoke with our Editor Chanelle, and she shares her story with us...

We need to nourish our bodies with healthy, real, wholesome foods to ensureour bodies function healthily, to feel energetic and live the life we were created to live- “

Where did it all begin for you and nutrition?

I always wanted to work in an industry that helped people. Initially I thought I wanted to be a physio or psychologist, however when I studied food tech at school, I discovered that I loved learning about health and nutrition. My teacher at the time encouraged me to look into a career as a Dietitian and it went from there. After graduating from University with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, I established my own Dietetic practice in Sydney, offering clients one-on-one Dietitian consultations. My clients, as well as friends and family, were always asking what I did for my own healthy eating, as well as wanting more recipes and health tips, so I started my Instagram @nourish_naturally as a way to document all this and provide extra information for my clients.

How long have you been an accredited Dietitian & Nutritionist for now?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours I) from the University of Wollongong in 2010 and I’ve been working as an Accredited Practising Dietitian since then. When I graduated, I worked as The Flying Dietitian travelling to rural NSW to work with indigenous communities, as well as setting up my own Dietetic practice in Sydney, working one-on-one with clients for individual Dietitian appointments. It was extremely challenging but very rewarding.

Go to snack?

Fresh fruit is delicious, convenient, portable, comes in its own packaging and is extremely healthy.

What is the importance of nourishing our bodies with great, healthy food and drink?

Food physically becomes you! It makes up every cell in your body – your muscles, hair, skin, heart. We need to nourish our bodies with healthy, real, wholesome foods to ensure our bodies function healthily, to feel energetic and live the life we were created to.

Best thing about being a mama?

Being so in love with my baby boy. I honestly can’t explain how much I love him.

Best part of being involved in the health industry?

Making a real difference in people’s lives.When people tell me that they have made changes to their eating and lifestyle and have more energy, feel healthier, have lost weight, lowered their cholesterol, got their diabetes under control, or that their family is now healthier and happier, it honestly makes my day!

Share with us a bit about your pregnancy journey and birth?

Pregnancy was an amazing experience. Overall I loved it but it definitely had its challenges. I found the first trimester difficult as I had a lot of morning sickness. I loved the second trimester; I felt happy and energetic and loved seeing my bump grow. By the second half of the third trimester, I was feeling so big and uncomfortable, wasn’t sleeping well and was struggling with reflux and I was ready for bub to come out. I was so thankful to have such an amazing husband to support me throughout the journey.

Your week on a plate as a new mama.

Since having bubba, my eating has been fairly similar to before having him, I just eat more frequently and more food. Most days of eating have been very similar. I start with a smoothie, which my husband makes me each morning and I drink while I’m breastfeeding bub. My smoothie consists of fruit like frozen banana, mango, passionfruit and berries, some seeds like hemp or chia seeds, some oats or quinoa, a veggie like spinach, some nuts and soy milk. I have a large serving of this, usually two big smoothie cups full. I also have a coffee around this time too. I then snack a fair bit between breakfast and lunch. My snacks consist of things that I can grab and eat while feeding bub or doing house work,

What are some of your hobbies aside from your business?

I absolutely love running. It makes me feel alive. I love running outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. During my pregnancy I stopped running and I’m so excited for when I’m able to get back into it. I also can’t wait for the day when I’ll be able to run around and play with my baby boy.

Where to from here for you and your family?

I haven’t really thought that far ahead actually. I’m really just taking it one day at a time and soaking up all the precious moments with bubba.

Advice for new mamas?

Take your time and don’t stress. Everything is so new and you and bub need to learn things together. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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You can find Rebecca on Instagram at @nourish_naturally and get great recipes and health tips from her blog rebeccagawthorne.com.au.