Happy Thursday everyone!
I hope you have had a beautiful week and are keeping happy and healthy.
I am so honoured with the effort that has been put into tonights’ post and can’t wait for you to read it!
I am so lucky to know some pretty amazing people in my life! Therese Kerr is one of the most incredible people I know, is like my second family, and is tonights INSPIRE-A-THON Thursday Contributor!
I hope this post gives you a good injection of INSPIRATION!

 

 

Firstly, tell us a little about yourself:
I am the proud mother of two children: Matthew and Miranda Kerr. I am also an accountant by profession and from February 2010 to February 2013. I was the General Manager of KORA Organics by Miranda Kerr. I am now the Event Manager and have taken up a Public Speaking role within KORA Organics which gives me the opportunity to truly live my passion which is to make a direct difference to people’s lives.

I have worked in Senior Management roles for both domestic and international companies, have in conjunction with my husband, owned and operated many of my own businesses and have won countless business awards over the years.

Like Miranda, I live and breathe everything organic, healthy and natural. Growing up in the country afforded our family the luxury of experiencing nature and country life at its best. Armed with the desire throughout life to make a real difference to other peoples lives, I relish in my role as KORA Organics has given me the opportunity to touch people’s lives in a way that I have not previously been in the position to do.

In 2001 I discovered I had tumours in her spleen. This was a turning point in my life and was the catalyst for developing a keen interest in health and nutrition. For the past ten years I have become a sponge for information on all things relating to health, nutrition and spirituality. I am an advocate for, and regularly undertake and receive treatments in all forms of natural medicine and natural therapies, including but not limited to: acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, Traditional Chinese medicine, massage, reiki, kinesiology etc.

My life took a spiritual turn when I discovered tumours in my spleen. During this time I undertook metaphysical healing and was opened up to an understanding of my body that I had never known or appreciated before. One thing that I have learned from my health crisis was that there are many reasons for illness: diet and lack of nutrition, environment factors, what we put on (and ultimately in) our bodies, stress and last but not least, one that is rarely talked about or even acknowledged; suppressed emotions. As human beings, we suppress emotions, we try, (especially women) to be the best we can be at all times instead of dealing with pain or events in our life. As I discovered personally, the cost of doing that can be dire.

I believe that when you reach a point where you can not only deal with, but be thankful for past experiences regardless of how painful the experience was, only then can you truly discover an inner peace that eludes most people. Most people are driven by their past. The past dictates their future, determining their present and clouds the vision of what is possible in our lives.

Our past does not define us… We define us and we have the power to choose how we live our life in every minute. The how to is the key…

I now see the joy of life… the joy of living. One of my favourite sayings is: “A.W.L. (Aren’t We Lucky)”. I believe there is so much in this world that is unknown and we are but a speck in this great universe, but a powerful yet gracious one if we choose to be. I believe in living life to the full, I love adventure, I.e. riding motorbikes and horses, enjoy reading, writing and taking some time out to just “be” with the universe.

I regularly speak at events across Australia and as the Event Manager and ex GM of KORA Organics I speak on behalf of the company as to the benefits of eating certified organic food and applying certified organic skincare topically to the skin.

My motto is “Bite of more than you can chew and chew like hell!

In 2012 as well as being the General Manager of KORA Organics by Miranda Kerr, I co-authored and launched my first multi-touch e-book for iPads and electronic devices (also available in pdf format). The book is called: “Lunchbox Solutions” and is co-authored by Jennifer Barham-Floreani and Chef Kate McAloon. Several chapters are available as a “taster” for people wanting to learn all good things about health and wellness and for the past few weeks Lunchbox Solutions is and continues to be the number one most downloaded e-book / i-book in the food and beverage category on Itunes worldwide – very exciting!

The aim of the book is provide healthy lunch alternatives for all ages. The book, containing video’s, electronic glossary, links, etc is a state of the art, multi-touch e-book utilising the latest technology to deliver a recipe book like no other. Our children currently live on a highly processed, highly refined, high carbohydrate, high sugar content diet and it doesn’t have to be that way. There are healthy options and Lunchbox and ultimately Breakfast Solutions (see below) shares a healthy, nutritious yet super tasty flavoursome approach to providing families with incredible food. Both books are designed to help parents with the sometimes-daunting job of feeding children highly nutritious, and equally delicious food.

Link Here:
http://ThereseKerr.com/books/lunchbox-solutions/

I am releasing another four books, all of which should be released by the end of 2013. They are:

1. Breakfast Solutions – co-authored by Dr Jen and Chef Kate. This book is a multi-touch e-book and is a companion to Lunchbox Solutions.

2. Live, loving you – Is a personal account of my journey to date: the heartaches, the achievements and the wisdom and experience gleaned from my illness and life lessons to date. It shares the joy of raising two incredibly, gifted, talented children and of finding and discovering true inner peace.

3. Live, loving life…From The Inside Out! – In this book Kate McAloon and I have teamed up to take the reader on a journey that enlivens not only the senses, but also the soul…. Recipes, healthy alternatives, basic life principles for inviting happiness into your heart and soul are shared as we take the reader through a maze of information in a fun-filled, joyful and enlightening way. The intent is for the reader to take from the book whatever serves their highest good, leave what doesn’t and hopefully discover the true joy in life.

4. Which Foods When – is a companion book to Dr. Jen’s “Well Adjusted Babies”. In this book healthy recipes for mothers-to-be, including healthy eating tips for pre, during and post pregnancy are provided. Further information relating to the complexities of the digestive system offers the reader insight into what foods are best introduced when, to babies and children as they progress through to adulthood.

These books will be available to purchase from http://www.theresekerr.com and we will advise at a later date as to other stockists.

I am also releasing other literature, developing two workshop programs etc that you may find useful, so stay tuned and register at www.theresekerr.com to become part of our database to receive further updates.

Therese’s wish for you is to let your little light shine, to discover just how incredible you are and be present to the miracle of life that unfolds every minute before you.

 

What is your biggest tip for anyone looking to transition to a healthier lifestyle?

Take it one step at a time. Everything in moderation as well and I recommend the 80/20 rule that we follow as a family.

Certified Organic doesn’t have to be expensive either. Go to your local farmers market and you can buy certified there or even if it is farm fresh it is much better than anything you will purchase at a supermarket.

Decrease your portion size as well, we eat far too much and our digestive system is under too much pressure. If you purchase good, high nutrient-rich food, you need to only eat small portion to give your body the vitamins and minerals needed to function effectively.

Here are my top tips in relation to making the transition to a healthier lifestyle:

• Education: Health happens by choice, not by chance.  The key to good healthy is education.  That is what we are about and what KORA Organics is about and that is what I have and will continue to do is educate myself as to all areas of health, wellness and spirituality – so very important
• Using Certified Organic skincare on my body. Most traditionally skincare contains: TEA’s, DEA’s, Glycols, Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic and Artificial everything, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde derivatives, Ethoxylates and the list goes on. There is a big difference also between “Organic” and “Certified Organic”. A company can claim a product is certified organic if it contains one carbon but it may contain hundreds of chemicals so the use of the word “Organic” is so grossly misrepresented in society around the world.  Certified Organic, on the other hand, is the consumers only guarantee of quality, the only way a customer is assured that the products do not contain any of the aforementioned chemicals. That’s why we certified our products at KORA Organics to give customers the assurance of quality, plant derived ingredients.
• Eating Certified Organic or Farmers Market produce – the nutrient depleted soils, over-production of our soils, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, etc commonly used in traditional farming has depleted the nutrition in our foods.  It is vitally important that we fill our bodies with nutrient-rich foods.
• Take supplements. Supplements like Tahitian Noni Juice. It alone is power-packed nutrition and Noni, because we love it so much is also included in every KORA Organics skincare product. It boosts the immune system according to scientific studies and as a family we have seen the health benefits ourselves.  Other supplements like Chia Oil, Acai or Macqui, Mesquite, Macca, Chlorophyll, Vital Greens  – I consume all of them and have most of these in a smoothie every day together with the yoghurt that I make myself.
• I sprout my grains  and drink fermented rejuvelac (sprouted grain juice). Ferments are great for the body and the digestive system. 60% of the immune system operates from the digestive system so it is important we nurture our digestive system as much as possible.  I only ever eat fermented grains.  I also only cook in Coconut Oil  and I drink plenty of coconut water – incredibly good for you!

 

How do you take time out for yourself?

For me personally, I go and have massages, go for walks on the beach, play tennis and golf and indulge regularly in a beautiful big bath with candles and music on.  I meditate and practice yoga regularly as well so that I am in tune with my body and it’s needs on a consistent basis.

I believe, discovering inner peace is also a priority and coming to an understanding within yourself that you can’t be everything to everyone and that you too deserve to be spoiled and nurtured.

Women, unfortunately in today’s society are so busy being everything to every one. We are busy being mums, a wife or partner, a sister, aunt, friend.  This fast- paced life is impacting our health: our hormones and ultimately our weight.  If you want to know more about this and the impact of our ever-increasing fast-paced world that women get caught up in, read “The Rushing Woman’s Syndrome” by Dr Libby Weaver – I truly recommend it.  Our adrenals are so run down, we are constantly in fight or flight mode, we don’t get enough “true” sleep, our hormones are shot, we put on weight easy – sound like you?  Take time out and read Libby’s book.

 

 

What is your ‘go to’ food?

 My healthy shakes – they are power-packed with nutrition, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – yum!

 

What does an average day of food look like for you?

 

BREAKFAST:

Refer http://ThereseKerr.com/the-base-for-any-healthy-shake/ (for my healthy shake recipe. This recipe forms the base of all my shakes).

It is important to use a good blender (Cuisineart is the blender I use)

I make a lot of shakes simply because it is a great way to fill your body with nutrients in a really quick, cost affective way and the ingredients are all raw, which is even better for your body.
 
Every good shake should have certain basic ingredients. You start with these basic ingredients and then you be as creative as you want by adding optional extras.
 
This post is really about giving you the foundation ingredients for any shake that you want to create, and here is what you need:
 
Serves: 2

 

Ingredients:

* 400ml of Nut Milk (Almond or Hazlenut) or Quinoa Milk.

* 300ml of Coconut water (Fresh baby Coconut – use the flesh as well if you are using a fresh baby Coconut)

*A cup certified organic Kale.

* 1 cup of certified organic Spinach.

*1/2 Avocado.

*1 Tsp Maca powder.

* 3 Heaped Dessert spoons of home made biodynamic yoghurt, or buy certified organic yoghurt from health food shop.

* 1 heaped dessert spoon of Cocoa powder.

* 1 Dessert spoon of Acai powder.

* 2 Heaped Dessert spoons of Vital Green Protein powder (I love the green coffee product)

*2 Dessert spoons of Coconut Oil.

* 1 dessert spoon of Innate choice fish oil.

* 1tsp of Spirulina.

* 8 ice cubes.

* Fruit of your choice (I don’t use any sweeteners for my shakes but fruit is a way to sweeten your shake)

The above ingredients are the foundation for any shake, you can alter this by adding the following:

*Add a Banana and a cup of Blueberries.

* Add a Mango and a cup of mixed Berries.

* Add 2 kiwi fruit.

* Add 1/2 cup of Almonds.

* Add Fresh Coconut or shredded Coconut.

* Add Vitamin C Gubinge powder (Loving Earth)

* Add Goji Berries.

* Add mixed nuts (Almonds, Hazlenuts, Macadamias, Brazil nuts, Cashews, Walnuts)

* Add Nut butter (Almond, Brazil, Hazlenut, Cashew)

* Add Peaches.

* Add Certified Organic Frozen Fruits.

* Add Cocoa Nibs.

* Add Macqui.
 
Basically you can add anything of your choice and we encourage you to be creative. If you do this and you find the recipe is to thick, just empty a little bit of the shake into a glass, and add more nut milk.
 

LUNCH:

This is a typical lunch for me:  http://ThereseKerr.com/my-healthy-tropical-salad-with-caramelised-balsamic-coconut-oil-and-almond-butter-dressing/

 

This is one of the most refreshing salads that you can eat. I whipped this up the other day with Caitlin and it literally took 15 minutes to create. Again, don’t feel you have to stick exactly to this recipe, you can be as creative as you want, but in saying that sometimes less is more.

Therese’s healthy salad:

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 15 mins
 
Ingredients:
Note, use Certified Organic Ingredients whenever possible.
Salad – 
 
3 cups of Spinach Leaves

1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)

1/3 cup of Hazlenuts or Pecan Nuts

1 Tomato, chopped

1 Small Cucumber, sliced

1 Orange, chopped

1 Mango, chopped

1 Avocado, sliced
 
For Dressing- 
 
1 Dessert spoon of Balsamic Vinegar (reduced and caramelised – if you
can’t get it you can caramelise your own by adding coconut sugar to plain
balsamic vinegar)

4 Dessert Spoons Coconut Oil.

3 tsp of ABC butter (ABC, Almond, Brazil and Cashew butter – this is
available at most health food stores.

 

 

Method:
Salad- 
 
1. Chop Onion, Tomato, Cucumber, Orange, Mango and Avocado.

2. Place Spinach Leaves in a bowl and fold in chopped ingredients.

Dressing-

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, mix until constancy is smooth.

2. Pour over Salad, then serve.

DINNER:

This is a typical dinner meal for us or can be served for lunch and a shake of an evening.  I normally serve this with Quinoa:  http://ThereseKerr.com/my-curried-chicken-with-broccoli-onion-coconut-cream-tikka-gluten-free-organic-curry-paste/

Curried Chicken with Broccoli, Onion, Coconut Cream and Tikka gluten free organic curry paste

Serves- 4 people

Prep time- 15 mins

Cooking time- 30 mins

Ingredients:
(Note, always certified organic when possible)

750 gms of Chicken

2 Medium sized Onions

4 Cloves of Garlic

Himalayan Salt (To taste)

1/2 Tsp of Turmeric powder

1/2 Tsp Cumin powder

1 can of Certified Organic Coconut Cream

1/2 Tsp of Black Pepper

4 Tbsp of Coconut Oil

Some Rosemary (or any fresh herbs of your choice can be added as optional)

1 medium sized bunch of Broccoli

1/2 Tsp Tikka Curry Paste (this is quite strong so be sure to add a tiny bit, then add more if needed)
“Tikka Curry Paste is available at most health food stores”

Quinoa (Directions below)

Method:

1. Slice Chicken into thin strips.

2. Place Coconut Oil in pan and heat

3. Place Chicken and Onion in pan, allow to simmer for a couple minutes.

4. Throw in all seasonings (Herbs, Garlic, Tumeric, Black Pepper, Salt, Tikka paste ) and mix to combine.

5. Add Broccoli.

6. Continue to cook until Onion and Chicken is cooked, and Broccoli is slightly sautéed.

7. Pour in the Coconut Cream, mix together and allow to simmer.

8. Taste to see if it needs any additional seasoning, add additional Tikka Curry Paste in small amounts each time if needed, this paste is strong so be careful not to add too much.

9. When satisfied with the taste, serve on a bed of Spinach Leaves and Quinoa

10. Another option I love to do is bake some Sweet Potato and place that on top of the curry once served.

To Cook Quinoa:
 
NOTE: Quinoa has a protective coating so you must rinse it well in water first and drain before using.
 
I do a two to one ratio; 1 cup of uncooked quinoa with 2 cups water make 2 cups cooked quinoa. For this recipe use 2 cups uncooked to 4 cups water to make 4 cups cooked quinoa.

Add the rinsed quinoa to the water and bring to a boil and cook for about 7 – 10 minutes.

Then reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 3 – 5 more minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Cooking Tip: I then remove the pan from the heat and cover the pan with a couple of paper towels and put the lid back on and leave for about 10 minutes. This step helps to make the quinoa or other grains light and fluffy. You can also cook quinoa in a rice cooker just like rice.

 

 

SNACKS:

Tamari Almonds or a Gluten free muffin (see http://ThereseKerr.com/gluten-free-coconut-almond-muffins-with-blueberries-macadamia-nuts/)

 

DESSERT:

I make an incredible Cocao, Avocado, Agave Chocolate Mousse – it is a healthy alternative to other desserts and one of many healthy desserts recipes in Lunchbox Solutions You can purchase Lunchbox Solutions through: http://theresekerr.com/books/lunchbox-solutions/

 

 

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“In every breath I take I choose to live my life passionately”

 

What is your biggest tip for having a balanced life?

Enjoy every minute. Find what it is you are truly passionate about and make work your passion as you spend most of your life doing it – you might as well enjoy it. If you are passionate about what you do, it is not work. Live, loving life – in all aspects.

What song motivates/inspires you the most?

Snatam Kaur – Long Time Sun‬ – it is so beautiful and my wish for everyone and every living thing on the planet.

Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler is another of my favourites

 Les Miserables – I Dreamed a Dream – the most moving song I have ever heard

 

Where can we find you to keeping yourself inspired?

With my family and friends, writing and in my old motorhome taking it easy.

I would like to note that not all INSPIRE-A-THON Thursday Contributors are vegan and I am not promoting the consumption of animal products xxx