Q&A with Westin Well-being Advocate, Rachael Finch
April 2016
+++++++++++++++++++++
On 16-17 April 2016, The Westin Hotel hosted an amazing Wellness Escape in Melbourne hosted by their new Well-being Advocate, the beautiful Rachael Finch. I was lucky enough to attend an intimate breakfast at The Westin Sydney to celebrate Rachael’s new role and learn more about The Westin’s wellbeing focused offerings including the Wellness Escape and was blown away when they offered me a place at this exclusive group wellness experience. Couldn’t have come at a better time with all the craziness surrounding the opening of our wonderful Matcha Mylkbar – my body was desperately ready for some zen and recalibration, so I was absolutely hanging out for the retreat!
The Wellness Escape was designed to help us find our centre again without having to leave the city – perfect for most of us given that finding time to get away from Melbourne is no mean feat. Designed with our optimum well-being in mind and hosted by Rachael (who is the most gorgeous and lovely soul), the weekend was a combination of movement and relaxation, ensuring we all left feeling better than when we arrived. Having spent some time with Rachael in Sydney and being blown away at how friendly and down to earth she is, I thought it would be nice to share some of her insights into health and wellbeing in honour of the exciting retreat. Head here to read my full review.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Q&A WITH RACHAEL FINCH
1. Has wellbeing always been a big focus in your life?
I started playing sport from a very young age so I grew up with a natural interest for health, wellness and body mechanics. When I started modelling nutrition became even more important for me and I learnt a lot about fuelling for sustained energy.
2. What are your three non-negotiables for keeping healthy?
I always make time to maintain my fitness. I love skipping as a cardio workout because it’s easy to do indoors and tones your entire body from thighs, butt, calves, shines, arms to stomach.
I also think it’s important to make the effort to schedule things that will fill you with happiness. For me, this is playing with my daughter Violet, getting a massage or playing my favourite music.
Lastly you should always make a conscious effort to treat yourself. After a particularly long day at work or when you’ve hit your goas, go for a massage or go for a movie.
3. We hear a lot about physical wellbeing, but how do you take care of your mental wellbeing too?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed in life, so I make sure I constantly stop myself to breathe and relax. Life’s is short, so it’s important to enjoy the time we have on earth.
4. And what about your day on a plate?
I typically kick off the day with a cup of warm water and fresh lemon, followed by eggs on toast with a soy piccolo. For lunch I’ll have a large mixed chicken salad with pumpkin and nuts, and for dinner I love oven baked salmon with steamed vegetables. I also aim to drink at least eight tall glasses of water by 6pm every day.
5. Three favourite easy-to-make recipes?
Pea, Corn and Zucchini Frittata
Ingredients
2 large zucchinis, grated
1 cup peas and corn
1 cup almond meal
2 large free-range eggs
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Mix ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and pour into a baking pan
Bake the mixture in a baking pan for 40 minutes at 180 degrees
Power Boost Blend
Ingredients
½ cup ice cubes
2 cups spinach
2 stalks celery
1 cucumber, chopped
1 lime
1cm knob ginger, peeled
Method
Combine all ingredients, blend well and serve
Tropical Green Smoothie
Ingredients
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup coconut yoghurt
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
½ cup fresh mango chunks
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Method
Blend all ingredients with a little water until smooth
6. Three favourite ways to indulge (reassure us that you’re human and binge every now and then too!)
My three ultimate indulgences are dark chocolate, dates stuffed with nuts and yummy protein balls that I make and keep in the freezer for dessert!
7. Tell us about your role as Well-being Advocate for the Westin and the upcoming retreat.
Fitness is not just about looking good, but feeling good too. I’m really excited to be appointed as a Westin brand Well-Being Advocate. Westin shares my belief in sensible nutrition and exercise as the key to a radiant self. The upcoming escape at The Westin Melbourne will combine movement in the form of ballroom dance with relaxation to ensure guests leave feeling better than when they arrived.
8. And just finally, your top tips for anyone starting out on their wellness journey.
- Try and get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. I do this by making time management a priority so I can get in bed earlier.
- Find a hobby you love. A little recreation daily helps balance the stress of a busy life, so find the right hobby and delight in the things you enjoy
- Always set goals to keep yourself motivated and try to be as specific as you can.
Read more about the Wellness Escape here.