Guest Interview | Lilian Dikmans from Real Food Healthy Body
I am excited to share with you this interview with Lilian Dikmans, I love seeing all her amazingly delicious healthy recipe creations popping up on Instagram, if you haven't already check out her social media feeds and you will see exactly what I mean.
So Lilian firstly can you tell us why you stepped out of your role as a Lawyer in the corporate world?
Id been working full time at a law firm for four years and although I enjoyed aspects of the legal work, I wanted a new challenge. Food, health and fitness have always been passions of mine and I wanted more time to explore new opportunities in this space. As a creative person, I was also keen to have the flexibility to work according to my own timeframe.
You have a background in modelling, no doubt you have some seen some pretty horrendous eating habits and body dysmorphic tendencies can you share with the readers what you personally learnt from being in and around that industry and how it has impacted on your own health journey
I started modelling when Id just turned 18, so I was very young and unsure of myself and felt a huge amount of pressure to look a certain way and have a perfect body. I never resorted to any extreme diets (although I was very conscious of what I ate), but I did become intensely critical of my looks and body, which is something that I still struggle with today. I deal with this by trying to shift my focus away from appearance and on to health and how I feel. Rather than obsessing over how my body looks, I try to eat in a way that nourishes my body and makes me feel satisfied and energetic.
You have completed Sarah Wilsons 8 week I Quit Sugar Program, can you tell us how this impacted on your health
Before starting the program, I was eating a high sugar, low fat diet and was struggling with a number of health issues. My anxiety was at an all-time high, I constantly felt puffy and inflamed and I was eventually diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I had always eaten lots of vegetables, but reducing my consumption of sugar and including more good fats and quality protein in my diet definitely had a positive impact on my health. My anxiety settled down, the puffiness I had been experiencing disappeared, I felt satisfied after my meals and my PCOS symptoms are now almost non-existent.
Are there any foods you miss since converting over to a healthy lifestyle?
Ican honestly say no! Probably because I enjoy finding ways to satisfy cravings in healthier ways (which you might guess, looking at the recipes on my blog). If I want chocolate, I make some delicious raw chocolates. If I want something fried and salty, Ill fry up some sweet potato in coconut oil and sea salt. Or if theres something I want that just cant be substituted, Ill just have it, enjoy it and then get back to healthy eating for my next meal (although I have noticed that when Im eating well, I dont crave junk food). I think you can lead a healthy lifestyle without feeling deprived.
Your social media feeds are full of amazing pictures of recipe creations and you now have your own eBook, can you tell the readers a little more about the eBook
Following on from my answer above, my Raw Desserts ebook is a collection of my favourite healthy dessert recipes, which I make when I want a treat. The recipes are quick and easy to make and theyre all gluten-free, cane sugar-free, vegan, paleo friendly and most are also fructose-free. Perfect for people with food intolerances or if you just want to treat yourself without suffering bloating and a massive sugar crash afterwards. You can check it out at rfhb.com.au/shop.
Seems like you are enjoying Muay Thai, how essential do you find exercise to your overall health and what are your favourite forms of exercise?
For me, exercise is so important for both my physical and mental health. I love picking activities that involve learning new skills (so it doesn’t get boring) and I use the time as an opportunity to get out of my head and into the present moment, kind of like an active meditation. My favourite form of exercise is definitely Muay Thai. The movements are functional, there’s so much skill involved, so much to learn and it requires intense focus, so it really forces me to be present in the moment. I’ve also found that my training has helped me develop skills, such as persistence and the ability to let go of ego, which transfer into everyday life. I also love Pilates and yoga, particularly yin yoga.
What advice would you give readers who struggle with getting motivated to exercise
Pick an activity that you enjoy! Exercise shouldn’t be something that you hate or that is pure body punishment. There are so many different ways to move your body, so try and find something that’s fun (or that you at least don’t hate!). Having a friend to exercise with also helps, or pick a group activity so that the energy of the group rubs off.
Favourite post-workout nutrition?
Apart from lots of water to rehydrate (I sweat a lot!), I go for something that includes protein for muscle recovery and usually some carbs too. Usually its my breakfast (if I workout in the morning), or my dinner (if I workout at night). But if I’m on the run, Ill have one of my homemade protein slices or protein balls which I make with a natural protein powder.
What kinds of strategies and techniques do you use for emotional wellbeing and a healthy mind?
Most nights before I go to bed, I try and meditate for at least 10 minutes. I usually find that anxiety has built up over the course of the day, which I need to let go of. The meditation is usually just stretching on my yoga mat while focusing on deep breathing. I try to be mindful of how much time I spend/what I look at on social media. A lot of content out there can just make you feel bad about yourself or inadequate, so I watch myself with this. I also try to set aside time to do things that make me feel happy, like getting out into nature, down to the beach or playing music. Spending time with the people that I love and having a laugh is also very important. I don’t like to take myself or life too seriously.
Lastly, as I am passionate about fermented foods I must ask, do you enjoy fermented foods/beverages if so what is your favourite?
I absolutely adore sauerkraut and kimchi! I’m yet to make my own, but its definitely something Id like to try one day.
For more info, advice, tips and health inspiration Lilian can be found at:
