Foodie Friday: Nadine Ominski

Posted August 17, 2012

Nadine Ominski is the gorgeous soul behind Nadine Lee Nutrition. She is a Holistic Nutritionist, a vegan/vegetarian chef, and the creator of the amazing organic dinner parties, Hot & Healthy Events. Nadine also dabbles in catering, supplying awesome organic food and menu plans to health and wellness retreats and health conscious events across Australia.

Meet Nadine …

What was the catalyst that turned you into a healthy foodie?

Growing up I was always health conscious. My mum’s influence on good nutrition really put me in good stead from a young age. However as I approached adolescence I began to view nutrition from the wrong perspective – I looked at eating healthy as a means to maintain a certain desired weight. Throughout adolescence this was a constant battle; and I faced a turning point a couple of years ago. I suffered bouts of anxiety and depression for many years; and in early 2011, I decided to undertake some formal qualifications in Nutrition – to gain knowledge on nutrition from a holistic perspective. Consequently I seriously cleaned up my approach to nutrition and wellness, by now seeing good quality, enriching food as a way to nourish and heal my body, as well as my mind and spirit. I now feed my body good foods to feel good from the inside, not the other way around. The outside appearance is just a by-product of what we feel on the inside.

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your diet?

I am a vegan, so I don’t eat meat or dairy. I also avoid anything that has ingredients listed that I have never heard of – never a good sign.

If you were trying to convert someone to your dietary philosophy, what would you make for them?

There is often a misconception that all vegans eat is lettuce leaves and tofu. I think the biggest surprise many get is that you can cook delicious foods with all natural ingredients from the ground that actually tastes good. Although, the best reaction I think is from vegan raw desserts. A lot of people are shocked when they find out you can make sweet treats from essentially nuts, seeds, dates, cacao – all naturally occurring organic ingredients. So I would make them a raw vegan “cheese” cake or a batch of cacao brownies.

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

If I am in another country I will never deny myself of the local cuisine. For example, I think it would be an insult to go to Italy if you went there and didn’t try some gelato. However I like to apply the 80/20 approach, so 80% of the time travelling I would stick to my whole foods vegan diet by opting for the healthy options on the menu and 20% to splurge and taste the delights of the local country. The last overseas trip I was in Thailand, so I was in foodie heaven! So many fresh papaya salads and coconut waters!

What are your go-to meals and snacks when you are super busy?

If I am feeling super busy I will whip up a smoothie. They are so easy to make and super filling and nutritious if you pack it full of super foods!

Juices or smoothies: Which do you prefer? What’s your favourite combination?

I am religious about my green smoothie and I never miss a day of my green smoothie delight. My most recent combination that I am obsessed with is made up of coconut water, spirulina, spinach, mint leaves, coriander leaves, parsley leaves, frozen banana, almonds, chia seeds and shredded organic coconut. I love juicing and all the health benefits, and I try to have at least one fresh juice a day, but I get deterred by cleaning the juicer.

What’s the biggest nutrition misconception you always have to clear up for people?

That being healthy doesn’t mean you live a boring life deprived of goodness. It’s quite the opposite. That good food tastes absolutely amazing and you can eventually start craving healthy foods. At the moment I personally crave eggplant?! Weird huh 

If you could prepare a meal for anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what would you make?

There is nothing more I love in my life than getting together my nearest and dearest close friends and family and cooking a delicious healthy meal for them. Whenever I cook I always set a good intention of love, however my meals always have that extra spice when it is being made for my family and close friends – these meals always turn out the best.

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

To me, being a Wellness Warrior embodies being healthy from a holistic perspective. So going beyond what you put into your mouth; this is just a small part of the equation. It means feeding your body, mind and soul only things of great nutritional value.

A Recipe From Nadine:

Cacao & Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

What You’ll Need:

3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup coconut water
1/3 cup raw nuts (almonds, brazil & macadamia)
1/2 teaspoon raw, organic cacao powder
1 teaspoon LSA meal
1 medjool date
1/2 banana
1 teaspoon organic shredded coconut
1/3 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract

What To Do:

1. The night prior – soak the chia seeds in with the coconut water and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork so the seeds don’t clump. Leave overnight to expand into their gooey selves. Place in a small bowl and cover with cling wrap.

2. In the morning prepare the raw nuts by chopping them into smaller pieces. Chop the dates into small pieces. Chop the banana. Sprinkle the nuts, dates, banana, cacao powder, LSA and shredded coconut all over the chia seed mixture.

3. Combine ingredients and enjoy

Connect with Nadine on …

Her blog/website: nadineleenutrition.com
Facebook
Twitter: @nadineominski

Positive affirmation for the day: I give no power to limiting beliefs.

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