Foodie Friday: Amanda de Cadenet (Plus a recipe from me!)

Posted November 9, 2012

Amanda de Cadenet is a former actress, a photographer, the former wife of Duran Duran bassist John Taylor, the current wife of Strokes’ guitarist Nick Valensi, a mother of three, and the creator of one of my favourite websites and TV shows – The Conversation. I’ve already told you about my love for the work Amanda creates here, but now I want to tell you about why I love Amanda herself: she is uber committed to creating positive change – in her work, her body, and her family.

Meet Amanda …

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

I was raised with fresh and often organic food, but I learned how to ear super healthy when I got very sick with an autoimmune disease at the age of 22. It was pure necessity that led me to mindful eating. When your daily health depends on what you put in your body, you have to eat what it needs and avoid what makes it unwell.

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

No sugar, gluten, corn, or milk. I will not ever eat animal protein that is not organic. Never ever ever. The same goes for my kids.

Why do you eat the way you eat?

I feel better and function better. Simple answer. If I didn’t, I would eat a lot more foods on my not-to-eat list!

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

Good question … I would make them my gluten- and sugar-free chocolate brownies. No one knows they are made without those two ingredients because they taste so good.

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

I pack extensive supplies! I know where the local health food store is in the city I’m going to, and if I’m going somewhere without a health food store (it happens) then I ship everything before.

I just went on vacation to an island with limited supplies, so two weeks prior I sent all the food for my kids: A case of unsweetened almond milk, gluten- and sugar-free cereal, agave, raw chocolate bars, gluten-free cookies, rice pasta, olive oil, snack bars. Some people think I’m excessive, but I’m committed to this way of life.

 

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

Apples. Love apples! Dates, fresh juices, salad with some protein.

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

I am a huge smoothie and juice person. Every morning I make a family smoothie for my 20-year-old, my two five-year-olds and myself. Fresh-made almond milk, frozen blueberries, frozen spinach, fresh kale (no stems), a teaspoon of powdered greens, a teaspoon of probiotics, a packet of Shakeology vegan chocolate (sugar free), protein powder, and some liquid vitamin C. Smoothies are a great way to disguise greens and vitamins!

I also drink green juice every day, either made by my kids or a juice company I love in LA.

 

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

Sugar and gluten mess most people up, but they just don’t know it! Try taking either one out of your diet for a week and tell me you don’t have a clearer brain, feel less sluggish, lose some weight, and have less mood swings. Try it and see.

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

Oh gosh, that’s hard. Cooking makes me nervous. I love to cook, my mum is an amazing cook, but I’ve had my cooking criticised too often that I rarely do it anymore (sad, I know). So, that being said, I think I’d take Marilyn Monroe to Kind Kreme (my local vegan ice cream spot). There’s no way she wouldn’t love it. They make a salted caramel sauce that is delicious in their chocolate ice cream!

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

I guess that no matter what, I am committed to a mindful life and that means in every area. What I put in my body and mind have to be nourishing and what I create in the world has to contribute to others wellbeing. If it’s not, then what’s the point?

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theconversation.tv
Facebook: The Conversation
Twitter: @amandadecadenet

A Recipe From … Me!

Amanda apologises for not being able to supply a recipe with her Q&A (she was on a plane while answering these questions and doesn’t have any pics of anything she’s cooked), but I didn’t want to leave your taste buds hanging. So, here is a super simple recipe of mine that I haven’t yet shared with you.

Sweet And Spicy Quinoa

 

This quinoa recipe makes the perfect side dish to any meal.

What you’ll need:

1 ½ cups quinoa
½ cup Medjool dates
½ onion, diced
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp cumin
A big handful of fresh coriander (aka cilantro)

What to do:

1. Rinse quinoa, and then place in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to the boil, and then reduce to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Once all of the water has been absorbed, the quinoa is cooked.

2. Add garlic, onion, lemon juice, lemon zest and cumin to the quinoa and mix through.

3. Remove seeds and chop dates. Add these to the pot too, along with chopped coriander.

4. Serve with anything you like – curry, stir fry, salad etc.

 

Positive affirmation for the day: I am resilient.

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