Foodie Friday: Latham Thomas

Posted November 23, 2012

Latham Thomas is one prolific woman, helping to green the planet one belly at a time. She is a maternity lifestyle maven, wellness & birth coach, and yoga teacher on the vanguard of transforming the maternal & women’s wellness movement. She is also the founder of Mama Glow and the co-founder of the Mama Glow Film Festival. Latham has also just released her first book, Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy with Hay House. She lives in New York City with her son Fulano and their turtle Climby.

Meet Latham …

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

I grew up in California and was always surrounded by good food. A lot of the food grew in my neighbourhood. I would basically forage on walks home from school, on wild blackberries, plums, and the like. I became a vegetarian when I was 12 and by 15, I was vegan. I learned so much about food and healing that it set the tone for what would become my life’s work.

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

Vegan always. Fresh and tasty, nothing from a can.

Why do you eat the way you eat?

I embrace a vegan diet because it makes me feel my very best. It’s the plant-based diet that I promote in my book Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy
 

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

I don’t believe in changing other people, I just put all of my love into my food when I prepare it, and hope that it makes them feel radiant. It’s hard to choose a particular dish; I have so many that people love. Many of them have made it into my book.

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

I think it’s a commitment to feeling good. When I don’t eat great, I feel the effects of it so I’m all about making sure I have my “pantry on the go” to keep me satisfied in case I’m in a place where there aren’t the best options. I make sure to pack fresh fruits, nuts, my raw oatmeal by Vigilante Foods, Health Warrior Chia bars bottled water, and seaweed. I always pack my travel yoga mat which is ultra thin too, and essential oils – I can turn anyplace into a yoga studio.

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

My go-to is lentil soup and rice or butternut squash and mung bean soup, snack wise I would say seaweed chips and hummus.

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

I love juices, but I miss the fibre so smoothies are big on my list too. I’m a green juice girl – kale, celery, parlsey, lemon, ginger, pear. Watermelon Juice- watermelon, ginger, lime. I have a Maca Chocolata shake which is popular at my house too – almond milk, date, cacao nibs, maca powder, and cardamom.

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

People still think they need to drink milk! I can’t believe how many times I have to speak on this with clients. The creator in his infinite wisdom would not have created us to be dependable upon the milk of another species for our survival.

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

Hmm, that’s a fun question – I would love to cook for my great great great grandmother who I never knew, but who passed down the gift of cooking over generations.

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

Being a wellness warrior means I embrace optimal wellbeing, stand in my Glow Power, and stand on the vanguard of steering change for generations to come – one belly at a time.

A Recipe From Latham:
 

Watermelon Diva Salad

If you’re pregnant during summer months, this salad will save you! The cooling watermelon helps to reduce swelling and stagnation of fluid in pooling in the lower limbs and extremities. Watermelon is also great for the male reproductive system so daddy can enjoy the wonderful health benefits of this one as well.

What you’ll need:

1/2 watermelon
1 red onion
½ cup fresh chopped mint
½ cup fresh chopped parsley
½ cup fresh chopped coriander (aka cilantro)
4 tbs fresh lime juice
salt and pepper (optional)

What to do:

1. Cut the watermelon into inch size chunks.
2. Slice the onion into thin strips and soak in cold water for at least an hour. Discard the water and remove onions.
3. In a large bowl, add the watermelon, mint, coriander, parsley, lime juice, and onions. Gently mix, and then add salt and pepper if desired.
 
This is an amazing seasonal salad that is hydrating, and cooling on warm summer days and helps to reduce swelling caused by heat and poor circulation.

 

Positive affirmation for the day: Everything is amazing.

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