Foodie Friday: Dane Ellevsen (aka The Healthy Tradie)

Posted December 14, 2012

I’ve known/been friends with/dated a fair few tradies in my time, but none of them have been healthy. So when I stumbled onto Dane Ellevsen on Facebook one day and saw him inspiring people with his Healthy Tradie persona, I knew I had to get in contact with him to share him with you.

An electrician by trade, Dane is also a super passionate healthy foodie. His work lunch boxes are constantly filled with amazing homemade delights that I am sure would have fellow tradies jealous.

Meet Dane …

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

My intolerance for gluten and dairy forced me to start cooking for myself. I found whenever I’d eat out I’d fall sick.

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

Anything that I can’t pronounce or has a number next to it, I put it back on the shelf. I realised that nearly all processed food contains these, so I only buy fresh produce from Field to Feast at the Bondi Farmers Markets and organic pasture fed/finished butchers.

Why do you eat the way you eat?

If I don’t eat the way I do, I’m not very much fun to hang out with…bloated, sleepy and gassy haha. So its well worth avoiding gluten, dairy and soy.

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

I’d do something simple. For breakfast I’d make soft boiled eggies rolled in parsley or dukkah, sauteed greens including kale, chard and spinach, cut up an Avocado into my Avoslide, served on my friend Radley’s Spring Wellness Sprouted Loaf all topped off with a drizzle of turmeric mixed with tahini as a dressing. This would show them you can have incredibly tasty meals without gluten, dairy, sugar or soy.
 

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

If it’s a short trip, I try to pack as much food as I need for the duration of my trip. I tend to eat a lot of fruit and vegetarian meals to avoid my intolerances

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

I’d have a handful of my trail mix. I dehydrate sprouted buckwheat, activated nuts, fruit and seeds. This satisfies my cravings for a couple of hours.

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

Smoothies all the way! I love chewing and enjoying textured drinks. I love frozen banana, tahini, cacao, cinnamon, desiccated coconut, a few nuts (usually macadamias or hazelnuts) and coconut water.

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

That fats make you fat! Everybody needs good saturated fats.

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

I’d actually love to cook for Jamie Oliver as he has inspired me so much with his simple quick meals. I’d love to show him my sprouted buckwheat porridge or buckwheat granola with cacao, mixed berries and fresh mint from my garden.
 

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

Being a wellness warrior gives me the opportunity to inspire others through food and lifestyle choices. “You have to put good fuel in your body! You wouldn’t put unleaded fuel in a diesel car now would you?!” – Paul Chek

A Recipe From Dane:

The recipe I chose to share today is a healthy version of Nutella (my staple diet for me growing up – the unhealthy version of course!)

Healthy Nutella
 

 
1 cup of ground hazelnuts (Activate hazelnuts by soaking for 2-4hrs, drain water and blend)
4 tbsp cacao powder
1/2 vanilla bean or 1/2 Tsp of Organic Vanilla Bean Powder
1/4 cup of Raw Honey (always buy Raw as its unfiltered and hasn’t been affected by heat)
2 tbsp of melted coconut oil
Blend all ingredients until smooth

Serve with sliced Organic Banana, Chia Seeds, Cacao Nibs (Optional as its already quite chocolatey) and Fresh Mint.

Follow Dane via The Healthy Tradie on Facebook.

 

Positive affirmation for the day: My number one goal is to feel good.

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