Foodie Friday: Nat Kringoudis

Posted December 21, 2012

Where do I start? I have so much love and respect for Nat Kringoudis that it’s hard for words to do it justice. Not only is Nat one of my healthtalks co-stars (she is actually the brains behind the project), but she is also a Chinese medicine doctor, a natural fertility specialist, an author, a blogger, a mum of two gorgeous children, a wife, and a really wonderful friend. She is a super woman.

Meet Nat …

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

I grew up in a family who had excellent eating/health habits. When I was 18, I moved away to uni and to do my thing, I thought I was so clever rebelling against what had been engrained in me and went on to gain almost 20kg. I had excruciating period pain, looked foul and decided if I was going to be true to myself, things needed to change. I knew this wasn’t the true me.

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

Quality is really high. Where possible we eat organic. We stick to nutrient dense foods, loads of superfoods, organic veggies and wholesome foods. I guess if I’m completely honest, sometimes I go without rather than eat something that isn’t good for me. This isn’t ideal however; it is all about being prepared.

Why do you eat the way you eat?

Being a natural health expert, it’s about working out what works for YOU as an individual. It’s taken me a really long time to work out that a ‘fad’ won’t ever suit 100% of us. I now eat what works for me. Mostly Paleo with limited grains, minimal meat (but some essential for hormone health for me), high in plants and live foods. I get REALLY excited about food. It’s so delicious.

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

Something slow cooked and hearty. A happy hormone dish! Slow cooked broths do wonders for healthy hormones. This is more suited to the winter months. In summer, one of my sensational salads with everything thrown in and some – something like rocket, mango, avocado with chia seeds, some activated almonds and a dressing with lemon and garlic. Oh my! And then there are eggs – eggs are a go-to and staple in this house and you can make them in so many ways!

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

I prepare a lot of my own stuff – nowadays I can usually find something even if it’s an omelette with veggies or a yummy salad of some description. I always find that when in absolute doubt, you can’t go past an antipasto platter (you know – a sandwich bar with all the trimmings but without the bread!). Not ideal but certainly a good last resort. I also ensure I get quality water when I am travelling. My bag is always full of snacks – activated almonds, Loving Earth Luvju bars and eggs are commonly round rolling about in there somewhere.

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

A tray of roast veg is a staple – especially in winter. In summer, I’m always a fan of a ‘throw it all in the bowl’ kinda salad, whatever I can find goes in! Avocados are a necessity for me – they make their way into all our salads and are the ultimate fertility foods.

My all time favourite snack is a Loving Earth Luvju bar. Others include nut butter with carrot/celery sticks or more recently because the weather is warmer, a juice or smoothie.

Juice or smoothie: Which do you prefer? What’s your favourite combination?

Juice for sure. My favourite combo would be the faithful carrot, celery, apple, kale, ginger, dash of orange. I actually love all juices with the exception of tomato. You’ll never catch me near tomato juice.

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

Fat doesn’t make us FAT! I’m so passionate about this, I’ve just written a book on it. Plus – it’s messing with women’s hormones. Cutting out the fat is seeing some very unhealthy women walk through my clinic doors.

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

Oh golly! Ok… The Richie Family – can I choose two? Lionel and his daughter Nicole. I’m a huge fan of both of them. I reckon I’d have to make them my famous pumpkin curry. It’s the most viewed and made recipe on my site. Also one of the recipes from my new book (co-written) Eat Fat Be Thin – my amazing chocolate cake.

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

Being a voice and leading by example. It’s all good to tell your story, share your wellness tips and gather an online presence, but if you aren’t true to who you are – it means nothing. My intention is inspire maximum wellness through being this example.

A Recipe From Nat:

Tropical Tapioca Pudding

Makes 6 serves

What you’ll need:

1 cup of tapioca
6 cups of water
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped and ready to be used
1 can of organic coconut cream
several tbs coconut butter to grease moulds
1 mango
mint to garnish

What to do:

1. I found it best to prepare the tapioca and allow to set overnight. To do so, combine tapioca, water and vanilla. Bring to the boil and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes (no longer) until the tapioca is almost clear.

2. Rinse under cold water, place tapioca in a bowl, and stir through 1 cup of the coconut cream. Prepare moulds by greasing with coconut butter (I used a silicone muffin tray – works very well) Spoon in tapioca cream mixture and pop in fridge to set overnight.

3. Prepare fruit coulis using the fruit of your choice. I used mango, berries would also work very well and more sugar-free friendly.

4. Slice up 1/2 mango and stew in a saucepan by adding 1/4 cup of water. Stir over a low/medium heat until it is the consistence of jam – simmering for approximately 10 minutes.

5. Allow to cool.

6. In a parfait or martini glass, spoon in mango coulis (you will have enough for 6 individual serves). Place individual tapioca pudding on top and set aside – allowing pudding to reach room temperature again.

7. Warm the remaining coconut cream. Pour around the tapioca pudding, sharing evenly between glasses.

8. To garnish, add several squares of the left over fresh mango and garnish with mint.

Want more from Nat?

Check out her blog, her Melbourne-based clinic and her two books, Fertilise Yourself and Eat Fat Be Thin.