Aside from being a Yoga Advisor, Ali Washington is a registered holistic nutritionist (RHN) and writes posts for the Semperviva blog, posted every Monday. You’ll find Ali at Semperviva Sun Studio and Lifestyle Store handing out informational tidbits on nutrition and inspired living to anyone who stops by. Go chat her up about the many supplements and medicinal products at Sun, and be sure to stay for a yoga class too!
What brought you to yoga and the healthy lifestyle that goes hand in hand with it?
I was first brought to yoga through my short and sweet dance career. I danced all throughout junior high and high school. I came to yoga in the summer between my grade 8 and grade 9 years because I wanted to stay flexible and agile whilst I was not dancing. It then turned into a love of yoga itself that I have carried with me until today. I feel yoga has not only given me physical fitness, but it also contributed greatly to my mental fitness as well. Practicing regularly has helped quell some of my A-Type tendencies, teach me non-attachment and has made me a more well rounded, healthier person in so many ways.
Where did you study holistic nutrition?
I began my Holistic Nutrition Studies at the Alive Academy, and I am now furthering my studies at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition here in Vancouver. I must admit, I am a HUGE nerd. I loved my studies with Alive, and I love love LOVE my studies at IHN. The program is so diverse, covering everything from fad diets to herbal medicine. Going through nutrition school has given me a really well rounded view of nutrition and how the body works. I have made small and subtle changes to my own living and eating habits because of my studies, such as stopping eating close to bed time, and the importance of proper hydration. I would say that I have taken something from each of my teachers and each topic I have studied. The thing that I have learned above anything is that whole foods are the way to health!
What do you want people to learn from your posts on the Semperviva blog?
If people take anything from my blogs I hope that it is this: nutrition is as simple as eating real food! If your food goes bad, it is most likely good for you – if it does not, maybe give it a re-think. That is all! I want people to feel that nutrition is not a big complicated issue, and that optimum health is within reach. You do not have to be extreme, just simply eat food, live, laugh, love, sleep, drink and move your body!
What is/are your absolute favourite food(s)?
My most favourite food is durian fruit! It is a tropical fruit, and it STINKS! Well, some say it stinks. It is high in sulfur compounds which gives it a very strong odour. It is also one of the fattiest fruits on the planet and I just love it! It is creamy, sweet, custard like, and all around just delicious! I discovered it while I was reading “Eating For Beauty” by David Wolfe. He recommended it because of its high fat content, which is supposed to be nourishing for the skin. I now just eat it because I love it! You can find it at Asian markets here in Vancouver or at Canadian Superstore.
Do you have any guilty pleasures for a tasty treat?
No Guilt! I eat foods that nourish my body and I feel great about everything that I eat! I believe one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to eat with gusto. Consciously choose and love your foods!