Garden of Vegan would like to introduce you to one of our new plant-based dietitians; Courtney Myers.
Courtney is a dietitian and group fitness instructor, located on the Gold Coast. She is a passionate Vegan, whose` mission is to educate and empower her clients to nourish their bodies with plants.
Courtney works closely with our directors and head chef to review the combination of plant-foods used in our meals and the overall macro and micro nutrient content in each dish.
We can not wait to share with you some of the exciting projects we have working on together...
We asked Courtney a few questions as we were curious what a day in the life of a plant-based dietitian looks like.
Here are Courtney’s responses...
Bio: My name is Courtney Myers. I was born on the Gold Coast and have lived here my whole life! I am the founder, owner and sole dietitian at Nourished By Plants, a dietetic clinic in Miami on the Gold Coast. I have been vegan for almost four years now and after I completed my studies at Griffith University I knew I wanted to focus on helping others on a plant-based or vegan diet, and in my clinic, I do just that! My passion is supporting clients to adopt and maintain a plant-based diet that is nutritious, delicious and sustainable for their individual health needs and lifestyle. Apart from being a dietitian, I also teach group fitness classes and have done this for over seven years. I’m also a huge foodie and LOVE trying new vegan foods and cafes on the gold coast.
What are your daily rituals?
1. Morning coffee
2. Some form of exercise
3. Organising my day with my diary and/or to-do lists
4. Nourishing my body with delicious, nutritious and balanced meals
5. Connecting with family and friends, whether that’s over social media or in person
What type of training do you engage in?
Walking and group fitness classes mainly.
What is your favourite pre and post workout foods and or drinks?
Pre: Banana and coffee
Post: My post workout food is usually my breakfast (detailed below)
What do you eat on a typical day?
Breakfast: A slice of raisin toast with “protein spread” (protein powder mixed with water to make a spread) and a small bowl with frozen berries, cashew milk, homemade soy yoghurt and peanut butter.
Lunch: Sometimes a tofu, hummus and spinach sandwich, or a tomato and basil pasta made with red lentil or chickpea pasta.
Sometimes a salad with mixed vegetables, quinoa, a type of bean and a homemade dressing.
Snack: Rice cakes or wholegrain crackers with hummus.
Dinner: Usually a big nourish bowl with roasted potato, cooked tofu or tempeh and a mixture of vegetables like green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, capsicum or spinach, all topped with mixed herbs, spices & hummus.
Snack: Frozen berries, cashew milk and peanut butter
What are your top three health and fitness hacks?
1. Move your body in a way that feels GOOD for you and choose exercise you ENJOY. Exercise to feel happy and healthy and support your long term health and wellbeing. Don’t choose to exercise solely based on calorie burn and weight control.
2. Eat foods you genuinely enjoy eating! There are so many types of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, plant proteins and healthy fat sources to choose from on a vegan diet. So stick to the ones you love! Don’t make yourself eat broccoli if you don’t enjoy it, there are plenty of other fabulous green vegetables you could include instead! (But I do always encourage
experimenting with new foods you may not know if you do or don’t like!)
3. Think SIMPLE. Living a healthy lifestyle and eating nutritious foods does not need to be complicated. Choose simple and healthy meals, move your body in a way that you enjoy and build healthy habits and behaviours over time to create a nourishing, enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle.
Who are your current role models or mentors and why?
Simon Hill (nutritionist) from Plant Proof and Dr Matthew Nagra (Naturopathic doctor) are my role models at the moment! I’m loving all of the evidenced based information and recommendations they provide on their social media and websites. They both discuss many important topics relating to a vegan lifestyle and are fabulous for spreading messages about
living a healthy vegan lifestyle. They also do a terrific job at dispelling myths related to vegan nutrition and are always open to discussing whatever topic people want to talk and learn about!
Are you working on any side projects at the moment?
Educational series videos & tips of the week with and for Garden of Vegan! Coming soon ☺
What is your favorite Garden of Vegan Meal?
BBQ tofu with roasted vegetables!
What's your greatest fear?
Spiders.
What has been your biggest life lesson so far?
Always put in your best effort and take chances and opportunities that come your way so that you never have regrets or wonder “what if”. Even if you fail, at least you gave it a go and you will never have to wonder what would be different if you DID try it.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Everything happens for a reason”.
I know sometimes people don’t believe this saying but for me personally, everything negative that has occurred in my life, whether its an experience or an event, has actually led to me growing stronger, becoming more resilient or learning some valuable lessons that have led to bigger and better things. At the time, they may have felt horrible, but after a while I always think about what came out of the negative experience and think about the positives, and there is always something!
What’s your favourite cheeky cheat meal?
Burgers with vegan “chicken” and “cheese”.
Courtney Myers is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, and the owner of Nourished By Plants, a dietetic private practice based on the Gold Coast.
Courtney has a passion for supporting her clients to maintain a plant-based or vegan diet that is nutritious, delicious and stainable.
She offers both in-clinic and online consultations so she can help you wherever you are located.
To find out more information, or book in for a consultation, please follow the links below.
Website: http://nourishedbyplants.com.au/
Instagram: @nourished.byplants
Email: courtney@nourishedbyplants.com.au
