THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS LOVE
Eating Healthily is a way of life for me, since having children its really important for them to see, learn and try out healthy options. This year my youngest has been diagnosed as a Coeliac and we are constantly looking at how we can improve our diet and certainly for him to try new foods as he is such a fussy little eater. After taking part in Sweaty Betty Live and finding a London based gluten, dairy and sugar free company, I was adamant to try and find a similar company but local. I was kindly recommended on by my fellow boot campers to Emma who is the Founder of local company, based in Henley.
Eat Real Food is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free snacks, Emma also supplies healthier catering options, healthy eating programmes and Cookery lessons at her home in Henley.
After a lengthy call for a chat and a compulsory order (I have to try them before I recommend!) of Emma's scrumptious bars which are crammed full of organic dates, gluten free oats, buckwheat, cashew nut butter and organic raw cacao. (yummy and great for on the go after exercise) and salted caramels (even yummier) these handmade chocolates are rich in organic raw cacao and organic cold-pressed coconut oil, and they are the perfect, guilt-free indulgence. You don't know how pleased I am that I have found someone so local who is so passionate about creating yummy treats and help us as mums inspire positive changes towards healthy eating with ourselves and especially with our children. Welcome Emma...
Tell me, a little bit about yourself…
I am a mum of two children Harry (10) and Lily (7) and I live in Henley with my husband Fraser and my dog Honey. We have been here for 7 years now. Prior to that we were in London and Edinburgh.
How did you get into Eat Real Food?
I have always loved food! My passion for it began after completing a year of cooking as a chalet girl in Switzerland during my gap year. After leaving Edinburgh University I forged a career in HR Technology before leaving the work place to have a family. During my pregnancies I piled on the pounds and struggled to balance my love of food (especially chocolate) with a healthy weight. After trying various diets, I slowly became aware of the problem – the focus on short-term weight loss through food deprivation rather than concentrating on the long-term goal of maintaining a healthy weight by eating well.
In 2014 I embarked on a Diploma in Nutrition and Weight Management, certified by the Association for Nutrition. I also developed my love of creative cooking with an Advanced Course at the Ashburton Cookery School. I then needed to decide on a business venture that encompassed my passion and my newly developed skills.
Why Eat Real Food?
Inspired by a strong desire to eat well, without having to sacrifice life’s little luxuries, I started out on a mission to create chocolate that was rich in raw cacao and coconut oil whilst being free from refined sugar, dairy and gluten. I experimented hundreds of times in my kitchen at home and eventually came up with a recipe that was loved by everyone who tasted it! In addition to my range of chocolates and sweet treats, I also decided to provide health-oriented catering, cookery lessons, recipe design/development and healthy eating programmes.
What's your usual week / day look like?
Every day starts with a crazy school run and finishes with one!
In between no two days are the same. I juggle cooking to order with clients coming to cook and learn about healthy eating. I also design and develop recipes for the health and well being industry which can be anything from recipes for weigh loss to healthy children’s meals.
What inspires you?
Mum’s inspire me. Whilst transitioning back into the work place and needing numerous professionals to help set up my business I found everything I needed in my very own group on Mum friends – accountants, web designers, copy writers, PR specialist and more. All of them juggling family’s and careers. It inspires me that they all can keep all their plates spinning and still keep a smile on their faces (most days anyway J)
What did you want to be growing up?
A surgeon!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having my children and setting up my business.
What’s next on your to do list?
Pick up the children from school and cooking for my university friends who are arriving for the weekend shortly.
When are you happiest?
During a staycation! I love being at home but with out the day to day pressure of normal life.
When was the last time you laughed out loud?
With Harry last night over the dogs fetish for eating spiders! We both love it as neither of us like spiders – its very handy!
How as women, can we help to empower others?
On a personal level I like to think that I can help inspire positive changes towards healthy eating. I love food and want to celebrate it and our relationship with it. As women we should always support each other in business and otherwise. I am always keen to empower others in the same industry, the more of us doing this type of work the better.
What’s your style?
Classic I think but always with an apron.
Guilty pleasure?
Gin
Life motto?
I don’t think I have one.
Can’t live without…
My healthy Eat Real Food Chocolate
Get in touch with Emma for Vegan, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free snacks, if you are looking for Healthier catering, Healthy eating programmes or Cookery lessons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatrealfoodNAC/
Twitter @EatRealFoodNAC
Instagram: Eatrealfoodnac
Website:
