Madeleine Shaw — 8 Tips To Living Well

Healthy Living

Madeleine Shaw is a nutritional health coach, yoga teacher and best-selling author. Her philosophy on food is mirrored in her approach to yoga – it’s all about enlivening the hottest, happiest and healthiest you. In her new best-selling book, Get the Glow, it’s about keeping things simple and delicious so you don’t feel bored or deprived.

I got to chat with her about her journey into yoga, from the first class at school to discovering the style that worked for her, and the one that didn’t! We also asked Madeleine for her top tips for fuelling your yoga practice – whether you’re a newbie like Rob who took the plunge with his 30 days of yoga or a seasoned practitioner – she supplies us with the inspiration to get the most out of your yoga and life!

YL: Has your yoga practice changed you as a person? If so, how?

MS: I think so, it’s made me enjoy movement, I was never sporty at school, I was always good but not competitive. A B-teamer! So yoga is great for this, I like how it’s not competitive or judgmental.

YL: Do you remember what you thought going into your first yoga class? Was it entirely new to you or something you’d grown up around?

MS: I did yoga at school and loved it. Then my mum took me to some Iyengar classes which I didn’t enjoy. It wasn’t the right time for me, I was young and it was too slow – plus I was way too interested in partying! When I moved to Sydney that’s when the real love affair began.

YL: In your career as a nutritional health coach, foodie and now writer – has it become more difficult to make time for your own practice?

MS: I always try and do it a few times a week, I’ll either catch a class or if I’m too busy I make sure I do some in my room.

YL: Are there parts of your practice you still find challenging?

MS: Flexibility, I have narrow hips and tight hamstrings but I think that’s just my body, there are always poses you find tricky – it’s not about being perfect so I like that I don’t find it all easy.

YL: What about a favourite āsana or favored style of yoga?

MS: Vinyāsa flow and Tree Pose.

YL: What do you think is the secret of yoga which everyone, practicing or non-practicing should know?

MS: Give it a go, but don’t worry if you don’t like it or get it the first time, find a good teacher and be open-minded.

YL: What gets you up in the morning?

MS: The thought of breakfast!

YL: As a fountain of health and wellbeing knowledge, what are your top tips for busy yogis – be they teachers, experienced practitioners or new students who may be reading this?

MS: Well…

  1. Eat protein for breakfast.
  2. Take big breaths throughout the day.
  3. Carry a big bottle of water with you.
  4. Make your own lunch.
  5. Snack on green juices, nuts and fruit.
  6. Eat healthy fats like avocados, fish and coconut oil.
  7. Swap white sugar for less refined coconut sugar or honey.
  8. Know that not one diet is right. Listen to your body and work out what is best for YOU.

YL: You’ve just completed your own yoga teacher training, what are you most looking forward to about becoming a teacher?

MS: Connecting with people, working with them to deepen their practice and watching them discover more about themselves on the mat.

YL: Do you have any advice for any yogi thinking about taking the plunge into teacher training?

MS: As with anything, if it feels right go for it.

YL: Describe your journey into yoga – from the first class to the present moment in three words.

MS: Ouch. Ok. Wow.

YL: Finally, with sell-out supper clubs, foodie collaborations, teaching yoga, an enormous insta-following and your book selling like hot cakes – can you tell us what’s next? 

MS: I’m launching an online yoga and nutrition program, watch this space!

Madeleine’s Mango & Ginger Smoothie

We tried and tested this smoothie recipe from Madeleine’s blog and can confirm it’s a certified winner!

“This is a super simple, and summery smoothie. My Mango and Ginger Smoothie is not only tasty, but comes with a host of health benefits!”

This smoothie is beaming with antioxidants. Turmeric is probably the food highest in antioxidants, and it’s also a natural anti-inflammatory. Ginger has similar anti-inflammatory effects, and is super soothing on the gut. Mango, also known for it’s high levels of vitamin A, C and B6, contains loads of vitamins and minerals that help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

I love making this first thing as a breakfast smoothie. It’s so quick to make so you can prepare the fruit the night before and chuck it all in the blender before you go to work

Ingredients

Serves 1

  • 1/2 mango
  • 300ml rice milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp of turmeric

Directions

This one’s super simple. All you have to do is place everything into a blender and then blend until smooth. I like to sprinkle desiccated coconut on top of mine, and squeeze in some fresh lime juice for added tropical taste!

Thanks Madeleine!

Big thanks to Madeleine for giving some of her valuable time to us! For more information about Madeleine you can check out her website. Bought Madeleine’s book? Comment below if you’ve tried a recipe! If you haven’t – you can buy Get the Glow here!

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