PUBLISHED February 21st, 2020 05:30 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 02:42 pm
A multi-talented television presenter and nutritionist, Charlotte Mei helps others build a better relationship with food. The former radio presenter hosts her own food series, The Charlotte Mei, on Youtube, showcasing fuss-free recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Away from the kitchen, Charlotte is also a sustainability advocate. She’s passionate about sustainable living, and empowering other individuals to do their part. This month, she shares tips on how we can live a healthier, more eco-conscious life.
My personal style is one that is based on my mood. I have days when I go simple and monochromatic, but also days when I’m a little whacky and will accessorise with funky colours. One thing’s for sure though – comfort is #1 priority!
We know sustainability is a big deal for you – how does that affect your fashion?
It affects my fashion decisions in so many ways. I’ve stopped buying from fast fashion brands, and instead support brands who truly care about work that is both sustainable and ethical. When buying a piece of clothing, I try to find out where it was made, who it was made by, what fabric it is made out of. I also purchase pieces that are versatile and timeless, so they never go out of style, which prolongs their lifespan. Being in the media industry, it means having many different events to attend, each with a different dress code. In these instances, I either rent my outfits, or loan pieces from brands that I support.
As a certified nutritionist and a foodie, do you find it hard to stay healthy?
Health is more than just what you put in your body. Along with diet, it’s also about managing stress, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. I find it harder to get enough sleep than it is to eat healthily – haha!
Oh, absolutely! I believe that being comfortable in your skin, having good thoughts and intentions, and wearing clothes that make you happy is a simple way to uplift one’s mood and get them feeling good.
What are three must-haves you always have in your fridge?
Eggs, cheese, miso! Eggs are my ultimate go-to food for a meal at any time of the day.
We hear you’re an advocate for plant-focused meals and eating less meat. What myths would you like to dispel about going plant-focused?
Many assume that they would end up feeling hungry and unsatisfied after a meal that is predominantly plant-focused. However, this is likely due to the fact that they’re not replacing the meat with the right foods at the right amounts.
Foods like legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc), whole grains (rice, quinoa, oats, etc) and nuts are high in protein and can fill you up; and they can be eaten in larger amounts compared to meat as they’re less calorie-dense!
One could start by cutting down the amount of animal products they consume. It could start with one meal of the day, or one day of the week! If that’s too difficult, one could also start by bringing their own Tupperware when ordering food to-go, or their own utensils when they know the food outlet only provides single-use cutlery.
Tell us a little bit about your fitness routine and how you stay active.
Staying active is really important to me as it not only helps with my physical health, but mental health too. I get bored with mundane workouts, so it’s important for me to switch it up. I try to get some exercise in at least three times a week. My workouts consist of resistance training at the gym, Pilates, and Latin dancing. If my schedule gets really hectic and I don’t manage to squeeze any of these in, I make it a point to walk more during the day or take the stairs up to my apartment when I get home!
Finally, do you have any guilty pleasures, food-wise?
Yes, a hundred percent! I’m a sucker for ice cream with chunky bits, and pound cake (Sara Lee is my favourite – old school!).
To learn more about Charlotte’s recipes, watch her series at The Charlotte Mei. You can also follow her on Instagram at @thecharlottemei to check out what she’s up to!