The Feel Fresh Nutrition team has had a few changes recently, so we thought it’s a great time to re-introduce the team. First up, our resident HIIT Pilates instructor, Rosanne Gilks.

We know nutritionists are usually total foodies. What’s on your list of favourite foods?

I love all kinds of Japanese food. I lived on Kyushu (the South Island of Japan) for three years and learned a lot about Japanese food at that time. I exchanged cooking lessons with a friend of mine weekly and we taught each other about our cuisines. There is such a variety. It’s really not just sushi and sashimi and there is such artistry in it.

Thai food would have to be my next favourite - so full of flavour and colour.

If I’m eating at home my favourite meals are those I have with my family. I love to spend time in the kitchen with my son. We make up our own creations, which sometimes are fantastic and sometimes complete fails. Eating is a real social activity and if I am with the people I care about, I’m happy sharing any food made with love.

There is something special about the joy of sharing food. If you’re cooking for others, what’s your go-to?

This has changed over the years, but at the moment there’s a meal my kids love. It’s a lamb pasta salad which is so easy to make but so delicious. You just cook the pasta, then add in pesto, creamy feta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and top with pine nuts and balsamic dressing.

And when you’re not wanting to cook, what’s your favourite restaurant?

There are just so many! I went to one recently called Nicco, a Japanese place which was so authentic. I love it when they shout, ‘Irasshaimase’, which means ‘Welcome’, when you arrive. The service was spot on and really reminded me of being in Japan. Their raw fish and other dishes were so fresh and authentic!!

Let’s talk about goals. What are you currently working on?

I am working on creating a healthier balance in my life between my work, my family and my interests outside of nutrition. Like so many people, carving out the time for self-care, exercise and mindful relaxation is a constant challenge.

Agreed, it’s tough finding the balance. What about your client’s goals? What’s the biggest breakthrough you’ve had with a client?

There are just so many and everyone is so different. I always love seeing my clients reach their weight loss goals and their surprise that once you start focussing on eating healthily, it can be a relatively easy and a really enjoyable journey. Also seeing my clients become more energised and able to do more, lift more, and feel more confident. My biggest reward is when I bump into an old client and they tell me that they are still using some of the strategies we developed It is also super gratifying to get people off their medication when their metabolism and blood markers improve. 

All clients have different reasons for seeing a nutritionist. What do you love helping your clients achieve the most?

I love helping clients work toward having more energy, feeling confident and good about their bodies and getting them back into fitness. It’s wonderful to see people experience what it’s like to wake up feeling energised and ready for their day, especially if they were used to living with poor energy and perhaps pain and inflammation.

I like performance goals the best. As a HIIT Pilates teacher, it is so gratifying to see women (of any age) get stronger, being able to lift things and do things that they thought they couldn't. That is just the best! Nutrition is a huge part of being able to achieve these goals - to build the strength and muscle and to have the energy to do anything you enjoy, no matter what age you are.

I think we can all appreciate how important energy levels are. Especially the positive feedback loop between energy and working out. What’s your favourite way to workout?

I teach HIIT pilates, so I do love that but I also incorporate weight or resistance training into my schedule as well as short runs. I do shorter workouts usually in the morning. My philosophy is to work hard to get the most benefit and the least time! That’s why high-intensity interval training works for me.

Short and sharp workouts are the perfect way to make sure to get them done.

Speaking of short and sharp, pop quiz time: coffee or tea?

Coffee every morning. Tea in the evening. I love liquorice and peppermint tea as they’re super calming.

Guilty pleasure?

Dark chocolate pretty much every day.

Dogs or cats?

I love dogs and have owned many. My favourites were my Chesapeake Bay retriever and my Great Dane. Like so many people, the Covid-19 isolation time last year had me thinking about getting a puppy!

We’re with you on the puppy decision Rosanne. Office dog anyone?

Okay, so we might not have an office dog just yet, but you can still book in to see Rosanne, get those energy levels up and find out where to get the most authentic sushi.