Samaya Journal

Five mindful minutes with…Julie Montagu

We spoke to Julie Montagu, AKA The Flexi Foodie earlier this week to find out about her skincare routine and how she finds balance in her busy life.

Julie was recently named as one of the ‘Top 10 Holistic Health Icons in the World’. She started her plant-based blog in 2013 which is now viewed by over a million people each year. She’s an international yoga teacher and is currently one of the stars of the reality TV show Ladies of London as well as being author of three best-selling books Superfoods, Eat Real Food and Superfoods Superfast.

Q. Dosha type?

A. Vata.

Q. At the core of Ayurveda lies the concept of achieving harmony between the mind, body and soul. How do you find balance living a hectic London lifestyle?

A. I make sure that I take small moments of self-care though out my day. Whether that’s a yoga class, a green juice, a 2 minute breathing exercise or a candle-lit, epsom salt bath… I make sure to take care of myself each and every day so that I’m better able to take care of those around me including my husband and four children!

Q. Ayurveda is based on the belief that in order to achieve and maintain balance, we should pay attention to our lifestyle as a whole. Regular exercise plays a huge part in this. How do you like to work out and is it easy fitting exercise into your daily schedule?

A. I generally practice yoga 3-4 times a week – whether that’s vinyasa, restorative, dharma or yin, I make sure to get in my practice no matter what! And I cycle between 12- 15 miles most days too which def. is great exercise but it keeps my endorphins up so that when I arrive at my destination, I’m in a good mood even if it’s pouring down with rain and I’m soaked to the bone.

Q. A nourishing diet plays an important role in Ayurveda. Being a foodie, we know a balanced diet is extremely important to you. Do you have a favourite cuisine and what’s your signature dish?

A. Anything with corn in it – Listen, I grew up in the corn fields of Illinois so corn is something I tend to mix into everything! I have a really delicious corn salad recipe in my cookbook Superfoods Superfast.

Q. When our particular dosha is balanced the results can be seen with radiant, healthy skin. How would you describe your skincare routine?

A. I tend to cleanse morning and night, use an oil and a moisturiser both daytime and night time! I love my skin to be pampered with goodness and have it feeling good and happy all of the time.

Q. Why are natural beauty products important to you?

A. What I put on my skin is just as important as the foods I put into my body. I like to keep things as clean and natural as I possibly can.

Q. Favourite SAMAYA product?

A. I’m obsessed with serums and oils so the SAMAYA Anti-Ageing Treatment Oil is amazing!