If you didn’t see him on MKR, you probably know him from Channel 7’s House of Wellness, or perhaps you’ve seen him out walking around Sydney with his dog, Chia. Either way, you’ll know that Luke Hines is passionate about healthy living and healthy food. In fact, the Sydney celebrity nutritionist already has a bunch of healthy cookbooks to his name, and now he’s about to have one more. This time, it’s all about vegan food (which is really having a moment right now).
To celebrate his latest batch of tasty recipes, Eat More Vegan! ($39.99, Plum/ MacMillan Australia), released later this month, we thought we’d chat to the man himself about his Sydney ‘go-to’ places, beaches and cafes…
So, to start with, what’s your favourite heathy brunch spot?
“Well, for me my mornings always start at the ocean, I am in love with the sea. Its so important that I start the day seeing the sunrise and having a dip, so I always end end up at Bondi Beach. And my post swim brunch spot is always UMU, affectionally known to locals as The Earth Food Store or simply ‘Organics’ if you’ve lived in the area a while. The team behind it has stayed the same since it opened, and they greet you with the most incredible smile. All their food is like a warm, comforting, healthy hug. Gotta say my pick for those who like a treat is the Apple and Raspberry Crumble… drooling!”
Where do you like to work out?
“Because the ocean and a sunrise dip is so important to me, I train at Bondi Icebergs Gym. It is sensational! Perched right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, waves crash up on to the deck. Its a small boutique space with great equipment and a really friendly inclusive vibe.”
Where is your go-to swimming beach?
“I have an afternoon ritual of walking down to Bronte Pool to have some sunset digital detox time. Its a short stroll from home and its really quiet, especially considering its such an instagramable location! The reason I love the ocean pool is because no matter how big or rough the surf is, its always a really calming sanctuary.”
Do you go bush or coastal walking?
“I do love walking! I have a 4 year old Labrador named Chia. She’s such a sweetheart and she gets me exploring all the coastal trails. I think she’d love to go bush too.”
Where is Sydney’s best healthy lunch cafe?
“This is like having to choose a favourite child, but I’d have to say one of my all-time favourite healthy lunch cafes is Rough and Bare. They originally opened in Mona Vale a number of years ago, but have since expanded to a second location in St Leonards. Anthony, Jamie and the team really understand both healthy food AND flavour, making them a force to be reckoned with. Think free-range, grass-fed ethically sourced produce, cooked with love, and plated up to perfection. Getting hungry just thinking about their menu!”
Do you have a favourite workout outfit?
“Haha! Anything black! All my training gear is black, from the shoes all the way up to the singlets! The only colour you’ll see is my signature pink hat, which I never the off! Oh, and high socks, it’s all about the high socks these days.”
Your favourite view of Sydney?
“From my morning walks with Chia my dog. We do a huge lap of Queens Park and at the top corner, there is the most sensational view of the city scape and it always reminds me that we live in the most magical and pretty city.”
Where would we find you on a Saturday morning?
“Well, apart from swimming, watching the sunrise or at the gym, most Saturdays I do some type of group fitness class to keep my fitness motivation up. I am loving the boxing classes at Shelter in Double Bay and also have always been a fan of Barry’s Bootcamp so I really enjoy going to classes there too.”
Your top healthy eating tip?
“Just eat real food. Regardless of what food philosophy you align with the most, the key to long term health and happiness is sticking to the real stuff. Health starts in the kitchen, cooking from scratch! Oh, and don’t count calories, count nutrients!”
And finally, your top ultimate fitness tip?
“Move in some way you enjoy each and every day! It could be walking the dog, kicking the footy, or going to a boxing class. Just find something you love and it will never feel like a chore and you’ll actually look forward to doing it!”
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