Ever feel like navigating the world of nutrition is like diving into a bottomless salad bowl? Nutrition pro Christine Baxter gets it. She’s not just here to sprinkle some chia seeds of wisdom – she’s on a mission to help you make choices that nourish both your body and mind.
For nutritionist and health coach Christine Baxter good health isn’t just eating right – it’s an act of self-care. Choosing veggies over chips, and fruits over sugary sweets means nurturing and caring for your body. It’s about making the effort to feel good physically, mentally and emotionally.
Surprisingly, Christine’s diet wasn’t always kale smoothies and quinoa salads. Growing up, healthy eating wasn’t exactly part of the family meal plan. While her dad was never a fan of veggies, she did have one saving grace – limited access to sugar, which helped put her on a good path. A path that had led her straight to the world of nutrition? Not quite. An adventurer at heart, Christine took the scenic route.
“I got my qualification in Corporate Communication straight after school. And, having had the desire to travel, I worked on the cruise ships as an events and special functions coordinator for a few years. Once back on land, I started my corporate career in travel marketing.”
Then life threw her a curveball – a dose of personal health struggles with an autoimmune disease, and the loss of her dad due to brain cancer. As she navigated these challenges, Christine found herself re-evaluating life. Then, cue the lightbulb moment!
“During my healing journey, I found a profound purpose in my own struggles. And it was like something clicked. I did a complete 180 and left the corporate scene to study functional nutrition full-time, and later health coaching. It became evident that I needed to spread the truth about the transformative power of nutrition and lend a hand to others struggling with their health challenges.
“I’ve been in the industry now for more than seven years, most of which I’ve run my own practice – Purpose Nutrition Consulting. I wanted to provide an alternative path for those who also feel desperate, hopeless, and had lost faith in their health and well-being.”
These days, Christine just loves being a part of her clients’ transformation journey … when they learn about themselves and experience immense joy as they reclaim control over their own health.
There’s just something about the human body finely tuned to thrive on the good stuff, that makes her tick. She adds that, in our hustle-bustle lives, we’ve lost touch with what our bodies are trying to tell us. And, that’s where she steps in – decoding health issues, digging up the root causes, and helping our bodies get back in sync with its factory settings.
“Because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, my programs are tailored to suit each client’s individual needs, I generally tackle issues related to low energy, insulin resistance, gut issues and hormonal imbalances. And I incorporate health coaching too, to help clients move toward their health goals, work through barriers and keep them supported and accountable in their journey.”
Christine goes on to say that some of the biggest baddies are processed foods, fad diets, stress, toxins and parasites which can all lead to insulin resistance and poor gut health. The effects? Think imbalanced sleep, mood, anxiety, skin and weight.
“Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Moderation and mindfulness are key. It’s the consistency of healthy choices that move us forward. One bad choice or meal is not going to undo all the positive changes you’ve been making. Just like one healthy meal isn’t going to undo a whole bunch of bad choices.
“It’s all about seeking lasting change instead of constant dieting or more medication. The golden rule is to keep it simple, slow and consistent. Change what you can and build from there. Don’t try to do everything at once”
When Christine isn’t at her practice, she’s dishing out health tips on a show called Real Health on DStv’s The Home Channel. Total powerhouse vibes!
But it’s not only nutrition that brings her joy. She has loads of fun basking in the simple joys of life – window shopping, lazy afternoons with her cats, dancing, reading and spending time with her husband Jason, as well as friends and family. And, if she’s got some time to spare, you’ll most probably find her out camping, taking long hot baths, or chilling in her garden. Besides feeling good from the inside out, throw in a dash of faith, a sprinkle of family, and maybe jamming out to a Taytay tune or two, and Christine’s got her recipe for happiness perfected.
“My ultimate goal is to become a prominent knowledgeable and inspirational speaker in the industry and to continue touching lives and empowering others in their health.”
Bottom line – health isn’t just about what you eat … it’s about feeling vibrant, energised and well-balanced in all aspects of life. So, what are you waiting for? Nourish your body, feed your soul, and remember, life’s too short to skimp on self-care!
Details: Visit purposenutritionco.co.za, or follow @Purpose Nutrition Consulting on Facebook and @purpose.nutrition.co on Insta
5 Alternatives for unhealthy indulgences
• Fresh fruit instead of sugary snacks. Fresh fruits like apples, berries, and oranges provide natural sweetness along with essential vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, unlike sugary snacks that offer empty calories and can lead to energy crashes. Pair fruit with a protein such as an apple with nut butter to avoid blood sugar spikes and provide more sustained energy.
• Oats instead of sugary cereals. Oats are a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates (better energy), fibre, and nutrients such as iron and magnesium. This makes for a filling and nutritious breakfast option compared to sugary cereals, which often contain artificial additives and lack essential nutrients.
• Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains antioxidants and magnesium which has various health benefits, such as improved heart health and mood. Choosing dark chocolate with minimal added sugars is a better option than milk chocolate, which tends to be higher in sugar.
• Hummus and veggie sticks over chips and dip. Hummus, made from chickpeas, offers protein and fibre, while fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers provide vitamins and minerals. This swap avoids the excessive fats and sodium found in many chips and dips.
• Sparkling water with lemon instead of soda. Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime provides the fizziness of soda without the added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and empty calories. It keeps you hydrated without the health risks associated with sugary sodas.
Christine’s fave choc avo bliss smoothie
You’ll need: 1/2 avocado; 25g chocolate protein powder; 1/2 frozen banana; handful mixed berries; water or unsweetened almond milk
To make: Place all the ingredients in a blender, add desired amount of water or unsweetened milk and blend to make your perfect smoothie.
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: SHAUN-DOUGLAS STEYNBERG. • Make-up & hair: STEFANIE PAYENDEE. • Venue: BOSHEUVEL COUNTRY ESTATE.
