Food photographer, personal chef + food activist host Rocio Graves is not only the queen of nourishing plant-based recipes, but also one of our go-to people when it comes to finding inspiration for self-care rituals and simps but effective healing tools to soothe mind, body and spirit. Today she shares how she finds her own version of golden balance, and rituals that keep her aligned, happy and healthy.
- How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
I’m not sure I have yet found that golden balance, haha. But these are some of the things that keep me vibing high: listening to music, being around animals (if it’s a purring kitten all the better), drinking plenty of water, doing yoga, waking up before sunrise, staying away from gossip and watching low vibe content online (I haven’t owned a TV in over a decade), spending more time outdoors (Mother Nature is our true healer) than indoors, meaningful conversations, physical touch (I’m a hugger), being of service, creating, doing the right thing.
- How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
It’s the most important! And I implement it into my my life every single day. Self-care to me comes in the form of having a good night sleep (in bed by 10pm) and getting up before sunrise. It’s putting my bare feet on the ground in the morning, doing a little stretching before I sit down in meditation. It’s choosing foods that will nourish me on a cellular level (local and seasonal and organic), its incorporating medicinal plants and mushrooms into my diet every day, its breathing fresh air, being in direct contact with sunlight every day, its not spending too much time in front of screens (having boundaries and learning to be more efficient with my time so I can finish my work and be outside). Caring for myself is how I choose to live my life. I’ve done the opposite for most of my life and it didn’t work for me.
- Share with us a quote that gives you daily inspiration.
‘Trust in the Divine Plan’
- We know nourishment from the inside out is fundamental to you. How do you practice this every day?
Nourishment to me comes in many forms. From the type of air I’m breathing to the music I’m listening to, the people I spend time with, the sunlight that kisses my skin, the water I drink, the information I consume, the thoughts I have, creating space in the mind and body to receive… Nourishing myself in all these ways takes daily practice and I do my best.
- What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
I like to turn off all screens, put my feet on the ground and read a book. Or drive in my car with loud music. It depends on my mood. At night, when the sun sets, I like to use only candles to light the room. This allows me to wind down and have a deeply nourishing sleep.
- Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
ohhh, I have so many… at the moment: fresh ginger, tahini, a good Indian spice blend
- Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
it’s actually toast with rubbed garlic, olive oil, ginger/date/turmeric chutney, sliced avocado, sea salt and lemon zest. It’s a ‘guilty’ pleasure because my digestion doesn’t agree with bread, even if gluten-free. I would definitely say I prefer this to any delicious sweet dessert.
- What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
I like to add it to dressings and chutneys as well as curries and golden milk in the morning and at night.
- Matcha or turmeric latte?
I love a turmeric latte in the morning and I’m not a big fan of the taste of matcha!