As long-time lovers of the slow food movement, we couldn't have been more excited to see joey o'hare - head chef at gut health deli High Mood Food. Pioneering the art of culinary fermentation in London, she truly understands that health is an inside job. Today she shares what keeps her balanced on the daily.
How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
Working with the amazing team at High! We all have different strengths and pull together and support one another each day.
How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
Self-care is crucial, but – annoyingly – I’m guilty of letting it be the first thing to slip when things get busy... I try and get to yoga 2/3 times a week and I practice autogenics every day.
Share with us a quote that gives you daily inspiration.
“Don’t let perfect get in the way of good”; I can be a bit of a perfectionist and this isn’t always useful. I’ve learnt the importance of celebrating all the positives, even small wins, and recognising any shortcomings as really helpful learning opportunities.
We know nourishment from the inside out is fundamental to you. How do you practice this every day?
Fermented foods every day! At least two of High’s “Your 5 K’s” – kraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, & kamut sourdough (or any sourdough to be honest – it’s just even more delicious and nutritious when made with ancient grains such as kamut!).Fermented foods support good gut health, which is fundamentally linked to overall well being, everything from mood to energy to immunity.
What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
Trying new restaurants with friends, or jogging around Brockwell Park on Sunday mornings followed by brunch in Brixton.
Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
Extra virgin olive oil on literally everything, organic live apple cider vinegar, and homemade krauts and kimchis, again on literally everything.
Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
Massive cliché, but chocolate!
What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
Through kraut! At High we’ve got a new ‘Curried Coleslaw Kraut’ on the salad bar which incorporates freshly grated turmeric.
Coffee or turmeric latte?
I love starting the day with a bullet coffee at work, but for an afternoon pick-me-up, a turmeric latte is the dream, especially when it’s grey and cold!