If you are a dedicated yogi or somebody who is passionate about nutrition and sustainable living, you may already know who Eleanor from the blog Green + Aquamarine is. For those of you who don't, Eleanor is a marine biology student and avid yogi. Eleanor also has a love for nutrition and living in a way that is sustainable for the environment.
Eleanor's lifestyle is something I have looked up to for a while. I have taken extra yoga classes and looked more into sustainable living and nourishing whole foods since reading her blog. So, I decided it would be fun for both myself and you guys to see this interview with Eleanor to get to know the ins and outs of what it takes to be a student, dedicated yogi as well as being able to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Hello Eleanor, you recently won best yoga blog at the 2016 Health Blog Awards. How did this feel when you first found out?
Eleanor: I was so shocked! It was at an awards ceremony in London with 100 bloggers and guests attending and the Yoga Blog was the first award to be read out, which was slightly nerve wracking. It was a surprise as the other shortlisted bloggers are all working in the industry, but it really made me value my blog and realise that all the investment in it has been worthwhile.
What is it that inspired your deep love of yoga and your love for finding a sustainable way of living?
Eleanor: It's the way I was brought up - we've always recycled, even before you could get it collected from your home. I was signed up to the RSPB at a young age and was elected onto their youth council for three years. I remember being alarmed to hear about climate change when I was younger and have since felt it a responsibility for us to all do our part for the environment.
As for yoga, I have always been interested in movement but found myself to be a runt in my teens. One day my mum suggested I join her for a yoga class and I was hooked.
As a full time student do you find it tricky to keep a healthy and sustainable lifestyle whilst on a budget?
Eleanor: The majority of my food shop is made up from vegetables - preferably from a local market. They're healthy, inexpensive and allow creativity with flavour. I prefer to eat a vegetarian diet but buy local or organic eggs and the odd bit of feta or goat cheese. Sticking to local and plant-based foods makes a big difference, but do branch out into low-impact foods like game, if you eat meat.
As for sustainability, it's about the little things quite often. I am so inspired by zero waste bloggers, who manage not to use any plastic and very little other waste. Not using your student tumble dryer, leaving on chargers and appliances all make a difference and really isn't too difficult.
How are you enjoying university in Bangor, away from home?
Eleanor: Although I wish I was a little closer for visiting my parents, I love living independently and having my own routine. It can be a little isolating, living in a remote town, but it is surrounded by such amazing countryside. Last year, I climbed Mt. Snowdon twice, once at 3:30am to reach the summit for sunrise, which was incredible.
How do you find the time to be a full time student, maintain such a successful blog, as well as being so healthy and doing so much yoga? Do you have any tips for us about staying organised?
Eleanor: The main advantage of being a university student is that much of your time is your own to organise. I make sure that I get up early so that I can schedule in gym and yoga time, and I took the decision this year to actively commit time to my blog, making it a priority alongside my university work -although they can sometimes conflict one another, so it’s about making a balanced and realistic approach.
How do you bend like that?!
Eleanor: A lot of stretching! When I did gymnastics, I wasn't actually considered the flexible one - we were told that you either tend towards strength of flexibility and I was always strong. I try to practice yoga as close to daily as I can, which makes a huge difference.
All of the information on living sustainably across the internet can be quite overwhelming. Do you have any quick tips for people who are wanting to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle but don't know where to start?
Eleanor: Keep it simple where you can. Support local businesses, try to buy food from the UK and Europe rather than from all four corners of the globe, and use electricity and plastic responsibly. I think one thing that is often overlooked is shopping, especially clothes. Buy less, buy better and try and go for second hand and/or eco friendly. When buying from big brands, try to avoid those that use palm oil, invest in tropical forest logging, fracking and other unsustainable practices. You can take sustainability as far as you want, so try and focus on one thing at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
You have written quite a few recipes on your blog, which is your all time favourite?
Eleanor: Ooh, that’s a hard one! I ate my Omega Kale Salad for weeks on end but for a sweet treat, my Raw Millionaire’s Shortbread are totally addictive.
For those new to your blog, how would you describe it in 10 words?
Eleanor: A modern guide to wellbeing, with yoga, recipes and wellness.
We are very grateful to Eleanor for this interview so make sure you check out her blog and social media pages by clicking on the links below:
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