Lola Berry is like the Steve Irwin of the health and nutrition world. She’s unapologetically authentic, incredibly passionate, and has an enthusiasm for life - in all its shades - that is so incredibly refreshing.
You may have heard her talking failures and triumphs with the likes of Jess Sepel and Natural Harry on her binge-worthy podcast, flipped through the pages of one of her best-selling books, or tuned in to one of her Instagram Live yoga classes. But if you’re yet to encounter her free spirit, we urge you to get acquainted.
There’s an addictive intrigue about Lola; the more you encounter her the stronger it is. And as you soak up her message of self-worth, what it means to live a healthy life, and why failure is the beautiful beast that shapes us as humans, you’ll understand why we’re all obsessed with Lola.
We asked her to share how failing has shaped her as a person, to explain how nutrition and mental health are connected, and more in this beautifully raw and honest interview.
You’ve shared a bit about how 2020 has been a time for self-love and reconnection for you. What does self-love look life for you at the moment?
For me it can mean many different things. It can mean listening to my intuition, it can be getting out into nature and watching the sun set with my feet in the water. It can be booking a therapy session. I think self love is a time when you’re truly connected to yourself. For me, it’s when I feel the most clear.
It’s been said 2020 is the age of anxiety. How do you maintain good mental health?
Therapy! It’s my non-negotiable. I initially started seeing my therapist about 3 years ago to help me process and navigate a rough breakup and I never stopped seeing him. It’s the one thing I go to that keeps me the clearest and mentally the most grounded. Yoges, nature and breath work also help.
You’ve spoken before on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Can you share a bit about how and why the two are connected?
Of course. Well we know that the gut is referred to as the “second brain”, in fact, roughly 90% of your serotonin receptors are there. So if the gut is inflamed then there’s a chance that’s going to have an impact on the mood. There are some things that are linked to inflaming the gut like refined sugar, alcohol and allergens.
Let’s talk nutrition. We know you’re all about keeping it real, so what would a day on Lola Berry’s plate look like? Would it be all Brussels sprouts and green smoothies or chocolate and wine?
Hahaha - Can I say a bit of both!? To be honest it changes all the time. At the moment I’m going through an intermittent fasting phase. Then a big salad at lunch, then veggies and some kind of protein at dinner. We drink wine about once a week. We’ve found a really lovely organic shiraz.
You’re host of one of our favourite healthy living podcasts, Fearlessly Failing With Lola Berry. What inspired you to create a podcast about failure?
Ah that’s so kind. I love celebrating failures because I think they shape us, help us to grow and build drive. I think it’s actually the failures that make us successful. I also love hearing about peoples’ journeys; did you know they say the most successful people actually look forward to failing? Ahh I love that!
What failures have helped shape you as an adult?
Heaps! Where to start. I bought out a really controversial diet plan which had a terrible name and hurt a lot of people, for that I will always be sorry. But looking back it was such a brilliant lesson. People turned against me, my peers, my community, and even some of my friends. There was a hashtag made called #bintheberry with images of my books in rubbish bins. That was a pretty humbling experience.
How do you define success in life?
I think it’s living true. I think it’s doing what you love, unapologetically. And to be honest, I think that’s rare. When you meet someone really living true, you can feel it.
What can we look forward to hearing in Season 5 of Fearlessly Failing With Lola Berry?
Well lots of creatives this season; we have actors, writers, directors and TV producers, which is really exciting. I love learning from creative hearts.
Article by Sarah Vercoe
Sarah is a freelance writer and award-winning photographer with a special interest in health, travel, and fitness. Based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, she can be found hiking the trails of Noosa National Park, or, more likely, chasing after her one year old daughter, Illyana.
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