Ever wondered what model life is like? From jetting around the world to hanging out in the desert with us for our latest shoot, Aussie model and all round gorgeous human Nat Darcas‘ days are anything but dull.

We chatted to Nat about everything from how she maintains a happy and healthy lifestyle with such a demanding schedule, to her plans over the holidays.

Nathalie Darcas: Model Life & Keeping Healthy (Even Over The Holidays!)

You’ve travelled a lot, even before becoming a model. What type of impact do you think growing up in different countries has had on who you are today?

Having to move around a lot when I was younger between the US, France and Australia (for my Dad’s work!) has definitely helped me develop a strong sense of open mindedness, resilience, and emotional intelligence in some ways. Switching from the French educational system to the English one when I was 10 years old was definitely a challenge, but one of the best things that has ever happened to me!

Where is home for you now?

Home for me now is Venice, California!

Model life looks pretty glamorous, but we know it’s also a lot of hard work! What’s a ‘normal day’ for you?

I think one of the most challenging parts of the job is really the lack of routine and staying calm in all the uncertainty. Some weeks will be crazy busy, running back and forth between the airport, lots of early call times and working with new faces and teams every day. Other weeks will be much more relaxed, maybe shooting at different studios around LA. On my days off, I love to walk down to my local coffee shop Superba, go do a Pilates or boxing class, come home and make an epic breakfast (this will change depending on how I am feeling!) then perhaps read, do some study and REST!

What do you enjoy most about modelling?

I don’t think I ever really had any expectations about what modelling would be like. What I enjoy the most would be all the new and different people you get to meet constantly. Funnily enough, what I also find to be the most challenging being the lack of routine, I also love – because there is this sense of spontaneity and feeling that anything could happen or pop up. Everything is so last minute and in a lot of ways this sense of not knowing can be quite addictive!

With such a hectic schedule, how do you take care of your health, both physically and mentally – when you’re at home and on the road?

Taking care of your health whilst travelling can definitely be challenging. The fact of the matter is, after a long day of work, whatever profession you are in, the last thing we feel like doing mentally is to find the motivation to work out. I really just try and listen to my body, check in with myself mentally and physically. Is it my mind that is tired but my body could benefit from moving? Do I feel like cardio today or is my body craving some more mellow stretching? Funnily enough, sometimes the hardest thing to do is to actually allow yourself to completely EMBRACE the decision to rest without consequent feelings of guilt.

Do you have any general health mantra’s that you stick to?

I am a big believer in intuitive eating when it comes to my meals. I do not follow any particular diet nor am I vegetarian or vegan. If I feel like meat I am going to take it as a sign that perhaps that Is what my body needs right now. Also, a good night’s SLEEP! Everything else will follow.

What is your favourite way to Move?

I am constantly mixing it up between Pilates, running, boxing and yoga.

You’ve also studied nutrition, so we’re really keen to hear what your Nourish tips are?

Spinach, broccoli, sweet potato and pumpkin are arguably my favorite ingredients when it comes to making healthy meals. Also, sprouted pumpkin seeds! I am always sprinkling them on wherever I can. I have also been having fun with swapping out coffee mid mornings with a hot cacao elixir (cacao paste, almond milk, a little bit of honey, cinnamon, maca, and adaptogenic mushrooms such as cordyceps or lion’s mane). I find it gives you an incredible buzz!

You’re always so happy and positive! Do you have to work to maintain that positivity?

Aw, thank you! I do believe positive energy does not necessarily just appear and stay, rather it does require consistent work. It requires a sort of self-awareness and discipline with your thoughts when they start to slip off down the negative road, as most of us tend to do! Perspective is key, I have had to experience those yucky days where everything feels stagnant and off to really appreciate the other days where everything feels on a role. Plus, knowing that better days always DO end up coming.

When do you feel at your happiest?

When I am rested, feeling clear minded and some sort of an event or situation happens and you have that moment of realization and reminder that you really are on the right path.

How will you be spending Christmas and New Year this year?

This year I am spending Christmas with some of my friends at their place in London! New Years will be spent visiting some family in Paris.

Do you find it challenging to stay on track with your health and fitness over the holidays?

There are definitely a couple of days over the period where I don’t feel my best, but I have learnt to just embrace it, and trust that a couple of days of indulgence is really not going to make a noticeable difference in anyone else’s eyes but my own.

So, what are you looking forward to the most in 2019?

2019, I am looking forward to trying to make it up to New York a little more!

Fast 5!

Coffee or tea – coffee
City or beach – beach
Sweet of savory – Sweet
Dogs or cats – Cats
Mornings or night – Mornings