Introducing this week’s sporty sister… Melissa Ambrosini. Melissa has been on our radar for quite sometime, not only is she a natural beauty who embodies all that is move nourish believe, she is on mission to inspire women to live their best life imaginable (I guess that means we share the same passion). We met Mel just recently and were mesmerised by her positive spirit, endless amount of energy and genuine passion to truly make a difference.
Melissa is a self confessed truth seeker, love, spirit and inspiration junkie, organic lifestyle lover, photography wannabe and fashion appreciator who is living her dreams, and wants to empower you all to start living your dreams too. Keep your eyes peeled for Mel on the MNB blog, as she will be joining us as a contributor – yay. Brace yourself for an overwhelming cup full of self love, empowerment and positivity. Are you ready for it MNB’ers?
MNB: Hi Melissa, welcome to our humble MNB! So, word in the blogosphere is you just released your eBook ‘12 steps to wellness’ – tell us all about it, what was the inspiration behind it all?
12 Steps to Wellness is a guide to cleaning out all the toxicity in your life. Not just in your diet but all areas like, relationships, career, finances, fitness and mindset – wherever you’re holding onto negative ‘stuff’ or beliefs that hold you back. I provide you with a practical (and most importantly ‘do-able’) plan to help you breakthrough the challenges, find your confidence mojo and go live your dreams.
The eBook is based on my 6 month ‘Path to Wellness’ one-on-one coaching program. I wanted to help and support more people to embark on their wellness journey. I get raw, real and honest about my story and exactly how I got happy, healthy and well – it’s a ‘don’t hold back’ kind of book.
MNB: Have you always been passionate about healthy living? What was the ‘uh ha’ moment for you?
Yes, I have always been into health but I didn’t really know what that really looked like. I thought eating low fat cheese and skim milk was ‘healthy’. I was unaware of how to really eat for health and wellness. Then, 4 years ago when I got very sick and ended up in hospital; when the doctors placed a shopping bag full of prescription drugs in front of me and told me I would have to take these indefinitely I decided that wasn’t how I wanted to live and I knew there had to be another way.
I went on to study holistic nutrition and fell in love with the notion of healing your body naturally and using food as medicine. I also realised that it’s not just about what you put in your mouth – the thoughts you think, the people you surround yourself with, the way you move your body and your actions are all as equally important as what you eat.
MNB: What does a typical day of MNB’ing look like in Melissa’s world?
Move Nourish Believe is not simply something I schedule into my day it’s my entire way of life. I choose to live, breathe and do it all day, every day.
Every morning I MOVE my body in a loving way. I used to exercise to lose weight, now I exercise for fun and wellbeing.
Every decision and action I make is with the intention to NOURISH. Every time I am about to eat something I ask myself ‘is this going to nourish me?’. If the answer is no then I don’t eat it. I also nourish myself with beautiful thoughts, positive thinking, inspiring like-minded people and ‘work’ I love.
Each morning I choose to tune in with myself. I journal, meditate, pull an intention card for the day and truly connect to ‘me’. I BELIEVE we create our reality, I also believe every single one of us is unstoppable! We are the artist painting the blank canvas, moment by moment, and I believe if we can live in every moment from a place of love, passion and purpose we are being true to ourselves.
MNB: Your skin has such a healthy glow. What are your best kept beauty secret? And no holding back, haha!
Haha, none of them are great secrets, mostly it’s just the common sense we forget (or that beauty advertising leaves out). We all know this stuff but just aren’t doing it. So consider this your gentle reminder:
- I eat all organic
- Drink loads of clean filtered water
- I don’t drink alcohol or coffee
- I don’t eat processed food, sugar or gluten.
- I have two products an organic cleanser and moisturiser and generally don’t wear makeup.
- I believe the toxic products we are putting onto our skin, into our bodies or using in our homes is what causes many of our skin conditions.
If you want glowing beautiful skin, go swimming in the ocean, let your skin breathe, run around outdoors, get loads of sleep, drink plenty of clean water and let your natural beauty shine from within. That’s what I do.
MNB: Okay, so if you had to choose…what would be your top 3 ‘can’t live without’ foods of all time!
- Bliss balls
- A fresh, young, coconut (organic of course).
- Kale chips
MNB: What does happiness look like to you?
Happiness to me is being present and fully accepting the here and now. Letting go of how things ‘should’ look and surrendering to this beautiful precious moment. We are given the gift of the moment yet choose to live in the past and future. So, for me when I am present I am happiest because I remember the truth: The present moment is all we have and all we need. Everything is perfect when we are in the here and now, nothing else matters.
What does this look like for me?
Riding my yellow vintage bike around Bondi, travelling to new places, sipping herbal tea with my besties, sharing an organic feast with my love, family time, coaching clients, being creative, meditating, doing yoga and swimming in the ocean are just a few.
MNB: What are your fave LJ pieces to MOVE in?
Uh EVERYTHING! I used to be a professional dancer and have been wearing LJ since primary school. In fact, recently I just found some of my first ever LJ crop tops (we’re talking serious vintage!). Right now, I’m addicted to my new Mosaic tank. That said the crop tops are my staples – I think it’s really important to bring colour and fun into your activewear – fitness is about having fun!
MNB: What are some healthy snacks we could find stashed in your handbag?
I have three decent meals each day so I don’t really snack, but when I do sometimes need a little extra on the go I reach for a bliss ball (total treat!), Coconut Water, kale chips, cut up veggie sticks or a green juice.
MNB: Best advice you have ever been given?
Live in the moment.
MNB: Any tips or advice you could give to our readers just starting on their healthy, active journey?
MNB: Any Move, Nourish or Believe tips before we part? [If you could please provide a quote, workout or recipe if possible].
I want to share my fav quote of all time by Marianne Williamson.
Thank you Melissa for inspiring us with your truthful words, and all round positive presence.
MNB
x
Be immersed into Melissa’s beautiful world here
Want to connect with Mel? Check out Mel’s Facebook & Twitter page!