Q&A with London Paleo Girl

Q&A with London Paleo Girl

Her Instagram screams wellness and she boasts more than 50,000 followers – but there’s a lot more to the woman behind London Paleo Girl than meets the eye. Alongside blogging and influencing, Tessa Seward is the founder of two extremely successful brands, Co Fro and Two Influence, and is a proud Live UK ambassador. We talk health, fitness and pancakes with the blogger who’s taking girl power to a whole new level…

Tell us a bit about your health and fitness journey. Has it always been an interest of yours?

In 2012 I graduated from university and shortly afterwards became very unwell with glandular fever and mild ME, prompting me to change to a more Paleo-based way of living. With food and fitness at the forefront, using ‘real food’ and herbal medicine for natural healing, my whole body changed into a state of wellness. I have always loved cooking and exercising, and initially my blog and social media accounts were used as a journal to document my journey and capture my creations. Not only has this led me into the health and wellness industry, it has totally changed my life and so have the amazing people I have met along the way.

When did your passion for food begin?

As soon as I could stand on a stool to reach the worktop, I would cook and bake with my grandma every week. She then struggled to get me out of her kitchen and still does, however, we now have to go by my recipes not hers. The no sugar and lack of butter doesn’t always go down too well!

What made you choose the Paleo diet?

After getting glandular fever, having a very weakened immune system and mild ME in 2012, a friend recommended that I look into the Paleo diet that a friend was following. They spoke of the impact it had on their health so I had to give it a try. Following a lot of research and making overall lifestyle changes to do the same, I noticed after even just six months the benefits of living in this way.

What benefits have you seen from the Paleo lifestyle?

Most importantly with food, I am now understanding what is fact as opposed to the ‘fads’. Not only do I have an increase in energy levels generally, my immune system is stronger than ever.

What does a typical workout look like for you?

I have just started a 12-week training programme with Evolve Fitness as I wanted to learn more about weight training and increase my strength and confidence. Two weight-training sessions a week go perfectly with some of my favourite classes, which include Bootcamp Pilates reformer class and Phiit signature MOTR workout.

What’s your go-to cheat-day food?

Starting savoury, a chicken burger and sweet potato fries – gluten-free, of course – followed by protein pancakes and waffles and covering them in all my favourite toppings, from Squirrel Sisters Raspberry Ripple bars to Sweet Freedom’s Choc Shot and nut butters.

What would you say to someone looking to get into fitness? Where should they start?

Firstly assess what exercises they enjoy or did as a child. From cycling to horse riding, spinning classes to strength training, most workout studios and clubs now have amazing classes for all fitness levels with lots of variety. It is important to set realistic goals that are progressive, and to realise that nothing worth having or achieving happens overnight.

Why is it important to supplement correctly if you’re active? What do you recommend?

I am a big believer in herbal (plant-based) medicine and I take Reishi Mushroom supplement on a regular basis for its amazing immune-system boost. In addition I protect my joints and bones by taking LQ liquid joint health supplement. Not only does it support my joint health, it contains other key active ingredients to support general well-being.

Your Insta is filled with beautiful-looking food! What’s the secret behind the perfect food pic?!

It is all in the lighting! Plus simple, beautiful, colourful food is always easy to snap.

Back in 2015 you launched Co Fro, the first coconut soft-serve frozen yoghurt. What inspired you to set it up?

After removing dairy and refined sugar from my diet and previously being obsessed with frozen yogurt, I had to find an alternative. There was just nothing quite like it or even close. So I decided to try to create it – two years later I got there! Something that wasn’t just a summer fro-yo, something that could be eaten all year round. From breakfast protein shakes to dessert, it’s a healthy alternative that can be paired with many delicious other guilt-free treats that are now on the market.

You’ve since launched a consultancy company, Two Influence, with fellow influencer Becki Rabin. What advice would you give to women looking to make it in business?

Firstly, there is no better time than now. It can mean taking risks; you’ll have ups and downs, and it might be very stressful, however, if you have the passion and belief, and you love what you do, there is a very high chance you will succeed. Most days I work for 16 hours and don’t switch off, although I firmly believe this beats a nine-to-five job that I am not passionate about.

What’s next for Tessa?

Where do I start? I hope by the end of the year to have completed my culinary medicine diploma with Sano Nutrition School and graduate as a nutrition coach. Co Fro is due to relaunch in May 2017, so watch this space for something pretty special. Two Influence will be growing its team and we have some very exciting projects coming up. Becki and I love getting people together, building a fit-fam community that is fully inclusive, with people who want to get fitter, have fun and enjoy good food while feeling motivated and empowered. With that in mind we created Sunday Sessions, and I can’t wait for the next one which will be announced very soon. We will also be speaking at Be:Fit festival and doing a live cooking demo at Balance Festival, teaming up with the fabulous Lucy Bee and Alex, The Food Grinder.

Follow Tessa @londonpaleogirl and londonpaleogirl.com

You may also like our ultimate fitness guide or our review of new gym Metabolic London.