Q&A with food blogger Hanna Sillitoe

Check out our Q&A with food blogger Hanna Sillitoe – we’re talking juicing, travel inspo and girls who lift!

Q. What made you decide to start a blog?
A. My journey last year was life-changing. I’ve struggled with an autoimmune illness called psoriasis for over 20 years. Psoriasis manifests itself as a hot, red, scaly rash on the surface of the skin. The doctors told me there was no cure. Having been on cycles of various steroids and prescription creams for most of my life, I was fed up. Then, last January, I experienced the worst flare ever: my skin was so painful, I couldn’t sleep because of the constant itching, and it was totally unbearable. My diet had been shockingly bad over Christmas and New Year, I’d split up with my boyfriend, work was stressful and, in truth, I had become fat and lazy! I knew I had to do something about it.

I began researching alternatives and came across the concept of juicing – extracting the liquid goodness from fresh fruit and veg. The idea is that the body’s major organs get a break from digestion while you feed a whole ton of nutrients into your system. Within less than a month I started to see the most incredible changes. My skin got better and I felt energised, in turn leading me to do some exercise and consequently lose weight.

That little green juice was the catalyst to changing my lifestyle for ever.

Q. Where does your interest in healthy eating come from?
A. I’ve become aware of the idea of food as medicine. Last year taught me so much. If I eat poorly my skin tells me about it! I avoid meat, gluten, dairy, sugar and alcohol. It sounds ridiculously restrictive but that couldn’t be further from the truth – I have always loved food and cooking, but this is a whole different ball game. It’s opened up a brand new world of food to me.

Q. What’s your favourite healthy meal?
A. There are far too many to choose from, and it changes constantly! I love healthy meals that look super sinful. My chai and chocolate chia pudding is a great example. Two superfoods, a healing spice and a natural anti-inflammatory in a chocolate dessert that’s so healthy I eat it for breakfast!

I’ve just returned from Thailand so I’m a little obsessed with pad Thai at the moment. They cook it so beautifully in restaurants, cafes and even by the side of the road in Bangkok. I fell in love with the dish and the variety of ways in which it’s prepared. It’s truly simple, nourishing, healthy food.

Q. What’s your favourite cheat treat?
A. I can honestly say I don’t cheat. I have such a brilliant incentive to stay healthy. Clear skin is more important to me than any cheat treat, and I genuinely never feel as if I’m missing out. If there’s one food I occasionally think back to it’s thick, doughy pizza with tons of cheese. But I know I’d feel horrific afterwards, so the thought is probably much more exciting than the reality would be. Pizza combines all my very worst foods: gluten, dairy and tomatoes, which are a nightshade vegetable. My skin absolutely hates them.

Q. What’s your favourite current foodie trend?
A. For me, healthy eating is a lifestyle not a trend. When people ask, ‘How do you stick to your diet?’ I explain I don’t feel as if I’m sticking to anything! I’m never hungry, I eat the most incredible variety of foods and I feel so good from living this way. My favourite way of preparing food would be juicing. I drink a green juice daily, made using predominantly veg such as kale, cucumber, spinach and celery. I always add ginger, lime and a couple of apples or pears for sweetness. It gives me tons of energy and it’s such an effective way of taking in a ton of vitamins.

Q. What’s your favourite ingredient to cook with?
A. I’d have to say coconut oil. I don’t just use it for frying, I also bake with it and use it to create delicious raw desserts. It’s amazing stuff. I also use it on my skin as a moisturiser and natural sunscreen. I always keep at least two jars in the house because slathering the same stuff on my skin as I use in cooking would feel weird!

Q. From where do you get your recipe inspo?
A. I take inspiration from everywhere, everyone and everything – often from travelling. Seeing the world is such brilliant inspiration for so many things. I love spending time in other cultures and learning about different traditions, especially when it comes to the history of food as medicine.

My recipe blog may look all pretty and lovely but there are lots of failed experiments too! The most important thing for me is to never be afraid of trying new ideas.

Q. How do you stay in shape?
A. I train with weights daily. I’m a girl who lifts! I run Parkrun at 9am each Saturday – it’s a free event, organised nationwide. The volunteers are fantastic and the people who participate are lovely. Every age and all abilities are welcome. It’s 5K around your local park and they publish your results on their site the same day. It’s a brilliant concept and the perfect introduction to fitness – and the weekend! I started last year and love going.

I also work out with a personal trainer once a week. It sounds indulgent but it’s really important to me for a number of reasons. Firstly, accountability: he’ll check what I’ve been working on through the week. Secondly, food chats: I love discussing nutrition with my trainer! We definitely talk too much. Thirdly, confidence: I can walk into a gym anywhere and feel sure enough to use the equipment. I’m never intimidated by big burly blokes! I’ll walk right over and lift weights alongside them.

Finally, I compete at triathlons. I only started last year but I love them. I enjoy the combination of swimming, running and cycling and find varying sport in this way puts less strain on any particular body part.

Q. What’s next for you?
A. To continue inspiring people. That’s important to me, the opportunity to change lives. It makes me so happy when people try my recipes or read my story and become inspired to heal their skin or begin their journey to full health as a result. I love proving that lifestyle change needn’t be depressing or restrictive. It opens up this brilliant new world of food, friends and fitness.

Hanna blogs for Beyond Fit. Read her nutrition advice at beyondfituk.wordpress.com