Francesca Rose has the best name of a blog ever: “Francesca Eats Roses.” Considering the how lovely she is – she probably does! Her blog came about as a result of her battling with eating disorders, coming off the contraceptive pill, and dealing with hormonal issues, POCS symptoms and acne. She turned struggles into triumphs and shares the knowledge of her experience with others.
Can you name some people/teachers/mentors who have had a great impact on your holistic wellbeing journey?
Wow, what a question!
I have been blessed with so many incredible teachers over the years.
Currently I am in a community based in Nicaragua where I have been connecting with incredible artists, movers and teachers of all kinds.
Particularly from this residency, I am fortunate to have met Kristina Block of Authentic Embodiment who shares archetypal mask work, art therapy and dance. Other teachers include Sue Cooper, a metta meditation teacher who combines her years of clinical psychology experience into transformative silent retreats that she holds, as well as my dear friend and movement teacher, Dave Gardner, who has opened my eyes to new ways of moving without the need to strive for anything.
My parents, sister, friends and each person who I’ve met over the course of my life are all constant teachers, reflections and reminders of who I becoming and who I already am.
What are the top 3 things that people can change right now to move towards a happier and healthier life?
Dance more.
Hug more.
Spend more time in nature, hiking, swimming, meandering, camping, looking at the stars and the moon.
Have you experienced a personal health crisis and how did it transform you?
I have been in recovery from an eating disorder for the past 12 years and it has shaped me who I am today: it has shown me the shadows which has inspired me to keep searching and moving towards the inner light. It has changed the way I see myself and how I relate to others. In recent light of the Corona Virus (while I am not sick) has provided me with a shift in perspective of what truly matters, to surrender and trust the flow, and to come back to that place of anchoring so that calm choices grounded in love can be made.
What are some ways we can practice self love?
I am big believer in the power of dance, music, journaling, and nature.
Sometimes self-care means being alone and Introspective. Sometimes it means asking for support and being surrounded by people who I trust and love.
Each instance calls for something different so deep listening and honesty is required in those tender moments.
What drew you to plant based eating?
I was always interested in food trends and recipes – mainly due to my obsession with food due to my eating disorder – but I became curious after seeing more and more people share their delicious recipes on Instagram. I couldn’t believe people were making pancakes and brownies without eggs or dairy and so I wanted to give it a try. Before I knew it, I was experimenting more in the kitchen and subsequently started researching more into the reasons behind why people were vegan. After reading the literature and watching tons of videos, I really resonated with this way of eating and I haven’t looked back since.
Can you tell us more about seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural method of hormonal balancing that uses different seeds at certain times of a woman’s menstrual cycle to help balance hormones, reduce period pain and ensure a smoother and more predictable flow. If you don’t have a cycle and/or it’s very irregular, you would actually follow the moon cycle with new moon symbolising the first day of your cycle (aka the first day you bleed) and full moon being the day you ovulate.
It’s such a humbling and amazing realisation to feel united with something much greater and to also feel that greatness within oneself. I speak more about this in ebook, Eat With The Moon.
What are your favourite ways to slow down and relax?
I admit that I struggle with slowing down but I’m trying! I like to get out into nature, lie on the grass or go to the beach, go for walks and swims, journal, read, meditate, go to a yin yoga class, pull angel cards, paint, or cook something nourishing.
Can you describe your morning routine?
At the moment it’s a bit different because I am traveling, but if I was back at home it would include a trip to the loo, time to journal and practice gratitudes, meditate and move my body in some way (yoga/walk/dance/strength training), followed by breakfast.
What does wellness look like for you?
True alignment of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
What are your dreams for the future?
To reach a place of ease within myself so that I can share authentically with others and thus give them permission to do the same.
Francesca’s favorites
Favourite plant based breakfast?
Thick, dense cacao smoothie bowls with all the toppings.
Plant based comfort food?
Homemade, warm corn tortillas with plantains, refried beans, rice and guacamole.
Plant based treat?
Raw vegan snickers bars with lots of cacao and peanut butter.
Plant based book?
How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach by Tobias Leenaert
Plant based supplements
Vogel VegOmega 3
Plant based eatery anywhere in the world I’d love to eat at
The Raw Kitchen based In Freo, Western Australia
Plant based chef I’d love to meet and share a meal with
Some of my best friends are the best vegan chefs I know, like Nathalie Larsen and Claire Roberto, so I would just like to eat with them all day every day. I love them so much!