SANA means “a healthy mind in a healthy body”, and “radiance”.
As a big matcha fan myself I am always happy to speak to someone else who loves that magical bright green drink too! Kylie Jane is the founder of SANA, wellness brand and sent me a bag of lovely matcha to try at home, I asked her some questions about her own health rituals and routines.
“We believe when you are well from within – nourished, calm and connected – you have the confidence, clarity and courage to shine your light brighter.” says Kylie
How do you start your day, share your morning rituals with us?
I am a creature of habit. I usually wake up between 6 and 7am, hydrate with a big glass of water with electrolytes and a pinch of Himalayan salt (great for hydration in summer and nourishing for the nervous system), and walk my dog. Sometimes if I wake up hungry, I will also have a shot of olive oil and lemon juice (sounds strange I know!) but its a great way to balance blood sugar levels (due to the oil), stimulate your gut and help cleanse your system.
When I get back from my walk, I pop into the shower and make myself a nourishing breakfast. I switch between anything eggy (I loooove eggs!) and overnight oats. My current go-to is 2-3 scrambled eggs with 1/2 avocado on seeded sourdough toast. I’ll top it off with broccoli sprouts (fantastic for liver detoxification), seeds (for happy hormones and healthy hair, skin and nails) and/or fresh herbs.
How do you like your matcha?
Any and every way! 😉 On hotter days I have it as an iced tea (no milk), but my favourite is as a frothy latte with a touch of monk fruit sweetener. I especially love it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up – for a gentle boost of energy and focus to power me through the rest of the day. The ritual of making matcha in itself is also very calming and therapeutic. So it’s a really lovely way to pause, slow down and take a moment to yourself – nourishing both body and mind.
Are there any other ways you have matcha during the day in baking for example?
Absolutely! You can add matcha to your overnight oats, pancake mix, yogurt, banana bread, chia seed pudding, smoothies and more. It adds a natural sweetness and earthiness, and of course you get the added benefits of a gentle energy boost, fibre and vitamins and minerals for radiant skin and a happy belly.
Explain the difference between matcha and green tea teabags for anyone who needs to understand the magic of matcha!
Great question! Matcha is green tea leaves that have been freshly ground into a fine powder. This means when you drink matcha powder, you’re actually consuming the entire leaf – and all it’s incredible nutritional benefits. As opposed to a tea bag – where the leaves are steeped in water before being thrown away. Matcha contains more antioxidants (especially EGCG), caffeine, L-theanine, and detoxifying chlorophyll, providing enhanced antioxidant protection, improved focus and relaxation, and increased vitamins and minerals. This makes matcha a more potent source of health benefits compared to regular green tea.
As a nutritionist can you share some of your favourite healthy lunch / dinner ideas that are quick and easy to prepare?
I always say “healthy doesn’t have to be hard”. The thing I always recommend to clients is prep ingredients – not meals. This way you can mix and match so you don’t get bored, your gut gets variety and it’s quick and easy to prepare. For example – having steamed broccoli, quinoa, boiled eggs, air-fried chicken/salmon or tofu, and chopped veggies in your fridge. When you’re hungry you can quickly and easily assemble into a nourish bowl, topping with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing, hummus or a dollop of Greek yogurt, seeds and herbs for extra flavour and nourishment.
What are your views on intermittent fasting?
I know many people who swear by it and have experienced results – weight loss, more energy – however this is often short-term and unsustainable.
For women, particularly those experiencing chronic stress or struggling with hormonal imbalances or nutrient deficiencies, intermittent fasting may pose challenges. IF may exacerbate hormonal imbalance, potentially affecting menstrual cycles and reproductive health.
As with most diets, IF discourages us from tuning into our bodies – instead of honouring our hunger and satiety cues – we’re told to watch the clock. It also disregards the what, only focusing on the when. Which means many people tend to overeat in their window period, or reach for less healthful foods.
I want to encourage people instead to adopt habits that they can happily do for the rest of their lives – that’s what a healthy lifestyle is about. It’s meant to be sustainable, nourishing and joyful. Eat whole foods 80% of the time, drink mostly water, get 7-9 hours of sleep, breathe, make time for movement and joy, and prioritise protein. That will take you further (and make you happier) than eating in an 8 hour window period.
It’s crucial for individuals, especially women under chronic stress, to approach intermittent fasting cautiously, consulting with healthcare professionals to ensure a balanced and personalised approach that mitigates potential risks.
Thank you Kylie for all of that great advice and insight, to find out more about SANA and shop their range of products visit their site here