BODY & SOUL
Elyse is all about keeping healthy snacks on hand. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
Elyse Knowles shares her (very) relatable pregnancy cravings, her need for a good old cry sometimes and how she had to throw her clean eating and regimented exercise habits out the window.
It's nice to know that even celebrities with seemingly perfect lives/bodies/careers go through the same struggles that us mere mortals do, too. So when Elyse Knowles - one of the country's most in-demand models, ambassadors and influencers - admits that her usually highly-regimented clean eating and intense exercise routine went out the window when she was struck with morning sickness, there was a touch or relief mixed with the genuine sympathy for the Byron Bay native.
Elyse is currently in her second trimester of her first pregnancy with partner Josh Barker, and is gleefully emerging from the fog of morning sickness and lethargy that so often comes with it. She's recently signed as an ambassador with low-sugar yoghurt brand Two Good, and we took the opportunity to quiz her on how she's coping with pregnancy, life in lockdown and the joys and anxieties surrounding her impending motherhood.
You can also catch up with our chat with Elyse via the Healthy-ish podcast, here.
On the horror of morning sickness...
I sure did suffer with morning sickness! But I am over that tough phase now, thank god. I was pretty sick for a good eight weeks. I had to spend a lot of time lying down and could only eat carby foods…which I would usually throw up moments later! I’m pretty happy to have my usual appetite back again.
On pregnancy cravings...
I was absolutely devouring Vegemite scrolls! Our local bakery now knows me very, very well as I was probably one of their most frequent customers for a period of time! Surprisingly I went completely off sugar which was odd, as I thought I’d definitely go the opposite way. I’ll have to remember to thank the bubs for steering me away from sweet temptations!
On what didn't change, when it came to food...
I’ve always cared about what I eat in terms of nutrients, where it comes from and how it’s made. Food provides us with energy and mental fuel. There is a lot to be said for the old saying, ‘you are what you eat’. I believe we should all be doing what we can to support our local communities and the families growing and farming fresh produce. Even during the first trimester of my pregnancy when I was unwell I always made sure the bread I was eating came from the local bakeries.
On her preconception diet...
No we didn’t get into any of that, we just let it all happen organically. We feel very lucky to be pregnant.
Her day-on-a-plate now...
Every day is different for me. Yesterday for example I had eggs on toast with avocado for breaky, and granola with a smoothie for lunch. I had some Two Good Yogurt in the afternoon for a nutritious, low-sugar snack (my go-to healthy option), with fresh blueberries. Then I finished the day with chicken, salad and roast potatoes.
On her go-to meals...
Now that I’m feeling so much better I can actually start to think about cooking again. It’s exciting as I love to cook! I’ve been making some blended fruit icy-poles which are easy and so fresh during these warmer days. I’m loving a good old classic potato bake for dinner! Yum! And lastly home-made dips. You can keep them varied and they’re always so satisfying.
How her workouts had to change...
I was training really hard before I fell pregnant (about six days per week), which I thrived on. Exercise has always given me joy, it increases my motivation levels and it gives me strong muscles haha! Since the bump, my workout schedule has changed quite a bit, but I expect it to change continuously over the next few months. I’m just talking it one day at a time and making sure not to push myself beyond what I feel up for. I’m just so thankful I can get back to the beach with the dogs. When I was ill I could barely do that!
The effect on her energy and mood...
At the moment it just depends on the day. I have hormonal days where I can’t help but cry! It's a weird feeling as I’m not usually so emotional but I guess it’s just my body doing what it needs to do. Regardless of any blue moments, I make sure to take a moment to just remember how fortunate I am to have a baby on the way. Women's bodies are simply amazing.
On looking after her mental health ...
I’m taking a lot more time out for me. Spending more time at home has been a silver lining to this crazy year we have all had, I am thankful that things have slowed down. I’ve been resetting my mind, and cutting back on anything that brings stress or worry. Don’t get me wrong I love my career, however right now making sure my mind and body are healthy is the priority.
On becoming a mum...
Holding our little one in my arms EVERY single day! I can’t wait! Teaching the bubba to embrace adventure and nature and be a caring soul. There are so many wonderful moments ahead… I have a smile on my face just thinking about it.
On anxieties around motherhood...
I’ve always been a little scared of giving birth, I think that is normal. I saw a wild TV show when I was a lot younger where they showed a baby popping out… I think that memory has scarred me! But I’m not really thinking about this part too much. Enjoying all the special moments of this pregnancy is the priority.
On her partner Josh as a dad...
Josh has been a legend, as always my absolute rock. He felt his first kick the other day and his eyes just lit up! I’ll never forget his expression. Josh has been amazing throughout the whole journey and it’s brought us so much closer together. I think we have both been waiting for this time of our lives for a long time… so the excitement is real!