The beginning of each year is usually the time when most people decide to make drastic changes in terms of diet and exercise, so the gyms are packed, different diets and detox programs are googled , and we are bombarded with advice on how to become the best version of ourselves from all sides. However, there are also people for whom January is just like any other month of the year, because they live what we popularly call a "healthy life" all 365 days of the year.
A balanced and nutritionally rich diet, interesting, creative, yet simple dishes made from common ingredients, supplementation, skin and hair care, all of this is part of one of our favorite profiles, behind which stands Barbara Medić. A Zagreb native who replaced Zagreb's fog and smog with a life by the sea, she is our daily inspiration and one of our dear collaborators who will share with us her thoughts, as well as recommendations and advice on how to make changes for the better in everyday life.
To begin with, what inspired you to start promoting a healthy lifestyle on social media, and especially a nutritionally rich and balanced diet?
I have always loved healthy foods, natural cosmetics and dietary supplements, and when we opened our organic store in Zadar about 15 years ago, I started promoting the products on social media by actually showing how I use them, thus bringing these products closer to people and making it easier for them to prepare them, etc. After we left that business, my Instagram profile actually already had a considerable number of followers, so I just continued to post, but in a more personalized way, which turned out to be even better. J
What are the most common misconceptions you've noticed when it comes to healthy eating?
People usually think that it is something complicated, inaccessible or too expensive, but in fact it is very simple, we just need to go back to the past when people ate natural food – fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, fresh fish, local meat, everything that was not processed, refined, packaged, loaded with additives and other harmful additives. Although food is generally too expensive today, you can always buy some Swiss chard or broccoli, sardines, local eggs, some salad and make a healthy meal.
How do you create your family's daily or weekly meals? What inspires you in particular? Your lunches and dinners are truly inspiring, but sometimes it seems like they take a lot of time to prepare, and we know that many people face challenges in meal planning, especially during the work week, so please share with us some tips on how you manage to do so.
Quite the opposite – everything I prepare and cook is mostly very quick and easy, because I was constantly at work for years and when I came home I wanted to eat something healthy and normal. So I spontaneously started to come up with quick but nutritious meals. Nowadays, when I work mostly from home, I still have more time to cook, but it still comes down to the fact that it is simple and quick. The most important thing for me is that the meal is nutritious, has a lot of healthy ingredients and is varied. That's why I often prepare stews, soups and rich salads. I am most inspired by going to the market and shopping, where I get ideas for lunch on the spot. I love shopping for food. J
You often do detox programs, and considering that January is a popular time for something like that, do you have any advice for our readers?
Yes, I have my own 5-day detox program that I do 1-2 times a year and it's a great opportunity to cleanse my body of everything (especially after the holidays). My advice is to do what works best for you – whether it's reducing the amount of food you eat, cutting out dinner, bread, sweets or doing a stricter program, fasting or whatever works for you and what you know you're capable of doing for yourself. I always recommend cleansing your liver with teas and tinctures like dandelion and milk thistle and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome with probiotics and fermented foods.
What is your stance on "forbidden" foods? Is there a place for sweets in your home?
There are no forbidden foods for me, I'm a big gourmet and I love to eat everything, and I often indulge in unhealthy things (like chips, for example). I think the most important thing in life is to find a balance in everything, including in nutrition. I don't like to strictly deny myself anything (except, of course, in the case of allergies and intolerances), and the fact that I try to eat healthy most of the time doesn't mean I don't enjoy other things. Of course, you shouldn't overdo it, but the worst thing is to be overwhelmed and not teach yourself to enjoy yourself.
What are the most important steps to maintaining long-term healthy habits without becoming a burden?
When something becomes a ritual, it's not a burden but a pleasure. For example, drinking coffee in the morning - all of us who like to drink coffee have no problem making it every morning. The same goes for other things, if I drink a green drink or fresh juice before my coffee in the morning, I might not feel like preparing it for the first few days, but once I get used to it, it will become a pleasure. It's the same with exercise, it's hard to force yourself, but once you get used to it, you become addicted. The most important thing is not to give up on something that we know is good for us.
What advice would you give to those who believe that a healthy lifestyle is too expensive or too demanding for their everyday lives?
I advise them to start small, to start with a healthy breakfast first, to make chia pudding, oatmeal or a smoothie instead of a purchased donut or croissant (all of which can be prepared the night before), to start drinking more fluids (water and unsweetened herbal teas), to sometimes make a good salad for lunch instead of ordering fast food (with pasta, tuna, romaine lettuce, boiled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, olives... whatever is in the fridge), to start buying sourdough bread with seeds instead of white bread, to cut out carbonated drinks and food loaded with additives and preservatives, to make a small change or healthy decision every day that will quickly become a habit.
Can you share one of the most inspiring stories of people who follow you and who made a change in their lives thanks to your profile and your advice?
I can't single out just one story or person, I can only say that there are many wonderful women who follow me and who contact me every day to thank me for inspiring and advising them, and for helping them feel better, healthier and have more energy, and I am grateful to them for their constant support.
In addition to nutrition, you often share tips with your followers on how to take care of yourself, so we're wondering if you have any special recommendations for facial and body skin care in these winter conditions?
I'm a big fan of preparative cosmetics and I have too much of everything at home, but I actually use everything. J My skin is quite dry in the winter, so I don't skip good hydration. For facial care in the evening routine, I currently use a good cleanser, then Hydro Tonic , serum (I apply retinal every other night). Finally, I use Extra Hydrating Immortelle Cream and Golden Immortelle Oil . For the day routine, I use tonic again, serum with vitamin C, moisturizer and SPF. For body care, I usually use a mild shower gel, I always apply a nourishing body milk after the shower, and when I remember, I also do a dry body brush before the shower because it's great for stimulating lymph and also improves the appearance of the skin. I also do a body scrub once a week.
Photos: Barbara Medic
