You know those special people you come across once in a blue moon who just radiate warmth and sincerity? Vanessa Millar is one of those people. I feel so incredibly blessed that our IIN studies brought us together. She is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.

Vanessa’s also a truly inspiring health babe, having been through hellish darkness before emerging as a Yoga Teacher, Health Coach, and Reiki Practitioner. You can get a taste of her work here and via her beautiful website Learn.Grow.Heal.

Please welcome Vanessa. xx

 
 

Vanessa Millar Health Coach

 

What inspired your health journey?

My journey to wellness started at rock bottom. We all get wake up calls of different kinds during our lives and the universe definitely sent me a fair few before I really ‘got the message’ and started doing what I was put on this earth for. Losing my mother, getting divorced, becoming a single mum of two tiny kids in a new city and struggling with an auto-immune thyroid condition and a self-loathing like no other, I was spent. Feeling hopeless, helpless and freakin’ tired all the time I was faced with a choice – to give up or to give it all I’ve got. Luckily I chose the second option and now, here I am.

 

What’s the best thing about being a health coach / yoga teacher / reiki practitioner?

I still pinch myself when realise that this is my job. Every day I get to meet and work with the most amazing, inspiring, honest, open and fabulous women, for which I feel truly blessed. Seeing them kick major goals, make the most challenging changes look easy, and have those incredibly joyous “a-ha” moments is just so crazy fulfilling. I am in love and I cannot wait to wake up tomorrow and go again.

 

What’s your favourite way to keep fit?

I LOVE to run, go to yoga and swim in the ocean. I also used to ride my bike a lot back in Melbourne, but my beloved lycra seems to be taking a backseat right now, Perth is just too hilly (haha). I did try Personal Training for the first time last week. One of my goals this year is to get stronger… and I think it’s working (ouch!).

 

How do you practice self-care?

I believe self-love and care can be practiced in every moment of every day, in one super simple way… loving-kindness. My one and only goal most days is to be kind to myself with what I eat, drink and think, and to be kind to others in my words, actions and thoughts. I wholeheartedly believe that if this is my foundation the rest will just fall into place.

 

What’s your favourite way to relax and unwind?

I am such a beach girl! When I need some “me” time, I’ll take myself down to the seaside and soak up the incredible energy mother nature provides us. I will do a little meditation, listen to some tunes, do some journalling or read a fab book and just generally get my zen on. One of my all-time favourite quotes is from author, Isak Dinesin… “the cure for anything is salt water, tears, sweat or the sea.” I take that one quite literally and I am sticking to it.

 

What’s got your toes tingling with excitement right now?

I am just about bursting at the seams getting ready to officially launch my super exciting wellness coaching program next month. It wraps up all that I have learned and everything that has benefited me in the past, from food to changing limiting beliefs and going after your dreams, exercise to spirituality, and of course a little yoga and reiki just for good measure, all into one little package. I really cannot wait to get out there help more women gain confidence, completely love who they see in the mirror, embrace fearlessness and chase their dreams down… relentlessly.

 

What’s your favourite healthy recipe?

Ok, so I have a tiny (read: huge) obsession with cacao and there is one dessert that I just cannot stop making. It is incredibly delicious and tastes oh so indulgent, but it is not, really, I promise. Every time I am asked to “bring a plate” to a party, this.is.it. My raw caramel slice, even better than the traditional version, and oh so good for you…

 

Raw Caramel Slice of Heaven

Vanessa Millar
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Base

  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup macadamias
  • 1/8 cup Coconut Oil
  • 4 Medjool Dates

Filling

  • 30 Medjool Dates yep that's quite a few
  • Pinch of Salt or two
  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup of Almond Butter

Chocolate Topping

  • 3-4 Tbsp Raw Cacao
  • 3 Tbsp Coconut Syrup or other sweetener of your choice
  • 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions
 

  • Blend the almonds and macadamias in a food processor until it forms a large piece crumble then add dates (pitted) and process until it forms a small-piece crumble, then add in melted coconut oil and blend to combine.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the base of a slice pan lined with baking paper.
  • Pit the dates (yep all of them) and place them into your food processor. Blend until it forms a chewy looking ball (you may need to do a few batches). Add the salt and melted coconut oil and blend to combine.
  • Smooth the filling over the base.
  • Now for the chocolate! Place a glass bowl over warm water and whisk the coconut oil and cacao, adding the coconut syrup, agave, rice or maple syrup to make a glossy mixture.
  • Pour over the filling layer, allow to cool and harden a little before topping with chopped macadamias.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours (or freeze for 20 minutes if you are short on time).
  • Enjoy!

Raw Caramel Slice

 

Ooh, that look scrumptious! Thank you so much for sharing with us, Ness. xx

 

Vanessa Millar Health Coach

You can get to know this inspiring health babe better via her:
 
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1 Comment on Inspiring Health Babes: Vanessa Millar

  1. Sophie
    February 5, 2014 at 4:30 pm (10 years ago)

    MMMMMM,…What lovely raw caramel chocolate bars, they look fantastic too.

    A lovely interview too.