Elyse Knowles has truly won the hearts of the Australian public. From her debut on Channel 9’s reno-show The Block she has found her voice on social media where she shares un-retouched images of her good and bad days and honest advice. And when she’s not dishing down-to-earth wisdom to her legions of followers she’s getting her hands dirty cleaning up Australia’s beaches and providing water to remote communities with WaterAid. All this AND the Aussie It-Girl has recently been appointed the newest face of Myer.
Here Elyse Knowles talks exclusively to The Carousel about how she keeps her busy life in balance and still manages to kick goals.
You have been modelling since you were age ten – how do you keep your balance?
Balance definitely comes from the people I spend time with and surround myself by. I’m a homebody at heart, so I am lucky that after big days at work or long travel stints, I crave coming home and getting back into my routine!
My body and my energy is my career. If I don’t allow myself downtime – the rest would crumble. Balance is simply listening to your body and treating it kindly.
What has the industry taught you about health and wellness?
It’s all about the mindset. You need to want the results because of how they make you feel – more than what they make you look like. If you’re open to a challenge and you welcome change, then you’ll see an amazing shift in your attitude … and your muscle definition!
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You have been open with your readers about your struggles with acne, your eye surgery and your efforts to keep a healthy diet – tell us how you dealt with those health issues?
Haha oh gosh! I have been a little in the wars of late – haven’t I? My skin issues are something that hit me in my early 20’s. I went through high school unscathed and then all of a sudden my skin had a tantrum! My eye was more of a “wear and tear” type thing. After years shooting with bright camera flashes and endless summers outside under sun, my poor old eye took a beating.
Both of the above played on my mind and mood, and my energy levels suffered because of it. When it comes to your health you have to put it first. If it means taking some time off work or making some changes to your diet and your lifestyle – then you have to do it. Dealing with health issues is challenging, so it’s vital to stay active in terms of what you’re doing to fix the issue. Taking control and being rational is my tip! Bad skin sucks big time, but it’s not going to kill me!
How important is it for you as a woman in the media to be transparent with your followers? Can you give us any examples of how you manage this?
Super important! You might see me on magazine covers and in editorials, which is great! But then I love to show people the real me! Down the beach, with the dogs, wearing no make up and picking up rubbish! If I can allow others (in particular, women), to see that life isn’t always glossy – then that’s a great thing. Just because a day isn’t glossy, doesn’t mean it’s not amazing
Comedian Celeste Barber has to be one of the funniest women in Australian comedy right now, what was it like working with her for HelloFresh? Describe your experience together.
I agree, she is! I was excited when the opportunity to work with Celeste on the new HelloFresh sketch, Skewered came about. The show is about skewering the myth that dinner has to be difficult. It can be easy, fun and quick! Celeste was an absolute pleasure to work with! My stomach hurt from all of the laughing!
What are some of your favourite fresh food and healthy meals that you can count on to leave you looking and feeling your best?
Fish, chicken or meat with fresh salads is always a favourite of mine. Spinach, avocado, beetroot & herbs is a winner combination! I make an easy dressing with lemon juice, tahini, sesame oil & a tiny bit of honey. It’s easy to whisk up and takes a simple salad up a notch!
Roast veggies is another favourite. Warm, filling & packed with nutrient
What are your best health tips?
Keep it as fresh as you can. If you can avoid adding too many additives to your meals, thats the key. Herbs, lemon, ginger, pepper etc are the best for garnishing & adding flavour – and they’re great for your insides & your skin as well.
The HelloFresh boxes are incredible. They contain all fresh ingredients & pre-portioned ingredients making them super quick & easy to prepare.
What advice for health and beauty did you get from your mum?
Look after your teeth! Brushing and flossing was always mums advice
Tell us about your charities and why you support them.
I work closely with WaterAid Australia who support people and places around the world without access to clean, running water. From the sustainability of their communities, to their irrigation systems and the health and hygiene of families and children – WaterAid provides amazing support, education & of course much needed resources. They’re incredible. I truly urge anyone & everyone to get involved
For the meal-prep skeptics, what advice can you share that might help change their mind about it?
Meal-prep are not all small containers filled with frozen foods! They are boxes of fresh ingredients so you can see exactly what you’re cooking. HelloFresh is packed full of variation as well, so you’re not going to get bored with their menu options! There is something for everyone.
