PREFACE

‘LET FOOD BE THY
MEDICINE AND MEDICINE
BE THY FOOD.’

Hippocrates

THE IDEA FOR EAT YOURSELF BEAUTIFUL was born from the hundreds of beauty and fitness questions I’ve been asked over the past 12 years as an international model. My career began when I was crowned Miss World in southern China in 2003 at the age of 19. Being immersed in an industry so obsessed with outward appearance, I fully believed that the various lotions, creams and serums I smeared on my face, hair and body were the key to glowing skin, luscious locks and eternal youth. The many make-up artists, hair stylists and other beauty professionals I worked with would excitedly talk about the outstanding benefits of whatever miracle products were the current cult favourites being touted by the racks of girly mags in every newsagent. So of course I bought into it all and spent a small fortune. I didn’t know any better and I believed the hype.

Beauty products do have their place and can make a big difference to our appearance and self-confidence. But much like the drugs of modern medicine, they tend to cover up any issues or symptoms rather than get to the source of the problem. As a teenager and in my early 20s, I spent many nights covering my spots with a blob of Sudocrem without thinking about why I was getting persistent pimples in the first place. It didn’t occur to me that an internal imbalance might be causing my breakouts. It was only when I began my training as a nutritional therapist in 2010 that I began to study and really understand the inner workings of the human body, a magnificent creation. It dawned on me that we literally are what we eat. Eating your vegetables to grow up big and strong isn’t just a line repeated to us by frustrated parents at the dinner table. It’s really true! As our biggest organ, our skin is a true reflection of the internal health of our body, and who doesn’t want healthy, glowing, beautiful skin?

I have answered so many questions from all sorts of people about the secrets to good skin, hair, nails, energy and weight loss. They all want to know what products to buy, what foundation is best for a perfect complexion and how to lose weight without feeling hungry. And my answer is simple: your diet is the best beauty secret you possess. You are in control of everything that goes into your body. All you need is a little time and patience to allow your body to heal and reap the numerous benefits of my tried and trusted way of eating, designed to give you the body, skin and hair you have always dreamed of. Best of all, it really isn’t complicated.

I understand how intimidating it can be to navigate the seemingly endless world of nutrition brands, superfoods, supplement powders, vitamin pills, high-protein diets, low-carb diets, fat and weight loss, so I have explained it all for you in this book. Whether you eat meat or just plants, are watching the pennies or are happy to spend, my advice suits every taste, budget and lifestyle. This isn’t about restriction. I don’t count calories or ever go hungry, and I don’t expect you to either. My food and health philosophy is all about eating high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and help to regulate your appetite, weight, hormones and cravings naturally. You will be feeling fully satisfied and bursting with health, vitality and boundless energy.

I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I have enjoyed writing it. It’s a true work of love and the result of many years spent on a food and health journey. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes and have asked more questions than I’ve answered at times, but it has been absolutely worth it. I am delighted to share this journey with you as you bring out your most beautiful self.

In beautiful health,

Rosanna x