Mindy's Sporty Sister of the week

Another Friday, another inspiring individual who loves to MNB! Introducing our Sporty Sister of the Week…Mindy Woods. Mindy is a healthy foodie, who lives by the MNB philosophy. If you are scratching your head, thinking gosh she looks familiar? Well, chances are you’re right. Mindy made the elite 4 in Australia’s 2012 Masterchef, where she wowed the judges with her Asian cuisine. Not only is Mindy passionate about cooking healthy food for the soul, she is a qualified physiotherapist who loves to live her life active. Follow Mindy on her new website, as she takes off on her “Living the Dream” tour of South East Asia, a food tour in the pursuit of flavour and taste.

MNB: Welcome Mindy! So, what’s cooking?

Thanks MNB! I am living big and loving life. It has been non-stop action since Master Chef 2012 I have barely had a chance to stop. The last 6 months have taken me travelling throughout Australia, working in some of the best establishments in the country, discovering food, sharpening my culinary skills and living the life I have always dreamed.

MNB: You have just launched your brand, spanking new website. How exciting. What’s next in store for you?

Things for me just get bigger and busier here on in. I am just about to head overseas on a food tour throughout South East Asia. From elite culinary school of Thailand, to the street stalls and market places of Malaysia I am on the quest for flavour looking to discover the true essence of South East Asian Cuisine. When I return to Australia all my energy and time will be devoted to opening my wine bar in Sydney later this year

MNB: How do you MNB on a daily basis?

I am a huge believer in nourishing not just the body but the mind and soul. Every morning I hit the gym at 5:30 am it’s the perfect start to energise my day. From resistance training to cardio circuits and yoga my body is awakened and strengthened everyday.
I nourish my body and soul through choosing ‘karmic’ fresh ingredients. I believe that feeding and nourishing my body should not come at a cost to the health of mother earth.
My drive and ambition to reach my fullest potential keep me challenging and believing in myself everyday. I embrace and relish my every day, giving acknowledgement and gratitude for the fortunes I am gifted and never contemplate failure. Living and loving life everyday.

MNB: Can you tell us a bit about your food philosophy?

My philosophy on food is to embrace fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce. We are blessed with the highest quality of fresh and locally produced food in Australia I just love celebrating the change in season through embracing the foods each is best known for. Seasonal produce encourages us the natural rhythms of the earth, to buy local and invites amazing variety in our everyday meals.
Summer time is all about fresh vibrant flavours, fresh and a nice kick of spice. Thai green mango salad, BBQ’s fish wrapped banana leaves with tamarind and lemongrass dressing, crispy peppered tofu with organic green tea noodles and dashi- yum!

MNB: What’s your signature dish?

My signature dish is a Malaysian Nonya style chicken curry with fragrant coconut rice and crispy roti changi. It is my happy food, my comfort food and a food full of childhood memoires.

MNB: If we were to take a look in your fridge at home, what healthy staples could we find?

 

Who are some of your key influences?

My Dad is my biggest and most influential figure when it comes to everything food. He ignited my love of food and still to this teaches and motivates my creativity and cooking style.

MNB: 3 ‘can’t’ live without ingredients in your kitchen?

Garlic, chillies and coriander.

MNB: Best healthy smart swap discovery?

Pistachios have to be my newest favourite food. Incredibly versatile,delicious and nutritious they are an absolute powerhouse food. Pistachios provide more nuts with less calories per serve, 49 pistachios per serve to be exact. I just love substituting gorgeous vibrant green pistachio meal instead of almond meal in cakes and healthy slices, using them for extra crunch in my salads, in meat stuffing’s, or as a snack on the go.

If you could cook a meal for someone [dead or alive] who would it be & why?

I would bring my family and friends from each corner of the world to my family table. We would share a long lavish lunch together that stretched far into the evening. My love of food comes from my love of sharing and sharing food, wine, and fabulous company with those I love is the most beautiful and fulfilling pleasure I experience in life.

MNB: What are your tips on ‘making a nourishing meal’ for those of us who are strapped for time? Welcome to our modern world! A time where our days are often overflowing with commitments and responsibilities and we busily try to gain that perfect ‘life balance’ between work, home, family and friends. In between juggling all the busy elements that make up my day, even I find it challenging to find enough time to cook delicious, nutritious meals.
Fast food is about cheating process and time but not the quality of food nor flavor. Steaming is incredible for locking in flavor, emphasizing the unique and natural flavors of food and is insanely quick, clean and hassle free.

Steam a fresh fillet of fish such as snapper or salmon dressed with strips of ginger, sliced spring onions, bean shoots, shredded carrots a splash of tamari and a dash of sesame oil. Steam for 7-8 minutes and serve with green tea soba noodles. A ten minute meal that is fresh, delicious and nutritious.


A recipe from Mindy…

Thanks for chatting with us Mindy!!
MNB
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If you want to connect with Mindy, check out her amazing  blog here!