In A Day With... Sara Eleri Schumann
Images are Sara’s own and some by photographer, Juliane Dunkel
Firstly, are you able to tell us a little about you; where is your hometown, where are you living at the moment and what do you do ?
I grew up in a beautiful town in British Columbia, Canada called Kelowna. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family - an outdoor playground. You have the Mountains, Ocean, vast incredible nature, plenty of Lakes and all four Seasons. I feel very blessed to have spent my childhood there but, I left home early. At the age of fifteen I began traveling as a model and spent the next few years traveling back and forth between Paris, London, New York and home. I grew up quickly and finally decided to move away and make New York City my base at nineteen years old.
I spent almost eight wonderful years in New York, it’s where I met my husband and made the most out of my career as a model. I feel I was smart with the money I was earning, I didn’t rent a big fancy apartment or buy too many designer bags. I was modest and saved. Instead my indulgences were nice dinners in the city with friends and travelling home and abroad. I worked a lot which was good I guess because being in my early twenties, in New York City it kept me out of trouble ;)
Later, after 3 years of a long distance relationship I decided it was time for a change. I bought an apartment and moved to Berlin. What better reason is there, if not for love? And having lived in many big international cities it wasn't a scary thing for me to pack up everything and move.
Fourteen years, a marriage and two sons later I’m still here. I have my ups and downs with the city but for the most part I’m incredibly happy here. I have a great circle of friends, some who I even consider family.
In-between my pregnancies I became a certified Health Coach and I now continue my professional development taking courses while growing my business as a Health Coach, where I help clients in reaching their wellness goals.
What drew you to become interested in health and nutrition? Was this something you were brought up being aware of ?
Given my profession it was something I was conscious of at an early age but not without lots of trial and error. Living in NYC I was introduced to many different health trends, some which worked well for me and others that didn’t at all. It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties that I started to understand my body more and realised it wasn’t just about diet and nutrition but lifestyle, too. I began cooking more at home. I bought a juicer and powerful blender and subscribed to many of my favourite health and wellness brands. However, after trying to start a family, this was when health and wellness took on an even greater importance. During my first pregnancy I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, that’s when the quest to the root cause began and I enrolled at the world’s largest nutrition school, IIN. Since then, I've become a certified Health Coach specialising in hormone and gut health.
How do you usually start your day ?
If it’s a school day mornings are always a little hectic in our house. Not necessarily stressful but, there is a lot going on. My boys are still young and need to be fed and clothed. Snacks boxes and water bottles packed. Hair and teeth brushed, and often things don’t run so smoothly. I’ve learned to accept it and even appreciate the chaos. I’ve always dreamed of having a family and this is a big part of what that means.
Once they are out the door that’s when “my day” begins… I’m a lover of coffee, I do take breaks but for the most part one coffee a day works well for me. Later, after I have tidied up I will have a green juice. I like to prepare this on Sunday, making about a litre of juice to last me through the first few days of the week, towards the end of the week the juice becomes a smoothie, always with some form of greens inside. After this I will exercise by either practicing yoga or rowing at home or going for a run outside, I always finish off with about 5 minutes of stretching. Routine is a big part of how I move through my week. This time in the morning to practice self-care really sets me up to focus later, providing me with more motivation to get through course work or preparation for client meetings. Meditation is something I practice in the afternoon, not often enough unfortunately but I’m working on it. Right now, for me, it’s 10 minutes before I leave for school pick up. I find it a helpful time of day to regroup and find calm. It provides me with more patience for the rest of the day. Which when living in Berlin, you often need.
What does your dream day look like ?
A leisurely breakfast with the family followed by some sort of adventure in nature.
Maybe a hike followed by a swim in a fresh water lake. Packed with us would be outdoor games for the kids and a good book for me. Finished off with a picnic dinner as the sun sets.
I love getting outside of the city. I’m not a religious person but in nature is when I feel the most spiritual.
What is your beauty routine ? Do you have any favourite natural products or skincare rituals ?
Always, morning and night.
Cleanse, tone, moisturise. In the morning I will follow my moisturiser with an oil, (my favourite at the moment is C.E.O. Glow by Sunday Riley) I apply it using my beloved gua sha. I love how using it encourages lymphatic drainage and better blood circulation. It always leaves me feeling less puffy and more glowy and honestly I can see the difference on days when I don’t use it. Other rituals I live by are skin brushing, I will practice this before a long relaxing magnesium salt bath and hydrotherapy.
I incorporate hydrotherapy during my morning shower. One minute cold water, one minute warm repeated three times, finishing off with warm water. The warm water helps to relax my muscles, while the cold helps to simulate the lymphatic system and eliminate toxins. It gets the blood flowing and provides me with that burst of energy you often need in the morning.
Do you have a favourite scent ? If so, where does it take you ?
I’m not a fan of wearing fragrance, unless it is essential oil. I had a girlfriend recently make me a mix and I loved that. It’s not intense and doesn’t last long either which is just right for the amount of commitment I’m ready to give to wearing one.
I do however have many favourite scents, like the smell of clementines which brings me back to my childhood at Christmas. Or the smell of a new baby. I could literally smell their sweet little heads all day, it reminds me of when my babies were babies and I would sit breastfeeding just taking in their precious little smell. I love the smell of fresh salty ocean air because of how it makes me feel. Strong, grounded and calm. And the smell of pine trees, mostly because it reminds me of home in Canada.
Are there any food or health philosophies that guide how you and your family eat ?
When it comes to feeding my family I really try to cook 80% of our meals at home. This is where I can have total control over the quality of the food we are consuming so when we eat out I can relax if not all food is organically sourced. We eat mainly plant based food and by plant based I also mean animals that eat plants. On occasion I will buy grass fed beef from our local butcher. If it’s animal protein I’m buying I always make sure to buy it organic and locally raised. Actually, this is my philosophy with most of the food I purchase. Sadly, with fish I’m having a harder time finding sustainable sources so instead I’m buying lake caught trout from the farmers market when a craving hits. I love cooking (most days) and often reach for my favourite cook books, Ottolenghi is great for vegetarian options.
I try to get the kids involved, too. Either by setting the table, helping to prepare a meal or starting a conversation around food.
I will ask them simple questions like, “Why do we eat food?” and “Where does food come from?”
At mealtime I will remind them why it’s so important that we chew our food properly. I love hearing their interpretations around food and I hope with conversations like these I will help them to develop a healthy relationship around food in the future.
What does a usual day when it comes to food/beverages look like for you ?
I’m big on hydration and try to drink at least 2 litres of water every single day. In fact this is often the first tip I give to clients. It’s such a simple one, resulting in significant changes in ones health and wellbeing. Carrying nutrients to our cells, flushing out bad bacteria and aiding in proper digestion. I enjoy herbal teas in the evening, either ginger and turmeric or fennel and mint. I’m usually a liquids until lunch kind of girl, drinking coffee, green juice and water. Lunch is often gluten free toast with mashed sweet potato and avocado or this with added veggies in a simple nori wrap. I always have a variation of fermentation on hand, either a fermented veg, like kimchi or sauerkraut or I’m brewing my own kombucha. This is a great way to feed the healthy microbes in your gut so I try to incorporate fermented foods on a daily basis. I also eat a variety of salads at lunch time. I love fruit of all kinds so this will be my snack and dinner could be anything from a soup, to rice and beans, to a juicy grass fed steak with roasted root vegetables.
How has becoming a mother changed your views on health and “wellness” ?
Since becoming a mother I have learned to enjoy the simple pleasures life offers you more. Like biting into a delicious fresh peach, or listening to the birds sing outside my window. Having time to sit down and read a good book and the joy of finishing a coffee while it’s still hot. Having kids is a wonderful gift that I am so grateful for, but, sometimes it can feel like you're just trying to survive the day. This is where mindfulness can be so helpful, just to be aware of your surroundings and how you are feeling can be a huge help when dealing with the chaos that motherhood often brings. I appreciate it so much when I find the time to slow down and bring more gratitude into my day. It’s made me a better mother and in turn a better person.
What is your favourite way to move your body ? Does movement play a part in your everyday routine ?
Movement plays a huge role in my daily routine. Even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes that I can spare, it makes all the difference. You don't need to spend an hour at the gym, or break into a heavy sweat to reap the benefits of exercise. It’s such a mood enhancer, even if only a short walk - so I make sure to move every single day.
I like to switch it up, I love yoga and pilates, running and rowing and recently, I started to play tennis. My husband has been playing since he was a child and now my 7 year old is also learning. It is a great sport to play as a family and I look forward to it keeping us connected for years to come.
When do you feel your most beautiful ?
When vacationing with my husband and kids after spending the day at the beach, coming back to our villa all sun kissed and happy to freshen up before an early dinner that someone else cooks.
It’s that soft evening light, the freckles and salty sea hair. Not to mention, spending time with my family, having no obligations and everything just flows. That’s when I’m the most happy and feel the most beautiful.
Are there any old-school natural remedies that you always have on hand for you and your family ?
Garlic! It’s such a powerful antioxidant. It also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, so it’s great in supporting the immune system. In the cooler months I add more to my cooking to help keep off colds and flues.
My youngest often suffered from earaches, whenever he would start to complain I would chop up fresh garlic, saute it gently in olive oil and add a few drops of the oil to his ear - it’s like magic!
The leftover oil can also be used to help heal wounds. Yes, the smell can be unpleasant but to me it’s worth the benefits.
Is there a particular mantra you try to live by ?
To be yourself and to love yourself, without uncertainty. Authenticity is a wonderful gift.
If you were to choose 5 ingredients to have in your kitchen, what would they be ? (Practical or impractical !)
Green leafy vegetables
Sweet potato
avocado
fermented veg
and let’s keep it real - salt and vinegar chips!
To part, are you able to leave us with a favourite recipe of yours ?
I will leave you with two!
My absolute favourite green juice :
A bunch of Tuscan Kale
1 cucumber
6 celery stalks
2 green apples
and one whole lemon.
I love the tartiness of using the lemon peel but you can easily skip this and just juice the inside.
And my favourite green smoothie :
1 small pear
half a frozen banana
a handful of spinach
a handful of kale
1 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 cup raw cashews
Add a few ice cubes and about a 1 1/2 cups of filtered water and blend.
