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In conversation with Nena Foster

What does a typical day look like for you? 
My days involve wearing multiple hats because my job can be so varied. Some days it's writing/testing recipes, running an online cooking for fermentation class or workshop, prepping for a shoot, being on set for a shoot, planning a follow-up nutrition & gut health session for a client or teaching food education to primary school children. And some days, I'll wear at least 3 of these hats. But there are some constants like morning ritual of milk kefir, beetroot kvass and green tea before breakfast--these help to set me up for whatever the day holds. I also always try to have proper meals because when I don't take the time to eat properly the day goes off the rails! 

Where’s your dream escape destination? 
I think I'm destined to live the island life at some point. Right now, I can't stop thinking about being on a boat off the coast of a remote Greek island surrounded by a crystal-blue sea. Wherever that is, I want to be there!

What’s your vice? 
Spanish crisps--the featherlight, crispy ones with just the right amount of salt. If left to my own devices, I could eat an entire bag. Maybe 2 bags. 

What are you listening to at the moment? (Music, podcast, audio book?)
Music is a right old mixed bag from 00s indie rock to 60s soul. I'm also partial to a bit of 90s hip hop and I do love an 80s power ballad. My playlists are a right mash-up! Podcasts: I've been listening to Dr Rangan Chatterjee's Feel Better, Live More. I love his message and ethos, which I think my gut health and nutrition work. I also used to work as a public health academic and consultant, so all the health/medical stuff I love, but I love that he is sharing his passion to help people live happier, healthier lives. I have two books on the go, The Midnight Library on audio book and My Brilliant Friend in hard copy, the latter I am finding slow going--mostly because I read it in bed and can never get more than 2 or 3 pages in before falling asleep. I love listening to audio books on the days when I am in the kitchen recipe writing/testing or tending to my ferments.

Whats your favourite thing to eat? 
Kimchi. With everything or on its own!

What are you most curious about? 
I'm naturally a very curious person, I love learning new things and am a bit of an information magpie. But I am  fascinated by the inner workings of the human body, in particular, the gut. 

What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve received? 
Always ask for what you need. Don't beat around the bush, wait for people to offer or feel like you have to take whatever you can get--I constantly have to remind myself of this too. Just ask! 

What are your top 3 items at Caro?
1. Baum Neu Canisters-- I love jars and these are beautiful.
2.Xothe Woven Basket--I love a basket as much as I love a jar--there's something very pleasing about putting things inside something that is both functional and beautiful.
3. Light Candle--My new desk-based working ritual is lighting a candle and this would smell amazing and most certainly make me feel inspired!

 

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What does a typical day look like for you? 
My days involve wearing multiple hats because my job can be so varied. Some days it's writing/testing recipes, running an online cooking for fermentation class or workshop, prepping for a shoot, being on set for a shoot, planning a follow-up nutrition & gut health session for a client or teaching food education to primary school children. And some days, I'll wear at least 3 of these hats. But there are some constants like morning ritual of milk kefir, beetroot kvass and green tea before breakfast--these help to set me up for whatever the day holds. I also always try to have proper meals because when I don't take the time to eat properly the day goes off the rails! 

Where’s your dream escape destination? 
I think I'm destined to live the island life at some point. Right now, I can't stop thinking about being on a boat off the coast of a remote Greek island surrounded by a crystal-blue sea. Wherever that is, I want to be there!

What’s your vice? 
Spanish crisps--the featherlight, crispy ones with just the right amount of salt. If left to my own devices, I could eat an entire bag. Maybe 2 bags. 

What are you listening to at the moment? (Music, podcast, audio book?)
Music is a right old mixed bag from 00s indie rock to 60s soul. I'm also partial to a bit of 90s hip hop and I do love an 80s power ballad. My playlists are a right mash-up! Podcasts: I've been listening to Dr Rangan Chatterjee's Feel Better, Live More. I love his message and ethos, which I think my gut health and nutrition work. I also used to work as a public health academic and consultant, so all the health/medical stuff I love, but I love that he is sharing his passion to help people live happier, healthier lives. I have two books on the go, The Midnight Library on audio book and My Brilliant Friend in hard copy, the latter I am finding slow going--mostly because I read it in bed and can never get more than 2 or 3 pages in before falling asleep. I love listening to audio books on the days when I am in the kitchen recipe writing/testing or tending to my ferments.

Whats your favourite thing to eat? 
Kimchi. With everything or on its own!

What are you most curious about? 
I'm naturally a very curious person, I love learning new things and am a bit of an information magpie. But I am  fascinated by the inner workings of the human body, in particular, the gut. 

What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve received? 
Always ask for what you need. Don't beat around the bush, wait for people to offer or feel like you have to take whatever you can get--I constantly have to remind myself of this too. Just ask! 

What are your top 3 items at Caro?
1. Baum Neu Canisters-- I love jars and these are beautiful.
2.Xothe Woven Basket--I love a basket as much as I love a jar--there's something very pleasing about putting things inside something that is both functional and beautiful.
3. Light Candle--My new desk-based working ritual is lighting a candle and this would smell amazing and most certainly make me feel inspired!

 

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