Model, renovator, and wellness advocate Elyse Knowles shares what life after “The Block” looks like and her secrets to looking and feeling fantastic!

GO: What does your typical morning look like?

EK: My morning routine really starts the night before for me. Before bed, I always book in or confirm an exercise class or personal training session for the next morning – this way I have to go! If I have made a commitment, like to a trainer or alike, then I don’t want to let anyone down by not turning up. I wake up at 6am, jump in my gym gear and drive to the gym. I then smash out a session and head home with a smile on my face.

Back in the door, I have a glass of Vital All-in-One every single morning. Just two teaspoons in a glass of water and I know I am getting all the nutrients I need for the day. So easy! Breakfast is typically scrambled eggs with spinach, goats’ cheese, and pesto. Plus, I love an almond chai latte with and a little honey. By now it’s time to get ready and head to work! 🙂

GO: What’s the one thing that’s made the most difference to you being able to stay at your ideal weight?

EK: Having a weekly plan is key for me – both for my diet and exercise. My schedule is constantly changing but I try to keep a routine as much as humanly possible – planning out the week ahead, having healthy food in the fridge, locking in sessions with my personal trainer and alike. For me, this helps ensure I am staying in control as much as possible and giving myself the best chance of success.

GO: How much water do you drink in an average day?
EK: I drink loads of water a day… at least two to three litres depending on what I am doing and how much exercise I have done. I actually drink a lot of plain hot water. I absolutely love it and tend to have a thermos drink bottle with me everywhere I go.

GO: How important do you believe exercise is to your overall daily routine?

EK: Exercise has always been a big part of my life and I genuinely can’t imagine life without it. For me exercise is all about ‘feeling good’; physically, mentally and emotionally. When I am fit and strong I have more energy to tackle my busy lifestyle and be the best version of me I can be. I am a big believer that feeling (and looking) your best starts from the inside and works its way out.

GO: How important is rest and relaxation time for you?

EK: It’s super important to take time out to re-charge your batteries so I definitely do my best to prioritise this. I absolutely love my sleep – and believe it is hugely important to your health and well-being – so I try to get at least eight hours a night whenever I can. Obviously, I travel a lot and my schedule can be unpredictable but sleep is on the top of the list! I also adore time just at home with Josh and my two furbabies – this is my happy place.

GO: Just so our readers know that everyone’s not perfect, what’s your one weakness when it comes to food?

EK: For me, food is as much about fuel as it is pleasure so I genuinely like to eat well. It makes me feel a lot better. That said, I’m human and do have a sweet tooth so the odd bit of chocolate can find its way in! Everything in moderation.

Elyse’s Vital Smoothie

Blend together:
2 heaped tablespoons vanilla protein
1 frozen banana
2 tsp peanut butter
1 tsp raw cacao
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp Vital all-in-one
1 tsp flaxseed oil
1 cup Kefir yoghurt

Top it off with nuts and hemp seeds. Enjoy!

Elyse’s top eco-friendly tips.

• Pick up trash wherever you go!
• Use the car less – walk, ride or skate to the shops – it’s a sustainable choice
• Use your recycling bin properly. Separate your trash – it takes two secs
• Decrease your plastic consumption – ditch plastic bags, use cardboard straws, use reusable cups and water bottles, avoid take away foods that come in plastic boxes, ditch cling wrap – go with beeswax wraps!

Elyse says, “if we ALL make small changes to our day-to-day habits, imagine the difference we could make!”

For more inspiration, follow Elyse on Instagram and head over to www.elyse.knowles.com.au