Tell us about yourself
my name is ife piankhi i was born in London to African Caribbean parents. From a very early age i was an avid reader i started with novels and progress to reading non fiction for many years. This began my journey of self discovery as an Afrikan of the Diaspora. Through my reading ive discovered alot of what we are are taught about diet/nutrition is incorrect. my studies and training in particular with dr llaila afrika has taught me that the physiology of Africans is very different from other people and we need to bear that in mind when caring/healing ourselves and others of afrikan descent. I currently reside in Uganda, leaving the western hemisphere in order to gain optimum health from the environment. Sunlight, fresh food and heat are a vital component for Afrikans to stay healthy and happy. My partner Pablo Imani practices and teaches Afrikan Yoga and we incorporate the practice into our daily lives in order to maintain our health, vitality, flexibility and spiritual sensitivity. http://www.afrikanyoga.com/
When did you realise health was important to you through foods?
i realised that health was important after i gave birth to my first child, it was a hospital birth with much medical intervention. I was very traumatised by the experience and i was determined to explore natural birth which included breathing, nutrition, stretching, meditation, and colour therapy ( i only wore certain colours during pregnancy). As a result of changing my lifestyle ive had 3 subsequent natural births, two of which were at home in a pool. My recovery time was very fast compared to my first birth. My children were alert, peaceful and happy. Because my life is very active having children of my own, teaching,and performing, ive found its important to pay attention to my diet in order to maintain my energy. Children need alot of energy and mental stimulation and ive found that my diet supports this. so i can keep up with them!
What is your general way of eating (diet)? ie meat, veggie, vegan, and for how long?
In london i was vegan. I didn´t fry my food, i ate no refined foods, white sugar, flour or salt but since being in Africa i eat fish occasionally now. I eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, pulses, groundnuts. Ive been on this regime for about 16 years now.
Why is your diet important to you?
You are what you eat. Ive seen too many of my elders unable to enjoy their maturity due to ill health due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. i want to mature gracefully and when i make my transition i want it to be peaceful and not painful.
What is your experience with educating people who do not know benefits of healthy eating Ive been an educator for 20 years and when i came into any new information i was fanatical, i admit it. I used to tell people what was bad for them but I´ve found this doesn´t really work it just makes people feel guilty or resentful. Now i meet people where they are at. I don´t judge them. We have an emotional attachment to what we eat and people have to be ready to make changes for themselves. Im a holistic practitioner so when people consult with me i look at the whole person body, mind and soul. They won´t change if im preaching at them. So my approach is just to give the information and make suggestions for simple step by step changes. I´ve learnt to practice patience,compassion and offer support as and when they need it.
What is your favourite super food and why?
i love goldenseal its an amazing herb thats very powerful. i love ginger, cayenne, cream of coconut, millet, quinoa, sunflower seeds, dates, figs, the list is endless, i love eating good food i guess. Basically i focus on foods that alkaline the body as i know most of us are quite acidic.
Your words of wisdom for those to maintain good health and wellbeing?
When changing your diet or lifestyle be patient and nurturing with yourself. If you know you have eaten something which you shouldn´t understand your craving and get informed about cleansing herbs that can assist in eliminating the substance from your body. Bad habits are easy to form but hard to break. Remain loving with yourself and take each day at a time. Monitor and document the changes you feel become your own best friend, lastly enjoy your life. ife
Ife can be contacted at topgie@gmail.com
She currently resides in Kampala and works with many groups including In Movement - Art for social change as a creative facilitator. Ife is also a wholistic practitioner, poet and singer
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