Female Faces of the Brand: Tasha Russell

Hello! I'm Tasha, Brand Manager of Detox Kitchen. I've been working for DK for over four and a half years now, which is mad! I discovered Detox Kitchen myself when I was going through my own gut issues and nutrition journey, fell in love with the brand and the delis and vowed I would work for them immediately. And I did! I have always been a real foodie but since being involved with DK, I have felt a true physical and mental transformation and have discovered the power of good, whole and nourishing food.

What inspires you?

Lily, our founder, my team, my mum (we're super close) and my wonderful and strong little sisters. I also get a lot of inspo from podcast, I've been podcast-obsessed for a few years now. My go-tos are Table Manners, Sheerluxe's podcast, Off Menu (obviously) Dish, Saturn Returns, Feel Better Live More, DOAC & newer Why I... Move.

What does your day usually look like?

It always starts with a stretch and drinking 500ml of water straight away. I tend to jump out of bed but I've recently really been trying to tap into my parasympathetic nervous system as soon as I wake up to help lower cortisol, even if it means waking a little earlier. Splashing cold water on my face also helps with this. I then leave to go to work, taking the opportunity to escape in the book I'm reading for a bit as my commute isn't a speedy one... I always try and walk as much of my commute as possible and soak up the light (when it's not dark). I usually intermittently-fast for 14 hours before having my breakfast, as this sits best with me. My workday usually involves some form of content creation, whether that's crafting newsletters, copy for the blog or website, or social media edits, as well as managing creative, partnerships and CRM for the brand. I try and go for a little stroll at lunchtime - walking calls are sometimes brilliant to make this a non-negotiable! The evenings are spent spending time with friends by going out for dinner (I take advantage of living in such a food-orientated city and love to eat out a lot!), perhaps an exhibition, or catching up on podcasts, books or a good TV show before winding down with a super hot shower or bath and skincare, aiming to get 8-9 hours of sacred sleep.

What is your daily non-negotiable?

Like previously mentioned I love a good walk! I always feel so good and refreshed after. I try to walk in green spaces, but if not, a nice residential neighbourhood is also a nice and calming environment.

3 wellness tips/habits you swear by

1. Vibrant, joyful meals with TONS of delicious veg (I usually aim for around 6+ different veggies on a plate) that nourish mind and body always
2. A good balance of routine and non-routine - prioritise morning and evening routine to ensure you start and end the day right to help your energy levels and promote good quality sleep (esp if you can't get the quantity) but leave room for breaking out of routine every now and then during the day
3. Exercise you enjoy!

Favourite cuisine?

Middle-eastern. I love a big spread with lots going on - lots of variety of ingredients, flavours and colours. And I love dips with a meal.

Favourite Detox Kitchen meal?

Very hard to choose but would have to be the Satay Tempeh Noodles from the Fridge Fill range or Balinese Prawns from the Protein/Green with Protein/Active Maintain meal plan menus at the moment!

Dish or recipe you make most often?

It's either a big overloaded salad with a combination of cooked and raw veg, grains, protein, crunch and a creamy nut-based dressing, or at the moment a stir fry with broccoli, onion, aubergine, tofu and frekkeh flavoured with umami, smoky flavours, finished with a green goddess sauce and a side of slaw and pickles, random but delicious.

Death row dinner?

Ceviche with a green chilli salsa to start with avocado, raw onion, lots of lime and some crunchy plaintain or cassava chips, followed by a huge Ottolenghi style spread, with a whole baked harissa-coated fish, lots of different salads and an array of different hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara, beetroot dip and a freshly baked doughy flatbread to mop it all up with.

What is your favourite form of movement?

Running.

What is your favourite quote or mantra?

Cliché but I live for it - 'everything happens for a reason' or 'it happens for you not to you' or 'whatever is meant for you won't pass you by'.

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