Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do!
My name is Sierra Wright, and I’m a Registered Holistic Nutritional Practitioner (RHNP), an apprenticed private chef, and a pranayama breath coach. In my nutrition practice, I help people adopt healthier eating habits through nutritional consultations and personalized meal plans, setting achievable milestones to foster a sustainable, balanced relationship with food. I specialize in digestive health and hormones, as well as pre/post-natal nutrition.
Cooking is my creative passion and art form, offering endless possibilities without rigid rules. While baking isn't my forte, I love experimenting with ingredients in the kitchen to discover new flavours. Texture is key for me: a balanced meal needs crunch, creaminess, chewiness, and a burst of flavours. This is where my creativity truly shines. Most of my culinary work happens at retreats, in private, intimate home settings, or at events like bike races!
Before even getting out of bed, I take five deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling to a count of six. This simple ritual, part of my routine for years, helps me tap into my morning, even after a night of little sleep (new mama life). It's an effective and free way to support a regulated nervous system.
Every morning, I gently wash my face with cleanser, brush my hair, and drink at least 16 ounces of room-temperature water, often with a pinch of salt to support my adrenals and hydration levels. Then, I brush my teeth to help remove plaque and bacteria, and set the tone for a fresh day. I typically wake up hungry and never skip breakfast. As an active person, I value breakfast as one of the most important meals to keep my metabolism high. I boil water for pour-over coffee and begin breakfast prep. It might not sound super fancy, but I love a slice of artisanal local whole-grain sourdough topped with a thick spread of peanut butter, banana, hemp seeds, and a pinch of sea salt.
Before having my daughter, I used to journal and meditate each morning. Now, with her crawling around, I find it more challenging. Instead, I’ve adopted the habit of reading a couple of short poems by Mary Oliver. It's a brilliant way to engage my mind similarly to journaling, and it allows me to keep an eye on my little mover!
With such a diverse skill set (nutritionist, chef and healer) how do you blend your talents to create unique culinary experiences that promote well-being?
Blending my skills as a nutritionist, chef, and healer lets me create unique culinary experiences that promote well-being in a fun and holistic way. As a nutritionist, I make sure every meal is packed with the right nutrients and tailored to support individual health needs. This knowledge guides my menu planning and ingredient choices, ensuring each dish is both delicious and good for you.
My passion for cooking brings creativity to the kitchen, where I turn healthy farm ingredients into tasty, visually appealing meals. I love experimenting with flavours, textures, and cooking techniques to make nutritious food enjoyable.
As a healer and pranayama breath coach, I incorporate mindfulness and relaxation into my culinary experiences. Whether it's guiding mindful eating sessions, integrating breathing exercises for better digestion, or creating a calming atmosphere during meals, I aim to support both physical and mental well-being.
Travel often exposes us to new cultures and traditions. Has a particular travel experience significantly influenced your approach to healing?
There isn't a single trip that has solely influenced my approach to healing, but rather a collection of travels over the years. I've spent many years exploring different areas of British Columbia, learning about the local farmlands and discovering how each region offers unique ingredients based on its environment.
Travelling internationally to places like Costa Rica, Mexico, America, and Southeast Asia has introduced me to a vast array of flavours and cooking styles. These experiences have shown me how food and cooking bring people together all over the world—a beautiful commonality we all share.
One particular trip that had a significant impact on my healing approach was a retreat to Mexico. Immersing myself in the rich Mexican culture, I experienced traditional healing practices that emphasize the balance between mind, body, and spirit. The retreat allowed me to restore my nervous system through holistic practices such as herbal remedies, energy healing, and meditation. This experience reinforced the importance of holistic health approaches and inspired me to integrate these practices into my work. The emphasis on community and connection in Mexican culture also highlighted the value of creating supportive environments for healing.
Your retreats with Harvest and Kin emphasize healing and community. What's one unexpected lesson or insight you've gained from hosting these transformative experiences for women?
One unexpected lesson I've gained is the incredible power of collective healing. Witnessing women support and uplift each other during our retreats has shown me that healing is often amplified in a community setting. The shared experiences, stories, and encouragement create a profound sense of belonging and empowerment. This insight has reinforced my belief in the importance of fostering strong, supportive communities as a vital component of the healing process.
How do you see oral health connecting to overall health and gut health in your holistic practices?
I've been using Before Toothpaste for a while now, and I'm impressed with the product itself and the brand. As a nutritionist, I understand the importance of a balanced microbiome, and this toothpaste aligns perfectly with that philosophy.
Firstly, it does wonders for my oral health. The formula keeps my teeth clean and my gums healthy without harsh chemicals. It's gentle yet effective, which is important for maintaining a natural balance in my mouth. Plus, its taste and texture are honestly unmatched compared to other 'natural' toothpastes on the market.
What sets it apart for me is its gut-friendly approach as it's free from unnecessary ingredients that can disrupt gut flora. It's reassuring to know that every part of my oral hygiene routine is contributing positively to my overall health. My whole nutritional philosophy is what we do consistently matters most! Therefore, brushing my teeth multiple times a day is very important to keep the best option in my daily lineup, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a smile that's healthy inside and out!
Your approach to food is infused with so much love and intention. If you could share one of your favourite summer recipes that embodies this philosophy, what would it be?
Thank you so much for your kind words! One of my favourite summer recipes that embodies my philosophy of cooking with love and intention is my Pear, Pea, and Radish Salad with Parsley Tahini Dressing. This salad not only bursts with vibrant Summer flavours and colours but is also packed with ingredients that support liver health and hormones.
The combination of sweet, juicy pears, crisp and fresh peas, and crunchy radishes provides a variety of textures and nutrients. The star of the show is the parsley tahini dressing, which adds a creamy richness with a hint of nuttiness. Tahini, made from sesame seeds, is rich in essential minerals like calcium and iron, supporting overall health. Parsley is known for its detoxifying properties, helping to support liver function and hormone balance.
You can find the full recipe with detailed instructions on my website!
What routines do you rely on as your day winds down to ensure a sense of balance and restoration after a busy day?
In the evenings, I prioritize winding down with a calming routine that balances taking care of my 9-month-old daughter and restoring my own energy. After a light, nourishing dinner, I prepare a relaxing herbal tea to promote digestion and relaxation. I then spend some quality time with my daughter, engaging in quiet activities like reading her a bedtime story or cuddling before she dozes off. Once she's settled, I dedicate time to release any tension from the day which may include immediately getting my own well-deserved sleep, reflecting on the day’s experiences, or reading a few pages of a good book.