Sisterhood Health + Wellness -- Amanda Herries + Green Smoothie recipe

This week I have the pleasure of bringing you my closest friend since moving up to Cairns, who is also my manager. The gorgeous, bubbly, caring, kind...

Amanda Jane Herries ~ Cairns, Australia ~ Personal Trainer & Health Store Manager ~ 31yrs young

Why do you do what you do? / Why did you start your blog and biz?

Well, being involved in the "health" industry causes me to improve the quality of life for as many people as i can, hopefully for as long as i can, I originally helped set up the Cairns City Go Vita health store to help out my parents business and to learn, love and grow, which i continue to do daily.




What’s the first thing you do when you wake up, and the last thing you do before bed?

First thing I do when I wake up is some form of physical activity - usually I'm awake at 5:30am and I get straight into my gym gear. I either train myself at the gym or with my own equipment, or train with a friend running or walking along the Cairns Esplanade.
Before I hit the sack I like to have a camomile tea, chat to my man about our days, read a health related book, and plan my mornings training session - and i never forget to brush my teeth.

How do you make sure you’re looking after YOU?

Looking after No. 1 Haha, I'm not the best at this. I'm always putting work or friends and family before myself, but I'd have to say looking after my health is important. I believe there is a strong link between what we eat and how we feel; I prefer food to have a lasting effect rather then a spike then come down. Keeping active is another thing I do for myself and I love the release of "feel good chemicals" after a work out, a hike, a bike ride or a swim. Keeping in touch with friends and family i think helps me feel included and cared for and helps me sort out the subconscious mind. Learning new things help also - my boyfriend is teaching me to surf at the moment, I'm terrible, but the ocean is so calming.

Favourite place on earth and why?

Well, I've lived in Canada for 2 years and in Whistler for 2 ski seasons, and the mountains are breathtaking and naturally beautiful. Europe was amazing for the history and the culture and the food. But there is really no place like home... I prefer the weather, being close to my family and close to the beaches. My favourite place in Australia would have to be Byron Bay.

5 things I'm grateful for right now...

1. Hugs in the airport after an extended period of not seeing someone you love.
2. Low-maintenance friends who don’t require much from you other than you being caring and entirely yourself.
3. Music and how accessible it is, whatever i want to listen to at my finger tips
4. My Family all living in the same town after 6 years
5. My health and my Co yo and Coconut Chocolate butter Im eating right now

What’s your food philosophy?

Drink plenty of water .. preferably organic fruit and veggies... I try to only buy grass fed beef, wild seafood, organic eggs, and organic poultry... I went to a lecture of Stephen Eddy's and something that stood out is - "don’t eat anything with an ingredient you can’t pronounce". I try to do all my own cooking so i know exactly what I'm putting into my body. I have a good balance of protein, carbs and fats ... I think the most important thing is enjoying what I'm eating and sharing it with someone you love is always good

You feel most yourself when…

When i can help someone, when I'm with people that love me and I love too. And when I'm dancing or in nature.

Who inspires you most?

I'm very lucky to be surrounded by people who inspire me... at work my colleagues are always teaching me new things; my parents and there morals, dedication, love and guidance; my friends with their advice and all the memories we create; and my partner  for his strength, enthusiasm for life and his love.
Disabled people, 'strugglers' and people who have to face adversity & difficulty over and over, but get back up and keep going/trying, these are also people who inspire me....

Favourite Quote

I have so many, but this one has always stuck in my head -
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Recipe to share -

My favourite green smoothie at the moment...

1 banana
500ml coconut water
1 kale leaf
Few springs of Parsley
Few springs of Mint
Few springs of Coriander
1 tsp Spirulina

Blend all til smooth. Top with grated coconut to serve. And enjoy!

I pinched this combo form the Conscious Cafe in Byron Bay  - my favourite place to eat and hang out :)


Amanda is a passionate health enthusiast who loves training locals to achieve their fitness goals (and does so quite successfully), whilst running a busy Go Vita health store in the middle of Cairns City. In her spare time she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, preparing raw desserts in her kitchen, and spending time with her partner and their dog Mishy.

Amanda can be found at Go Vita Cairns on Facebook