GP consults with Julie Montagu of Truly Julie

American-born Julie Montagu, aka The Flexi Foodie, is one of London’s most in-demand yoga teachers and nutritionists and was recently hailed as one of the Top 10 Holistic Health Icons in the world. Her Sunday class in London’s Triyoga Chelsea is so popular that dedicated yogis queue to get in. With three international best-selling wellness books under her belt (and one to be published shortly), the mother of four is now reaching out to women with her inspiring self-care membership site: truly-julie.com. Here she tells us about her incredible journey to wellness

What sparked your interest in health and wellness?

After my fourth child was born I was exhausted both mentally and physically, so I went to my first Bikram yoga class and in just one day I became obsessed with it. From Bikram, I then started to explore other types of yoga and fell madly in love with Vinyasa Flow yoga. Once I started on the yoga path, a healthy lifestyle naturally followed. I became obsessed (again) with foods that could give me energy, boost my mood and just make me feel better overall.

Why did you decide to teach yoga?

Honestly, I just never want anyone to feel as bad about themselves as I’ve felt about myself in the past. All elements of yoga – physical, mental and spiritual – helped me to learn to love myself again and I want others to share that experience.

What is your favourite meal to cook?

I have four kids, so meals have to be easy, quick and healthy. There are lots of these types of recipes in my own cookbook: Superfoods Superfast: 100 Energising Recipes to Make in 20 Minutes or Less. My spicy tofu tacos are always very popular!

Who or what inspires you?

Debbie Ford was one of THE most inspirational women. Sadly, she passed away in 2013, but you can still download many of her motivational and touching talks, all about personal transformation. She was truly amazing, I could listen to her podcasts all day.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

First and foremost, my four kids are my biggest achievement. And then having my first book, Superfoods, published in March 2015 was a dream come true. Now I’m working on my fourth book – Recharge: A Year of Self-Care to Focus on You – so it all feels a bit surreal, but I’m very excited and grateful. I’m also immensely proud of my online wellness membership site, Truly Julie, which focuses on self-care.

Talk us through your day on a plate

A typical day for me would start with avocado on toast in the morning, with a big mug of green tea. If it’s cold outside and I’m cycling around, like I am most days, then lunch is a huge bowl of hearty vegetable and whole grain soup. For dinner, I’m eating a lot of veggie burgers and sweet potato fries at the moment.

Where is your favourite place to eat in London?

I love Juice Baby on the King’s Road – the avocado toast and kale salad is outstanding, and I adore their Watermelonade and Spicy Immunity juices. Plus, it’s next door to Triyoga Chelsea, where I practically live! When I can make it up to Notting Hill, I’ll head to Farmacy for a cool superfood cocktail.

And favourite place to practice yoga?

I teach exclusively at Triyoga in Chelsea . It’s such an uplifting space – the energy at the studio is so positive and there’s a real sense of community. It’s full of smiles and people creating long-lasting friendships.

How do you stay healthy when you’re on the go?

I drink a TON of green tea, put turmeric in everything and live off of chlorella, one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world.

For more information visit Truly-Julie.com or JulieMontagu.com