I am actually hiding somewhere in the east of the country for utmost concentration for writing my book, but on Wednesday I took a trip to Amsterdam because of my foodie friend Daisy Oppelaar launched her own book ‘I Love Health’. Blood, sweat, and tears it cost her, but it turned out beautifully. Let's ask if she will hang it on the chandeliers this weekend. Or maybe just a green smoothie...
Tell me Daisy, how was your week?
“Well, it was quite something. I don't think I'll forget last week anytime soon. The official launch of my book ‘I Love Health’ was last Wednesday. The days (and weeks) before that, I was of course mega busy with preparations. From - of course - shopping for the outfit and hairdresser visits to preparing my speech (ahhh!!!) and arranging the last things with the venue and publisher. And let's not forget the interviews I gave for Metro and AD. Oh yes, and last Monday my first intern for I Love Health started, another milestone. A very bizarre but special week indeed.”
Writing a book, how long did it take you? And did you lock yourself away?
“Although it feels like I've been working on it for a long time, it actually wasn't that bad, I hear from other authors around me. I started writing in April. I wrote the first few chapters in Amsterdam. Then I went to Ibiza for a few weeks, where I also wrote some chapters. Very much in the Saskia Noort style, I thought. There in Ibiza I did isolate myself for a bit. In Amsterdam, there is sometimes just too much distraction. And in Ibiza, I could focus. Then another month at my mother's place to cook all the recipes... So yes, locking myself away from time to time was necessary.”
What do you want to convey with the book ‘I Love Health’?
“Very simple. That living healthily can be really fun and tasty. It's not boring or dull, and it's no longer a hippie thing. And it's definitely not a diet. You can't stick to a diet, but you can stick to a healthy lifestyle. If I can convey that realization to people, then my mission is accomplished. ‘I Love Health’ is not a book for losing weight, and it's also not a cookbook. I call it a healthy lifestyle guide. I give a lot of tips and top 10 lists that allow you to live healthily in an easy and fun way. Add to that 48 recipes (again: easy and tasty) and various workout plans, and suddenly you're 200 pages further.”
What time are you ringing in the weekend today?
“I'm going to have a bite to eat with my best friend at Jackson Dubois, a new place at the Spui. Delicious street food from all over the world, but in a restaurant setting. We're going to celebrate well this week.”
What's in your glass?
“Wine. Duh. Friday night is not for juices. I really believe in balance when it comes to food. So if I've lived healthily all week and I feel like a glass of wine on Friday night, then I can have that. That's enjoyment for me. If I were to forbid myself that because it would be unhealthy, I wouldn't be happier for it. It's actually healthy to treat yourself to something nice from time to time, even if it doesn't necessarily fall under the label ‘healthy’. So yes, wine.”
I hope you also sometimes have a cheese platter and a bitterball, right?
“Yes, of course. A cheese platter is probably my favorite dessert. The bluer the cheese, the better. As I said; balance is the key. Indulging occasionally is actually healthy. Those words don't sound alike for nothing. That can't be a coincidence, it seems to me. But having bitterballen and cheese platters every day would also get boring, so the next day I just have a nice slow juice and cauliflower mash for breakfast. Ha! Yes, that's new on the menu and really tasty.”
What does your kitchen look like? Are you a chaotic or a neat cook?
“A chaotic one! The cabinets are organized, though. But when I cook, the whole kitchen is a mess and everything is everywhere. First, enjoy the food, and then we'll clean up the mess.”
What kind of music do you prefer to listen to on the weekend?
“Oh, I'm not much of a music expert. I think it's impressive enough that I know how Spotify works. Just nice hits, a bit of Ed Sheeran, The Script, that kind of stuff. And when I work out or go to a festival or party, I do enjoy a bit of house or techno. Hop, nice dancing or training hard.”
What are your plans for the near future? Can you rest a bit or do you have to work hard?
“First, I'm going to enjoy this special time after launching my book immensely. And that certainly includes a bit more relaxation and a tiny bit less hard work. Although I find what I do so enjoyable, and I already have many exciting new plans with I Love Health. So I doubt it will really be lounging.”
What time does your alarm go off on Monday?
“At seven o'clock. As usual. I like to work out in the morning. So I think I'll just do that right away. Recently, I have an intern, so I also have to be ready at my desk by nine to get started with her. We don't do sleeping in.’
