FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. Claudia Koch-McQuillan is part of the Sydney Knitting Nannas actively striving for a healthy future environment for generations to come.

1. What did you eat yesterday?

I had coffee and some home-made rye dough sourdough with tahini, hemp seeds, apple and cinnamon for breakfast – so delicious and my current favourite. Lunch was another sandwich (this time with home-made cashew & dill spread and greens), an apple and some nuts because I was out on a sneaky mid-week bushwalk. For dinner, I made a salad with quinoa, chickpeas, broccoli, toasted almonds and a miso dressing. I’m vegetarian with strong vegan aspirations, and I’m also into fermenting and pickling my own food!

2. What exercise did you do yesterday?

I went on a glorious 10-km bush and bird watching walk in the lower mountains with a few friends – perfect day for it! Spring is in full swing, so we saw lots of wildflowers and birds, plus a couple of snakes!

3. When did you last see a primary health professional?

I saw my GP last week in preparation for a trekking trip to Nepal I’m planning for November – fingers crossed that the political situation will settle down. All I need is a couple of immunisations.

4. What do you do to improve your mental health?

I’m active in the Sydney Knitting Nannas, a group of passionate, hugely knowledgeable and fun environmentalists. We write submissions, attend rallies and hold knit-ins outside MPs’ offices. We’ve also organised actions in wider NSW and Canberra together with Knitting Nanna groups from other parts of NSW and other environmental groups. You can find us online and on social media to see what we’re doing! The Knitting Nannas are a bunch of incredibly smart, creative and dedicated older women, so I learn a lot and feel that I’m doing my bit for future generations in wonderful company.

I also exercise regularly, doing yoga and weights twice a week each, and I get out for a bushwalk whenever I can. I absolutely love multi-day hiking; it’s such an excellent reset for body and mind. It pares things back beautifully to the essentials: food, water, shelter and the step ahead.

5. What are your health goals for the next month?

I want to keep fit and strong for the Nepal trek ahead, so I’ll keep walking, doing yoga and weights. I’m planning a 16-day hike with my adult daughter, and I want to enjoy every day of it!

Read previous ‘FIVE QUESTIONS’ here

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