Name: Lisa Donaldson
Position: Dietitian
Supermum and Nutrition Superstar
After spending 10 years as a school teacher and gym instructor, Lisa followed her passion and went back to university to become a sports dietitian. So why did she make the jump? Says Lisa: “My decision to change careers was based on my own health. I have coeliac disease, lactose intolerance and a kidney condition.” The first dietitian to join the 12WBT team, Lisa loves guiding and advising 12WBTers towards a healthy lifestyle.
What she does day-to-day at 12WBT: “I’m usually up early feeding my bub, Nathaniel. After that, I log into work, often in my pyjamas! Once I finish my 12WBT shift, exercise is always on the agenda – usually a long walk around a lake in Canberra or a jog around the pond near my home while pushing the pram.”
Favourite thing about working for 12WBT: “Although I work remotely from Canberra, I feel like I’m in the office with the 12WBT team. Our virtual workspace allows me to work from home with my baby boy.”
Mantra: “Make life happen! No point sitting around letting life pass you by, right?”
What Lisa’s most proud of: “Due to health issues with my kidneys I was told I couldn’t have a baby – I proved them all wrong! Other than that, I’m pretty proud of my academic pursuits and proving that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
How she prioritises her health and fitness: “I don’t really need to prioritise my health and fitness. It’s part of my everyday. I know how good I feel when I eat well and exercise, so it happens without too much effort.”
How she likes to sweat it out: “I’m an RPM instructor and I love running … but mountain hiking really gets me in a puff!”
Lisa’s perfect day: “My perfect day would involve my five F words – fitness, family, food, friends and fun. A sleep in, participating in a fun run with my husband and baby, followed by a massage, a delicious meal then a late-night pot of tea and cake catch-up with my girlfriends … then coming home to my baby sound asleep.”
Favourite childhood memory: “Riding my pushbike up and down my street.”
Favourite weekend activity: “I’m a mountain climber – with my hubby and baby – and brunch catch-ups with friends is always a weekend fave.”
Favourite comfort food: “Roast sweet potato is a big hit at my house at the moment.”
One thing we may not know about you: “I used to ride a motorbike!”
Top 3 songs to work out to: “Anything with a strong beat and a happy feel. Ministry of Sound Running Tracks are often playing on my iPod.”
Top 3 songs to relax to: “I never really listened to classical music before having my baby but now we relax to classical music in the evening to prepare for bed – loads of Bach!”
Sign up to 12WBT and join Lisa and our team of nutrition and exercise experts!
You are a legend! I am inspired by your attitude. Congratulations on your son – what a fabulous achievement! You have inspired me to get going with the things I love and miss – rock-climbing is something I really miss! Re – fave memories and the bike-on-your-street, yesterday I was in my old home town and took my son to see our old house. The way passes my old school and down a fab hill with a sweeping curve in it. I remembered hitting top speed on my bike down that hill and at a certain spot, letting the handlebars go and sailing down, as though flying (hoping to hell I didnt hit a rock!) until the road starts to slope upwards again around the curve… amazing memories! exhilarating and then max effort up the hill to home! That blood-popping exertion is addictive. I had a heart murmer which caused me to have to work that little bit harder to get my oxygen running, but my active habits were excellent for it!! Ah yes… thanks for the inspiration!!!